Granbury, TX – a place to visit for lake life, shopping, dining, & family fun.
Is Granbury, TX, worth visiting? We think so.
Granbury, TX, is a charming small town boasting culture, history, and its award-winning historic town square. Granbury is in North Texas, a little over 30 minutes from Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth. I remember going to Granbury years ago with my mom and sister to shop all the boutiques in the square, as that was so popular. We didn’t realize there’s more to the adorable town, like a beautiful lake and a sandy beach.
Did you know… Granbury, Texas, is the Celebration Capital of Texas.
Visit Granbury and its partners hosted me in town for two nights. All opinions are my own.
Is Granbury, Texas, Worth Visiting?
If you like shopping at boutiques on the most adorable town square, dining at mom-and-pop restaurants, hanging out at a local marina on Lake Granbury or the city beach, and checking out the city-wide events happening almost every weekend, then absolutely yes, Granbury is worth visiting.
If you only have a weekend in Granbury, Texas, here are the things I recommend not to miss.
1. Granbury Visitors Center
As I always tell my readers, go to the visitor center of every town you visit so you can stay informed about current events, pick up brochures, and talk with the volunteers who know the city like the back of their hands. At Visit Granbury, you can find out what’s happening in town while there, learn about the town’s history, get an idea of what you want to do, and pick up any coupons available for nearby businesses.
If you’re lucky, Dan V. will be there and tell you stories about Jesse James and John Wilkes Booth, two outlaws who put Granbury, Texas, on the map of gangsters living and doing business there. Dan is a talker and enjoys volunteering at the visiting center.
2. Granbury’s Historic Downtown Square
I didn’t see one empty building in the town square—if there was one, it was being renovated for something new. The Granbury Town Square has always been one of the main reasons visitors come to the small town just outside Fort Worth—and still is! Of course, the city has grown immensely since I first visited over twenty years ago. On my recent visit, I saw so much more, and I finally got to see the city beach everyone was talking about.
There’s plenty to do on the square, such as staying in a B&B, dining at a family-owned restaurant, shopping at the most adorable boutiques, wine tasting, and more. But don’t forget the side streets and the walking paths which may lead you to the best shops in town. I’m speaking of Wagon Yard – unique finds for your home. It is in the town square, but you’ll take the most adorable path. Don’t think about it –take the path. I found the cutest bird statue and a candle for my home.
Stroll around the historic square, with the beautiful courthouse in the center of it all. A complimentary trolley runs from the 377 Corridor to the square from Friday through Sunday. Check the times and the exact routes at the visitor center.
Here are a few places in the town square that I visited.
There are adorable boutiques and antique shops on Granbury Square
There are so many cute boutiques and shops on the square. A few were not open when I was there, like The Nest Boutique & Spa. But the shops I did go into were full of fluff, swag, and chic. I found that on Sunday/Monday, some of the stores were closed.
Paradise Bistro & Coffee on Granbury Square
When you stay at Casa Farina, you can enjoy breakfast. Paradise Bistro & Coffee serves fresh coffee of every kind, several breakfast plates, and a packed lunch menu. Try the spinach omelet (above) with potatoes and toast –it was plentiful for one person. I think I took leftovers with me.
Wine Tasting Rooms on Granbury Square
Wine tasting is the latest craze. I was hosted at D’Vine Wine and Baron’s Creek. Both are on Bridge St, and one store separates them, which is very convenient if you enjoy wine tastings.
D’Vine Wine
All their wines are made right in the back of the tasting room! D’Vine Wine is divine, and I loved the camaraderie with the owner—she’s a doll and very kind. She showed me where they make their wine and gave me the scoop on every wine I tasted.
Wine Tastings – $13
Cheeseboards available.
Baron’s Creek Tasting Room and Wine Lounge
Baron’s Creek offers handcrafted wines crafted by a master-class winemaker. I enjoyed red wines from California, France, and Texas. My favorite was the Rose.
Wine Tastings with premium wines – $25
Wine & chocolate pairings and charcuterie boards are available.
Granbury Opera House
Now playing …The Diary of Anne Frank! It’s over now, but a new one will soon hit the town. See a show in this restored opera house of 1886.
There are more shops, restaurants, and entertainment on the square, such as a movie theater, a spa, and more adorable shops. I couldn’t highlight them all, so you must see them yourself. Granbury has special events throughout the year, and it would be great to pair an event with shopping!
3. Casa Farina Historic Bed & Breakfast
I stayed at Casa Farina at the corner of Houston and Crockett Streets. It’s in a great location with ample free parking. Anyone who stays here will enjoy walking out the door to the town square.
Three luxurious suites—I stayed in the Jesse James room, which has a foyer, large sitting area, beautiful king bed, jetted tub, and gorgeous windows on two sides. The foyer has a coffee stand, microwave, and mini fridge – perfect for my leftovers!
I loved the suite I stayed in. It has everything anyone could ask for in a luxury setting, but I enjoyed riding the elevator and watching it operate—it’s pretty cool.
The Elevator:
4. Lake Granbury
Tommy, General Manager at Stumpy’s, and his crew took me out on Lake Granbury with one of their boats. The water was calm, and beautiful houses lined the lake. It reminded me of my childhood days on another lake east of Dallas. It’s a small lake compared to others around the Dallas/Fort Worth area, but a lively one. I don’t think I saw one house for sale either.
Lake Activities On Lake Granbury
There are over five public boat ramps on Lake Granbury, and many activities are available for lake lovers.
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Lake Granbury Marina
- Stumpy’s
- Jet Skiing
- Paddleboarding
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Houses & weekend homes
- Home rentals
5. Stumpy’s At Lake Granbury Marina
Stumpy’s is a lakeside bar and grill with a covered patio, picnic tables, chairs, a boat ramp, and more. There is plenty to do here, including boat rentals, boat storage, a retail store, a bakery, a restaurant, and kayak sales. You’ll find nice indoor restrooms, too. Stumpy’s is here to please its guests.
I had a great time hanging out with Tommy and his crew. The water was smooth, which made our boat ride all the better. Be sure to check out the restaurant’s menu, and you will not want to miss those muffins in the bakery!
6. Granbury City Beach Park
Did you know Granbury has a beach? I didn’t until someone told me. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it myself. It’s right in town, and yes, it’s a sandy beach. And you don’t need a boat to enjoy it!
Water sports can be rented at City Beach Park.
7. Mesquite Pit BBQ Granbury
Just look at that sliced brisket above! That is the small plate. It was so delicious and perfectly cooked the way my mom used to make hers. It’s what I call “pull-apart good.” I started with a coconut margarita with toasted coconut on the rim. What a dream drink! The plate has two sides; mine were fried onions and green beans – so good.
If you’re looking for something different, Mesquite Pit has your back. They serve all kinds of food for everyone’s taste—from catfish and shrimp from the lake to handsome salads, sandwiches, steaks, burgers, and plenty of appetizers. But you know what’s even better? The view. Dining is available inside or out on the covered patio. I love dining by a lake and watching boats go by and fish jumping out of the water.
I only spent two nights and two days in Granbury and couldn’t see everything. These are my top reasons to visit Granbury. For more, be sure to visit Visit Granbury online. Check out the Granbury Foodie Trail, Brazos Drive-in Theater, and the Hood County Jail Museum.
As you plan your getaways for this summer or any time, put Granbury, TX, on your list. It is worth visiting.
Betsy A. Ferguson says
Hi Kim Croisant! NICE JOB what a great write up. I am Betsy Ferguson of Granbury hoping to meet you for a few reasons: I would like to do an art mural on the side of my building which is just behind the fish restaurant on the square. My address is 111 S Houston and we are doing a complete remodel for an air bnb, aptly named “Old City Hall”. The next reason is the air bnb! Hoping to let others use it as not only air bnb but a gathering spot for all things fellowship or meetings. All the best. Betsy Ferguson. 254-722-7158 cell. [email protected]
Kim Croisant says
Hi Betsy!
Congrats on your endeavors. I would love to come back to visit when your Airbnb is completed. Thank you.