Things to Do

Georgetown: A Hidden Beauty

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Just north of a rock and a weird place sits the sweet little county seat of Williamson County. This little, hidden beauty is often overlooked while getting to Austin. But next time you are driving through, stop in and see what all the fuss is about in Georgetown, Texas.

Founded in the early 1830’s, Georgetown was once inhabited by Tonkawa Indians and other Native American tribes of the region. With the settling of Austin just to its south, Georgetown soon became a settlement of Swedish and German immigrants. The area had great appeal due to its rich farming land and the San Gabriel river which flows through the town. The discovery of the “Leanderthal Lady” in 1983 gives proof of the rich history. Carbon dating of the “lady” proves that the area had been inhabited since 8500 B.C.

1024px-Confederate_statue_at_Williamson_County,_TX,_Courthouse_IMG_7113Photo: Wikimedia/Billy Hathorn

The town square became the county seat in 1848 and was the first in Texas to be listed in the national Main Street City in 1997. The remodeling of the downtown square revitalized the town. It is now considered by many to be a hidden treasure in the beauty of the Hill Country. The charming and quaint shops along the square shine with the Victorian architecture. It is considered one of the best preserved Victorian and Pre-WW1 downtown historic districts.  The Beaux-Arts Williamson County Courthouse (1911) is the centerpiece of the square.

After the renovations in the 1980s, Georgetown looked to find other ways to draw people to its family-oriented community. The city became the first city in Texas to become part of the Sun City Del Webb community. Sun City was a bit of a controversy when it was originally planned back in 1995.  The age restricted community has made a positive and lasting impact on Georgetown. In 2007, it  was named as the Best Place to Retire in America. The residents of Sun City love Georgetown, their community support and volunteerism has been a tremendous impact on Georgetown and its surrounding areas. Just be careful if you drive around the community, golf carts are legal on the streets in the development.

poppy-1351733_960_720Photo: Pixabay

That’s not all  Georgetown has to offer. In April of every year, the “Red Poppy Capital of Texas” hosts the Red Poppy Festival. This fun springtime event is hosted in the downtown historic square. Over 30,000 visitors make the trek to see all the red poppies in bloom and of course all the fun things to do at the festival. There is so much to do this last weekend in April. Some of the events include a car show, live music and arts, and craft booths from local artists. You are sure to stay busy. Another fun event that draws a big crowd is the annual Christmas Stroll usually held the first weekend in December. Again, the live music, arts and crafts, and parade draw a big crowd for all ages and it will get you in that Christmas spirit for sure.

Of course, there are many other events in and around the Georgetown area. If crowds aren’t your thing, you can always venture underground and visit the Inner Space caverns just south of the city.  With the temperature in the cave at around 72 degrees, this amazingly beautiful and well-preserved cave is sure to be a great get away when the summer heat hits.

So get your calendars out and plan a trip to this historical little, hidden beauty in the Hill Country. Georgetown will be a destination that you will want to make again and again.