I've been to F'burg a couple of times and know the main tourist attractions. We're going back next week and I was curious if there were other fun things to do that are lesser known. TIA!

What ones have you been to that you don't want listed again? There's a few lesser knowns but it will help knowing what you've already done. Also, are you looking for winery recommendations or things other than wineries?

SupermachJM said:

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What ones have you been to that you don't want listed again? There's a few lesser knowns but it will help knowing what you've already done. Also, are you looking for winery recommendations or things other than wineries?

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Good question! We've been to most of the well-known wineries (or tasting rooms) but haven't made it out to Grape Creek yet. I'm reasonably set for wineries but if people have a particular favorite, then I'd love to know. I know less about breweries and restaurants.

I was thinking about the travel book, Off the Beaten Path, where they list lesser-known activities for an area. Maybe things the locals know that maybe tourists have never heard of. But really, any recommendation is most appreciated.

Enchanted Rock State Park and Luckenbach are two that I would recommend, although I am not sure that they classify as Hidden Gems.

I wouldn't go out of your way to go to Grape Creek. It's gotten really snobby/touristy and the wine isn't close to as good as some other wineries. It used to be a lot better IMO.
Some of our favorite smaller wineries are Hilmy and Pebble Rock.

Depending on which direction you're coming from, Pedernales Falls State Park is one of the prettiest places in TX in the fall. One could almost be fooled into thinking they're back east with as many trees there that change colors.

Chase's place is one of our favorite restaurants in Fbg.

Altstadt isn't off the beaten path but it's a great brewery.

SupermachJM said:

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I wouldn't go out of your way to go to Grape Creek. It's gotten really snobby/touristy

Altstadt isn't off the beaten path but it's a great brewery.

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Agree on both counts. If you aren't a member at Grape Creek, they act like they don't want you there.

We really enjoyed Siboney Cellars, which is closer to Johnson City. Good atmosphere, great host and the wine was good.

https://www.siboneycellars.com/

Jack Klompus said:

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Old Tunnel State Park. You can see the bats that have taken up residence there emerge for the evening.

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That is a great call between March and October. But for next week, it may be a bit late as the bats have probably started leaving to head south already and the emergence may be a bit underwhelming. Also, if you do go to Old Tunnel to watch an emergence, 2 things...1) pay the extra fee to go to the lower observation area, it is a way better show, and 2) buy your access permit online ahead of time and either print it or be ready to show it on your phone, as I believe you are no longer able to buy the permits onsite.

Salvation Sprits Speakeasy (if you like gin & vodka), Blumenthals Farms for a drink & cigar by the river (they also have pickleball if that's more your thing), and Nimitz Museum are few things that come to mind other than wineries.

lazuras_dc said:

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Grape Creek can suck a D. Yes super snobby.

William Chris was my favorite by far and so was Garrison Bros.

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super snobby vibe is what I got at William Chris two out of the three times we've been there. the other time was great, so maybe we just got unlucky with the staff a couple times.

Garrison Bros is great though.

Been a member at William Chris for years now and can say that they have definitely moved towards the 'upscale' vibe since COVID. Once or twice I've gone in and seen the snob vibe but I think it's largely who is working that day and which building the tasting is done in. They are still nowhere close to as bad as Grape Creek (who stop you at the gate and make you park in a different parking lot if you're not a member, and you're not allowed to eat at their restaurant anymore if not a member either). We used to go to Grape Creek all the time years ago but they have made it clear if you are not a member they don't want you and they aren't afraid to say it. The best part of their property is the beautiful patio and the last straw for us was when we went and couldn't even have a glass of wine on the patio because we weren't members.

Chris of William Chris is a fantastic Aggie and has made some phenomenal wine over the years. He's also done great things helping to put the TX wine industry on the international map. I know that some think he has grown too much but I will still support him given the fact that I think he is putting out a good product and has a great background.

If you are interested in something a little different from wine and bourbon, go check out Dietz Distillery next door to Das Peach Haus. Owned and run by an Aggie, making gin, vodka and brandies.

AggieOO said:

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lazuras_dc said:

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Grape Creek can suck a D. Yes super snobby.

William Chris was my favorite by far and so was Garrison Bros.

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super snobby vibe is what I got at William Chris two out of the three times we've been there. the other time was great, so maybe we just got unlucky with the staff a couple times.

Garrison Bros is great though.

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We showed up at William Chris last year without a reservation (right after opening), and the folks at the front acted all put out that we would bother.

But the lady that did our tasting was awesome and we had a great time (and bought a bunch of wine).

That Napa-style business approach -- walk-ins discouraged, insane tasting fees -- seems like out of place in Texas but I guess more and more wineries will move that way.

ETA: It's been a couple of years since we visited Garrison Brothers but that was an awesome stop. I'm not big on tours but it was fun.

I liked the tour at Garrison Bros but their pricing is crazy to me for what you get. I much prefer the offerings at Still Austin.

To add to this be sure and to grab a burger at Alamo springs cafe next door if you ever do the bats at old tunnels

Unfortunately, Alamo Springs close some months back.

I'm not sure it's a hidden gem any more but the Hill Top Cafe about 10 miles north on 87 is a great meal. It's such a strange unexpected mix of Greek and hill country fare.

We're full. Try Johnson City.

We've started to venture towards Hye, Stonewall and Johnson City more and have been impressed with the wineries out that way.
Have had different vibes at William Chris but overall liked the wine and that it is Aggie owned.
Adega Vinho is probably our favorite right now - great wine and nice, boutique atmosphere.

This is in Fredericksburg, but Kalasi Cellars was really fun! Wine was great and the Tikka Masala Naan was outstanding. A different feel for a winery and the llamas on property were a fun addition, not sure if they are still there.

And we haven't done this, but I know of clients and friends that have, the Elephant Preserve is supposed to be amazing. Hands on experience with Elephants and other wildlife in the middle of Texas sounds pretty cool.

breezecustomtravel said:

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We've started to venture towards Hye, Stonewall and Johnson City more and have been impressed with the wineries out that way.

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We stayed in Johnson City for our last trip and it was ideal. As you said, lots of wineries opening in that area and it's close enough to FBurg for shopping, dining, etc.

Also if we're talking Aggie-owned wineries we can't forget 12 Fires, which is just outside of Johnson City.

https://12fires.com/

Narrow Path & Pedernales are great wineries as well.

ConstructionAg01 said:

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Unfortunately, Alamo Springs close some months back.

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Say it ain't so! We stay a couple miles away, and was looking forward to stopping by on our way in next month

Txhuntr said:

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ConstructionAg01 said:

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Unfortunately, Alamo Springs close some months back.

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Say it ain't so! We stay a couple miles away, and was looking forward to stopping by on our way in next month

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Might check in on them depending on when you are going. Their facebook page is claiming a soft re-opening is coming in late November.

Facebook

head north on Crabapple Rd, lovely hills and an old church.

We just went this week,

Slate was our fav,
Then William Chris,
Then Signor,
Then Becker's - they had good wine, just tiny pours

We were disappointed with Slate after hearing some good things. The wine didnt have much to it and the Montrose alt style bar setting was a turnoff for us. We enjoyed Pedernales as usual along with Narrow Path and William Chris. Had a great tasting experience with Dan at Kulhman Estate. Enjoyed a bottle from Pebble Rock Cellars in Johnson City with dinner Friday night.

Pebble Rock is one of our favorites!

We loved the cave tasting vibe at Slate