Lynn and I have always loved a good road trip. Before we moved to our little slice of heaven here in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, we spent many weekends exploring the winding backroads between North Houston and Wimberley. It wasn’t just about getting from one place to another—it was about savoring every stretch of highway, every friendly stop, every hidden café that made the journey as special as the destination.
If you’re planning your own road trip from Houston to visit us at the Inn at Sunset Mill Ranch, here in Wimberley, we’ve mapped out a route full of our favorite stops, flavors, and local treasures along the way.
Our route usually started with TX-99/Grand Parkway, then connected to US 290 West, to TX-21W, onto State Hwy 71 West, TX-45 Toll, and finally Interstate 35, where we’d take the Buda exit and meander the backroads through Kyle, Market Road 150, and Old Kyle Road before turning onto Ranch Road 12 North—the final scenic stretch home to the Ranch.
It’s a drive that captures the best of Texas—rolling fields, small-town charm, and roadside gems worth the detour.
First Stop: Chappell Hill
This little town is a Texas postcard come to life—historic storefronts, friendly locals, and the kind of food that makes you feel like you’ve come home.
- Beaver’s Kitchen is our favorite for breakfast or lunch (trust us—the chicken-fried chicken is worth the drive alone).
- Chappell Hill Barbecue Bakery & Deli is where we pick up freshly baked bread, farm-fresh eggs, and a few extra goodies for the road.
- And if you’re craving authentic Texas flavor, stop at the Chappell Hill Sausage Company for smoked bacon and sausage to take home.
If you’re lucky enough to visit during the Bluebonnet Festival, the entire town transforms into a celebration of Texas wildflowers and hospitality.
Brenham: Ice Cream & Antique Charm
Next up is Brenham, home of the legendary Blue Bell Creamery—a road trip essential. Take a tour, enjoy a scoop (or two), and snap a photo by the famous blue-and-white sign.
The downtown Brenham area is also worth exploring, with boutique shops, antique stores, and cozy restaurants like Ninety-Six West and Must Be Heaven for lunch or dessert.
If you’re a gardener, don’t miss the Antique Rose Emporium—a breathtaking nursery full of fragrant roses and inspiration for your home garden.
Be sure to visit:
South Texas Tack on 290 – Western Wear
Round Top, Carmine & Giddings
The stretch between Brenham and Bastrop is full of antique gold. Stop by Leftover Antiques between Round Top and Carmine for vintage linens and home décor, then stroll through Round Top’s charming downtown.
During the Spring and Fall Antique Shows, we recommend entering through Warrenton—the back way often means less traffic and better deals.
Great stops to enjoy a bite:
The Garden Company – Great atmosphere with good food and outdoor seating
Royer’s Café – Good country café with delicious pies
In Giddings, we always make a stop at Whistle Stop Antiques, a treasure trove for anyone who loves history and craftsmanship.
In Paige, discover unique antiques at Broadway Paul’s Antiques & Salvage.
Bastrop: A Riverside Surprise
By the time you reach Bastrop, you’ll be ready for a hearty meal. This riverside town has no shortage of great spots:
- Roadhouse Bastrop for fresh, juicy burgers.
- Piney Creek Chop House for upscale dining in a historic downtown building.
- Neighbor’s Kitchen & Yard for wood-fired pizza and live music overlooking the Colorado River.
- Gracie’s feels like you have stepped back in time in an old country café.
- Paw Paw’s Catfish House for great fish.
And before you hit the road again, stop by Berdoll Pecan Candy & Gift Company in Cedar Creek—their fresh pecans and homemade candies make perfect road trip snacks.
Buda, Kyle & Driftwood
As you near Wimberley, exit at Buda and wander through the old downtown near the train station. We love Taste on Main and Brooklyn’s Down South for dinner or a late afternoon drink.
If you push a bit farther toward Kyle, the drive along Market Road 150 opens into beautiful Hill Country vistas. Two of our favorite local gems await along the way:
- Hays City Store, a true Texas classic with live music and outdoor dining.
- Whiskey Ridge, near Driftwood, serving up Southern-style plates and relaxed charm.
Finally, Wimberley
You’ll know you’re close when the roads begin to curve and the hills rise around you. Wimberley welcomes you with its own blend of artistry, flavor, and natural beauty—boutiques, galleries, wineries, and wonderful restaurants tucked under oak and cypress trees.
By the time you arrive at The Inn at Sunset Mill Ranch, you’ll have seen why we fell in love with this corner of Texas. And when you check in, you can look forward to a plate of fresh-baked treats and a cold drink waiting in our breakfast room—because every great road trip deserves a sweet ending.
Plan Your Own Road Trip from Houston
Whether you’re escaping the city for a weekend or planning a longer getaway, this road trip from Houston to Wimberley offers the best of Texas in one unforgettable drive. From classic diners to antique trails and riverside cafés, every stop tells a story—and the journey is as rewarding as the destination.
We’ll be here waiting at The Inn at Sunset Mill Ranch, where the sunsets stretch wide and the stars shine brighter than ever.
