This post is sponsored by Visit Georgetown. All opinions are my own.
My friend Judy and I spent three days exploring Georgetown, Texas, in the middle of the week, something I highly recommend. Georgetown is a town of two different speeds. The downtown square is alive with shops, restaurants, and beautiful public spaces, while the outskirts offer wide-open Texas landscapes.
There’s something enjoyable about exploring a town without a strict schedule. That’s how we spent our time in Georgetown. We browsed the shops and sampled the incredible culinary options in and around the historic square, while also experiencing the natural beauty and family-friendly fun on the outskirts. Over three days, we found a wonderful mix of activities, including time outdoors at Sweet Eats Fruit Farm and Garey Park, an underground adventure at Inner Space Caverns, and a relaxing stroll through Blue Hole Park. With plenty of shopping and dining in the downtown square, it was the perfect balance of small-town charm and Texas adventure.
The Red Poppy Capital of Texas
The red poppy has been the symbol of Georgetown since the early 1900s. Dating back to World War I, a local soldier named Henry Purl “Okra” Compton sent seeds home to his mother from Europe. What started in her garden on 7th Street eventually spread around town, leading the State Legislature to name Georgetown the Red Poppy Capital of Texas in 1990. While we just missed the annual Red Poppy Festival before our visit, the spirit of the flower is everywhere. It’s on murals and public art, on public benches, and on store shelves along the downtown square.
History, Art, and Shopping on the Historic Square
A Walk through Texas History
Georgetown’s history runs deep in Texas. Founded in 1848, the town still feels like a step back in time with its beautifully preserved Victorian buildings and historic downtown square. As we wandered the streets, it was easy to imagine what life might have been like here generations ago. The square itself is straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. For almost 200 years, people have come to Georgetown for business, celebrations, and to enjoy life.
Georgetown’s Creative Canvas
Art lovers will find plenty to admire in Georgetown. As we wandered through the downtown streets and alleys of Georgetown, we loved seeing art tucked around the corners. Bright murals lit up alleyways and building walls, each one telling a unique piece of the town’s story. We also came across several sculptures, some bursting with color, others showcasing beautiful designs. If you want to see even more, Visit Georgetown offers a helpful guide to all the public art in town, making it easy to plan your own art walk.
We stopped by the Georgetown Art Center, where they have ever-changing exhibits highlighting the creativity of local artists. We were fortunate enough to be at the center for their Seeing Double exhibit, which featured two artists and their different views of Texas landscapes.
If you want to see even more, Visit Georgetown offers a helpful guide to all the public art in town, making it easy to plan your own art walk.
Finding One-of-a-Kind Boutique Treasures
Shopping in Georgetown’s downtown district was a treat all its own. No two shops felt the same, a rare thing in many downtown squares. Each store offered something unique, from stylish clothing boutiques and quirky gift stores to antique shops, home décor, and wearable art. We wandered in and out of shops filled with everything from handmade jewelry to poppy-themed souvenirs, and I loved that every storefront had its own personality. Whether you’re hunting for a special gift or just browsing for fun, the square is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. And yes, more than a few treasures went home with us.
Nature and Adventure Beyond the Square
Judy and I had both been to Georgetown before but hadn’t really spent much time here. Since I travel by car often, I have driven by on I-35 many times and seen the San Gabriel River and the large Inner Space Cavern sign but never stopped to check it out.
Georgetown’s Natural Beauty at a Glance
Even though we knew the San Gabriel River winds through Georgetown, we were still surprised by how much natural beauty the area has to offer. Just a short drive from downtown is Garey Park, which turned out to be a huge surprise for us. Even though it’s only been open for about eight years and is still expanding with new features, this city-owned park boasts water features, equestrian trails, a massive playground, and even a gorgeous wedding venue. With its wide-open spaces and scenic viewpoints, it’s a welcome retreat from the bustle of downtown.
Blue Hole Park, located near downtown along the San Gabriel River, is the perfect spot to relax by the spring-fed water and listen to the small but beautiful cascading waterfalls. And as a photographer, it was beautiful to capture with my lens. Whether we were watching families play at Garey Park or couples strolling along the limestone paths by the river, Georgetown’s parks made it easy to appreciate the outdoors without ever needing to lace up our hiking boots.
Exploring Inner Space Cavern
We made it to Inner Space Cavern bright and early, and we were glad we did. Since we visited at the end of the school year, we arrived before the elementary kids, their chaperones, and the school buses rolled in. Located in South Georgetown, just off the interstate, these caverns reveal a fascinating underground world that most people drive over every day. Discovered by highway workers in the 1960s, the ancient limestone caves are filled with beautiful formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and sparkling crystals. In case you don’t remember your science classes, here’s a tip, “When the mites go up, the tights come down.”
Guided tours lead you through winding passageways and large chambers. Our guide was knowledgeable and fun, entertaining everyone with stories and the creative names she’d given to many of the formations. It’s about a mile-long walk through the caverns, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. The paths can be a little slick from moisture, so watch your step and enjoy this remarkable underground adventure for yourself.
Baby Goats at Sweet Eats Fruit Farm
Sweet Eats Fruit Farm was a highlight of our trip. We got to feed baby goats. They are the cutest! We wandered through sunflower paths, with colorful unicorns scattered along the way for photo ops. It was also strawberry and zinnia season, so you could pick your own and pay before you left. Once again, our timing was good. The farm was filling up with school kids on field trips. Having spent a lot of time on a vegetable farm growing up, it was wonderful to see the kids experiencing farm life, rather than sitting in front of screens or playing video games.
As we explored, we came across crowing roosters, hungry baby pigs chasing their mothers, and even baby calves looking for an ear rub. The retail shop is huge, offering everything from canned goods and baked treats to toys and cakes. It’s the perfect spot for a taste of country life, only a few miles from downtown Georgetown.
Eat in the Heart of Texas – Georgetown
One of the best surprises during our visit was the sheer variety of food on and around the square. From diner-style breakfast spots and coffee shops to quaint lunch cafés and dinner options with a view, Georgetown offers delicious dishes at every turn. We enjoyed everything from hearty Texas classics to freshly baked pastries and local southern fare. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual bite or a special night out, you’ll find plenty of options just steps from the downtown shops.
We loved that the Georgetown Public Library is also home to Little Lemon at the Library, a coffee shop that also offers pastries and sandwiches. No visit to Georgetown is complete without a stop at historic Monument Cafe. While I enjoyed my bacon and fried green tomato pimiento cheese sandwich, the carrot cake was chef’s kiss. We enjoyed happy hour at Blue Corn Harvest, offering discounts on margaritas and some of the best guacamole I had ever tasted. Sweet Lemon Kitchen, located in one of the cute Victorian homes in downtown Georgetown, had refreshing salads and sandwiches on the menu.
Since we were exploring and we both love Mexican food, we found ourselves at Encantada Cocina+Cantina, a short distance from the downtown square for tortilla soup and more chips, salsa, and margaritas. Judy hit the road before lunch, so I stopped in Sorn Thai Kitchen on the square for delicious Pad Thai and spicy broiled Brussels sprouts. And that’s just a sampling of their restaurant options within walking distance from our home away from home.
Planning your Visit
Where to Stay
While many visitors choose to stay in hotels just a short drive from the center of town, we stayed at The Harty House, a short-term rental within walking distance of the square. It allowed me to park the truck for the day and enjoy the downtown on foot. If you did choose to drive downtown, we found ample parking in the parking garage by the Visitor Center.
After three days in Georgetown, I was truly impressed by how much this town has to offer. This quaint community offers historic charm, vibrant art, natural beauty, and a food scene that rivals much bigger cities. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a girlfriend’s trip, or a solo escape, Georgetown’s blend of small-town warmth and big Texas spirit makes it a destination worth exploring.
For more information on things to see and do, where to eat, and where to stay in Georgetown, check out their website. Once you’ve visited, you’ll understand why it’s known as the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas.
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Until next time from Texas…safe travels!
