The Regency Bridge outside of San Saba is the oldest suspension bridge in the state open to vehicular traffic, and some say the most beautiful old bridge in Texas.
Since 1939, the bridge has spanned the Colorado River connecting San Saba County with Mills County and the ghost town of Regency on the north bank. The suspender cables look like strings of a giant instrument stretched taut from the wooden deck to the main cable that gracefully drapes from one bank to the other.
Known for its prodigious pecan crop, San Saba is a scenic and happening town of 3,000. Two other places in town worth checking out are Wedding Oaks Winery and Bar D Brewhouse.
A relative newcomer, Wedding Oaks Winery is making waves on the Texas wine scene. Using Texas-grown grapes, the winery has already garnered several commendations. The tasting room is on US 190 at US 16. Open daily, their offerings include a crisp sparkling wine, a luscious Sangiovese, and two kinds of Viognier.
In addition to brewing nine kinds of beer, the Bar D Brewhouse also has a diverse menu of pub grub and comfort food. Located on US 16, a block north of the winery, the pub is open Tuesday through Saturday.
To get to the Regency Bridge, head north of San Saba on US 16, make a left on FM 500, go 16 miles, make a right on CR 137, and the bridge is about a mile straight ahead.
1,181st in a series. Collect them all. Day Trips, Vol. 2, a book of “Day Trips,” is available for $8.95, plus $3.05 for shipping, handling, and tax. Mail to: Day Trips, PO Box 33284, South Austin, TX 78704.
This article appears in March 21 • 2014.
