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hisdtorical vctorian house in granbury, texas
Bougie wine bars, sassy shops, and spiked milkshakes await those who “make the square” in Granbury these days — along with effervescent festivals and bold new boutique hotels. It’s a far cry from the quaint and sleepy ambiance that once attracted visitors from Fort Worth, located less than an hour away. Live music bubbles out of almost every restaurant on the weekends, attracting a buoyant crowd of young families and fresh-faced bar hoppers. Major events — like the 4th of July celebration — transform the courthouse square into an open-air marketplace with handcrafted treasures and the feeling of a funfair.
All this revelry is juxtaposed against timeworn limestone architecture and soaring Victorian facades that evoke Granbury’s heyday in the late 19th century. Restored in the 1970s, the square retains its throwback charm and character; almost every building bears a Texas historical marker. The 1890 Hood County Courthouse flaunts its original clock, and the Hood County Jail Museum preserves an Old West cellblock and gallows.
Dig into Granbury’s past, and you’ll encounter a jumble of outlaw appearances and conspiracy theories. John Wilkes Booth, Jesse James, Billy the Kid, and Bonnie and Clyde all purportedly passed through, hid out, or invented new identities in Granbury after faking their deaths. David Crockett surprisingly isn’t on this list, despite the fact that his wife Elizabeth is unquestionably buried nearby in Acton State Park. A poignant statue of the frontierswoman tops her tombstone, scanning the southwestern horizon for a husband who will never come home.
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Drone fall photo in Granbury Texas
Dusty mysteries mingle freely with modern pleasures on the square and environs, like oxygen-infused facials at Serenity day spa and three wine tasting rooms (D’Vine Wine, Bull Lion Ranch, and Barons Creek Vineyards). Indulge in 40 flavors of craft ice cream like TX Honey Whiskey at Silver Saddle Saloon or sip a boozy concoction like a rum and root beer float. Retail therapy remains the primary diversion in town, and most boutiques and decor stores have a feminine slant that falls somewhere between upscale flash, cutesy cowgirl, and “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” You’ll find everything from oil paintings by local artisans and gourmet popcorn spice blends to porch swings with built-in drink tables.
The colorful beach bags and boat-shaped cookie cutters on sale are a reminder that there’s more to Granbury than the square: The town’s namesake lake provides over 100 miles of shoreline to enjoy, including a pretty white sand beach just three blocks from the courthouse. Cocktail cruises, canoes, and charter boats ply the waters of the long and winding lake, created in 1969 by damming up the Brazos River. Stocked with bass and catfish every year, the lake brings out a bevy of pontoon boats as well as jet skiers and stand-up paddleboarders.
Whether you go for the day or stay for the weekend, sink a line in the lake or shop until you drop — Granbury gives you plenty of reasons to go out and explore.
Explore Granbury
Savor:
Only one word describes Baked’s flaky chocolate croissants, dreamy danishes, and slow-fermented sourdough bread: perfection. The European-style bakery isn’t on the square, so you’ll want to stop there on the way into town — and maybe again on the way out. Preorders are required on Saturdays. Standouts by the courthouse include fish and chips at Fisherman’s Corner, Wiener schnitzel at Ketzler’s, and anything at Christina’s. The downstairs bar is always packed at 1890 Grille, a go-to for tender steaks. Next door at 1890 Marketplace, you can sample flavored olive oils and white balsamic vinegars. If you’re looking for casual lakefront eats, locals swear by the fish tacos at Stumpy’s — and for the finest of fine dining, book a table at Restaurant Anise.
Shop:
One of the newest fashion stores on the square, Ryder & Scout has a hip Western aesthetic and a “Make Your Own Trucker Hat” bar. You’ll feel like you’re inside a pink champagne cocktail at Pug on a Pontoon, an irreverent boutique with frivolous finds like tinsel-fringed dish towels and “Shut Up & Zen” green tea. At St. Helen’s shop, a tiny dog with giant ears keeps an eye on the rustic-chic collection of holiday doodads, scented candles, and vintage-inspired glassware. Browse local topics and ghost stories at Arts & Letters Bookstore and admire the windmill ceiling fans at Wagon Yard, one of the few stores around that skews masculine. Just east of the square, The Pearl and Lake Granbury Mercantile are two more gift/home/apparel stores worth a look.
Enjoy:
Catch Broadway musicals at the landmark 1886 Granbury Opera House, an intimate 309-seat theater restored with aplomb. This year’s calendar includes “Newsies,” “Oklahoma!,” “Annie,” and “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” The nearby venue Granbury Live is even smaller (270 seats) and hosts a variety of musical performances and tribute bands along with the odd comedian. During the Halloween and Christmas seasons, Brian Clowdus Experiences takes over the Langdon Center with immersive theatrical escapades that invite you to participate in spellbinding stories like “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “The Christmas Carol.” And every Saturday, the family-owned Revolver Brewing throws open its doors for lawn games, music shows, and plenty of specialty beers on tap.
Snooze:
Weekenders will encounter an abundance of charming retreats in Granbury that are ideal for romantic interludes or girlfriend getaways. With an unbeatable location right on the courthouse square, N on the Square offers seven suites with exposed stone walls, wood beam ceilings, and French country elan. Four blocks away near City Beach, Hotel Lucy feels glamorous and indulgent — and every suite is one of a kind. Get even closer to the water at the Inn on Lake Granbury (two blocks from the square), an oasis of true luxury with wine, iced tea, or lemonade delivered daily.
How to Get There:
From downtown Fort Worth, you’ll hop on the Chisholm Trail Parkway from E. Sixth Street for 4.6 miles and then exit onto Interstate 20 W. In 3.4 miles, take the exit for US-377 S and follow it all the way to Granbury, about 26 miles. Take a slight right onto US-377 BUS S/E Pearl Street to reach the courthouse square, which is straight ahead in 1.6 miles.
