Feels Like Making Memories

Brownwood, Texas is a small town in the heart of the Texas Hill country. Although its population is under 20,000 residents, it’s not short on fun activities. From delicious food, fun museums, and gorgeous murals that are perfect for pictures, I had non-stop fun! See what I did on my visit and get some inspiration for your own adventure.

Star of Texas BNB

Let’s talk about where to stay in Brownwood! I wanted to stay in a place that has the same charm as the rest of the town, so I knew a bed and breakfast was the best choice. The Star of Texas BNB is a collection of quaint cottages just four miles away from downtown Brownwood. Don and Deb, the owners of the Star of Texas BNB, designed the cottages to welcome in the nature around the property, making it feel so tranquil.

My cottage had a gorgeous sitting porch where I could read or finish up a blog I had been working on. Two of the cottages have private hot tubs, which I loved with the winter weather. One of the best things about staying here was the gourmet breakfast delivered to my cottage every morning. It was the perfect place to rest up so I could have the energy I needed to explore all that Brownwood has to offer the next day.

Shaw’s Marketplace

If you’ve read my blog before, you know how much I love shopping and supporting small businesses. Shaw’s Marketplace is the perfect spot to shop ‘til you drop, then get some more energy at their on-site coffee shop! They have a dozen local vendors that sell things like men’s and women’s apparel, home decor, luxury soaps, kids’ clothing, and even Texas pecans!

They truly have everything– clothes at Spring at Joe & May, home decor at The Vintage Girl Next Door, and even kitchen supplies at For the Table! When you’re done shopping, you can take a break at Center Avenue Coffee to pick up a caffeinated drink and a yummy pastry.

The Lyric Theatre

If you enjoy performing arts, the Lyric Theatre is a must-visit! This is Brownwood’s local theater. The building was built in the 1920s and designed as a theater even then. Over the past 100 years, the theater has been a mainstay for the people of Brownwood.

The Lyrics Theatre puts on concerts, magic shows, musicals, and even movies. Performances are always changing, so be sure to check their website to see what’s playing during your visit.

Intermission Bookshop

The best thing to do to unwind after a busy day of traveling and exploring a new town is to relax with a great book. When I saw Intermission Bookshop’s iconic book arch, I knew I had to stop by to pick up some new books and snap some pictures for Instagram! Their store used to be a theater in World War II, called the Queen Theater. At night, it would house soldiers when Brownwood’s hotels were fully booked. Today, it’s a spectacular bookstore with a huge selection across all genres. From indie romance novels to cookbooks, they have everything you need for a cozy evening after exploring Brownwood all day!

Tr3s Leches Bakery

As a foodie, checking out local restaurants is one of my favorite things to do when I travel to new places. Right in downtown Brownwood is Tr3s Leches Bakery, a charming Mexican bakery and restaurant. The restaurant is in one of the historic buildings on E Baker Street, which is a couple blocks from Brownwood’s Main Street. I stopped in for lunch after doing some shopping downtown, and its location was very convenient. Their street tacos were amazing and authentic. To finish my meal there, I ate some pan dulce, which is a Mexican sweet bread. Everything was absolutely phenomenal!

Wild Duck Bar & Grill

If you have been to Brownwood before, you have likely heard of or visited Wild Duck Marina on the lake. They are a waterfront restaurant, serving great food with a gorgeous view of Lake Brownwood. But, the owners of Wild Duck Marina just owned up the Wild Duck Bar & Grill in downtown Brownwood! They’re serving up the same amazing burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and seafood, but instead of at the marina, they’re in historic Brownwood. Guests can enjoy corn hole and playing pool while enjoying their food and drinks. This location is perfect if you’re catching a late show at Lyric Theatre a few blocks over, or if you’re doing some late afternoon shopping and you’ve worked up an appetite.

The Lehnis Railroad Museum

In the late 1800s, Brownwood was an important railroad town, connecting Colorado and New Mexico with the Gulf of Mexico. The growth of Brownwood was heavily influenced by the railway, so it’s very important for the town’s history. This is why the city is home to the Lehnis Railroad Museum! This large museum walks visitors through Brownwood’s railway, American Southwest, and Central Texas history. For adults under 60, it’s just $4 to visit, so this museum is a must-see while in Brownwood!

Make Some Memories in Brownwood!

Brownwood made for a wonderful weekend stay between relaxing at the Star of Texas BNB, doing some shopping at Shaw’s, and eating at wonderful restaurants like Tr3s Leches and Wild Duck Marina Downtown! I’m excited to visit in the future and I hope you have some fun when you visit, too.