Explore the Area--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 spots to sit awhile.

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

If we’re heading into town, these are the places we choose.

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.

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.

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.

AGAVE JALISCO

Breakfast all day and reliable Mexican fare. Easy, welcoming, and dependable. 7 days a week.

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.

Coffee, Gifts, & Wandering

These are the places where you order your favorite beverage, then stay longer than you intended.

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.

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.

Small-Town Finds

For those who enjoy browsing.

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.

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.

J.C. MERCANTILE
A quaint consignment store with a mix of practical and gift items. It’s easy to lose track of time inside.

Easy Parks and Strolls

SAN SABA RIVER NATURE PARK
A peaceful walking path along the river. Ideal for a quiet morning or late-afternoon stretch.

MILL POND PARK (San Saba)
Cascading water, splash pad, gazebo for picnics, walking paths.

HANCOCK SPRINGS PARK (Lampasas)
Historic spring-fed pool and open green space. A refreshing stop in warmer months.

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.

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.

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.

LONGHORN CAVERN STATE PARK
A welcome break from Texas heat. Guided tours take you through dramatic limestone formations and fascinating history underground.

INKS LINK STATE PARK
Good hiking, paddling, and scenic water views. A balanced mix of activity and relaxation.

And if you’d rather skip the crowds, you can always hike our private ranch trails instead.

A Day Out--Then Back to the Ranch

If you feel like exploring a little farther afield, these make wonderful day trips — with the added benefit of returning to the quiet of the ranch in the evening.

FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS. A little over an hour.

Fredericksburg makes for a lively day out — shopping, wineries, galleries, and strong German heritage influence. Many guests enjoy spending a few hours there and then returning to the slower pace and open skies of the ranch.

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.