It’s impossible to call Granbury a Texas hidden gem when the growing community 30 miles southwest of Fort Worth has received so many accolades recently.
Voted USA Today’s Best Historic Small Town three years running and designated the Celebration Capital of Texas, Granbury has sports, culture, recreation, music, food and more awaiting those who venture down U.S. Highway 377 to the town built on the winding banks of the Brazos River.
“Granbury is a charming blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities that not only make it a great place to live but make it an inviting destination for visitors. From the Historic Granbury Square to the Granbury Opera House to Lake Granbury there is something for everyone to enjoy!” says Granbury City Manager Chris Coffman.
Relaxation by the lake, unique shopping experiences, live music or an old fashion July 4th parade … Granbury has you covered.
The county seat of Hood County, Granbury was founded in 1866, but the population remained stable the first 100 years, growing slowly from 1,410 in 1900 to 2,473 in 1970. The population doubled by 2000 to almost 6,000 and nearly doubled again by 2020 to just under 11,000.
Granbury: Founded on the Bucolic Banks of the Brazos
Granbury dates officially from 1866 but traces its roots back to 1854 when a group of immigrants, mostly from Tennessee, made their way across the west bank of the Brazos River.
“That same year, Elizabeth Crockett brought her family from Tennessee to settle on a league of land awarded by the Republic of Texas to heirs of men who fought in the Texas Revolution in 1836,” says the Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) Handbook.
In 1866, brothers J. and J. H. Nutt donated some 40 acres of riverfront to form the town, named for Confederate General Hiram Bronson Granberry (the town took a slightly different spelling).
Within five years, schools and churches were being built as well as a county courthouse was constructed. Granbury became a commerce center for pecans, peanuts, peaches, grains, cotton, and other commodities with population growth taking off after the Fort Worth and Rio Grande Railway arrived in 1887.
The biggest change in Granbury’s history may have been the creation of Lake Granbury in 1969, an 8,310 acre lake with 103 miles of shoreline formed by a dam across the Brazos River at De Cordova Bend.
Granbury: Tourists Flock for Festivals Year Round
Tourism is Granbury’s No. 1 industry with some 75,000+ attendees to over 40 annual events, spending $50+ million dollars.
“Locals live here because Granbury is alive with events and activities year-round. Visitors come to Granbury to Celebrate everything!” says Visit Granbury. “Festivals, history, patriotism, arts and culture, music, culinary, nature and recreation, lake activities, and even monarch butterflies. Add in girlfriend weekends, family reunions, weddings, conventions, car shows, and more.”
That all added up to Gov. Greg Abbott signing a joint House/Senate resolution on June 11, 2023, that made Granbury the “Celebration Capital of Texas.”
Some of Granbury’s showcase events include:
“Our visitors know there is always something fun going on in Granbury,” said Tammy Dooley, Granbury Convention & Visitors Bureau Director.
Music and Food Lovers Enjoy Granbury’s Offerings
In the rare case there isn't a festival or special event happening in Granbury, there’s always food and music to be enjoyed with Granbury being designated as the 40th Music Friendly Texas Certified Community by the Texas Music Office last year.
“I congratulate the City of Granbury on becoming the 40th Music Friendly Texas Certified Community,” said Governor Abbott. “Music is key to the Texas brand and is deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of our great state. Music Friendly Texas communities certified by the Texas Music Office are serious about attracting and developing the local music industry to boost local job creation and economic growth. Together, we will continue to work alongside local leaders in Granbury and across every region to ensure our communities have the tools needed to grow and prosper.”
On any given week, you can find live music at Granbury locales such as Warren’s Backyard, Brock’s Food and Drinks, Bob’s Off the Square, Silver Saddle Saloon, Granbury Live, Brew Drinkery, Barons Creek Vineyards, D’Vine Wine of Granbury, Granbury Opera House, Sledge Distillery, The Grove Wood Fired Pizza, Farina’s Winery & Café, and more.
For those with an appetite, get your punch-card and hit the Granbury Foodie Trail which includes stops for the following favorite dishes:
- 1890 Grille and Lounge: Texas Trilogy Appetizer
- BAKED! Bread and Pastry Co.: Croissants
- Brock's Food and Drink: Trash Can Nachos
- Christina's American Table: Shrimp and Grits
- Farina's Winery & Cafe: Pizzas
- Grumps Burgers: Burgers and Fries
- Chef Rose Pebbles: Wicked BLT (Found at local pop-up events and Granbury festivals)
- Pearl Street Station: The Sister Special
- Restaurant Anise: Lavash with Whipped Goat Cheese and Aleppo Honey
- Ketzler's Schnitzelhaus: Jägerschnitzel
- Silver Saddle Saloon: Toasted Pretzel Ice Cream Sandwich
- Stumpy's Lakeside Grill: Tacos
Granbury Voted Best Historic Town in America!
While Granbury celebrates the present, and looks with promise to the future, there is enough preservation of yesteryear that Granbury was voted by USA Today the Best Historic Town in America for three straight years by readers.
“Granbury is home to the most historic courthouse square in Texas, and it attracts visitors for more than a few reasons. Experience boutique and specialty shopping in more than 40 one-of-a-kind stores housed in historic buildings around the Historic Granbury Square. You will also find a dozen restaurants and eateries while you’re experiencing the Square,” says Visit Granbury.
Look for:
- The iconic Hood County Courthouse was the recipient of the Texas Downtown Association 2013 President’s Award for Best Restoration.
- The Historic Granbury Square has been recently restored to have larger sidewalks, more greenery and seating for visitors, all while preserving the historic aspect and ambiance.
- The 1886 Granbury Opera House has recently been completely restored. This gorgeous theater sets the stage for the fantastic productions that the Granbury Theatre Company puts on year-round on this famous stage.
- Other stops of interest include the Granbury State Historical Cemetery, Hood County Jail Museum, Dollhouse Museum, Elizabeth Crockett gravesite, Bridge Street History Center Museum, Yeats-Duke 1858 Museum, and the Granbury Historic Railroad Depot.
Download a self-guided downtown walking tour here.
Lake Activities in Granbury
You can’t blame local businesses if they have a “Gone Fishing” sign on their door with Lake Granbury just steps away.
“Beautiful Lake Granbury sits right in the heart of Granbury. Grab your pole and go fishing at one of the many public fishing piers or pitch a tent at one of the many camping areas,” says Visit Granbury.
Boats, kayaks, jet skis, paddleboards and more can be spotted on the lake.
Lake Granbury is known for its striped bass, largemouth bass and catfish with crappie, white bass and sunfish also reeled in.
Boat ramps can be found at Thorp Spring Park, Hunter Park, Granbury City Park, Rough Creek Park and DeCordova Bend.
Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and golf along Lake Granbury.
