Real Estate Photographer in Llano, TX

People might have different pronunciations for the Texas Hill Country town of Llano. We can't tell you how you want to pronounce it, but we can tell you what you need to know for you next trip to the picturesque Deer Capital of Texas.

The city is home to award-winning barbecue, is the capital of the Texas state flower and was once visited by infamous outlaws Bonnie and Clyde.

Here's what you can do during a day trip to Llano:

What is Llano, Texas known for?

Llano is known as the official Deer Capital of Texas, thanks to its high concentration of white-tailed deer. The population attracts nearly a thousand hunters for the annual Llano Outdoor Sports Expo each November, according to Llano Visitor Center volunteer Kim Webb.

"The area’s historic reputation for boasting a bounty of bucks can be traced back to when Native Americans and Spanish explorers inhabited the region," the Visit Llano County website says.

The picturesque town is known for its waterways and lush bluebonnet fields, sharing the title of Texas’ Bluebonnet Capital with nearby Burnet. When the state flower blooms in March, the city is awash in blue.

Llano was briefly turned into a movie set in 2025 when former Disney Channel star Cole Sprouse was spotted with a film crew shooting a movie along the Llano River last September.

How to get to Llano, Texas

Llano is located on Texas 16, 40 miles north of Fredericksburg and 63 miles north of Kerrville. The city is one hour and 46 minutes from San Antonio, via Interstate 10 West and Texas 16 North. It is an hour and a half from Austin, via Texas 71.

History of Llano, Texas

The small town was established in 1856 as a trading hub on the Texas frontier, according to the Texas State Historical Association. Prior to its founding, the area was inhabited by the Tonkawa people, as noted in county history. For several decades after its settlement, Llano consisted of just a "handful of log buildings housing business establishments, a post office, and a few homes," according to the historical association.

The town remained in this state until the first bank was established in the late 1870s. Following this development, Llano experienced a brief economic boom, with the arrival of more businesses, newspapers and a granite and iron mining industry in the last decade of the century.

You can still see the town's history through the 130-year-old Llano County Courthouse that was built in the Romanesque Revival style. Other historic buildings worth checking out are the Red Top Jail, which was built during the iron boom of 1895, and the Badu Building, which served as a bank and the home of the French immigrant and mineralogist N.J. Badu. It is now a bed-and-breakfast.

Things to do in Llano, Texas

I started with a trip to Juice on the Corner, an eclectic spot that serves organic honey, fruits and vegetables as you enter the business. On a sunny day, it's the perfect spot to grab breakfast or an early lunch before heading out for shopping. I ordered the Blue Skies Above smoothie, one of its most popular drinks, and the Vanilla Bluebonnet, because, hello, that's what you do in the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas.

From there, I walked around the town and saw a few antique stores, art shops and a couple of cool artisan spots. Among the buildings to catch my eye was a Lantex Theatre, an almost-100-year-old building that is one of the last remaining single-screen theaters in the country. People still visit the theater for films and community performances.

Across from the town square district is the scenic Roy Inks Bridge, which overlooks the Llano River. I strolled the banks of the river at Badu Park and enjoyed the calming sound of the lapping river water stretching into the distance. It made me wish I had brought a kayak.

There are other outdoor possibilities as well. The city isn't far from the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, and it is also home to Inks Ranch, which occasionally allows public access to previously hidden climbing and camping areas. Both locations are known for their pink granite dome rocks that have held mystical significance in Texas for thousands of years.

Where to eat in Llano, Texas

Llano has a reputation for being a barbecue town and is home to Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, where I stopped by to try its famous "Big Chop," a giant, succulent pork chop that I enjoyed between bites of brisket.

It comes with a free side of tangy beans that I wish I had brought home for leftovers. For sides, I ordered green beans, twice-baked mashed potatoes and cornbread. I honestly have no words for the joint's tasty giant cornbread.

Other food options in the town include Gio's Italian Restaurant, Barrel House, Chrissy’s Homestyle Bakery and Burger Bar Cafe.

Places to stay in Llano, Texas

You can book a stay at a number of hotel chains in Llano, including Days Inn by Wyndham and Best Western. The city also has many bed and breakfast lodgings, including the charming and historic Dabbs Railroad Hotel, which says it was once a frequent stomping ground for infamous outlaws Bonnie and Clyde. The newly renovated B&B was originally built in 1907 and was known to be a "final stop" for "train and bank robbers, gold and silver prospectors, miners, ranchers, lawmen and outlaws."

The Texas Hill Country is about to get extra juicy. Llano Winery Properties LLC, the ownership group behind Llano Estacado, Texas' oldest (and one of its largest) wineries, is slated to build out a $3 million tasting room on U.S. Highway 290 by 2027.

The Vintner Estate is just one of several new projects coming to life thanks to the LLC. The historic Lubbock-based vineyard is in the middle of a major Hill Country expansion in Fredericksburg.

The new Vintner Estate will be located at 11290 E. US 290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, the site of the former Airis'Ele Winery, between Signor Vineyards and Fat Ass Ranch and Winery.

Llano Estacado is known for its affordable sweet red wines and being Texas' second oldest winery. The company is preparing to open a tasting room in downtown Fredericksburg, according to a January news release. In October, its owners gained final approvals to build a new 41?room boutique hotel atop a 3.5-acre multi-use development on Llano Street, across from an H-E-B, just off of Fredericksburg's ever-popular and ever-charming Main Street. The project will come complete with restaurants and exciting retail options.

The new filing promises to fulfill what the owners say will be a "state-of-the-art" winery in the heart of the Texas Wine Trail.

Construction on the 6,300-square-foot facility began in mid-November, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filling registered on December 5. Though plans are subject to change at any time, the construction timeline is slated for completion in July 2027.

The buildout will include heavy timber structures, steel and metal stud framing, a metal roof, outdoor patio areas, and a new parking lot, according to the TDLR filing.

Llano Estacado's current owners took over the company earlier this year, led by attorneys Kevin Glasheen and Noe Valles, in addition to wine connoisseur Ron Ross, former business executive Bryan Miller, consultant Aaron Handler and Bret Perrenoud.

"With fresh investment and a bold vision, Llano Estacado Winery is ready to cement its position as a cornerstone of the Texas wine industry while exploring new horizons in the Hill Country and beyond," the owners said in the release.

With a playoff win on the line, Yoakum rose to the challenge on Friday. They blew past the Llano Yellowjackets 71-27. The Bulldogs' offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.

Yoakum's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Jace Morales led the charge by rushing for 213 yards and three touchdowns on only 15 carries, while also throwing for 81 yards and one TD. X'Zavier Barnett was another major influence, as he rushed for 105 yards and ran in a TD.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Yoakum was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 432 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 159 rushing yards in four consecutive games.

Yoakum didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Elyjai Barnett and Isaiah Lopez.

When it comes to explaining why Llano lost, don't look at Jose Sillas. Despite the final result, he rushed for 34 yards and a pair of scores, and also picked up 51 receiving yards and one TD. The Yellowjackets also got help from Graham Prokop, who showed off his sure hands for 96 receiving yards.

Yoakum's record now sits at 13-2. As for Llano, with the defeat, they broke their ten-game winning streak and moved their record to 13-2.

Yoakum will take on Grandview in a holiday battle at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday. The Zebras will roll in looking for their tenth straight win, something the Bulldogs surely won't give up without a fight. Llano does not have any more games scheduled as of now.

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Game Recap: Yoakum @ Llano Boys Varsity Football

The Yoakum (TX) varsity football team won Friday's neutral playoff game against Llano (TX) by a score of 71-27.

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Where to watch Yoakum vs. Llano: Texas 3A semifinals live stream, TV channel, start time and more originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Yoakum and Llano bring two of the hottest streaks in Texas high school football into another showdown, with the Bulldogs riding six straight wins and the Yellowjackets entering on a ten-game tear. Yoakum advanced with a 20-14 thriller over Columbus behind a dominant ground attack led by senior Jace Morales, who piled up 192 rushing yards, and fellow senior X’Zavier Barnett, who added 80 yards and two touchdowns as the Bulldogs finished with 343 rushing yards.

Llano is coming off a tight 38-35 victory over Edna, extending a run that has vaulted the Yellowjackets into the top 100 of the state rankings.

A trip to Arlington is on the horizon for the winner who will head to the 2025 UIL state championships. Title games across all Texas classifications are set for Dec. 17-20 at AT&T Stadium.

Here's what you need to know about Thursday's matchup between Yoakum and Llano, including broadcast information and start time.

Yoakum vs. Llano will not be broadcast on traditional television, but it will be streamed live by the NFHS Network.

NFHS Network is the leader in streaming live and on-demand high school sports in Texas. Sign up today to watch the game live or on demand — and check out the full list of playoff games streaming this weekend.

Yoakum vs. Llano start time

Yoakum and Llano will kick off at 7 pm CT from Pfield in Pflugerville, TX.

Yoakum playoffs results 2025

Yoakum has charged into the Class 3A Division I state semifinals on a six-game tear, leaning on a bruising run game and a series of clutch playoff performances to earn a date with Llano on Friday night. The Bulldogs have not lost since mid-October, stacking postseason wins over McGregor, Fairfield, and Hardin before avenging a district defeat to Columbus with a 20-14 victory in last week’s regional final.

Llano has bulldozed its way into the Class 3A Division I state semifinals, ripping off ten consecutive wins behind a dominant defense and explosive offense to set up Friday’s showdown with Yoakum. The Yellowjackets have outscored opponents by wide margins during the streak, posting four shutouts in district play and rolling through the postseason with double-digit victories over Poteet, London, and Goliad before edging Edna 38-35.

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