Tyler is a city in Smith County, Texas. Tyler has been nicknamed the "Rose Capital of America" because of its large role in the rose-growing industry; about 20% of commercial rose bushes produced in the U.S. are grown in Tyler and Smith County and more than half of the rose bushes are packaged and shipped from the area. The Texas Rose Festival, a four-day event held annually in Tyler, Texas, celebrates the role of the rose-growing industry in the local economy. The festivities, taking place during the third weekend of October, draw thousands of tourists to the city each year. When you visit the event, make early reservations at a Tyler inn or B&B. In Tyler, there is very fine architecture, an example being the Bonner-Whitaker McClendon house, one of the most beautiful of Eastlake Bracketed Victorian Architecture remaining in East Texas. Guided tours depict Tyler's political and cultural history from post-Civil War. Tyler, TX is also known for Camp Ford Historical Park, which was the largest Confederate Prisoner of War Camp west of the Mississippi River during the American Civil War. The site of the camp is now a public park, managed by the Smith County Historical Society. The park features a kiosk with extensive graphics detailing the history of the camp, a walking trail with interpretive signage, a reconstruction of a POW cabin, and picnic facilities. Tyler has its own unique Italian Cuisine known as Bernard Mediterranean. If you're in Tyler, take a quick 20-minute jaunt east of town to Kilgore and eat at the Country Tavern for the best ribs ever. A Tyler bed and breakfast makes great local accommodations. Less