As you head west out of Central Texas, the landscape quickly changes from city to rolling hills and lake scenes. Winding through the Highland Lakes region, a road-tripper can enjoy steep cliffs and limestone rock formations.
Located in the middle of this beautiful region is Marble Falls, a small but bustling town located right on Lake Marble Falls. Marble Falls still has that small town Texas feel, but also features wineries, great food, an art scene, and a busy, walkable downtown full of unique shopping opportunities. From boutique shopping to art galleries, there’s a hip vibe to their vintage scene.
Bridget’s Bed & Breakfast is a great place to hang your hat while exploring Marble Falls and the surrounding Hill Country. Located in two historic homes, this bed and breakfast with six rooms is comfortable with everything you need – from plush bedding to chic interior design and a full kitchen. It’s just a block from the historic downtown district with great shopping, coffee shops, music venues and restaurants.
Historic downtown Marble Falls is 11-by-7 blocks long and extremely walkable.
Stop in at Ms. Lollipop’s for some nostalgic gifts and old-time candies. Fiesta Winery offers tastings of six wines, such as their pinot grigio. It has a creamy butterscotch flavor. Or try the semi-sweet Chicky Baby blush. Redid is a shop started by two sisters who redo vintage furniture and home accessories. Smartie Pantz is a boutique where you’ll want one of everything. Choccolatte’s is famous for their pecan English toffee.
Bear King Brewery is the new kid on the block in Marble Falls. Head to their “bear” garden for live music and enjoy some parmesan truffle fries with a flight of beers like the Wandering Blonde, their most popular, or their Foggy Eyes, a New England-style IPA. The brewery was started by four siblings, in an old Ford dealership. They currently offer nine of their beers on tap.
Marble Falls has developed into a foodie feast. Though unassuming on the outside, Noon Spoon Cafe serves up some of the best sandwiches in town! Two of the local favorites are the Italian turkey grilled sandwich and the stuffed tomato and avocado salad. And, as the name says, it’s only open for lunch!
Called “R Bar” by locals, Rae’s Bar and Grill is located just a few blocks from Lake Marble Falls on downtown’s main drag, and it’s the longest operating restaurant in downtown Marble Falls. Get ready for the green chiles here, as they are hot, hot, hot! R Bar is known for their pork so try the blazing saddle bowl or the pulled pork enchiladas – both full of spice!
For some of the finest craft-made barbecue in the Hill Country, head over to Wingman Brothers Smokehouse. In the same location as the old Peete Mesquite, two brothers have taken over in the past two years, and perfected the smoked turkey and other meats. The fire-roasted cream corn is a must try! You are sure to want to go back for more!
And a visit to Marble Falls wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the world-famous Blue Bonnet Cafe. Open since 1929, they have built quite a reputation with their down-home country cooking and pies. We recommend the omelet at breakfast. And ask for a grilled biscuit! We do give you permission to have pie with breakfast there. If there’s a long line – which there usually is – sneak in the front door and look for open seats at the counter. Blue Bonnet Cafe is old-school, so make sure you bring cash with you, because they don’t accept credit cards.
You can learn more about these and other Texas destinations in the travel issue of Texas Lifestyle magazine.
