What Town is the Lavender Capital of Texas?
Lavender is a delightful addition to gardens in Texas, especially in the Texas Hill Country. The fragrance of lavender is adorned by many. Blanco, Texas, is a small town with fields of lavender growing everywhere and is known as the “Lavender Capital of Texas.” Blanco is an easy 30-minute road trip from northern San Antonio and about a 45-minute road trip from Austin, making it a nice getaway.
It’s not just the laid-back vibe that Blanco is known for — it’s also the Texas pride you feel as you stroll through it. With the Blanco River running through it, it’s no wonder this town is a place to come for adventure.
Explore Hill Country Lavender Farm
The Hill Country Lavender Farm is the first commercial lavender farm in Texas. It is home to more than 2,000 lavender plants spread across two fields. The farm welcomes visitors to cut their own lavender throughout lavender season from mid-May to July, but the farm opens up in April for visiting. If you love lavender as I do, you may want to know that the farm runs its store year-round with fresh lavender products such as soap, oil, linen spray, bubble bath, body lotion, etc.
The town holds its annual Blanco Lavender Festival at the beginning of summer (usually in June) on the grounds of the Blanco County Courthouse. Everything from soaps to lavender-laced food made from the flower is for sale at this festival.
Visit Blanco’s Historic Town Square
Blanco’s historical significance is everywhere you turn. This is evident in its historic town square and the Pioneer Museum, where visitors can learn about its history. Explore the square and its many shops, eateries, museums, antiques, breweries, wineries, and clothing stores. You can complete a full day of shopping, eating, and exploring in Blanco.
My favorite store is the Olde Blanco Emporium and Market. They have everything from furniture to clothing, jewelry, and cooking spices. They even have some cute, locally made items that would make great gifts for family and friends.
The Old Blanco County Courthouse is one of the main tourist attractions in Blanco and is a living image of Texas’s Golden Age of courthouses. It is also a National Historic Landmark, and some visitors come here to marvel at the beautiful architecture of the building. Built in 1885, it has a fascinating history you can learn more about at the visitor center. You can tour the courthouse museum at no charge Monday through Saturday.
Also, Market Day is held on the third Saturday of every month, March through November, on the courthouse grounds from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. I would go at that time. I love local sales like this!
Enjoy A Craft Brew
With six craft breweries in and around Blanco, there are many choices for tastings. Real Ale Brewing Company is a local brewery with 16 signature beers and many seasonal varieties. I like my sweet drinks, so I tried the strawberry shortcake IPA, but it wasn’t lovely — I just liked the name. Visitors can take a free tour of the brewery on designated days. Call ahead if that’s something you would like to do. Be sure to visit the taproom, if it’s open, to taste the various beers. Beers to go are also available for purchase.
Texas Cannon Brewing Company is a brewery and restaurant in the town square. They serve craft brews and great food, and be sure to leave room for their amazing desserts.
Sip The Wineries
For wine lovers, check out Tenuta Bianco Bar. It’s a winery and grocery store combined. The tastings are great, and the store dog, Vino, is adorable and very friendly and will greet you at the door. The live music was great when we were there, and I’d love to go back to listen to more. This is a hot spot for the locals because everyone seems to know each other, or maybe they are just that friendly — after all, it’s small-town Blanco.
Esperanza Winery was the town’s first winery and is well-liked in town. It’s down the road from the town square but worth the walk. It has a tasting room and lounge and offers outdoor seating. La Vie Estate Winery is a little further out, but if you like the views of vineyards, you may want to drive out there.
Blanco State Park
Blanco State Park is located along the banks of the Blanco River and was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s. It’s now one of the town’s best places to gather with family and friends and glimpse the flowing water. Town Creek flows into the river, and many original benches and picnic tables are over 70 years old. During the summer, the growth of the woods will block the view, but in the fall and winter, you can enjoy these precious stone features.
Where the Native Americans once camped around the flowing waters, locals and visitors fish, swim, hike, and have picnics in the small park. The swimming hole is an excellent summertime adventure. Come fall, the leaves change for leaf-peeping adventures.
I hope you visit the Lavender Capital of Texas soon.
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