When Wednesday rolls around and I realize I have nothing on the calendar for the weekend I start thinking of fun road trips I can take from Dallas. The obvious always come to mind, like Houston, Austin, San Antonio but I've done those many times before. I'm always trying to find easy, quick drives from Dallas that feel like an escape but not a long drive. If you're like me and always looking for the perfect weekend getaway from Dallas, allow me to introduce your next road trip: Granbury, Texas.
My husband's family has had a lake house there for nearly 30 years, but I've never really explored Granbury. We generally go to the lake, drink beers, jump off the dock and chill for the weekend, never leaving lakeside. Now don't get me wrong that is the absolute bomb but Granbury has so much more to offer than that.
There's a perfect town square filled with boutiques, wineries, cocktail bars, a theatre, beer garden and many restaurants. Just down the street from the square you'll find a beach (no joke) and tons of lake front land.
There is plenty to do, so here are my top weekend picks to maximize your time in Granbury.
STOP #1 || REVOLVER BREWING
Your first stop to kick off a Saturday in Granbury should be at one of the most popular breweries in North Texas, Revolver. Every Saturday they open their doors to the public for their Brewery Tour which is the best deal any craft beer lover could ask for. For only $10 you get 4 (mostly full) beers.
My favorite is the Sidewinder IPA, but the vast majority of patrons go for the insanely popular Blood and Honey. Let me give you a little pro tip, I would NOT recommend drinking all four if you want to last past 6pm that night. LOLS!
Every week they have live music, shockingly spotlessly clean bathrooms (necessary for beer consumption) and even an area with AC. There is also ample seating. The best $10 you could possibly spend to kick off a Saturday in Granbury.
STOP #2 || HILTON GARDEN INN
It's officially time to drop your car off and walk the rest of the weekend. The Hilton Garden Inn is where we stayed and about a 12 minute walk to Granbury's square with all of the restaurants and entertainment.
Another option that I've never personally been to but I've heard good things about is the Inn on Lake Granbury which has a pool and more of a bed and breakfast feel.
We were very graciously hosted by the Hilton Garden Inn and the location could not have been better. We parked our car and walked the rest of the day.
STOP #3 || LOCAL GOAT DISTILLERY
Dallas, is that you? No really, this cocktail bar's creativity and crafting is as good as any you'd find in Dallas. The menu is large, like three pages of libations. The bartender can help you pick based on your likes and dislikes or you can just do like I always do - "Sir, what is your prettiest cocktail?"
I wish I was joking, but that is how I order cocktails. Instagram, y'all!
This was the "New Age Aviation" cocktail.
And my husband had the strawberry caipiroska, shown below!
I also had ONE OF THE BEST bloodies to date. This thing was fan-freaking-tastic. I'd drive to Granbury just to have this bad boy on a Saturday afternoon.
As the name implies, Local Goat Distillery does actually have goats as well. I didn't get to pet one, but they looked very cute from afar. This is a must stop, and it's located just off the square.
STOP #4 || EXPLORE THE SQUARE
You've got to save some time to walk around the square while you're in town. There are tons of boutiques and lots of places to get wine (if you don't need a quick booze break).
STOP #5 || DINNER AT 1890 GRILLE
No matter your price point, there is a restaurant for you in the square. We were feeling like fancy tourists and so we opted for a romantic date night at the steakhouse 1890 Grille.
The ambiance was on point with the lights dim, noise level low and menu robust. The wine list resembled an encyclopedia it was so gigantic. I ordered the small filet with a blue cheese crust, and it was magnificent. Our lovely server suggested a pinot that would pair perfectly.
I absolutely recommend a reservation, as they do fill up on Friday and Saturday nights.
We dined a little later in the evening because we didn't make one, but that was totally ok with us!
We grabbed a picnic table in the beer garden two doors down from 1890 at a German joint called Ketzlers. They had live music featuring Kim Younkin who was HILARIOUS and we had a blast watching him entertain the crowd.
After a few hours, and a couple of German beers, we split a pretzel because why the heck not. Treat yo self.
STOP #7 || BREAKFAST AT PARADISE BISTRO IN THE SQUARE
After a fabulous night's sleep we checked out Paradise Bistro for breakfast. I'm afraid we came at prime time and the wait for food was crazy long but once we got it it was fabulous! Nothing a little coffee couldn't handle while we waited!
STOP #8 || ANTIQUES AT WITHERSPOON'S ANTIQUE MALL
Our last stop of the trip before heading back to Dallas was the cutest antique mall right across from the hotel that I knew I needed to shop. I figured it wouldn't hurt to take a photo or two while I was at it. This place was charming and eclectic at the same time.
Plus there was a dinosaur in the yard so what's not to like?
I hope this post convinces you to consider Granbury for your next easy weekend getaway out of the city. It has everything you could ever need, and even room for some R&R on the lake if that is more your speed!
Thank you to Visit Granbury for hosting this weekend escape for me, all thoughts and opinions are my own!
