Make your way to beautiful Blanco, Texas. Though the town is known for hosting the incredible Blanco Lavender Festival each June, the town offers so much more year-round. Explore scenic nature spots, dive into history, sip on sought-after craft beers and whiskey and dine at delicious restaurants all in the quaint town of Blanco.
Blanco Attractions
Blanco’s Old County Courthouse is a sight to behold. Built in 1886, it only officially served as the courthouse for four years but it’s found a second life as an historical museum, an event center, and a movie set for films like True Grit. For more Blanco history, and movies, definitely stop into the Blanco Buggy Barn Museum. Part ghost town, part buggy museum, this organization preserves all types of buggies, displaying them with origin placards. Burly the Buffalo also lives onsite for a little extra authenticity.
Outdoors Activities
During the summer months, the vast fields of fragrant lavender make Blanco the most relaxing place to be. Known as the Lavender Capital of Texas, you can head out here to pick your own or buy delicious body products. If you’re smart, you’ll schedule around the Lavender Festival with live music, a speaker panel, a market, and regional wine and beer.
The Blanco River is a gorgeous place to be and it’s easy to spend a night or a weekend on its shores at Blanco State Park. Swim, fish, paddle, boat, hike, camp, geocache, and make sure to snap a picture of the tiered falls. Set at the Rockin’ J Ranch, the Vaaler Creek Golf Club is the quintessential hill country golfing experience. It pulls in all the natural beauty of the Blanco area and has been voted among the most desirable courses in Texas. You can also grab a bite at their Vaaler Creek Grill.
Entertainment
Sure, you’ve been bowling, but have you been to a traditional German bowling club? Nine-pin bowling is a German style of bowling that only exists in Texas, and The Blanco Bowling Club is one of only eleven still operating. If you're in the mood for a little retail therapy, stop by Brieger Pottery and take a piece of the Texas Hill Country home with you. Brieger Pottery owners Jan and Jon Brieger make a variety of functional clay items using clay native to Texas. Housed in a former Baptist church, Rain Bird Rustic Furniture, Art, and Antiques has one of the most diverse selections in town for anyone looking for some retail therapy. The gallery pulls from local, national, and international artists specializing in jewelry, decor, collectibles, and bigger pieces for the home. For a fun night of dancing, head over to the Twin Sisters Dance Hall. Two-step, listen to the live band and enjoy a late-night snack from the onsite Old 300 BBQ food truck.
Beer, Wine & Spirits
Locally brewed craft beer is popular and abundant in Texas and Blanco is no exception. Real Ale Brewing Company helped put Texas on the map. Stop in during your trip to sample their selection of beers that includes their Mysterium series, a batch that’s flavored by its time in wine and whiskey barrels.
Known not only for the craft beer scene, Blanco is home to several great whiskey distilleries. Opened by two friends who met while working at Real Ale Brewing, Tommy Erwin and Ty Phelps decided to throw their hat in the whiskey ring and open their own place, Andalusia Whiskey Co. Stop by for samples, beverages, and tours. Find the award-winning Milam and Greene Whiskey just off the main square where you can taste the spirits, have some barbecue, see live music, and learn about the production process. Just south of Blanco is Hye, Texas, a small community home to the famed Garrison Brothers Whiskey. This distillery is the oldest legal whiskey maker in Texas, and it’s nothing short of legendary. They offer guided tours and keep an eye on their calendar for bourbon dinners, releases, and collaborations.
Wine drinkers should head straight to Tenuta Bianco, a wine bar, grocer, and kitchen sharing Italian and Texan wines, craft beers, and artisanal groceries. They’re right on the square so you can people watch as you sample. Just outside of Blanco is Esparanza Winery, a great place to sip wine outdoors around lush scenery. Complete with a tasting room, Esparanza is a small winery with a number of varietals made from fruit produced on the estate. If you're willing to get a little dirty, the winery welcomes volunteers to help take care of the vines, harvest and plants. Don't worry, there's something in it for you too. Once you're done helping out, you'll be rewarded with food and wine!
Blanco Restaurants
Ask anyone in town for food recommendations and they’ll point you to the Redbud Cafe. Housed in the original Blanco Hardware Store just off the square, It’s casual with a counter setup, fabulous burgers, and cold beer on tap. Old 300 Barbecue isn’t messing around. It’s a genuine Texas barbecue spot serving up brisket, sausage, turkey, pork loin, chipped bbq, and all the sides and fixings. And don’t forget to try their delicious smoked cheese cake before you leave.
At cute cafe Josie’s Kitchen, you’ll find friendly staff, hearty comfort dishes and great patio views. Stop by the newly renovated 419 Gelato for authentic gelato, delicious desserts and live music. For more Italian-inspired treats and cheese, you can’t miss Orobianco on Main Street. Known for being the first and only water buffalo dairy and creamery, the folks behind Orobianco place the utmost care in the livestock and ranchers that help produce their small-batch craft gelato and other dairy products. For an elevated date night experience, try Uptown Blanco. One of the nicer restaurants in town, Uptown Blanco offers decadent dishes including seafood and steak as well as a tasty Sunday brunch.
For more local tips on things to do in Blanco, stop by the visitor center, located at 300 Main Street (in the Old Blanco County Courthouse). Explore more Hill Country daytrips just a short drive from Austin on the Austin Insider Blog.