The Perfect Weekend in Brownwood

Deep in the heart of Texas, central to both Austin and the DFW area, is Brownwood – a charming Texan town with natural beauty and humble roots. From boutique marketplaces to craft breweries, there is more here than meets the eye. So gather your friends and family as we plan your next trip to Brownwood!

Friday

After a long work week, there’s nothing better than settling into an intimate cottage with your special someone. Nestled on 20 acres of secluded greenery, just 4 miles from town, is the Star of Texas Bed and Breakfast. Guests here are treated to gourmet breakfasts, private hot tubs, rustic decor, and the serenity of nature at their doorstep. Check-in on a Friday afternoon to truly make the most of your weekend.

Before you get too cozy, drive into town for a bite to eat. You’ll soon be met by the sweet aromas of homemade pastries wafting from Baked Artisan Goods – a delightful micro-bakery that has quickly become a town favorite. It is only open Friday afternoons so come early or be ready to wait in line, we promise it will be worth it! Or if your appetite demands more, sit down to some sizzling Mexican street food at Tr3s Leches Bakery.

Brownwood’s nightlife is nothing if not lively and welcoming! If you’re anything like our locals, you can’t resist a good Texan beer. Craft beers are available all over town at Pioneer Tap House, Teddy’s Brewhaus, and Primal Brewery. Each spot has something special to offer like signature pretzels at Teddy’s, beer floats at Pioneer, or cool flavors at Primal. But if beer is not your thing, Stone’s Grove is an eccentric space to get quirky cocktails. And as if cold drinks weren’t fun enough, live music can be found at any or all of these businesses on the weekends. Afterward, whether you fancy a late-night cigar, or want to try a new experience, CJ’s Cigar Lounge is a unique spot to end the night. No matter what evening you make, you’ll want to rest up for a full day of small-town adventure in the morning!

Saturday

Rise and shine visitors to another beautiful day in Brownwood, Texas! Checking out the local coffee scene is always a fun pursuit when traveling. Follow the crowds to Golden Hour inside Shaw’s Marketplace or Common Grounds Coffee Shop for a cup of joe that will not disappoint! Once caffeinated, venture over to the Lehnis Railroad Museum. Here you will learn about how the railroad played a significant role in our town’s development and you can even hop aboard a life-sized model train car. If you haven’t had a chance to peek in the visitor center yet, this is an excellent opportunity to get a map of the town and have questions answered by the friendly staff.

Next, it’s time for some shopping! Brownwood is home to a number of interesting boutiques featuring trendy women’s clothing, antiques, furniture, and even curated gifts for men. Brownwood recently welcomed Hey June – a unique gifts and consignment store with a playful, upbeat atmosphere! Just down the road is Intermission Bookshop – a building with a history just as rich as the stories inside. Nathana’s Tanning & Hair Studio is more than just a salon; check out their selection of gift items, stylish clothes, and women’s shoes. With sports collectibles, liquor glassware, beard care products, and more, men can’t get enough of Matt’s Mantiques. Finally, no trip to Brownwood would be complete without visiting Shaw’s Marketplace – a home for 20 diverse vendors offering anything from fashion and jewelry to adventure gear and woodworking. You never know what gem you might stumble upon here in our vibrant downtown shopping scene!

You can’t leave Brownwood without having lunch at our iconic Runaway Train Cafe – a unique, all-American dining experience in the center of a real renovated train car. Or if instead, you’re in the mood for bbq, Underwoods has been a staple of our town since the 1930s. Before losing the beautiful Texan sunlight, take a stroll through Pat Coursey Park in the center of downtown, or scavenger hunt through our creative mural trail. 

After a full day, you’ll no doubt want to wind down to a relaxing evening. Why not take in a show at our historic, beautifully preserved Lyric Theatre? If you’re not in town during a theatrical performance, enjoy a wine tasting instead. With funny signs, an “I Love You and Wine So Much” mural, and an old rusty yellow bus on the lawn, Spirit of Texas Winery is not your typical vineyard, which is exactly why it’s an encounter you don’t want to miss. Or stop by 10 Mile Productions for another special tasting experience. 10 Mile is proud to offer a true taste of Texas with wines gathered from all over the state. They too even occasionally bring in live music on the weekends! Check out our event calendar which includes all upcoming events in Brownwood and live music offerings.

For dinner, you can’t go wrong with upscale cuisine from Brownwood’s newest restaurant, Lucille + Mabel. Start with a drink from their very extensive liquor selection and sit down to one of the dry-aged steaks or gourmet burgers that guests are raving about. Another option is The Turtle Restaurant, where they uniquely slow cook each meal to maximize flavor in every bite. More dining options can be found here. Whether it be dinner, theater, or drinks, Brownwood is overflowing with nighttime entertainment!

Sunday

After having fully explored downtown, spend your Sunday at the lake – Lake Brownwood State Park that is. Whether you choose to picnic, hike, go boating, water ski (jet skis allowed), fish, swim, or simply watch the birds, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy! What could be a more perfect ending to your summer getaway? Whatever you do, just remember to pack the sunscreen.

Maybe you’ve been to Brownwood in years prior, or maybe you’ve driven by and never taken a closer look; regardless, there has never been a better time to visit. The development and revitalization of our local business scene have turned Brownwood into a bustling town of new adventures. We hope to see you soon in Brownwood where it feels like home!