If you’re in need of a relaxing weekend away, Seguin has all the small-town Texas charm you’re looking for. With its walkable downtown, line-worthy barbecue, and gloriously green Guadalupe River, Seguin is a low-key destination that’s a mere 40 minutes from San Antonio or an hour’s drive from Austin. 

When you roll into Seguin, you’ll notice it’s extremely easy to get around. There is very little traffic and plenty of free parking spots. Ditch your car and walk over to Court Street Coffee Shop for a Mexican Mocha. It’s just the sugar rush you need to jump-start your getaway. Then, stroll down Austin Street to take a selfie with the World’s Largest Pecan. 

From there, you may notice a line forming across the street that starts at Burnt Bean Co. and wraps around the block. Get in it. This barbecue joint has been open for less than two years but has made its mark as a must-eat destination in Texas. Daniel Vaughn, the barbecue editor for Texas Monthly, recommends you get in your car and drive to Seguin just to try Burnt Bean’s “flawless” meats. 

With a belly full of BBQ, you’ll be well-equipped to shop the square and beyond. The minute you step into any store, expect a warm welcome. Whether you’re browsing for high-end housewares at Gift & Gourmet or making your own glass mosaic at the walk-in art studio, You’re So Crafty, you will be verbally embraced. Friendliness is an art form in Seguin. 

A few steps off the square, you won’t want to miss the Father Christmas Shop. Owned by the cheerfully “retired” brothers Bobby and Tom Long, this store is an I Spy of Christmas memorabilia. You’ll find outlandishly decorated theme trees, one featuring a bobcat, charming vintage ornaments, and inspiration to create your own wild holiday decor. 

Once you’ve worked up an appetite from shopping and strolling, walk over to Pecantown Books & Brews. This little shop-in-a-house is so special, you may find it hard to leave. Buy a book, order a $4 sangria, and sit on the front porch to watch butterflies dance on the milkweed. 

You definitely don’t want to miss dinner in Seguin, so here are a few options to fill the rest of the afternoon. Want more shopping? Head to Serenity Boutique for a tempting selection of affordable accessories. Craving a drink? Drive to Blue Lotus Winery or stay in town to try Schultz Saloon or the nearby 1916 Bar and Bistro at The Aumont. 

Before you head home, drive over to the Seguin Power Plant for comfort food with a view of the Guadalupe River dam below. Order chicken fried chicken southwest style—it comes topped with queso and pico de gallo. That, combined with mashed potatoes and gravy, may make you reconsider driving anywhere. You might want to find a pillow instead. 

If you’d like to spend the night in Seguin, there are a few interesting options. The Lofts at Court Street are conveniently located downtown and within walking distance of just about everything. You can book a suite with a kitchen. Or, the nearby haunted Magnolia Hotel is a spooky choice. It’s now a bed and breakfast. A rustic adventure would include a stay on Son’s Island, but this outdoor option is temporarily closed. 

When planning your visit, consider coming for a special event. On Third Thursdays, the shops in Seguin stay open late. On the fourth Saturday, Yellow Rose Artisan Market takes over Central Park with the sale of homemade goods—like Marlin Farms felted soaps—and treats—like pickled garlic from Nannie’s Pantry. For the holidays, the main event is the town’s Sip n’ Stroll on Friday, December 3. 

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Cover Photo Heidi Gollub

Heidi Gollub enjoys working remotely and already misses the days when her kids could take virtual schooling on the road. An Austin local, she is always on the lookout for easy family getaways that require little-to-no prep work.