San Saba's annual Cow Camp Cook-off and street dance--a weekend filled with Hill Country tradition.
Area Activities--Our Personal Picks
We’ve left plenty off this list on purpose. These are the places we personally enjoy and confidently recommend to our friends. If it’s here, it’s because we’ve been, we like it, and we think you will too.
Sip and Savor
For relaxed afternoons and unhurried evenings, these are our favorite places to sit awhile.
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Wedding Oak Winery (San Saba Tasting Room)
We often recommend starting here. The tasting room feels polished but comfortable, and the staff is knowledgeable without being intimidating. Order a tasting flight, find a seat, and linger.
​Fiesta Winery (Lometa Location)
A little more lively — especially on weekends. When there’s music, the atmosphere shifts from quiet tasting room to easy Hill Country gathering spot. It’s a fun place to spend an afternoon. The bistro offers gourmet food choices, stone-fired pizza, and seasonal selections.
Places We Like to Eat
When we head to town, these are the places we choose.
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​DIGG'S RESTAURANT AND CLUB (full bar)
Iconic, casual, and relaxed. Our guests rave about their steaks, and we agree. Live music most weekends. This is the kind of place where boots are normal and nobody rushes you. East outskirts of San Saba, south side of highway​
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PECAN HOUSE GRILL (full bar)
For something a little more refined. Thoughtful menu, full bar, and consistently good service. A nice choice for an evening out. Downtown San Saba.
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LARRY'S CORNER CAFE (est. 1983)
If you want to know where locals eat breakfast, this is it. Order coffee, sit down, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into small-town Texas in the best way--near San Saba High School.
​AGAVE JALISCO
Breakfast all day and reliable Mexican fare. Easy, welcoming, and dependable. 7 days a week. across from Lowe's Grocery Market in San Saba.
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RANCHO SECO
​Homestyle Mexican dishes made in-house. Customers rave about freshness and authenticity. Downtown Lometa.
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BEND GENERAL STORE RESTAURANT (Bend TX)
Rustic charm with live music some weekends. Gigantic burgers. It feels like a Texas postcard — relaxed, authentic, and a little bit Austin weird. 20 minutes from the ranch
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Light Fare, Coffee, and Gifts
Great places for a break during your stroll along San Saba's main street.
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​OLIVER & COMPANY
Part bistro, part specialty food shop. Grab a latte and browse. It’s the kind of place where you’ll likely find a thoughtful gift without planning to.
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ALAMO PECAN & COFFEE HOUSE
Coffee bar, pecan shop, and gift store all in one. It’s lively and welcoming. If Missy’s behind the counter, tell her you’re staying at the ranch — she’ll take good care of you.
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THE PANTRY AT PECAN HOUSE GRILL
Great place to browse while waiting for a table at Pecan House Grill. Curated selections for children, kitchen, and decor. Selection of gourmet pantry items.
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Small-Town Finds
For those who enjoy browsing small-town shops and unexpected finds.
SAN SABA OLIVE OIL COMPANY
We always suggest stopping in to taste. Their imported extra virgin olive oils and balsamics are bottled locally, and the variety of flavors is impressive. Meeting owner Renè McBee is a treat.
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HARRY'S BOOTS
If you’ve ever considered buying a proper pair of boots, this is the place to do it. Huge selection of western-themed inventory.
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J.C. MERCANTILE
A quaint consignment store with a mix of practical and gift items. It’s easy to lose track of time inside.
City Parks
SAN SABA RIVER NATURE PARK
A peaceful walking path along the river. Ideal for a quiet morning or late-afternoon stretch.
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MILL POND PARK (San Saba)
Cascading water, a splash pad, gazebo for picnics, and walking paths.
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HANCOCK SPRINGS PARK (Lampasas)
Historic spring-fed pool and open green space. A refreshing stop in warmer months.
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CAMPBELL PARK (Lampasas)
Wide open space along the river — good for a relaxed picnic or walk.
Trails, Climbing and Caves
If you’re looking for something more vigorous than a casual stroll, the Hill Country offers plenty of challenge.
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COLORADO BEND STATE PARK (a guest favorite)
The most rugged option nearby. Rocky trails, river crossings, waterfalls, and guided cave tours. Plan several hours and bring water — the terrain can be uneven but rewarding.
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ENCHANTED ROCK STATE NATURAL AREA
The granite dome looks gentle from a distance, but the climb is real. The summit views stretch for miles and feel earned. Arrive early in warmer months.
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LONGHORN CAVERN STATE PARK
A welcome break from Texas heat. Guided tours take you through dramatic limestone formations and fascinating history underground.
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INKS LINK STATE PARK
Good hiking, paddling, and scenic water views. A balanced mix of activity and relaxation.
If you'd rather skip the crowds, our private ranch trails offer Hill Country beauty in a quieter setting.
A Day's Outing--Then Back to the Ranch
If you feel like exploring a little farther afield, these iconic spots make wonderful day trips — with the added pleasure of returning to the quiet of the ranch in the evening.
Classic Texas comfort food with legendary pie since 1929. If you go, save room for dessert. The meringues are towering, and the cream pies are exactly what you hope they’ll be.
BLUEBONNET CAFE (Marble Falls). About an hour.
COOPER'S OLD TIME BAR-B-QUE (Llano). About 45 minutes.
This is the walk-up-to-the-pit, point-at-what-you-want kind of barbecue experience. Smoky brisket, big beef ribs, and that unmistakable Hill Country atmosphere.
It’s casual, iconic, and consistently good.
WILLOW CITY LOOP SCENIC DRIVE. About an hour.
About an hour from the ranch, the Willow City Loop is one of the most scenic drives in the Hill Country. The 13-mile route winds through working ranchlands with wide views of rugged hills, granite outcrops, and open pasture. In spring, bluebonnets and other wildflowers blanket the hillsides, making this stretch of road especially beautiful and one of the most photographed drives in the region.
Spring wildflower weekends can be busy, so early morning drives are often the most enjoyable.
FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS. A little over an hour.
Fredericksburg makes for a lively day out — shopping, wineries, galleries, and strong German heritage influence. Best days to visit: Monday-Thursday. Many guests enjoy spending a few hours there and then returning to the slower pace and open skies of the ranch.
After a day exploring the Hill Country, many guests say the best part is returning to the quiet of the ranch — watching wildlife, grilling dinner, and enjoying the night sky.