Charming Victorian architecture, delicious restaurants, and tempting stores combine for an inviting visit to historic Granbury. Saturated with old time western mystique, the little town sits along the banks of the Brazos River. General Hiram B. Granberry, the town’s namesake, led Confederate troops from the area in the Civil War. The town was named in his honor, but misspelled as Granbury. The local cemetery claims to be the resting place of Jesse James; however, Kearney, Missouri, also contends as his burial spot. See if you can figure out the answer to this dispute during your visit.
Visualize Granbury’s historic town square as it was one hundred years ago, where shoppers come to town on a Saturday to visit the merchants and purchase their needed goods. Horse-drawn wagons and buggies stand shoulder-to-shoulder awaiting their masters’ return. Take the walking and driving tour to learn the stories behind the vintage buildings. The Granbury Courthouse Square was the first in Texas named to the National Register of Historic Places. Step back in time when you visit the Hood County Jail which used the Pauly Jail Building & Manufacturing Company’s innovative cell system later used throughout the West. Cell doors lock with a loud “bang” produced by an exterior lever which is the origin of the term “slammer” being used to describe being put in jail. The jail also has a tall tower to accommodate a gallows, but Granbury never added the gallows. Other history-filled buildings populate the square. Drop by the Tourism Bureau for the Walking and Driving Tour Map.
Granbury Tourism Bureau
621 East Pearl Street
Granbury, TX 76048
682-936-1205
granburytx.com
Enjoy local talent in full costume singing and dancing through a story set to music in Granbury’s historic theatre. Built in 1886, the Opera House was restored and reopened as a professional live theater in 1975 featuring musicals, plays, and melodramas year round.
Granbury Opera House
116 South Houston
Granbury, TX 76048
817-573-9191
granburyoperahouse.net
Rock and roll thrives at Granbury Live. Specializing in nostalgia concerts, the year-round shows are professionally choreographed, coached, and costumed. If music is your thing, Granbury Live is something you must see and experience during your visit. The peppy, family-friendly shows will have you tapping your feet along with the performers.
Granbury Live Theater?
114 North Crockett Street?
Granbury, Texas 76048
817-573-0303
granburylive.com
Another evening activity in Granbury is the old fashioned drive-in theater, a dinosaur in the movie industry today. Once a popular family-friendly form of entertainment in the 1950s and 1960s, mom and dad would load their pajama-clad kiddies into the car on Saturday evening, drive to the nearest drive-in to watch a film on the huge screen while lounging in their own vehicle. You can still do this in Granbury. Remember to pack some snacks or patronize the snack bar.
Brazos Drive-in Theatre
1800 W. Pearl St.
Granbury, TX
817-559-4473
thebrazos.com
A relatively new development in the area is Lake Granbury, formed in 1969. This 8,000-acre lake provides a delightful vista of the hill country of the region. You can rent a boat or take a cruise on a riverboat. The Sunday Brunch Cruise allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery while you breakfast on the two hour trip.
Granbury Riverboat
2323 S. Morgan
Granbury, TX 76048
817-279-8687
