Things to Do

Beer Run: A Cross-Section of the Texas Hill Country Beer Trail

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Parts of Texas Hill Country are quite proud of a longtime German background and heritage, which would also include a long relationship with brewing great beer. It stands to reason that if the Hill Country could create an entire market from wine and wine tours, they could also quite successfully do the same with beer and brewery tours. Hence the Texas Hill Country Beer Trail. Although the trail itself consists of 20 different stops, and this is quite a few to tackle, here are a few along the route which can make for a great “beer run.”

Real Ale Brewing Company

Beer Run: A Cross-Section of the Texas Hill Country Beer Trail

Photo: Facebook/Real Ale Brewing Company

The Real Ale Brewing Company in Blanco doesn’t pasteurize or filter its product and presently sells its beers only within the state of Texas. Its considerably large tap room provides some brewer’s selections, 14 regular beer products, and some seasonal releases. There’s an outdoor seating area which is dog-friendly and provides pretty views of the Hill Country, and if you go on Fridays or Saturdays, they offer free tours and sometimes a food truck on Saturdays (but you’re also allowed to bring a picnic any day you visit.)

Fredericksburg Brewing Co.

Beer Run: A Cross-Section of the Texas Hill Country Beer Trail

Photo: Facebook/Fredericksburg Brewing Co.

The Fredericksburg Brewing Co. renovated and restored an 1890’s building on Main St. and opened for business in 1994. They feature a fantastic selection of beers from which to choose, a great pairing menu in their restaurant, and an enclosed biergarten in the back. They also feature accommodations upstairs if you find you’ve imbibed and would like a place to lay your weary head in the Hill Country.

Pecan Street Brewing

Beer Run: A Cross-Section of the Texas Hill Country Beer Trail

Photo: Facebook/Pecan Street Brewing

Pecan Street Brewing in Johnson City features a restaurant and brewpub that lets patrons view the brewing operation from their barstool or seat of choice. The owners renovated and restored the Blanco County Supply building to make a home for their operation which boasts 50 beer recipes (in rotation) and a menu that perfectly complements their ales with comfort food items such as chicken-fried steak, brick-oven pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and more! They also have a schedule of live music and ample room in which to sit and enjoy it all.