The video above takes you on a ride through Burnet, Texas — a small Hill Country town about 50 miles northwest of Austin that most people blow right past on the way to somewhere else. That's a mistake. With a population hovering around 7,000, Burnet has a real downtown square, a handful of spots featuring live music, and enough character to make it worth a stop. David Bridwell rolled into town to play a wine club event at Wedding Oak Winery and spent some time exploring what the square and surrounding area have to offer.
What Is Burnet, Texas Known For?
Burnet is officially the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas, and every April roughly 35,000 visitors descend on the town for the annual Bluebonnet Festival. Beyond the wildflowers, the area is a gateway to Highland Lakes — the chain of lakes along the Colorado River that eventually flows down into Lady Bird Lake in Austin. Longhorn Cavern State Park is nearby, home to the largest deposit of calcite crystals in the United States, and you can find the Devil's Watering Hole, one of the more popular swimming spots in the Hill Country. The town also claims to have the world's smallest city park somewhere downtown, though good luck actually finding it. The history here stretches back to the 1850s, rooted in the railroad, farming, and livestock — and the downtown square still carries that old Texas feel. You'll find antique shops, restaurants, bakeries, and the Candy Rush Emporium, but don't expect a strip of rowdy bars. It's a quieter, more conservative town that leans older.
Where Can You Find Live Music in Burnet, Texas?
Burnet isn't a music destination on the level of Austin or Fredericksburg, but there are a few places keeping things going on and around the square. The town also hosts live music on the square events that bring in bigger touring acts from time to time.
- Wedding Oak Winery — A winery right on the downtown square that hosts wine club events with live music. Great atmosphere for an afternoon of wine, cheese, and acoustic sets. David Bridwell performed here for one of their wine club gatherings.
- Trailblazer Grill — Located on the square, this spot books live music regularly. It's a solid place to grab food and catch a show without leaving downtown.
- Van Brockland's Beastro — Just off the square, this restaurant features live music and is worth checking out if you're spending an evening in Burnet.
Getting to Burnet from Austin
The drive from Austin to Burnet takes about an hour heading northwest on Highway 183 or cutting through Marble Falls. It's a straightforward road trip and a good one to pair with stops at other Hill Country towns along the way. If you're looking for a low-key day trip that gets you out of the city and into some genuine small-town Texas atmosphere — with a couple of spots to hear music and a glass of wine on the square — Burnet is a solid pick.