Top 16 Things To Do In Blanco, Texas

1. Admire the buggies of the wild west at Buggy Barn Museum

Dedicated to preserving the history of the area, the Buggy Barn Museum in Blanco is a must-visit place in Texas. It has over 180 unique buggies, wagons and carriages and a preserved old west town where visitors can admire and learn about the life of that time. Some of the buggies date back to the 1860s and were even used as props in famous movies. Visitors can enjoy daily guided or self-guided tours as well as buggy rides at the museum.

Buggy Barn Museum

Address: 1915 Main St, Blanco, TX 78606

Website: Buggy Barn Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm; Sat: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 8 USD

2. Marvel at the stunning architecture of The Old Blanco County Courthouse

Described as a ‘living image of Texas’ Golden Age of courthouses’, The Old Blanco County Courthouse is one of the main tourist attractions in Blanco. It is also a National Historic Landmark and visitors from across the country come here to marvel at the stunningly beautiful architecture of the building. This historic landmark was built in 1885 and has a very fascinating history about which you can learn at the visitor centre. A historic picture collection can also be viewed at The Old Blanco County Courthouse.

The Old Blanco County Courthouse

Address: 300 Main St, Blanco, TX 78606

Website: The Old Blanco County Courthouse

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm

Price: Free

3. Tee off at Vaaler Creek Golf Club

Located in the Rockin ‘J Ranch of Blanco, Vaaler Creek Golf Club is one of the top golf courses in Texas. The course was designed by Michael Lowry and is suitable for players of all skill levels. The beautiful golf course has a rolling topography that is challenging yet relaxing. Well-placed bunkers, pond, an abundance of live oaks, stunning water-features and panoramic views of Texas Hill Country add to the appeal of Vaaler Creek Golf Club. So take some time off from sight-seeing and tee off at this superb Blanco golf club.

Vaaler Creek Golf Club

Address: 228 Jeff Vaughn, Blanco, TX 78606

Website: Vaaler Creek Golf Club

Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 7:30am - 5pm (closed on Tue)

Price: 32 USD onwards

4. Smell the lavender at Hill Country Lavender Farm

Started in 1999, Hill Country Lavender Farm is distinguished for being the first commercial lavender farm in Texas. Home to more than 2,000 lavender plants spread across two fields, Hill Country Lavender Farm welcomes visitors to cut their lavender throughout the lavender season from mid-May to July. A range of over 70 lavender products like soap, oil, linen spray, bubble bath, etc. is also available at the farm gift shop. The farm also runs a year-round store stocking lavender products at a nearby location.

Hill Country Lavender Farm

Address: 8241 Farm to Market 165, Blanco, TX 78606

Website: Hill Country Lavender Farm

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed from Mon - Thu) (open seasonally)

5. Go camping at Blanco State Park

At the beautiful natural reserve of Blanco State Park, visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including camping. The state park provides a variety of camping options like full hookup sites, sites with water and electricity or screened shelters overlooking the river. Picnic tables, fire ring with grill, restrooms, etc. are some of the additional features available at the campsites at Blanco State Park. Campers can also indulge in stargazing, fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, picnicking or wildlife watching at the park.

Blanco State Park

Address: 101 Park Rd 23, Blanco, TX 78606

Website: Blanco State Park

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

Price: 20 USD onwards

6. Play baseball at Yett Memorial Park

During your stay in Blanco, take a step back from the constant sight-seeing and enjoy a game of baseball at Yett Memorial Park. At this 29-acre (11 hectares) facility that includes a baseball park, visitors can enjoy playing baseball with their own teams or even take in a match of local little league teams. The park has covered bleachers, concession stand, and restrooms too. All areas of the park are clean, green and well-maintained.

Yett Memorial Park

Address: 1813 US Highway 281, Blanco, TX 78606

Website: Yett Memorial Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

7. Have a leisurely picnic at Bindseil City Park

Gather your friends, family or your partner and enjoy a delightful picnic at Bindseil City Park in Blanco. The park has ample tree shade and several benches and picnic tables to indulge in a leisurely picnic. A natural stone amphitheatre near the Town Creek basin also provides additional seating. Visitors can also admire the second-largest oak tree of the county at this park. Bindseil City Park connects to the Blanco State Park and Courthouse Square via a quarter-mile (0.4 kilometre) long handicapped accessible trail.

Bindseil City Park

Address: 300 Pecan, Blanco Town Square, Blanco, Texas 78606

Website: Bindseil City Park

Price: Free

8. Learn about Blanco's early history at Blanco Pioneer Museum

Located in the Blanco Historic District, Blanco Pioneer Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Blanco. It was opened in 2009 and is situated in a historic house just off the Courthouse Square. The lovingly restored museum building has various fascinating genealogical and historical exhibits and events that provide an insight into Blanco’s early history and western heritage.

Blanco Pioneer Museum

Address: 418 Pecan St, Blanco, TX 78606

Website: Blanco Pioneer Museum

Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 11am - 3pm (closed from Mon - Thu)

Price: 2 USD

9. Try some delicious wine at Esperanza Winery LLC

Enjoy tasting some delicious wine from the local vineyards of Esperanza Winery LLC. The winery was first established in Spring Branch in the Texas Hill Country in 2000 and opened another winery in Blanco a few years down the line. Esperanza Winery LLC is the first winery in Blanco and at its new tasting room in Blanco, visitors can enjoy wine tastings or wine by the bottle or glass. The patio of the tasting room is also a superb place to relax with your friends.

Esperanza Winery LLC

Address: 115 Main St, Blanco, TX 78606

Website: Esperanza Winery LLC

Opening hours: Fri: 11am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 6pm (closed from Mon - Thu)

10. Enjoy a cold beer at Real Ale Brewing Company

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Established in 1996, Real Ale Brewing Company is a local brewery producing high-quality craft beers. The brewery has 16 signature beers including the Firemans #4, Swifty, Fresh Kicks, Rio Blanco, etc., and many seasonal varieties too. Their beer is minimally processed, unfiltered and unpasteurised to provide maximum flavour and aroma. Visitors can take a free tour of the brewery on designated days and visit the tap room to get a taste of the various beers. Beers are also available for purchase at Real Ale Brewing Company.

Real Ale Brewing Company

Address: 231 San Saba Ct, Blanco, TX 78606

Website: Real Ale Brewing Company

Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 12pm - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 8pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

11. Praise the live music at Redbud Café

Sit back, relax and enjoy a delightful evening at Redbud Café in Blanco, Texas. This casual eatery located on the Courthouse Square serves freshly made local food along with a large selection of craft beer from the local Real Ale Brewing Company. But the standout feature of this cafe is the live music on weeknights provided by popular artists and bands. The eatery is packed on the weekends with locals as well as visitors thronging in to hear foot-tapping live music while tucking into delicious grub at Redbud Café.

Redbud Café

Address: 410 4th St, Blanco, TX 78606

Website: Redbud Café

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10:30am - 3:30pm; Fri - Sat: 10:30am - 9pm; Sun: 10am - 3:30pm

12. Go on a horseback ride with Travis P Trail Rides

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While in Blanco, try something different and go horseback riding with Travis P Trail Rides. Embark on this family-friendly adventure with a knowledgeable guide who had been teaching horseback riding for decades. The horses are gentle and friendly in nature, making them suitable for both experienced and inexperienced riders. On your horseback ride, take in the beautiful scenery of Texas Hill Country and have a memorable time in the company of a witty guide.

Travis P Trail Rides

Address: 738 Triple Trail, Blanco, TX 78606

Website: Travis P Trail Rides

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 40 USD onwards

13. Buy local art, antiques or curios at Rain Bird Gallery

Housed in a former Baptist Church that was built in 1903, Rain Bird Gallery is a popular Blanco art gallery. Spread out over 5400 sq. feet (501 sq. metres), this gallery is the largest of its kind in the Texas Hill Country. At the gallery, you can find several interesting artworks from both local and international artists. A large variety of rustic furniture, home decor items and antiques can also be found at the gallery. Visitors can purchase many handcrafted items, collectables and other gift items at Rain Bird Gallery.

Rain Bird Gallery

Address: 103 Main St, Blanco, TX 78606

Website: Rain Bird Gallery

Opening hours: 10:30am - 5pm (daily)

14. Knock down the pins at Blanco Bowling Club Café

Take a step back in time and enjoy authentic German-style nine-pin bowling at one of the last remaining bowling alleys in the country at Blanco Bowling Club. The bowling club was established in 1948 and still retains its old-school charm. Visitors can enjoy the old German-style of nine-pin bowling or watch league bowling matches of club members. Equally popular at Blanco Bowling Club is their café that has been serving up home-cooked meals and scrumptious desserts for almost 70 years.

Blanco Bowling Club Café

Address: 310 4th St, Blanco, TX 78606

Website: Blanco Bowling Club Café

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6:30am - 9pm; Sun: 7:30am - 2pm

15. Buy artisanal food products at Gillen's Candies

Established in 1895, Gillen’s Candies is a well-known Blanco establishment offering artisanal food products. The family-owned business is renowned for selling craft chocolate, candies, preservative-free jerky, wine and craft beer. Besides local products, the store also brings the highest quality craft foods from around the world to the market of Blanco. Jams, dairy products, sodas, teas, etc., are some of the other interesting items that you can buy at Gillen’s Candies.

Gillen's Candies

Address: 1725 US-281, Blanco, TX 78606

Website: Gillen’s Candies

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm

16. Drop by Arnosky Family Farm & Market

Experience the serenity of nature as you wander through the family-owned Arnosky Family Farm & Market. At the cute blue barn of Arnosky Family Farm & Market, visitors can buy fresh cut flowers, bouquets and garden plants as well as local cheeses, eggs, herbs, vegetables and more. The farm and market are open year-round and offer seasonal varieties of locally-grown flowers to customers. On your visit, you can also enjoy strolling through the flower farm or sip a cold drink on the porch.

Arnosky Family Farm & Market

Address: 13977 FM2325, Blanco, TX 7860

Website: Arnosky Family Farm & Market

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Charming Blanco

While Blanco may be a small city in Texas, it is very rich in history and culture. At a short distance from both Austin and San Antonio, this small city packs a big punch with its unique attractions. On your next trip to Texas, be sure to explore this historic city with our handy list of all the best things to do in Blanco, Texas.