Step into Spring with a Trip to Brownwood

Bite into a fresh jalapeño bacon cheeseburger served in a restored train car. Take a relaxing kayak ride along the Pecan Bayou. Sample award-winning Texas-made wines and beers from local brewers and winemakers. Experience legendary barbecue over 70 years in the making. Shop more than a dozen trendy, locally-owned boutiques. Spend a weekend on a lakefront golf course resort. Attend a live performance at a beautifully preserved 1920s theatre. Snap some selfies on the mural trail. It’s all happening in Brownwood this spring.

All of this and more is why Brownwood feels like home. A Central Texas destination in the midst of fast-moving and extremely successful revitalization efforts, the community of Brownwood has become energized by the blending of classic small-town Texas charm with vibrant new activity from local entrepreneurs investing in downtown Brownwood while restoring and preserving the beautiful historic downtown buildings.

Whether you are a daytripper, foodie, RV enthusiast, antiquer, history buff, or just looking for a fun family road trip, Brownwood has something for everybody. Our community welcomes visitors from all over the world, and more and more people are discovering all of the great things Brownwood has to offer. We are situated in close proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, not too far away from Austin and Abilene, so chances are you just might find yourself closer to Brownwood than you think.

Brownwood has some iconic local businesses including Underwood’s BBQ, a Texas legend for over 70 years, as well as the Runaway Train Cafe, a 1950s-style diner set in a train car. And we can’t forget the Turtle Restaurant, featuring some of the best slow-food in all of Central Texas with an international award-winning wine list. The Lyric Theatre, one of the oldest still-operating theaters in the West, provides high-quality entertainment and a glimpse into the past.

Alongside these amazing established business owners, new businesses have grown over the past few years and have helped Brownwood’s downtown blossom into a lively, fun experience for all ages. Pioneer Tap House, 10 Mile Productions, and Wild Duck Bar & Grill provide delicious Texas beer and wine options, live music, and great atmospheres. And come hungry because word of Lucille + Mabel’s dry-aged steaks and gourmet burgers has quickly spread throughout Texas! If nightlife isn’t your thing, the Intermission Bookshop is a beautifully preserved building that once served as a theater that has become a hub for those looking for a good book and great conversation. Make your own succulent at Urban Roots’s build-your-own terrarium bar! Cool off with an ice cream cone from Over the Rainbow. Brownwood even has a variety of museums to explore including the Lehnis Railroad Museum & Visitor Center.

When it comes to shopping, Brownwood has so much to offer. Shaw’s Marketplace offers a curated vendor marketplace with everything from gourmet popcorn to boutique clothing and camping equipment. Then peek outside to the luxurious patio complete with yard games and comfortable seating called Shaw’s Backyard. Matt’s Mantiques hits a home run with its concept that brings vintage signs, motor works, and sports memorabilia under one roof. Clothing boutiques are in ample supply as well with Glamour Shop, Hamilton’s, The Hen House, Grits and Grace and Elite Avenue providing a variety of styles and options. Brownwood also has unique antique and curiosity shops including Hey June and Duke Street. You can easily spend a weekend shopping all around town with our local business owners who are the heart of our community.

Brownwood features outdoor fun with the nearby Lake Brownwood State Park, featuring hiking trails, reservable spaces, and boat ramps to experience Lake Brownwood. We also have an outstanding Aquatic Center open during the summer months that kids absolutely love. Numerous parks are scattered across the city featuring disc golf, playscapes for the kids, and kayaking and paddleboarding along the Pecan Bayou.

If you have never considered visiting Brownwood, now is the time! Check out our website below, where you can plan your trip, find unique places to stay—like the Harper House, Star of Texas Bed and Breakfast, The Hideout Golf Club & Resort, and The Goldfish Loft, —discover our mural trail that highlights creativity and artists from the region, and find out why Brownwood feels like home.