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.)
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