What will you discover in Georgetown? (Credit: Ashley Alkek)
The charming town of Georgetown is just 30 minutes north of downtown Austin. It’s perfect for a day trip–you’ll find establishments and attractions suited for a variety of visitors.
Spend the day exploring the area, eating at local restaurants, and catching performances in intimate venues. Below are a few of my recommendations when you’re ready to plan your trip!
Explore Georgetown’s Downtown Historic District
Williamson County Courthouse in Georgetown
Georgetown has earned a reputation for having the “Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas.” It hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year. Plan your trip around Music on the Square’s summer concerts or an annual event like Red Poppy Festival. You could spend a fun-filled day within just a few blocks.
Georgetown’s Downtown Historic District includes independently owned retail shops and restaurants that make browsing convenient. Other nearby sights include Williamson County Courthouse and The Williamson Museum. To stay current with Georgetown’s events and courthouse tours, check the City of Georgetown’s events page.
Fun in the Georgetown Sun
Georgetown’s Blue Hole lies just five blocks north of the town square (Credit: Mark Ehly)
Georgetown’s Blue Hole lagoon (different from Blue Hole in Wimberley) is a scenic spot with wading areas and picnic tables. The park also has walking trails and free parking, making it a convenient place to relax and enjoy warm weather.
Up to nine miles of hike and bike trails near the San Gabriel River are also available to outdoor enthusiasts . The trails connect several of Georgetown’s city parks, providing shade and opportunities to rest along the way.
➡ Keep reading: “Where to Swim in Austin: Pools, Splash Pads and Swimming Holes”
Dine Like a Local
If you’re visiting on a Saturday morning, park near 105 9th St. and start your day with a Clark’s & Father bagel. For your caffeine fix, try the Hey Gurl Hey latte from Je Suis Coffee.
Housed at the same location, Je Suis Coffee is open daily, while the bagels are only available on Saturdays. Maybe it’s the creative schmears and perfectly chewy bagels, or the Ryan Gosling photo gazing adoringly at me from Je Suis’ order window, but I’m smitten every Saturday I go in.
El Monumento offers a buffet brunch on the weekends
Fuel up with a weekend brunch buffet at El Monumento, which begins at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Seating space is available indoors, outdoors, or at the bar. El Monumento features Mexican fare and a daily happy hour. During the week, the restaurant serves dinner beginning at 3 p.m.
El Monumento is owned by the same owners and operators of Monument Cafe, a traditional roadside cafe just a couple of blocks north of town square. Its menu features classic items that are simple, organic, and so tasty. Monument Cafe features locally-sourced foods (check out Monument Market behind the cafe), and is open for breakfast and lunch.
Cocktails, Anyone?
The Hollow offers creative cocktails such as the Fools Gold and Dean…He’s the Homie
The Hollow is a great lunch or dinner choice, and serves brunch on the weekends. The menu changes regularly and the cocktails are just as creative. The chef creates a rotating menu based on whatever he has grown in his garden or purchased from local growers. Everything I tried during my last visit was flavorful and delicious, and the craft cocktails were the perfect accompaniment.
Wildfire Restaurant is in the center of the downtown historical district, and is well-known for its southwestern fare. Serving lunch and dinner, along with a Sunday champagne brunch, the extensive food and wine menus offer plenty of tasty options. Trying to find your favorite Texas wine? Wildfire has an entire section of their menu dedicated to wine from our home state.
Sarofim School of Fine Arts at Southwestern University
Events held by Sarofim School of Fine Arts range from theatre and musical performances, to art exhibitions (Credit: Carlos Barron)
The Sarofim School of Fine Arts at Southwestern University hosts a variety of events and performances throughout the year. Southwestern alumnus and Austin-based songwriter Walker Lukens used to play piano at the Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center there.
Be the first to discover the next generation of new talent by attending one of the school’s student shows or performances. Check out Sarofim’s Facebook page or online box office to see upcoming events and ticket prices.
Georgetown Palace Theatre
The historical Georgetown Palace Theatre serves as a venue for popular productions and theatre education
Since 1925, Georgetown Palace Theatre has provided entertainment for the local community. Just steps away from the town square, you can’t miss the striking Art Deco design. The performances are just as dazzling. Upcoming popular productions include “My Fair Lady” and “Mary Poppins.”
Workshops and educational courses are also offered for both children and adults, in order to help the performing arts community grow.
Georgetown’s convenient location and variety of establishments make it suitable for almost any occasion. From dining to fine arts performances, visitors will find something to suit their taste.
@theAustinot wants to know:
What is your favorite thing to do in Georgetown, Texas?
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Another newer place to enjoy in Georgetown is the Sweet Lemon Inn & Kitchen located right off the downtown square. The cafe is open for breakfast and lunch Tues-Sat and the charming boutique inn on the upper level of this historic building is available for weekend getaways. http://www.sweetlemoninn.com/
Hi Ashely! I didn’t know you were writing. I bumped into Eric the other dat at the grocery and he said you were working together again.
Next time you make it to Gtown try Sunday brunch at the Hollow or happy hour at The Monumento. Also give a holler and I’ll join you!
Matthew
Drop by our local coffee shop on the square. Cianfrani Coffee always has fresh brew, espresso specials, italian sodas, Amy’s Ice Cream, and we roast our own weekly!
Just take a stroll around the Square on “First Fridays” and enjoy the local people, the live music, the shops and restaurants. Amazing, low key, and not the crazy pace we had in the big cities. Eight year resident, and love it here.
the best way to have a great day in Georgetown is to never go there in the first place 😀