This article is a part of the 2023 Fall Travel Guide, a sponsored collection brought to you by our travel advertising partners. You can find more fall travel destinations and events here.

The Texas Hill Country is a special place in the fall. As the air turns crisp and leaves switch to their bright colors, people head to Brownwood for weekend stays. Fall is the perfect time to visit with the weather cooling down and fun events in town. Let’s uncover the best experiences that Brownwood has to offer during this season.

The Martin & Frances Lehnis Railroad Museum.

Fall is a time for enjoying festivals, pumpkin spice everything, and of course, seasonal food and drinks. Brownwood is a great place to experience all that fall has to offer, with a variety of restaurants and bars that offer special fall menus or just have that small-town charm. Here are a few of our favorites:

There’s nothing that rings in the fall season like a pumpkin spice latte! Although Common Grounds Coffeehouse doesn’t serve their pumpkin drinks all year, they do bring this classic drink back every fall. 10 Mile is Brownwood’s local winery and craft kitchen. Their cozy wine-tasting room is a local and tourist favorite all year. For some warm, high-end meals in a charming building, Lucille + Mabel is a great choice. From juicy burgers, to Angus beef steaks, to seafood, there are many options to choose from. For a nightcap, stop by The Turtle or CJ’s Cigar Lounge and get one of their unique cocktails and atmosphere.

Turtle Enoteca.

Brownwood’s community is known for throwing fun events. Fall is the busiest season for their event planners, with three annual events and a few one-offs. The one-offs are usually smaller, such as concerts or art shows, whereas the annual events bring in thousands of people. The community always comes together to celebrate, so they are a lot of fun.

Corks & Caps.

Every October, Brownwood has its annual Corks and Caps event. This event welcomes breweries and wineries from across the country for people to enjoy while listening to live music. Food trucks also come in to serve up a variety of cuisines and desserts. This year, Corks and Caps will be on October 7. You don’t want to miss it!

For the past 11 years, Brownwood locals have gathered at the Depot Plaza for the Trick or Treat Trail. Stay tuned for the announcement for this year’s Trick or Treat Trail date on Visit Brownwood’s event page.

On October 14, the Annular Solar Eclipse will be partially visible in Brownwood. Head to Lake Brownwood State Park to safely view the eclipse with their solar viewing glasses and telescopes.

Howard Payne University, located in Brownwood, puts on a fun homecoming parade each year in October. Current students, alumni, and locals gather to enjoy the events HPU puts on. This year, homecoming festivities happen on October 13 and 14.

Lake Brownwood State Park.

When you’re visiting Brownwood in the fall, you will need some fun activities to do in between trying amazing local restaurants. Brownwood has a lot to offer, but a few activities stand out in the fall.

For an adrenaline-pumping activity with a twist, look no further than axe throwing at either Twisted Axes or The Axe House. Gather your friends and unleash your inner lumberjack as you take aim at the wooden targets, honing your axe-throwing skills with every toss. They also have air hockey, shuffleboard, foosball, and pool.

After picking up a pumpkin spice latte from one of Brownwood’s charming coffee shops, head over to Intermission Bookshop. This cozy and inviting bookstore is a haven for book lovers, offering a diverse selection of new and used books across various genres. When you start to miss some greenery, head over to Urban Roots and make your own terrarium or pick up some indoor plants.

Intermission Bookshop. Photo by @mycurlyadventures_

The fall months (usually) bring enjoyable weather to Texas, so it’s the perfect time to enjoy Brownwood’s Parks. Riverside Park, with its scenic river views and lush greenery, is an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, a family picnic, or simply a moment of relaxation.

Another must-visit park is Lake Brownwood State Park, which offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and fishing. Explore the nature trails to catch glimpses of native wildlife and enjoy the beautiful lake.

You don’t want to miss the museums in Brownwood, like the Lehnis Railroad Museum. To learn more about Brownwood, you have to visit the Brown County Museum of History. If you love checking out and learning about art, the Brownwood Art Association gallery is a can’t-miss.

The 1080 Locomotive on display in front of the Santa Fe Depot and Harvey House is one of only nine surviving examples remaining.

If you’re looking for a fall getaway, Brownwood is the perfect destination. The Star of Texas Bed and Breakfast is a charming location with guest cottages that will make you feel like you’re in a movie. When traveling in a group, The Harper House is another option with three bedrooms in a private house. To book just one room, R.B. Rogers House is a notable stay on the National Register of Historic Places. Check out Visit Brownwood’s website to plan your trip, find great places to stay, and see what’s happening the week of your stay.


Visit VisitBrownwood.com for more information.