Marcy Stellfox
Things to Do
‘Grab Your Best Gal Pal and Go’ Trip: Shopping, Wineries, & More
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Pottery Ranch
Photo: Marcy Stellfox
Self-described as “Highway 281’s Must-Stop-Mega Shop,” you can bet your boots that you are going to come home with something from Pottery Ranch. The Pottery Ranch opened their doors in 2000, and thanks to their huge selection of Texas home decor, repeat customers, and location on Highway 281 just north of Marble Falls, this home decorator’s dream store just keeps getting bigger and better. You’ll find everything you need for your home, ranch or garden including placemats, pottery, lightswitch plates, jewelry, furniture, yard art, and wall art. You can usually find Rufus, a sweet chocolate Labrador, working the main entrance and if your pooch likes to make new friends, he is welcome, too. A sweet paint pony and two donkeys will keep kids entertained as well. Eat breakfast before you go because you’ll definitely need until lunchtime to explore the place. Pottery Ranch, 6000 North Highway 281, Marble Falls.
Texas Hills Vineyard
Photo: Flickr/CortneyMartin
Once you’ve loaded all your goods from the Pottery Ranch into the truck, continue down Highway 281 until you reach Johnson City. Go through the stoplight where Highway 290 intersects and prepare to make a left turn onto Ranch Road 2766. Travel a few miles down this paved country lane and soon you’ll spot the sign for Texas Hills Vineyards and their glorious rows of grapes on the right.
Texas Hills gets their grapes from their very own Hill Country vineyard as well as from vineyards located in the High Plains. The tasting room is a low-key down-to-earth friendly place to taste wine. Sip and browse the wine-related gift items on display. Tastings are $8 per person. One tasting fee is refunded with a purchase of one bottle of wine. From sweet to dry, Texas Hills has a large selection of wines for tasting that should please every wine lover’s palate. If you like dry reds, check out the 2012 Newsom Valley Kick Butt Cab. If your palate prefers a sweeter wine, take a sip of the Moscato or the Volare. Texas Hills Vineyard, 878 Ranch Road 2766, Johnson City; Phone: 830-868-2321.
