With wine, whiskey, best fresh farm to table food, and even elephants, it’s hard to imagine why less than 300 people live here…perhaps that’s the key to Hye Living in Hye Texas. 

I really thought long and hard about writing this post – mostly because I really don’t want to share it. (There I said it.) 

I feel like I’ve been sitting on this secret for a few years and honestly, I’m afraid if I share it then everyone will know that one of the best places in the world is Hye, Texas. 

A few years ago I found this spot kinda on accident on the way to Fredericksburg. A huge advocate for the Texas wine industry, I had planned on a wine trip but heard there was amazing distillery outside of town that you couldn’t miss. 

What I found out is that it’s not just the distillery that makes this place cool, but the whole town. And at less 300 people (214 and counting), one has to wonder if it’s the lack of people, the lack of drive-thrus, or if it’s something in the wine that makes it such a great place to visit (if you decide to even go home after you’ve been here.) 

Hye Food

You won’t find one Starbucks, McDonalds or anything with a drive-thru here. What you will find is the Hye Market, a one-stop shop for fresh farm to table cooking, nearby Texas wines, and plenty of sides to choose from. You’ll also find peach ice cream made from local peach orchards and you can even pick up the mail here. Once upon a time this place served as the post office for the childhood home of President LBJ (you’ll find the LBJ Park just across the street), but also still serves as the post office for its few residents. 

While this is the only “market” you’ll find in town, you won’t find groceries, but some of the best dang sandwiches I’ve ever had in my life. Owned by Jason Cook, if you’re looking for anyone you’ll find them here waiting to see what Chef Matt Church and his team are cooking up (literally, everyone hangs out to see what he opens on the smoker.) The menu changes a little daily and when they’re out, they’re out. But you can always enjoy a glass of wine, infused water and some live music while you wait for your sandwich. 

INSIDER’S TIP: You can make your order online and have it ready for pick up. Do this if you can because some days the line is long and for good reason.

This is the Hye Cuban made with housemade picked and Matt’s smoked pork and a whole bunch of goodness. But it’s the grilled cheese (add the housemade bacon) that keeps me coming back for almost every meal I eat when I’m here. 

Yes, every meal. 

So if it’s that good do you really need anywhere else to eat? You don’t, but there are a few options! Don’t miss some of the best Thai food ever at Hye Thai, next to Hye Cider (see below) staffed and made by a father-son team. I had some of the creamiest Tom Kai a freshmade spring roll in the middle of hill country under the stars here one night. 

And if you’re looking for a burger, you’ll find the Stonewall Diner next to my favorite place to stay in Hye, Stonewall Motor Lodge. The place is perfect for staying the weekend, hanging with friends and just being in the moment. Plus they always know what’s going on in town so just ask them and they’ll get you lined up.

And why would you want to fill up at restaurants when you can experience some rather stellar wine-food pairings at the wineries? 

Hye Wine

Definitely one of the Hye-ist-rated reasons to go to Hye, are all the amazing wineries and distilleries. If they’d let me I think I’d just drive a golf cart around town as they aren’t far from each other. Here you’ll find the only wine cave in hill country at Calais Winery or escape across the pond via the French Connection. 

Horn Winery & Tasting Room and Azeo Distillery

This spot is a two-fer: Here you’ll find both a winery and a distillery. Well technically these are two different locations, but since in Texas you can’t make both in the same place, you can separate two businesses by a wall which makes it legal. At Horn you can enjoy some wine or walk a few steps into the Azeo Distillery to play records and pool while you sip basically whatever you’re craving – because they make it all here. (But don’t forget to snag a bottle of the Peach Brandy made from local peaches and takes like 500 peaches for each bottle to taste this good.) 

Blue Lotus Winery

Hye seems to be full of surprises and at Blue Lotus this winery also serves as the home of some of the best mead in Texas. Considered the oldest known alcoholic beverage, mead is made from by fermenting honey mixed with water and is a nice retreat from drinking wine all afternoon (if you need that:) Plus who wouldn’t want to enjoy drinking at a place that feels like a giant wine barrel? 

William Chris Vineyards

This one had me the moment we drove up. Maybe it was because I was still relishing in my last bite of lunch at Hye Market (which is right across the street) or maybe it was the picturesque view when you drive up to the winery that butts up to LBJ Park, but whatever it was – it did the trick. Greeted almost steps from my car with a kind lady with a glass of wine, William Chris is the postcard perfect kinda place you think all wineries look like. 

Enjoy 100% Texas-made wines including a sparkling Blanc du Bois and several different Mourvedre options. Now if the wine, scenery, or hospitality doesn’t do it for you at William Chris, then the huge list of fantastic wine events throughout the year – including a Goat Roast and Crawfish Boil will. And everyone is invited – at least if you’re on the wine club list (and yes, I am.)  

Hye Spirits

Wine is just the start of it in Hye. While whiskey is what brought me here a few years ago, one sip at Hye Rum and you’ll be staying awhile (that’s because they’re so good and potent.) Owned by one cool lady, you’ll want to make this your first stop of the day for the buttered rum and then maybe a little later in the day for your painkiller. Plus they’re opened on Sundays. And you can also get a mean Cuban sandwich here that’s worth the belly room! 

Hye Cider Co.

After a day of day drinking, it’s good to finish things off with friends hanging out around the fire with some live music and cold cider from Hye Cider Co. If you wonder where everyone goes when the sun goes down, this is it. Made with nearby goods like bay leaf and figs, I promise you haven’t tasted anything like this before. And the ambience matches the drink. (And always remember, there’s Thai that pairs perfectly just steps away!) 

Garrison Brothers Distillery 

Headed down that gravel road the first time I didn’t know what I would find but I’m so glad I did. Garrison Brothers Distillery is like Texas in a bottle – unfiltered, full of body, soul, and a lot of flavor including cinnamon, chocolate and well, Texas. The idea of a perfect afternoon for me is to get a flight of Garrison’s bests and sit under the trees, visiting with friends and just enjoying what makes Texas so beautiful.

And when you have had a few too many sips, you can retreat to the bathroom where it looks like you’ve never went indoors at all – looking out into the pastures (see below so you see what you’ll see.) Let’s just saw you’ll learn what they meant by outhouse. 

However, you don’t ever know what else might happen when you’re at Garrison Brothers. For instance my last trip I was invited to participate in a special blind tasting. What I would find out is the tasting wasn’t just a tasting but with Jim Murray of the Whiskey Bible, who named Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon™ “American Micro Whiskey of the Year.” After four hours and 16 different blind tastings, the group selected Garrison definitely owned its title. 

Hye Fun 

Okay honestly everything was fun to be here, but one of the coolest and newest things in Hye is the Hye Hall. Right across from the Hye Market owned by Cook, he along with Oliver Deike (one of the founding families of Hye) and the Texas Dance Hall Preservation Inc, took on the job of preserving the 100 + year old facility where people once congregated in this little town. Thankfully the timing worked out perfectly so that Cook could get married in the dance hall that has some amazing acoustic and beautiful wood floors. And if you’re lucky enough to be in town on New Year’s this is the big celebration spot where everyone dances the night away while toasting to the new year with William Chris’ bubbles. 

Now that’s Hye Living in Hye Texas!

Still looking for more to do in Texas Hill Country?

The list is long and I’ve just started. Take a look at what to do in nearby Fredericksburg and remember, let’s go to Luckenbach, Texas. 

Ever wanted to go to wine country? Look no further than Fredericksburg and Texas Wine Country. It’s a lot like Napa with a healthy dose of southern (and German) hospitality. And in Texas, everything is better. 

Thank you to Visit Fredericksburg and Stonewall Motor Lodge and or hosting us at some of these places so we could explore #FredTX.

“What have we gotten ourselves into?,” asked the lady through my window who just drove up next to us behind the rickety-metal building. 

Actually that same phrase had crossed our mind a few times during our stays (yes plural) in Fredericksburg/Stonewall/Hye. Each one an adventure and  each of one of them have always come out to be much better than we could ever imagine, which is why we keep going back to the area lovingly called “Texas Wine Country.” 

We reassured her that the sandwich she was about to have and that we had devoured was the best sandwich we had ever eaten – which is why we had come back a second time in two days.

And it was. This loaded BLT had everything on it but the kitchen sink and couldn’t make me any happier than a week at Disney World. 

Actually everything we had in the post office-turned-general-store-turned-restaurant-wine-tasting-still-post-office known as Hye Market was THAT good. Deceptively good as nothing there put on any heirs – it was what it was and that was why you loved it. It’s exactly the best example of why I love this part of Texas – it just is what it is and invites everyone to enjoy it. And if you just let go, you’ll have one of those “best days ever” experiences every time you visit (even if you don’t remember all the details.) 

I honestly couldn’t recommend this area any more and could give you so many recommendations of places to visit, must-dine locations and of course, wineries to try.

The first trip I ever took to what I thought was a small town called Fredericksburg was only 24 hours and it was there I discovered just how much there was in Texas Hill Country and scouted out where to explore the next time I came. The second time I came ready to enjoy all the fun, food and grapes I could – so much so that I came home with my own Garrison Brothers whiskey barrel and a few cases of wine (yep, cases.) It was a good time and we didn’t even begin to see it all, which is why I’ve been begging to go again. And now that I have, all I can say, I still can’t wait to go back. 

 So until then, here are some of the best places we’ve found in Texas Hill Country and Fredericksburg. And there’s even a list of more places that I’m considering for our next trip. 

Places to Stay in Texas Hill Country

The best part of Fredericksburg and the surrounding areas is that there are all different types of places to stay – from bed and breakfasts, motels, motor lodges and event tiny homes, you can have your pick. The only caveat is when there’s a big event in town which is when you need to make reservations well in advance. I appreciate also trying something a little different when in town than the normal “chain” experience. When it comes to wine country (Texas and California), I love motor lodges. They make it easy for access to your car (parked right outside the door), they have a cool retro vibe (they were all the rage in the 50s), are often very economical, and let’s be honest, you aren’t there to stay at the hotel. With so much to see and do, you won’t be there long, so you really need the bare essentials. 

Stonewall Motor Lodge

14818 US Hwy 290 E
Stonewall, TX, 78671

On our recent stay we were able to get a preview of the restored jewel, the Stonewall Motor Lodge. Nestled between Fredericksburg and Hye in the capital of Texas peach country, the Stonewall Motor Lodge was once a host to some of the biggest names in history, as it was built to house the media and the D.C. elite that came to the sleepy little town when President JFK was assassinated (including a special dark room just for the Associated Press.) But once all the hubbub died, so did the hotel stays. But now 50 years later (and the site of the best wine last year when it was purchased by a group of 10 family friends, they dived into bringing back the motor lodge and turning it back to the urban oasis that the huge number of tourists expect but the kitsch you want when you get away!  

Fredericksburg Inn & Suites

14818 US Hwy 290 E
Stonewall, TX, 78671

If you’re looking for something right inside town, inexpensive and close to everything, consider the Fredericksburg Inn & Suites. Just a few walkable blocks from the museum, this little gym also has a pool (that’s heated year-round.) We loved that we could walk to National Museum of the Pacific War and AND also not too far from the 290 Wine Tour shuttle pickup (the Saturday-only pick up shuttle that drops off every 10 minutes around the local wineries.) Plus it was super cute and what we needed for our stay. 

Things to Do in Fredericksburg and Texas Hill Country

Obviously, I’m going to share my favorite wineries in Texas wine country, but there is so much else to do here, too.  The food here is right on (don’t miss the German influence), shopping (furniture, clothes, and culinary), and the historical museums are AMAZING! While searching online on Visit Fredericksburg, but here are some of our notable favorites. 

National Museum of the Pacific War

340 E Main St.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624

If you love WWII, this is a must. The National Museum of Pacific War is a 6-acre, 3-museum complex and unique outdoor exhibit and is the only museum in the continental U.S. solely dedicated to telling the story of WWII in the Pacific. (Plan for several hours for this one as you will want to take your time here.) 

Wildseed Farms

100 Legacy Dr.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Get ready for Instagram-worthy shots here. Open seven days a week and with no admission fee, Wildseed Farms is the the nation’s largest working wildflower farm with over 200 acres for over 35 years.  

I wasn’t even in search of this spot, but driving down road we came across Magnolia Pearl and knew we had to stop. Besides the fact that the exterior is stunning in a Miss Havisham meets Joanna Gaines meets the prairie kinda way, the inside of the cutting-edge fashion house from Robin Brown is filled with vintage looks as well as eye candy throughout. 

Shop Main Street

Best thing to do in downtown Fredericksburg is to get a wine or beer of choice and start shopping! There are plenty of house furnishings, lots of culinary goods, sweets, gifts, clothes, antiques – you name it! And you’ll enjoy it because about every 3-4 stores is somewhere to enjoy a new libation so you can keep going! 

Places to Eat in Texas Hill Country

Next to wine, this is my favorite thing to do in Hill Country. Besides the fact that the influence of German, Spanish and just good comfort food are all brought together in one spot, you don’t have to be dressed to nines or have a year-in-advance reservation to get a good table. Most the time if you ask real nice and order a glass of good local wine, you’ll get in pretty quick (or won’t care because you’re happy where you’re at.) 

Otto’s German Bistro

316 E Austin St.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624

I have a real obsession with Otto’s. Yes, it’s Germanesque, but there’s so much else on this menu too. And remember just because it’s German doesn’t mean it’s just brats and kraut (although the wurst plate is one of the best.) It’s pretty much everything on this menu that makes me happy – but above all it’s the flammkuchen (I say “flam” *like spam and then “kookin” but it’s probably wrong.) A simple looking flatbread that tastes like what dreams are made of with with crème fraiche, caramelized onions, comté and cambozola cheese, arugula, sun dried tomatoes, honey doe parmesan, and basil pesto. Basically, it’s what dreams are made of.  And this is just a starter.

Altstadt Brewery

6120 US HWY 290 East
Fredericksburg, Texas 78624

Call it a brewery, call it a restaurant, call it a lounge space, or call it beautiful, Altstadt Brewery is a must-stop in Fredericksburg. Not that there aren’t plenty of off-the-charts German restaurants in Hill Country or a places to get a beer, but this place is just beautiful. Debuting in 2018, the working brewery (tours are available 3 times a day) makes German biers while also creating German dishes that pair wonderfully. With some amazing indoor and outdoor spaces, it’s worth the stop to drink, eat or just be merry. 

Drinking in Texas Wine Country

One thing to know is that you don’t have to love wine, to love Texas wine country. There are many wineries here to spend years enjoying, but if you prefer beer, they have you covered here (see Alstadt above.) Then if you don’t like beer, then they have a few distilleries (I was actually told there are more than 5 but aren’t really on the radar yet), but a don’t miss is my favorite Garrison Brothers (that’s where the barrel came from and is an experience within itself.) So basically, if you enjoy a sip or a bottle, you’re good. 

With more than 50 wineries on record (and growing fast) in Texas Wine Country, you have quite the selection of experiences to enjoy. However, since you can’t see them all in one trip, here are a few of our favorites to guide you…until the next time. 

Fat Ass Ranch & Winery

51 Elgin-Behrends Rd.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Anyone will tell you that Fat Ass is just fun to say aloud as one of your destinations for the day. For me this isn’t where you go with a refined palette, you go here to have a fun light-hearted experience. Definitely reserve your schedule here for when there are food trucks on site (yum!) and to pick up a few bottles for gifts (yes, they say Fat Ass.) Most of all, if you have a mixed set of folks that don’t necessarily like wine or this is their first tasting experience, this is a great first stop. 

Hilmy Cellars

12346 US-290
Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Hilmy was actually my first winery to visit in Fredericksburg. There was just something about the door that drew me in and once inside, I was glad that it did. The very clean aesthetic has such a comfort to it as you’ll notice when the occasional rooster or dog comes walking in from the back patio. And that clean and simple feel is extended into the clean taste 100% Texas-raised wine. If you can score it, make sure to get a bottle of Doo.Zwa.Zo., but no matter what leave with a bottle since there aren’t many places you can find Hilmy. 

Messina Hof 

Oh Messina Hof and I have been friends for a while. My first visit was the “mothership” in Bryan to meet some of the most incredible leaders of Texas wines, the Bonarrigos family (for harvest), then the newest location in Grapevine to taste some fall wines with the family. So of course, I would HAVE to visit the Fredericksburg location sitting on 10 acres, complete with a winery, tasting room, and bed & breakfast! And like they say, it is like family here, so pull up to the bar and ask what they like and why. Then try it. Don’t be surprised if you like something different than you’d expect – and if you don’t like it, don’t worry like family, they’ll be ok with it. 

Sitting on nearly 10 acres in the heart of Texas wine country along Highway 290, this winery also has its own vineyard. The Lenoir grapes grown at this location go into the making of more traditional style ports.

Pedernales Cellars 

2916 Upper Albert Rd.
Stonewall, TX 78671

While you won’t find any vines here, you will find the largest underground wine cellar in the state of Texas. When we visited we were able to tour the cellar and taste several of their impressive wines including the 2016 Texas Albariño, 2016 Texas Roussanne, 2018 Over the Moon, 2016 Texas High Plains Tempranillo, 2016 Tempranillo Reserve, 2016 Newsom vineyards North Block and 2017 Viognier Reserve. While they are noted for their Tempranillo Reserve (this is a Texas hallmark), the Over the Moon won over my heart. The story is worth hearing for yourself. 

Kuhlman Cellars 

18421 E U.S. HWY 290
Stonewall, TX 78671

The Herbed Marcona Almonds is how they get you in the door, but the experience and hospitality will keep you here. “Kuhlman Cellars believes wine promotes an appreciation of life’s journey,” and you can tell throughout everything they do here (plus the view is outstanding so you might never leave.) This is a wonderful place to go when you want that picturesque wine and food tasting experience curated by their own sommeliers and reasonably priced.) Y’all, they have some lovely wine keeping with the refined skills of French-based winemaking including some of these proprietary blends.

Becker Vineyards

464 Becker Farms Rd.
Stonewall, Texas 78671

Not to far from the Stonewall Motor Lodge, you’ll find the beautiful, 10,000 sq. ft. reproduction of a German stone barn called Becker Vineyards. The winery is the largest purchaser of French and American Oak barrels in the state of Texas, so basically they do a lot of winin’ here – mostly, reds, whites and roses (which I bought multiple bottles of.) I admit this was one of my favorites and their staff make you feel so at home…it was just unfortunate that I had so much fun that I couldn’t find the photos I took. Here you’ll also find lavender, other great wine gifts, and will definitely want to take some photos. 

4.0 Cellars 

10354 E, 5761, US-290
Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Last, but certainly not least is 4.0 Cellars (yes, say the point.) What I loved about this winery is that 4.0 Cellars was inspired by the three separate wineries that came together to form what they call is a “matchless fourth winery,” plus Veldhuizen Cheese served onsite to make it even better. Brennan Vineyards, Lost Oak Winery, and McPherson Cellars, which are located respectively in Comanche, Burleson, and Lubbock, have collaborated to create a huge tasting experience in an grand space with several special events happening all the time (so check the calendar!) 

And no trip to Texas Hill Country without a trip to Hye! With just a population of less than 225, I bet you think what could possibly be here that’s so fantastic…but it is. Really. And I can’t wait to share more with you about Hye, Texas! (yes, it’s that great and worth more than just a stop!) But you’ll have to wait for our special guide to Hye! (Yes, it’s worth the wait!) 

Now actually that’s not the end of my list of places to go and experience…I have several places that I haven’t been that I cannot wait to go – and soon! So if you have any ideas, please share where to go in Texas Wine Country! 

Here is our guide to make the best of it when all you have is 24 hours. Here’s how to take a Day Trip to Decatur Texas that is road trip worthy. #24hourvacay

Thanks to Decatur, Texas for showing us how much fun you can have in Eighter from Decatur! 

500 times. At least. 

That’s the number of times that I have probably been to Decatur, Texas.

Actually, that’s the number of times I’ve driven THROUGH Decatur. 

Going home from college, Decatur was a mandatory thoroughfare between arrival and departure but other than a bathroom break, but I never had a reason to stop. So I didn’t have a clue about. So when the opportunity to spend a day exploring Decatur, I was like “what is it I haven’t seen?” But part of me really did want to know…

Like anything in Texas – don’t underestimate the adventure you can find where ever you go. 

“The best part of waking up” in Decatur, Texas is with a rich, butter cup of joe from Trinity Street Coffee. Just because the county seat of Wise is home to around 6,700 people, this coffee stop is top notch. Entering the doors, you’re met with a cool Rustic / Industrial Chic (from the awe-inspiring copper counter top to the swan head faucet in the bathroom.) I couldn’t help but order a cup of Autumn Spice (which is one of the best coffees I’ve ever had tasting just like what you think fall tastes like- complete with a beautiful heart in the middle, which served as a sign you’ll love this place as much as me.) Either take a seat now or come back later for drinks and Ezra Cigars, as the coffee shop serves as as a full bar, menu, and even cigars (there’s even a story about those.) But don’t worry – the “cigar lounge” is outside outback.

Once armed with coffee, you could spend hours walking the square, especially taking a look at the beautiful courthouse, a cornerstone of a beautiful Texas town. With so much history to appreciate here, don’t underestimate the new ways people have “married” old and new in this cool quirky town from where to sleep, where to eat, and where to have some fun. 

Before you leave the square (or in this case, the block) make sure you take time for all the shops, stores and unique finds you’ll discover – just like Hey Sugar, the beloved candy shop (also in Roanoke) that is as much for the adults as it is the kids! 

Talk about unique finds, but artwork wasn’t exactly what I was going to find in Decatur – but I was wrong. Between this phone booth (no it doesn’t work) art installation from Mark Moran and the Decatur mural and sculpture by these two brothers, you’ll find all kinds of pieces throughout the city. Even the courthouse is a piece of art. 

What to Do in Decatur 

There was plenty of fun to be had while in Decatur. And with my superhero skill, I was able to sniff out a winery just a few miles out of town in Avord at Marker Cellars.

Once considered Mark’s (and his lovely horse-riding bride, Becky) retirement “project” (yes, Mark is the Mark in Marker Cellars), this beautiful spot in the middle of some acreage is now a the go-to-place for those who are in the know (like his cell phone or a member of the wine list) for some award-winning wines. Making both whites (my favorite: Escarpment, a Rhone-style blend of three rich French varietals: Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viognier) and reds (took a bottle home of Lightning Cab) to enjoy, not just for the tastes, but also the stories that went with them. Lucky for us, we asked enough questions, Mark took us to see how the magic happens with the Lightning Cab, which is is barreled aged in American Oak and then whiskey barrels. 

And we got the first sip from Barrel #1. 

While we headed out to the winery on a Thursday, Marker Cellars is open Thursday – Sunday, noon – 6 pm. There’s often music and when the temps in Texas are warm, you can head outside to enjoy the beautiful LBJ Grasslands that is an Eco-friendly environment, supporting the re-introduction of Quail and Dove into the sensitive National Forest system.

Once you have the creative juices flowing, it’s time to see what you make at DIY Studio Decatur. This family sign-furniture-decor-everything place makes everything! And then they also help you to make everything too with workshops where you can make anything (almost) that your mind will take you! 

And walking through the shop, you might notice several things that look very familiar when you head to that small spot out in Waco…owned and operated by a couple named Chip and Jo. (This family makes some of the beautiful pieces you pick up and take home!) We all got to making our own pieces – from finishing, design, color, and more (but they were there to make sure we stayed on the right path!) 

Where to Stay in Decatur

Yes, there are many spots to stay in Decatur if you want more time to explore more (or had a real good time at Marker Cellars.)  

The Courthouse Suites is a prime location on the square and above a beautiful yoga studio. The space, which used to be a brothel, is an exciting blend of character and history to give you a real “taste” of what Decatur was and what you want to make of it. One of the biggest suites (Square View) is a picture right out of the mid-century / mod with a touch of luxury and a lot of fun. Just take a look of the books, furniture and fixtures. (This place has stories!) 

But if what you were looking for is more of rustic/traditional country feel, they also have you covered with the Bunk House. Complete with everything you’d want in the bunkhouse including a loft bed room up the ladder for you and all your gang. 

A little further down on Main Street, you’ll find the Inn on Main Street that’s slated to open in Spring 2019. Renovated, designed, and operated by a mother-daughter duo, this historic home is planned to be a bed/breakfast that can be rented out for girlfriend getaways and wedding stays. Here’s a glimpse of some of beautiful touches they have been hard at work on. 

Speaking of wedding, with picturesque scenery in Decatur, there are many weddings that happen in this town, especially at highly rated and awarded, The Big White Barn, where they also host contra dances. As featured in Gone with the Wind, contra dances is a big family dance for all ages, you can participate in them monthly if you happen to be in town. 

So what’s the lesson you can learn from this little trip to Decatur, Texas? 

If you don’t spend the whole day just seeing where your imagination can take you (or what they have that you would like to take home), then make sure to some good road tripping and roll right to the Petrified Wood Gas Station. You never know what you can find when you take a road trip to find a place that becomes trip worthy. 

Vacation. Whether it’s just a quick weekend or around a work trip, make a vacation happen when you can, how you can, where you can.  Here is our guide to make the best of it when all you have is 24 hours. Here’s our Girlfriend Getaway in Granbury Texas#24HourVacay.

Thank you to Visit Granbury and many of its fantastic businesses for making this #24HourVacay possible.

I don’t get vacation often. And when I do, I normally need a vacation from the vacation. I mean let’s be honest family vacations may be memorable, but they aren’t easy. EVER. And sometimes I just need to relax and not do much to anything at all. PERIOD. 

So when a girlfriend and I realized we were at the point that we needed to stop and reset before somebody was hurt (it was gonna be one of the kids, the hubs, the dog or some stranger who just got in the way), we knew it was time to escape. Unfortunately life obligations constrained us to just about 24 hours that we could “get away.” But when you are in need, you’ll take it. 

Thankfully down the Chisholm Trail less than an hour away is Granbury, Texas. 

And that’s the kind of place to spend a #24HourVacay… 

I am not a newbie to Granbury. Last year the hubs and I spent a weekend there and it was what we needed for a little alone time. However, I scouted a lot of stuff while I was there that I wanted to do with just the girls. You know – shop, spa, wine, rest, eat, repeat. I was meeting up with my gal pal there so this road trip was a party of 1 (if you even want to call less than an hour a road trip.) With no real plan except to relax and unwind my tired ass. As soon as I rolled into town at 5 pm, I knew where I was going. It was just too perfect. 

D’Vine Wine

There’s a lot to see around town, but at this time of the year there were several vignettes. The square is lined with shops and eateries with lots of personality (and freaking great food.) But my first stop was local fave, D’Vine Wine. I bellied up to the bar and asked for a glass of one of their fruit-based wines. You can choose a tasting, but this day, I needed a full glass to kick things into gear. Plus I was in great company as one of the owners/wife poured my glass and shared how this once visiting couple to Granbury planned a stay and never went home (well, basically that’s how it went.) They loved it here so much, they packed up their West Texas home and moved to operate the tasting room. 

Even though I was by myself, I enjoyed my time meeting new friends, enjoying new wine (always a favorite) and learning how the winery also had created a line in partnership with the nearby Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.  While it goes to benefit the center here in Granbury, the wine is purchased all over for other animal-related events. Just sitting on my stool, I learned the love story of how the winery came to be and that you can even make your own wine. Had I come back another day, I could join in karaoke or even schedule to make my own batch of wine, but with just a short time in Granbury, that would be for next time. 

Barking Rocks Winery

While I could’ve stayed much longer, it was time to head to Barking Rocks. The last time I was here I almost wondered if I was being sent down a dirt road to never return. But when I got there, I realized why this little “secret” was worth the drive. Besides the beauty that brought the owner Tobias here in 1977 from corporate America and never went back, on the first Friday of the month this place becomes a special community for people to come, bring out their own food to share with others, catch up and listen to live music. 

Of course, I had to grab a small tasting – and at $7 why wouldn’t you? I’m a big fan of the Roussanne but on this special day, Sangria was being poured, so I had to get a glass too. 

While my pictures of “First Friday” didn’t turn out (it was dark), I was able to grab this beautiful shot of the moonlight on the sign. However, whenever you go, you’ll enjoy it. Everyone is friendly and you’ll definitely want to bring home on bottle (get two because I always end up gifting one and then I don’t have one myself!) 

Hilton Garden Inn Granbury

There are so many places you can choose to stay in Granbury including hotels, motels and yes, even a “Holiday Inn.” (yes, that’s a song I’m singing.) There are also several bed and breakfasts like this one. However, if there is something happening in town like a big event or get together, rooms are scarce, so make sure to book a little in advance if you can help it. For us the Hilton Garden Inn did us exactly what we needed. Clean spacious rooms, a beautiful view, nice breakfast and even a happy hour all at a really great price. There’s even an indoor pool in case you want to stay indoors, but why would you when it looks like this. 

Paradise Bistro & Coffee 

After a long night’s rest, to make the most of our day in Granbury, we needed my favorite two Cs: Coffee + Champagne. So we headed to Paradise Bistro & Coffee for both. We could’ve ordered breakfast too (so many choices from sweets to sandwiches), but opted to fill up on mimosas and java and have brunch after our morning massages. (SURPRISE!) 

Blushes Salon

We came from some R & R so the massages were a must. After a little research I found Blushes Salon. A beautiful space right outside of town, we could’ve spent the day getting facials, manicures, and big hair like they did here once with The Ellen Show. But today with the clock running, we got right down to business so we could be charged up for more…well, doing nothing all around Granbury. 

Revolver Brewing

I always tell everyone if you’re in Granbury on a Saturday, you need to make time for Revolver Brewing. I love coming here and just people watching while of course sipping on my Blood & Honey (which is a mainstay in my fridge.) This was the perfect spot for us to sit down, catch up on life, and just hang – this time with no children. Of course, there are lots of other folks there with theirs and that’s what I love about this place. It’s just open and works for everyone. Just make sure you go at the right time so you can score your tastes, glass and tour; it’s only open on Saturday (and don’t forget the tacos.) 

Shopping 

Guess what goes best with beer (and bubbles?) That’s shopping! And while we weren’t there to buy anything specific, there were so many places to shop, talk and TASTE around the square. Red on the Square is a must with so many adorable clothing options, accessories, and an even events! Like most of Granbury, there are always events, especially on the weekend, so you can shop later and shop more and enjoy with Granbury has to offer. There are plenty of spots like these, from clothing, antiques, furniture, eats (a must-go is Christina’s Bistro) and great other stuff you didn’t know you needed but you’re gonna buy like that road trip sign I couldn’t help but buy. 

Eighteen Ninety Grille & Lounge

After such a big day we were definitely a little tired, but I was too jazzed for our big dinner at 1890. Last time I was in town I had ran across this spot and fell in love with the menu. Too bad they were booked at the time, so I was prepared this time to have my RSVP and to come a little early. Downtown Granbury all lit up is beautiful and many of the spots like the Opera House & Granbury LIVE! keep the city rockin’ and rollin’ later into the evening. But tonight’s destination plan was for 1890. 

And it was worth all the wait! We started off with the Texas Trilogy with Free range chicken, Texas quail wrapped in applewood smoked bacon with a sliver of jalapeno, & tenderloin. While that could’ve been dinner, we couldn’t just top at that. There was a buttery Chilean Seabass that called my name. And of course the best part was the table next to us…I couldn’t tell you their names, but we had all kinds of fun together especially during our “birthday cake surprise” – complete with fireworks. It was the perfect way to end the day and to celebrate our vacay! 

Farina’s Winery & Cafe 

Before our little vacay came to an end, we made one last stop at Farina’s Winery & Cafe for brunch. And it was just the way to remember Granbury. Last visit we had dinner there, but brunch is a different experience as we were about to find out. There was no menu, but there was a mimosa bar that you could mix and match to suit your fancy. And there was a fantastic table of sweets, quiches, and much more that you could indulge in to your hearts delight. Too bad there wasn’t enough room to eat it all. At least not this time.  

Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway with your spouse or your girlfriends, Granbury Texas is just the right spot for a #24HourVacay (and a little bit more.)