Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Blanco, TX

  • Published 2022/05/04

If you’re looking for a great weekend getaway, look no further than Blanco, TX.

Tucked into a quiet corner of the Texas Hill Country, Blanco is the Lavender Capital of Texas.

It’s also home to some of the best tourist attractions in the state.

From lavender farms to barbecue joints, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do in this eye-catching riverside town.

So read on to discover 15 of the best things to do in Blanco, TX!

Enjoy a Relaxing Day at Blanco State Park

A dam at Blanco State Park

Philip Arno Photography / Shutterstock.com

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, then a visit to Blanco State Park is in order.

This beautiful state park is right on the banks of the Blanco River and offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, hiking, and picnicking.

A tree near the waters of Blanco State Park

BJ Ray / Shutterstock.com

There’s also a scenic walking trail that takes you right through the park’s heart.

Whether you’re looking to relax or get active, Blanco State Park is a great place to spend a day.

Calm waters of Blanco State Park

Hundley Photography / Shutterstock.com

Visit the Hill Country Lavender Farm

Blanco is the “Lavender Capital” of Texas.

So it’s just right that your first destination in Blanco should be a lavender farm.

Several farms to choose from, but none are as spectacular as the Hill Country Lavender Farm.

This family-owned farm is known for its breathtaking views, award-winning lavender products, and friendly farm animals.

Of course, it’s also filled with fresh, vibrant, and alluring lavender fields that make for the perfect photo op.

So make sure you have your camera ready whenever you visit the place.

Lavender in Blanco usually starts blooming in late May and will last until July.

So, book your visit during this period.

Attend the Blanco Lavender Festival

If you want to make the most of your Lavender experience here in beautiful Blanco, TX, you should attend the Blanco Lavender Festival.

This annual event usually takes place on the first weekend of June and features live music, food, arts & crafts, and lots and lots of lavender.

It’s an excellent opportunity to learn more about this fantastic plant while enjoying Blanco’s best.

So mark your calendars, and don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind event!

Sample Local Barbecue at Old 300 BBQ

No trip to Texas would be complete without some good ol’ barbecue, and Blanco doesn’t disappoint in this department.

One of the best barbecue joints in town is Old 300 BBQ.

Located in Blanco’s main Square, Old 300 BBQ is known for its delicious brisket, ribs, and pulled pork sandwiches.

Their specialty sandwiches, in particular, are big and tasty, so make sure you’re starving when you visit!

This rustic western-themed barbecue station features an outpost for barbecue and sandwiches along with patio seating and a dance hall.

If you want the full Texas barbecue experience here in Blanco, check out Old 300 BBQ.

Their Texas-style barbecue will not disappoint.

Explore the Blanco Town Square

The best way to feel for any town is to explore its town square, and Blanco’s is no exception.

This quaint little square is home to various logistical buildings, shops, restaurants, and cafes.

One of the best things about the Blanco Town Square is that it’s always buzzing with activity.

So whether you’re looking for a place to eat, shop, or just people to watch, you’ll find it here.

Add the Blanco Town Square to your list of destinations while in town.

It’s a staple place you must visit while in Blanco, TX.

Visit the Blanco Pioneer Museum

Located mere steps away from the Old 300 BBQ station and the Blanco Town Square, the Blanco Pioneer Museum is another excellent place to visit while in town.

This museum preserves the history and culture of the early settlers of Blanco.

Through a variety of exhibits, you’ll learn about the everyday lives of these early pioneers.

You’ll also get a glimpse into what life was like in the Texas Hill Country during the early days of settlement.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Blanco, add the Blanco Pioneer Museum to your list of places to visit.

Stop by Redbud Cafe

For art enthusiasts, nothing is better than a combination of art and coffee.

At the Redbud Cafe, you’ll witness a variety of restaurants and art galleries.

The moment you step in, you’ll be mesmerized by the thought that went into every piece.

You can find all sorts of art here, from paintings and sculptures to pottery and jewelry.

But the best part about Redbud Cafe is that it’s more than just an art gallery.

It’s also a great place to enjoy a coffee or a light meal.

So if you’re ever in the mood for some art and coffee, stop by Redbud Cafe.

It’s one of the best places to visit in Blanco.

Try Craft Beer at Real Ale Brewing

If you’re a craft beer enthusiast, then it’s one more reason to add Blanco, TX, to your list of places to visit.

The city is home to several breweries that offer a variety of craft beers.

One of the best breweries in Blanco, TX, is the Real Ale Brewing Company.

An absolute staple of the Texas craft beer scene, Real Ale Brewing is a must-visit for any beer lover.

This family-owned brewery has operated since 1996 and has become one of the most popular craft breweries in the state.

This brewery offers a variety of beers that are perfect for any occasion.

They also have a beer garden where you can enjoy your favorite brews with friends.

Their Firemans #4 Blonde Ale is their best-selling beer, but they also have a variety of other great beers to choose from.

So if you’re looking for a place to grab a drink, add Real Ale Brewing to your list.

Other notable distilleries include Rough Diamond Brewery, Garrison Brothers Distillery, and the Andalusia Whiskey.

Take a Short Walk at Bindseil City Park

Located right next to the Blanco City Hall, Bindseil City Park is a great place to take a short walk or picnic lunch.

This park features a variety of walking trails, picnic tables, and grills.

It’s the perfect place if you need to clear your head or want to enjoy some time outdoors.

So if you’re looking for a place to relax, add Bindseil City Park to your list.

Grab a Treat at Deutsch Apple Bakery

The Deutsch Apple Bakery is well-known for its baked products and curb appeal.

The savory-sweet baked goods, in particular, are both tasty and Instagram-worthy.

The bakery is best known for its apple pies, but they have a wide range of other delicious baked goods.

While it may offer a lot of delicacies, the bakery’s ultimate best-seller is their delicious and famous apple pecan cake.

If you’re ever in the mood for a sweet treat, visit Deutsch Apple Bakery.

It’s one of the best places to grab a bite in Blanco.

Buy Something during the Blanco Market Days

The Blanco Market Days is a great event where you can find locally made products.

This event features a variety of vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to fresh produce.

Held at the Historic Blanco Courthouse grounds, Blanco Market Day is the best time to shop for unique gifts and souvenirs.

So if you’re looking for a place to find some great deals, visit Blanco during the Blanco Market Days.

Play 9-Pin Bowling at the Blanco Bowling Club and Cafe

You might be familiar with 10-pin bowling, but have you ever tried 9-pin bowling?

If not, you need to add the Blanco Bowling Club and Cafe to your must-visit list.

One of the best things to do in Blanco is to play a game of 9-pin bowling at the Blanco Bowling Club and Cafe.

There are a lot of unique things in this bowling alley.

For one, no machinery will automatically return your ball and the pin.

That’s the job of the local kids.

The rules of 9-pin bowling are also different.

For instance, you will get extra points if you leave the middle pin standing.

The Blanco Bowling Club and Cafe is one of only a few remaining clubs in Texas that still play 9-pin bowling.

So, if you would like to see and play this unique version of bowling, visit the Blanco Bowling Club and Cafe.

Learn about Horse-Drawn Buggies at the Buggy Barn Museum

Horse-drawn buggies were common means of transportation in Texas back in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Today, you can look up to these historic buggies at the Buggy Barn Museum.

The Buggy Barn Museum houses a collection of buggies, one of the largest in the United States.

The museum features a variety of horse-drawn buggies historically used in Texas.

Classic movies even featured these vehicles, such as ‘There Will Be Blood,’ ‘True Grit,’ and ‘Lonesome Dove.’

You’ll also learn about the history of these buggies and their different everyday uses in the past.

So if you’re interested in learning about this unique aspect of Texas history, visit the Buggy Barn Museum during your trip to Blanco, TX.

Sample Fine Whiskey at the Milam & Greene Whiskey Distillery

Besides barbecue and live music, Texas produces fine whiskey.

And one of the best places to sample this spirit is at the Milam & Greene Whiskey Distillery and Tasting Room.

The Milam & Greene Whiskey Distillery and Tasting Room offer a variety of whiskeys made using the best grains and barrels.

In addition, the distillery offers a tour of the facility, where you’ll learn about the whiskey-making process.

You’ll also sample some of their best whiskeys at the end of the tour.

If you’re a fan of whiskey, add Milam & Greene Whiskey Distillery and Tasting Room to your to-do list in Blanco.

Appreciate Blanco’s Art Scene at the Rain Bird Gallery

Blanco, TX, is also known for its vibrant art scene.

The city is home to several art galleries that feature the works of local and international artists.

One of the best places to appreciate the art scene in Blanco is the Rain Bird Gallery.

This art gallery and antique store located on the south side of Blanco features a variety of artworks that local artists create.

The Rain Bird Gallery is also a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs.

If you want to bring home some art, visit the Rain Bird Gallery.

Play a Round of Golf at the Vaaler Creek Golf Club

Blanco has the perfect weather and landscape for playing a round of golf.

And one of the best places to tee off is the Vaaler Creek Golf Club.

The Vaaler Creek Golf Club is a championship 18-hole golf course nestled in the hill country.

The course offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

It also has a golf shop and a clubhouse where you can relax after an intense game.

The Vaaler Creek Golf Club also features well-placed bunkers and water features that enhance the game’s challenge and the scenic view of the Hill Country landscape.

The Vaaler Creek Golf Club is open all year round, and you can schedule your visit online.

So if you’re looking for a great place to play golf, check out Vaaler Creek Golf Club in Blanco.

Final Thoughts

There are so many things to do in Blanco, TX.

It’s a booming city with rich culture, great food, and plenty of activities to keep you entertained.

Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a place to stay and play for a while, Blanco has everything you need.

So make sure you add this wonderful city to your list of places to visit and start planning your trip today.

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