Marble Falls, TX – Things To Do & Places To Visit

Shane Hauck | November 24, 2022

Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country and less than an hour from Austin, Marble Falls is an incredible getaway destination for a few days. If you like to explore, do some hiking and enjoy the outdoors, this is the place for you. The views overlooking the countryside and Lake Travis are gorgeous. Let me show you where the luxury of cabin living meets the freedom of camping. Let me introduce you to Talula Mesa. Welcome to Marble Falls.

Talula Mesa

Talula Mesa

Talula Mesa is the perfect glamping destination. Glamping is a combination of glamorous and camping. It is for those who want to explore and enjoy the outdoors, while still having vacation luxuries/comforts (electricity & AC, showers, comfortable beds, etc).

Off the beaten path and about 20 minutes outside of downtown Historic Marble Falls, Talula Mesa has a few different options for tents on their 15-acre property. After settling in, you can check out the cowboy pool setup, go hiking down one of the paths, set up your device to project a movie on the big screen, or maybe sit around a fire. I stayed in the Grand Arrow tent, and it was absolutely amazing. I was able to beat the rainy weather on my outdoor adventures, but nothing beats the sound of sitting inside or on the back patio under the cover of the tent while the rain falls.

Talula Mesa Tent

The biggest selling point is the floor-to-ceiling glass to take in the amazing views in the morning. If you like to sleep in, not a problem; the sun won’t bother you at the crack of dawn. Enjoy sleeping in a king-sized bed with air conditioning or a fireplace for heat as needed. The tent has a front & back porch, and a private fire pit. There is a mini fridge, which is perfect for some leftovers and snacks from town, but we’ll get to that. 

Talula Mesa View

Texas Elite Meat

I love meat, BBQ, smoked items and all of the above! So naturally, when researching where to eat on my trip, the first restaurant to catch my eye was Texas Elite Meat. They are a meat market offering dry aged Wagyu cross beef, pork, seafood, exotic and poultry meats. They feature some great local sauces, seasonings and spices, but the star of the show is their grill menu.  Open Tues-Sat, 11 am-6 pm, the team there pumps out some amazing food while providing superb customer service. While there, I got a chili cheese dog (brisket-based chili and queso over a Wagyu hot dog) and some parmesan truffle fries for lunch, and that honestly was one of the best hot dogs I have ever had. Maybe the top dog! 

Texas Elite Meat

After any meal comes dessert.  Having a sweet tooth, I always have a little room in the back pocket for dessert. I recommend walking over to Blue Bonnet Cafe for a slice of pie. I recognized this place immediately from influencers posting the outside sign, but leaving I only remember the pie. How pie H.H. isn’t a bigger thing is beyond me.

Blue Bonnet Cafe

If you want to go the ice cream or frozen treat route, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Nelly’s Ice Cream makes ice cream and delicious paletas (ice pops) with fresh fruit and ingredients right in it! I went with cookies & cacao (think cookies & cream, but chocolate-based).

Nelly's Ice Cream

Is it a vacation if you don’t take a box of chocolates back to the room? Hit up Choccolatte’s for some homemade toffee, truffles and chocolate-covered snacks. I went home with a box of insanely good truffles.

box of chocolates

Things to Do

Balcones Canyonlands Reserve is a perfect place to lose track of time for a day and just enjoy nature. They have a multitude of paths going over different terrains, and you might be able to get some good wildlife photos! It’s a beautiful view from the top of the hills, just bring plenty of water.

Balcones Canyonlands Reserve

The Historic Downtown District of Marble Falls is an excellent area to walk around and shop, eat and drink. There are some great little stores, bars and restaurants along the strip. Fiesta Winery has a cute tasting room if you want to hang out for a while and try some delicious wines. They have a tasting special you can do and try six different ones before you buy a full bottle!

wine bottle

Although I only was able to go for a few days, I already am hoping to get back soon. Next time I can’t wait to rent some off-roading ATVs at Hidden Falls Adventure Park and explore the Longhorn Caverns.