Florence may be a small country town, but it’s big on old-fashioned charm. While the retail, dining and entertainment opportunities in Georgetown are only about 20 minutes away, and Austin is just another 30 minutes more, homeowners in Florence have a variety of unique stores and restaurants to choose from in their own hometown. Small town friendliness is in abundance at the local bakery, florist, hardware shop and cute antique dealers found along Florence’s historic Main Street.
Shopping for the family is also easy for Florence residents. Whether you want a satisfying burger, a tasty pizza or some groceries for your own delicious homecooked meal, Vic’s will set you up. Vic’s, located in the heart of Florence, is not only a hospitable, sweet country grocery store with a respectable selection of fresh produce and non-perishable inventory on their shelves, but they also run a popular little kitchen in the back that turns out burgers, cheesesteaks, pizzas, and other simple fare. If you’re looking for an even more extensive selection of groceries, there is an HEB located in nearby Georgetown.
Wine Tasting and Fine Dining in the Enchanting Hill Country
The Vineyard at Florence, a picturesque 32-acre estate vineyard located five minutes from the center of town, offers a long list of luxuries and indulgences. In addition to touring the winery and tasting some of their estate-crafted fine wines, visitors can also enjoy the exclusive luxury accommodations offered by The Vineyard.
Guests can enjoy the panoramic Hill Country and Vineyard vistas from any of the Vineyard’s lodging options. People are welcome to stay in a room in at one of the vineyard’s cozy, luxury Tuscan inns, or opt for complete privacy and seclusion with one of their more exclusive accommodations. Villa Botticelli is a one-bedroom bed and breakfast, complete with lavish amenities, fireplaces, and a private indoor and outdoor shower. Or, if you’re staying with family or having your wedding there, you might be interested in Villa Vigna, a luxuriously appointed 5-bedroom house that comfortably accommodates up to 10 guests.
Luxurious and romantic weekend getaway packages including lavish lodging, spa treatments, massage, dining, wine, and more are becoming increasingly popular. With events such as tastings of the vineyard’s own wines, Thursday night two-for-one bottles of wine, and Friday night pasta specials, the vineyard calendar is full of events. Attend live music events every Saturday, visit the weekly Ladies Night wine tasting, relax at the spa, or enjoy the monthly wine club and weekly yoga classes. All of these options make the Vineyard at Florence an excellent local destination, as well as a fascinating place to visit, dine, or stay the night.
Texas Hold ’Em Poker Tournaments and Live Country Music
Opened the day after Prohibition was lifted in 1933, the historic Rattlesnake Inn is an authentic Texas roadhouse and the oldest honky-tonk in Williamson County. Florence residents love the Rattlesnake Inn’s tasty home cooking and live local country music.
The Inn is known far beyond Florence for its hot and juicy flame-broiled burgers served up on spicy jalapeño buns, which locals proudly claim to be the best burgers in Central Texas. And make sure your arteries are ready if you choose the Texas-size cheese fries — a towering mound of large piping hot fries smothered in melting cheese and crumbled bacon, with a side of ranch dressing for dipping, naturally.
There’s also plenty of entertainment at the Rattlesnake, with exciting events scheduled year-round. Sports fans enjoy watching events such as College Gameday or NFL Direct Ticket on high definition screens; Tuesday nights are Open Mic Nights, and on Wednesdays there are free Texas Hold ’Em poker tournaments with plenty of fun and prizes.
Local talent is proudly showcased at the Inn, with live music events every weekend. With an outdoor stage, picnic tables and beer garden, the Rattlesnake is an excellent place to have a cold beer with friends while enjoying Texas country music in a fun, down-to-earth atmosphere.