Last modified on April 1st, 2022 at 4:53 pm

Georgetown TX: So Much to Explore!

In 2019, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that Georgetown, TX is the 7^th fastest growing city in the country with a population over 50,000.

Everyone loves Georgetown, and for good reason. It’s a safe city with beautiful parks, an award-winning library, low tax rates and a town square that has been named the most beautiful town square in Texas.

This guide has ideas for activities and experiences throughout downtown Georgetown Tx. The best thing is, you’ll have plenty of time to explore them all, thanks to the freedom of your low-maintenance garden home or villa at Gardens at Verde Vista.

What is the history of Georgetown?

The first settlers to the area were the Tonkawa Indians who hunted buffalo on the rolling plains throughout Central Texas. The San Gabriel River provided a stable source of fresh water, small game and good fishing. European settlers eventually arrived from Germany, Sweden, and Czechoslovakia, and the San Gabriel River provided the same bounty for these new people as it had for its first settlers.

How Georgetown became a town, and the creation of Lake Georgetown

Georgetown officially became a town in 1848 when George Washington Glasscock donated land on the banks of the San Gabriel River. An epic hurricane and residual flooding in 1921 resulted in the impounding of the San Gabriel River and eventually led to the creation of Lake Georgetown, which opened in 1979.  Today the lake and the river provide a beautiful backdrop and lots of recreation options that include hunting, fishing, boating, and camping for the residents of Central Texas.

Victorian Homes and Architecture

Even with steady population growth throughout the years, Georgetown has managed to maintain its 19th Century charm. The Victorian architecture (49 homes on the historic register) provides the perfect setting for easy evening strolls into the past. Or, enjoy an afternoon wandering through the oldest university in Texas. For 175 years, Southwestern University has educated Texans and prepared them for the future amongst grand architecture and emerging history.

The Origins of the Red Poppy Festival

Every April, Georgetown gathers to celebrate the annual Red Poppy Festival. Seeds from poppies in Europe were sent to Georgetown right after World War I when Henry Purl Compton sent them to his mother. She planted them at her home near 507 East 7th Street. From there, they were spread (by birds, bees, and people!) down the river and over much of Old Town. The poppies have been a part of Georgetown’s landscape for over seventy years. They grow naturally throughout streets and highways, in vacant lots and parklands, and right in the yards of its citizens. Georgetown is one of the few places in the United States where red poppies reseed themselves naturally from year to year.

How can I learn more about the history of downtown Georgetown?

Several tours focused on the history of the area are available. Explore the historic Williamson County Courthouse, the old Williamson County jail, the Palace Theatre and more!

What are some of the downtown Georgetown Tx restaurants?

Whether you’re craving Mexican, Italian, Cajun, a good old-fashioned burger, or something sweet, you’ll find it in downtown Georgetown!

• Wildfire – Time Magazine actually called Wildflower restaurant Georgetown Tx a reason to move to Georgetown. Spanning two historic Victorian buildings built in the 1920s, Wildfire offers an upscale steakhouse, seafood and wild game dining experience in downtown Georgetown. Rated Excellent by Zagat, the restaurant is open for lunch or dinner every day and a champagne Sunday brunch.
• The Monument Cafe – A 1940s-style diner specializing in home-style cooking. Every meal is served with fresh vegetables, and they have an amazing selection of homemade desserts.
• Gumbo’s – one of the area’s favorite Georgetown Square restaurants, Gumbo’s offers fresh fish dishes, Cajun/Creole cuisine and divine desserts. Most evenings feature live music, as well.
• Tony and Luigi’s Restaurante – Classic Italian and Mediterranean fare in a beautiful atmosphere near Main Street Georgetown.
• Galaxy Bakery & Coffeehouse – Rated #4 in the nation by The Learning Channel on the Bodacious Bakeries segment of “Best Food Ever.”  Giant cupcakes, cakes, pies, cheesecakes, cookies and more.

What shopping is available in stores downtown Georgetown Tx?

From antiques to boutiques, downtown Georgetown has you covered!

• 6^th Street Relics & Antiques offers a wide range of antiques for your home and business, with a focus on the unusual and hard-to-find.
• Georgetown Antique Mall has silver, stained glass, linens, china, furniture, glassware, jewelry, books and lamps. They also do appraisals and offer furniture and lamp repairs.
• Sincerely Yours has beautiful men’s and women’s clothing.
• Brazos Market has a unique assortment of clothing, gifts, jewelry and more!
• All Things Kids is sure to delight your littles! Battery-free toys, children’s books, ice cream, and 400 kinds of candy.

What is Blue Hole Park?

Just five blocks north of the Square, Blue Hole Park is a popular place to cool off and have summer fun. This scenic lagoon, bordered by limestone bluffs along the South Fork of the San Gabriel River, has wading areas, fishing, picnic areas, swimming, public restrooms, trails, and free parking.

What events take place downtown?

The Georgetown Wine and Music Festival has quickly become one of the area’s favorite events. Held at Georgetown Square, attendees who are 21 and older can purchase tickets and have the opportunity to taste samples from 12 local wineries.

With Music on the Square, Georgetown Square becomes a venue for free concerts every Friday night from June through August, except for June 7, July 5, and August 2. Music kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with the last song fading out at 8:30 p.m. Music genres range from rockabilly to jazz to bluegrass.

Celebrate Independence Day in beautiful San Gabriel Park located at 445 E. Morrow Street. Entertainment begins with a hometown parade and live music noon and lasts until the Spectacular Fireworks Finale. Sertoma’s 4^th of July in the Park also has arts and crafts vendors, activities for the kids, and food.

On First Fridays of each month, merchants stay open later for evening shopping – a wonderful time to explore The Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas! Stroll the historic streets, visit galleries, meet local artists and listen to live music in local restaurants and shops.

Market Days features booths with arts & crafts, jewelry, unique clothing, woodcrafts, ironworks, festive foods, collectables, stained glass, along with music all day! Market Days are the Second Saturday of each month, March through November, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. You’ll also want to pop into some of the unique shops on The Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas!

Georgetown Square Christmas lights are spectacular, transforming the square into a winter wonderland. Festivities start with the lighting of the Square on the Friday after Thanksgiving, continue with the annual Christmas stroll the first weekend of December, and the Historic Holiday Home Tour.

Take back your time – take back your life!

With so many things to do in downtown Georgetown TX, you’ll be glad you chose a luxurious, low-maintenance garden home or villa at Gardens at Verde Vista. Leave lawn care far behind and head to the most beautiful town square in Texas for dinner, drinks, shopping, live music, or one of the city’s many festivals and events!

Back to Previous