Hidden gems, seriously good food, and kid-approved fun!
If you’re looking for a small-town Texas getaway that hits the sweet spot between family fun, great food, and charming local vibes – let me put Brownwood, TX on your radar.
This central Texas town surprised us in the best way. We packed our weekend with hands-on experiences, gorgeous spots, and some of the best pastries and pizza we’ve ever had, all without the crowds or chaos of a big city trip.
👇 Here’s my 90-second itinerary turned weekend guide that’s perfect for families, especially if you’ve got little ones in tow!
Breakfast at Baked Artisan Goods
Start your day early at @bakedartisangoods — they’re only open Saturdays and they will sell out! Everything here is made from scratch, and it’s genuinely hard to pick a favorite.
✨ Don’t miss the Ruffin (croissant muffin hybrid), cookies and cream scone, or their breakfast sandwiches. The bakery itself is beautiful — think local art meets European pastry case.
Lehnis Railroad Museum & Mini Train Ride
This stop was a highlight! Inside, you’ll find model trains of every size, interactive exhibits, and stories of how the railroad shaped the region.
🚂 But the real winner? The $2 mini train ride that loops outside — adults can ride too! It runs Saturdays from 10-3 (weather permitting), so plan accordingly.
Coffee Break at Common Grounds Coffeehouse
Inside a restored fire station (complete with vintage fire truck!), @commongroundscoffee is warm, cozy, and full of personality.
They roast their beans in-house, sell their own blends, and serve breakfast tacos that are legit. Great alt breakfast option if you’re not an early riser.
Browse Intermission Bookshop
This bookshop looks like something out of a fairytale and it’s gone viral on socials for a reason. @intermissionbookshop has towering shelves, a classic ladder, and hidden corners that make browsing feel like an adventure. Ask the staff for recommendations, they’re so welcoming!
Shopping at Shaw’s Marketplace
Part boutique, part vendor market, @shawson5th is a beautifully restored building packed with home goods, kids’ gifts, vintage finds, and even a candy section. Definitely worth a wander.
Dinner at Pioneer Tap House
Pioneer Tap House is super relaxed, super fun, and kid-friendly and even has live music on weekends!
They’ve got Sasquatch vibes, great craft beer (plus sodas for the kids), and a menu full of crowd-pleasers like Pioneer pizzas, nachos, and big salads. We loved how welcoming and community-focused the whole vibe was.
Dinner at Lucille + Mabel
If you want a more upscale night out (or even bring the kids if they’re good eaters), @lucilleandmabel is a showstopper. Located inside a beautifully restored bank, their scratch-made steak and seafood dishes are chef’s kiss.
The whiskey wall is massive, the service was amazing, and it’s one of the most unexpectedly elegant spots we’ve found in small-town Texas.
Brownwood State Park + Pecan Bayou Paddling Trail
With many shops and restaurants closed on Sunday, it’s the perfect time to slow down and enjoy the outdoors. We headed to @tpwdparks’ Brownwood State Park and explored the Pecan Bayou Paddling Trail.
Bring your paddleboard or kayak — it’s peaceful, kid-friendly, and the perfect way to close out the weekend.
Final Thoughts
Brownwood may be small, but it’s packed with big experiences — from fresh baked goods and train rides to indie bookshops and scenic water trails. It’s an easy weekend trip from most Texas cities, and best of all? It’s super enjoyable with kids in tow.
Thank you so much for my friends at Visit Brownwood for hosting us! All opinions are my own.
