Breweries Archives - Plan to Explore https://plantoexplore.com/tag/breweries/ Your Resource for Easy Travel Tips Fri, 28 Mar 2025 18:26:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://plantoexplore.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/cropped-P-1-32x32.png Breweries Archives - Plan to Explore https://plantoexplore.com/tag/breweries/ 32 32 Top Dripping Springs Breweries You Need to Visit – from a Local [Updated 2025] https://plantoexplore.com/dripping-springs-breweries/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dripping-springs-breweries https://plantoexplore.com/dripping-springs-breweries/#comments Fri, 16 Apr 2021 19:51:00 +0000 https://plantoexplore.com/?p=1619 The Texas Hill Country is best known for the many wineries stretching for miles along Highway 290, but did you know there are amazing breweries too? Dripping Springs breweries have been popping up over the past decade, and there are now enough to visit that it would be tough to hit them all in a weekend.  If you are planning a trip to Dripping and love beer, or are traveling with someone who does, read on for the rundown on some of my favorite locations. (And don’t worry, if beer is not your drink of choice, most offer alternatives!)  Where is Dripping Springs? Dripping Springs is located in the Texas Hill Country, about 30 minutes outside of Austin. While wineries start in Dripping and continue all the way into Fredericksburg (about 45 minutes away), the majority of the breweries and distilleries are actually in Dripping!  When to visit Dripping Springs Dripping is really a great place to visit for most months of the year. If you want ideal weather for Dripping Springs breweries, I would visit in the Spring or the Fall. Summer temps really start to rise in late June – August, and a lot of the breweries have the majority of their space outside. Not to say you can’t find AC if you want to!  Where to Stay in Dripping Springs Did you know that Dripping is also a top wedding location in Texas? The good news – that means lots of fun local accommodations in the area. Personally I love using Airbnb. Below are a few other awesome options for you to check out and book!  Hill Country Casitas – A little bit off the beaten path, but offering a private retreat-like feel, these casitas are a fun option. Each casita offers an outdoor patio and hill country views. At least click to take a look at these little cottages! Quintessential Hill Country!  Lucky Arrow Retreat – This is such a unique place to stay in Dripping! Perched on a hilltop next to Bell Springs Winery/Brewery, the location is great. They offer upscale cabins and yurts, and amenities include a pool and an event space.  Click here to browse accommodations in Dripping!  Dripping Springs Breweries Suds Monkey Brewing About: Suds Monkey is the modern version of a local neighborhood bar, except with high-quality brews and pizza. This location features an indoor taproom with tables and a bar, as well as a large beer garden that caters to kids. Their beer selection is pretty wide with typically 10 beers on tap varying from blonde, to IPA, to hefeweizen, and porter. This is a great spot to go hang out all day. Also…I love pizza. 🙂  Tip: The owner often features events like Music Bing on Saturday nights and Wednesday night trivia, an Easter egg hunt in the Spring and more. Most of which are family-friendly. Check their website or social media for details!  Food: Pizza is available for dine-in or take out and the quality is really good. They also have salads, garlic knots, and cheesy bread so there is something for everyone.   Family Friendly: Yes! Playscape out front and kids are welcome in the taproom. Also pet friendly!  Alternative beverages: Yes! They also have wine and seltzer available, as well as sodas and juice boxes.  Location: 12024 US-290, Austin, TX 78737 (Picture is of the old location) Website for more details Vista Brewing About: Technically not in Dripping but in neighboring Driftwood, this taproom and garden has some of the most interesting and delicious beers in the area. They often partner with other breweries and wineries to make unique blends. Their beers cover a large spectrum from IPA, to blonde, to farmhouse ales. They offer a large outdoor beer garden space, and large indoor tables as well. Since this location is closer to the Austin Metro, get there early on a nice day to secure a table.  TIP: Grab your beer from the walk-up outdoor window, it can sometimes have a shorter line than the indoor bar.  Food: Vista offers elevated comfort food that pairs perfectly with its unique beers. They also have an on-site farm where they bee keep and grow fresh food.  Family Friendly: Yes! There is a large play platform with a slide towards the rear of the beer garden.  Alternative Beverages: Yes! With cider, sparkling wine, rose, white and red wine, anyone can find a drink they prefer. Non-alcoholic drinks include root beer, lemonade, sparkling water, and when you need a little pick me up – cold brew coffee.  Location: 13551 Ranch to Market Rd 150, Driftwood, TX 78619 Website for more details Bell Springs Winery & Brewery About: Wait a minute – a two for one location?? That’s right, Bell Springs has long been a winery in Dripping, but added brewing beer in 2019. They now offer wine tasting at one bar, and beer taps at another within the same building. With two covered porches and a good amount of outdoor seating, this is an ideal location to lounge outside. Typically four beers on tap, and last time we had a blonde and an IPA. Their seasonal Oktoberfest beers are amazing and have won awards. TIP: This is one of the most laid back wineries in the Hill Country. So if you like wine (and beer) in a relaxed atmosphere this is the place for you. Sunday is a perfect day here, Friday and Saturday can get busy with winery bus tours.  Food: The food truck on site has great options, and there are happy hour prices on Thursday and Fridays from 3:00 – close.  Family Friendly: Yes! They added a playscape in 2024, there is a dry creek bed that my son loves to check out (within site of outdoor tables). Alternative Beverages: Soda, water or sparkling water.  Location: 3700 Bell Springs Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Website for more details Acopon About: This brewery is the perfect stop as you stroll the shops on historic Mercer Street in downtown Dripping. Their beers focus on English Pub style brews. You’ll find cask style pours, as well as IPA, hefeweizen, barrel-aged ale, Czech pilsner, and more. Taps rotate so will vary.  Tip: Weeknights (Wednesday & Thursday) are pretty quiet here, so if you want an intimate experience it’s a great time of the week to go.  Food: They often have a food truck on-site, but you may want to check before you go.  Family Friendly: Yes, they have board games inside, and kids are welcome to sit inside or out (it is a small room so do make sure they are courteous). No official kids space.  Alternative Beverages: Yes! They have cider and wine available as well as sodas. My son loves the rootbeer.  Location: 211 W. Mercer St., Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Website for more details 12 Fox Beer Co About: A veteran-owned brewery, 12 Fox is located the furthest off the beaten path. With an outdoor beer garden and a large closed-in porch (with heat and A/C) for the bar and seating, this is a great spot to spend some time. Their beers focus on Belgian and German European styles with a saison, hefeweizen, and Belgian tripel usually on draft.  Tip: Check to see which food truck will be on-site before you get there! They also have a big Oktoberfest celebration yearly, as well as other fun events! Check them out on Instagram (owner posts regularly)  Food: Varies depending on what food truck is parked on-site for the weekend. Regulars include Gummis BBQ, Gourmet Burgers, and Tacos. The taproom also offers an ice cream freezer for treats.  Family Friendly: Yes! Full playscape, and swingset on-site. Adult supervision required.  Alternative Drinks: Yes! Wine and mead on tap, juice for kids, water, and sodas.  Location: 4700 W Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Website for more details Going – for cheap flight notifications! Want cheap flight deals delivered straight to your inbox? I love and use Going to send me the best cheap flights and mistake fares!  I booked flights to and from Madrid, Spain for only $400/each in the past using their notifications.  Click here to sign up for a free account, or a subscription for even better deals.  Ghost Note Brewing About: New to the brewery scene in 2021, Ghost Note is an awesome addition to the beer scene. I love the atmosphere with a nice open air deck and well manicured beer garden space. They have a varied beer selection, when we visited our selections included an IPA, Saison, and Blonde. Some of my favorite beer in the area.  Tip: They offer a variety of live music on the weekends.  Food: There is a resident food truck on site with Mexican food, to be honest it’s not my favorite bit it does the trick for a quick snack.  Family Friendly: Yes! They have a more natural playscape with a climbing net and slide.  Alternative Drinks: Yes! They have sodas, sweet tea, and non-alcoholic beer, as well as wine and house made hard seltzer that is really good.  Location: 23663 Ranch Road 12, Ghost Note Ln, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Want more Dripping info? Click to read my full Insider’s Travel Guide to Dripping Springs! Fitzhugh Brewery About: Joining the likes of Treaty Oak and Jester King along Fitzhugh Road, this spot is quite the contender. I’ve visited multiple times now and each time found a different beer that I loved. Hazy IPA, Austrian style beer, saison, stout, and more are part of their rotating taps with ver unique beers. The taproom is stylish with room to sit indoors, a covered porch, and huge beer garden outside as well.  Tip: This place gets busy on the weekend. Arrive early to snag a table.  Food: Full menu of delicious food, which is a major plus. We love their big soft pretzel with queso.  Family Friendly: 100%. The beer garden tables are all placed in a circle around the playground. They also have popsicles, what more can a kid ask for? Dog friendly too! Alternative Drinks: Yes! They have wine and hard seltzer, as well as fountain drinks. (Wine at a brewery can be pricy, but this spot if affordable!)  Address: 15435 Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Dripping Springs Breweries – Pro Tips Visiting more than 2 breweries a day would be a bit optimistic. You’ll find that it’s much more enjoyable to relax and stay awhile. I recommend keeping your agenda light.  We are outside the city in the Hill Country, and there can be bugs. I suggest closed-toe shoes especially if red ants tend to like you. Also, bug spray your ankles to be safe especially in late spring and summer.  Have you been to any of these Dripping Springs Breweries? Let me know your favorite in the comments!

The post Top Dripping Springs Breweries You Need to Visit – from a Local [Updated 2025] appeared first on Plan to Explore.

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The Texas Hill Country is best known for the many wineries stretching for miles along Highway 290, but did you know there are amazing breweries too? Dripping Springs breweries have been popping up over the past decade, and there are now enough to visit that it would be tough to hit them all in a weekend. 

If you are planning a trip to Dripping and love beer, or are traveling with someone who does, read on for the rundown on some of my favorite locations. (And don’t worry, if beer is not your drink of choice, most offer alternatives!) 

Where is Dripping Springs?

Dripping Springs is located in the Texas Hill Country, about 30 minutes outside of Austin. While wineries start in Dripping and continue all the way into Fredericksburg (about 45 minutes away), the majority of the breweries and distilleries are actually in Dripping! 

Dripping Springs Outdoors

When to visit Dripping Springs

Dripping is really a great place to visit for most months of the year. If you want ideal weather for Dripping Springs breweries, I would visit in the Spring or the Fall. Summer temps really start to rise in late June – August, and a lot of the breweries have the majority of their space outside. Not to say you can’t find AC if you want to! 

Where to Stay in Dripping Springs

Did you know that Dripping is also a top wedding location in Texas? The good news – that means lots of fun local accommodations in the area. Personally I love using Airbnb. Below are a few other awesome options for you to check out and book! 

Hill Country Casitas – A little bit off the beaten path, but offering a private retreat-like feel, these casitas are a fun option. Each casita offers an outdoor patio and hill country views. At least click to take a look at these little cottages! Quintessential Hill Country! 

Lucky Arrow Retreat – This is such a unique place to stay in Dripping! Perched on a hilltop next to Bell Springs Winery/Brewery, the location is great. They offer upscale cabins and yurts, and amenities include a pool and an event space. 

Click here to browse accommodations in Dripping! 

Dripping Springs Breweries

Suds Monkey Brewing

Dripping Springs Breweries, Suds Monkey Brewing, Plan to Explore

About: Suds Monkey is the modern version of a local neighborhood bar, except with high-quality brews and pizza. This location features an indoor taproom with tables and a bar, as well as a large beer garden that caters to kids. Their beer selection is pretty wide with typically 10 beers on tap varying from blonde, to IPA, to hefeweizen, and porter. This is a great spot to go hang out all day. Also…I love pizza. 🙂 

Tip: The owner often features events like Music Bing on Saturday nights and Wednesday night trivia, an Easter egg hunt in the Spring and more. Most of which are family-friendly. Check their website or social media for details! 

Food: Pizza is available for dine-in or take out and the quality is really good. They also have salads, garlic knots, and cheesy bread so there is something for everyone.  

Family Friendly: Yes! Playscape out front and kids are welcome in the taproom. Also pet friendly! 

Alternative beverages: Yes! They also have wine and seltzer available, as well as sodas and juice boxes. 

Location: 12024 US-290, Austin, TX 78737 (Picture is of the old location)

Website for more details

Vista Brewing

Vista Brewing, Dripping Springs Breweries, Plan to Explore

About: Technically not in Dripping but in neighboring Driftwood, this taproom and garden has some of the most interesting and delicious beers in the area. They often partner with other breweries and wineries to make unique blends. Their beers cover a large spectrum from IPA, to blonde, to farmhouse ales. They offer a large outdoor beer garden space, and large indoor tables as well. Since this location is closer to the Austin Metro, get there early on a nice day to secure a table. 

TIP: Grab your beer from the walk-up outdoor window, it can sometimes have a shorter line than the indoor bar. 

Food: Vista offers elevated comfort food that pairs perfectly with its unique beers. They also have an on-site farm where they bee keep and grow fresh food. 

Family Friendly: Yes! There is a large play platform with a slide towards the rear of the beer garden. 

Alternative Beverages: Yes! With cider, sparkling wine, rose, white and red wine, anyone can find a drink they prefer. Non-alcoholic drinks include root beer, lemonade, sparkling water, and when you need a little pick me up – cold brew coffee. 

Location: 13551 Ranch to Market Rd 150, Driftwood, TX 78619

Website for more details

Bell Springs Winery & Brewery

Wine & Beer, Bell Springs, Dripping Springs Brewey, Plan to Explore

About: Wait a minute – a two for one location?? That’s right, Bell Springs has long been a winery in Dripping, but added brewing beer in 2019. They now offer wine tasting at one bar, and beer taps at another within the same building. With two covered porches and a good amount of outdoor seating, this is an ideal location to lounge outside. Typically four beers on tap, and last time we had a blonde and an IPA. Their seasonal Oktoberfest beers are amazing and have won awards.

TIP: This is one of the most laid back wineries in the Hill Country. So if you like wine (and beer) in a relaxed atmosphere this is the place for you. Sunday is a perfect day here, Friday and Saturday can get busy with winery bus tours. 

Food: The food truck on site has great options, and there are happy hour prices on Thursday and Fridays from 3:00 – close. 

Family Friendly: Yes! They added a playscape in 2024, there is a dry creek bed that my son loves to check out (within site of outdoor tables).

Alternative Beverages: Soda, water or sparkling water. 

Location: 3700 Bell Springs Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Website for more details

Acopon

Acopon Brewing, Dripping Springs Breweries, Plan to Explore

About: This brewery is the perfect stop as you stroll the shops on historic Mercer Street in downtown Dripping. Their beers focus on English Pub style brews. You’ll find cask style pours, as well as IPA, hefeweizen, barrel-aged ale, Czech pilsner, and more. Taps rotate so will vary. 

Tip: Weeknights (Wednesday & Thursday) are pretty quiet here, so if you want an intimate experience it’s a great time of the week to go. 

Food: They often have a food truck on-site, but you may want to check before you go. 

Family Friendly: Yes, they have board games inside, and kids are welcome to sit inside or out (it is a small room so do make sure they are courteous). No official kids space. 

Alternative Beverages: Yes! They have cider and wine available as well as sodas. My son loves the rootbeer. 

Location: 211 W. Mercer St., Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Website for more details

12 Fox Beer Co

About: A veteran-owned brewery, 12 Fox is located the furthest off the beaten path. With an outdoor beer garden and a large closed-in porch (with heat and A/C) for the bar and seating, this is a great spot to spend some time. Their beers focus on Belgian and German European styles with a saison, hefeweizen, and Belgian tripel usually on draft. 

Tip: Check to see which food truck will be on-site before you get there! They also have a big Oktoberfest celebration yearly, as well as other fun events! Check them out on Instagram (owner posts regularly) 

Food: Varies depending on what food truck is parked on-site for the weekend. Regulars include Gummis BBQ, Gourmet Burgers, and Tacos. The taproom also offers an ice cream freezer for treats. 

Family Friendly: Yes! Full playscape, and swingset on-site. Adult supervision required. 

Alternative Drinks: Yes! Wine and mead on tap, juice for kids, water, and sodas. 

Location: 4700 W Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Website for more details

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I booked flights to and from Madrid, Spain for only $400/each in the past using their notifications. 

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Ghost Note Brewing

Ghost Note Brewing at night, Plan to Explore

About: New to the brewery scene in 2021, Ghost Note is an awesome addition to the beer scene. I love the atmosphere with a nice open air deck and well manicured beer garden space. They have a varied beer selection, when we visited our selections included an IPA, Saison, and Blonde. Some of my favorite beer in the area. 

Tip: They offer a variety of live music on the weekends. 

Food: There is a resident food truck on site with Mexican food, to be honest it’s not my favorite bit it does the trick for a quick snack. 

Family Friendly: Yes! They have a more natural playscape with a climbing net and slide. 

Alternative Drinks: Yes! They have sodas, sweet tea, and non-alcoholic beer, as well as wine and house made hard seltzer that is really good. 

Location: 23663 Ranch Road 12, Ghost Note Ln, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Want more Dripping info? Click to read my full Insider's Travel Guide to Dripping Springs!

Fitzhugh Brewery

Fitzhugh Brewery, Plan to Explore

About: Joining the likes of Treaty Oak and Jester King along Fitzhugh Road, this spot is quite the contender. I’ve visited multiple times now and each time found a different beer that I loved. Hazy IPA, Austrian style beer, saison, stout, and more are part of their rotating taps with ver unique beers. The taproom is stylish with room to sit indoors, a covered porch, and huge beer garden outside as well. 

Tip: This place gets busy on the weekend. Arrive early to snag a table. 

Food: Full menu of delicious food, which is a major plus. We love their big soft pretzel with queso. 

Family Friendly: 100%. The beer garden tables are all placed in a circle around the playground. They also have popsicles, what more can a kid ask for? Dog friendly too!

Alternative Drinks: Yes! They have wine and hard seltzer, as well as fountain drinks. (Wine at a brewery can be pricy, but this spot if affordable!) 

Address: 15435 Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Dripping Springs Breweries - Pro Tips

  • Visiting more than 2 breweries a day would be a bit optimistic. You’ll find that it’s much more enjoyable to relax and stay awhile. I recommend keeping your agenda light. 
  • We are outside the city in the Hill Country, and there can be bugs. I suggest closed-toe shoes especially if red ants tend to like you. Also, bug spray your ankles to be safe especially in late spring and summer. 

Have you been to any of these Dripping Springs Breweries? Let me know your favorite in the comments!

The post Top Dripping Springs Breweries You Need to Visit – from a Local [Updated 2025] appeared first on Plan to Explore.

]]> https://plantoexplore.com/dripping-springs-breweries/feed/ 1 5 Reasons to Not Miss Johnson City, Texas on Your Hill Country Visit [Updated 2025] https://plantoexplore.com/johnson-city-texas/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=johnson-city-texas https://plantoexplore.com/johnson-city-texas/#comments Thu, 01 Apr 2021 19:02:25 +0000 https://plantoexplore.com/?p=2728 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.  Looking for somewhere to stay around Johnson City? Booking.com will search for hotels based on your criteria. Use the box below to start searching! 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.  830.225.8880 Address: Tasting room recently closed – TBD on updated location!  Natural Wine at Crowson 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  The Parlour Wine Bar, featuring wine from Southold Farm & Cellar 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 Farmhouse Vineyard Marketplace 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.  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 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: *TEMPORARILY CLOSED MARCH 2025*  Address: 102 S Avenue G, Johnson City, TX 78636 Read More: Insider’s Travel Guide for Drippings Springs, Texas 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 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. Offering wine by the glass as well.  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! Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I really, really appreciate your support and could not continue this blog without you! 

The post 5 Reasons to Not Miss Johnson City, Texas on Your Hill Country Visit [Updated 2025] appeared first on Plan to Explore.

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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. 

Looking for somewhere to stay around Johnson City? Booking.com will search for hotels based on your criteria. Use the box below to start searching!

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.  830.225.8880

Address: Tasting room recently closed – TBD on updated location! 

Crowson Wine, Johnson City, Texas, Plan to Explore
Natural Wine at Crowson

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 

The Parlour, Johnson City, TX, Plan to Explore
The Parlour Wine Bar, featuring wine from Southold Farm & Cellar

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

Farmhouse Vineyard Marketplace, Johnson City, Plan to Explore
Farmhouse Vineyard Marketplace

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. 

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

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: *TEMPORARILY CLOSED MARCH 2025* 

Address: 102 S Avenue G, Johnson City, TX 78636

Reck Em Right Brewing, Johnson City, Texas, Plan to Explore

Read More: Insider's Travel Guide for Drippings Springs, Texas

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

Johnson City Lights, Plan to Explore

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? 

TripAdvisor

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

Pedernales Falls State Park, Plan to Explore

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. Offering wine by the glass as well. 

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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