Heading from Houston to Lampasas for a wedding. Was going to head up a day or two early and stay somewhere along the way. JC seemed like a good option. Any recs for places to stay or things to do in that area? Also open to other options along the way. Thanks in advance.

Can't remember the name of it but there is a new winery a mile out so outside of town on the left on 290 towards Fredericksburg. It's very nice

Pacific war museum. Disregard. Thinking of a different city.

https://totallytexastravel.com/johnson-city-tx/

Pecan Street Brewing was a decent place to get some beer and grub last time I was through there.

Check out Carter Creek. The Best Western is pretty run down.

ETA https://www.bryanson290.com/ for dinner if you want something a little fancier than Pecan Street. Both are solid options.

Garrison brothers is just down the street in Hye. Also, perdenales state park in that area

Some good state parks in the area.

https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/pedernales-falls

Marble Falls/Horseshoe Bay would have a lot more options. If you're traveling with family, Horseshoe Bay is a good place to spend some time. Inks Lake SP is also close by. Caveat: Marble Falls has become very overcrowded. It may frustrate you more than you'd like, and Johnson City could be more enjoyable if so. Happy trails.

If you're at all into wine, make a reservation at Pebble Rock Cellars. Some of the best Texas wines I've had (or wines anywhere for that matter) and every reservation gives you 1-on-1 time with the winemaker, who happens to be an Aggie too!
They don't really have a tasting room per se; if you make a reservation you're the only party there at that time. It's a tiny little building in Johnson City that he and his wife are running by themselves, and for a $25 tasting you get your money's worth.
His production amount is super small and all self financed. He was one of the winemakers at William Chris in the early 2010s and is great to talk to about the state of the TX wine industry. We just found out about him last weekend and already can't wait to go back.

Edit to Add:
Canyon of the Eagles on Lake Buchanan is (read: used to be, 15ish years ago) a pretty nice place to stay in the hill country. Not sure if anyone has been there more recently but it's definitely serene if you're looking for a nicer place to stay. Otherwise, you could just book an AirBnb for a night somewhere on 290 near Stonewall and hit a few wineries along the way.

You gotta hit 12 Fires Winery in Johnson City. Also Aggie owned.

https://12fires.com/

Dairy Queen?

Thanks everyone for the recommendations. Seems like there are lots of great options!

My best friend from high school and growing up owns Pecan Street Brewing -- drop by and tell Chrystal that Kourtney sent you!!

Great suggestion!

How in the world is Johnson City on the way to Lampasas from Houston?

Just like this

reedsterg said:

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Great suggestion!

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Very cool. I've been drinking 12 Fires since the early days, but I've never actually been to the winery! Every wine I've ever purchased from them has been good.

They've grown a lot in the last couple of years. I'll make it out there soon, I hope.