Bliss on Buchanan Guidebook for Burnet and Surrounding Areas

Douglas
Bliss on Buchanan Guidebook for Burnet and Surrounding Areas

Food Scene

(Located in a park/resort at the end of RR 2341, 20 mins) Great views of the lake and the nicest dining environment you'll find near the house. Go early or stay late and hike on the nature trails. Live music around the campfire on weekend evenings. Staff astronomer for star and planet gazing using their 36" telescope (call for schedule). Might require a park entrance fee so call first. (512) 334-2070
21 habitants recommandent
Canyon of the Eagles - A Calibre Resort
16942 Ranch Rd 2341
21 habitants recommandent
(Located in a park/resort at the end of RR 2341, 20 mins) Great views of the lake and the nicest dining environment you'll find near the house. Go early or stay late and hike on the nature trails. Live music around the campfire on weekend evenings. Staff astronomer for star and planet gazing using their 36" telescope (call for schedule). Might require a park entrance fee so call first. (512) 334-2070
Good homemade donuts and kolaches. Our go to breakfast place if we don't feel like cooking and just want to pick up and take home. Probably wouldn't recommend for coffee. Closes early. (512) 715-9903
Gude's Bakery & Deli
307 West Polk Street
Good homemade donuts and kolaches. Our go to breakfast place if we don't feel like cooking and just want to pick up and take home. Probably wouldn't recommend for coffee. Closes early. (512) 715-9903
Worth the drive to Llano (30 mins) which is somewhat scenic anyway. Some consider Llano the epicenter of Texas BBQ and still others consider those fighting words, but this place was a pioneer in the "select your meat off the outdoor pit" format that's made it's way to DFW and other urban areas. They often run out of ribs in the afternoon, especially on holiday weekends and the line can be long at peak times but it generally moves quickly. Keep in mind it's easy to order more than you can eat. Also know that beef ribs cost ~ $17 each but are huge. (325) 247-5713
36 habitants recommandent
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
604 W Young St
36 habitants recommandent
Worth the drive to Llano (30 mins) which is somewhat scenic anyway. Some consider Llano the epicenter of Texas BBQ and still others consider those fighting words, but this place was a pioneer in the "select your meat off the outdoor pit" format that's made it's way to DFW and other urban areas. They often run out of ribs in the afternoon, especially on holiday weekends and the line can be long at peak times but it generally moves quickly. Keep in mind it's easy to order more than you can eat. Also know that beef ribs cost ~ $17 each but are huge. (325) 247-5713
(Llano, 30 min drive) Not quite the same deal as Cooper's (and right across the road) but usually less crowded and some people like the BBQ better. A good alternative if the line at Cooper's is too long. (325) 247-5257
6 habitants recommandent
Inman's Kitchen & Catering Service
809 West Young Street
6 habitants recommandent
(Llano, 30 min drive) Not quite the same deal as Cooper's (and right across the road) but usually less crowded and some people like the BBQ better. A good alternative if the line at Cooper's is too long. (325) 247-5257
(Marble Falls, 30 min drive) It's Chili's with a great view of Lake Marble Falls. Sits high above the water with an outside deck and bar for al fresco dining during cooler weather or a cold drink while watching the sunset. A nice place to stop for a bite on a site seeing tour of the Hill Country or day trip to Austin. (830) 798-1298
8 habitants recommandent
Chili's
702 1st St
8 habitants recommandent
(Marble Falls, 30 min drive) It's Chili's with a great view of Lake Marble Falls. Sits high above the water with an outside deck and bar for al fresco dining during cooler weather or a cold drink while watching the sunset. A nice place to stop for a bite on a site seeing tour of the Hill Country or day trip to Austin. (830) 798-1298
(Marble Falls, 30 min drive) Comfort food and homemade pies. Pretty sure there's no kale or Quinoa on the menu. Good chicken fried steak, homemade meatloaf and burgers. Many people visit just for the homemade pies so be sure and leave room. Popular with tourist, vacationers and locals so often has a line but they do a good job of moving people through there. May only take cash. (830) 693-2344
131 habitants recommandent
Blue Bonnet Cafe
211 US-281
131 habitants recommandent
(Marble Falls, 30 min drive) Comfort food and homemade pies. Pretty sure there's no kale or Quinoa on the menu. Good chicken fried steak, homemade meatloaf and burgers. Many people visit just for the homemade pies so be sure and leave room. Popular with tourist, vacationers and locals so often has a line but they do a good job of moving people through there. May only take cash. (830) 693-2344
Nice little place right off the Burnet town square with friendly service, good coffee and panini sandwiches. They also have free WiFi so if you have to check your email or get a little work done, this is the place I recommend. (512) 934-4606
Unshakable Grounds Coffee Shop
134 S Main St
Nice little place right off the Burnet town square with friendly service, good coffee and panini sandwiches. They also have free WiFi so if you have to check your email or get a little work done, this is the place I recommend. (512) 934-4606
Yes, a Thai restaurant in Burnet. This restaurant has been included in a few travel food books as a must stop on foodie road trips. Known for large servings and open a little later than other area restaurants. BYOB. So if you're tired of BBQ, check it out.
Aranya Restaurant
1013 E Polk St
Yes, a Thai restaurant in Burnet. This restaurant has been included in a few travel food books as a must stop on foodie road trips. Known for large servings and open a little later than other area restaurants. BYOB. So if you're tired of BBQ, check it out.
This seems to be one of the local favorite Tex-Mex restaurants and it's also the closest to the lake house. I haven't tried it so please give me some feedback if you eat here.
Juanes Mexican Restaurant
504 Buchanan Dr
This seems to be one of the local favorite Tex-Mex restaurants and it's also the closest to the lake house. I haven't tried it so please give me some feedback if you eat here.
All you need to know about this place is the parking lot is always full during meal times, and that's after they moved to a larger location. The menu is about what you'd expect from the name: chicken fried steak, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, burgers, etc. They also have salads and a few healthier items. Everything is made from scratch. The food is good and so are the homemade pies. Basically this is a good (and much closer) option if you don't want to drive to the Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls.
15 habitants recommandent
Mama's Home Cooking
635 Buchanan Dr
15 habitants recommandent
All you need to know about this place is the parking lot is always full during meal times, and that's after they moved to a larger location. The menu is about what you'd expect from the name: chicken fried steak, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, burgers, etc. They also have salads and a few healthier items. Everything is made from scratch. The food is good and so are the homemade pies. Basically this is a good (and much closer) option if you don't want to drive to the Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls.
This is a winery that has wine tastings and light food options (i.e., cheese plate or charcuterie board). The location boasts views of both Inks and Buchanan lakes, and everyone raves about it. It's located near Inks Lake State Park, which is about 25 mins from the house.
56 habitants recommandent
Torr Na Lochs Vineyard & Winery
7055 TX-29
56 habitants recommandent
This is a winery that has wine tastings and light food options (i.e., cheese plate or charcuterie board). The location boasts views of both Inks and Buchanan lakes, and everyone raves about it. It's located near Inks Lake State Park, which is about 25 mins from the house.
(Marble Falls, 30 min drive) Great family run restaurant and bar with good food and large portions at reasonable prices. The cozy bar is a great place to watch a sporting event or for a couple to sit in a more intimate setting.
22 habitants recommandent
Jardin Corona
13301 US-183
22 habitants recommandent
(Marble Falls, 30 min drive) Great family run restaurant and bar with good food and large portions at reasonable prices. The cozy bar is a great place to watch a sporting event or for a couple to sit in a more intimate setting.

Drinks & Nightlife

This is your basic country bar with good, cold beers in bottle and on tap (including Guinness at one time), full bar, food, and live music on some weekends (either inside or on the back patio). Locals are usually pretty friendly. Has pool tables, darts and a shuffle board table. Dart and shuffle board tournaments on weekends. (512) 793-6420
Fuzzy's
15224 TX-29
This is your basic country bar with good, cold beers in bottle and on tap (including Guinness at one time), full bar, food, and live music on some weekends (either inside or on the back patio). Locals are usually pretty friendly. Has pool tables, darts and a shuffle board table. Dart and shuffle board tournaments on weekends. (512) 793-6420
This is the place to go if you want to skoot your boots (i.e., country and western dance). It's your basic honky tonk. I believe they have live music most weekends but I'm not completely sure. I've only been a few times and I've never been beat up. (512) 793-2432
11 habitants recommandent
Pardners
15615 TX-29
11 habitants recommandent
This is the place to go if you want to skoot your boots (i.e., country and western dance). It's your basic honky tonk. I believe they have live music most weekends but I'm not completely sure. I've only been a few times and I've never been beat up. (512) 793-2432
This is a new (late 2021) family-friendly, outdoor bar and food truck on the back side of Spider Mountain Bike Park. They have games (e.g., corn hole, ring swing, etc.) and I believe they have live music some nights.
6 habitants recommandent
Templeton's Tavern
570 County Road 133
6 habitants recommandent
This is a new (late 2021) family-friendly, outdoor bar and food truck on the back side of Spider Mountain Bike Park. They have games (e.g., corn hole, ring swing, etc.) and I believe they have live music some nights.

Entertainment & Activities

This is a great way to see the top of the lake and learn the history of the area. Cliff, our neighbor a few houses down, used to be the captain and narrator for the tour but he may have retired. We've seen Bald Eagles, Fox, and lots of other wildlife. Especially good during the Fall and Spring when the lake is full and Fall Creek falls are flowing but worthwhile any time of year. Prices as of 9/19/2018: Adults (16 and up) - $25, Seniors and Kids - $22.50, children 2 and under - Free (512) 756-6986 www.vrtc.com
32 habitants recommandent
Vanishing Texas River Cruise
443 Waterway Ln
32 habitants recommandent
This is a great way to see the top of the lake and learn the history of the area. Cliff, our neighbor a few houses down, used to be the captain and narrator for the tour but he may have retired. We've seen Bald Eagles, Fox, and lots of other wildlife. Especially good during the Fall and Spring when the lake is full and Fall Creek falls are flowing but worthwhile any time of year. Prices as of 9/19/2018: Adults (16 and up) - $25, Seniors and Kids - $22.50, children 2 and under - Free (512) 756-6986 www.vrtc.com
Yep there's a vineyard right on the lake. There used to be dock access from the lake but it's gone now so it's a scenic 40 minute or so drive around the lake. Taste the wine, buy a few bottles, and you might even catch some live music or an artist working. It's a good diversion and some of the wines are pretty good. (325)379-5361 https://www.fcv.com/
21 habitants recommandent
Fall Creek Vineyards, Tow
1820 Co Rd 222
21 habitants recommandent
Yep there's a vineyard right on the lake. There used to be dock access from the lake but it's gone now so it's a scenic 40 minute or so drive around the lake. Taste the wine, buy a few bottles, and you might even catch some live music or an artist working. It's a good diversion and some of the wines are pretty good. (325)379-5361 https://www.fcv.com/
(<1 mile) Spider Mountain Bike Park offers the only chair lift mountain bike park in TX. Operates year round with multiple trails for all skill levels. Bicycle and safety equipment rentals are also available. Here's a link to some videos of the trails: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=spider+mountain+bike+race+burnet+tx&qpvt=spider+mountain+bike+race+burnet+tx&FORM=VDRE
Spider Mountain
(<1 mile) Spider Mountain Bike Park offers the only chair lift mountain bike park in TX. Operates year round with multiple trails for all skill levels. Bicycle and safety equipment rentals are also available. Here's a link to some videos of the trails: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=spider+mountain+bike+race+burnet+tx&qpvt=spider+mountain+bike+race+burnet+tx&FORM=VDRE
(1.5 miles) Reveille Peak Ranch is an outdoor event venue and sports activity center. They offer mountain biking, trail running, fitness training, outdoor education and tours, and even scuba diving (must be pre-arranged) in an ultra clear, spring-fed quarry lake. Check them out at: https://rprtexas.com/
22 habitants recommandent
Reveille Peak Ranch
105 Co Rd 114
22 habitants recommandent
(1.5 miles) Reveille Peak Ranch is an outdoor event venue and sports activity center. They offer mountain biking, trail running, fitness training, outdoor education and tours, and even scuba diving (must be pre-arranged) in an ultra clear, spring-fed quarry lake. Check them out at: https://rprtexas.com/
(Marble Falls) I don't want to neglect you beer drinkers so here's an option a few miles down the road in Marble Falls. It's good beer for a good cause; all profits go to charity. They have a tasting room, special events and tours on Fridays and Saturdays. Check out their latest offerings here: https://savetheworldbrewing.com/
41 habitants recommandent
Save The World Brewing Co
1510 Resource Pkwy
41 habitants recommandent
(Marble Falls) I don't want to neglect you beer drinkers so here's an option a few miles down the road in Marble Falls. It's good beer for a good cause; all profits go to charity. They have a tasting room, special events and tours on Fridays and Saturdays. Check out their latest offerings here: https://savetheworldbrewing.com/

Parks & Nature

(25 min drive) Natural limestone cavern providing scheduled tours throughout the day. It's not a huge cave but it's easy to traverse and the guides narrate its unique history (e.g., it was a speakeasy and dance hall during prohibition). Good activity for a rainy day or just to get out of the sun and cool off. (512) 715-9000 www.tpwd.state.tx.us
153 habitants recommandent
Longhorn Cavern State Park
153 habitants recommandent
(25 min drive) Natural limestone cavern providing scheduled tours throughout the day. It's not a huge cave but it's easy to traverse and the guides narrate its unique history (e.g., it was a speakeasy and dance hall during prohibition). Good activity for a rainy day or just to get out of the sun and cool off. (512) 715-9000 www.tpwd.state.tx.us
(50 min drive) Giant granite dome exposed by thousands of years of erosion. Hiking, picnics, and rock climbing. Great stop on the way to Fredericksburg for a day trip. Note: visitors are limited to protect the environment so it requires a reservation and always sells out on weekends; book in advance. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock
233 habitants recommandent
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
16710 Ranch Rd 965
233 habitants recommandent
(50 min drive) Giant granite dome exposed by thousands of years of erosion. Hiking, picnics, and rock climbing. Great stop on the way to Fredericksburg for a day trip. Note: visitors are limited to protect the environment so it requires a reservation and always sells out on weekends; book in advance. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock
(25 min drive) This is a pretty little park about a half hour from the house. They have hiking, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boats, fishing, and other activities. There's a cliff where people jump into the lake called the "Devil's Water Hole" which I remember as being fun. (512) 793-2223
109 habitants recommandent
Parc d'État d'Inks Lake
3630 Park Rd 4 W
109 habitants recommandent
(25 min drive) This is a pretty little park about a half hour from the house. They have hiking, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boats, fishing, and other activities. There's a cliff where people jump into the lake called the "Devil's Water Hole" which I remember as being fun. (512) 793-2223
(30 min drive) This is a nice park if you want to have a larger gathering and need more space. It also has a nice sandy beach and picnic tables.
6 habitants recommandent
Black Rock Park
3400 TX-261
6 habitants recommandent
(30 min drive) This is a nice park if you want to have a larger gathering and need more space. It also has a nice sandy beach and picnic tables.

Arts & Culture

Spring time when the wildflowers are in bloom is the most beautiful time for this area. People tour the area roads during that time just to take in the colorful views. Burnet has decided to capitalize on the increased visitation by holding a festival around the town square. Usually held on the 2nd weekend of April, the festival features live music, food, craft beers, local arts and crafts, games, parades, 5/10 K run, car show, demolition derby, Old West gun fight reenactments, and if that isn't enough danger for you, they also have carnival rides. My all-time favorite event: Wiener dog races! You should plan a visit; it's fun! https://bluebonnetfestival.org/
6 habitants recommandent
Bluebonnet Festival
101 N Pierce St
6 habitants recommandent
Spring time when the wildflowers are in bloom is the most beautiful time for this area. People tour the area roads during that time just to take in the colorful views. Burnet has decided to capitalize on the increased visitation by holding a festival around the town square. Usually held on the 2nd weekend of April, the festival features live music, food, craft beers, local arts and crafts, games, parades, 5/10 K run, car show, demolition derby, Old West gun fight reenactments, and if that isn't enough danger for you, they also have carnival rides. My all-time favorite event: Wiener dog races! You should plan a visit; it's fun! https://bluebonnetfestival.org/
Don't let the address fool you, UTOPiAfest moved to Reveille Peak Ranch (highlighted elsewhere in this guide) in November 2018. The festival features music (of course), food, craft beers, art, disc golf and camping. However, you can stay at Bliss on Buchanan (located just 2.8 miles and 6 mins from the festival site) and still enjoy all the festival has to offer if you aren't a happy camper. https://www.utopiafest.com/
UTOPiAfest
1555 Lemond Rd
Don't let the address fool you, UTOPiAfest moved to Reveille Peak Ranch (highlighted elsewhere in this guide) in November 2018. The festival features music (of course), food, craft beers, art, disc golf and camping. However, you can stay at Bliss on Buchanan (located just 2.8 miles and 6 mins from the festival site) and still enjoy all the festival has to offer if you aren't a happy camper. https://www.utopiafest.com/

Essentials

This is where you need to get your groceries and other supplies. They also sell beer, wine and ice if your into that sort of thing. Not quite a Wal-Mart but they have a pretty good selection of sundry items. It's also a cultural experience if you hail from the big city. NOTE: In general, there are more shopping options (Wal-Mart, Lowe's, Home Depot, etc) approximately 12 miles South of Burnet in the big city of Marble Falls.
38 habitants recommandent
H-E-B
105 S Boundary St
38 habitants recommandent
This is where you need to get your groceries and other supplies. They also sell beer, wine and ice if your into that sort of thing. Not quite a Wal-Mart but they have a pretty good selection of sundry items. It's also a cultural experience if you hail from the big city. NOTE: In general, there are more shopping options (Wal-Mart, Lowe's, Home Depot, etc) approximately 12 miles South of Burnet in the big city of Marble Falls.
It's expensive so I'd recommend stocking up before you arrive, or take a short trip South on Hwy 281 to Marble Falls where there's a Spec's and several other options. OUT-OF-STATE VISITORS NOTE: unsurprisingly liquor laws are fairly convoluted in TX. You can only buy liquor at liquor stores which are open Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM and closed on Sun. So you better plan ahead if you might want (need) a Bloody Mary on Sunday morning. Beer, wine (and the like) are also sold at grocery and convenience stores. Convenience stores can sell beer & wine from 7AM-12AM Mon-Sat. Grocery stores can sell beer & wine from 7AM-1AM (really Sun AM) on Saturdays ONLY. Beer & wine can be sold from noon-12AM on Sunday.
Twin Liquors
600 E Polk St
It's expensive so I'd recommend stocking up before you arrive, or take a short trip South on Hwy 281 to Marble Falls where there's a Spec's and several other options. OUT-OF-STATE VISITORS NOTE: unsurprisingly liquor laws are fairly convoluted in TX. You can only buy liquor at liquor stores which are open Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM and closed on Sun. So you better plan ahead if you might want (need) a Bloody Mary on Sunday morning. Beer, wine (and the like) are also sold at grocery and convenience stores. Convenience stores can sell beer & wine from 7AM-12AM Mon-Sat. Grocery stores can sell beer & wine from 7AM-1AM (really Sun AM) on Saturdays ONLY. Beer & wine can be sold from noon-12AM on Sunday.
As the Kevin Fowler song says "Beer, bait & ammo, yeah, they got everything in between, they got your fishin' hooks, they got your dirty books..." actually not sure about that last one. But you get the idea, if you came to fish and you need something (including live bait) this is your spot. It's close to where FM 2341 hits HWY 29 as you head back towards Burnet. If you do stop by, say Hi to Pearl for me; the last time I was in there she had just had her tooth polished. (512) 756-4606
Red Top Bait Shop
3751 TX-29
As the Kevin Fowler song says "Beer, bait & ammo, yeah, they got everything in between, they got your fishin' hooks, they got your dirty books..." actually not sure about that last one. But you get the idea, if you came to fish and you need something (including live bait) this is your spot. It's close to where FM 2341 hits HWY 29 as you head back towards Burnet. If you do stop by, say Hi to Pearl for me; the last time I was in there she had just had her tooth polished. (512) 756-4606
This is the best place to get ice. 20 lbs (bag or bulk right into your ice chest) for $2. They also have filtered water (bring your own container) if you don't like the tap water at the house. UPDATE: Actually they are currently in a price war with the ice machine at the car wash across the street so get 20 lbs for $1, and there's now another one on the West side of Burnet which is even closer to the house.
Twice The Ice
South Hill Street
This is the best place to get ice. 20 lbs (bag or bulk right into your ice chest) for $2. They also have filtered water (bring your own container) if you don't like the tap water at the house. UPDATE: Actually they are currently in a price war with the ice machine at the car wash across the street so get 20 lbs for $1, and there's now another one on the West side of Burnet which is even closer to the house.

Shopping

You might be able to find it at Dollar General if you can't get it at HEB.
Dollar General
406 E Polk St
You might be able to find it at Dollar General if you can't get it at HEB.
If you see something that's busted around the house and you get a hankering to fix it, this is the closest hardware and building materials store. Seriously though, if you like old, country hardware stores then this is a good place to visit. The people are nice and they have some local yard art and other unique items as well. It's also right across the Hwy from the HEB so it's a good place to kill some time while your partner or friend is knocking out the grocery shopping. (512) 756-2139
Hoover True Value Hardware
500 East Polk Street
If you see something that's busted around the house and you get a hankering to fix it, this is the closest hardware and building materials store. Seriously though, if you like old, country hardware stores then this is a good place to visit. The people are nice and they have some local yard art and other unique items as well. It's also right across the Hwy from the HEB so it's a good place to kill some time while your partner or friend is knocking out the grocery shopping. (512) 756-2139