Travel to Tranquil San Saba, Texas
San Saba, Texas
A couple of months ago I was invited to travel to tranquil San Saba, Texas. It was my first time visiting the small Texas town. I stayed there from September 19th, 2018 through September 21st, 2018. During this time, I visited some great places, ate at some amazing restaurants, stayed at a top-notch hotel, and met some amazing people.
San Saba is located in the central part of Texas, within San Saba County and named for its location on the San Saba River. San Saba is known as “The Pecan Capital of the World,” with 8 pecan companies in the city. San Saba is the birthplace of actor Tommy Lee Jones.
Where We Stayed
We spent 2 nights at the Dofflemyer Hotel, which is located at the intersection of Highway 190 and Highway 16 and renovated and reopened in June 2015. The boutique hotel was right across the street from the San Saba Visitor Center and in the heart of historic downtown San Saba.
Surrounded by Nature
The town of San Saba is gem you will want to return to once you have visited. If you love nature, there are 3 parks you should visit and driving out to the Regency Bridge is worth the time.
3 Parks and a Bridge
Mill Pond Park is a 71-acre city park, one of 3 that San Saba has. The park features an all-weather track, baseball fields, basketball courts, man-made swimming pool, picnic sites with BBQ grills, playground, spring-fed lake and waterfall.
80-acre Risien Park sits on was a donation from horticulturist Edmond E. Risien. Bordered by the San Saba River, the park features an array of pecan trees, providing ample shade. Risien Park also features an amphitheater, golf course, pavilion, picnic sites with BBQ grills, playground, RV hookups, swimming area and volleyball court
San Saba River Nature Park borders Risien Park, also along the San Saba River. The 38-acre park, home to San Saba’s first waterworks, surrounds several archeological sites, fishing spots, foot bridges, nature viewing areas and walkways. The bird viewing blind, the park’s main feature, was built by the San Saba Bird and Nature Club.
Regency Bridge, known by locals as the “Swinging Bridge,” is a suspension bridge that was built in 1939. The bridge, which travels over the Colorado River, is located at the intersection of Mills County Road 433 and San Saba County Road 137. Its part of the National Register of Historic Places and the Texas Historical Commission.
Wine Time
If you are a wine lover, there are two places you can easily walk to for some wine tasting and a tour. Both places are located in the San Saba Historic District and close by the hotel we stayed at.
Wedding Oak Winery first opened their doors on June 1, 2012 and is named after the Wedding Oak Tree that is located just outside of San Saba. The winery is located at 316 East Wallace Street and features a tasting room, a winery production facility and an outdoor courtyard. We enjoyed a wine tasting and charcuterie board before our evening was over.
We had a nightcap at Old Man Scary Cellars, a family owned and operated winery, located at 302 East Wallace Street. The establishment opened in 2015, as a result of restoring a 1924 historic building. The establishment is owned by Dr. Gabe and Carrie Hisel and the name came from their youngest son, after believing the establishment was haunted.
Food and Drinks
What a perfect town for Foodies! On the 19th, I had dinner at Bar D Brewhouse, an eatery, bar, and brewery that serves American cuisine. The restaurant and brewhouse is located at 213 North High Street. They serve lunch and dinner.
Their menu consists of appetizers, like Bacon Cheddar Fries; comfort foods, like Chicken Strips; burgers, like Bacon Burger and a children’s menu. I had the stuffed avocado and tried a beer flight of their craft beer. I loved how all the family worked together.
The next day we had breakfast at Bread to Dough Bakery. It’s a locally-owned artisan bakery, located at 301 East Brown Street. Chef and owner Teresa Hardman shared her story about being an honors graduate of the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Austin, Texas.
The bakery serves fresh breads, cookies, cupcakes, pastries, pies and specialty cakes. They serve lunch and dinner with a menu that includes burgers, paninis, salads and sandwiches. Coffees, teas, milkshakes and smoothies are on the menu too.
More Food and Drinks
Our last evening in San Saba, we had dinner at Youngs Burritos & BBQ, a family owned and operated restaurant that specializes in southern barbecue cuisine. It is located at 806 North High Street and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Youngs Burritos & BBQ, opened on April 1, 2015, offers dine-in, take-out and delivery. Their menu includes breakfast burritos, BBQ favorites- brisket, pulled pork and ribs and sides- beans, Cole slaw and potato salad. The owners were probably nicest people we have ever met.
Before heading back home, we had breakfast at Oliver & Company, opened in November 2014, located at 320 East Wallace Street. The café also serves breakfast and lunch. They brew a blueberry iced tea that you must try.
Their breakfast menu includes quiche and waffles, while their lunch menu features specialty sandwiches like Chicken Salad; toasted and pressed sandwiches like Turkey; salads like Italian Artichoke; specialty items like Fromage & Charcuterie Boards and the soup of the day.
Historic District of San Saba
The tranquil town of San Saba has something for all walks of life to do. From the avid outdoorsy person, wine and foodies, and those who love to shop. The historic district is home to many boutiques, Texas made goods, and one of the largest selections of boots and hats in Texas. (Stay tuned for “Shopping in San Saba”.)
When Visiting
Be sure to stop by the visitor center. They have a wealth of information on where to stay, where to eat, what to see and what to do within the city of San Saba. In the visitor center is the Economic Development Commission, the Keep San Saba Beautiful Commission and the San Saba County Chamber of Commerce. The recently redesigned San Saba Visitor Center had its grand opening on November 5th, 2018.
A big Texas thank you to everyone in the visitor’s center, shops, eateries, and hotel for making our stay so wonderful! We will be back. I was hosted by the San Saba Visitor’s Bureau; all opinions are my own.
