10 Best Things to Do in Georgetown, TX

Georgetown is just north of Austin and was established in 1848. It was part of the Chisholm Trail, the route through which cattle were driven from Texas to Kansas to obtain higher prices. Several of the buildings erected in the Victorian era are still standing and the town has been awarded 'Most Beautiful Town Square' status. At Christmas time the antique lamps and brick walkways make it look like a set from the movie, “It's a Wonderful Life”. There are scenic river parks and annual festivals that make the town an attractive destination, even for those recently retired and wishing to settle.

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1.Inner Space Cavern

The Inner Space Cavern was discovered in 1963 by the Texas Highway Department. The Texas Speleological Society were granted permission to explore the area and found several miles of karst caves. Limestone had been worn away to form sinkholes, shapes and structures. Skeletal remains of Ice Age mammals, such as mammoths and saber-toothed tigers, were found in the caves. 1.2 miles of the caves were opened to the public in 1966. There are three tours, catering for all ages and skills. Groups are welcome. The caves, playground, fossil display, mining area and shop are open seven days a week.

4200 S. I-35 Frontage Rd. Georgetown, TX 78626, Phone: 512-931-2283

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2.Sun City

This complex of almost 7500 houses was built for 'Zoomies', the active age group of the Baby Boomer generation. It is seen as a 'first retirement home' and has been acclaimed as the best place to retire. Many from the Midwest are attracted because of the prospect of more moderates climes. There are several sports facilities, such as golf courses and tennis courts, as well as a ballroom, dance studio and swimming pool. It is legal to drive golf carts to the shopping area. For more sedentary activity, there is a library and a computer laboratory. A few units are available at low cost for prospective buyers to hire.

1501 Sun City Blvd, Georgetown, Texas 78633, Phone: 877-627-9700

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3.San Gabriel River

The San Gabriel River begins at Georgetown, at the confluence of the North and South Forks. The river has a limestone bottom, with rapids and small canyons. In the past the river regularly flooded its banks further downstream dumping fertile soil. Forests of natural oak and pecan nut trees can be found there. The Blue Hole is a popular swimming spot for locals. Canoeing, kayaking and fishing are also popular pastimes. The river runs through the Apache Pass Amphitheater and Festival Grounds with its cantilevered stage jutting out over the water.

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4.Rentsch Brewery

The owner, Andrew Rentschler, spent much of his extracurricular time, as a student in Germany, studying biergartens and craft beers. He returned home and assembled a commercial grade brewing system in his parents' garage. When he moved to commercial premises, demand exceeded supply so he decided to double production and open a canning line. The beer garden has been enlarged to 5000 ft and opens from Wednesday to Sunday. A food truck brings in food or patrons can bring their own. Dogs and children are welcome. The entire brewing operation is driven by renewable energy, namely solar and wind generated power.

2500 NE Inner Loop Georgetown, TX 78626, Phone: 512-688-5046

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5.Sweet Eats Fruit Farm

There are more than 25 activities for children and adults on the Sweet Eats Fruit Farm. Plan to spend between 3-5 hours there when you visit. There are seasonal pick-your-own schedules. Strawberries ripen between March and May, and the various stonefruits, like pears, peaches, nectarines, plums and cherries, ripen between May and mid-August. 3-day camps are held in the school holidays where, among other things, children are taught to grow their own fruit. Live music and seasonal events, such as the Pumpkin Patch, are scheduled throughout the year. All fruit is ethically grown with ecological sensitivity.

14400 E. State Highway 29, Georgetown, TX, Phone: 512-766-3276

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6.Garey Park

Garey Park is a 525-acre green space that wraps around the San Gabriel river. The property was given to the City Of Georgetown by Jack and Tammy Garey. It was their family home for decades and it was Tammy's ardent wish that it be kept intact and opened to the public after she died. In total, the Careys have donated 10 million dollars for the development and upkeep of the park. There are miles of hiking, biking and horse trails, a dog park, a playground and many other attractions. The large, rambling homestead is available for hire as an event space.

6450 RM 2243, Georgetown, TX 78628, Phone: 512-930-6800

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7.Wildfire Restaurant

The Wildfire Restaurant and its sister company, the Lockett Banquet Facility are housed in old buildings dating back to the beginning of the 1900s. The colorful Wildfire Restaurant has menus for brunch, lunch and dinner. Diners can eat from 'Pools of Broth' and 'Fields of Green', and drink 'From the Fountain'. Seafood and burgers are also options. The restaurant has obtained eight Best of Georgetown awards. They are open Mondays to Sundays from eleven till late.

812 S. Austin Ave. Georgetown, Tx 78626, Phone: 512-869-3473

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8.Firo Fire-Kissed Pizza

A great deal of research went into the establishment of Firo's, including traveling the world studying pizzas and gelato, learning how to use a pizza oven and training Firo-istas. The business model is now a successful franchise in three locations. Customers can build their own pizzas from 4 sauces, 10 meats, 20 vegetables, 8 cheeses and 8 drizzles. The pizza dough is made on the premises and allowed to mature for 24 hours. Salad ingredients are sourced daily and are accompanied by a choice of 9 dressings. Gelatos, in a variety of Italian flavors, can be enjoyed in the Tuscan atmosphere. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.

3702 D B Wood Rd, Georgetown, TX 78628, Phone: 512-688-5103

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9.Simmer Down

As the name suggests, Simmer Down is a place to relax with the family. The extensive a la carte menu offers comfort food, prepared daily with fresh foods from local suppliers. Desserts are baked fresh and vary from day to day. Special dietary needs are catered for. On Sundays, a buffet is served from 9 am until 2 pm. Beer and wine are available on the premises. The restaurant is closed on Mondays. Catering services include party platters plus a range of full dinners.

4701-1 Williams Drive, Georgetown, TX 78633, Phone: 512-763-1672

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10.Catfish 'N More

This is the oldest family-owned restaurant in Georgetown. Bob, the present owner bought it in 1979. It is situated close to the park and the river's edge and has become a landmark. The interior is covered with memorabilia and antiquities. Friends gather weekly and families can be seen praying. There is a sit-down menu, and everything on it plus family packs and buckets of seafood can be ordered as take-out. Besides catfish, there are crabs, clams shrimps and combinations of these on offer. Chicken and side dishes are also on the menu. The restaurant is open from 11am – 2 pm and again from 5pm – 8pm, on Tuesday to Saturday.

305 E. Morrow St., Georgetown, TX 78626, Phone: 512-863-6219

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