Home Care In Marble Falls, TX

Texas Hill Country—with its rolling landscape and charming small towns—has long been a destination for weekend road trips that take advantage of the scenery and hidden gems. You can explore at your own pace during spring when the wildflowers are in bloom, in autumn when fall color covers the region, or anytime in between. Take in everything that Hill Country has to offer in Marble Falls, a small town is located on Lake Marble Falls, a reservoir on the Colorado River in Texas’s Highland Lakes region. Known for its proximity to outdoor adventure, quaint downtown lined with local shops and restaurants, and access to Texas wine country and vineyards, Marble Falls is easy to enjoy.

Here are the best things to do on your next trip to Marble Falls, including what to do and where to eat.

Explore the Historic Downtown

There's something more gratifying about finding unique goods and shopping at local businesses than any big-box store. The historic downtown district is walkable and lined with shops to explore. Head to Birdie's Market for vintage and antique finds. Find a pair of boots or a hat at Blair's Western Wear & Boutique. Peruse the expansive Pottery Ranch for Texas-made goods and homewares.

Scattered across downtown Marble Falls, this collection of sculptures makes up a 24/7, always-free art exhibit that you can explore at your leisure. Many different artists are featured in the collection, and the sculptures on display rotate, offering a new experience each time you visit town.

Located in the Old Oak Square downtown, Fiesta Winery's tasting room and shop is a must-stop to get a taste of Texas' thriving wine industry as well as stock up on a few bottles to bring home or give as gifts. An offshoot of the Fredericksburg-based vineyard, the newer Marble Falls tasting room also offers an idyllic courtyard to enjoy the vino.

fiestawinery.com/marble-falls, 309 Main St #9, Marble Falls, TX 78654

This boutique vacation rental, called McKenzie Guest House, is less than a block away from Main Street and consists of six renovated suites at what was once the Wallace Guest House, built in 1907. New owners brought new life to the Texas Historic Landmark in 2019, so you can expect modern amenities.

mckenzieguesthouse.com, 910 3rd St, Marble Falls, TX 78654

It's easy to spend an afternoon in downtown Marble Falls, and any trip warrants a visit to one of the local breweries or wineries. Bear King Brewing is located walkable to many shops and restaurants, and it also offers a robust food menu for those who want to extend their tasting into a meal. A few minutes drive from town, Save The World Brewing has a scenic outdoor taproom complete with seasonal events and food trucks.

bearkingbrewing.com, 207 Ave G, Marble Falls, TX 78654

Try the Local Food Scene

This eatery originally opened in 1929. Now owned by the Kemper family, who bought it in 1981, the Blue Bonnet Café is the perfect place to stop in for the all-day breakfast or one of the daily specials like chicken and dumplings or meatloaf—but you’re really here for the pie. Choose from 15 options, from fruit-filled to luxurious creams and meringues.

bluebonnetcafe.net, 211 US-281, Marble Falls, TX 78654

After a year-long test run of serving lunch on Fridays, Holy Smokes! BBQ officially opened as a full-service restaurant in 2013. Since then, it's become a local favorite. The restaurant's motto is "no teeth required," which is a cheeky reference to the ultra-tender barbecue (brisket especially) that Texas is known for. Make sure to consider ordering the frito pie and loaded baked potato as well.

noteethrequired.com, 2704 Commerce St, Marble Falls, TX 78654

There's nothing more comforting in small-town Texas than going for a Tex-Mex meal. At Oli's Kitchen in downtown Marble Falls, expect a selection of tacos, bowls, enchiladas, and more, as well as a full cantina menu of margaritas. Favorites on the food menu include the shrimp tacos, Ricky's Fajita Burrito, and Oli's Queso.

olis.kitchen, 205 Main St, Marble Falls, TX 78654

No matter if ducking in for a late-afternoon pick-me-up or some goodies to bring home, this chocolate shop located downtown is a delight. While most might recommend trying the "World's Best Pecan English Toffee," there is no shortage of sweets to choose from at Choccolatte's, as well as a full coffee and drink menu.

choccolattestx.com, 807 3rd St, Marble Falls, TX 78654

There are many Texas wineries in the area surrounding Marble Falls, and you can spend a weekend wandering the vineyards, doing tastings, and grabbing a bite to eat with a view. Heart of Texas Wine Tours offers guided wine touring experiences accompanied by local experts, including stops at nearby wineries Flat Creek Estate, Lewis Wines, and Texas Hills Vineyard.

Enjoy the Outdoor Activities

A unique and convenient aspect of Marble Falls is that the town's namesake lake is located walkable from Main Street and popular local restaurants and shops. Head to Lakeside Park, located on Lake Marble Falls, where you can go boating and partake in other types of water-based recreational activities such as kayaking and paddle-boarding.

marblefallstx.gov/lakeside-park, 305 Buena Vista Dr, Marble Falls, TX 78654

If you're looking for outdoor adventure, Hidden Falls Adventure Park offers over 2,000 acres of off-roading trails for ATVs and dirt bikes. You can also book one of the campsites on site, or bring your RV for a full weekend trip. Make your bookings online.

hiddenfallsadventurepark.com, 7030 RM 1431, Marble Falls, TX 78654

You can head to Sweet Berry Farm to pick your own produce, which depends on the season. In the spring, you can pick your own berries and flowers. In the fall, have a fantastic day picking out pumpkins. In June, find blooming sunflowers. Enjoy the tasty and beautiful spoils after this family-friendly activity. Check the website for open seasons before going.

sweetberryfarm.com, 1801 FM1980, Marble Falls, TX 78654

This 1146-acre park is located along the north Lake Travis shoreline. Picnic tables and grills are available at the park's 29 campsites. Enjoy plenty of opportunities to canoe, kayak, fish, or swim. Reserve entry and campsites for Turkey Bend Recreation Area online.

lcra.gov/turkey-bend, 4000 Shaw Dr, Marble Falls, TX 78654

Head to Longhorn Cavern State Park to explore a Hill Country natural phenomenon. You can reserve the guided walking tour through the caverns, or you can be a bit more adventurous by booking the wild cave tour, which involves spelunking. You're even able to partake in gemstone mining, which is popular amongst young visitors.

visitlonghorncavern.com, 6211 Park Road 4 S, Burnet, TX 78611

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the City of Marble Falls has been designated by the Texas Music Office (TMO) as Marble Falls becomes the 56th Music Friendly Texas Certified Community after completing the multi-step certification process. The Music Friendly Texas program, the first in the nation since introduced by TMO in 2016, seeks to foster music business-related economic development and job creation in Texas cities and communities.

“Congratulations to the City of Marble Falls on earning the Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation,” said Governor Abbott. “Music is key to the Texas brand and is deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of our great state. Music Friendly Texas Communities certified by the Texas Music Office work hard to attract and develop the local music industry to boost local job creation and economic growth. In fact, with support from the Texas Music Office, the Texas music industry accounted for more than 192,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs and generated more than $26 billion in economic activity statewide in 2022. Together, we will continue to work alongside communities in every region of our state to amplify their growth and success.”

“Marble Falls continues to work and grow as an iconic destination,” said Mayor Dave Rhodes. “Governor Abbott and the Texas Music Office designating Marble Falls as a Music Friendly Texas Community is a significant step in our growth. Marble Falls has a unique history for producing renowned musicians such as the late Floyd Tillman and our own John Arthur Martinez. Growing our ‘town brand’ with the Music Friendly Texas designation will be an ongoing effort that will benefit our city and our state.”

“Marble Falls has earned its place as a Music Friendly Texas Community certified by Governor Abbott and the Texas Music Office,” said Marble Falls Music Friendly Advisory Committee Member Richard Westerman. “Our town has become the epicenter of live music in Central Texas, where notes and rhythms fill the air. With our Summer Concert Series, Music on Main, and a multitude of events at venues like Brass Hall, The RBar, The UpTown Theater, and the renowned FiestaJAM, our community resonates with Grammy-winning quality entertainment. The Kent Finlay Texas Song Search, culminating in Marble Falls, honors the spirit of songwriting. In the heart of Marble Falls, music is not just a tune, it's the vibrant pulse of our town, where something melodious is always happening.”

“Being certified as a Music Friendly Texas Community resonates well with the harmonious spirit of Marble Falls,” said City Councilmember and Marble Falls Music Friendly Advisory Committee Member Lauren Halton. “From local talent at local hot spots to lively performances in the picturesque lakeside park, the town has a rich history of embracing a diverse range of musical genres. With a genuine appreciation of music and supportive atmosphere, our thriving community is thrilled to welcome both aspiring and seasoned musicians.” “Embracing the designation as a Music Friendly Texas Community brings an exciting wave of potential to Marble Falls,” said City Manager Mike Hodge. “Our city is home to many talented musicians, special music venues, and unique music events. I look forward to this partnership with the Governor’s Texas Music Office and how it will enhance our residents' quality of life and elevate the experience for our visitors.”

The Music Friendly Texas Community Certification Ceremony cohosted by TMO, Visit Marble Falls, and the City of Marble Falls will be held on Tuesday, January 16, at Marble Falls City Hall during a special City Council Meeting and will include speakers from the Marble Falls community and city leaders. TMO Community Relations & Outreach Specialist Chip Adams will present the designation. Members of the community are invited to attend.

Marble Falls Music Friendly Texas Community Certification Ceremony

Marble Falls City Hall

City Council Chambers

800 3rd Street

Marble Falls, TX 78654

Inquiries may be directed to Christina McDonald, City Secretary/Public Information Officer, 830-798-7060, [email protected]

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The Texas Music Office in the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism is the only state music office in the nation. Since 1990, TMO has fostered the economic development of Texas music businesses, Texas musicians, and Texas communities. TMO operates an extensive network of certified Music Friendly Texas community partners across the state, serves as a clearinghouse for Texas music industry information, acts as a liaison between music businesses and government offices, publicizes significant industry developments, and attracts essential music industry to the Lone Star State. A vibrant Texas music industry supports local job creation while drawing visitors from around the globe, attracting a talented workforce across industries, and supporting business recruitment and expansion efforts throughout the state.

MARBLE FALLS, Texas — A Marble falls Property owner captured drone footage of the fire that caused an entire strip center to go up in flames Wednesday evening.

The Marble Falls Fire Department tells CBS Austin the blaze broke out around 5p.m. and has left many devastated. The building housed restaurant China Kitchen and other businesses has been deemed a total loss, leaving many without jobs.

Marble Falls Fire Chief Tom Crane says thankfully everyone managed to get out safely. Right now, the State Fire Marshals office is investigating to learn what started the fire.

RELATED| Fire destroys 18 Marble Falls businesses; State Fire Marshals investigates

“We always feel awful for anybody that loses anything business wise, personal wise or anything like that. I will say, this community of Marble Falls has stepped up. Citizens have been bringing in supplies and supporting us. That’s made it really nice and easy to do our jobs,” said Crane.

This is what the popular strip center on 705 First St. in Marble Falls use to look like. It’s now been burnt down to the ground after a fire engulfed the property demolishing 18 businesses.

Before Marble Falls Fire

Jason Coleman owns the strip center right next door to where the blaze ignited.

“I was very nervous that my building would catch on fire when I saw the flames,” he said.

Coleman just bought the building three days ago. Although he’s now tasked with repairing his new investment, Coleman is thankful firefighters managed to protect his structure considering the flames were just inches away.

“I feel extremely blessed to be in this community and the support I’ve received from other business tenants have just been phenomenal. Just a strong Christian community. I just praise God that my building didn’t go down,” said Coleman.

Logan Copsetta and Tyler Ellerbe were eyewitnesses and said that after smelling smoke and seeing people evacuate, they jumped in to help fight the fire before officials could make it to the scene.

KEYE

“He grabbed a fire hose, and we were holding it back for about five or ten minutes before first responders came,” said Copsetta.

The men add many in the close-knit community are sad to see the strip center gone.

“That’s a very historic building especially for small towns like historical building especially next to the square are really detrimental to the population,” he said.

Fire Crews were out Thursday keeping a watchful eye to ensure nothing kindles. Several GoFundMe accounts were started to help businesses who lost everything.

They are listed below if you would like to help:

Development impact fees in Marble Falls will rise 140 percent by May 2025 for standard single-family homes connected to three-quarter-inch water meters. The City Council unanimously approved the increase at its regular meeting on Dec. 5.

“Our city bet the farm a long time ago on growth,” Mayor Dave Rhodes said during the meeting. “We decided that’s where we were going to go. It’s very difficult to stop rowing the ship in the middle of the ocean. We’re in the middle, and we’ve got to get on the other side of the bell curve with growth.”

Developers pay the one-time fee to the city for the construction of public facilities such as water and wastewater treatment needed to accommodate new growth.

“They can only be imposed and spent on capital projects that are necessitated and attributable to new development,” said Kim Foutz, director of the city’s Development Services.

The cost is determined by the size of the need. Currently, the impact fee to connect water and wastewater lines to a three-quarter-inch meter, a standard size for a single-family home, is $6,054.

That number will increase by 100 percent of the current rate to $12,108 on May 1, 2024. Exactly one year later, the fee will go up by 20 percent of the May 2024 rate to $14,529.60.

“We want to do right by the citizens,” Mayor Pro-tem Dee Haddock said. “We want to do right by the developers. We’re trying to split the baby, so to speak.”

Officials based their decision on an impact fee study by engineering firm Miller Gray and financial consultant Wildan. The study used a flat, 7-percent growth rate inside Marble Falls city limits to predict future infrastructure needs. Based on that rate, the city will have over 15,000 residents by 2033, which is more than double its current population of 7,227.

“Some might think (the growth rate) is aggressive; some might think it’s not enough,” Miller Gray representative Sam Shorter told the council at its Nov. 7 meeting. “We heard detailed presentations that looked at the number of master-planned communities and large developments around the city and the ETJ (extra-territorial jurisdiction), and that was the growth rate that was selected.”

Councilor Bryan Walker tried to delay the decision by making a motion to move the item to a future meeting, citing fears that Marble Falls was mirroring its rate after cities that have already experienced much higher growth rates, including Hutto, Kyle, and New Braunfels.

“I feel like this would be us jumping the gun to try to put ourselves in a pot that we’re not quite in yet,” he said.

Councilor Griff Morris seconded the motion, but it failed 2-4 with Rhodes, Haddock, and councilors Lauren Haltom and Karlee Cauble voting against it.

“We’ve been looking at this for 17 or 18 months,” Haddock said. “It’s time to make a decision.”

A back-and-forth negotiation between Haddock and Haltom resulted in a compromise from the dais to increase the rate across an 18-month timetable as opposed to upping the fees in a swift, one-time increase.

“I think a stepped approach has some wisdom,” Rhodes said. “It allows time for projects to get in and done.”

Councilor Craig Magerkurth was absent from the meeting.

Flames ripped through a strip mall on First Street Wednesday night.

MARBLE FALLS, Texas — A small piece of Marble Falls is gone after a fire ripped through a strip mall on Wednesday night.

The livelihoods of some business owners have been left in rubble, leaving them in a position where they are forced to pick up the pieces.

The flames destroyed a Taekwondo center, an afterschool program, a makeup store and an eyelash studio.

According to a GoFundMe fundraiser, Kelly Lee, who operates the Taekwondo Center and Marble Falls Best After School Program and Summer camp, has raised more than $13,000, already beyond her initial goal of $10,000.

The link says the money is going toward the staff payroll, while everything else will be invested in new equipment.

Another GoFundMe link was created by and for the owners of Beautiful & Blessed, while another link was created for another small business within the strip mall.

While these links are requesting help, community members have expressed that those who owned these businesses are not alone.

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Cheryl Westerman owns the Ms Lollipop Parties, Fun & Gifts candy store on Main Street, which is just up the road from where the charred strip mall sits.

Westerman said as a business owner herself, she can only imagine the heartbreak her fellow business owners are experiencing and hopes to put together a fundraiser on their behalf.

"Marble Falls comes together when there is someone in need or businesses in need of anything," Westerman said.

Westerman recalled first seeing the smoke billowing Wednesday night and seeing and hearing the sirens before a crowd quickly formed as firefighters arrived and worked to contain the fierce flames.

"I was standing with a business owner who had a business in the building, and she was just like, 'That's our life,'" Westerman said.

The Highland Lake Crisis Network also posted on their Facebook page that they are also accepting donations for those affected by the First Street fire.

Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire.