One thing Texans know for certain, we live in a giant state.  With over 260,000 square miles covered, Texas is home to 3 of the 10 largest cities in the United States, 10 professional sports teams, 730 airports, 1,150 seaports, 36 separate and distinct public universities, and over 26 million residents.  With numbers like that, Texas is enormous.  Despite all things large, Texas is also home to some of the most unique small towns in the country, which play hosts to the 5th largest wine production in the country.

We recently visited one of these unique small towns, 35 miles south of Fort Worth.  With a population just shy of 8,000 people, Granbury originated from Confederate General Hiram B. Granberry and started as a square and a log cabin court house.  Home to 3 wine vineyards, a winery in the historic courthouse square, one of the fastest growing microbreweries in the state, an artisan cheese maker, and 14 unique town square restaurants, Granbury has become special destination for wine lovers and foodies alike.

DRINK

Barking Rocks Winery

Owners Lawrence Tiberia and Operations Manager Kristina Bollinger says Barking Rocks winery is all about making friends and enjoying the wonderful wine.  Having a great time shows in their easy going attitude and relaxing culture. They hosts wine tastings in their tasting room every Saturday from 1pm-5pm, and entertain a gathering of friends every first Friday of each month, accompanied with great wine and live music.  Tiberia, a native Texan and a son of Italian immigrants, combines “jeans and genes” to provide his Lone Star grapes a path to achieve their highest calling.

Call ahead to schedule a private tour and enjoy breakfast made in their own kitchen as you learn about the unique history of the vineyard and their passion for producing great wine.

1919 Allen Court Granbury, TX 76048

Bluff Dale Vineyards

Bluff Dale Vineyards is the perfect spot for couples and girlfriends looking for a relaxing winery and vineyard, just a short 20 mile stretch from Granbury square. Bring your own picnic basket of snacks and goodies to enjoy while sipping wine, or order from the menu.  Ask to venture out in to the vineyards for a hands-on experience with the vines, a perfect spot for photo ops and selfies!

5222 Co Rd 148, Bluff Dale, TX 76433, bluffdalevineyards.com

Revolver Brewing

Revolver Brewery, one of the fastest growing microbreweries in Texas.  The brewery is a family owned and founded by father and son, Ron and Rhett Keisler with seasoned Master Brewer and Cicerone, Grant Wood at the helm.  The fun begins on Saturdays at Noon where you can tour the brewery, enjoy a beer tasting of the staples and seasonal flavors, and even grab taco while enjoying the live bands performing in the big yard. Our favorite is the brewery’s staple Blood & Honey, which an unfiltered deep golden ale made with malted barley and wheat, finished with blood orange zest, local Fall Creek Farms Honey and other spices that bring in the special flavors with a smooth refreshing finish.

5650 Matlock Rd., Granbury, TX 76049

Blood & Honey signature brew by Revolver Brewing, Hand Model: Jane Ko

EAT

Eagle Moutain Farmhouse Cheese

Cheese Makers at Eagle Mountain Farmhouse Cheese Company make only the finest hand-made cheeses from the fresh natural Grade A raw milk of the Brown Swiss dairy cows pastured exclusively at Sandy Creek Farm in North Texas.

104 E Lipan Dr.  Lipan, TX 76462

Farina’s Winery & Cafe

Farina’s Winery & Cafe is located on the main square and features an expansive menu ranging from artisan cheese, starters, soups, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas and steaks in a historic setting.  You’ll feel like you stepped back in time sitting at perhaps the classiest bar in town, which was moved down from Chicago and is rumored to be frequented by legendary crime boss, Al Capone and his gang. We enjoyed the delicious Greek Salad with shrimp, the warm Spinach Artichoke Dip with italian flatbread, and the amazing Spaghetti Pizza with meatballs, a Farina Family favorite!

202 N Houston St, Granbury, TX 76048

 Eighteen Ninety Grille and Lounge

This fine-dining steakhouse, is the local favorite and talk of the town serving certified only Certified Angus Beef rib-eyes, filets and porterhouse steaks in another one of Granbury’s historic buildings. Enjoy the Texas Trilogy as a starter featuring free range chicken, Texas quail wrapped in applewood smoked bacon with a silver of jalapeno, & tenderloin and 1890 Signature Crab Cake. For an entree go for the Pan Seared Duck Breast with a side of some of the best green beans you’ll ever have. Enjoy this all in a relaxing setting as a local small orchestra group provides the entertainment adding to the tranquil, upscale ambiance the restaurant is known for.

115 E. Pearl St., Granbury, TX 76048

Pearl Street Station

Pearl Street Station is one of the most adorable spots in town, offering authentic Texas BBQ and delicious Cajun cuisine. Their specialties include blackened catfish with crawfish e’touffee, brisket sandwiches, and perfectly simmered pinto beans. Be sure to ask about Ms. Kay’s scratch-made desserts (the pecan pie is amazing)!

120 W Pearl St, Granbury, TX 76048

Paradise Bistro & Coffee Co

Paradise Bistro offers classic sandwiches, salads, coffee and smoothies. If you have a little bit of a sweet tooth, Paradise also offers cookies, pastries and locally made ice cream. It’s a cozy little spot that’s become a local favorite.

129 E. Pearl St. Granbury, TX 76048

The Bake Shop

The Bake Shop is located in a quaint and quiet alcove of the Granbury Square. Stop in to enjoy a delicious and fresh coffee drink, a warm piece of quiche, or something for your sweet tooth. This charming shop is perfect for your morning cup of coffee, or an afternoon of reading and people watching.

STAY

Inn On Lake Granbury

In what may be one of the classiest spots in town and definitely our favorite, The Inn on Lake Granbury is a stunning bed & breakfast and retreat with a lake front setting within walking distance to the historic downtown Granbury Square.  The Inn features luxurious accommodations, saltwater pool with waterfall, and landscaped grounds overlooking the beautiful Lake Granbury.   It has 8 upscale guestrooms, 4 spacious guest suites, and 2 private guest houses with living areas.  Most accommodations include lake views, jetted tubs, fireplaces, and large showers with body jets and steam units.  Guests are treated to a hearty homemade breakfast in the morning along with complimentary wine and appetizer social hour in the afternoon.

205 W Doyle St, Granbury, TX 76048

Casa Farina

If you’re looking an authentic experience of historic Granbury, Casa Farina is located on the 3rd floor of Farina’s Wine Bar & Cafe and has the best view of Granbury Square. This historic spot is filled with stories of the likes of Jesse James, John Wilkes Booth and even Al Capone. It offers three opulent rooms that take you back in time. From the rich tapestries and antique furniture, you can do as much or as little as your heart desires. You’ll experience the finest elegant and romantic accommodations, with three luxurious suites: Jesse James, Renaissance Revival and the Siena Suite, each providing a essence of nostalgia with furniture from the pre-Civil War era, but a modern touch.  Each room includes HDTV, Jacuzzi tub, and a refrigerator. You may even get a visit from the friendly ghost that supposedly haunts the building.  Tell him we said hello!

202 N Houston St, Granbury, TX 76048, casafarina.com

 PLAY

City Beach Park

If you’re not up to taking the 5 hour drive down to the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, Lake Granbury has its own sandy beach that’s perfect for relaxation or a fun picnic.  Made from white sand imported from a Cretaceous Age beach mined just north of town.  The beach also includes SUP, kayaking, bicycling, and a tiki-hut concession stand.

623 E. Pearl Granbury, TX 76048

Granbury Ghosts and Legends Tour

Whether you’re a history buff or a ghosts fanatic, try the Granbury Ghosts Tour and learn about the spirits who haunt the stoops and hallways of Granbury’s historic establishments.  Where was Jesse James really buried?  Who’s ghost haunts Casa Farina? Why is John Wilkes Booth so significant to the area?  Find out all of this and more in the tour and see if you’re lucky enough to get haunted in your own room later that night!

119 E Bridge St, Granbury, TX 76048

Granbury Opera House

The crown jewel of Granbury’s arts scene is the newly refurbished Granbury Opera House. Originally built in 1886, the Opera House has been painstakingly renovated to the period, boasting elaborate, imported chandeliers, elegant twin curved staircases, the original limestone walls, filigree iron balcony railings, pressed-tin-inspired acoustic ceiling tiles and an intimate seating arrangement which guarantees you’ll have the best seat in the house regardless of where you’re seated.

133 E. Pearl St. Granbury, TX 76048

See Related: A Taste of Koko’s: Where To Eat, Stay And Drink In Granbury, Texas