Rich with history and tradition, as well as being home to one of the 10 oldest institutions of higher learning in Texas, Georgetown is a city in the Texas Hill Country that has amassed a number of treasures Texans have been proud of for years. Natural wonders, wineries, fantastic dining and great shopping make it a mecca for a mixture of folks, both local and out-of-state, offering something for everyone. Its close proximity to Austin, yet small-town feel, has appealed to a number of students seeking a high-quality education. Southwestern University lists enrollment at just over 1,500 students. As such, its faculty is able to take a direct approach with each individual student, helping them to reach their academic goals. A liberal arts college, the university is situated close to historic, downtown Georgetown, and its rich heritage is enough to make any Texan proud.
Things to Do
Georgetown in the Texas Hill Country: Where Tradition & Charm Go Hand-in-Hand
Photo: Wikipedia
It doesn’t take much to see why else state pride should run strong in this town. Williamson County Museum on the Square is one of Georgetown’s most interesting stops to visit. Promoting the county’s culture and heritage, the museum is situated directly across from the county Courthouse, and its mission is carried out through the acquisition and preservation of artifacts and historical memorabilia, as well as the exhibition of displays and education of its visitors. Their staff and volunteers help make this happen through the many events they host throughout the year, including public education programs, innovative exhibits, and the annual Pioneer Day at Old Settlers Park in Georgetown.
Photo: Flickr/Lars Plougmann
If you’re in the market for some must-see natural wonders of the area, Inner Space Cavern should definitely top your list. Discovered during the construction of I-35 in 1963, the skeletal remains of many a prehistoric animal that met their fate here are a wonder to explore and learn about, showing the type of creatures that inhabited this part of the Texas Hill Country thousands of years ago. Over 7,000 feet of the cave had been surveyed in ’63, and the various passageways ranged from tight crawls to large, cathedral-type halls and rooms. Inner Space Cavern was opened to the public in the summer of 1966 and has since hosted hundreds of thousands of visitors in its natural beauty. Another natural wonder that should make your viewing bucket list for Georgetown is Blue Hole. Offering a cool place to enjoy on a hot Texas Hill Country summer day, Blue Hole is a scenic lagoon located on the South San Gabriel River. Lined by limestone bluffs and providing a prime opportunity to picnic and wade or swim, Blue Hole is part of Blue Hole Park and can be found just five blocks from the city’s downtown Square.
Photo: Pixabay
Georgetown also boasts great wineries to help slake your thirst from all of that history, natural wonder sight-seeing and potential souvenir and boutique shopping you also might throw in the mix. Georgetown Winery and Grape Creek Vineyards Tasting Room are two such fine establishments to visit. Offering daily tastings, visitors can sip and swirl wines that are made right here in the Texas Hill Country. Sales can be made by the bottle or by the glass, and there are many other complementing items on site available for purchase. And if you’re hungry for a great bite to eat after touring this wonderful town, try some zesty and delicious authentic Mexican cuisine at El Monumento, which also features amazing views of the San Gabriel River. If you would prefer the historic views of the Georgetown Square together with American food fare, perhaps give Wildfire a try for both their atmosphere and fine dining selections. Cap off your day with a stroll through the Georgetown Square, and plan for more future trips to this wonderful town in the Texas Hill Country, where tradition and charm go hand-in-hand.
