My Favorite Places to Go and Things to Do
Johnson City
Check out the Courthouse square. Lots of little shops and art galleries. From Thanksgiving thru New years week there it is all beautifully lighted. About a block away is the Annual PEC offices block totally lighted. A great trip for the family
On HWY 281 there is an Exotic Animal Ranch and close by is the new Reptilandia Reptile Lagoon (Reptilandia Zoo).
Another site is the Science Mill. Fun for adults, but a must for school students.
If you are a fan of President Lyndon Johnson there a few historic sites and not far to the west is the Johnson Family Home often referred to as the Texas Whitehouse. Great for history buffs.
Restaurants In Johnson City
RECOMMENDED:
• Pecan Street Brewery (on the square)
• Proof and Cooper in the Old Lumber Yard
• Bryans on 290 is pricey but very gourmet with wine pairings.
For a very small city, there are just a lot of fun activities that make it well worth the drive. Johnson City to Fredericksburg is the site of many wineries and Distilleries.
Fredericksburg is a German-influenced quaint town with numerous shops. The area is said to rival Napa Valley.
Marble Falls
Quaint old downtown area. Shops, restaurants, and galleries. Several thrift stores.
At Christmas there is a huge riverwalk display of Christmas lights.
River parks adjacent to the river.
My favorite restaurants:
• Ollie’s Mexican Restaurant
• Ginger and Spice (sushi and Thai) Very small and quaint.
• River City Grill
There are also a few Brewery Restaurants
The very Best Must Do is Bluebonnet Café In business since 1929 you know it is good. Renowned for their Pies by the slice or take a whole one home. Downhome country cooking menu.
Temple-Belton Towns
My favorite restaurant would be Clem Mikeska’s Bar-B-Que with locations in Temple and Belton. Lake Belton is a beautiful lake with hillside homes. VA has a main hospital in Temple that has been a very good resource for my husband.
Waco
If you are a fan of Chip and Joanna Gaines you have to go to the Silos and see all things MAGNOLA. There is also their restaurant Magnolia Table. I suggest you make a reservation at the restaurant to be sure to get a seat. They are probably not open past 2 pm for seating. Another Waco favorite place is Collins Street Bakery. By the way, if you are new to Texas you have to go to BUCKEES. It is a crazy cool gas station/store/food court-type atmosphere with the cleanest traveler-friendly restrooms. Another Texas tradition is HEB grocery stores. These are 2 of most Texans' favorite places.
Leander/Cedar Park
Close in bedroom communities for Austin. Desirable Leander Independent School District serves both cities.
Focused on family, both cities have numerous parks and trails.
Numerous good restaurants.
My personal favorites are BLUE CORN HARVEST.
Locations in both cities.
Jack Allens Kitchen (Cedar Park)
The Grove (Cedar Park)
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