San Saba

Savor the earthy flavors of fresh pecans and the sweet tastes of Texas wine, breathe in the musky aroma of leather in an exotic cowboy boot shop, and listen to the sound of a tranquil river as it flows by. Experience all these sensations when you visit San Saba, a delightful place to visit in the Texas Hill Country.

Known as the "Pecan Capital of the World," San Saba has much to offer shoppers, foodies, wine lovers, and those who enjoy being outdoors. Even though it's just two hours northwest of Austin, San Saba feels like it's a world away.

Historic Downtown San Saba

With its narrow two-lane streets and old-fashioned stone storefronts home to a wide variety of specialty shops and restaurants, you'll probably spend a lot of time in downtown San Saba while you're here. Start at the beautiful 1911 San Saba Courthouse, a sandstone and brick structure with the phrase "From the people to the people" written above each entrance. Snap a few photos and then let your mood guide you.

Want a new pair of cowboy boots? Saunter on over to Harry's Boots, a Texas institution dating back to the late 1930s that now fills five historic buildings and roughly 12,000 square feet downtown, where your jaw will drop as you take in the massive selection of boots, hats, clothing, and other cowboy gear. For some awesome antiquing and terrific treasure hunting, peruse the vast collection of one-of-a-kind oddities at both J.C. Campbell & Company Mercantile — home to more than 20 individual vendors — and Madeleine & Me. The downtown area is even home to the San Saba Olive Oil Company, where you can sample and buy a range of pepper-infused olive oils and balsamic vinegars seasoned with pineapples, pomegranates, blueberries, and more. Newer additions to the downtown shopping scene include the San Saba Soap Company, Canada Verde Silver, Everett's Furniture & Emporium, and K. Ellis Boutique.

Since San Saba is the "Pecan Capital of the World," it's no surprise there are seven specialty shops where you can get your fill of this delicious nut. Whether you're hungry for fresh roasted or chocolate-covered pecans, pecan pies, or even whole-bean coffee packaged with pecan pieces, you'll find something to please your appetite.

Wine Tasting in San Saba

Not only does San Saba have more than its fair share of pecan shops, it's also home to two wineries. Enjoy award-winning reds and whites at Wedding Oak Winery, which opened its San Saba tasting room in 2012, and wines grown with Texas grapes at Old Man Scary Cellars, itself an incubator project of Wedding Oak. Visit both and you'll have a stunning range of wines to try, including first-rate blends, viogniers, and dolcettos. The best part? They're just steps away from one another, so visiting both is as easy as the Texas two-step.

Dining in San Saba

Downtown and around town, you'll find a growing lineup of places to eat, including Agave Jalisco for Mexican fare, Napoli's Grill for Italian, Bar D Brewhouse, Pepperbelly's, and Gages BBQ. Whatever you're craving after a day of shopping, San Saba's restaurant scene has you covered.

Parks, Recreation, and Natural Wonders

Although you can get lost in downtown San Saba, there's much more to this Hill Country destination than shopping and dining. Its parks, such as Mill Pond Park — a 71-acre, spring-fed lake and waterfall dating back more than 140 years, with much of the original dam and water wheel still standing — and Risien Park, provide a lovely backdrop for picnics, hikes, and other kinds of fun in the sun. If you're looking for a test of your long and short game, take on the challenging (and scenic) 18-hole San Saba River Golf Course, artfully lined with pecan trees.

For even more adventure, make the brief drive to Colorado Bend State Park to explore the 32 miles of multi-use trails and lay your eyes on one of Texas' most significant natural wonders: the 60-foot-tall Gorman Falls. About 20 miles northwest of town, don't miss the Regency Suspension Bridge — at 325 feet, it's the only suspension bridge in Texas you can actually drive across, offering sweeping views of the Colorado River and surrounding hill country.

Planning Your Visit

With its pleasant year-round weather, San Saba is a fine place to visit any time of the year. Yet if you plan your stay to coincide with one of its annual events, you'll get even more out of your time here.

Whether you're looking for a romantic weekend retreat, a shopping getaway with friends, or an escape to the beauty of the Texas Hill Country, you'll feel right at home in San Saba.

Photo and Video Credit: Mitchell Hallmark | Found Media Group