Just a short drive north of Austin, this picturesque Texas town invites you to step into a realm where time slows down and savor life’s simple pleasures. Liberty Hill is more than just a testament to small-town living; it’s a vibrant tapestry of unique culinary experiences, quaint destinations, and lesser known wineries, distilleries, and breweries that pay homage to the region’s history.
The following is a deep dive into the hidden treasures of Liberty Hill, unveiling unmissable gems that showcase its unique character.
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Thirsty Mule Winery & Schitz Creek Distillery
The Thirsty Mule Winery and Schitz Creek Distillery are renowned as some of the best watering holes in Liberty Hill. One of its most iconic features is the underground wine cellar on-site. While visitors are not allowed inside, they can catch glimpses of it through an interior window in the distillery. The winery offers a selection of wines produced on-site, including Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Vermentino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosé, and Sangiovese.
Adjacent to the winery, you will find Schitz Creek Distillery, named after the well-known television series, Schitt’s Creek. The proprietors of both the winery and distillery drew inspiration from the show and combined it with the presence of a small creek nearby, ultimately choosing to embrace the name as a homage.
The distillery offers a diverse selection of spirits and brews, all made on location using Texas grains. When you order a tasting, you’ll receive four beers or liquors for $12. For whiskey enthusiasts, Schitz Creek Distillery presents a selection of carefully crafted options, including their signature Bourbon or limited-edition Solera Whiskey, aged for five years using the traditional Solera method. Not to be forgotten, Schitz Creek Distillery also boasts a 16-times distilled vodka, providing a clean and pure spirit for those who prefer something lighter.
If you’re not a fan of spirits, they also have a wide selection of beers including bocks, doppelbocks, light lagers, stouts, and options from the West Coast.
Stay at River Ranch Inn
River Ranch Inn is a unique hotel on the banks of the South San Gabriel River that goes beyond traditional accommodations. As you explore the room options, you’ll discover an array of themed rooms with quirky aesthetics that cater to different tastes and preferences.
Imagine entering a room adorned with vintage cowboy décor, rustic wooden furniture, old Western artwork, and carefully curated cowboy memorabilia. Or a space inspired by the enchantment of the forest, with tree branch accents, earthy tones, and cozy nooks that invite you to relax and unwind.
One of the highlights of the River Ranch Inn is its access to the mesmerizing Blue Hole, a scenic lagoon carved out by the South San Gabriel River. The area is a natural swimming spot renowned for its breathtaking turquoise water. You can take a refreshing dip, bask in the sun on the riverbank, or revel in the beauty of the surrounding nature.
Fire Oak Distillery
Fire Oak Distillery serves a variety of locally crafted spirits, including bourbon and vodka, carefully produced to ensure the highest quality and flavor. Whether you’re looking for something on the rocks or a tasty cocktail, drop by for a nightcap or an afternoon drink.
Sample their handcrafted cocktails and their award-winning Texas Bourbon, which is distilled in 100% copper stills and aged in American oak barrels. In addition, Fire Oak Distillery serves a signature Fire Oak Vodka, a smooth and crisp spirit made from 100% non-GMO corn.
But what truly sets this distillery apart is its unexpected companions—zebras, donkeys, a zonky (a cross between a zebra and a donkey), and wildebeest. These majestic creatures roam nearby, often near the fence. While you can’t touch or interact with them directly, observing them in their natural habitat is such a cool experience.
Munch Munch Waffles
Munch Munch Waffles is a Black-owned waffle establishment born out of a passion for Belgian waffles and a desire to create a legacy. The establishment has gained popularity for its unique menu offerings and delectable waffle creations like their three classic waffles: the Brussels Waffle, the Cornbread Waffle, and the Liege Waffle.
While the traditional waffle options are enticing, Munch Munch Waffles offers some crazier and more adventurous waffle creations, such as the Berry Love, which is a Liege Waffle topped with Cream Cheese Smear and Graham Cracker Crumbles; the Waffwich, made with a Brussels waffle, eggs, cheese, meat, and a selection of veggies like avocado or grilled mushrooms, and the “Match Made in Heaven,” which is a fried chicken and waffle sandwich.
Beyond the exquisite flavors, Munch Munch Waffles has a special place in the community, serving as a gathering spot for friends, families, and food enthusiasts. The inviting atmosphere invites you to sit back, relax, and savor every bite, knowing you’re partaking in a culinary experience that celebrates heritage and passion.
Hell or High Water Brewing
Hell or High Water Brewing is a craft brewery in the heart of historic, downtown Liberty Hill. The brewery takes its name from the saying, “Come hell or high water.” They have a production brewery, a brewpub with a full kitchen, and a full bar offering a range of craft beer, wine, and distilled spirits. In addition to their traditional style beers, they often feature guest taps from local breweries, wineries, and distilleries, ensuring a diverse selection.
Their kitchen serves handcrafted entrees beyond typical pub fare, including fish and chips, wings, burgers, fries, salads, and seafood specialties. The brewery also provides outdoor and indoor seating areas and features live music on Fridays and Saturdays.
Dalia Cafe
Adjacent to Hell or High Water Brewing is the rustic western eatery, the Dahlia Cafe. Their menu includes signature dishes like chicken-fried steak, homemade meatloaf, country-fried chicken, burgers, and some Tex-Mex favorites.
The cafe has a warm, inviting environment and emits a small-town charm. Visitors will find indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a playground, making it an excellent place to stop for a memorable dining experience for all ages.
Tejas Park
Tejas Park is located near the bank of the North San Gabriel River and has ample green spaces and shaded picnic areas with inviting trails that create an idyllic backdrop for outdoor adventures. You can stroll, hike, or bike along the trails that traverse the park’s diverse landscape.
For those craving a day on the water, Tejas Park’s picturesque lake beckons with its calm waters and scenic beauty. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard and glide across the shimmering surface, or cast your line and try your luck at fishing. The lake teems with a variety of fish species, providing anglers with an opportunity to reel in the catch of the day.
If you want to extend your stay, the park boasts a delightful selection of 12 rustic campsite areas, aptly named Tejas Camp.
Gabriel’s Overlook Park
Gabriel’s Overlook Park is a scenic outdoor recreational area conveniently located just a short drive northwest of Austin. One of the main attractions of Gabriel’s Overlook Park is its panoramic vistas. From certain vantage points within the park, you can take in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, which may include rolling hills, forests, or water.
Garey Park
Garey Park is another popular recreational destination in Liberty Hill. It spans across 525 acres of beautiful Hill Country landscape, providing visitors with various outdoor activities and natural attractions to explore, including seven miles of beautiful hiking and bike paths, all of which wind through woodlands, meadows, and along the South San Gabriel River, providing wildlife sightings and bird-watching opportunities.
The park also features a catch-and-release fishing lake stocked with a variety of species and equestrian trails for horseback riding enthusiasts. These trails offer a unique perspective of the park and are perfect for leisurely rides or more adventurous exploration. If you’re looking to stop along the way, there are numerous picnic areas with tables, benches, and grills available throughout the park. Visitors can bring their own food and enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature.
Krab Kingz Restaurant
If you’re a fan of seafood, then Krab Kingz is the place for you. This restaurant specializes in seafood, particularly crab dishes, and has a unique and flavorful menu with options like the Dungeness Krab, lobster, and shrimp.
These dishes are often served in unique combinations, for example, the Dungeness Krab & Shrimp Platter comes with a variety of accompaniments and sides, such as drawn butter, lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, and perhaps some fresh herbs or spices. What sets Krab Kingz apart is its inclusive menu which, despite being a seafood company, also offers other dishes like chicken wings, garlic bread, fried calamari, and fries!
Downtown Liberty Hill
Downtown Liberty Hill is the central commercial district of the town, known for its historic charm and local businesses. It boasts a selection of adorable shops that cater to various interests. These shops are known for their unique products, local crafts, and delightful finds. The following are some of the interesting locations you will find:
● Agape BBQ: Agape BBQ is a local barbecue restaurant known for serving up delicious smoked meats, including brisket, pulled pork, and ribs with a variety of sauces and sides. It’s a great place to satisfy your barbecue cravings and enjoy a hearty meal.
● Liberty Hill Outfitters: This local shop sells a variety of hunting and camping supplies. They are well-known for their hunting gear, fishing gear, and camping supplies. It’s an excellent place to buy everything you need for your outdoor adventures right here in Liberty Hill and beyond.
● Parker’s Corner Market: This is a quaint, old-fashioned, family-owned grocery store in Liberty Hill. They’re known for their delicious homemade foods and selection of groceries, including fresh produce, meats, dairy products, pantry items, and household essentials.
● Windy Hill Ranch: This beautiful location boasts a selection of trails for hiking and horseback riding. You can also stay overnight at the ranch. They have a wide range of accommodations, from tents to cabins and other permanent structures. They even provide horse and pony rides for children. It’s an excellent place to take advantage of nature, spend time with family, and explore the outdoors in Liberty Hill.
● Liberty Hill Sculpture Park: This is a wonderful park that is dedicated to the art of sculpting. It was created following an international sculpture symposium held in the area and showcases various pieces of artwork with short talks about their creators. Visitors can also participate in workshops and guided tours.
● Spirit Mountain Brewery: This local brewery is one of the area’s most popular spots. They are known for their wide selection of craft beer and their delicious European menu. It’s a great place to enjoy your favorite brews and delicious food.
● Liberty Hill Bed & Breakfast: This is a traditional bed and breakfast located in Liberty Hill. It provides several quaint accommodations and catered meals. It has a selection of unique, beautifully decorated rooms that provide an excellent stay for visitors. It has all the amenities you could need, including a hot breakfast served in the morning.
● Market at Indian Mound Ranch: This is a local market that sells delicious fresh produce, meats, and more located on a working cattle ranch. It also features collectibles and hand-made crafts from a wide variety of artists and an excellent selection of foods you’ll love to eat while you’re in town.
● Winkley’s General Store: This is a local general store in Liberty Hill that offers a variety of building, plumbing, hunting and fishing hardware. The store’s hours of operation are from Monday to Sunday, with extended hours from 7 AM to 8 PM.
● Fannie’s Farm Friends: This farm offers an opportunity for visitors, especially children, to interact with friendly farm animals and enjoy an authentic farm experience. It offers various activities, including horseback riding, hay rides, and a picnic area.
● San Gabriel River Brewery: San Gabriel River Brewery is a local brewery in Liberty Hill where visitors can sample their craft beers. It’s a great spot for beer enthusiasts to try out different brews and experience local events.
Things to Do Near Liberty Hill:
Looking to lengthen your next road trip or turn your day trip into a weekend getaway? Check out these nearby towns:
- Leander (15 minutes) – go scuba diving, eat Polish food or amazing barbecue, and have fun on a floating waterpark
- Burnet (25 minutes) – Longhorn Caverns State Park, Inks Lake State Park, wine tours, antiquing, and boating on Buchanan Lake
- Round Rock (30 minutes) – the country’s largest indoor waterpark, downtown shopping, a ballpark with crazy food, and the coolest bowling alley
- Georgetown (30 minutes) – gorgeous waterfall at Blue Hole, go spelunking at Inner Space Caverns, wine tours, and antiquing
- Bertram (30 minutes) – horseback riding, wine tours, and parks
- Lampasas (40 minutes) – Hanna Springs Sculpture Garden, Hancock Springs swimming pool, the world’s largest spur, and Topsey Exotic Ranch
Things to Do in Liberty Hill: Final Thoughts
Liberty Hill is a captivating destination that offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, culinary delights, and small-town charm. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, there are plenty of great places to visit and things to do in Liberty Hill. You will find all the shopping, dining, and entertainment you need here.
With its proximity to Austin and a plethora of unforgettable experiences, Liberty Hill beckons you to slow down, indulge in life’s simple pleasures, and create lasting memories in this hidden gem of a town in Texas.
Last Updated 2 months ago by Jessica Serna | Published: July 24, 2023
