Since 1929, the Blue Bonnet Café has been a popular stopping place in Marble Falls whether for its classic American fare or for “Pie Happy Hour.” Contrary to popular belief, the name “Blue Bonnet” refers to a type of woman’s blue hat not the wildflower. Credit: GERALD E. McLEOD

Twenty-four hours in Marble Falls is barely enough time to scratch the surface of this thriving city on the Highland Lakes northwest of Austin. Three friends and I with two dogs set out to see what was to be seen. 

Late in the afternoon we self-checked into McKenzie Guest House, a vacation rental with six suites. The two-story former hotel is half a block off Main Street, the central business district aside from the strip malls lining the highways. 

For supper we headed to one of our favorite eateries, Bay View Restaurant in Cottonwood Shores about 10 minutes from downtown. On a bluff overlooking Lake LBJ, it has a dog-friendly patio and gorgeous sunsets. 

We started the next day by checking out Main Street. First stop was to play the percussion instruments in Harmony Park at Third and Main streets. 

The shopping district between First and Fourth streets is filled with coffee shops, boutiques, a candy shop, a bakery, and a light bulb store. On a side street is Choccolatte’s, a high-end chocolatier selling gelato and house-made toffee. 

Lunch was at Double Horn Brewery for burgers and a refreshing pale ale. 

Besides being a central business district of locally owned shops, Main Street in Marble Falls is an outdoor gallery of public art. Sculptures dot the street, and Harmony Park invites visitors to play the percussion instruments. At Third and Main is a large chalkboard where folks can write what they’d like to do: “Before I die…” The Highland Lake Creative Arts organization has created an online map (hlcarts.com/sculpture-on-main) of public art in the Downtown District. Credit: GERALD E. McLEOD

After an afternoon rest, it was time for happy hour at Save the World Brewing Co. The Mexican Lager was refreshing while we sat on the patio with the dogs under a ceiling fan. 

Heading back into town, I couldn’t resist popping into Nelly’s Homemade Ice Cream and Paleteria. Run by the Fernandez sisters, the shop on U.S. Highway 281 specializes in fruit-flavored ice cream and Mexican-style frozen treats. 

A trip to Marble Falls wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Blue Bonnet Cafe. They don’t allow dogs, so we got our “pie happy hour” selections to go. 

Looking for a light supper and dog-friendly seating, we visited LeStourgeon Seafood Company. The fish tacos were the perfect ending to a long, hot day.

On our way out of town, we made a quick detour to the small park on the southern outskirts to pay our respects at Dead Man’s Hole. According to the historical marker at least 17 Union sympathizers during the Civil War were dumped in the sink hole before it was sealed. Credit: GERALD E. McLEOD

1,814th in a series. Everywhere is a day trip from somewhere. Follow “Day Trips & Beyond,” a travel blog, at austinchronicle.com/day-trips.

This article appears in July 10 • 2026.

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Gerald E. McLeod joined the Chronicle staff in November 1980 as a graphic designer. In April 1991 he began writing the “Day Trips” column. Besides the weekly travel column, he contributed “101 Swimming Holes,” “Guide to Central Texas Barbecue,” and “Guide to the Texas Hill Country.” His first 200 columns have been published in Day Trips Vol. I and Day Trips Vol. II.