Though just 50 miles west of Austin, the city of Marble Falls makes you feel like you’re in some kind of dream. Revel in the great outdoors! Pick berries at a quaint farm! Eat pies the size of a small country! Drink cold craft beer! Picnic in a vineyard! Let’s be honest — a day trip here simply won’t be enough.
Courtesy of Visit Marble Falls.
Outdoor Activities
Marble Falls is abundant with nature (and wildlife.) Hosting many of the events in town, Johnson Park is a pecan-shaded park with an amphitheater, open air pavilions, playscapes, a hike and bike trail plus barbecue pits, picnic tables and a leash-free dog zone. Come here for Mayfest and the Howdy Roo Chili Cookoff or a friendly game of beach volleyball. Located on Lake Marble Falls, Lakeside Park is great for boating and water-babies. In addition to the swimming pool and picnicking areas, you can use the boat ramp to cast off in search of some fish or some rays. Falls Creek Park is adjacent to Lakeside and boasts a 12000-square-foot concrete and granite park for skateboarders, scooters, rollerbladers, and BMX freestyle bikes. Things get really spooky around Dead Man’s Hole, an immense limestone cave whose name has roots in the civil war. Head just south of the city just to check it off your list. No naturalist should pass up the opportunity to visit Turkey Bend Recreation Area. More than 400 acres make up this vast space with technical trails for mountain biking, some good fishing, and put-ins for kayaks or canoes. You can also primitive camp here with no reservations.
Courtesy of Sweet Berry Farm.
Entertainment
There’s nothing sweeter than Sweet Berry Farm. This working farm is basically a fairytale come true for kids (and adults!) Central Texas residents from all over flock during the spring and fall seasons to pick berries or pumpkins to take home, feed the goats, ride on the farm train, make crafts, and end the day with fresh ice cream and homemade lemonade. Keep an eye on their event calendar for special events and family friendly festivals. Hidden Falls Adventure Park bills itself as a “premier off-road adventure park” and with 240 miles of off-road trails, we’re inclined to agree. Rent or bring your own ATV, UTV, motorcycle, 4x4 and take on the turf. There’s also a full service shooting club with skeet, trap, rifle and pistol ranges, and archery. The trails at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge aren’t tricky but they are gorgeous. Beautiful vistas of the lake, abundant wildlife, very few people, and best of all, it’s free.
Courtesy of Visit Marble Falls.
Restaurants
The first thing anyone thinks of for Marble Falls is the Blue Bonnet Cafe. In fact, people drive here specifically to snag one of their incredible pies. It’s an old school dinner doing American breakfast and comfort food staples. Cash only and definitely get a cinnamon roll. Find a little bit of NoLa at The Real New Orleans Style Restaurant where you’ll sit down to crawfish etouffee, shrimp and grits, red beans and rice and all the dishes you won’t have to drive to Louisiana for. For some heat, try Oli’s Kitchen Bar & Grill. They’re the best Mexican game in town and they’ve got the classics covered plus a solid selection of vegetarian entrees and a bangin’ Bloody Mary. Barbeque lovers and people who care about food will likely want to indulge at Holy Smokes! Bar-B-Que. It's recommended to get there early or call ahead if making an evening trip, as it is not uncommon for them to be sold out of all their food for the day!
Courtesy of Visit Marble Falls.
Wineries, Breweries & Bars
There are a couple of wineries out this way but the most recognized is Flat Creek Estate. You can stay onsite at the vineyard (ooh la la!) or indulge in full-service tastings at their vineyard that include guided wine appreciation plus a paired menu. You’re also allowed to picnic at the vineyard. They also have Enoteca Urban Wine bar, an upscale Tuscan-inspired spot with a full menu featuring flatbreads, pizzas, sandwiches. Try their “flights and bites” for the real experience. Wine doesn’t have to be fancy. So say the folks at Fiesta Winery. A funky little tasting room with a playful air and a popular patio. They do yoga and mimosas, wine slushes, sangrias and have a little something for everyone. Craft beer lovers with a penchant for wearing capes will find themselves right at home at Save The World Brewing Co. Their beer is award-winning and they do a ton for the community. In fact, it is America’s first 100% philanthropic production craft brewery. Drink beer, save the world. Bear King Brewing is larger than life with an enormous covered patio, good beers, and delicious leveled up pub grub. Asiago rubbed chicken wings, gourmet burgers with truffle fries, and of course, cleverly brewskis. Ice cold beer and honky tonk vibes are what you’ll find at Tottie’s bar plus some pool tables, a dog-friendly patio, and if you’re lucky, a pickers circle providing entertainment and atmosphere.
Visitor Information
Learn more from Visit Marble Falls or stop by their Visitor Center at 100 Ave. G, Marble Falls, TX.