By Maggie Heyn Richardson 

Situated in the heart of Texas Hill Country, the charming town of Blanco welcomes visitors looking for authentic culture, quiet charm and natural beauty. This friendly community is located an hour from both Austin and San Antonio and is packed with unique sites that bring the region’s history to life. Blanco is home to one of the state’s oldest dance halls, a tranquil and beloved state park, and, of course, the lovely Blanco River. As the weather starts to change, make time to shop, dine, explore, and relax in beautiful Blanco. 

Old Blanco County Courthouse 

The crown jewel of Blanco—and a perfect first stop for visitors—is the Old Blanco County Courthouse, a grand structure in the center of town built in 1886. Tour the building free of charge Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm. Visitors from all over the world marvel at its French Revival Second Empire-style architecture. Be sure to take a tour and explore its multifaceted history as a courthouse, hospital, school, museum, and even Hollywood film location. The building is also available for weddings, receptions, and other special events. 

No surprise, lots of community events take place here, including Blanco Market Day, a popular gathering held on the third Saturday of the month between March and December. The all-day bazaar features booths hosted by regional craftspeople where you can pick up unique handmade items and gifts. Don’t miss the special Market Day in December—it’s perfect for holiday shopping.  

What’s more, the courthouse grounds also happen to be home to the Blanco Lavendar Festival, where you can purchase artisan crafts, enjoy regional wines, take in live music, and much more! Naturally, the centerpiece of the festival is the amazing lineup of lavender products from Hill Country Lavender, such as soap, sprays, and culinary items.  

Buggy Barn Museum and Pine-Moore Town  

It’s almost impossible to imagine, but before planes, trains, and automobiles, the horse and buggy was a coveted form of transportation—especially in the Old West. Step back in time to the 19th Century at Blanco’s Buggy Barn Museum, where more than 140 authentic buggies, carriages, and wagons dating back to 1860-1900 remind us of the determination it took to explore new lands. Several of the museum’s buggies are stars themselves, having been featured in movies like True Grit, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, There Will Be Blood, The Redemption of Henry Myers, Deliverance Creek, the television series Revolution, Underground, and more. 

The living museum is connected to another fun site, Pine-Moore town, which preserves all the elements that defined a pioneer town: an old mercantile building, bank, saloon, and church. If it feels like you’ve entered a movie set, well, you have. The facility can be rented for film shoots and private events.  

Uptown Blanco Arts and Entertainment  

Set in a beautifully restored historic building facing the Old Blanco County Courthouse, Uptown Blanco is a multipurpose arts and entertainment hub. The facility features the Uptown Blanco Restaurant, where you can sink your teeth into gourmet-forward American cuisine while sipping fine wines. Don’t miss paying a visit to the Textiles Studio, heaven for anyone into wildly popular textile arts and crafts. With hardwood floors, high ceilings and plenty of natural light, the studio features a wide variety of everyday and special fabrics for quilters, seamstresses and fabric artists.  

Uptown Blanco’s Ballroom is home to numerous special events, including concerts, wine dinners, and receptions. The facility’s Courtyard also includes an outdoor entertainment space that can be reserved for weddings, parties, and other events.   

Blanco State Park  

Situated in the heart of town, Blanco State Park is one of Texas’ most charming recreational areas. The park’s 105 lush acres include two forested trails, camping areas, and a one-mile shoreline of the beautiful spring-fed Blanco River. The charming limestone and timber pavilion, available for family gatherings and special events, was built in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. In the summertime, the park is a beloved place to swim, splash, and cool off in the Texas sun. Year-round, it’s a great place for picnicking, taking a leisurely hike, camping, and fishing. Bring along your own boat, or rent a kayak or tube at the park store. The campsites include primitive and RV hookups, as well as screened shelters with electricity that overlook the river.  

Twin Sisters Dancehall   

There’s some debate as to which is older, Twin Sisters Dancehall or Gruene Hall in nearby Gruene, but there’s no arguing that both are historic gems not to be missed. Twin Sister Dancehall was built by German immigrants in the 19th Century and continues to host public dances on the first Saturday of every month, as well as community events. This beautifully restored building is actually run by community volunteers and is a great place to catch live music, grab a partner, and break out your best two-step. The bar sells beer, wine, wine coolers, sparkling wine, sodas, water, and snacks. Feeling hungry? Grab some real pit barbecue from the Old 300 BBQ food truck outside.  

It’s no surprise that a town as charming as Blanco would offer unique places to stay. Opt for an inn or guest house, a traditional hotel in the heart of the community, or a cabin at a 40-acre exotic animal park! Plan your trip to Blanco today and enjoy rural relaxation at its best.  

About the Author: A lover of all things Lone Star, Maggie is an award-winning features writer covering the Gulf South. She’s also the author of Hungry for Louisiana, An Omnivore’s Journey.