It’s that time of year: ghost stories and goblins, pumpkins and trick-or-treating. With Halloween just around the corner, one Texas town has both the history and fall activities to make an October day trip or weekend getaway memorable.
Granbury, Texas is an old-fashioned town with a charming town square and the city slogan, “Where Texas History Lives.” In fact, the Granbury Square was the first in Texas to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Local legends and folklore prevail-famous names such as Jesse James and John Wilkes Booth spent time here, as did Davy Crockett’s widow, Elizabeth. You only have to talk to a few locals to hear tales of yesteryear exploits by them and others.
One of the best ways to spend a haunting-and fun-Halloween in Granbury is by enjoying the “Spooks and Spirits” of this town. From ghost tours and the historic cemetery, to the spirits of local wineries and new nightspots, there are plenty of ways to get your thrills here.
Ghosts & Legends Tour
On this walking or trolley tour with guide (and local character) Boots Hubbard, you may come in contact with the Faceless Girl, John Wilkes Booth, the Lady in Red or other famous haunted legends from Granbury’s past. Every Friday and Saturday night at 7:15 and 9 pm; meet at the Wagon Yard Courtyard next to the Nutt House Hotel. $10 adults/$7 children; 817-559-0849. On October 31 only, a special back-to-back tour of Ghosts & Legends followed by the cemetery tour (below) is offered for $25 including refreshments.
The Last Mile Cemetery Tour
This once a year happening has been resurrected. Every Friday and Saturday night in October, starting at 10:45 pm, come for a walking tour through the Granbury State Historical Cemetery where you can visit the graves of Jesse James, Ashley Crockett (granddaughter of Davy) and General Hiram B. Granbury, the city’s namesake. Bring a flashlight! $10 adults/$7 children; 817-559-0849.
Harvest Moon Festival
On October 27 & 28, celebrate the season with arts and crafts vendors, food booths and a lineup of entertainment on the Historic Downtown Square. There will also be a variety of contests, from pumpkin carving to pie eating and more. Visitors and locals alike are encouraged to bring their dogs in costume for the Pooch Parade and Bow Wow Trick or Treat on Sunday. Free; 817-573-5299.
Trick or Treat on the Square
On Halloween, bring the kids to the square from 3-6 pm for trick-or-treating among the dozens of merchants and restaurants. Costumes encouraged! Free; 817-573-5299.
Revolver Brewery Grand Opening
When the Halloween spirit works up a thirst, come enjoy hand-crafted beer at one of Texas’ newest micro-breweries. Revolver Brewery will celebrate its Grand Opening on October 20 from noon to 4 pm with live music, food, beer tastings and brewery tours. 817-736-8034.
Barking Rocks Vineyard and Winery
In a cool little rock barn just outside Granbury, winemaker Tiberia has created a labor of love with his premium, handcrafted wines. The best way to taste the Brazos Valley! Barking Rocks has frequent live music and other events; the next one is this Friday, October 19, when Rhett Butler returns to the winery for a repeat performance, with Joel Guzman. 8-10 pm, $15; 817-579-0007.
Other Terrific Things to do in Granbury:
- Stay in one of Granbury’s many charming Bed and Breakfast inns; I stayed at the Inn on Lake Granbury, which was charming and luxurious.
- Get a taste of frontier living from the Cowboy Chef of Texas himself, Grady Spears, at Grady’s Line Camp Steakhouse.
- Take in a performance of the Granbury Theatre Company.
- See a movie the old-fashioned way at the Brazos Drive-In Theater, one of only a handful of drive-in movies left in Texas.
- Enjoy one of the city’s new innovative dining spots, such as the Eighteen Ninety Grill and Lounge or the Brazos Smoke House.
