Here are some of the reasons why you should visit the City of Granbury.
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
#1 – Barking Rocks Winery (1919 Allen Court Granbury, TX 76048)
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.
Eat
#2 – Farina’s Winery & Cafe (202 N Houston St, Granbury, TX 76048)
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!
Stay
#3 – Inn On Lake Granbury (205 W Doyle St, Granbury, TX 76048)
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.
Play
#4 – Granbury Opera House (133 E. Pearl St. Granbury, TX 76048)
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.