Johnson City

 

Johnson City is the quintessential small Texas town. Located less than an hour’s drive west of Austin and less than 90 minutes from San Antonio, Johnson City is a favorite day or weekend trip for those looking to escape the city.  Situated on the Pedernales River and founded in 1879 by President Johnson’s great-uncle James Polk Johnson, after whom Johnson City is named, President LBJ claimed Johnson City as his hometown. The nearby Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park contains LBJ’s birth home, ranch, and final resting place, as well as a log cabin where his grandparents lived. Known as the crossroads of Texas Hill Country and the gateway to the Texas Hill Country Wine Trail, Johnson City has a burgeoning food, wine, and art scene and is the perfect launching point to numerous state parks, wineries, distilleries, and breweries.

Johnson City’s real estate mix includes small town Texas style homes both old and new that are walkable to its downtown square, as well as gentlemen’s ranches and large acreage generational ranch properties.

Johnson City attracts those looking for a quality Texas lifestyle within a short drive of the big city.  With just two stoplights in the city’s charming downtown area, those calling Johnson City home either as a weekend or permanent resident consider most of the neighboring hill country part of the town. Properties in these surrounding areas consist of homes on a few acres and also large farm or ranch operations.

Johnson City’s city center consists primarily of Main Street and the Courthouse Square in front of the textbook Texas courthouse 1916 design. 290 Vinery invites patrons to sip some of the many wines produced along the Texas Hill Country Wine Trail and pairs them with pizza and cheese plates. The Farmhouse Vineyards Marketplace and Tipsy Trailer is another Main Street attraction for local wines, live music and a quaint atmosphere. Pecan Street Brewing offers live music, a classic beer garden and rotating locally made craft beer taps.

For a gourmet and vibrant dining experience don’t miss the American bistro Bryans on 290 which offers delicious chef-driven entrees prepared over an open fire. The sophisticated meals at Bryans perfectly compliment the bistro’s fine wine selection with high-end local wines as well as those from across the globe. Another local brewery offering pours is Reck’em Right Brewing Company where owner Tim brews up some Texas sized beers. More casual options can be found along Highway 281 including burgers and fries at Fat Boy Burgers, flavorful smoked meats at Ronnie’s Ice House Barbeque, and classic Tex-Mex at El Agave and El Charro.

Johnson City has a range of unique attractions for all ages extending well beyond the food and wine scene. The Science Mill kids museum and learning center is packed with interactive exhibits that use hands on activities to provide fun and educational experiences for all the family. The Science Mill also offers camps, workshops and affordable memberships. There are numerous galleries and working artists’ studios in Johnson City. On the last Saturday of each month, seven galleries participate in the Johnson City Art Walk.

During the Christmas holiday season don’t miss the Pedernales Electric light show. Free and open to the public, this may be the best holiday light display you will ever see and the town turns out with fun public lighting ceremony to kick off the event.  The show runs from roughly the day after Thanksgiving through the first few days of the new year.

The boyhood home of Lyndon B Johnson is located in the heart of Johnson City. LBJ lived in this home from the age of five until he graduated from high school, and its interior authentically presents Texas life in the 1920s. The nearby Johnson City Events Center features exhibits on local history and the Johnson family history.

Twelve miles to Johnson City’s west, Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park features LBJ’s grandparents’ 1860s log cabin and the ranch known as the Texas White House. Just 10 miles east of Johnson City, Pedernales Falls State Park extends over more than 5,200 acres along the Pedernales River. This sprawling park features miles of trails for hiking, camping, horseback riding, and mountain biking. You can also swim, tube, or kayak on the river.