5 Reasons to Not Miss Johnson City, Texas on Your Hill Country Visit [Updated 2023]
Johnson City, Texas may not ring a bell to you. Nestled between Fredericksburg and Austin, this quaint town also has a lot to offer but without all the hype.
I visit Johnson City quite often as I live only 20 minutes east in Dripping Springs, Texas, and have come to really enjoy this small town as an alternative to the hustle and bustle of other cities.
Below are my top five tips on why you should add Johnson City to your itinerary if you plan to visit the Texas Hill Country. First, a few details on weather and when to visit.
Johnson City, Texas Weather
The weather in Johnson City is very similar to Austin but is typically a few degrees cooler.
The best times to visit this area are definitely spring and fall when temperatures are somewhere between 60 to 80 degrees (F). Winter can be hit or miss, but the true cold and occasional (rare) snow tend to happen in January or February. I really don’t recommend July or August, it’s just too hot to be outdoors unless you are in some type of water swimming or only want to stay indoors.
How To Get To Johnson City
Flying: You will fly into either Austin Bergstrom Airport or San Antonio’s Airport, both of which are about an hour away. You will need a car, unless you want to pay a large fee to hire a driver. This is a great spot to combine with a visit to Fredericksburg or Dripping Springs.
Driving: Johnson City, Texas is located at the intersection of highways 290 (east and west) and 281 (north and south). From Austin, you’ll head west on 290, and from San Antonio, you’ll head north on 281.
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1. Growing Johnson City Wine Scene
If you have heard of the Texas Hill Country already, then I’m probably not the first to tell you that it’s a huge area for wine. There are over 100 wineries dotting the Hill Country with 50+ between Fredericksburg, Johnson City, and Dripping Springs.
I like Johnson City for the tasting rooms that are all within walking distance in the city center. Within a 1 mile radius, you’ll find five spots to try a variety of wines. Here are a few of my favorites:
Crowson Wine – Specializing in minimal intervention in their wine making process, this winery offers a small selection of natural wines. (you can see in the picture below that the wines are not crystal clear – that is because they are natural and delicious!) The winemaker worked at a bigger establishment and left to make wine that he’s really passionate about. I can get behind that.
Details: Appointment only, but easy to schedule via text. Tasting costs $15/person.
Address: 102 N Ave G, Johnson City, TX 78636
The Parlour (now closed and has changed hands to Tatum Cellars) – This is a wine bar that features wine from Southhold Farm and Cellars. You can try wine by the flight or glass here, in a more informal atmosphere. They also have a number of natural wines that are really great, and a few light snacks.
Details: Open Thursday – Saturday from 3-9 pm. Sunday 1-6 pm.
Address: 109 N Nugent Ave, Johnson City, TX 78636
Farmhouse Vineyards Marketplace – A tasting room for a winery based in the high plains of Texas. I like this location for their outdoor patio options, where we sat on rocking chairs watching the world go by. You can even taste wine in their renovated airstream trailer out front!
Details: Walk-ins welcome, but expect it to be busy on the weekend. Tasting costs $20/person.
Address: 402 E Main St, Johnson City, TX 78636
2. LBJ's Childhood Home
Johnson City was settled by Lyndon B Johnson’s family and he was born not far from here. Most people also visit the state park named for him just down Highway 290 in Stonewall which has a living history farm, trails, and bison. His ranch is also near the state park.
LBJ’s boyhood home is located in the city center of Johnson City and Park Rangers offer free tours on the hour. Adjacent to the home is a visitors center and parkland with a trail that features several historic buildings.
Details: Hours are from 9:00 – 11:30 am, and 1:00 – 4:30 pm. Tours are free.
Address: 200 E Elm St, Johnson City, TX 78636
3. Johnson City Breweries
The Hill Country is no stranger to brewing beer. You’ll find the highest concentration in Dripping Springs, but Johnson City has a few spots to try out too.
Reck ‘Em Right Brewing – If you need a beverage after touring LBJ’s boyhood home, Reck ‘Em Right is across the street! Their craft beer selection is small but changes often and uses a unique yeast called Kveik. We really liked most of the beers we tried, especially their Saison! They also have a BBQ truck on-site for food.
Details: Open Thursday – Monday 11 am – 9 pm.
Address: 102 S Avenue G, Johnson City, TX 78636
Pecan Street Brewing – This location is a restaurant and brewery in one. They have a full menu as well as wine and other beverages. We visited during Christmas time when they fully decorate and it’s quite the festive atmosphere.
Details: Open daily from 11 am – 8 pm on weekdays and 11 am – 9 pm on the weekend. During the holidays when the PEC lights (see below) are lit, there can be a really long wait.
Address: 106 E Pecan Dr, Johnson City, TX 78636
4. Pedernales Electric Cooperative Christmas Lights
A true Hill Country Christmas tradition, the Pedernales Electric Cooperative Lights are a sight to see. Thousands of lights wrap a grove of oak trees right outside the company’s headquarters.
Starting at the end of November through the beginning of January, you can view the lights nightly. Bring your thermos of hot chocolate and your warm jacket and wander in between the trees.
Address: 201 S Avenue F, Johnson City, TX 78636
5. The Laid-Back Small Town Feeling Remains
While Fredericksburg has become the focal point of Texas Wine Country, it is also quite busy and more expensive. Johnson City has retained the laid-back and quaint small town feel.
There is not as much variety and selection as Austin or Fredericksburg, but sometimes that makes a visit so much easier. Don’t you think?
Outdoors Bonus: Pedernales Falls State Park
Head East from Johnson City on 2766/Robinson Road and in 10 minutes you’ll arrive at Pedernales Falls State Park. If you are looking for hiking in Texas, this is your spot.
Hiking trails vary from easy to advanced, and short to long. The falls are a beautiful area where the water has weaved its way around the rock, and there are other scenic vistas throughout the park. You’ll also find an area to swim and camping spots for both tents and RVs.
Details: You’ll need to make a reservation in advance even if you just need a day pass. Cost is $13/person for ages 13 and up. Primitive campsites are $10/day, and campsites with water and electric hookups are $20/day. Click here for more details.
Address: 2585 Park Rd 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636
NEW: Picnic'd Market
If you are looking for a place to grab lunch in Johnson City, this is the place! Offering charcuterie boxes, sandwiches, wine by the glass, and more – this is a great stop. Located on N Ave G, this space used to house the wine production for Crowson next door. Now you can taste wine in the tasting room and hop over to Picnic’d to eat.
I can’t wait to venture over to Johnson City again when I want quality wine or beer, some history, or that small town feel!
What do you love about Johnson City, Texas? Let me know in the comments!
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5 Comments
Sandi
What about shopping? You didn’t mention any of the local shops or the art scene to enjoy. There’s more to JC than drinking, you know.
Plan to Explore
That is true! This is definitely not an exhaustive list of all the great things to do in JC. Let me know a few of your favorite shops, I would love to check them out next time I am out that way. 🙂
Brandon
I think the point the author is trying to make here is that people COME for the drinks, and STAY for the local shops and art scene.
Janet Young
Johnson city coffee co is fabulous! Kay’s Honey Pecan latte is so yummy! Friendliest staff!
Plan to Explore
You had me at honey pecan latte! I’ll definitely be giving that one a try, I appreciate the recommendation!