Welcome to Blanco
Life moves a little slower in this quiet river town
Blanco is in the heart of Texas Hill Country and is the perfect small town for those who want to have a peaceful slice of life. The town dates to 1853 and the historic courthouse in the town’s central square was built in 1885. There are a number of historic homes here, and the city offers loads of small-town charm, one of its top attractions. It is located roughly halfway between Austin and San Antonio, and both can be reached in under an hour. However, Blanco’s residents most prize the mix of suburbia and rural atmosphere.
In the historic downtown, locals mingle among the picturesque and charming scenery of old homes and tree-lined streets though many of Blanco’s residents prefer the space on their estates outside of town. The small downtown has some nice local businesses and the feeling of being frozen in time.
What to Love
- Charming historic buildings and homes
- A welcoming and friendly place to live
- Great schools
- Suburban-rural mix
Local Lifestyle
Blanco is a small and tight-knit community. The lifestyle here straddles that of suburban and rural life. Residents enjoy being outside and having lots of fresh air, but there’s also a small downtown historic quarter to explore. People in Blanco can be described as neighborly and living where they feel they can count on their neighbors if they need them.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
A favorite local place for a meal is Josie’s Kitchen, which bills itself as where country comfort food meets big city bistro style. Another great local joint to hang out at and enjoy a good meal in a classic, diner-style setting is the RedBud Cafe, appropriately located on the historic city square in downtown Blanco. Local bands play on weekend nights, there is dog-friendly patio seating, and there is a great drink menu, including craft cocktails and locally made craft beer.
Speaking of craft beer, those beers served at Red Bud are made locally at the Real Ale Brewing Company. Their location and taproom also frequently host live music and food trucks, and they brew up a variety of eclectic styles. There is even a distillery on site that produces whiskey and gin.
The historic city center of Blanco has several neat boutique shops. Brieger Pottery has neat, locally made stoneware and pottery made by the family that owns it as well as other local artisans. Cranberry’s Antiques has unique items and Herb’s Hat Shop will outfit you with true Texas style.
Things to Do
Besides just relaxing in the peace and quiet or people watching and taking in the charm of the historic downtown, Blanco residents’ favorite thing to do is get outside and enjoy nature. Blanco State Park lies right outside the historic district and is a small but pretty mile-long park just on the banks of the Blanco River. Residents love to come here to have a picnic on a sunny day, have a swim, go fishing, or go out paddling or boating on the river. It also has camping sites. Bindseil City Park is also a nice green space in town.
To feel like you’ve stepped back in time, head to the Buggy Barn Museum, where there are over 200 horse-drawn buggies on display, all dating from 1860 to 1900. All have their own unique touches, designs, and stories. A number have even been featured in films. It’s a neat way to spend a day and fun for the whole family. The Blanco Pioneer Museum tells the story of the town’s history.
Schools
The Blanco ISD school district serves Blanco. Some schools in Blanco include:
