Eat, Drink and Be Outside in Spicewood
By Alecia Ormsby
Spicewood is a sleepy town nestled along Lake Travis and Texas 71 with Austin to the east and Marble Falls to the west. It’s basically a post office town with no city government that is managed by the three counties in which it sits: Burnet, Hays, and Travis. While it’s a slow-moving, rural community, Spicewood is a hidden gem of fun activities in the Highland Lakes of Burnet County.
OUTDOORS
Krause Springs
424 CR 404
401-236-7554
Spicewood is home to Krause Springs, a swimming hole open most of the year with gorgeous gardens, a concrete pool fed by the springs, and a natural pool with a rope swing.
Grelle Recreation Area
640 CR 412
512-473-3366
An excellent hiking and biking destination, Grelle Recreation Area features 276 rolling acres with 7 miles of trails and campgrounds.
Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area
2820 CR 414
512-473-3366
This 654-acre park along Lake Travis includes 9.8 miles of shady hiking and adventurous mountain biking trails, swimming and fishing, and boat ramps.
SPICEWOOD EATS
Opie’s BBQ
9504 Texas 71 East
830-693-8660
Legendary for its ribs, brisket, and tater tot casserole, Opie’s BBQ is the place to fill up. Choose meat right off the grill, and don’t forget the cobbler!
Spicewood General Store
9418 Texas 71 East
830-693-4219
Spicewood General Store serves yummy tacos for breakfast and tasty burgers for lunch or dinner. Not your typical gas station food.
Hoekstra Bros. Fine Wine
9408A Texas 71
512-808-8414
Find the finest in quality seafood and local Black Angus steaks, specialty spirits, salsas, and seltzers at Hoekstra Bros. It has everything you need for a romantic picnic or dinner while staying in Spicewood.
Yellow Dog Coffee Co.
9807 Texas 71 East
512-808-7283
Yellow Dog is the only local spot to get a top-notch latte, mocha, or cup of plain good coffee, hot or iced. Muffins and other bakery items, too.
WINES AND SPIRITS
Spicewood Vineyards
1419 CR 409
830-693-5328
Relax and enjoy the beautiful Texas Hill Country at this 32-acre vineyard with incredible wines. Open Wednesday-Sunday, the vineyard offers wine tastings and the utmost in hospitality.
Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery
101 CR 409
512-970-3203
This live music venue offers weekend entertainment and bold spirits with a Texas taste. Beautiful sunset views enhance the experience.
All of these Burnet County vacation locations can be accessed quite easily in downtown Spicewood, just off of Texas 71, and on adjoining roads, all within 10 miles of each other.
