When you need to escape the stresses of city life, you need only drive about 20 miles outside the city center to the delightful destination that is Dripping Springs. Known as the Gateway to the Hill Country, Dripping, as many of us regulars refer to it, is home to spectacular natural wonders, a plethora of vineyards, craft breweries, local distilleries, and so much more!
Here’s your guide to the best of Dripping Springs!
Eat & Drink
If you head to Dripping in the a.m. or you’re in need of a mid day pickup, pop on over to the mobile coffee truck Le Muse Coffee Bar. The family owned, boutique coffee shop serves specialty craft coffee and tea with high quality direct trade coffee beans and fair trade loose-leaf teas with a side of Texas hospitality. If you’re looking for brunch, head to Thyme & Doe. They pick up fresh local ingredients every Wednesday at the Dripping Springs Farmers Market.
For dinner, we recommend Homespun Kitchen and Bar. The farm-to-table style restaurant’s menu features tasty Southern style eats like skillet mac & cheese, fried green tomato Napolean chicken salad, shrimp and grits, and fried catfish Pontchartrain.
Looking to grab a nightcap? We say to head to the Sidecar Tasting Room. With a calendar full of live music, a cozy interior, and a spacious outdoor patio, you and your friends will have a great time.
If you’re on your way back to ATX and in need of another bite, stop by The Switch. Located in Belterra Village, The Switch is a part of the Stiles Switch family. Their menu is chock full of items to end your night right!
Shopping
Spend some time wandering the Downtown Historic District, checking out shops, galleries, and historic architecture.
Since 1993, when it first opened under the moniker of Le Ragge Ruggs, Cowgirls and Lace has become a travel destination for shoppers looking for merchandise reflecting a variety of tastes at great prices. Sometimes the shop features items for dog and cat lover, sometimes it features items for the garden, but you can always count on finding classic gift items
If you’re more in the market to recreate, decorate, or change your decor on a budget then Curated Cottage is for you. Speaking of recreating, Haute Exchange is where you can find recycled and reused fashion. If you’re looking for a mix of boutique and home store with unique, hand-picked treasures that have charm, character, and soul, give Vintage Soul a try. And if you’re in the mood for something kitschy and cute, pop into Stars on Mercer!
Experience
If you’re looking for an eating/ drinking/ shopping excursion that can be labeled as more of an experience, Dripping Springs has even more to offer. On the way out to town, swing by Jester King, Treaty Oak Distilling, or Solaro Estate Winery, all located on the border of Austin and Dripping. Closer to town on 290 sits the Deep Eddy Vodka tasting room. Or if you head over on Fitzhugh Road, stop by Texas Hill Country Olive Co. where you can do a tasting, dine at the bistro, and take an olive orchard tour.
Looking for something a little different than your average beer or wine? Swing by Desert Door in nearby Driftwood. Made by hand from wild-harvested West Texas sotol plants, Desert Door Original Texas Sotol is a sweet citrusy and herbal flavor premium spirit reminiscent of a desert gin crossed with a smooth sipping tequila.
You’ll definitely want to check out the new Dripping Springs Distilling’s Distillers Hall and Bar. Nestled on a sprawling 10-acre property, Distillers Hall is a wedding and event space while Distillers Bar welcomes guests to enjoy craft cocktails featuring Dripping Springs vodkas, gins, bourbons, and rum. Fine wines from Dripping Springs Cellars are also available.
Of course, Dripping Springs is home to some of the most scenic gems of Central Texas — Hamilton Pool, Reimers Ranch Park, and Westcave Preserve. An entire day would be well spent at these spots without even venturing into town.
Featured photo via @vintagesoultx on Instagram.
