Home of Texas icon and country music legend Willie Nelson, Spicewood has a charm all its own. Fantastic barbecue, rolling hills, fabulous vineyards, and incredible views make this day trip one to remember. You’ll feel miles away from the city while still satisfying that need for novelty.

Nature & Adventure

Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area is known best for one thing: bluebonnets. Rolling fields of bluebonnets pop up in the spring and it’s a truly amazing sight to behold. Of course, everyone else is beholding it too, so visit in the non-wildflower season and hit the trails, enjoy the green fields, and dip your toes in the water. And don’t forget your furry friend because the park is also dog-friendly.

Krause Springs is definitely a top five natural water destination in the area. There are jump off points, a rope swing, waterfalls, and a hidden grotto spread among the 32 springs and the man made natural pool. Plan to spend the day hiking nearby trails or sunbathing on the giant rocks. If you’d like to stay overnight, there are 24 RV sites with hookups.

Golf

Natural water is abundant in this area of the state but Lakecliff Country Club took it up a notch. They created twelve man-made lakes to complement their views of the hill country. Play tennis on the US Open style hard courts or hit the links on the Arnold Palmer designed golf course. Afterwards, have a bite and a bloody mary at the onsite Arnold Palmer 19th Hole Grill.

Nearby, Willie Nelson’s Pedernales Cut-N-Putt is exactly the opposite of that country club scene. It’s golf… the Willie Way and that means fun. Loud tunes, no dress code, and rules like “when another player is shooting, no player should talk, whistle, hum, click coins, or pass gas!” No need to be a member to play.

Spicewood Restaurants

Spicewood has become a culinary destination for people with all different types of palates. If you’re a barbecue snob, then Opie’s is definitely on your map. It’s in competition for the best barbecue in Texas. When you walk in, you’re greeted by a huge pit smoking any kind of meat you could desire. Buy it by the pound and make sure to add on some jalapeno creamed corn and tater tot casserole.

It’s All Good barbecue stands by their assertion that everything there is good—and locals agree. Brisket, beef ribs, and short ribs are the winners here—they have the trophies to prove it—so make sure to get there early because they can sell out. The picnic tables in the backyard at Angel’s Icehouse is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy some real home cooking. Share a basket of fried pickles and jalapeno before chowing down on the hand dipped chicken fried steak.

For fine dining, try Apis Restaurant. Yes, this is the kind of place that plates things, where everything has a multi-layered story, and it was likely grown out back. Enjoy craft cocktails, micro-brews, a beautiful restaurant and if you’d like, a tour of their very own beehives. They also have a casual concept—Pizzeria Sorellina with the same dedication to quality ingredients but with more fun and a kids playground.

Spicewood Bars & Nightlife

Don’t you dare go to Spicewood without stopping into Poodie’s Hilltop Bar & Grill. It’s practically a cardinal sin. This legendary venue is the watering hole for all kinds of famous Texans, likely because the original owner, Poodie Locke, was Willie Nelson’s stage manager. You’ll find memorabilia of all kinds, shuffleboard, pool tables, an outdoor deck, cheap beer, and a lot of fried stuff on the menu. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a celeb.

Live music, deck seating, a food truck, and some seriously strong drinks are on the menu at Iron Wolf Ranch and Distillery. It’s family-owned and family friendly with games and a playground for kiddos spread out on 15 acres of land. It’s also dog friendly with entertainment every Saturday. When it gets cold enough, blaze up those fire pits! 

The friendly, welcoming environment at family-owned Spicewood Vineyards will have you feeling like you're hanging out at a friend's house.. They host a ton of events on the grounds, including their annual Paella party, the Friday Night Wine Down on the first Friday of the month, and other casual gatherings that bring together wine lovers from all over.