Blanco has so much to offer, it’s hard to narrow down just a few things to suggest! A great place to start is the Old Courthouse on the Square. The building has a cool history, loads of brochures, and helpful folks who can point you any direction you wish to go. Here is short list of our favorites:

Eating

For elevated American-style breakfast, you can’t beat the Chess Club Café at 1020 Hwy 281, just south of Blanco. The breakfast tacos and plates at Hacienda El Charro, at 49 Main Street, are very good, too, (although it is a bit of a hole-in-the-wall).                                                    

For lunch and dinner, you will LOVE Redbud Café on the Square. The food and hospitality are tops, they have countless beers on tap (wine, too), and quality live music on the weekend. Also on the Square, the classic Texas barbecue at Old 300 is about as good as it gets. For a finer “white tablecloth” experience, try the Uptown Blanco, also on the Square (on the far side of Hwy 281). They’re famous for amazing Sunday brunch.

Drinking

Real Ale Brewery, just a mile from here at 231 San Saba Court, is one of the biggest tourist attractions around – folks come from all over for their excellent beer (and whiskey now, too!), and to tour the brewery. 

If spirits are more your speed, you simply MUST visit the Ben Milam Distillery at 208 Carlie Ln. (enter off 281 just north of here). Their award-winning bourbon and rye whiskey are second to none.

Of course for foodies, our region is best known as wine country. So many options! A great place to start is the Esperanza Winery Tasting Room, just south of the square at 115 Main St.

Shopping and Sights

Blanco State Park is a hidden gem, like a whole different world running right through town. The Buggy Barn Museum and Old West Town is a fun excursion, at 1915 Main St. And you simply must take the time to browse Cranberry’s Antiques on the Square – their selection of classic, cool and quirky items is vast and affordably priced.