Wine & dine in Texas Hill Country’s newest hot spot—Johnson City, TX.
The Texas Hill Country is no stranger to people visiting from around the world. With its scenic views, outdoor activities, history, and wineries popping up everywhere, it’s been a popular destination for those looking to see Texas’ natural beauty alongside a good glass of wine. Here’s how to spend a fantastic girlfriend getaway in Johnson City, TX.
With a population of 1627 in 2020, Johnson City has had tremendous growth and is home to popular restaurants, coffee shops, wineries, and a historic site of Lyndon Baines Johnson. And where the Texas 290 Wine Trail begins. While Fredericksburg is the top destination in the area, there are more towns with southern hospitality like Johnson City, Texas.
Related: Day Trips In The Texas Hill Country
The quaint sitting area at the Farmhouse Vagabonds Ranch House in Johnson City.
Johnson City, TX
Johnson City, TX, by far is Texas Hill Country’s latest booming town. Not because I’ve visited there twice this year and love the area. And not because I say so, but if you look at all there is to do in the small charming town, I think you’ll see why. With wineries, great restaurants in town, funky shops to browse, and good coffee to boot – don’t pass it up on your way to that other town. Your girlfriend getaway is be just perfect and you won’t even have time to go anywhere else!
The Perfect Girlfriend Getaway To Johnson City, TX
Depending on what you want to do in Johnson City, TX, is up to you. But I’ll tell you what I’ve done while visiting and you can choose these things to do if you want. I’ve been twice this year (2022). Once in February (during that awful storm) and again this past May. Much of what I’ve done is right on Main Street – a walkable area.
Johnson City Coffee Co.
First, to start your day, you’ve got to go by Johnson City Coffee Co. and order yourself a coffee – any kind, but I like their plain coffee for $2 bucks. It’s the best coffee I’ve had at a coffee shop. Use the drive-thru, sit on the shaded patio, or walk inside where it’s nice and cool – and the decor is fabulous. They also offer other types of coffees and grab-and-go cold sandwiches.
Wineries In Johnson City, TX.
My favorite winery in Johnson City, TX, is Farmhouse Vineyard & Market Place. I’m a little partial, though, because the owner has been very kind and has hosted us twice now. Their wines are fabulous, and I love the unique decor and items they sell in the shop. This last time we were there, we enjoyed a wine tasting with a charcuterie board of several fabulous kinds of cheese and meats.
There are a few others in town and on Hwy 281 and Hwy 290, where the wine trail starts and ends in Fredericksburg.
- Texas Hills Vineyard is on the same road as Pedernales Falls
- Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa on Hwy 290
- Pebble Rock Cellars – US Hwy 281
- Allen Anthony Vineyards – North Nugent Ave.
Where To Stay In Johnson City, TX
There are several home rentals in Johnson City. Again, I have a favorite place to stay because the owner hosted us while I was there to write a story about Texas Wine Trail, the Texas Hill Country.
Guest House Cottage in Johnson City – on Main Street – a long walk from the Farmhouse Winery or a 3 min. drive. The house is pictured above. Rent in on Airbnb.
Vagabond Farmhouse – off a street and across from the Farmhouse Winery and is completely walkable. Rent on VRBO. I also saw the above on there too.
New Life Farms B-n-B on Airbnb
Breakfast is her specialty.
Carter Creek Resort & Spa – winery, music, and dancing on 37 private acres in Johnson City.
Proof & Cooper Restaurant in Johnson City
Where To Eat In Johnson City, TX
There are plenty of eateries in town to satisfy your girlfriend getaway and more!
Proof & Cooper
Good ole comfort food and shareable meals
Bryan On 290
Popular in town for its steak. Reservations are recommended and expensive.
Pecan Street Brewing
Across from the courthouse on the town square, Pecan Street Brewing is a Johnson City hotspot. Locals and visitors gather here often. Serves pizzas, hamburgers, salads, and Texas-made wines. Pet-friendly and live music on the weekends.
Fat Boy Burgers on US-281
Good delicious hamburgers topped high with all the fixings.
Dumpling Diva
An Asian kitchen serving homemade dumplings and authentic Chinese Food. On Main Street
There is a DQ – Dairy Queen in town too!!
LBJ’s Boyhood Home. Photo Credit: Farmhouse Vineyard
Lyndon B. Johnson
Our former U.S. President, Lyndon B. Johnson was five years old when his family moved to Johnson City, Texas, from just down the road in Stonewall. Today you can visit the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, see LBJ’s Boyhood Home, and take a driving tour of LBJ Ranch. Parts of the LBJ Settlement are closed to the public, but there is still much to see.
Pedernales Falls State Park
Pedernales Falls State Park
When visiting the hill country, put the Pedernales Falls State Park on your list. Just outside of town is this beautiful state park with a scenic overlook of the beauty of the green-blue water. It’s a great place to schedule a day trip to meander through the park and hike down the Pedernales River banks. I didn’t go through the entire park, but I do know there is swimming allowed somewhere in the park, but not where I was and not near the falls.
Make your reservations online, and be sure to do your research on the park, so you know where to go.
Travel Pro Tip: The park gets very busy on weekends, and time slots will sell out.
Pedernales Falls Trading Post
After your road trip through the park, if you’re hungry and feel like a beer and a burger, may I suggest the Trading Post. It’s only a stone’s throw from the park entrance when turning right out of the park. As you’re leaving the park, turn right (towards Johnson City) and look to the right – that’s where this rustic cabin/diner is located. I hesitated to stop because I was by myself, but I decided to, and glad I did. That hamburger (yes, with all those onions) was the bomb! The burgers and whatever else they offer are cooked right outside on a standard grill.
It opens at 3 pm Weds-Fri. Saturday – 1-9 pm. Live music too.
Make your girlfriend getaway in Johnson City, TX, fun with these things to do. This hill country town is worth checking out.
Pro Tip: Two small towns close to Johnson City are Dripping Springs and Marble Falls. Both towns are only a short drive from town in two different directions. Both have wonderful things to see and do.
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