The video above captures a rainy day trip through Jarrell, Texas, a small town about 40 minutes north of Austin along I-35. You've probably noticed the rest area stops near Jarrell on your drive up the interstate, but chances are you've never actually pulled off and walked around. This video does exactly that — exploring what the town has to offer in terms of food, history, and live music, with a stop at a winery gig up the road in Temple.
Things to See in Jarrell, Texas
Jarrell is a small town, and on a rainy day it feels even smaller. But there's some genuine character here. One of the standout spots is a 1940s Magnolia gas station, still displaying that classic Magnolia logo. It's been converted into Compass Barber Shop and Salon, but the building itself is a piece of Texas roadside history worth seeing. The main commercial area off the freeway has the essentials — a supermarket, hardware store, a few restaurants, and a salon.
It's impossible to talk about Jarrell without mentioning the devastating F5 tornado that struck on May 27, 1997. Known as the "Dead Man Walking" tornado, it was one of the most destructive tornado events in Texas history, killing 27 people and literally erasing homes from their foundations. It remains a defining moment in the town's story.
Where Can You Find Live Music Near Jarrell, Texas?
There are actually a couple of solid options for live music in and around Jarrell. For a town this size, there's more going on than you'd expect.
- The Granary — A laid-back outdoor spot in Jarrell with multiple food trucks, cold beer, and a stage built on the back of a truck. Plenty of table space for hanging out, and they book live acts regularly. Natalie Metcalf was performing on the day this video was filmed.
- El Patio Mexican Kitchen — A Mexican restaurant right in the main area off the freeway, good for tacos before or after checking out music nearby.
- Three Texans Winery — Located up in the Temple area, not far from Jarrell. They have thousands of grapevines on the property and draw a solid Saturday crowd for live music. David Bridwell was playing his second gig here on this particular trip, and the atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious — bar stools, wine, and good tunes.
Exploring Small Town Texas Between Austin and Temple
Jarrell sits in a stretch of I-35 that connects several interesting small Texas towns. Georgetown is just down the road to the south, and Salado is a short drive north. If you're making the trip between Austin and Temple, pulling off the interstate at Jarrell for some food at El Patio and a beer at The Granary is a worthwhile way to break up the drive. It's the kind of place that rewards you for slowing down, especially if live music happens to be going on when you stop through. Keep an eye on what The Granary and Three Texans Winery have scheduled — both spots book real musicians and draw people who actually want to listen.