Category: In the News

Miles of viridescent trails that wind between meadows of dewy grasses and thickets of impressive oaks. A glistening lake glowing in the faded light of an autumn sun. Eye-catching architectural marvels that tell the story of a bygone era. All this sets the stage for the perfect fall road trip to Georgetown, a Texas Hill Country charmer that is home to The Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas. Lose yourself in stunning parks, spend some time by a magnificent river, savor delicious food on an outdoor patio, and turn in for the night in a historic bed and breakfast or an upscale hotel. Set just north of Austin, Georgetown is just the place for an autumn getaway. Read on to start planning your trip here.

Georgetown’s Parks are Just the Place to Enjoy Nature

With average daytime highs in the 70’s and 80’s throughout the season, autumn is a great time to get outdoors in Georgetown. Tie on your hiking shoes and traverse the seven miles of scenic trails at the 525-acre Garey Park, a lush escape to nature set just a few miles west of the downtown area. Travel through meadows and thickets of oaks before taking the River Trail to the bank of the San Gabriel River. After your hike, stop by the upper and lower pond to try your luck at hooking a fish or bring your horse to explore the trails. To get in some first-class birdwatching, follow the 1.5-mile nature trail that runs along the river, a heavily wooded area that is very active during migration season.

There are even more trails to explore at the Berry Springs Park and Preserve. Step along the 2.5 miles of hiking and biking paths and take in a view of two historic springs before settling in for the night in the 300-acre park’s campgrounds. If you’re looking for an easy-to-reach oasis, savor a picnic among the 200-year-old oak trees in San Gabriel Park. Take in a view of the pristine river from your own shady spot before dropping a canoe or kayak into the water for an afternoon paddling adventure.

Whether you’re searching for your next great hiking excursion or you want to breathe in fall’s fresh air, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in Georgetown.

Riverside Trails Offer Gorgeous Scenery

When you’re in the mood to work up a sweat, there’s no better place in Georgetown than the San Gabriel River Trail. Following the north and south forks of the San Gabriel River for nearly nine miles, this National Recreation Trail is much more than an exercise spot; it’s one of the best ways to get around town. Pick up the trail in San Gabriel Park, where it starts with a 1.6-mile loop before separating on either side of the river. Proceed along the south fork and you’ll find yourself at Blue Hole Park, one of the Texas Hill Country’s top swimming holes. Continue onto Pickett Trail, a half-mile natural trail that meanders through rock formations and outcroppings that eventually takes you to Chautauqua Park.

For a longer jaunt, opt for the trail on the river’s north fork, which passes through Rivery Park before ultimately culminating at Lake Georgetown. With so much space to explore, the San Gabriel River Trail is just as ideal for casual hikers and bikers as it is for long-distance runners. No matter where you start, you’ll enjoy an abundance of spectacular river views along with the idyllic autumn weather.

Inner Space Cavern is a Must See

Although fall is not the time of year you need to beat the heat, you should still descend into the magnificent subterranean wonderland of Inner Space Cavern. Hidden for more than 10,000 years, this natural wonder remains at a constant 72 degrees throughout the year. Beyond the temperature, which might be just the thing the doctor ordered on a chilly autumn day, the cavern is one of the best preserved of its kind in the Lone Star State. Each large room is adorned with beautiful formations that are showcased with prehistoric animal bones, leaving you to marvel at the forces that helped shape the cavern over millions of years.

To see it for yourself, choose from one of Inner Space Cavern’s three excursions. The Adventure Tour is an hour-long jaunt along lit paths to the cavern’s largest and most decorated rooms, while the Hidden Passages Tour introduces you to an undeveloped portion of the cave that is lit only by your flashlight. If you’re truly adventurous, sign up for the Wild Cave Tour. Hike, crawl, and climb through a complex maze of passages and chambers on this challenging four-hour descent underground. A true physical test, this tour is not for the faint of heart. Yet if you make it through to the end, you’ll have a lifetime’s worth of stories to tell.

It’s Easy to Savor a Day on the Water

The shimmering blue waters of a sprawling lake and just enough sunshine to bask in. If this sounds like the perfect fall day to you, get yourself to Lake Georgetown. Covering nearly 1,300 acres, the lake is a mecca for paddlers and anyone who wants to enjoy a day on the water.

Lake Georgetown provides a world of adventure, yet the best part about it might be its location. Set just six miles from the downtown area, the lake couldn’t be easier to reach.

You Can Savor Outdoor Dining at Its Finest

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a delicious meal enjoyed outdoors, particularly on a refreshingly cool fall evening. Whether you’re searching for your next date night locale or a place to satisfy your appetite, you’ll find plenty of one-of-a-kind restaurants with outdoor patios in Georgetown. Start at none other than El Monumento, where mouthwatering street tacos and sizzling fajitas pair perfectly with frozen margaritas crafted with 100 percent blue agave blanco tequila, all-natural triple sec, fresh lime juice and a Japanese shaved-ice machine.

When nothing sounds better than a piping-hot pizza, claim a spot on 600 Degrees Pizzeria’s patio. Make your own pizza or order one of the specialty pies along with one of the 30 craft beers on tap. The pizzeria even offers vegan options for its cheese, sausage, chicken, ground beef, and chorizo, so there’s something on the menu for everyone. Meanwhile, Wildfire serves USDA dry-aged prime beef seared over oak logs along with sophisticated comfort food favorites, mouthwatering seafood entrees, and wines from Texas and beyond. Speaking of wine, if you enjoy a red or white then you should head to Kork Wine Bar. Choose from more than 25 wines by the glass (or more than 100 from around the world by the bottle) and savor a Neapolitan-style pizza, charcuterie board, or other small-plate dishes.

These are just four of Georgetown’s many restaurants where you can relish great food and fall’s friendly temperatures. Find more dining options here.

Delicious Desserts are Everywhere

Is there anything better than a sugary treat on a crisp autumn afternoon? Of course not! From fresh-baked cookies to creative milkshakes, you’ll come across a multitude of ways to satisfy your cravings here. Sink your sweet tooth into a made-your-way ice cream sandwich at The Baked Bear, where you can choose from more than a dozen cookies, ice cream flavors, and toppings like vegan chocolate chip and red velvet. You ice cream lovers will also want to check out Scoops Ice Cream, where you can choose from 42 varieties (including French toast and smores) along with an array of unique sundaes.

To truly treat yourself, look no further than The Yard Milkshake Bar. Look at the menu here and you’ll see that The Yard’s milkshakes are undoubtedly over the top. Each option comes with a delicious ice cream base and such toppings as dark chocolate shavings, whipped cream, and even an entire cupcake brownie. While all choices are great, you should consider the local’s choice: Greetings From Georgetown. Only found here in town, this milkshake comes with coconut chocolate almond and butter pecan ice cream with crushed Oreos, chocolate and red marshmallow drizzle, whipped cream, and a candy red poppy.

Hungry for more? There are more sugary sweets to be found here.

There are First-Rate Places to Stay

Dip your toes into a heated outdoor pool at a state-of-the-art hotel or unwind in your corner of a historic mansion. No matter the season, where you stay is just as important as what you do during your next getaway. Here in Georgetown, you’re spoiled for choice. Combining small-town Texas hospitality with world-class service, the Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel & Conference Center is a destination unto itself. Beyond its temperature-controlled pool, on-site dining, and state-of-the-art fitness center, the hotel’s posh guest rooms and spacious suites provide just the place to kick back after a day spent exploring Georgetown.

Book a few nights at the San Gabriel House Bed & Breakfast and you’ll feel right at home. This Arts-and-Crafts-style mansion built in the early 20th century is full of vintage charm, from its wrap-around veranda to its elegant parlors and original mahogany woodwork. The home houses five guest rooms with private bathrooms and high-end linens, with each unit connecting to a common area on the second floor. For more privacy, consider the studio apartment on the upper level of the Carriage House. Regardless of where you stay, you’ll enjoy a hearty two-course breakfast in the main dining room, which is just the thing you need to start your day in Georgetown.

Ready to hit the road? Plan your next autumn adventure to Georgetown, where you’ll find an abundance of things to see and do along with a Texas-sized serving of Hill Country charm. Discover Georgetown’s attractions, shops, restaurants, and lodging options here.

 

“South by Southwest (SXSW) is here, and maybe you’re not too thrilled about it. You’ve bid your friends good luck going downtown for the next week, and you’ve resigned yourself to stay inside until it’s safe to return to the inner city. What do you do now?… Catch a play at the Georgetown Palace Theatre” Read the entire article here>>

Jessica Bell of Miles From Missouri made a trip with her family to Georgetown and recently shared her blog about their stay! She writes about the Georgetown food scene and where to play in Georgetown, and made sure to share some great photos that just might make you want to get over here for your next meal! Read Jessica’s blog and get started on your own list of places to visit in Georgetown, Texas>>

Only In Your State writes, “One of the best Christmas towns in Texas, Georgetown truly looks like a scene from a painting during the holiday season. Between the quaint shops and restaurants in the town square all decked out with lights and decorations to the numerous festivities, Christmas cheer is in no short supply here.” Read the whole jolly article here>>

Houstonia Magazine writes, “Winter vacation is one of the best times to travel in Texas. Cool enough for sweaters and hot cocoa but still warm enough to get outside and go on an adventure… Located 25 miles north of Austin, Georgetown combines just the right amount of small-town charm with outdoor recreation, making it a great getaway destination this winter. Read the complete article>>

“Georgetown has a little bit of an Austin vibe…some of the quirky weirdness has migrated north and joined with the historic buildings, tranquil parks, and small-town charm to form something entirely new. You’ll know you’re in Texas because people will smile at you on the street and stop and chat with you.” See her recommendations for places to eat, shop and things to do while in Georgetown>>

Texas Wanderers is a non-native Texan who has fallen in love with Texas! The Texas Wanderers family travels the state and blogs about their favorite towns and locations. Read Texas Wanderers’ Georgetown blog: 8 Fabulous Things To Do In Georgetown, complete with great photos>>

As the sun wanes, the lights twinkle to life on the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas. Located a short drive from Austin, the City of Georgetown is the big city’s delightfully hip neighbor. Home to Southwestern University, the oldest university in Texas and nationally recognized as a Main Street City, the community blends small town charm with eclectic vibes for an experience that is perfectly weekend ready. So, as you head into the holiday season, we invite you to shop, dine and unwind with us.

A Few of Our Favorite Holiday Things
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and whether you’re ready to rock around the Christmas tree or not, we want to help you get into the spirit. If you need a day to shop for gifts or an overnight getaway, we’ve pulled together some ideas to help you and yours enjoy a few festive favorites on the Square and off.

Holiday Shopping
No need to check your list twice—we bet everyone on your list has been nice! With a bevy of shopping options, including antiques, apparel, jewelry, toys, home décor and more, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect gift for even the hardest to shop for friend. Each boutique downtown has carefully curated a winter shopping experience that is merry and bright.

Seasonal Dining
Looking to grab-and-stroll with a hot cocoa or prefer to savor some farm-to-fork fare? Georgetown has a plethora of dining options to choose from. You can settle into pet-friendly patios with Fido, dig into pie (of the pizza or pumpkin variety) and even celebrate the merry hours with a pint or a flute all season long. Enjoy some time to break bread with your nearest and dearest or catch up with old friends before the holiday frenzy begins!

Something for Everyone
The holiday season in Georgetown has something to offer for the young, and the young at heart. Whether you prefer, “tradition” or a “twist,” you’ll find them both in eclectic Georgetown where there’s something for everyone.

The annual “Lighting of the Square“ on November 25, kicks off the 2022 Holiday season which will be sure to delight children of all ages. We will celebrate our “41st Annual Christmas Stroll” happening on December 2 & 3. Bring the family for pictures with Santa, “Groovin with the Grinch,” fantastic vendors and more!

All that shopping and you still haven’t found gifts for everyone? How about tickets to a play?  It’s a wonderful gift that also supports your local theater company, and you can bring the whole family too.  For those that prefer merry music with a Christmas message, be sure to catch a live performance of “Holiday Inn” at the fabulous Palace Theater.  For those who love to laugh, tickets to see the holiday comedy, “A Tuna Christmas,” at the Palace Playhouse are sure to please.

 

Festive Staying
Put a twist on tradition this year in eclectic Georgetown and gift your family a holiday staycation. Enjoy a well-appointed room and gather around the fire to toast s’mores at the beautiful Sheraton Austin Georgetown Texas Hotel & Conference Center.  Local B&B’s or historic guest houses offer options for those who prefer to stay rooted in the holiday traditions of yesteryear. Don’t worry Santa will find you either way!

Whether you’re creating new traditions or keeping the old, Georgetown Texas beckons to all who desire the warm and fuzzy feelings brought on by sharing holidays with the ones we love.  With something for everyone, the city with the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas will dazzle and delight friends and family alike.

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrated annually the first full week in May, National Travel and Tourism Week(NTTW) was created by Congress in 1983 to elevate the economic power of travel in the U.S. The 38th annual NTTW (May 2-8) arrives at an opportune moment to recognize the importance to
the U.S. economy of initiating a post-pandemic travel recovery.

“NTTW takes on a special significance this year as the travel industry looks to rebound quickly from the pandemic and accelerate recovery efforts,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. “The past year was incredibly challenging, but we saw the full power of the travel industry on display in the way we united and supported one another through this crisis.”

“Before the pandemic, travel generated $2.6 trillion in economic output, supported 17 million American jobs and delivered a $51 billion trade surplus to the U.S.—evidence of the outsized role the industry will play in America’s
broader economic recovery,” said Dow.

Georgetown Convention and Visitors Bureau is saluting the power of travel by showcasing a few of the many FACES OF GEORGETOWN TOURISM. Follow us on Visit Georgetown, Texas Facebook as we feature our tourism partners throughout NTTW.

Please visit ustravel.org/NTTW to learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week.

“Drive thirty minutes away from Austin and you’ll transition from skyscrapers to a town square that feels like you’ve truly taken a step back in time. With a population just shy of 60,000, Georgetown is a much-needed change of pace in today’s busy and noisy world.” Ciara is a source of inspiration and information for millenials. See the photos and read her great blog on Georgetown: heyciara.com/blog/georgetowntexasdaytripguide

Jesse Coulter is a travel writer who enjoys exploring with her three young children. Read what her Top 5 Outdoor Activities are, complete with links and the cutest photos: jessecoulter.net/2020/11/top-5-outdoor-activities-in-georgetown 

For a list of all Georgetown Kid-Friendly Attractions, go to: visit.georgetown.org/kid-friendly/

“Georgetown, Texas is a fun day trip from Austin or a weekend getaway if you have more time to explore! The city of Georgetown has a population of nearly 50k and sits north of Austin and Round Rock off of highway I-35 (which also makes it a great stop on the way up between Austin and Dallas/Fort Worth).” Take a look at Ready Set Jet Set‘s complete guide to Georgetown: Things To Do In Georgetown, Texas.

“Talk a walk through downtown Courthouse Square, where beautifully preserved Victorian-era buildings house shops and restaurants. Spend a day on the water at Lake Georgetown, a 1200-acre lake offering boating, skiing, fishing, hiking and a wildlife preserve. Explore caves dotted with stalactites and awe-inspiring rock formations at Inner Space Cavern.” See their complete list here: austintexas.org/austin-insider-blog/post/hill-country-towns-worth-a-visit

“Take in the sight of a sea of scarlet red or golden yellow at these events around the state…” This article, written by Shari Biediger, features three Texas towns and their poppies. It’s no surprise that Georgetown made the list! Read the entire article here: 3 Best Places to See Poppies in Texas.

It’s always great to receive accolades from writers visiting from other great Texas cities. Alyssa from Twenty Something SA wrote: “Recently I traveled two hours to Georgetown, about 30 miles north of Austin. Once I was outside ATX city limits, the highway to became less crowded and I felt my mind and body relax. It felt nice to pass the hustle + bustle and continue onto more serene lands.” To read her great article and see some photos, including some yummy food photos, go to twentysomethingsa.com/7-reasons-why-georgetown-should-be-your-next-getaway.

PaperCity Magazine Author Megan Forney writes, “A few weeks back, I drove a little more than 20 miles from Austin to Georgetown, perhaps best known for having the most beautiful town square in Texas. It’s a small, historic town that not only boasts a welcoming spirit…” Read on about the raves: papercitymag.com/culture/travel/georgetown-texas-austin-escape-town-square-friday-night-lights/

Who made the Fodor Travel’s List of America’s 25 Cutest Main Streets in Small(er) Towns? Georgetown, Texas did! 🎉💫 Click the website link to read what they say about Georgetown and see the full list including other cute Main Street Towns across the nation: fodors.com/news/photos/americas-25-cutest-main-streets-in-smaller-towns.

The very popular “Only In Your State” website featured Georgetown’s very own unique playscape. Only In Your State features attractions across the nation! Read what they have say in this article titled, “The Unique Playground Hiding Near Austin That Your Whole Family Will Love.” You can also find more information on the Playscape and other great Georgetown Parks at Georgetown Parks and Recreation.

Georgetown and Our Most Beautiful Town Square is making travel adventure headlines again! Take two minutes and read what Kelley with The Culture Collective has to share from her adventure and her quotes from our Mayor Dale Ross! “Tucked away just about 25 miles north of Austin, Texas is the nation’s fifth fastest growing city: Georgetown. The community’s southern hospitality, diverse outdoor offerings and burgeoning food scene are just the icing on the cake for Georgetown’s real draw – a thriving economy…”

The City of Georgetown Convention and Visitors Bureau recently placed second for the best destination marketing organization/convention and visitors bureau for the Southwest region for the 2017 Stella Awards. This was the award’s inaugural year.

The Stella Awards are presented by The Northstar Meeting Group and recognize hotels, convention centers, conference centers, airlines, cruise lines, destination marketing organizations/CVBs, and destination management companies that consistently deliver quality service and innovation to meeting and events professionals.

“We are very honored to be recognized alongside cities that have been doing meeting and event planning for many years,” Georgetown Tourism and CVB Manager Cari Miller said. “This award has given us the opportunity to showcase our City to meeting managers from throughout the U.S. We couldn’t have won this award without our incredible CVB team and all the wonderful work they do.”

Finalists for the awards were selected by voting industry professionals, and winners were selected by a panel of judges based on professionalism, consistency in delivering quality service, innovation of ideas, and support to meeting professionals.

Visit Phoenix and the Irving CVB placed first in the category, and Visit Denver came in third.

The Southwest region includes Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah.

 

After Erin McWilliams, Writer from Austin’s EASTside Magazine spent a weekend in Georgetown, she wrote, “Georgetown is one of the Hill Country’s hidden gems, boasting the beautiful Blue Hole along the San Gabriel River, one of the best preserved caves in the state, and a dreamy town square.” Read the entire article and see more photos at: eastsideatx.com/a-weekend-in-georgetown.

Susan Moss of DoughMessTic recently visited Georgetown and blogged, “Caves, boating, markets, great dining? The #1 fastest growing city in America in its population range? And the Most Beautiful Town Square in the state? This I had to see….We arrived in Georgetown late on a Friday afternoon, and swung by the Visitor’s Center. Talk about a welcome. This little town has a stunning historical façade, and they weren’t kidding about that town square. It REALLY is beautiful. It’s a reminder of all things that used to be easy, and good. Where soda shops were a real thing, and not just in the movies. Where neighbors were actually neighborly. It oozes nostalgia.” Susan is from a small town and this now an avid world traveler. So, when she gives us this sort of review, we take it as a HIGH compliment! Read the entire article: doughmesstic.com/2017/10/12/family-travel-georgetown-texas/

Travels with Tam Travel Blogger, Tam Warner Minton author of Travels with Tam, says , “You should experience amazing and beautiful Georgetown, Texas!…I have to say that Georgetown has the prettiest town square I have seen so far in the Hill Country!…What a great place for a Texas trip! The courthouse is in the center, surrounded by historic buildings, cute shop fronts, and a grassy lawn. Georgetown is in Williamson County, Texas, and has a rich history.” Tam has been published in Huffington Post, Matador Network, Travel Post Monthly, and many more publications. Read the complete article, full of great details and photos: http://travelswithtam.com/beautiful-georgetown-texas/

Georgetown, Texas was chosen as one of Southern Living’s 15 Affordable Towns We Love.   What a great article by Author Perri O. Blumberg: “Georgetown is gearing up to be running on 100% wind and solar power by 2018 —a huge draw for affordable and eco-friendly living. Don’t miss the annual Red Poppy Festival, a free celebration with live music, a parade, a kid zone, a car show, arts and crafts, and more. Hailed as “The Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas,” downtown Georgetown allows free parking after 5 p.m. year-round so you can dine, try a wine-tasting or two, and take in a theatrical performance without feeding any meters. No trip to Georgetown is complete without a visit to the Blue Hole, a lagoon along the San Gabriel River, and a tour of the Georgetown Art Center, where admission is free.”  You can read the entire article here: southernliving.com/travel…