A Texas Hill Country, small-town charmer with beautiful appeal all around satisfies history, hills, red wine, and wildflowers– that’s Johnson City in a nutshell. Located right in the heart of red wine nation, this town is not to be missed out on when preparing a check out to the hill nation.
You can invest a day checking out Johnson City, however you might wish to remain longer to see among the most beautiful state parks– Pedernales Falls State Park– and the Boyhood Home of Lyndon B.Johnson Plus, I discovered the very best coffee in the area here.
While you exist, you may wish to check out Johnson City’s next-door neighbors– Stonewall andHye Each has its own genuine spin on the hill nation. Visiting Marble Falls is an excellent option, too; it’s just about a 25-minute drive on Highway 281 in the opposite instructions fromFredericksburg Before anything, come by Johnson City Visitor Center, get a visitor’s guide, and satisfy the friendly personnel.
Many tourists consider the town Fredericksburg when preparing to check out the hill nation, however I recommend putting Johnson City on your list. And here’s why.

The youth house of Lyndon B. Johnson
Photo credit: Katy Jane
1. Home Of Lyndon Baines Johnson, America’s 36th President
In 1913, Lyndon B. Johnson was 5 years of ages when his household moved from their farm in Stonewall to Johnson City– living there till his high school graduation in 1924. To this day, his boyhood house looks similar as it performed in 1937. Lyndon B. Johnson’s roots depend on Stonewall and Johnson City.
LBJ’s boyhood house and the Johnson Settlement are at 100 Lady Bird Lane, Johnson City.
LBJ State Park Historic Site Visitor Center and the LBJ Ranch lie in Stonewall (13 miles west of Johnson City). The LBJ Ranch is where he was born, lived, passed away, and was buried.
You can find out more about his life in Texas, history, closures, and trips at Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park.

Johnson City Coffee Co
Photo credit: Kim Croisant
2. Johnson City Coffee Company
Not simply any coffee, locally-owned Johnson City Coffee Co. has the very best coffee I have actually ever had. It beats any K-cup I have actually ever attempted. And, the very best part: it’s $2 for a medium cup of Joe … which cost consists of tax. I wanted I lived closer to pass each early morning for coffee. They likewise use specialized coffee beverages and light, cooled meals. Drive- thru, sit outside, or, if time licenses, appear to see their charming farmhouse design, consisting of a big framed image of a cow.

Farmhouse Vineyards and Marketplace
Photo credit: Kim Croisant
3. Farmhouse Vineyards And Marketplace
A magnificent method to begin your day (after the coffee), or an enjoyable method to end it in the area, would be to delight in a white wine tasting and a cheese board atFarmhouse Vineyards and Marketplace They have adequate seating inside and outside. Plus, the Tipsy Trailer on the residential or commercial property makes a lovable picture-taking chance. Every once in a while, they have unique occasions that include the Tipsy Trailer opening to serve red wine to visitors. If you wish to attempt various red wines, may I recommend their signature red wine, The Boyfriend? When we existed, we enjoyed the name, so we needed to attempt it, however my favorite is a red white wine called Ramble On.

Vagabonds Farmhouse
Photo credit: Kim Croisant
4. Stay Somewhere Fancy In Johnson City
Finding and remaining in charming leasings belongs to the travel experience, specifically in the hill nation. Katy Jane owns the Farmhouse Vineyard & & Marketplace and has 2 house leasings in the area. One is throughout the street within strolling range of her winery. The other is down the street from the winery.
Vagabonds Farmhouse
The Vagabonds Farmhouse on Vrbo is where I just recently remained. What I enjoy one of the most about her location is the diverse design. It’s tough to describe, however it’s well assembled and expertly done. I asked Katy Jane who is her designer, and she stated it was her. She did an incredible task, similar to she has actually finished with her winery and her other leasing.
The Tasting House! A Winegrower’s Cottage
About a 3-minute drive from the winery and not far from the Johnson City Coffee Co., The Tasting House is a wonderful house chock-full of Katy Jane’s diverse design where you can lease the whole home on Airbnb.
New Life Farms Bed And Breakfast
Long- time homeowners of Johnson City, Michael and Amy Normand, love to invite visitors to their bed and breakfast and serve their visitors a tasty homemade breakfast each early morning. New Life Farms BnB is readily available to lease on Airbnb.

Proof and Cooper
Photo credit: Kim Croisant
5. Best Restaurants In Johnson City
When checking out villages, eating at local restaurants is among the highlights of taking a trip.
Bryans On 209
Bryans On 209 is where everyone we asked recommended we consume. On my 2nd see, we did stroll down there to take a look at the menu outside for everybody to see. We were informed bookings are a must, specifically on weekends and when unique occasions remain in town. Since whatever is within strolling range, we wished to examine it out prior to booking. We heard the steaks are excellent and the desserts are even much better, however it was a little costly for us, so we crossed the street. I will make it here among nowadays.
Proof And Cooper
Share a meal or not, the menu is total with southern bbq, salads, and the works. The meals were large both times I consumed here. There’s no requirement to be in a rush when dining here. Proof and Cooper is an excellent choice for when Bryans On 209 is complete. The place is 209 East Main Street and catty-corner from the Farmhouse Vineyard.
Fat Boy Burgers
And then there are excellent, tasty hamburgers smothered in onions on a sesame bun– total goodness if you ask me. Fat Boy Burgers loads it on high with a side of french fries or onion rings. Don’ t concern, they use chicken and salads too.

Pedernales Falls Trading Post
Photo credit: Kim Croisant
Pedernales Falls Trading Post
Another terrific location to get a hamburger is down the roadway fromPedernales Falls State Park I discovered this location and I’m thankful I did– the very best hamburger I have actually had in years! The location was out in no place, and I thought twice to go within, however I was starving. It’s a rustic pub with “Trading Post” on the front. Its genuine name is Pedernales Falls Trading Post and it’s perfect of the park going towards Johnson City at 947 Ranch Road 2766.
6. Pedernales Falls State Park
So much to see, a lot to enjoy. I lastly got to check out. The blue-green water was so surreal, with views of the rocks, hills, and the course it required to arrive and back, I might have remained longer. I did not trek, however there are many routes for treking.
To see the whole park might take a complete day, specifically if kids are with you. They are going to wish to swim, however there is just a particular location that permits swimming. That is a concern you may wish to ask the park ranger at theTrading Post Just understand it’s a great deal of strolling and some locations have high rocks to decrease to the water. I did see benches along the method.
You do not need to be outdoorsy to delight inPedernales Falls State Park The color of the water and waterfalls suffices to wish to see this popular state park in theTexas Hill Country Don’ t be amazed if the falls are not streaming. When I existed, the location had not had rain in months, which impacted the waterfall.
Pro Tip: It’s finest to book online since they just permit a particular variety of visitors daily. Saturdays will offer out quickly.
7. Science Mill
The Science Mill uses a finding out environment for any ages with its interactive indoor and outside activities with exhibitions that concentrate on science, innovation, engineering, and mathematics, aka STEM. It’s an excellent location to take the grandkids.
For museum updates and admission, see Science Mill prior to you go.
8. The Exotic Resort Zoo
Built from scratch, the Exotic Resort Zoo owners, Dennis and Marilyn Bacque, had a love for animals prior to they thought about developing the zoo. Their love for all animals has actually turned into a household experience like no other. They now use safari cabins to lease with a fishing pond to make it more of a household location. You can drive through or take an assisted trip of the zoo. You can even remain in safari cabins. That would be enjoyable, specifically if the kids are with you.
The zoo is open every day, and if you pass the visitor center and get the Johnson City publication, there is a discount coupon inside for 15 percent off basic admission.

Wineries along Highway 290
Photo credit: Just Pixs/Shutterstock com
9. Wineries On Highway 290
Start in Johnson City and head west on Highway 290 towards Fredericksburg forall the wineries you can imagine I have actually lost count of the number of there are simply on this highway, however the red wine nation begins here! This winery path is the most popular path to take when checking out wineries in the Texas Hill Country, so be prepared to stop the vehicle … a lot. My 2 preferred wineries on Highway 290 are Hye Meadow Winery andRon Yates Wines Both locations served us well.

Pedernales Falls State Park
Photo credit: Richard A McMill in/Shutterstock com
10. Wildflowers In Spring
I can’t go without discussing the lovely wildflowers in this part ofTexas If you’re fortunate to be in the location in the spring, there are numerous paths to require to see the lovely fields of flowers. While in Johnson City, travel west on Highway 290 towards Fredericksburg– you’ll see a lot of flowers. Turn and keep going on Highway 16 towards LLano to see more.
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