Check Off These 11 Things To Do In Blanco County During Your First Year

Blanco County, located in the heart of the beautiful Texas Hill Country, is truly a hidden gem that offers visitors a blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. Between its rolling hills, winding rivers, and fun-filled small towns, Blanco County is on the rise as a must-visit destination in Texas. There are so many things to do in Blanco County, especially for outdoor lovers. The county has several state parks, including Blanco State Park and Pedernales Falls State Park, which are hotspots for activities like hiking, swimming, and fishing. Blanco County is also known for its vibrant and charming small towns, like Blanco and Johnson City, that are bursting with local shops, restaurants, and attractions for residents and visitors to enjoy.

 

There is something for everyone to do here, whether they are outdoor enthusiasts or history buffs. Historic landmarks like the Old Blanco County Courthouse and the Blanco Pioneer Museum offer visitors an up-close look at the county's past. And considering the county is known for its cowboy heritage, visitors can partake in throwback events such as Blanco Western Days that celebrate the area’s cowboy roots. For those considering investing in Blanco County real estate, it’s important to become familiar with the best things to do in Blanco County. Here’s a list of everything from hiking and fishing to brewery tours and live music.

Blanco State Park is located on the banks of the Blanco River and is a wonderful local spot for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, fishing, and swimming. There are more than 20 miles of nature trails for visitors to use for hiking and mountain biking, as well as ample opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. This family-favorite park also features a playground for children, designated picnic areas, and a swimming beach.

Real Ale Brewing Company is a craft brewery in Blanco where visitors can enjoy tours and tastings of their award-winning beers. In their taproom, there is a rotating selection of draft beers to sip on, as well as beer to take home in bottles and cans. Real Ale also hosts many events throughout the year, featuring live music and local food trucks.

For the history buffs out there, the Old Blanco County Courthouse is a must-visit landmark in downtown Blanco. Originally constructed in 1885, this building is now home to the Blanco County Chamber of Commerce and the town’s Visitor Center. Visitors can go inside to take a self-guided tour of the courthouse and learn about local history.

Vaaler Creek Golf Club is a well-groomed 18-hole golf course in Blanco that boasts a challenging course with scenic natural views. This course is open to the public, and also features a driving range and putting green for golfers to practice their skills.

A beautiful summertime experience, the Blanco Lavender Festival takes place every June and celebrates the lavender fields blooming and coming to life in Blanco. Attendees of the festival can enjoy live music, food and local craft vendors, and tours of Blanco’s lavender farms. Visitors can also purchase an array of lavender products like soaps, oils, and lotions to bring home.

One part vintage bowling alley and one part old-timey cafe, the Blanco Bowling Club Cafe is a blast from the past that is wonderful for families to visit. Located in downtown Blanco, visitors can bowl games while munching on burgers, sandwiches, and other classic meals. Blanco Bowling Club Cafe has six separate lanes and is a popular spot for families and friend groups.

For those in the mood to sample spirits, Real Spirits Distilling Company produces small-batch whiskey, gin, and other spirits right here in Blanco using locally grown grains. Visitors can tour the distillery and hang out in the tasting room, and bottles of spirits are available to go, as well.

The Blanco Pioneer Museum highlights the history and culture of the county through exhibits and locally sourced artifacts. The museum displays exhibits revolving around ranching, farming, and local Native American history, and showcases collections of historical artifacts and photographs documenting times gone by.

Each year in August, the Blanco County Fair rolls through and takes Texas by storm. Featuring lots of family fun like livestock shows, carnival rides, and other activities, this one is not to be missed. The fair also hosts food and craft vendors for visitors to browse through, as well as live music and entertainment.

The Blanco River is a scenic body of water where locals and visitors alike enjoy tubing, kayaking, and fishing. People can rent tubes and kayaks from local suppliers, or bring their own if they have them. Swimming and picnicking are also popular activities along the river’s banks.

Blanco Western Days is a can’t-miss festival held each October that celebrates Blanco County’s cowboy heritage. At this festival, attendees can watch a parade, experience a rodeo, and participate in many other Western-themed activities like a chuck wagon cook-off and even cowboy poetry readings.

 

Blanco County truly has something for everyone, from nature lovers to foodies. Whether a visitor spends time hiking through the stunning state parks or saying “yeehaw” to cowboy culture at Blanco Western Days, everyone is sure to find something here that captures their hearts.

 

After experiencing all that Blanco County has to offer, some visitors choose to go all in and make this place their forever home. Waking up each day to beautiful views of the Texas Hill Country and having endless opportunities for outdoor adventures holds lots of appeal. That's where Topper Real Estate comes in. This team of expert real estate agents has been helping people find their dream homes in Blanco County for years. Whether you're hunting for a cozy riverside cabin or a sprawling ranch on acres of land, Topper Real Estate is here to help you every step of the way.