I took an all girl’s road trip to one of my favorite hill country towns; Blanco, Texas. With its antique shops, unique gift stores, and cafes, you’re sure to find some neat stuff and good food. Coming up highway 281 N (approximately 50 miles north of downtown San Antonio and almost the same distance west of Austin) downtown San Antonio, making it past the heavily congested with traffic Stone Oak area, you have a nice drive. On the scenic hill country drive that takes you straight into Blanco you will pass a few wineries, lots of lush land, and over the Guadalupe River. Visiting the lavender capital of Texas during its Lavender Festival was the perfect time to explore the quaint little town. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect.
- Blanco State Park. When summertime is here, the river mermaid in me loves visiting Blanco State Park. The park is right off the highway upon entering town and very easy to get to. (Address: 101 Park Road 23, Blanco, TX 78606) The park is very family friendly and beautiful. There are picnic areas with lots of big trees in the area that gives lots of shade, so it’s great if you don’t want to get too sunburned. The park is great for fishing, boating, tubing, camping, and swimming. When exiting the park, if you make left on the county road outside the park, it takes you on a scenic drive all along the Blanco River.
- Lavender Farms. I mentioned Blanco being the lavender capital of Texas, right? Don’t forget to make a stop at the Hill Country Lavender and Lavender Lane Farms. Both farms have their character and beauty; upon taking a walk through each of them, you are greeted with the fragrant lavender blooms upon arrival, till you leave the farm. Both farms have a store that sells soap, candles, oils, and other lavender goodies. If you are a lavender lover or just appreciate nature’s beauty, you love and appreciate the beauty of them both. When leaving Hill Country Lavender, you will notice an orchard right outside the exit. Pink Tractor Farms (formerly McCall Creek Farms) contains an orchard of over 300 trees, a produce stand with various fruits and veggies, store and bakery, and a chicken coop. Be sure to stop by.
- Real Ale Brewery. You will get thirsty site-seeing in Blanco, so be sure include the Real Ale Brewery on your list of stops. The Real Ale Brewery has been brewing in the Hill Country since 1996. The beer is made with minimal processing, unfiltered and unpasteurized, without the use of preservatives or artificial colors. The beer is even made with water from the Blanco River and high-quality ingredients. When we made it to the brewery, we were so thirsty, we chose to try a beer flight. Could decide which one I liked the best; they were all good.
- Buggy Barn. The Buggy Barn Museum takes you back in time and provides an educational opportunity all at the same time. There are over 140 unique buggies, carriages, and wagon with no two the same! Dating from the 1860s-1900s; some of which were used in the movies: the remake of True Grit, Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter, There Will Be Blood, The Redemption of Henry Myers, Deliverance Creek; the television series: Revolution, Underground and a few others.
- If you are a flower child, you must visit the Arnosky Family Farm. They have been growing their beautiful blooms near Blanco, Texas since 1852. The farm was gorgeous; when we were visiting, we spent the most time there taking pictures, taking in all its beauty, and will be going back. The family farm has a unique story on how it began; check out their site to read more about it.
- Historic Town Square. The historic Blanco Town Square is fun if you want to do a little shopping. It has antique and gift stores with unique findings. We especially liked the rustic and ranch home furnishings at Rain Bird Gallery and boutique like items at the Olde Blanco Emporium and Marketplace.
- Pioneer Museum. The Blanco Pioneer Museum opened in 2009. The restored building is in the Blanco Historic District at 418 Pecan Street, just a block off the Courthouse Square. The museum is used for genealogical and historical exhibits and events; its first exhibit was “American Living: Then and Now”, the second exhibit was World War II, and the third exhibit is Western Heritage.
- Old Blanco County Courthouse. The Courthouse was restored by the Old Blanco County Courthouse Preservation Society; it now operates a visitor center, gift shop and community center. The Old Blanco County Courthouse Preservation Society was formed to preserve and protect this historic landmark. It is in Blanco at the intersection of Highway 281 and Highway 165. Be sure to stop by and get your Hill Country Trail Passport stamped.
By all the photos on the blog, I’m sure you can see why I love visiting the quaint Texas Hill Country Town of Blanco. Special thanks to Libbey Aly and the Blanco Chamber of Commerce for their sweet hospitality and all the great recommendations of things to do. We certainly had a great time and will be back.