SAN SABA & NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
EXPLORING NEARBY TOWNS: SAN SABA (10 minutes from ranch); LOMETA (10 minutes from ranch); GOLDTHWAITE (20 minutes from San Saba); LAMPASAS (15 minutes from Lometa); BEND (20-25 minutes from ranch)
WINERIES
FIESTA WINERY. 15-20 minutes from the ranch. Beautiful grounds, flights of wine, and lunch. Check the website for Lometa hours of operation, menus, and special events..​
STONELEDGE WINERY. 20 minutes from the ranch. The owners: "We recently opened our winery in the Texas Hill Country, located 10 miles west of Lampasas. We make and serve only Texas wines. Our 11 acre vineyard currently has 7 different varieties. We utilize a unique gravity-fed method from the crushing process all the way up to moving our wine into the barrels. The hill country views are exquisite."
TEXAS LEGATO WINERY. 30 minutes from the ranch. A family owned and operated winery located in Lampasas, Texas. Legato means a gathering together of family or friends and is a musical term for smooth and connected notes or performance. Come enjoy our smooth, award-winning wines from Texas grown grapes in our tasting room or on our patio overlooking the vineyard.
WEDDING OAK WINERY. Tasting room in San Saba (10-15 minutes from the ranch). "Whether you’re seeking a tranquil escape in the heart of San Saba, the charm of the Texas Hill Country in Fredericksburg, or the vibrant ambiance of Burnet, the warm and friendly Wedding Oak Winery team is ready to welcome visitors with open arms. Come and create unforgettable memories one sip at a time and discover the true spirit of Texas hospitality."
NEARBY HISTORICAL LANDMARKS & MUSEUMS
BEVERIDGE BRIDGE, San Saba 20 minutes from the ranch
Built in the late 19th century to connect San Saba to developing railroads. After withstanding several floods and being rebuilt once, in 2004 it was closed to vehicular traffic. State funds were used to repair it for permanent use as a pedestrian bridge
Regency Bridge, locally known as the "Swinging Bridge," is the last suspension bridge still open to traffic in Texas.
WEDDING OAK/MATRIMONIAL OAK 15 minutes from the ranch
The Matrimonial Oak is just outside the city limits of San Saba and is believed to be over 1,000 years old, though its age has not been verified. Long before the Spanish invaded this rich San Saba River bottomland, where native pecans grow in profusion, Indian braves and shy Indian maidens met and were united in wedlock, as local legend has it, beneath this oak's sheltering boughs.
SAN SABA COUNTY MUSEUM, San Saba 10 minutes from the ranch
An impressive collection of pioneer memorabilia, donated primarily by heirs of founding families of this region. Open Saturdays.
MILLS COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM, Goldthwaite 30 minutes from the ranch
The idea for a museum began with historical Mills County pictures displayed on several easels put up at the Mills County State Bank. s the word got out, the people of Mills County brought in their family heirlooms. The first prized possessions of the museum were the old family farm wagon, old pianos, and 100-year-old quilts. Don't miss the exhibits of early communications, post office, bank, dentist office, kitchen and home, farm, first hospital, schools, judges, jails, country store, drugstore, barber-beauty shop, 1930 Maytag Ringer Washer, and funeral hearse.
KEYSTONE SQUARE MUSEUM, Lampasas 30 minutes from the ranch
The story of Lampasas, the so-called “Saratoga of the South,” unfolds at Keystone Square Museum. Named for the adjacent Keystone Hotel, the museum preserves period artifacts, such as a cypress-wood pipe used at Hanna Springs bathhouse and a card table from an early saloon. Additional items include an 1880s bank teller cage, pioneer ranch blacksmith shop, antique doll collection, 1911 death basket used for body transport in the days before ambulances and bolt-action rifle used during the 1870s Horrell-Higgins feud.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES 30 MINUTES OR LESS FROM THE RANCH
MILL POND PARK in San Saba. 10-minute drive from the ranch.
Mill Pond Park features Mill Pond and Sunny Beach plus waterfalls, foot bridges, a recreational court for basketball, and a gazebo for picnics and family gatherings. The park also includes baseball parks and an “all weather” track facility. The San Saba Civic Center and the San Saba County Museum are also housed within the park..
Featues the city's first waterworks, a birding blind, and a beautiful pecan-shaded greenbelt perfect for walking, biking, and fishing, It is the newest of San Saba's three parks. The wide concrete walking trail is approximately a 2-mile circle, with numerous options for shorter distances. The trail follows the turns of the San Saba River, which is frequently visible on your walk.
20-25 minute drive from the ranch,
The Park is a 5,328.3-acre region of Texas, mostly in San Saba County. It was purchased by the state in 1984 and opened to the public in 1987. It's representative of much of the hill country, with many sinkholes, caves, and springs. Perhaps best-known for 70-ft. high Gorman Falls. Several hiking trails.
SAN SABA RIVER GOLF COURSE. 10-minute drive from the ranch.
A picturesque, challenging gold course professionally engineered with numerous water hazards, towering pecan trees, and carefully placed grass traps. Public and easily accessible on the right as you head west into town.
TEXAS BOTANICAL GARDENS & NATIVE AMERICAN INTERPRETIVE CENTER (Goldthwaite). Legacy Plaza, consisting of The Texas Botanical Gardens and The Goldthwaite Welcome Center is located on one downtown city block in the heart of historic Goldthwaite, seat of Mills County in rural north Central Texas. Dedicated in memory of J. Waddy Bullion, the Gardens are open daily for visitors.
PLACES TO EAT IN SAN SABA & NEARBY TOWNS
SERVES BREAKFAST:
OPEN SUNDAY:
BAR
LIVE MUSIC
WINE/BEER
ALAMO PECAN & COFFEE. 601 East Wallace, San Saba, 76877​. (325) 372-5275
HOURS: Mon-Sat 9-4; Sun 1-4
Inside a delightful gift shop, Alamo Pecan and Coffee has a complete coffee bar featuring its own beans as well as a large variety of flavored pecans and pecan candies along with wonderful gourmet coffees. Alamo Pecan and Coffee excels at gift wrapping, presentation, and shipping.
SPECIALTY DRINKS, SHORT ORDER
OLIVER & COMPANY. 320 E Wallace St, San Saba. (325) 372-3333
​'HOURS; M-Tr 7am-3pm; Fri 7am-5pm; Sat 8am-5pm; Sun CLOSED
Counter orders for light breakfasts and lunches. Ice cream and specialty beverages. Gift shop featuring pecan candies, jellies, and more.
THE DAILY MIX. 106 S Cherokee St, San Saba. (325) 205-1770
HOURS: M-F 7am-3pm; Sat 9-2; Sun CLOSED
Healthy shakes, herbal teas, caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks. Protein boosts.​
DONUT CITY. 204 Commerce Street, San Saba. (next door to Napoli's.. (325) 372-3121. HOURS:Tues-Sun: 5 am-1 pm. CLOSED MONDAY.
Fresh donuts and kolaches daily.
LOLY'S ICE CREAM, LAMPASAS, 411 Central Texas Expy, Lampasas. (830) 265-3633
HOURS: Sun-Fri 12-9 pm; Sat 11-9 pm
STORM'S DRIVE-IN, LAMPASAS. 201 N. Key Avenue, Lampasas
Hours SUN-THUR 6:30am-10pm; FRI-SAT 6:30am-11pm
Wide range of offerings for a drive in. Hamburgers are great and full of flavor. Shakes are a winne. A tradition in Lampasas since 1950. Elvis ate here!
AMERICAN
MAMA J'S CAFE. 1608 W Wallace St, San Saba, TX 76877. (325) 372-6265
HOURS: Mon-Sat 6am-9pm; Sun 8am-2pm
Full menu- breakfast, lunch, & dinner! Daily lunch specials Tues-Thurs 11-2. Fried catfish Fridays
PECAN HOUSE GRILL. 408 East Wallace Street, San Saba, (325) 372-5300
Hours: Tu 4-9; WTR 11 am-9; FrSat 11a 10pm; Sun/Mon: CLOSED
Upscale dining.
full bar
DIGG'S RESTAURANT AND CLUB. 1035 E US Highway 190, San Saba, (325) 372-3010
Hours Thur-Fri 5pm-12am; Sat 5;m-1am
Make your next night out one for the books at Diggs Restaurant & Club. Here, you can enjoy juicy steaks, cold drinks, and great live music.
BEND GENERAL STORE. 438 County Rd 442 Bend, (325) 628-3523
Hours Mon-Tr 7am-6pm; Fri-Sun 7am-7pm
Burgers and other American comfort food are served in a cafe set in an old country store.
AGAVE JALISCO MEXICAN RESTAURANT. 1203 W Wallace St, San Saba,. (325) 372-6688,
HOURS: Mon-Sat 6am-10pm; Sun 7am-3pm
PEPPERBELLY'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT. 517 E. Wallace Street, San Saba. (325) 372-4462 HOURS: TTR 11-2 & 5-8; Wed CLOSED; F11-2 & 5-9; 'Sat 8 am-9 opm; Sun 11-2 ​
Casual eatery featuring classic Mexican dishes, a full bar and happy-hour specials.
MEXICAN
GERMAN
EVE'S CAFE, LAMPASAS 521 E 3rd St, Lampasas. (512) 556-3500
Hours CLOSED SUN & MON. TU-SAT 11am-9pm
Long considered an exceptional restaurant--excellent wienerschnitzel and some of the best homemade desserts you'll find anywhere.
ITALIAN
NAPOLI'S ITALIAN GRILL. 210 E Commerce St, San Saba. (325) 372-4745
HOURS: M-FR 11AM-7PM; Sat CLOSED; Sun 12-7pm
Traditional Italian dishes and wood-fired pizza.
GIOVANNI'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT, LAMPASAS 801 S Key Ave, Lampasas (512) 556-3362
MON: Closed; TUES-SUN 11am-9pm
Family-owned restaurant that offers delicious Italian food, great service, beer, wine, & desserts
BARBECUE
YOUNG'S BBQ & MORE, LAMPASAS 504 N Key Ave, Lampasas (512) 564-1220
MON-TUE Closed; WED-THUR 6am-2pm; FRI-SUN 6am-6;pm
EASY DAY TRIPS--less than 2 hours
WINERIES, DISTILLERIES, STATE PARKS, HISTORIC TOWNS, MUSEUMS & LANDMARK RESTAURANTS IN BURNETT, LLANO, MARBLE FALLS, KINGSLAND, AUSTIN
WINERIES, BREWERIES, & DISTILLERIES
50 minutes:
FLAT CREEK ESTATE. MARBLE FALLS.
Flat Creek offers a variety of activities, In addition to wine tasting, there is often live music in addition to disco golf, and hiking through the vineyards. For dining, your choice of a full-service restaurant with a Tuscan-inspired dining room that serves authentic Northern Italian food and a more casual eatery in the Pavilion.
40 minutes:
7CREEKSVINEYARD. BURNETT. Open 7 days a week 12-6. Wine flights with 4 different tasting options. Check website for special events. ​
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40 minutes:
PERISSOS VINEYARD & WINERY, Burnett. HOURS: Sun-Thur 12-5; Fri-Sat 12-6.
1-1/2 hours:
WILLIAM CHRIS VINEYARDS, HYE. Two years on World's Best 100 Vineyards. Check website to book a tasting or reserve a gourmet picnic lunch. HOURS: Sun-Wed 11-5; Thur-Sat 10-6.
a little under 2 hours
TREATY OAK DISTILLING, Dripping S;prings.
Our 28 acre ranch in Dripping Springs, Texas is scattered with ancient live oak trees in a serene hill country setting. This historic property dates back to the pioneer days of Texas and embodies the spirit of exploration that feeds all that we do here today. Our diverse venues offer a little something for everyone - we warmly extend our invitation.
90 minutes
GARRISON BROTHERS, HYE. First legal bourbon distillery in Texas offers tours, a restaurant and a gift shop. HOURS: Closed Sun-Mon. Tue-Thur 10-4; Fri-Sat 10-6. Food available: Whiskey Shack Grab-n-Go Tue-Thur 10-3:30; Fri-Sat 11-5. See website to reserve tour.
45 minutes
FLANIGAN'S TEXAS DISTILLERY. Bertram.
Located in a charming 1904 building in Bertram, Texas just Northwest of the historic Bertram Train Depot. Step back in time and belly up to our old-fashioned bar where we offer a unique style of tastings in both wine and spirits. Come relax in one of our Irish style “snugs” or hangout in our courtyard.
HISTORICAL LANDMARKS & MUSEUMS
HOMESTEAD HERITAGE. Waco.
THE MARTIN AND FRANCIS LEHNIS MUSEUM. Brownwood.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
90 minutes
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area has drawn visitors for centuries, because of its uniqueness in the Texas Hill Country landscape. The 425-foot pink granite batholith rises out of the greenness and gently rolling hills that surround it. Today, it is one of Texas' most visited sites in the state parks system and allows visitors to connect with nature, while providing 360-degree views of the surrounding Hill Country
90 minutes
BALCONES CANYONLANDS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE.
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge is home to many native Texas wildlife and plants, and was specifically established to protect the nesting grounds of the black-capped vireo and the endangered golden-cheeked warbler.
60 minutes
Inks Lake State Park is a state park located in Burnet County, Texas, United States, next to Inks Lake on the Colorado River. It contains facilities for swimming, camping, hiking, boating, fishing and general enjoyment of the natural beauty. Reserve Day Passes ahead of your visit.
50 minutes
The CCC cleared the cavern of debris, and built the facilities of this park and the scenic byway accessing it in the 1930s. Entry to the park grounds is free; entry to the cavern is by paid guided tours. Descend 130 feet below the surface, down 52 stone steps, and experience another world.
Tours last for approximately 90 minutes of slow-paced walking or standing. Parts of the trail can be wet depending on recent rainfall, but the temperature is always a comfortable 68°F. WILD CAVE: Experience a wriggling, crawling adventure through the undeveloped lower level.
Camp, hike, mountain bike, picnic, geocache, bird watch and ride horses. On the river, you can swim, wade, tube or fish. Hikers often recommend 5.4 mile Wolf Mountain Trail, which has a 4.2 star rating from 872 reviews.
90 minutes
Five main track site areas have been mapped within Dinosaur Valley State Park. Each of these areas has named individual track sites. Tracks are most easily seen in late summer.
RESTAURANTS USUALLY WORTH THE DRIVE
$ 1-10. $$ 11=20 $$$. 21-40 $$$$ >40
SERVES BREAKFAST
OPEN SUNDAY
BAR
COOPER'S BBQ, Llano.
HOURS; 11am-8pm
$$
Casual.
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"Welcome to Cooper's BBQ in Llano. Located in the Texas Hill Country, the BBQ capital of the world. Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que is honored to be the best of the best in the barbecue business and home of the original World Famous "Big Chop." Award-winning BBQ. Your choice: Old-fashioned dine-in on shared picnic tables with meat served on butcher block paper or take-out.
INMAN'S BBQ & CATERING, Llano & Marble Falls
LLANO HOURS: Wed-Fri 8-6; Sat 8-4
MARBLE FALLS: Wed-Fri 10-6; Sat 10-4
Casual
Family-owned joint since 1967 firing up smoked meats such as brisket, ribs and turkey sausage.
BLUEBONNET CAFE, Marble Falls.
HOURS: Mon-Sat 7am-8pm; Sun 7am-1:45pm
$$
Casual.
Classic diner with excellent breakfasts; famous for their pies. Featured in Southern Living, Texas Highways, and Travel and Leisure. Opened in 1929.
50 minutes
LUCILLE + MABEL KITCHEN AND LIBATIONS, Brownwood.
HOURS: Closed Sun-Tue ;Wed 4-9; Thur-Fri 4-10; Sat 10-2; 4-10
$$$/$$$$
Upscale.
The Warehouse is a locally owned BBQ restaurant in small-town Burnet, Texas. Our restaurant is housed in a 1940's Coca-cola warehouse that was refurbished into a unique restaurant setting. With our hometown in mind we crafted a place that our community and local travelers would appreciate. Everyone loves a good meal, and our mission at The Warehouse BBQ and Meetery is to serve you fresh, Old-fashioned pit BBQ.
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HOOPER''S CAFE, Kingsland.
HOURS:
$$$
Casual
​Welcome to Hooper's, a casual southern pub fare restaurant located in the heart of Kingsland, Texas. Our restaurant is situated inside the iconic restored Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie set of 1974, off the banks of the Colorado River, which serves as the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience.