Insight

2015

INSIGHT DRIPPING SPRINGS

L I F E STY L E

E NT ERTAINMENT

DES TINATIONS

wilson DESIGNS OF ALL FLAVORS

AC & APPLIANCE

Indoor and Outdoor Kitchens Cabinetry | Hardware and Accessories | Utility Rooms Heating and Cooling Servicing Homeowners, Designers, Architects, Builders

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Focus on sustainability and energy efficiency Building craftsmanship with detail of design Water independence through rainwater harvesting

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Long-life standing seam 24-gauge metal roofs WaterSense fixtures Native landscaping Energy economics through building science Sealed insulated building envelope HERS rated to quantify efficiency High-efficiency Andersen windows made in Texas Solar-ready building orientation Energy Star appliances LED lighting: long-life energy savers

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CONTACT

Represented by Mallett Integrity Team 512.655.3024

From the Publishers

As long-time community advocates and volunteers, we are delighted to deliver our first issue of inSight Dripping Springs! We hope you find it a refreshing discovery— or rediscovery—of our community. For people establishing a new home, or visiting for a special occasion, or seeking a brief, pleasurable recess into the Hill Country, Dripping Springs has become a destination, and it is our pleasure to showcase its many attractions. Our adventures in creating inSight have inspired us to voice what makes just being here so very enticing. Through interviews with local personalities and spotlights on hidden gems, inSight promotes local businesses and presents the best of our community, from art and entertainment to unique, acclaimed places in which to celebrate and relax. We acknowledge our history and support the hard-working, talented, creative people who have shaped Dripping Springs and who have bestowed a lucky charm on our city that will last for generations. We are grateful for this opportunity to bring the richness and spirit of our community to you and hope our publication and online presence will be helpful resources 365 days of the year. Please hang on to our annual print version as a reference and, at any time, visit our website, www.insightdrippingsprings.com, for the latest discoveries, upcoming events, and special offerings of our city. Thank you for taking pleasure in inSight and understanding why Dripping Springs is a special place to love and explore. We hope you will keep us posted of your personal insights in Dripping Springs by reaching out to us online. We would love to hear from you! Pun Nio and June Baumoel

EDITORS

CONTRIBUTORS

Christine Devall has been working in the copyediting/publishing business in Austin since 2001. She has loved getting to know Dripping Springs better as a result of consulting on this publication. All her friends know about her true-crime habit—reading about, not actually committing.

Janie Botkin is a retired teacher and current author. She co-founded the Heritage Circle and supervised 15 volumes of the student publication A History of Dripping Springs and Hays County (1993-2008). Her first book, Before Butte: The Blood That Stained an American Family, debuts in 2015.

Diane Motz is a freelance editor, writer, designer, and project manager with a life-long passion for publishing. Based in Dripping Springs for over 20 years, her work has covered the gamut from lifestyle magazines to trade and textbooks.

Kristi Greene enjoys living in Dripping Springs with her husband, Paul, and working at Camp Lucy. She volunteers for many nonprofits as a way to give back and connect with the community. Before raising children, Kristi worked with two Austin-area advertising agencies. Barb Mansur and husband Bruce have lived in Dripping Springs for more than 20 years. She delights in helping with local nonprofits, especially those involving animals and children. When not herding cats or donkeys, Barb enjoys gardening and supporting local businesses.

2 F Lowdown

inSight Dripping Springs Publishers June Baumoel Pun Nio Editors Christine Devall Diane Motz Advertising Sales and Distribution Contact info@insightdrippingsprings.com Advisors Sibby Barrett, Michelle Fischer, Whit Hanks, Cammy Jones, Ron White © 2015. No part may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. For additional copies of inSight Dripping Springs or to advertise in print or online, please send a request to info@insightdrippingsprings.com. NOTE: We want you to experience the best that Dripping Springs has to offer. While we have taken every measure to obtain accurate information, changes do occur with hours and days of operations at attractions and events. Please call ahead to verify information before you visit. We apologize in advance for any errors. Please let us know about them info@insightdrippingsprings.com.

Pat McCambridge has been in the publishing industry for over 30 years, editing, writing, and supervising the creation of a wide variety of educational materials. Pat has a strong love of film, music, and visual arts. Laurel Robertson enjoys writing about interesting happenings in the Texas Hill Country. She’s spent 22 years in Dripping Springs raising children, chickens, and general ruckus, and hopes to spend the next 22 years dancing at her favorite country dance halls. DorRae Stevens, an award-winning photographer, lives and works in Dripping Springs and the Austin/Hill Country area. DorRae’s work spans from portraits and weddings to documentary, art, and commercial clients. She is a founding member of Photographers of Dripping Springs.

inSight Dripping Springs

CONTENTS

Lifestyle

F

Entertainment

F

Destinations

THE LOWDOWN

ESCAPES AND DIVERSIONS

4

34 Escaping to Onion Creek Kitchens at Juniper Hills Farm 36 The Healthiest Places in Town! 37 Picnic at Charro Ranch Park 38 Let the Memories Begin! 40 Founders Day Festival Survival Kit

6 7 8

Just How Well Do You Know Dripping Springs? Partners for the Future All Points Lead to Dripping Springs Green Inspirations

CRAVINGS AND QUENCHERS 10 11 12 14 16

First Cup! Specialty of the House Tastes with Bite Drip-licious Sweets, Anytime! Drippin’ Drinkology

HOME SWEET HOME 42 Color Wise Your Landscape 44 Kind Care for Critters 46 Creating Homes to Fit Our Lifestyles!

CELEBRATIONS PILLOW TALK 18 Navigating Dripping Springs 20 Slumber Where It Suits Your Style 22 Wish You Were Here

TO MARKET 24 26 28 30 32

Bridget Hauser of Sunset Canyon Pottery Unique Finds and One of a Kind More Unique Finds and One of a Kind Everyone Needs a Buddy Give Me the Country Life

On tthe On he C he Cover over ov er

An aautumn An uttum ut u n ev um eevening ven enin nin ing ng on on M Mercer erce er erce c r St S Street. t re reeett.

48 51 51 52 53

Love, Love, Love . . . All You need Is Love Dripping Springs’ Own Alex Dormont Dripping Music Scene Party Pointers Drippin’s inSightful Word Find Puzzle

CONNECTIONS 54 56 57 57 58 59

Dripping Springs Volunteer Leaders PAWS Plans for the Future Photo Probe Puzzle Making Music on Mercer Street Getting More Than You Give Dripping Springs Running Club

RESOURCES 60 Calendar of Events 62 Drinkology Trail Adventures 63 The Advertising Directory

Photo © 2014 Pun Nio

F TTHE HE LOWDOWN LOWDOWN

Just How Well Do You Know Dripping Springs? Answer these questions and find out! (Be careful—there may be more than one correct answer!)

1

Which Indian tribe was the first to inhabit Dripping Springs? A. Aztec B.. TTonkawa B onka on onka k w wa a C.. C Comanche C om man anch che

3 Of the three founding fathers of Dripping Springs— Dr. Joseph Pound, John Moss, and John Wallace— whose wife was responsible for naming Dripping Springs? A. Sarah Pound

4 Camp Ben McCulloch was established as a reunion campground for the veterans and their families of which war? A. The Spanish-American War

2 What did early Spanish settlers in the Dripping Springs area first call Onion Creek? A. Cypress Creek B. Roaring Waters C. Sheep Tick

5

In which county was Dripping Springs originally located? A. Travis County B. Blanco County C. no county—it was freestanding

6 In what year was Dripping Springs extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) formed to prevent sprawling Austin from encroaching too far to the west?

B. Indiana (Nannie) Moss

B. World War II

A. 1955

C. Malvina Wallace

C. The Civil War

B. 1981 C. 1962

7 The current Wells Fargo Bank building was built in 1937. What was the original intent of the building when it was erected? A. pharmacy B. hardware store C. movie theater

q On which of the following streets in Dripping Springs would you find the original Dripping Springs Academy?

8 Which buildings in Dripping Springs provide citizens an opportunity to see rainwater collection systems? A. Dripping Springs Ranch Park B. Hays County Precinct 4 Office C. Dripping Springs Community Library

w The first hotel in Dripping Springs was built in 1883 and torn down in 1938. Where would you find part of the hotel’s remains?

A. Mercer Street

A. Dripping Springs Rental Center

B. College Street

B. Rinky Dink Domino Hall

C. Wallace Street

C. The Barber Shop

4 F The Lowdown

9 In which year did Dripping Springs’ voters elect to sell liquor? A 989 98 9 A.. 1 1989 B. 2002 B. 200 02 C. 1 C. 1995 995 99

e Until 1981, students from which area attended Dripping Springs ISD? A. Blanco B. Johnson Cityy C. Lake Travis

0 Which of the following places to take a cool dip is in the Dripping Springs area? A. Founders Memorial Park Pool & Pavilion B. Hamilton Pool Preserve C. Pedernales Falls State Park

Answers erss er

☞

TTHE HE LLOWDOWN OWDOWN F

How Many Did You Get Right? 1 B. The Tonkawa Indians, whose name means “they all stay together,” were allies and friends when they fought alongside the Texas Rangers for independence from Mexico. No doubt the Tonkawa Indians, who were excellent hunters, found our area abundant with wildlife.

2 C. The first name of Onion Creek was Sheep Tick (named by the Spanish) and renamed by Texas settlers for the wild onions growing along the banks. Onion Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River, spans 211 square miles, passing through Dripping Springs, Driftwood, Buda, and southern parts of Travis County. The famous Salt Lick BBQ restaurant lies on a scenic portion of Onion Creek.

3 B. Nannie Moss, who was John’s wife and a sister of Sarah Pound, was responsible for naming Dripping Springs for the purpose of establishing a mail post in 1857. A monument on Mercer Street Bridge signifies that the cool, clear waters of the Edwards Aquifer once burst over the limestone, supplying valuable water to early settlers.

4 C. Camp Ben McCulloch was established in 1896 as a reunion campsite for veterans of the Civil War and their descendants. Since 1896, the Camp Ben Reunion has offered eight days of festivities, including music, swimming, a carnival, games, delicious food, and family time. The reunion is open to “the world” and is not just for descendants of Confederate soldiers.

5 A. Dripping Springs was originally part of Travis County until Hays County was formed in 1848. Though the counties share a contiguous border, they are miles apart in character and atmosphere. Dripping Springs retains its rural nature, offering many opportunities for outdoor recreation and down-home entertainment as its citizens strive to maintain the Hill Country way of life. 6 B. Dripping Springs ETJ was formed in 1981, the same year that the city was incorporated and the first mayor elected. The ETJ includes approximately 75,000 acres, whereas the city comprises only 2,000 acres. The Dripping Springs ISD encompasses a larger area with approximately 124,160 acres

of land. The city itself contains approximately 1,800 people, whereas the population within the school district is over 30,000 people.

school in Dripping Springs, a hotel was soon added for visiting parents, as well as a student boardinghouse that still stands at 103 Old Fitzhugh Road.

7 C. The current Wells Fargo Bank build-

w B. Legend has it that the Rinky Dink

ing was built as a movie theater in 1937. Being ahead of its time, the movie theater did not succeed. The building was home to various businesses before it became the property of the first bank in town, Dripping Springs National Bank, in 1981.

Domino Hall was built in 1939 from remains of the old hotel. Rinky Dink sits off the 300 block of Mercer Street down an alley, nestled among trees. Try to find Rinky Dink on a historic walking tour while meandering down Mercer Street.

8 A, B, and C are correct! All the buildings listed provide an opportunity to see a rainwater collection system. Water is a precious resource all over the world, and its conservation is highly encouraged in the drought-stricken Hill Country, where water wells often run dry. Rainwater collection systems are a timeless means to conserve water. A one-inch rainfall collected from a 1,000-square-foot roof can supply 600 gallons of soft, mineral-free water.

9 B. In September 2002, Dripping Springs became a “wet” area, finally allowing liquor sales. The new laws enabled residents to travel a shorter distance to purchase liquor, added to the city’s sales tax coffers, and gave residents and visitors alike unique places to enjoy favorite libations with a local flavor.

e C. In 1981, the Lake Travis area formed its own school district and split away from Dripping Springs ISD. With the development of Lakeway and the resulting population surge, the Dripping Springs campus was simply too small to accommodate all students. Prior to 1985, when new schools were built, all Dripping Springs students attended classes in what is today the school administration building located at 501 Mercer Street. Texas

Dig Deeper

0 A, B, and C are correct! Dripping Springs offers special places to swim, each with its own attractions. For nature enthusiasts, the historic Hamilton Pool Preserve delights swimmers with a constant-level natural pool and a 50-foot waterfall. Equally breathtaking is Pedernales Falls State Park with its flowing river waters and ample places to hike and camp. Founders Memorial Park Pool & Pavilion offers free swimming, swimming lessons, and private pool parties. (Additionally, the Springs Family Y boasts the city’s only indoor pool and provides swimming instructions and various swim classes.)

q A. The Dripping Springs Academy on Mercer Street was a private school built in 1881 on land donated by William Thomas Chapman. Mr. Chapman is often referred to as the true founder of Dripping Springs, as he was responsible for laying out the city’s original plan. Mercer Street is named for his son, Mercer Ernest. With a fine boarding

For more information about historic places in Dripping Springs, obtain a walking tour map of Discover Dripping Springs: An Historic Experience from the Dripping Springs Visitors Bureau. Books include Around Dripping Springs by L. M. Freeman and The Complete History of Dripping Springs, Texas, and the P. A. Smith Survey by Carl Waits. Available at Dripping Springs Community Library. inSight acknowledges these publications as references for this article. insightdrippingsprings.com F

5

F TTHE HE LOWDOWN LOWDOWN

Partners for the Future inSight highlights the dynamic organizations that strengthen and protect current and future generations so that we may continue to enjoy the good life in Dripping Springs.

North Hays County Fire and Rescue, 400 Sportsplex Drive

City of Dripping Springs Cit y

gs in

ipping S Dr pr f o In c . 1 9 8 1

texas

✦

511 W. Mercer Street

Dripping Springs Education Foundation

Type A Government with oversight of development, zoning, transportation, fire code, lighting, signage, and environmental health regulation; elected officials serve two year terms; public input and volunteerism for commissions encouraged. Meets each second Tuesday of the month. cityofdrippingsprings.com ✦ 512-858-4725

Supports educational excellence; provides teacher and student grants through private funds; hosts Denim and Diamonds Gala, the Schoolhouse Scramble, and Bridge Builder campaign. To volunteer or donate visit dseducationfoundation.org.

Dripping Springs Community Foundation Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau ✦ 509 W. Mercer Street Promotes economic growth through strategic networking and advocacy; 400+ memberships; hosts community events Dripping with Taste and Suits and Boots Gala; provides Texas hospitality and resources for tourists and newcomers. drippingspringstx.org ✦ 512-858-4740

Dripping Springs Community Library 501 Sportsplex Drive Boasts 42,000 titles—books, audiobooks, e-books, DVDs, magazines, and newspapers. Large children’s wing and educational/fun classes; free Wi-Fi and volunteer opportunities. dscl.org ✦ 512-858-7825

Dripping Springs Independent School District 510 W. Mercer Street Award-winning, nationally ranked, exemplary schools; 5,000 students with one high school, one middle, three elementary, and more on the way. One of Dripping Springs’ most prized assets. dsisd.txed.net ✦ 512-858-3000

6 F The Lowdown

Catalyst to promote philanthropy among residents; sponsors Givin’ Where I Am Livin’ campaign; distributes charitable gifts throughout the community. To volunteer or donate visit dscommunityfoundation.org. ✦ Seventeen churches bind the community through worship, provide support and fellowship, contribute to the well-being of residents, and mobilize leadership.

Churches

North Hays County Fire and Rescue 400 Sportsplex Drive Over 60 fire and rescue personnel; six stations serving Dripping Springs, Driftwood, Henly, and Wimberley; staff career positions; relies heavily on volunteers. northhaysfire.com ✦ 512-894-0704

Hays County Government, Precinct 4 195 Roger Hanks Parkway Offices for local justice of the peace, constable, and commissioner for Precinct 4; location of sheriff substation and for tax payments and car registration. co.hays.tx.us ✦ 512-858-7268

TTHE HE LLOWDOWN OWDOWN F

All Points Lead to Dripping Springs Lakeway 281

620

Hamilton Pool Road

Bee Cave 2244 3238 71

Johnson City

1 3232

Fitzhugh Road McGregor Lane

35

Circle Drive Bell Springs Road

290

12

Fitzhugh Road

71

Oak Hill 71

1826

290 290

Henly

45

Dripping pp Springs

190 220

165

1826 281

150 198 Driftwood

191

0

170

220

165

1

2

3

miles

Blanco

967

2325

12 Buda

150

Dripping Springs High School

Dripping Springs Elementary School

Dripping Springs Ranch Park North Hays County Fire & Rescue

r.

Rd.

Founders Memorial Park

Fitz h

Dripping Springs Community Library

St. cer Mer

Wallace St.

N. San Marcos St.

DSISD School Administration Building

12 N. College St.

Dripping Springs Middle School

Walnut Springs Elementary School

N. Bluff St.

Sportsplex Rd.

Old

Founder’s Park Rd.

Veterans Memorial Park Loo p

Commons Rd.

sD

ugh

Em

64

Rooster Springs Elementary School (Belterra subdivision)

City Hall

Hays County Precinct 4 Offices

Hays St.

S. San Marcos St.

Chamber of Commerce/ Visitors Bureau

S. College St.

Dripping Springs City Hall

S. Bluff St.

Roger Hanks Parkway

290 Sports and Recreation Park

Charro Ranch Park

Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau

Dripping Springs High School Award Winning Band

150 Map not to scale

insightdrippingsprings.com F

7

F THE LOWDOWN

Green Inspirations A Historical Look at the Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead and Museum The Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead provides rich historical knowledge of our founding families. Completed in 1885, the Pound House, as it is affectionately called, is the oldest remaining structure in Dripping Springs. When visiting the beautifully restored Pound House, you will also learn of the current-day “green practices” used over 100 years ago by Dr. Pound, a medical physician, to care for his family the natural and resourceful way.

Cistern

Windmill

Cold Frame

Smokehouse

Dr. Pound incorporated a cistern collection system with charcoal filtration to purify rainwater on his homestead. The ingenious system attached to the house with a pulley to deliver water right through the window. Clean water for bathing and cooking kept the family healthy, hydrated, and well fed, without facing the possible dangerous elements of the outdoors. The cistern is an excellent example of “going green” in the late 1800s.

Windmills provided an efficient and indispensable domestic water system without the need for electrical power. With free, inexhaustible wind, this legendary machine supplied precious irrigation for pastures, gardens, and livestock. The modest old windmill used by Dr. Pound still works and continues to pump water to the vegetable and herb gardens at the homestead.

Nothing is more “green” than growing one’s own vegetable garden for natural nourishment. Instead of a greenhouse built on top of the ground, Dr. Pound relied on the inherent insulation of the earth and on the sunlight’s warmth to protect and nurture plants during the winter months. Today, self-sufficient gardeners deliver the ultimate farm-to-table family meal by using the very dependable cold frame.

The old smokehouse was essential for curing and preserving fish, game, and dried vegetables. In the absence of refrigeration, the smokehouse was the storage facility that supplied unspoiled food for the family throughout the year. Tenderness and flavors were produced naturally, without preservatives. Although advancements in technology have made smoking food much easier today, the basics remain the same as they were hundreds of years ago.

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8 F The Lowdown

ODELL

EQUIPMENT COMPANY

Serving satisďŹ ed customers in the Hill Country since 1995. Land Clearing Grading, Excavation Site Development Roads, Driveways, Stock Ponds Licensed Septic Installer

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Roy Odell Dependable, Trustworthy Service

Keep History Drippin’ Become a member of the Heritage Circle

Proud supporter of 4-H & FFA

roygodell@gmail.com

512-923-8608

FREE ESTIMATES

Heritagecircle.org

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9

F CCRAVINGS RAVINGS AND AND QUENCHERS QUENCHERS

Does anything really make sense before that first cup of coffee?

First Cup!

Mazama Coffee Co. 301 Mercer Street Mazama hit a home run when they opened in Dripping Springs. The coffee is spectacularly delicious regardless of your bean preference. And the handmade lattes are just as yummy as they look. The calm, modern décor is inviting for socializing or for firing up the laptop. What we love: Mazama truly brings the community together with their local events calendar, a “flex” conference room, weekend music, and family game nights. Mazama also serves cold-brewed coffees, teas, beer, and wine along with bakery items and lunch fare.

McDonald’s | 333 E. Hwy. 290

For some folks, the first cup is poured at home, while others prefer a favorite spot that brings coffee and friends together. inSight highlights some of Dripping Springs’ favorite destinations that keep us bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and updated on the latest town happenings.

Drippin Donuts 651 W. Hwy. 290 Dripping Springs Grocery 601 W. Hwy. 290 Step back in time and pull up a chair at Dripping Springs Grocery, where the daily Liar’s Club (as they call themselves) meets at the much-worn, but comfortable, table to “solve the world’s problems” over cups of Community Coffee and out-of-this-world breakfast tacos. The faces just may look familiar to you, as they have been around the Drip for quite some time. If the Liar’s Club is not on site at Dripping Springs Grocery, look for them at the Whataburger, where they transition for a full breakfast.

So, sometimes it’s not only about the coffee, right? inSight’s brew-hopping led us to Drippin Donuts, packed with caffeine-deprived, hungry customers during very early opening hours. The homemade fluffy donuts, killer apple fritters, kolaches, and breakfast sandwiches make a delightful way to start your morning, whether from the drive-thru or inside. So while you may be thinking about a java burst, let it be the sugar rush. Order up a few dozen for the office and you may just get a promotion.

The time-saving drive-thru window at McDonald’s suits inSight’s busy schedule on more occasions than not. After perusing the menu, you may be tempted to order a McCafe Caramel Mocha—steamy or icy. Trust us, it may be addictive. The familiar brand is often convenient for a morning, afternoon, or middle-of-the-night caffeine fix, straight from your auto comfort zone.

Rolling in Thyme and Dough 333 W. Hwy 290 The Honor System Coffee Bar at Rolling in Thyme and Dough (RTD) certainly fits our small-town way of life and adds convenience at this very popular café and bistro. Time permitting, take a break with friends at this quaint eatery and sip on an espresso while enjoying one of the delectable homemade breads or pastries. (inSight loves the chocolate chip cookies.) RTD serves breakfast and lunch daily except Sundays and hosts a bistro dinner each Thursday night. The delightful ambience combined with farm-fresh veggies (often from RTD’s garden) and local goat cheese will surely make you a regular.

Corner Store | 13810 Sawyer Ranch Rd. at Hwy. 290 Dashing into Austin? The Corner Store has you covered with consistently good coffee, cup to cup, from the Bunn-O-Matic machine. If it’s not fresh and hot, the cashier will happily brew a new pot just for you. Make it plain or stir it up with a variety of flavors; one will surely become your favorite coffee concoction. Any time of the day or night, the Corner Store is all about service, selection, and convenience.

10 F Cravings and Quenchers

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Specialty of the House inSight enticed Verde’s Mexican Parrilla owner Joel Mungula to share his lightly spiced, easy-to-make bread pudding recipe. It’s delicious! You’ll savor every bite!

KERY BA

Bread Pudding

SERVING BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

333 Hwy 290 West ≤ Dripping Springs

INGREDIENTS 1 lb French bread, cubed 1 qt Milk 2 c Sugar 2 tbsp Vanilla 2 Eggs 6 oz Blueberries INSTRUCTIONS Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place cream, sugar, and vanilla in stock pot and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and set for two minutes. Temper in eggs. Add mixture to French bread and mix well. Add blueberries and toss.

BISTRO NITE Thursdays 6PM-9PM

Bake in a 9' x 13' pan for forty-five minutes. Shelf life: 3 days

OPEN: M-F 6:30AM-3PM ≤ Sat. 8AM-4PM insightdrippingsprings.com F

11

F CCRAVINGS RAVINGS AND AND QUENCHERS QUENCHERS

Tastes with Bite There is something for everyone to savor in Dripping Springs! inSight’s tasting tour took us to dining establishments that never let us down when it comes to fresh quality and diversity. You can enjoy delights ranging from exotic, spicy Thai food to mouth-watering, tender steaks. Whatever you are craving, try exploring the full menus of these restaurants and specialty cooks. Whether you are thinking of chicken-fried steak, pork chops, chili rellenos, quail legs, brisket, fresh oysters, or fish tacos—you name it, they can serve it!

Bordeaux’s

Cr C Creek ree eek R Road oad C oa Ca Cafe afe fe

Filet Mignon, Rare bordeauxs.net

Thai Tha Th ai G Gourmetourrm ou metet- P et Pa Pad ad G Gaa P Pr Praow raao ow

Creek Road Café

Homespun

Crab Cakes, Remoulade Sauce creekroadcafe.com

Skillet Mac and Cheese homespunkitchenandbar.com

Trudy’s T rru udy ud dy ’s ’s S Sa Salt alltt Lick Lick ick ic

Flores Mexican Restaurant Chicken Enchiladas with Verde Sauce floresmexican.com

Homespun Home Ho messp pu un n

Thai Gourmet Pad Kee Mao nong-thai.com

12 F Cravings and Quenchers

Bordeaux Bo B orrd dea eau uxx

Salt Lick Pork Ribs saltlickbbq.com

DORRAE STEVENS PHOTOGRAPHY

16018 Hamilton Pool Rd, Austin

verdesmexican.com 512-263-0500 Mon-Thurs: 4-9 pm Fri: 4-10 pm Sat: 3 -10 pm Sun: 11 am-9pm

INFUSING THE FLAVORS OF MEXICO WITH THE GRILL Visit Verde’s New Round Rock Location in Spring 2015!

Family Owned & Operated Let us cater your next event!

Happy Hour Every Day 4-6:30 pm

Something’s Always Stewing in Dripping Springs To find out more, attend a city council meeting.

cityofdrippingsprings.com

FINE WINE AND BEER TOPPED WITH A WORLD OF TASTES ON SMALL PLATES Delicious, Eclectic Menu Engaging Atmosphere Superb Service

211 Mercer Street In the historic district of Dripping Springs

Wed-Fri 4-11 w Sat 2-11 w Sun 2-8 Mercantileonmercer.com For weekly specials follow us:

insightdrippingsprings.com F

13

F CCRAVINGS RAVINGS AND AND QUENCHERS QUENCHERS

Drip-licious Sweets, Anytime! Deep, dark, glossy chocolate frosting crowned with tender fresh raspberries. Three dense, luscious layers of Belgian chocolate cake. I think daily and longingly of this baked beauty from Rolling Thyme and Dough. Also on my mind is that nearly three-inch-high raspberry cheesecake, the one with a thread of raspberries in the center and a ruby-colored lake of berry glaze on top. Yum! You never know what delights you will find at Rolling in Thyme and Dough, as they always have four different cakes plus pies, cheesecakes, and a creative selection of brownies, scones, cinnamon rolls, strudels, cookies, you name it! thymeanddough.com Next craving: something cool, creamy, and rich—in other words, homemade ice cream from The Big Drip Ice Cream Parlor in the charming little historic rock building on Mercer Street. The Big Drip always has three favorites, vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and several rotating flavors. I was lucky to be there when they opened the tub of coffee bean—OMG, fabulous, with flecks of real coffee beans and perfect sweetness. I savored every morsel! On other outings I’ve tried the peanut butter and the chocolate chip—both favorites. The Big Drip also carries specialty candies and homemade fudge from Fredericksburg—yes, I had to take home some of the maple pecan for an afternoon snack. 512-971-3282 OK, back to baked goods—next up is Well Yeah Cakes. It is the place to go for cupcakes, cakes, cake balls, and cookies. Think creative, colorful, and fun! The company name comes from owner Krystal Devazier’s signature phrase, and she offers some of the most inventively decorated party treats imaginable, from sharks to bright kaleidoscopic flowers to your favorite movie characters. I am a big fan of the moist cake balls and also the buttery melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip cookies—oh, yeah! 512-894-2042.

14 F Cravings and Quenchers

CCRAVINGS RAVINGS AND AND QUENCHERS QUENCHERS F

And for those of you with a sweet tooth and also a food allergy, you just have to try Better Bites Bakery. Their products are glutenfree, dairy-free, peanut-free, and made without artificial colors or preservatives. They offer a variety of cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and “bites”— very rich and satisfying. Chocolate-covered sunbutter, a natural substitute for peanut butter made from sunflower seeds, is just one of the tantalizing bite flavors. The Pink Lemonade cupcake is my absolute favorite—delicately lemon-flavored, rich and dense, with a dollop of raspberry jam inside and pale princess-pink “bettercream” frosting on top. betterbitesbakery.com

If you find yourself in a Continental mood, the tangerine-bright and cozy Crêpe Crazy is Dripping Springs’ own little slice of Paris. They have a delicious menu featuring both sweet and savory crepes as well as salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and espresso drinks. I am a big fan of the Sweet Cream Delight crepe for dessert. The house-made sweetened cheese filling is perfect in its lovely ricotta-like texture. Paired with juicy fresh strawberry slices and topped with raspberry sauce and whipped cream—the crepe is just fabulous. crepecrazy.com Mercer Street now offers even more cool fun, Drippin’ with Delights, the newest kid on the block. A selfserve frozen yogurt shop with a warm atmosphere, it offers at least six different flavors and a myriad of crunchy, fruity, gummy, and hot toppings, including fudge and caramel. The pleasant seating areas feature board games to share, rocking chairs, and a variety of local arts and crafts to purchase. Since you weigh your treat and pay by the ounce, you can indulge in a tiny taste or as much as you wish! My favorite was the salted caramel pretzel yogurt— especially yummy with the hot toppings! drippinwithdelights.com

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F CCRAVINGS RAVINGS AND AND QUENCHERS QUENCHERS

Drippin’ Drinkology is your choice of local lush wines, creative beers, and distinguished spirits mixed with equal parts Hill Country hospitality, unique settings, and weekend music. Add in handcrafted fare and a shady patio, and enjoy! See page 62 for trail map.

Hitting the spirited trails around Dripping Springs?

inSightfully refreshing

Labels to know before you go. 1

2

5

6

9

3

8

11

1

arguscidery.com

2

bellspringswinery.com

3

deepeddyvodka.com

4

driftwoodvineyards.com

5

duchmanwinery.com

6

hawksshadow.com

7

saltlickcellars.com

8

solaroestate.com

9

thirstyplanet.net

10 texmexbeer.com 11 westcavecellars.com 12 treatyoakdistilling.com 13 drippingspringsvodka.com

Pour over ice 3 parts pomegranate juice 1 part Dripping Springs Vodka Add a lemon slice

4

7

10

makes one serving

12

Book Your Drinkology Tour Discover Texas Wine Tours discovertexaswine.com Deer Run Chauffeur Service deerruncs.com Dripping Springs Limo Service drippingspringslimoservice.com Bluebonnet Wine Tours bluebonnetwinetours.com Heart of Texas Wine Tours heartoftexaswinetours.com Wine Tours of Texas winetoursoftexas.com

13

Dripping Springs Vodka and Dripping Springs Gin are made by San Luis Spirits.

Slowpokes Winery Tours slowpokeswinerytours.com

>Xd\ :_Xe^\ij

Ron Extract A\jk\i B`e^ 9i\n\ip The craft beer explosion keeps getting better and better thanks to Ron Extract, who received a prestigious award for his role in changing the restrictive craft brewing laws in Texas. With on-site sales now possible, local breweries are popping up to arouse our taste buds as well as fuel the “beer tourism” market. Visit Jester King Brewery, a multiaward-winning brewery in Texas. While visiting Jester King, stop by next door at Stanley’s Farmhouse Pizza. 13187 Fitzhugh Road F jesterkingbrewery.com

16 F Cravings and Quenchers

John McIntosh K_\ 9XiY\i J_fg A craft brewer himself, John created a magnet for thirsty folks when he opened The Barber Shop on Mercer Street. It’s where locals come together with friends and strangers in an unpretentious, feel-good corner bar complete with banner beers and open-air space. The Barber Shop is such an intoxicating success, we just wonder why we had to wait so long for the per fect watering hole. Next door, enjoy The Mercantile, John’s newest addition to Mercer Street for tapas and wine. Visit The Barber Shop— you’ll feel like a regular. 207 Mercer Street F barbershopbar.com

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F PILLOW TALK inSight offers travel tips to make your stay in Dripping Springs as pleasurable and effortless as possible.

Navigating Dripping Springs Two Things to Note When Visiting Dripping Springs First, above us are big, open skies where the stars and the moon illuminate the night—an aspect taken seriously here, as in February 2014, Dripping Springs became the first Texas city— and the world’s sixth—to be named an International Dark Sky Community. By virtue of wisely adopted city ordinances that have been embraced by businesses, our skies remain dark and unpolluted. You will surely notice the difference, whether you are attending an outdoor wedding or enjoying a peaceful night at a camping site. Second, in August 2014, Scenic Texas awarded Dripping Springs a Gold Scenic City Certificate for its comprehensive initiatives to preserve and enhance the visual character of Texas. This means that the city promotes attractive building design, protection of open spaces, water quality, agricultural preservation, billboard reduction, wise landscaping, and sign control, among other aspects of high-quality scenic standards.

Abundance of Lodging inSight reviewed only a few of the unique places to stay in the Dripping Springs area, but there are many others. Check out the websites below to find a place to “call home.” Almost any type of accommodation awaits you, from a traditional hotel such as Sleep Inn, complete with an indoor pool, to a fully equipped, beautifully adorned ranch home. airbnb.com bedandbreakfast.com drippingspringstx.org homeaway.com vrbo.com Maybe you were considering driving your RV? There are four RV parks within close proximity to Dripping Springs to park your camper and sit under the skies within your customary comforts. Cottonwood Creek RV Park Dripping Springs RV Park Sunset RV Resort Dripping Springs Ranch Park

18 F Pillow Talk

cottonwoodcreekrvpark.com dsrvpark.com sunsetrvresort.com drippingspringsranchpark.com

Places for Your Pets Now what about the dog or cat? Dripping Springs has ample places for your pet to camp while you are soaking in the Hill Country atmosphere. Driftwood Kennels driftwoodkennels.com Gateway Dog Training gatewaydogtraining.com Hill Country Pet Resort hillcountrypetresort.com Rover Inn Boarding Kennel roverinnkennel.com Stay-N-Play Pet Ranch staynplaypetranch.com Tail Waggers petsit.com In Dripping Springs, your horse is welcome, too. This is still a rural area with plenty of places to ride. And you can board your horse at Dripping Springs Ranch Park, 512-858-4725.

Auto Repair

Serving Dripping Springs Since 1939

So you have a flat tire? Your state inspection sticker expired? Had a collision? You can find reliable, honest repair service in Dripping Springs at many locations. Here are good resources, along with a towing company when your car has really gone kaput. AMM Collision

512-894-3888

Central Garage

512-894-4114

Good To Go Oil Center

512-858-1420

L & L Automotive

512-894-4486

Gary Garnett’s Garage

512-924-7298

Malone Diesel & Auto

512-858-2132

ProTech Automotive

512-829-5123

Wagoner Tire

512-829-4716

Drippin’ Towin’ Service

512-264-2757

CENTRAL GARAGE Providing Complete Automotive Repairs for All Makes and Models Reliable, Honest, Dependable Service. Schedule an appointment today: 512-894-4114

120 Highway 290 West Across from Walgreens

dscentralgarage.com ASE Certified Technicians with 60 Years of Experience

Hobbies and Activities You never know what you will find in Dripping Springs! Olive orchards, stone carvers, paintball parks, quilting stores! To find out just what is happening in any week, visit the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce (drippingspringstx.org) for a complete listing of events, or for festivals, visit festivalnet.com. Trip Advisor (tripadvisor.com) also lists reviews of activities in the area and as well as reviews of more than 36 restaurants around Dripping Springs. But whatever you do, enjoy yourself while experiencing Dripping Springs! And if you think you are lost (beware, a GPS is not always accurate), friendly people at any gas station will gladly give you directions. Heck, they may even give you a map or lead you to your destination.

Family Owned and Operated by Danny Hubbard and son Kevin Hubbard

L&L AUTOMOTIVE Complete Auto Repair Larry White • Richard Arnold

Exhaust Tune Up AC Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Ph. (512) 894-4486

Tires Brakes Shocks 3987 Hwy 290 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 www.landlautomotive.com

Visit our website: landlautomotive.com insightdrippingsprings.com F

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ALK F PILLOW TTALK

Slumber Where It Suits Your Style Star House

Longhorn River Ranch

Homestead at the Dripping Springs

Great for

Glamping in the Hill Countr y

Family gatherings, wedding parties, hunting

Convenience, histor y buffs, parents of the bride

Location

Perched high in the Hill Countr y with a grand vista of the headwaters of Onion Creek; a stone’s throw from major excursions.

Between Austin and San Antonio, just outside Dripping Springs and Blanco, with 1,734 acres of rolling meadows, breathtaking hilltop overlooks, and winding river banks.

In Dripping Springs’ historic district on Mercer Street, next to the actual Dripping Springs; within walking distance to entertainment, shopping, and dining.

Old Texas charm meets modern comforts. Rustic stone walls with arched door ways and windows open onto rooms of hand-hewn furniture, color ful rugs, and bright tile work.

A historic homestead established in 1842—a treasure to behold at first sight. Clara’s House has an inviting front porch to sit and watch the current world go by.

Four separate lodgings can be rented together (sleeps 20–30) or individually. Each lodging has access to 1,725 acres of healthy Hill Countr y ranchland teeming with native and exotic animals: elk, aoudad sheep, bison, wild turkey, or yx, blackbuck antelope, and more. After tennis, hiking, hunting or wildlife excursions, cool off in Onion Creek or relax in the pool and hot tub.

Clara’s House—this pre–Civil War home is fully modernized for your comfort: cool rock walls and antique furniture; two spacious bedrooms, one full bath, a full kitchen, living room, and dining room. The sweet Butler Cabin has a full bath, kitchenette, and bedroom. These restored homes, located on four acres, are a part of the historic walking tour of Dripping Springs.

Surrounded by manicured beds First Impressions of native grasses and blooming perennials, Star House is at once compact and air y, sleek and eclectic, with a cozy yet modern décor.

Enjoy stargazing at its best, with Special Features/ a wide-open view of the starlit Activities skies near Dripping Springs. With a totally refurbished Airstream trailer and the Star House cottage, visitors can relax in comfort and privacy between excursions (by car, motorcycle, or bicycle) to nearby parks, wineries and breweries, wedding venues, dance halls, and Hill Countr y festivals.

Anything Else?

Gourmet breakfast featuring farm-fresh eggs and homegrown produce; private patio overlooking an oak grove; loft bedroom; metalworking studio and classes.

Rare madrone trees; skeet shooting range; tennis, basketball, horseshoes, washers, and nine-hole disc golf course; safari jeep tours.

Coffee, teas, homemade breads, fresh fruit, juice, and milk. Patio under large oak trees to enjoy a game of washer pitching or just to unwind.

How to Book

StarHousebandb.com 512-689-6950

longhornriverranch.com 512-878-9966

dshomesteadbandb.com 512-858-4547

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CRAVINGS AND THEPILLOW QUENCHERS LOWDOWN TALK F

Henly Hill Ranch

3 Dawg Night

Mt. Gainor Inn

Great for

Large reunions, recreation for all ages

Couples, admirers of eclectic décor, massages

Pampering, second honeymoons, girls’ outing

Location

Over 300 rolling acres near Dripping Springs and Johnson City, with limestone bluffs overlooking Onion Creek as it winds through green meadows and groves of native oak.

In a quiet neighborhood, upon a hill, with cool breezes. Easy access to downtown Dripping Springs and Austin.

Twenty-three scenic acres off the beaten path, on famous biking roads in Dripping Springs; spectacular views and walking trails.

Decorated from head to toe with quilts, LP records, jewelr y, wine labels, handmade wall paper, T-shirts, and fine art work. You’ll be mesmerized.

Lovely 1910 restored farmhouse. Separate entrances and porches for six suites provide privacy. Inviting dining room; outdoor hot tub/patios are per fect for gatherings.

Three couples can take advantage of two upstairs bedrooms and one down (wheelchair accessible), all with large, fully equipped baths. Guests are welcome in two common TV areas, dining room, patio, and swimming pool. Her casa is your casa. The host is a licensed masseuse, so take advantage of her talents. And do leave time to appreciate the décor.

Accomplished hosts (who have traveled extensively) have thought of ever ything. The six suites sleep 14 people and are equipped with minifridges, TVs, full baths, comfortable beds, and luxurious robes. All suites have unique views; some suites come with whirlpool tubs. For special occasions, indulge with a massage, picnic basket, flowers, or chocolates to make your stay extra sweet.

Modern ranch house chic. Three First Impressions levels with large windows, an open floor plan, and a wrap-around porch create multiple gathering areas with nooks for privacy.

The extended family and more can Special Features/ spend days swimming in Onion Activities Creek (or the pool), fishing, hiking, spying plentiful wildlife, playing tennis and tether-ball, pitching horseshoes and washers, roasting marshmallows around the campfire, cooking in the spacious kitchen, or just enjoying the breeze and view from the second-stor y wrap-around porch. The separate guest house is an easy walk from the main house.

Anything Else?

Handicap-accessible master bedroom and bath; covered outdoor pavilion with large stone fireplace; campfire area; color ful fall foliage.

The host aims to please. She will even give you a ride to your wedding venue. Her special breakfast recipes and baked cookies receive rave reviews.

The hosts are knowledgeable concierges. Ever y morning they guide you in the right direction to special places in Dripping Springs and beyond.

How to Book

vrbo.com/249416 512-328-8744

3dawgnite.com 512-589-4433

mtgainorinn.com 888-644-0982

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F PILLOW TALK

gs n i r p S g in In Drippekend, wish this we e here! you wer

22 F Pillow Talk

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F TO MARKET

Bridget Hauser of Sunset Canyon Pottery where creativity, passion, and experienced marketing equals success And we have become a favorite place for gifts. Our advertising pays off and we do get many tourists. Dripping Springs has been a well-kept secret, for all of its shops, restaurants, art venues, distilleries, and breweries. It’s time to get the word out. What does Sunset Canyon Pottery have that is unique? You have some lovely artisan pottery items that are a collector’s dream for art in homes and offices.

Bridget Hauser When did you open your business in Dripping Springs, and why did you decide to move from Austin?

We broke ground in 1996 and opened in 1997. I worked with Clarksville Pottery in Austin for many years (where I managed the business), and when we wanted to open our own business, we had an agreement that I would not open in Travis or Williamson counties. So I looked at Hays County, which led us to Dripping Springs. We had trouble qualifying for an SBA loan, but Tom Wyckoff, now with Wells Fargo Bank, became our advocate and helped us through the process. He said, “ Your business is just what we want here in the community.”

We have Sunset Canyon Pottery’s signature line, with our Safari glaze pattern being our bestselling collection. Each piece is handmade from raw materials. I also have my individual pieces that appeal to collectors and decorators. To augment our products, we bring in locally and nationally known artists’ pieces to add variety to our gallery. I noticed that your pottery is sold as far away as Big Bend. Where else do you sell? Selling to galleries is a good part of

our business, but the gallery in Dripping Springs sells more yearly than any other. We ship to more than 65 galleries in Texas, North Carolina, Zion National Park, and Colorado. We’re gaining ground in the galleries through word of mouth and because of our longevity. What do you find is the most rewarding part of your work? When you can get up

every day and are able to feed your passion, and it pays for itself and provides for others, it’s not really going to work. It is what we do. Life is good.

Where do you advertise Sunset Canyon Pottery? We believe in advertising! We advertise in the Hill Country Current, Outlook, and the Hill Country Sun, and we have advertised in Celebrate Austin. We

now have a Facebook page that is kept current by my younger staff members. How much of your business is from visitors/tourists and locals?

We are well supported by the Dripping Springs community. They bring in their friends and families who are visiting.

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Sunset Canyon’s popular Safari pattern

You are very “green.” You have a straw bale building and a rainwater collection system. How much rainwater do you collect? Our

tank holds 46,000 gallons of pure, clean rainwater. We use it for making pottery, as well as for drinking and kitchen and toilet usage. We’ve only had to bring in water twice when the tanks needed to be drained and repaired. In the worst times of the drought, we had water. The system saves us money and saves our natural resources. What do you want customers to take away from coming to Sunset Canyon Pottery (besides a purchase)?

That our pottery is made by human hands and the spirit of that person is in the pottery. We want to make that connection. If you are not in the design studio, what else keeps you busy? I teach pottery

workshops and exhibit outside the studio. On a daily basis we spend a few hours with our grandchildren. Gardening and cooking are also favorite pastimes. We know one of your passions is the Empty Bowls Project (EBP) for Helping Hands. What makes this event so special to you and your husband Bill?

We got involved in 1990 delivering bowls to Baltimore as part of our initial involvement with the EBP. Then we met John Hartom from Dearborn, Michigan, where Bill is from also. It was a surprise that the man who started the Empty Bowls Project was someone Bill knew from high school. This is our 17th anniversary to host EBP at Sunset Canyon Pottery. We make 1,000 bowls yearly and receive many from members of our ceramic artists’ community. After our own project is over, we send bowls to other EBP events in Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and a few other areas. Monies raised go to food banks. We feel this is an important part of our membership in this community—our way of giving back for all of the support we receive. ✦

227490 490 RR122 Dripping Springs

512.858.1070 Tuesday-Saturday

10:00-6:00

APPAREL BOOTS ACCESSORIES HOME DÉCOR GIFTS Women, Men Children Plus Sizes Available

Through custom financial solutions, you can live for today while planning for tomorrow.

•Investment Management •Retirement Income Planning •Risk Management and Insurance Solutions •Small Business Planning •Estate and Tax Planning Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

moneymaugel.com paulp@moneymaugel.com 512-264-3833

Nancy Maugel and Paul Purcell provide financial solutions through all phases of your life. insightdrippingsprings.com F

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F TTOO M MARKET ARKET Shopping in mind? Look no further.

Unique Finds and One of a Kind

Right here in Dripping Springs

Hands-Free Binoculars Walgreens

Bit & Bridle Rain Boots Exclusive to Tractor Supply

Vintage Silver Bracelet Vik Jewelers

Tigers Gumballs Dan Tayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Insulated Picnic Cooler Monogramming & etc.

Red Star Riggings Hat Ranch 2 Runway

Cool, Colorful Coasters Sunny Paige

Tootle Turtle Target Game Cowgirls and Lace

Aurora Pottery, exclusive to Sunset Canyon Pottery

Homemade Doggie Bones Whole Pets Market Dorinda James Cosmeceuticals exclusive to Dripping Springs Pharmacy

Ruby Red Cut Glasses Lone Star Gifts

26 F To Market

Reusable Snack Packs H-E-B

Spirited Recipe Book Twin Liquors

You’ll need plenty of time to shop all 2700 squaare feet of this historic building nestled in downtown Dripping Springs

Lone St r Gifts Hill Country Shopping at Its Finest

301 Mercer Street

Historic Downtown Mercer Street NEW ★ VINTAGE ★ ORIGINALS ★ ANTIQUES

Mon.-Sat.9am–6pm 512-858-9912 ★ lonestargifts.net Visit Our Facebook Page

Pam McAfee REALTOR® CNE

TMCA Credentialed Mediator

Since 1996, Pam McAfee has provided trustworthy, personable service to home buyers and sellers in the Central Texas area. Pam’s clients refer to her as “knowledgeable, responsible, honest, patient, and dedicated” to finding the right homes to match their lifestyles and personalities. As a trained mediator, Pam’s special qualities as a listener and problem solver establish her as the very successful real estate agent she is today. Visit her website to read reviews from her clients, you will understand why she is also called a “friend.”

PAM McAFEE, REALTOR® Graves Realty Group 3001 South Lamar, Ste. 102 Austin, Texas 78704 (512) 554-8476 cell/text www.pammcafee.com

Large Selection of Kaffe Fassett Fabrics

Pam’s clients refer to her as “knowledgeable, responsible, honest, patient, and dedicated” to finding the right home…

' H

Full Service Quilt Store

HSBWFT S F B M U Z HSPVQ

2 '

OPEN: M-F 10am-5:30pm Sat.10am-4pm • Sun.1pm-5pm

www.valliandkim.com

700 West Hwy. 290 Dripping Springs, TX 512-858-4433

3,000+ Bolts of Fabric insightdrippingsprings.com F

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F TTOO M MARKET ARKET

More

Unique Finds and One of a Kind Right here in Dripping Springs

Sunflower Watering Can New Canaan Farms Auto First Aid Kit O’Reilly Auto Parts

Chicken Bark Made in Dripping Springs y y Pet Ranch Stay-N-Play

Kid’s House Slippers Robin’s Closet

40 Winks Sleep Mask Pink West Salon

Gently Worn Kids’ Clothes Itsy Bitsy Spider

Flow Flower Power Tea Sacre Sacred Moon Herbs

Wedding Teepee Bee Lavish Vintage Rentals

28 F To Market

Annual Gourd Art Showcase Wesley Gallery

Vintage Campbell’s Soup Cups HC Senior Citizens Thrift Store

Honeycomb Dreams, Yellow Calcite Carved Stone, Inc.

March Mattingly Print Solstice Garden Expressions

Star Pillow Kit Valli and Kim

D

ING SPRIN G

M - F 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sat. 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m

S

PP RI

RENTAL CENTER Buddy Lewis Consulting Available 21 Years in Business

“Easy breezy friendly service.” –M. Mitchell A Reviewer’s Comment

512-858-5337 299 Mercer Street Dripping Springs, TX

1-800-299-8262 Cell: 512-848-3517 www.dsrentalcenter.com

Named Forbes 2014 Best Bank in America!

Susan Stark, retired school teacher, promotes her first children’s book Time Flight, at the Dripping

M-Thu 9am-4pm Friday 9am-5pm Drive-thru M-F 7:30am-6pm Sat. 9am-1pm

721 W Hyw 290 #100 (512) 858-1256

Springs Women’s Club Holiday Marketplace. To learn more about Susan and her adventure into the power of imagination, visit susansyersstark.com

Milena Christopher Attorney at Law Credentialed Mediator

3975 A Hwy 290 E

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F TO MARKET

Everyone Needs a Buddy n_fj\ X[m`Z\ `j aljk Xifle[ k_\ Zfie\i You are widely known in Dripping Springs. How long have you lived here? Are you a native Texan?

Banks and investment firms have popped up all over town. Who is your go-to banker? Tom Wycoff at Wells Fargo

We know you can repair anything! What’s the strangest item someone has asked you to repair? I believe Dr. Chae Tracy,

I have lived in Dripping Springs for 21 years. Yes, I’m a native Texan. I was born in Kingsville and raised in Azle, Texas.

Bank. He has been my banker since it was Dripping Springs National Bank, then Norwest, and now Wells Fargo. Easy location on Mercer Street for me to do business.

owner of Family First Chiropractic, came in and asked me to re-thread a medical device. Yeah, that was it, and we got it done.

How long have you owned Dripping Springs Rental Center? I started Dripping Springs

Rental Center 21 years ago. Before that, when I was, well let’s say, not so heavy, I was a bull rider for 10 years. Just a little history here… I was also a carpenter during that time. That was all after finishing college at Stephen F. Austin, where I majored in agriculture and education—but I never taught school. You’ve been on Mercer Street a long time. What’s the word on Mercer Street today?

It’s an awesome place to be. The new improvements are really nice. I hope more entertainment comes to Mercer Street. Of all the new developments in Dripping Springs in the past few years, which is your favorite? Well, I guess

my favorite is H-E-B. And Home Depot. Those stores have really driven people to shop in Dripping Springs.

Owning a business can be an administrative burden. Do you work with a bookkeeper or CPA in town? I do my own

books with QuickBooks, but Bret Garner is my CPA for tax filings. Who is your insurance agent? Heath

Nickes is my man. He is with Farmers Insurance, and he takes care of all my cars and home insurance. If you were buying or selling real estate in the area, who would be your realtor?

Definitely Jeff Coffman. He has helped me with a few transactions. He has his own business, Coffman Real Estate, and is also affiliated with Keller Williams. I need a tree trimmer. Any suggestions?

HillCo Tree Service—Monti Mitchell. Hard-working guy, and he really knows his trees. If you were bitten by a brown recluse, where would you go to the doctor?

An interview with Buddy Lewis

Dr. Buchanan—right across the street. He can diagnose anything. If it were a real emergency, I probably would go to Seton Southwest. You have such a handsome smile. Who is your dentist? I have been going to Dr.

Allen Adair since he and his wife Dr. Laura Adair started their practice here. Where do you go to have those gorgeous locks of yours styled? Nita at

Hair Works cuts my hair and has forever. It’s a simple haircut, does not take too long. And I can also hear some local gossip. Do you have any pets? Who is your veterinarian? I don’t have any pets right

now, but Wally, who works for me, owns an English Bulldog, Thurmond, who is always here greeting people.

30 F To Market

If you can’t fix it, where do you go for car repair services? I go to Garnett’s Garage

on Mercer Street, Central Texas Diesel, Malone Diesel, and Central Garage. I like to trade with them all. When you want to relax and enjoy yourself, what is your favorite pastime?

I like to go to the Barber Shop, especially on Tuesday nights when Billy Garza and Dr. Jim Hudson are playing music. I also go to the Mercer Street Dance Hall, where I like to dance with everyone. What type of businesses or services do you think Dripping Springs needs but doesn’t have yet? More restaurants would

be nice, more choices of food. A bowling alley would be fun and other entertainment for families. We also need a laundromat. What’s your favorite festival or cause in Dripping? My favorite festival is Founders

Day. It’s such a fun weekend. I love smelling the BBQ and eating it, too. I am not sure I have a favorite “cause” in Dripping Springs. They are all needed. But I was very glad to see the Brent Thurman Memorial Bull Riding event held in Dripping Springs, his hometown. I knew him pretty well in the short time he was alive. There was a great crowd for his memorial bull ride at Dripping Springs Ranch Park, which is an awesome facility and great for entertainment. What’s your motto, Buddy?

“Doing business the friendly way.” From 6:00 am until 5:00 pm when friends drop in to visit or when we head to the Barber Shop. ✦

1UALITY $ENTISTRY with Dependable Results in a Peaceful Setting

ADAIR DENTISTRY 2150 Hwy 290 E. Dripping Springs, TX 78620 s CELL

ADAIRDDS COM

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Give Me the Country Life

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he unique joys of a country life are countless: listening to nature’s sweet sounds while rocking on the porch, curled up in a blanket beneath sparkling star-filled skies, honing gardening and canning skills in order to make something healthy, delicious, and lovingly “homemade.” Living in the country means owning a special pair of boots to wear to the rodeo, walk in tall grasses, or boot scoot with a favorite partner. It means understanding the importance of rainwater collection and appreciating and protecting all natural resources. It’s knowing that the word “agricultural” applies to more than just farming and ranching, and recognizing that it’s an honor to be a member of the FFA. It’s about accepting the stray animal that needs a home or schooling a lovable miniature donkey to be a champion. Country life is like no other! The roads may not be paved, but they bring the country dweller home to a better life in wide-open spaces, where the sounds of frogs, crickets, owls, and bubbling creeks make for an endless symphony.

Support the FFA! Rich Moore, President DS Ag Booster Association

Raise and show a champion donkey! Stock Market’s Miniature Donkeys National Champions Emma Sage Bein-Lambeth and Annie Steward with Ben

Rock the night away! Home Depot

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Get your boots! Lone Star Gifts

Conserve groundwater! Dripping Springs Community Library

Delve into and master country life! Tractor Supply

Allison F. Callegari CLHMS, Eco Broker, Realtor Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty 2700 Barton Creek Blvd. Suite 200 Austin, Texas 78735 M 512.914.5875 O 512.328.0058 F5 512.328.0057 12..328 8.005 57

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F EESCAPES SCAPES AND AND DIVERSIONS DIVERSIONS

Escaping to Onion Creek Kitchens at Juniper Hills Farm where owner Sibby Barrett masters the art of hospitality

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t’s no wonder Onion Creek Kitchens at Juniper Hills Farm has been featured in national magazines. The reasons to visit this destination are endless. And having a chance to interact with owner Sibby Barrett is the icing on the cake. She is the ultimate professional southern hostess who takes personal pride in pleasing her guests. Sibby’s creativity and vision are stamped on every detail of Juniper Hills Farm. Sibby has created a haven in which to relax (or revel), renew, and relish. Nestled on 54 acres in the Hill Country, Onion Creek Kitchens at Juniper Hills Farm provides an oasis for doing what makes you happy. Whether guests are seeking pure relaxation or a mixture of recreation and culinary delights, it’s hard to imagine anyone could be unhappy atop some of the highest-rolling lookouts in the Hill Country. The farm is the perfect spot for any gathering—corporate meetings, gals’ groups, special celebrations, or to just go and hide from the wide world.

Before You Go Before you visit in person, take time to view Onion Creek Kitchens at Juniper Hills Farm online to research Sibby’s cooking classes and lodging options. You can experience her magical commercial Kitchen in the Grove as a hands-on chef or as a spectator. It’s a literal playroom for the novice or the experienced cook. All events book up quickly, so plan ahead and don’t miss the opportunity to create and enjoy sumptuous cuisine. Check out her recipes online and you will understand how creative Sibby is with fresh ingredients, many of which are grown on her property or by local farmers. The cooking classes are a fun way to get to know Sibby. We had a ball in the kitchen on a girls’ overnight excursion. Also choose from the five lovely casitas, all with queen rooms equipped with deluxe beds and linens that simply

34 F Escapes and Diversions

guarantee a good night’s sleep. The cabins are appointed with eclectic décor, gorgeous indoor and outdoor showers, custom lotions and soaps, central air and heat, refrigerators, coffee makers and microwaves, and even saunas in the studios. Sibby has thought of every detail to make your stay stress free and inspiring. It’s as if you were at home but without the chores.

When You Get There Juniper Hills Farm has so much to offer that one should explore it thoroughly before setting a strict agenda. The comfortable cabins and outdoor spaces beg for quiet time with a romantic partner or a good book while enjoying homemade granola and handmade donkey-shaped chocolates. Then there’s the infinity pool, fireplace, and outdoor kitchen where guests are encouraged to grill their own dishes. Introduce yourself to the donkeys, and delight in their funny, friendly ways. Take notice of Sibby’s exceptional and creative architecture—very Tuscan—and the variety of native plants that bring color and beauty to the outdoor spaces. Learn about Sibby’s green practices: the rainwater collection systems operate over the entire property. Attend a yoga class, and then get lost in Sibby’s unique collections of silver and pottery. Or arrange a well-needed massage for a tired soul. If you arrive late or wish to dine in, a selection of tapas and cheese can be brought to your casita. In the morning, while you sip on freshly ground coffee and teas, breakfast arrives in vintage lunch boxes full of homemade baked goods and jams. No doubt about it, Onion Creek Kitchens at Juniper Hills Farm is a journey for all your senses and one not to be missed. Oh, and make sure to take along your camera and your calendar—you’ll for sure want to book your next trip to Onion Creek Kitchens at Juniper Hills Farm. ◆ juniperhillsfarm.com

Looking for an Experienced Agent You Can Trust? Susan Black, ABR, CLHMS Relocation Representative Licensed Texas REALTORÂŽ

Avalar Austin Real Estate 512. 825.8570 susanblack@avalaraustin.com stellaraustinproperties.com avalaraustin.com n 15+ Years of Professional n n n n n

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The Healthiest Places in Town! Want to be healthy, happy, and wise? Become a regular at the five city parks comprising more than 258 acres of pure pleasure. The Dripping Springs Parks and Recreation Department offers a bounty of outdoor opportunities to keep us active, cheerful, and perceptive!

Dive In at Founders Memorial Park

Pay Your Respects at Veterans Memorial Park

Time to Play at Sports and Recreation Park

It’s home to a family-friendly swimming pool where kids under three swim for free. The park also features a .71 mile walking/running trail, ball fields, a playscape, and a party/picnic pavilion. Learn about our heritage by touring the famous Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead. 490 Founders Park Road and RR 12 North

Flags fly high with pride in honor of veterans who have kept our country free. It’s also where we purchase healthy greens at the Dripping Springs Farmers Market each Wednesday, when green thumbers come together to offer homegrown veggies, and local musicians entertain the shoppers. 130 E. Mercer Street

It’s home to good sportsmanship with multiple soccer, baseball, and softball fields along with a basketball court and a sand volleyball court. To round out the recreational opportunities, there is also a playscape, a walking /running trail, and covered picnic areas. 27148 RR 12 South

Nourish Your Soul at Charro Ranch Park

Engage at Dripping Springs Ranch Park

It’s home to the Solstice Circle and the Walk of Peace, where trails give way to the natural beauty of native plants and wildlife in a 40-acre peaceful setting. Take along your picnic basket for a leisurely, stress-free outing. 22690 FM 150

It’s where special events are offered almost every weekend. If it’s not a rodeo, then perhaps an arts and crafts show. Take in the walking trails, playscape, and horseshoe pit for leisure time. And bring your horse to ride the trails. 1042 DS Ranch Road and RR 12 North

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inSight Prepares a Picnic with Local Fare New Canaan Farms—Black Bean & Corn Salsa, Hill Country Caviar, and Jalapeno Mustard; Dripping Springs Farmers Market—woven basket, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and Texas Hill Country Olive Company’s Olive Oil and Pear Balsamic Vinegar; Railroad Bar-B-Que—BBQ Sliced Turkey; H-E-B—Slider rolls, gourmet crackers; Monogramming & Etc…—inSight Picnic cooler; The Dollar Store—colorful glasses—freezer safe!

ESCAPES AND DIVERSIONS F

Picnic at Charro Ranch Park

Sherrie Parks, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, wears a coral blouse from Cowgirls and

The “ladies in the know” of Dripping Springs take time for a picnic punched with delicious nutrition.

Lace, and capris from Ranch 2 Runway.

Ginger Faught, Deputy City Administrator, wears

a blue tunic from Sunny Paige, shoes and leggings from Goodie Two Shoes.

City Administrator Michelle Fischer wears a blue tank Pam Owens, Visitors Bureau Director, wears

a sleeveless dress from Ranch 2 Runway, a bracelet from Goodie Two Shoes, earrings and boots from Lonestar Gifts.

top, necklace, and assortment of bracelets, all from Goodie Two Shoes.

ETHLEY PHYSICAL THERAPY KethleyPT.com | (512) 858-5191 Keeping Dripping Springs Moving since 2000 Our dedicated licensed therapists work closely with patients to restore, maintain, and • Orthopedic Physical Therapy

promote their overall fitness and wellness for healthier and more active lifestyles.

• Certified Hand Therapy Program • Pre and Post Surgical Rehabilitation • Sports Injury Rehabilitation • McKenzie Programs for Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Spine • Balance/Vestibular Therapy • Treatment for Chronic Pain • Kinesiotaping • Scoliosis Treatment • Supervised Fitness Programs State-of-the-Art Outpatient Facilities with Two Locations to Serve You. 800 Hwy 290 West, Bldg. B-300 Dripping Springs, TX 78620

14101 Hwy 290 West, Bldg. 500-B Austin, TX 78737

-ONDAY 4HURSDAYS AM PM s &RIDAYS AM PM

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Let the

Memories Begin!

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Photo Credits: A–Cathy Jones, B & F–Brian Barnes, C–Laurie Griffith, D–Pun Nio, E–Austin Zoo

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here will you make memories? Floating in cool waters? Rock climbing? Mountain biking? Hearing the roar of a lion? Or dusting off your dancing boots? Pick your pleasures in Dripping Springs’ notable excursions, where having fun is really about making memories. Be outdoors! Dripping Springs’ backyard is flowing with natural resources for exploration. I\`d\ij IXeZ_ GXib offers world-class rock climbing and 20 miles of mountain biking, along with white bass fishing and swimming in the Pedernales River. The 2,427-acre park is a peaceful area for birding, hiking and ADA trails. If you enjoy camping for days, head to G\[$ \ieXc\j =Xccj JkXk\ GXib% The activities are endless: fishing, canoeing, hiking, swimming, birding, and mountain biking plus 10 miles of horseback riding trails. With 5,200 acres, there is ample space for everyone. For a single-day activity, make hay to ?Xd`ckfe Gffc Gi\j\im\% A collapsed grotto formed by thousands of years of erosion offers a magnificent 50-foot waterfall. Surrounding trails allow hikers to view rare native plants and birds. This famous utopian swimming hole is listed as one of the most endangered, sacred places in Texas. Another escape option is N\jkZXm\ Flk[ffi ;`jZfm\ip :\ek\i# where guides lead you through canyons, caves, waterfalls, and the immense fauna and wildlife of the surrounding 75 pristine acres. Make time to visit the awardwinning Warren Skaaren Environmental Learning Center. It’s an adventure for all ages. Don your khakis for the 8ljk`e Qff Xe[ 8e`dXc JXeZklXip# where you will hear the random gibbering, cackling, hooting, yowling, and grunting of more than 350 animals across 100 species. While you won’t want to miss the lions, tigers, and black bears, also go for the birds, reptiles, pigs, goats, and donkeys, or to ride the train. You will giggle watching kids mimic the animals. After a day at the park, change your hiking shoes to your dancing boots and skip over to D\iZ\i Jki\\k ;XeZ\ ?Xcc to hear live music and kick up your heels. With a 1,400-squarefoot dance floor, you can twirl the night away on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. If your two-step needs polishing, take a free dance lesson. With food and a full bar, it’s a satisfying way to end your day. According to Kevin Fowler, it’s “an authentic Texas dance hall,” and one where your

favorite tune might bring back a memory.

D A Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center westcave.org B Pedernales Falls State Park tpwd.state.tx.us C Mercer Street Dance Hall mercerstreetdancehall.com

D Reimers Ranch Park parks.traviscountytx.gov E Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary austinzoo.com F Hamilton Pool Preserve parks.traviscountytx.gov

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Dripping Springs Youth Sports Association

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Boosting Skills, Sportsmanship, Teamwork, and Respect!

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Survival Kit As regular attendees of Founders Day, inSight provides you with the necessary “survival kit” and recommendations on how to make the most of your experience— especially for newcomers.

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wenty-seven years ago, Dripping Springs’ volunteers gathered to initiate a down-home festival to honor our founding fathers, the Moss, Pound, and Wallace families. Though humble in size in its beginnings, Founders Day, held in April on Mercer Street, now attracts thousands of people to Dripping Springs for three days of fun, food, and music. In many respects, attending Founders Day is akin to a rite of passage to becoming a member of our community, whether you are here for a weekend or a lifetime. It’s a time for camaraderie and celebration, and it’s certainly a time to embrace your youth. After packing your survival kit, check the festival schedule and follow our leads to prepare for a memorable weekend. First and foremost, strike a spot to watch the genuine hometown parade that kicks off the festival on Friday. (Or even better, join it!) Look for the smiles on kids’ faces as they partake in carnival rides and devour loads of cotton candy. Listen to original live music as you discover hidden talent about to hit the charts. And, for sure, dance the night away with your favorite partner. Take along your pocketbook for arts and crafts purchases that you simply cannot live without. Seek

40 F Escapes and Diversions

out a cook off contestant who might just invite you to hang out all weekend at their campsite, or if smoking BBQ is your pastime, try to score your own campsite.Take time to savor delicious fair food from funnel cakes to crawfish, and do it without guilt. Meander over to

the washer pitching competition that has become one of the largest tournaments in the country! Finally, take time to be with friends and family. It’s a reunion for many, and one that sparks community spirit for everyone. F foundersdayfestival.com

8th Annual

September 12, 2015 Dripping Springs Ranch Park

12 noon - 6 pm

★ The most opportunities to taste Texas under one roof!

TEXAS Wine ★ Liquor ★ Beer Food ★ Music ★ Art

drippingwithtaste.com

The Cook Off Club has donated $90,000 to the community since 1996!

YOU can be a winner, too! JOIN the Dripping Springs Cook Off Club

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F HHOME OME SWEET SWEET HOME HOME

Color Wise Your Landscape W

hether you are a gardener new to the Hill Country or a veteran simply ready for a landscape makeover, you can be savvy by growing plants that are water-efficient, deer-resistant, and attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. Yes, you can have it all by selecting from desirable plants that will not only bring beauty to your yard but also create habitats for friendly wildlife. Now meet inSight’s outstanding landscape players! Count on these bloomers to achieve quality landscaping that conserves water and protects the environment. They provide a variety of textures, shapes, colors, lines, and scents. And they thrive in the summer heat. Though you may miss the deciduous ones in the winter, you will gladly

Purple Coneflowers H 2’ x W 2’, evergreen, sun, native

Yellow Bells H 6’ x W 5’, deciduous, sun, native

Flame Acanthus H 4’ x W 4’, deciduous, sun, native

Pride of Barbados H 6’ x W 5’, deciduous, sun, well adapted, non-native

Cenizo, or Texas Sage H 8’ x W 8’, evergreen, sun, native

welcome them back in the spring. With these plants, absence does make the heart grow fonder. For more abundance year-round, if your area is large enough, simply add more deer-resistant and drought-tolerant evergreens, such as Lamb’s Ear, Society Garlic, Mountain Laurel, or cacti and succulents. Although all these plants are commonly listed as deer resistant, deer will eat most any plant when other sources are unavailable in extreme droughts. With these exceptional plants, you will soon be on your way to a beautiful and sustainable landscape with hummingbirds zipping around and butterflies flitting from flower to flower. Texas Lantana H 3’ x W 4’, deciduous, sun, native

Salvia Red Lips H 3’ x W 3’, evergreen, sun, native

Turk’s Cap H 4’ x W 3’, deciduous, sun or shade, native

Photo courtesy of Carol Stacy Brinkman

Landscape Amplifiers Compost

Mulch

Where to Find

Although native plants adapt well to local soils, adding decomposed, organic compost will make soils nutrient-rich, help retain moisture, and improve air circulation around roots. Compost is a natural fertilizer and conditioner and, as an added bonus, provides recycling opportunities for gardeners. By adding the proper amounts of compost to the soil, your plants will be fueled to flourish.

Last but not least, cover your landscaping beds with mulch. In the hot summer days, mulch significantly reduces water evaporation from the soil. In the cold winter months, mulch mimics a warm blanket to protect the roots of dormant plants. Mulch also helps maintain nutrients, suppresses weeds, prevents soil erosion, and for asthetic purposes, dresses up the landscape. So don’t forget your mulch—Mother Nature will thank you.

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42 F Home Sweet Home

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We Make You Look Good!

Animal Portraits on Mesquite by Mara Cardwell

El Milagro de Alegria,

Western Art on Wood

A Commissioned Work of Art

Pyrography and Pastels

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F HHOME OME SWEET SWEET HOME HOME

Kind Care for Critters Interview with Dr. Glen Portie, DVM Did you grow up on a farm or ranch?

Well, my family ran about 400 to 600 head of cattle and we had dogs and horses, so it was really a ranch. I grew up near Marble Falls, which I call “home.” What kinds of pets do you have?

We have three dogs: a long-haired Chihuahua, a Shih Tzu, and an adopted black Lab that just chases tennis balls, not birds. We also have two cats. Our cats, hopefully, keep the mice away. Why are pets so important to families?

Pets are family, unconditional family. What are some items eaten by dogs?

You name it … oven mitts, socks, rings, brushes. We have seen it all. Besides cats and dogs, what are your favorite small pets for a home? Guinea

pigs—they have a lot of character.

How many chickens do you treat every year? We see more chickens than you think.

Probably about 45 a year. Chickens are really pets, too. Have you ever treated snakes and lizards? Sure, and we have treated iguanas

and turtles. People will rescue most anything that has been injured, and we treat them all—a turtle’s broken leg, for instance. They become pets, too!

If pets could tell us how they feel, your job would be easier. What’s the most effective way of identifying our pets’ ailments? Does a warm nose on a dog mean anything? The best diagnosis is

talking to the owner and listening to their observations. Trying to learn what is not normal. But it’s an old wives’ tale that a warm nose means a dog is sick. Do donkeys and goats make good companions? Yes, most of the time. Sometimes

What can our pets encounter living in the Hill Country? Porcupines are a huge

donkeys can be ornery.

problem. We see at least one or two dogs each week that have encountered a rubbing with a porcupine. Rattlesnake bites are common, too. Most dogs survive a bite, but recovery is faster if the dog has had the rattlesnake vaccine. What is really important, maybe number one, is having your dog on heartworm prevention. Mosquitoes transmit heartworms.

If I want to keep a horse, how many acres do I need? You need at least one

acre per horse, and even then you will need to supplement feed. And you need some type of cover for the horse like a lean-to shelter or a barn.

What’s the strangest pet you have ever treated? Definitely a spotted pinto rein-

people and making many friends. We also help validate animals for the 4-H kids and that’s a lot of fun.

deer. We do go to the Austin Zoo about every four to six weeks to help with the animals, so we see other interesting animals that are not usual house pets.

Dr. Glen Portie with Ruby, a Dall sheep and favorite resident of Sunset Canyon Veterinary

What’s the best perk in being a vet in Dripping Springs? Knowing a lot of

If a student wanted to be a vet, what recommendations wpould you have?

I would encourage a student to take as many upper-level courses as possible before entering college. Vet school is very competitive. At Texas A&M, there are 1,000 applicants for only 120 acceptances. Austin Community College has a good vet tech program. What’s your favorite pastime? Fishing in kayaks at the coast, looking for anything that bites. All my kids fish, too. I also try to go to the rodeos in Dripping Springs. And I am a huge fan of the Founders Day Festival. When did you decide you wanted to be a vet? Since I was four years old I knew

I wanted to be a vet. And it was a great decision. I have never looked back. ✦

44 F Home Sweet Home

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F HOME SWEET HOME

Creating Homes to Fit Our Lifestyles! Mara Cardwell—As cofounder of the Artists Alliance of the Hill Country, will you tell us how we can reach artists to purchase unique artwork for our homes?

Whether a particular piece of art speaks to you and you must own it, or you want a certain theme in your home, art décor is personal. Take time to browse for art for your home by visiting artistsalliancehc.com and viewing all the local artists you may wish to contact. Select from various styles in glass art, paintings, pottery, photography, and sculptures. Purchasing art directly from an artist is less expensive, and you get to know the artist personally.

Otis Carter—As the owner of Carter Floors and More, what’s new in flooring products for our homes?

Bobby Stevens—As the owner of Seashea Pools, Inc., please fill us in about what’s new in outdoor pools and how we can best incorporate water features into landscapes.

Dennis and Pool equipment has become more energy efficient in Sherre Bohls—As owners the last few years, and to conserve water, pools can be of Austin Outline, what are designed to reduce water loss—two items pool owners popular trends in home floor plans? want.When designing pools or fountains, we consider One of the popular floor plan trends the natural flow and shape of the landscape and the we see is extending the kitchen to the location of trees. We also add decorative lighting and living room to the outdoor patio to create fireplaces on decks to enhance the overall outdoor one “great room.” And although the great setting.Waterfalls are very popular—the sound is room has been around for a while, it is soothing. Our goal is to create a space that can be becoming even more functional and necesenjoyed year-round. seashapools.com sary. Here, families can be together no matter what the activity, from homework to cooking to gathering with friends.Most families are very busy, and they find entertaining at home is more appealing. The great room serves this purpose as well, where everyone can enjoy themselves and mingle from indoor to outdoor spaces. Another feature people request is small, efficient office spaces where they can work at home. austinoutline.com

46 F Home Sweet Home

People living in the Hill Country prefer real wood flooring over carpet and laminate. What’s really becoming popular is wood look-alike products made of porcelain or ceramics. They are easy to clean, versatile, and have the appearance of real wood. They are made of 40 percent recycled materials and come in 6" x 24" planks, in many different colors and styles. Both Shaw and Marazzi offer products with a natural, warm wood look complete with cross-sawn marks, worm-holes, and swirls. They come in all price ranges to fit any budget. carterfloorsandmore.sbuilder.net

HHOME OMTHE E SSWEET WLOWDOWN EET HHOME OME F Reba Byrdâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;As the owner of Cowgirls and Lace, please advise us as to how we can use color when decorating our interiors.

Terese M. Peabodyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;As a real estate broker with Stanberry & Associates, tell us the most important factors to consider when purchasing a home.

There are many ways to incorporate color into your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;window treatments, painted furniture, upholstery, and walls, to name a few. A splash The location of the home is certainly one of the most of color can be added almost anywhere, and it sets the stage for how important considerations. Other priorities may be school you live and for emotions you wish to stir. We encourage our clients district, budget, building restrictions, acreage, year built, to surround themselves with colors they love. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important, square footage, and ďŹ&#x201A;oor plan. Future resale is also of concern however, to have some continuity. Choose one or two colors; in most investorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; minds. But, priorities can change when people then add complementary accent colors. The knowledgeable see the variety of beautiful properties in Dripping Springsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;from staďŹ&#x20AC; at Cowgirls and Lace can help select color combinagated communities and olive oil/wine production acreage to farms and tions, shades, patterns, and tones that best reďŹ&#x201A;ect clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ranches with equestrian and livestock opportunitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the sky is the limit! personas and lifestyles. cowgirlsandlace.com tpeabody.com

Catherine Werthâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;As co-owner of the new subdivision TerraScena, please tell us about the sustainable features incorporated into your new homes.

Sustainability doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have an absolute formula. The term best encapsulating TerraScena is â&#x20AC;&#x153;resource conscious.â&#x20AC;? Every element has been carefully selected to fulďŹ ll a vision of high performance for comfortable living in a natural setting. Attention to quality craftsmanship and materials for durability, energy eďŹ&#x192;ciency, LED lighting, nontoxic paints and materials, accessibility, rainwater harvesting, and water-wise landscaping are all key in our design. terrascena.com

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F CCELEBRATIONS ELEBRATIONS

Love, Love, Love…

All You Need Is Love!

and the perfect venue in which to say ”I Do” in Dripping Springs, The Wedding Capital of Texas

My first stop was to The Terrace Club, where I learned the importance of not just the ceremony site itself, but also the exact timing of the nuptials in order to capture the perfect photo of the sun setting upon the bride and groom. Hunter Conner, owner, has an established reputation of delivering a stress-free, exquisite wedding, indoors or outdoors, for any couple. She and her assistant, Kristen, are true wedding professionals and offer a venue with a classic, chic ballroom and a graceful but elegant outdoor setting. The Terrace Club has a breathtaking backdrop of panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country.

Visiting Camp Lucy makes for a very special occasion even if you are not there for a wedding. The well-manicured lawns and landscapes are enchantingly beautiful, and the architecture is world-class elegant and refined. In the past several years, Camp Lucy, part of the Whim Hospitality Family and owned by Whit Hanks and wife Kim Gerlovich, has grown into one of the finest wedding venues in Texas—so much so, they opened a second venue to accommodate demand. It is a hard choice between Ian’s Chapel or Sacred Oaks as a place to be married. But I would probably choose Sacred Oaks, or under one of the gorgeous tents perfectly designed for one-of a-kind settings. Camp Lucy also offers 14 hotel-type cottages for the wedding party.

T

he Ma Maison (my house in French) was inspired by its charming owner, Karen Moise, who exudes hospitality the moment you meet her. With Karen and family members at the helm, Ma Maison was a success before the venue was even completed, with bookings well in advance of the final walk-through. The spacious great hall, with high ceilings and stunning chandeliers, can be adorned to suit any preferred decor and almost any size wedding. Ma Maison has many outdoor settings, including the Green Cathedral, for the ceremony or for cocktails, making it a versatile site for any type of themed wedding.

48 F Celebrations

CCELEBRATIONS ELEBRATIONS F

M

emory Lane Event Center is a beautiful venue that has been in operation since 2007. As I toured Memory Lane, I was impressed with the additional features that have been added in the past few years. The indoor pavilion, “elegantly rustic,” is surrounded by inviting patios for large gatherings. The venue is owned and operated by family members Janet and Mike Morgan and daughter Thalia, and their experienced staff offer flawless service and knowledge. Memory Lane’s wedding package includes lodging, complete with a pool, for 15 family members or friends. The bride’s area is exceptionally large, and the outdoor settings are picture perfect for a Texas wedding. In recent months, a second venue, La Hacienda, has been added to accommodate more weddings and events.

When I walked into Pecan Springs Ranch, which lies on Slaughter Creek, I felt like I was still outdoors, with the vast array of windows looking out to the lovely grounds that surround the property. Spread among native pecan and oak trees, this venue has a true backyard feel to it, with guests free to roam while celebrating. Pecan Springs has multiple venues for entertainment, from the enclosed ballroom and the rustic outdoor pavilion to an original outdoor fireplace dating from the late 1800s. Owners Judy and Dub Smith have created an amazing venue that is truly welcoming.

Joe and Stacey Hogge, owners of Vista West Ranch, are seasoned, passionate wedding gurus providing a venue that is always in high demand. Vista West is in a quiet, secluded area of Dripping Springs affording a memorably grand view of the Texas Hill Country. The venue is complete with a number of areas for celebrating and includes a lovely water feature, a beer garden, and a bride’s area that is uniquely hidden. On-site lodging is also offered for a group as large as 26. With a honeymoon cottage as well, the bride and groom can dance the night away before retiring as husband and wife.

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Your Life Starts Here weddingcapitaloftexas.org

â&#x201E;˘

S P R IN G S Voltive Photography

DRIPPING

Radiance R di on your special day by Carrie Napiorkowski

Customized Skin Care Pink West Aesthetics 511 Old Fitzhugh Dripping Springs, TX 78620 (512)-447-2888 carriewn@gmail.com carrie@pinkwestsalon.com

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CCELEBRATIONS ELEBRATIONS F

Dripping Springs’ Own Alex Dormont and the Hot Texas Swing Band Deliver Award-Winning Entertainment! What kinds of music do you play? Do you play for private events?

Alex Dormont

Hi, Alex, thanks for taking the time to speak with inSight. You recently won some prestigious Texas music awards; can you tell us about them?

Yes, the Academy of Western Artists named me their Western Swing Male Vocalist of the Year and awarded Hot Texas Swing Band their American Music Song of the Year Award for “Way Too Soon,” a song I wrote while driving down Hwy. 290 and dictating over the phone to my wife.

We play a variety of dance music like Texas swing and other genres of country and western music. We perform my original material, my favorite dance hall songs, and tunes from Bob Wills, Johnny Gimble, Ray Price, Roger Miller, Duke Ellington, etc.—music that gets the audience dancing and toe tapping. We do play for a lot of private events and wedding receptions. We customize the songs depending on the gig. We’ve played at Heritage House, Camp Lucy, the Barn at Bell Springs, Bell Springs Winery, Hill Country Olive Company, Vista West Ranch, Star Hill Ranch, Memory Lane, and the Terrace Club. Hot Texas Swing Band is on the preferred vendors list at several venues, including Ma Masion and Heritage House. Over the years, have there been any new developments in the music scene in Dripping Springs?

I’ve been in Dripping over 30 years and played music at the first Founders Day Festival, Christmas on Mercer, Pound House Fall Fest, BBQ at the Salt Lick, Dripping Springs Rodeo, and at most of the local fundraisers. Now, there are so many more venues, more wineries and breweries, more festivals, more studios, and we have KDRP,

a great local radio station. These are all great developments for Dripping Springs; it all builds community spirit. Is living near Austin, the “Live Music Capital of the World” a plus or minus? How do you get jobs in this competitive market?

It’s a plus. I love Austin because there are many places to play and lots of great musicians to hear and play with. The country and swing dancing community around here is a huge plus. Sure, it’s hard to break through, but this is the place to be for live music. Being online through our website, hottexaswingband.com, and Facebook has helped us immensely. We promote our shows, get new fans, sell our CDs, and book gigs all online. How have your career goals changed throughout the years?

I’ve gone from being a sideman playing the fiddle to a bandleader, which has changed my whole perspective. Now I just want to keep writing, playing new venues, and expanding to other states. We recently were on tour in New Mexico and Colorado. As Johnny Gimble once advised me, “Play every chance you get and get lucky.”

Dripping Music Scene You can enjoy live music at many places around Dripping Springs on the weekend. Be sure to check out Nutty Brown Café and Amphitheatre, where area and national musicians create topnotch entertainment. You may just get lucky and be in town when the Randy Rogers Band or the Eli Young Band is playing. On Sundays, don’t miss Nutty Brown’s jazz brunch, featuring live music by Java Jazz along with a 20-foot brunch buffet. At the Mercer Street Dance Hall, live bands featuring top area artists take the stage on Friday and Saturday nights.

On Thursday evenings, Doug Moreland, a fiddler, songwriter, and entertainer, hosts the Hill Country Jam Sessions that offer lively evening for listening and dancing. On Wednesdays, it’s Open Mic Night for pros or hobbyists. At the Barber Shop, on most Tuesdays, you can hear the music of the Hill Country Ramblers while sipping a cold craft brew out on the back patio. And you don’t want to miss the annual Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival that had such a hugely successful launch in 2014—the event will be back! The festival features award-winning,

esteemed local and national songwriters and singers performing on Mercer Street for a full weekend of not-to-be-missed entertainment. It’s an event well worth waiting for, so mark your calendars for October 2015. Also check out the music sessions hosted by the many vineyards, coffee shops, brewers, and distillers around Dripping Springs. Or if you just want to listen while chillin’ at home, turn the radio to KDRP (103.1), Dripping Springs’ own solar-powered radio station featuring songs and artists of many genres. insightdrippingsprings.com F

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F CCELEBRATIONS ELEBRATIONS

Party Pointers from Local Experts Throwing a party but not sure where to start? T iinSight n asked local experts to give their advice for special and successful celebrations!

inSight: Are there events that beg for a printed, mailed invitation rather than an evite? Kristen White, Owner, Frills Boutique Event Consulting, frillsconsulting.com Photo courtesy of Art Garage

I always recommend mailing invitations for formal events such as weddings, showers, and more formal occasions. No matter how clever the new evite-style invitations may be, they will never compare to a personalized invitation that you can open, feel in your hands, and display as a reminder of the special occasion to come. Kathy Reese with Dragonfly Designs (invitationsbydragonflydesigns.com) creates fabulous invitations for any event, from dinner parties to weddings.

inSight: What are the most creative ways to party? inSight: What’s the ideal number of people to seat at a table for lively conversation? Brooke Robbins, Owner, Hill Country Event Rentals, hillcountryeventrentals.com I love hosting small dinner parties at our home. For these occasions, I like to use a 48-inch round table for six to seven friends, which creates an intimate feel so everyone is included in the conversation. For larger parties, when the guests may not know each other as well, I prefer using rectangular tables with eight to ten seats so guests are engaged in a variety of conversations.

Please tell us about the types of parties you offer. Kelly Emmert, Owner, Art Garage, theartgarageaustin.com At the Art Garage, we love to celebrate kids’ birthdays, and we love to make it easy on the parents! Every party comes with a personal attendant who helps with every step. With over 20 fun themes, including creating with mosaics, painting canvas, working with fused glass, painting pottery, and tie-dyeing, there is a party for everyone of any age. And we love to host our ladies’ nights just for the gals. It’s a great time to reconnect or celebrate at our Sip, Shop, and Paint nights, where you can create glassfusion jewelry or paint one of our 250 pottery items.

inSight: What are the best cake flavors for a kids’ party? And what’s the most clever cake you ever made for a kids’ party?

inSight: What’s a great party theme for a company’s

Lori Hendricks, Owner, Classic Cakes by Lori, classiccakesbylori.com

Stacey Hogge, Owner, Petal Pushers, petalpushers.us

For little kids, a white, French vanilla, or yellow cake is the way to go for their young tummies. For older children, the most popular flavors are milk chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, red velvet, and marble. Then we mix it up with delicious fillings such as chocolate and peanut butter, or a strawberry mousse, or a cream cheese icing. Once we used red buttercream to create flames coming out of a 3D dragon cake—now that was my favorite in the 18 years I have been baking cakes.

52 F Celebrations

25th anniversary celebration?

When hosting a corporate party, it is important that you understand the company’s profile: is it casual, formal, large, small? For a formal party we may recommend lush florals with exotic food stations, coupled with great furniture and lighting. Many clients want a Texas Hill Country or fiesta-type event, where flowers are still important but the décor is more casual. We have had a few out-of-the-box parties that included Spanish dancers, fire throwers, and contortionists for entertainment. When celebrating significant milestones, the sky is the limit!

CCELEBRATIONS ELEBRATIONS F inSight: Do you have a delicious and filling recipe that is sure to score for a Super Bowl party? Tiffany Keith Tarver, Catering Director, Whim Hospitality, whimhospitality.com A Frito pie bar is a real crowd pleaser for the Super Bowl. You can make your favorite chili recipe in advance of the party. On game day, simply warm up your chili, break out the chips, and set out the toppings—sour cream, grated cheese, chopped onions, jalapenos, and hot sauce. You can also try some more unique toppings such as bacon, avocado, roasted chilies, fresh cilantro, pulled pork, and exotic salsas. It’s a crowd pleaser!

inSight: We are hosting our supper club in the coming months and plan to serve Thai food. What beverage would complement green curry? inSight consulted its cocktail book, Tipsy Texan by David Alan, and found just the right cocktail to serve with a spicy curry dish: “Thai Spring.” It is made with tomatoes, lime juice, simple syrup, vodka, and the two most important ingredients, kaffir lime leaves and Treaty Oak Platinum Rum. The rum is essential to boosting a unique profile to this refreshing cocktail, and the lime leaves make a beautiful garnish.

David Alan, author of Tipsy Texan, at Dripping with Taste Festival.

hillcountryeventrentals.com

Drippin’s inSightful

Word Find Puzzle A C M Y T S B T S L Q W D J L

H A Y S K N U I B V V I Y K Y

C O Z V M O S I A X I I I K R

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Words to Find: Camp Ben, Dripping, Dr Pound, DSISD, Founders Day, Hays, Lions, Mercer, Moss, Paws, Rotary, Wallace, YMCA

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F CONNECTIONS

“May I never get too busy in my own affairs that I fail of others with kindness and compassion.” –Thomas Jefferson inSight recognizes dedicated leaders who bring us together to meet the needs of our neighbors and strengthen our community. They are a force that encourages us to volunteer and they are, indeed, a godsend.

Ronnie “Shorty” Barnett, Commander, Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 2933

Sibby Barrett PAWS Shelter and Humane Society

54 F Connections

Dave Edwards Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce

Pete Edquist Dripping Springs Rotary Club

Carrie Isaac Dripping Springs Helping Hands, Inc.

Carol Edwards Relay for Life

THE CONNECTIONS LOWDOWN F

to respond to the needs PHOTO BY DORRAE STEVENS PHOTOGRAPHY

Dripping Springs citizens are unparalleled in their generosity. To learn where you can make a difference and connect with the community, visit Dripping Springs Community Foundation at dscommunityfoundation.org for a list of opportunities.

Kevin Aston Dripping Springs Athletic Booster Club

Ron White Hill Country Rally for Kids

Kathy Carriker The Friends Foundation

Pam McAfee The Heritage Circle, Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead Wayne Burklund, Dripping Springs Lions Club

Susan Black Dripping Springs Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club

insightdrippingsprings.com F

55

F CONNECTIONS

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PAWS Plans for the Future For over 27 years, PAWS Shelter of Central Texas has provided permanent homes for thousands of cats and dogs. So it’s only appropriate that PAWS deserves a new home to bring more love to rescued animals and families who adopt them. With an ever growing population of sheltered dogs and cats in our area, a new facility is needed for many reasons: to provide facilities for in-house medical attention and spaying/neutering; to have room for infirmaries or separation areas in order to control the spread of contagious diseases; to supply larger outdoor play areas so animals can be active; to provide restrooms and pleasant surroundings for kind people adopting new pets; and to provide generally brighter, lighter, and healthier conditions for the animals as well as for the staff members who care for them 24 hours a day. Ultimately, the new shelter will comprise a complete campus to include walking trails, memorial gardens, and training fields. All we can say is WOW! With 39 beautiful acres gifted by a very generous catand dog-loving donor, PAWS has sufficient land to build a first-class facility with 7,000 square feet of air-conditioned space and an additional 2,300 square feet of covered areas. PAWS has broken ground on the new facility, located on RR 165 between Dripping Springs and Blanco, and full construction is ready to begin. Now it is only a matter of raising the remaining funds to complete the fantastic (some might say the “cat’s pajamas”) plans. The well-priced cost of the new facility is $1.4 million. Already the PAWS board has raised $950,000, with only $450,000 more needed. Now that is something to set tails wagging! “With many naming opportunities available to benefactors, including the cat wing, the lobby, the dog wing, and the spay/neuter clinic, donors have many options to help

56 F Connections

fund the shelter, whether it is a large donation to complete an entire space, or simply to fund exam tables or washers and dryers,” said Kevin Heady, the president of the PAWS board. “The plans and supply lists have been thoroughly considered with the help of local veterinarians and architects of similar shelters in the Hill Country,” he added. “I don’t think a single item has been forgotten in our planning process to best serve the animals, both medically and physically,” said Melody Hilburn, board secretary, who has served on the PAWS board for 13 years. When reaching out to donors for the facility campaign, the PAWS board is also announcing its new name: formerly the PAWS Shelter and Humane Society, it is now PAWS Shelter of Central Texas, which encompasses the area they truly serve. “People don’t realize that we serve animals from all areas of the Hill Country and Austin. By including Central Texas in our name, we hope citizens of the greater community become aware that we rescue abandoned animals from many surrounding cities,” Melody added. Though the name is slightly changed, PAWS still remains a true humane society, as it is a no-kill facility. PAWS delivers second chances to needy pets by providing medical attention, care, and love, for however long it takes to find rescued animals a loving home.

PAWS is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and receives no government funding. The shelter is supported solely through donations, grants, and fundraisers. Why not give today to see this state-of-the-art facility become a reality for loveable animals that cannot care for themselves? To learn more about the new shelter and how to donate, visit pawsfuturesite.org. Let’s give some love and help build this shelter!

CONNECTIONS F

Photo Probe Puzzle

Can you find 10 differences in these two photos?

Thurman keeps an eye on the shop.

Making Music on Mercer Street Songwriters Festival organizers— Dave Niemeyer, Frank Kopankiewitz, Laurie and Jim Halfpenny.

D

ripping Springs loves a festival, no doubt about it! And thanks to Jim and Laurie Halfpenny and Dave Niemeyer (organizers), the first annual Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival became one of the coolest events ever to hit our community. Held last October, the Songwriters Festival featured more than 30 local and national artists who shared their extraordinary talents for a fun-filled weekend. The headliners, Dean Dillon, Kostas, Billy Montana, and Helen Darling, drew hundreds of music fans eager to hear the stories behind the songs as told by the writers. As stated by Laurie Halfpenny, “The festival was an inspiration to anyone who loves the art of songwriting, and we couldn’t be more proud of the incredibly high level of talent that we were able to bring to our little town.” The festival was also

an opportunity for up-andcoming songwriters from all over the country to showcase their talents. And it was only appropriate that the songwriters played in four unique venues that have also become “stars” of Dripping Springs: the Mazama Coffee Company, the Barber Shop Bar, the Mercer Street Dance Hall, and the Mercantile Tapas and Wine Bar. These settings, all within walking distance of each other, provided an unforgettable music journey down Mercer Street, where once again, history was made. The very successful, family-friendly Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival returns again October 16–18, 2015. Watch for exciting news as the 2nd annual event unfolds and the headliners are announced. Be sure to mark your calendars for another weekend of extraordinary talent. F drippingspringssongwritersfestival.com insightdrippingsprings.com F

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F CONNECTIONS

RED Arena is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through equine assisted activities and therapies. At right are volunteers Caroline Juszczak and Sierra Reed with Bonnie Gibson.

Getting More Than You Give It’s not surprising to see great changes in individuals who participate in RED Arena’s equine therapy program: improved strength, balance, and coordination. Increased verbal skills, confidence, and self-esteem are common, in fact, expected. What might be unexpected, though, are the changes that happen in lives of the volunteers who stride alongside therapy horses, assisting and safeguarding the riders during their therapy sessions. Though they devote hours each month walking around an outdoor arena, often in the heat and the cold, for no pay, the volunteers appreciate the benefits of their jobs. “I’d be there every day, if I could,” insists volunteer Lisa Rhodes. “And I’m very often thankful,” she adds, “that I’m wearing sunglasses—so they can’t see my tears of joy!” Volunteer Sierra Reed says her experience with RED Arena’s program helped solidify her decision to become

an occupational therapist. Currently enrolled in Abilene Christian College’s kinesiology program, Sierra volunteered at RED Arena during her high school years and still helps with the program when she’s home on vacations and breaks. With experience in other horse therapy programs, Sierra is impressed with RED Arena’s well-run program. “They are willing to make changes and improve to meet the individual needs of their participants.” “You get more than you give,” sums up another volunteer, Caroline Juszczak. “I didn’t expect to be blown away by the progress the kids make,” she says, telling of the three-year-old twins who weren’t yet walking. She vividly recalls the day they got out of the car and walked up the ramp to their riding session. Caroline also recalls a nonverbal boy whose biggest challenge was learning to talk. One day on the trail ride he blurted out, “Want to throw rocks in pond!” The volunteers reported the incident to his

Volunteer Highlight: Patti Clark For Patti Clark, who devotes her life to the betterment of others, volunteering never felt so good! Patti is the ultimate, professional volunteer who sets a high bar for herself and others every single day. And it is not surprising she has received numerous awards for her work as a philanthropist. Patti’s mark is noted throughout the community and beyond. She serves without pay as the executive director of the Austin Zoo and as president of the Friends Foundation, which provides care and support for the elderly. Patti also serves as the treasurer of the Dripping Springs Women’s Club and as a director of the Dripping Springs Community Foundation. Patti’s energy is indeed admirable, powerful, and astonishing.

58 F Connections

RED Arena Volunteer Program mom, who shook her head in disbelief, “Oh, he can’t string that many words together.” The thrill of riding, Caroline thinks, motivates the kids to move beyond their present limitations. Caroline’s main interest was in helping kids, but, like many RED Arena volunteers, she had never been around horses. “That’s fine,” said executive director Jennifer Young, who guided Caroline through the training program each “side walker” must complete. Caroline says it took only a week for her to overcome any fear of horses. Now she can bridle any of the calm (but sassy) horses in RED Arena’s stables. Through her training and observation at RED Arena in disability awareness and protection, she quickly learned “safety comes first!” RED Arena focuses on accident prevention and security for its participants in all respects—from the well-scrubbed barn and impeccably maintained tack, to the detailed training manual and explicit signage around the facility. The internal operations of the organization are run as efficiently as the barn, confirms Caroline, who proudly serves on the board as vice president. The volunteers band together with a definite esprit de corps, says Caroline. Though they’re a committed group, there’s always turnover and a need for new recruits. “It’s heartbreaking to have to cancel a ride for a lack of volunteers,” laments Lisa. To volunteer: redarena.org

CONNECTIONS F

Dripping Springs Running Club

In the spirit of maintaining good health, a group of runners and civic-minded individuals formed the Dripping Springs Running Club in 2012. It is a nonproďŹ t organization with the purpose of having fun and being active while supporting fellow local nonproďŹ t organizations, public projects, and events. And in the few short years the club has existed, they have achieved milestones in their mission to give back and promote healthy lifestyles. Membership is not required to meet up with the group for a run or to volunteer for the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main fundraiser, Run by the Creek, held each fall. The 5K and 10K races meander along the beautiful rolling hills near Onion Creek in Dripping Springs.

The race is a very popular event, attracting more than 400 kids and adults in just its third year. Proceeds from Run by the Creek have been donated to a variety of worthy causes, including park trails, scholarships, and cross country runnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; equipment. As stated by Steve Mallet, a club founder and director, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We started the Dripping Springs Running Club to complement the ďŹ tness aspect of what draws so many people to Austin and Dripping Springs. All of us are active runners. We know the beneďŹ t of a healthy lifestyle and want to share that by improving trails and promoting running.â&#x20AC;? To keep up with the runners, visit facebook.com/drippingspringsrunningclub.com RUN BY THE and be sure to mark your calendars for the next Run by the Creek to be held on 5/10K November 8, 2015. DR IP PING SP RING S RUNNING C L UB

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Photo courtesy of Josh Baker, Dripping Springs Running Club.

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Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club The Dripping Springs Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club was formed in 2007 to promote community awareness and involvement through programs and activities.

Monthly Enlightening Luncheons September through May What you will see and hear!

Pro/Novice Welcome Meetings | Outings | Classes | Workshop | Competitions

Local Authors Area NonproďŹ ts City Development Fashion, Gardening Culinary Demonstrations Holiday and Spring Parties and more!

FOR MORE INFO

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Facebook: Photographers of Dripping Springs

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 RESOURCES Dripping Springs 2015

Calendar of Events

January 3 Hays County 4-H Horse Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Park hays4-h.blogspot.com 21-24 Hays County Livestock Horse Show Hays County Livestock Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Park hayscountylivestockshow.com

February 8 Capital of Texas Wedding Showcase

Dripping Springs Ranch Park drippingspringstx.org 21 25th Annual Wild Game Dinner

Sponsor: Dripping Springs United Methodist Church dswildgamedinner.com 21-22 Saxet Gun Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Park saxetshows.com 27–Mar 1 Austin K9 Xpress Dog Agility Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Park k9x.org

21 Hays County 4-H Horse Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Park hays4-h.blogspot.com 27 Denim & Diamonds Gala

Dripping Springs Ranch Park dseducationfoundation.org

Ongoing Events Wednesdays 3–7pm Farmers Market Veterans Memorial Park cityofdrippingsprings.com

3rd Wednesdays Sept–May

April

Dripping Springs Women’s Club dswomensclub.com

11 Cemetery Tour

3rd Thursdays

Heritage Circle heritagecircle.org

Thirsty Thursdays Dripping Springs Ranch Park wearenewlife.org

11-12 Tour The Talent Studio Tour

Artists Alliance of the Hill Country artistsalliancehc.com 18-19 Saxet Gun Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Park saxetshows.com 24-26 28th Annual Founders Day Festival

Downtown Mercer Street foundersdayfestival.com 25 Bailey Kay Hutson Bull Ride

Dripping Springs Ranch Park facebook.com/baileykay.hutson

Tuesdays The Barber Shop Live Music barbershopbar.com

Fridays and Saturdays Mercer Street Dance Hall Live Music mercerstreetdancehall.com

June 6–7 Vintage Market Days

March

May

Dripping Springs Ranch Park vintagemarketdays.com

6 Suits & Boots Community Awards Banquet

2 Heritage Gala

Dripping Springs Ranch Park drippingspringstx.org

19-26 119th Camp Ben McCulloch Reunion

Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead drpoundhistoricalfarmstead.org

Camp Ben McCulloch campben.com

14 Brittany Tuck Memorial Benefit

2–3 Relay for Life

20 2nd Annual Tomato Festival

Camp Ben McCulloch brittanytuck.com

Dripping Springs Ranch Park relayforlife.org

Founders Memorial Park cityofdrippingsprings.com

14-15 Hill Country Wildflower Fest

9 Austin Zoo Revue and Grand Gala

27 Brent Thurman Memorial Bull Ride

Austin Zoo austinzoo.org

Dripping Springs Ranch Park brentthurman.com

16 Ducks Unlimited Annual Banquet

July

Dripping Springs Ranch Park festival.net 21 Dripping Springs Car Show

Downtown Mercer Street 512-934-4519 21 Fancy Feathers Eighth Annual Open Chicken Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Park fancyfeatherstx.org

Hog Heaven ducks.org/texas/events 25 Memorial Day Service

Veterans Park post290tx.com 28-31 Texas Hill Country Olive, Wine and Food Festival

texasolivefest.com

60  Resources

4 Fire in the Sky

Dripping Springs Ranch Park drippingspringstx.org

August 14–16 9th Annual Hill Country Rally for Kids

Camp Ben McCullough hcrally.com

RESOURCES  September 4 Gunner Thames Memorial Jackpot

Dripping Springs Ranch Park gunnerthames.com 12 8th Annual Dripping with Taste

Dripping Springs Ranch Park drippingwithtaste.com 19-20 Saxet Gun Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Show saxetshows.com 26 Pioneer Day

Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead drpoundhistoricalfarmstead.org

October 2-4 3rd Annual Dripping Springs Fair & Rodeo

Dripping Springs Ranch Park cityofdrippingsprings.com 3 20th Annual Chili and Salsa Contest

Dripping Springs Cook off Club dscoctx.com 8 22nd Annual Friends Foundation BBQ

The Salt Lick thefriendsfoundation.org

9–10, 16–17, 23–24 Boo at the Zoo

14–15 Saxet Gun Show

Austin Zoo austinzoo.org

Dripping Springs Ranch Park saxetshows.com

16–18 2nd Annual Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival

20–22 Ag Boosters Fall Classic

Mercer Street drippingspringssongwritersfestival.com 17 Hays County Bobcat Classic Stock Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Park hayscountylivestockshow.com

The Terrace Club dswomensclub.org Dripping Springs Merchants drippingspringstx.org

Dripping Springs Ranch Park samishow.com

December

November

5 Christmas on Mercer Street

18th Annual Empty Bowls Project

Dripping Springs Helping Hands helpinghands-drippingsprings.org Dripping Springs Ranch Park rainwaterrevival.com

Dripping Springs Women’s Club Holiday Market

28 Hill Country Gift Tour

24–25 Sami Show

7 Rainwater Revival

Dripping Springs Ranch Park dsagboosters.org

Mercer Street cityofdrippingsprings.com

For up-to-date listings: drippingspringstx.org and drippingspringsranchpark.com

8 4th Annual Run by the Creek

Creek Road runbythecreek.com

For Free Samples & Bids Please Contact Sales@shweiki.com or 512-480-0860 www.shweiki.com

insightdrippingsprings.com 

61

F RRESOURCES ESOURCES

Drinkology Trail Adventure Drippin’ Drinkology Let this map guide you near and around Dripping Springs to taste local beers, wines, and spirits! Before you go, it’s best to verify opening times and do check for live music and entertainment and new product releases. Consider taking a cooler so your purchases will stay fresh and away from the sun. And, do remember to appoint a designated driver if you haven’t hired a tour service for your exploration. Enjoy!

Lakeway

Westcave Cellars

620

Hamilton Pool Road

Bee Cave 2244

Hawk’s Shadow Winery

3238 71 1

3232

Fitzhugh Road McGregor Lane

Bell Springs Winery Bell Springs Road

Thirsty Planet

Argus Cidery

Circle Drive

to Austin 290

12

Solaro Estate

Dripping Springs Vodka

to Fredericksburg Henly

Treaty Oak Distilling Co.

Fitzhugh Road

Oak Hill

Jester King Brewery

1826

290

290 45

Deep Eddy Vodka

Dripping Springs

190 220

165

Twisted X Brewing Co.

1826

150 198

Salt Lick Cellars

Driftwood

191

0

170

220 2325

12

to Wimberley

Driftwood Vineyards

Duchman Family Winery 150

1

2

967

to Buda

3237

150 Wimberley Kyle

62 F Resources

3

miles

Buda

71

RRESOURCES ESOURCES F

The Advertising Directory Entertainment and Lodging Austin Zoo–page 39

Whether you are out for the day or hosting a kid’s party, the Austin Zoo is the place to see more than 350 animals across 100 different species. 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin 512–288–1490 | austinzoo.org Dripping with Taste–page 41

Sponsored by the Dripping Springs Visitors Bureau, the Dripping with Taste Festival is an annual event to enjoy food, wine, beer, spirits, entertainment, and shopping. 509 W. Mercer Street 512–858–4740 | drippingspringstx.org drippingwithtaste.com Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival–page 39

The popular Songwriters Festival brings exceptional talent and rising stars to town for a weekend of music you don’t want to miss. drippingspringssongwritersfestival.com Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead–page 9

Take a step back in time while touring the oldest restored home in Dripping Springs, a national and state historical landmark. Founders Memorial Park drpoundhistoricalfarmstead.org Hill Country Event Rentals–page 53

Hill Country Event Rentals is your source for any and all types of party rentals to help make any occasion an event to remember. 14121 Hwy. 290 W. Ste. 3B, Austin 512–829–4498 | hillcountryeventrentals.com Mercer Street Historic District–back cover page

The City of Dripping Springs Mercer Street, the heart of the historic district, has become the gathering spot in Dripping Springs for music, dancing, eating, sipping, sleeping, and shopping. 512–858–4725 | cityofdrippingsprings.com Pecan Springs Ranch–page 50

Pecan Springs Ranch, located near Austin and Dripping Springs, is a beautiful venue for any event, whether indoors or outside among stunning oaks and pecan trees. 10601 B Derecho, Austin 512–632–1046 | pecanspringsranch.com Sleep Inn & Suites Hotel–page 19

A newly built hotel, Sleep Inn provides the comforts of home along with an indoor pool, exercise room, and spotless service. 2720 E. Hwy. 290 512–858–2400 | drippingspringshotel.com Texas Hill Country Olive Company–page 35

The Texas Hill Country Olive Co. is a destination for tasting fine virgin olive oils and vinegars while shopping for food and spa products in a beautiful Texas Hill Country venue. 2530 W. Fitzhugh Road 512–607–6512 | texashillcountryoliveco.com

Unless noted, all addresses are in Dripping Springs.

Wedding Capital of Texas–page 50

Verde’s Mexican Parrilla–page 13

Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce With more than 1,400 couples marrying in Dripping Springs each year at one of 34 venues, it is no wonder the city is the Wedding Capital of Texas. 509 Mercer Street 512–858–7000 | drippingspringstexas.org weddingcapitaloftexas.org

Verde’s serves fine Mexican cuisine in a familyfriendly Texas Hill Country setting. 16018 Hamilton Pool Road, Austin 512–263–0500 | verdesmexican.com

Food and Beverage

Drs. Laura and Allen Adair provide dependable preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry for clients of all ages in a soothing setting. 2150 Hwy. 290 E. 512–858–5243 | adairdds.com

The Big Drip–page 15

The Big Drip is a true old-fashioned ice cream parlor that also serves organic yogurt, candies, and fudge. 310 Mercer Street | 512–971–3282 Dairy Queen–page 11

The Dairy Queen has provided customers with crave-satisfying treats and food since 1940. 403 E. Hwy. 290 | 512–894–4033 Dripping Springs Vodka–page 17

Dripping Springs Vodka and Gin are handcrafted in the Texas Hill Country using all natural ingredients. Take a tour of their small-batch distillery. 512–858–1199 | drippingspringsvodka.com

Professional Services Adair Dentistry–page 31

Bracewell & Giuliani–page 9

Bracewell & Giuliani is an international law firm providing guidance on business law, finance, litigation, government relations, and regulatory policy. bgllp.com Central Garage–page 19

Central Garage offers complete automotive repairs for all makes and models of vehicles, including small diesels and hybrids. 120 Hwy. 290 W. 512–894–4114 | dscentralgarage.com

Farmers Market–page 33

Dripping Springs is fortunate to have its own farmers market where fresh produce, meats, prepared foods, and gifts are offered every Wednesday afternoon. The Triangle at Veterans Memorial Park Hwy. 290 & RR 12 512–858–4725 | cityofdrippingsprings.com

Deep Eddy Rug and Carpet Cleaners–page 47

Homespun Kitchen and Bar–page 23

Dripping Springs Rental Center–page 29

Homespun Kitchen and Bar serves a variety of fresh cuisines at lunch and dinner, in a wellappointed atmosphere. Bonuses are outdoor seating, full bar, and children’s playground. 131 E. Mercer Street 512–829–4064 | homespunkitchenandbar.com

Buddy Lewis at Dripping Springs Rental Center has provided construction equipment and tools to Dripping Springs and surrounding areas since 1993. 299 W. Mercer Street 512–858–5337 | dsrentalcenter.com

Deep Eddy Rug and Carpet Cleaners specialize in cleaning fine rugs. And they can clean your entire home, from carpet, upholstery, and air ducts to tile and grout. 6509 Burnet Lane, Austin 512–452–9918 | deepeddyrugcleaners.com

inSight Dripping Springs–page 63 The Mercantile Wine and Tapas Bar–page 13

Set in the historic district of Dripping Springs, the Mercantile offers wine, beer, and delicious tapas and desserts. 211 W. Mercer Street 512–829–4723 | mercantileonemercer.com Mazama Coffee Co.–page 11

Mazama serves coffee, tea, wine, beer, and light meals in a relaxing atmosphere, inside or outside. 301 W. Mercer Street 512–200–6472 | mazamacoffee.com

inSight Dripping Springs is the new publication in town, guiding you to the special gems of our city. Follow us online to stay current on Dripping’s latest happenings and to advertise. insightdrippingsprings.com Kethley Physical Therapy–page 37

With two locations in the Dripping Springs area, Kethley Physical Therapy helps clients stay healthy and manage pre- and post-surgical operations. 512–858–5191 | Kethleypt.com

Rolling in Thyme and Dough–page 11

L & L Automotive–page 19

Rolling in Thyme and Dough serves farm-fresh products for breakfast and lunch and on bistro nights each Thursday. 333 Hwy. 290 W. 512–894–0001 | thymeanddough.com

L & L Automotive is a certified NAPA Autocare Center providing quality car and tire maintenance and repair. 3987 Hwy. 290 512–894–4486 | landlautomotive.com

Twisted X Brewing Company–page 13

The Law Office of Milena Christopher–page 29

Located in a beautiful Hill Country brewery, Twisted X serves finely crafted beer every day of the week. 23455 W. RR 150 512–829–5323 | texmexbeer.com

Practicing law since 1988, Milena Christopher offers caring representation to individuals and families with difficult legal disputes. 3975 A Hwy. 290 E. 512–858–9779 | christopherlawfirm.com

insightdrippingsprings.com F

63

F RESOURCES Maugel and Purcell Financial Solutions–page 25

Gordon Inscore Homes–page 45

Ranch 2 Runway–page 25

Nancy Maugel and Paul Purcell provide custom financial solutions during all phases of your life. moneymaugel.com paulp@moneymaugel.com | 512–264–3833

With over 20 years of experience, Gordon Inscore has extensive professional experience building custom homes in the Dripping Springs area. 512–858–1809 | gihomes.us

Ranch 2 Runway offers men’s and women’s apparel for most any occasion, along with accessories and home décor. 27490 RR 12 | 512–858–1070

Odell Equipment–page 9

Mallett Integrity Team, Real Estate–page 45

Susan Stark, Author–page 29

Odell Equipment specializes in reliable excavation, roads, stock ponds, driveways, and septic installation. 512–923–8608 | roygodell@gmail.com

Keller Williams Realty Since 2003, the Mallett Integrity Team has represented buyers and sellers of exceptional homes in Dripping Springs and the surrounding areas. 512–829–2062 | mallettintegrityteam.com

Susan Syers Stark is well known in the local community and has now authored her first book, Time Flight. susansyersstark.com Valli and Kim–page 27

Pink West Salon–page 51

Carrie Napiorkowski at Pink West Salon provides regular skin care regimens and also custom skin care so that you look radiant for a special occasion. 511 Old Fitzhugh Rd. 512–447–2888 | carrie@pinkwestsalon.com

Pam McAfee, Realtor–page 27

Prosperity Bank–page 29

Terese Peabody, Real Estate Broker–page 43

Formed in 1983, Prosperity Bank seeks to develop broad customer banking relationships through service and convenience. 721 W. Hwy. 290 512–858–1256 | prosperitybanktx.com

Stanberry & Associates With more than 21 years in the residential and commercial real estate market, Terese Peabody has represented home buyers and sellers throughout the Texas Hill Country. 512–628–8554 | tpeabody.com

Graves Realty Group Pam McAfee has provided personable service to home buyers and sellers in the Central Texas area since 1996. 512–554–8476 | pammcafee.com

Valli and Kim is a full–service fabric, quilt, and gift store with exceptional selections to delight your crafty whims. 700 W. Hwy. 290 512–858–4433 | valliandkim.com Wilson AC & Appliance–inside front cover page

Seasha Pools–page 45

Since 1986, Seasha Pools has designed and built pools, spas, and decks for satisfied customers in the Texas Hill Country and Austin area. 512–461–3841 | seashapools.com Security State Bank & Trust–page 27

Security State Bank and Trust has provided personal and business banking services in the Texas Hill Country since 1941. 1500 Hwy. 290 W. 512–858–2900 | ssbtexas.com Shweiki Media–page 61

Shweiki Media, founded in 1984, is a full-service printing company and prime resource for large and small publishers. 512–480–0860 | shweiki.com

Realtors and Home Builders Austin Outline, Inc.–page 33

Austin Outline, founded in 1989, is a quality independent builder providing new construction and remodeling services for residential and commercial clients. 512–288–0041 | austinoutline.com Susan Black, Realtor–page 35

Avalar Austin Real Estate Susan Black has represented home buyers and sellers since 1991. She sells and leases residential homes, second homes, golf properties, and lots. 512–825–8570 | susanblack@avalaraustin.com stellaraustinproperties.com Allison F. Callegari, Realtor–page 33

Kuper–Sotheby’s International Realty As a realtor, Allison Callegari enjoys the professional challenge of assisting home buyers and sellers in central and west Austin and Dripping Springs. 512–914–5875–M 512–328–0058–O allison.callegari@sothebysrealty.com

64 F Resources

TerraScena–page 1

TerraScena, a small, new subdivision in Dripping Springs, incorporates energy-saving features, including rainwater harvesting, solar orientation, and smart technology into their homes. 512–655–3024 | terrascena.com

Retail Mara Cardwell Art Gallery–page 43

Mara Cardwell is the cofounder of the Artists Alliance of the Hill Country and an established artist who is regularly commissioned to create special pieces of art, particularly on wood. maracardwellartgallery.com

Wilson AC & Appliance, founded in 1949, helps customers find the perfect appliances and accessories for their homes and efficient heating and cooling systems. 4205 E. Hwy. 290 W. 512–894–0907 | wilsonappliance.com

Service Organizations Dripping Springs Cook Off Club–page 41

The Cook Off Club hosts the annual Founders Day Festival cook off as well as supporting a number of charitable groups in Dripping Springs. dscoctx.com Dripping Springs Women’s Club–page 59

The Dripping Springs Women’s Club is dedicated to providing women a means for interaction, information, and community involvement through programs and activities. dswomensclub.com Dripping Springs Youth Sports Association–page 39

Cowgirls & Lace–inside back cover page

Cowgirls & Lace helps clients design their home furnishings by offering knowledgeable and creative services and a wide variety of fabrics, trims, accessories, and gifts. 1111 Hwy. 290 W. 512–894–0350 | cowgirlsandlace.com GEO Growers–page 43

GEO Growers is your place for all garden products, including vegetables, herbs, soils, compost, and fertilizers. 12002 Hwy. 290 West, Austin 512–892–2722 | geogrowers.net Leslie Kell–inside back cover page

Leslie Kell, an artist for 25 years, enjoys the contemporary medium of digital art in her photographic interpretations. Leslie is often commissioned by individuals as well as large corporations. 512–917–0104 | lesliekell.com Lone Star Gifts–page 27

Shop at Lone Star Gifts for new, vintage, unique, and antique décor and apparel. 301 W. Mercer Street 512–858–9912 | lonestargifts.net

The Dripping Springs Youth Sports Association offers seven popular team sports to help kids learn new skills and be active. dsysa.org Heritage Circle–page 9

The Heritage Circle is dedicated to preserving family and community history in the Dripping Springs area. Membership is open to anyone who has a love for history. heritagecircle.org Photographers of Dripping Springs–page 59

The Photographers of Dripping Springs (PODS) are both amateurs and professionals who meet monthly for workshops, field trips, and to share their artistic expressions. photographersofds.com Springs Family Y–page 35

YMCA of Austin The Springs Family Y offers a variety of youth/ adult programs and classes to promote healthy lifestyles and social interaction. 27216 RR 12 S. 512–894–3309 | austinymca.org

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