Dripping Springs Visitor Guide

DRIPPING SPRINGS VISITORS GUIDE SPRING & SUMMER 2019

Sipping in Dripping

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WINERIES BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES

Enjoy the Wedding Capital EXPLORE PARKS outdoors OUR of Texas ®

destinationdrippingsprings.com • 1

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2 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

TAKE THE FAMILIAR ON AN ADVENTURE. www.tilliesdrippingsprings. com Camp Lucy resort- 3509 CREEK ROAD

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2019

Dripping Springs

VISITOR GUIDE SPRING & SUMMER

Welcome

6

Coffee

8

Eat Restaurants, Food Trucks, Catering

Stay Lodging & RV Parks

Shop

Contents

Boutiques Antiques, Specialty Shops

Play Sipping in Dripping Trail Distilleries, Breweries, Wineries Getting around

MANAGING EDITOR Dalton Sweat

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16 20

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Music 38 History 40 Parks & Outdoor Adventure 42

Events Events Calendar Songwriters Festival Founders Day Festival Farmers’ Market Christmas on Mercer

BBQ, Brews & Wineries

Advertiser index

shop

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parks

42

stay

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driftwood

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26 26 33 37

Things to do

Special Events Venues

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Wedding Capital of Texas

eat

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Map

Driftwood PUBLISHER Lance Winter

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CREATIVE DIRECTOR Toy Mendez CONTRIBUTORS Hope Boatright, Pam Owens, John Pacheco, Laurel Robertson, Dalton Sweat, Rachel Willis, Gary Zupancic PHOTOGRAPHERS Robert Anschutz, Denise Cathey, Jerry Hayes Photography, Jeff Loftin Photography, Toy Mendez, John Pacheco, Suzanne Pacheco, Laurel Robertson, Janice Smith, Dalton Sweat, Dave Wilson, Gary Zupancic ON THE COVER Dripping Springs is the perfect place to get a locally made beer, wine or spirit. The cover photo was taken by Hope Boatright.

4 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

REAL

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destinationdrippingsprings.com

WELCOME

Drop by the Visitors Bureau Whether you are visiting, relocating or opening a new business, the Dripping Springs Visitors Bureau, located at 509 West Mercer Street, stands ready to arm you with the information needed that will guide the way to a perfect experience.

Dripping Springs is a community that combines the small-town hospitable nature of Texas with the hustle and bustle of a burgeoning city on the edge of one the largest metropolitan areas in Texas.

No matter why you came to town, there is something worth doing close-by.

The first must-stop location is the Dripping Springs Visitors Bureau. Pam Owens, President and CEO, as well as the Communication/Marketing Specialist Hope Boatright, or one of the many capable volunteers, can help you find out everything about the area. Under the same roof as the Visitors Bureau is the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce. Susan Kimball, President of the Chamber, and her staff, are

great resources for new businesses.

The town features amazing local and regional parks situated in the picturesque Texas Hill Country.

There are historic sites that should not be missed, shopping that is creative, food that is sure to impress, a unique and fun downtown, vistas to view, as well as hotels and bed and breakfasts, cabins and inns that can take the edge off even the hardest exterior.

“We promote year-round tourism for those who visit the Dripping Springs community,” Owens said.

“Whether you come here for a week, a wedding or lifetime, you’re never going to run out of things to do.”

Dripping Springs also has an amazing variety of events, festivals and happenings from Founders Day weekend to Christmas on Mercer that are reason enough to make this your vacation destination.

The community is also a perfect place to stay while visiting Austin or any

of the myriad of wineries, breweries, orchards or distilleries nearby.

Learn more at destinationdrippingsprings. com, where you can also download the app to help you plan your perfect day in Dripping. You can also follow the Visitors Bureau on Facebook at facebook. com/DestinationDrippingSprings or on Instagram at instagram. com/destinationdripping.

destinationdrippingsprings.com Visitors Bureau: (512) 858-4740 Chamber of Commerce: (512) 858-7000

“Whether you come here for a week, a wedding or

lifetime, you’re never going to run out of things to do.”

PAM OWENS, President and CEO

Hope Boatright, (left), is the Visitors Bureau’s Communication Specialist.

Pam Owens, at right, is the President and CEO of the Visitors Center.

Photo by Stacy Berg 6 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

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COFFEE

Hello Coffee JOLT COFFEE The newest coffee addition to Dripping proper is Jolt Coffee, located right off Highway 290. In its distinct little bright red food trailer, owner Kim Scholar serves up a “jolt” to local coffee lovers and commuters with a veritable cornucopia of specialty espresso drinks, fresh smoothies, assorted non-coffee drinks as well as baked goods. It’s a favorite among commuters.

Jolt Coffee 12024 Hwy 290 W at Nutty Brown Rd Mon –Sat: 6am –7pm Sun: 8am–5pm jolt-austin.com

OWNERS CARY AND KIM SCHOLER

Coffee is a bonding ritual of its own, it can spark up business ventures, friendships and conversation alike. There’s a wealth of artisan bean roasters and espresso cocktail crafters in Dripping Springs, with several local independent coffee shops in the small, but growing, Texas town.

MAZAMA COFFEE LE MUSE CALITERRA LOUNGE COMPANY

Opened its doors in downtown Dripping Springs back in 2012, and quickly became a favorite among the locals. Owners Vicky and Bruce Lewis had moved down to Dripping Springs from Seattle, Washington, in 2005 and created a small oasis from day to day life. They named their cafe after a town in the Cascade Mountains that they used to retreat to.

Mazama Coffee Company 301-B Mercer Street: Mon–Fri: 6:30am–6pm Sat: 8am–5pm Sun: 8am–1pm mazamacoffee.com

MAZAMA COFFEE COMPANY

8 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

Juan Chan’s Le Muse coffee has been built a loyal following ever since it first opened it’s door two years ago in a small trailer off Highway 290. With it’s new brick and mortar location in the Caliterra sub-division off Ranch Road 12, Le Muse continues its tradition of unique coffee drinks and food. Visit Le Muse and find out why it has built such a loyal fan base.

Le Muse Caliterra Lounge 505 Wynnpage Drive Tue–Fri: 7am–5pm Sat & Sun: 7am–4pm Closed Mon

LE MUSE CALITERRA LOUNGE

GREATER GOODS COFFEE ROASTERS Owners Khanh Trang and Trey Cobb opened their doors in 2015, and have concocted the perfect mix of art and heart into their craft. They specialize in medium roasts coffee.

Greater Goods has also partnered up with charities in the area and each bag of coffee purchased will help support a specific charity.

Greater Goods is located at 160 McGregor Lane in Dripping Springs.

Their hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and are closed on Sundays with one exception. On the last Sunday of the month, car aficionados meet with their unique cars for an informal “car show” in the parking lot of Greater Goods Coffee. During the car show, the tasting room is open from 8 a.m. to noon.

Greater Goods Coffee Roasters 160 McGregor Lane Dripping Springs 78620 Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm

TREY COBB ROASTING COFFEE, GREATER GOODS COFFEE ROASTERS

MURAL AT GREATER GOODS COFFEE ROASTERS

ROLLING IN THYME AND DOUGH The first coffee shop to lay claim to Dripping Springs in 2005. Owner Fabienne Bloom, a professionally trained European baker, baked her way into the heart of town with her pastries accompanied by a great cup of coffee.

Rolling in Thyme and Dough 333 W Hwy 290 | Dripping Springs 78620 Mon–Fri: 6:30am –3pm Sat: 8am–4pm | Sun: Closed Thu: Bistro Night 6pm – 9pm Fri: Beer Garden 6pm – 9pm

ROLLING IN THYME AND DOUGH

BELTERRA VILLAGE next to Breed & Co. Hardware

166 Hargraves Dr, Suite B200 Austin, TX 78737 512-599-5428 info@SpoonAndForkKitchen.com www.spoonandforkkitchen.com

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EAT

Fine Foods & Treats

TILLIE’S

Maybe the city motto, “Gateway to the Hill Country”, should be revised. For a long time, Dripping Springs was a primarily known as a way station to and from Austin for points west, albeit one with tremendous natural beauty.

That’s not the case anymore. Dripping is an epicurean destination in itself, with an amazing, and growing, assortment of eateries, coffee shops, and casual and specialty restaurants to rival any in central Texas. You’ve probably heard about the world-class BBQ, but Dripping boasts eateries at all levels, from innovative and tasty food parks to casual, fresh sit down dining. For a perk-me-up, visit one of the established independent coffee shops.

10 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

TILLIE’S Perhaps most exciting is that the number of fine dining options is exploding in Dripping Springs. Tillie’s is an upscale and intimate restaurant serving breakfast, brunch (on weekends), lunch and dinner in a stunning venue of Vietnamese architecture. Tillie’s serves American Nouveau cuisine - just call it delicious for short. It’s one of those places that as soon as you walk in, you know you’ll remember the meal and the experience for a long time.

Located at Camp Lucy, a venue always associated with destination weddings, Tillie’s now provides a reason to visit the beautiful acreage that makes up Camp Lucy, even if you are not invited to a wedding.

Tillie’s is a new fine-dining restaurant that includes a Vietnamese-style executive dinning room.

ABBEY CARA CHOCOLATES

TILLIE’S

TILLIE’S

Tillie’s 3509 Creek Road | Dripping Springs, TX 78620 (512) 894-2633 tilliesdrippingsprings.com

DRIPPING SPRINGS CHOCOLATES Bob and Tracey Wilson have dedicated themselves to producing delicious, delectable chocolates. It’s a business referred in confectionary circles as bean-to-bar, or craft chocolates.

The Wilsons’ interest was piqued while on a church mission trip in Central America – Nicaragua.

“On the trip, we saw poverty on a level I’ve never seen before,” Tracey said. “Coming home, we felt like we needed to make a difference in areas where people struggle and have so little.”

So, the two began researching business opportunities where they could help those in impoverished parts of the world, when Bob came upon the idea of chocolate.

“The farmer is often paid the least of anyone in the chain; most of the time, not a fair wage,” Tracey said. “Farmers, most of the time, are at the mercy of what they can get for their product. We’d also hear horror stories about slave and child labor being used. So, we thought this might be what we were looking for – an area where we could help.”

With most cocoa found exclusively within 10 degrees of the equator, the Wilsons found a farm in Ecuador they could buy their beans– through a distributor in America.

“Our beans are ethically sourced, which is very important to us,” Tracey said. “We buy them through a distributor who is very well respected and transparent. The farmer is paid a fair wage and there’s no slave labor. We’ve even emailed and spoken to the farmer.”

The process by the Wilson’s is long, but when complete, the flavors of the finished chocolate are much more intense than what

most grew up remembering or purchasing at their local mega-mart.

What sets Dripping Springs Chocolate Company apart from the mass producer, is they are considered a single source origin chocolate maker. For each batch of chocolate, they get their cocoa beans from one single source rather than a blend of beans that can come from a variety of locations. Their success has been evident.

“What’s been a pleasant surprise has been the community’s connection to this — and our story,” The Factory Store is open every Friday from noon to 6 p.m. to sample and buy chocolate and is located at 391 C Sportsplex Drive.

Dripping Springs Chocolate Company chocolates are also available at locations throughout the area, including Mazama Coffee, Starrs on Mercer, Triple S Feed & General Store, and Driftwood Winery.

DRIPPING SPRINGS CHOCOLATES

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EAT

EPICURE RESTAURANT & SOMM BY EPICURE If you’re looking for refined food, but without the refined-dining element, there’s Epicure Restaurant, owned by Chef Julio Llop and Wine Curator Jerry Gray.

“Our food is delicious but not pretentious. It’s served in a refined way, but without being ‘fine dining,’ and that’s what we wanted to do with our place,” Julio Llop, Epicure’s chef, said.

“We don’t like stuffy food. We don’t like over- prepared foods. Our food is simple, but we used nothing but the best of ingredients to create every dish—from fish, to produce, to breads—hence the name Epicure.”

Llop and Gray see their restaurant as a very personal choice. “Our restaurant is an expression of who we are, what we like to eat, what we like to drink, and the kind of environment that we like to be surrounded by. That’s our philosophy when it comes to our food.

That’s the reason we created Epicure.

We have a vision, and a mission, to bring a unique level of food and wine to Dripping Springs. We wanted to

EPICURE

SOMME BY EPICURE

create a place that we would want to go to all the time. It’s an expression of who we are, from the artwork on the walls, to every item that we put on in our dishes,” Chef Llop said.

Epicure’s main focus is “global comfort foods. It’s a theme that can be seen, smelled, and tasted in all their food— from their Moroccan-inspired mussels that come out of pumpkin stew, to their Vietnamese-style meatballs.”

“We took a meatball sandwich, deconstructed it, and serve it not as a sandwich, but as an appetizer. It’s one of our best selling items,” Chef Llop said.

“In that same theme we have an Italianinspired short rib made in red wine and a lot of tomatoes – and we always change what we do. We always have new things we’re adding to the menu. We like to connect to people with the food and wine that we serve. That’s pretty much our philosophy.”

While Epicure has a full bar, it’s beverage strength comes from its wine range.

“We have a full range of wine from Europe, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, South America, and of course the United States,” Wine Curator and Sommelier Jerry Gray said. “Our focus is on

12 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

Somm by Epicure 1025 Cannon Drive, Ste. 105 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm Closed Sun (512) 858-0660 sommbyepicure.com value, on quality.”

This past year, Llop and Gray embarked on an extension of their restaurant called Somm by Epicure, just across the street from the restaurant.

Somm is a wine and cheese boutique shop and wine bar, specializing in rare artisanal wines, cheeses and meats. With wines at every price point and hard to find cheeses, Somm also offers wine tasting events, wine by the glass, cheese plates, condiments prepared by Epicure, and gourmet food items.

So if you’re looking for that unusual embodiment of quality without the stuffiness, drop by and indulge in the food and experience of Epicure in Dripping, or a unique wine & food shopping experience at Somm by Epicure.

Epicure 333 US Hwy 290, #437 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Mon-Thur: 11am-3pm, 5pm-9pm Fri & Sat: 11am–10pm (512) 858-7300 epicuretx.com

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY OLIVE COMPANY The Texas Hill Country Olive Company is right out of an Italian picture postcard, the building and olive orchard, situated on a hill, all add to the Mediterranean feel of the surroundings.

Their bistro is a great place to eat lunch with a menu that includes paninis, flatbread pizzetta, salads and gelato desserts. All their breads are baked inhouse.

It all started with John Gambini, and his family. John wanted to build a vineyard and got his daughter, Cara interested.

But after doing research he found that growing olives would be a much better business, as the soil and climate was a match for Italy. Plus there were already 160 vineyards in Texas.

“We are the 14th olive orchard in Texas and a pioneer in commercial operations here,” co-owner Cara Gambini said.

Although they grow olives on their 17 acres, they also lease and harvest 10,000 trees in Asherton, in South Texas.

They purchased the land in 2008 and in 2009, they planted their first trees.

“There is always a danger of freezes and being on a hill the wind and sleet can damage or kill the olives. There really wasn’t any data on the how well the trees would survive. We did have a freeze, but the trees came back,” Cara Gambini said.

At first they sold their oil at farmers markets, but as Dripping grew, so did their reputation as a “must visit destination.”

The DS Visitors Bureau reports that the Hill Country Olive Company is the #1 destination recommended by them.

Pam Owens, VB president says, “It’s just unique! How many communities can boast they have an olive orchard?”

“We are excited about the growth

of the olive industry in Texas and the acceptance of our Extra Virgin Olive Oil by the public nationwide. Not to mention, our growth in popularity as one of the top tourism destinations in Central Texas,” Cara Gambini said.

With their success, Texas Hill Country Olive Company plans a second location, this time in Austin, in the spring of 2019.

But for now, they’re well worth the drive, and there’s always the olive orchard.

Texas Hill Country Olive 2530 W Fitzhugh Dripping Springs, Texas 78620 Mon–Sun: 10am-5pm, Food ends 3:30pm (512) 607-6512 texashillcountryoliveco.com

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Eateries, Coffee Shops & Desserts ALMOST GROWN COFFEE BAR & ICE CREAM SHOP 18901 Hamilton Pool Rd Dripping Springs, TX 78620 almostgrownplaycafe.com 512-761-4622

EURASIA SUSHI BAR & SEAFOOD 7101 West Hwy 71, C-13 Austin, TX 78735 eurasiasushiaustin.com 512-382-0968

ALICE’S RESTAURANT @ TREATY OAK RANCH 16604 Fitzhugh Rd Dripping Springs, 78620 512-599-0335

FLORES MEXICAN RESTAURANT 2440 E. Hwy 290 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 floresmexican.com 512-858-2221

AUSTIN JAVA 3799 E. Hwy 290 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 austinjava.com 512-599-2274 CAKES ROCK!!!

4201 South Congress Ave Ste 101 Austin, TX 78745 cakesrock.rocks 877-711-2253 CHICK-FIL-A 165 Hargraves Drive Austin, TX 78737 CFABelterra.com 512-301-5555 CREEK ROAD CAFE 301 Hwy 290 W Dripping Springs, TX 78620 creekroadcafe.com 512-858-9459 DRIPPING SPRINGS CHOCOLATE COMPANY 391 Sportsplex Drive, Ste C Dripping Springs, TX 78620 dschocolateco.com 512-695-9692 DUNKIN DONUTS/ BASKIN ROBBINS 166 Hargraves Blvd.

Dripping Springs, TX 78737 dunkindonuts.com 512-582-0156 EPICURE 333 US Hwy 290, Ste 437 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 epicuretx.com 512-858-7300

HAYS CITY STORE 8989 FM 150 West Driftwood, TX 78619 hayscitystoretx.com 512-722-3905 HILL COUNTRY RANCH PIZZERIA 598 US 290, Ste 250 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 hillcountryranchpizzeria.com 512-858-9697 HOMESPUN KITCHEN & BAR 131 E Mercer St Dripping Springs, TX 78620 homespunkitchenandbar.com 512-829-4064 I DO BBQ/PIG PEN BBQ FOOD TRUCK 1005 W. Hwy 290 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 ido-bbq.com 804-216-5419 IHOP BELTERRA VILLAGE 165 Hargraves Dripping Springs, 78737 512-902-1174 JEP’S SOUTHERN ROOTS FOOD TRUCK 19510 Hamilton Pool Road Dripping Springs, TX 78620 jepssouthernroots.com 737-802-4181 JERSEY MIKES SUBS 165 Hargraves Dr, Ste M500 Dripping Springs, TX 78737 jerseymikessubs.com 512-291-7369

14 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

JOLT COFFEE, BEVERAGE 12024 Hwy 290 West Austin, TX 78737 jolt-austin.com 503-806-1678

SOMM BY EPICURE 1025 Cannon Drive Dripping Springs 78620 sommbyepicure.com 512-858-0660

THE LEAGUE KITCHEN & TAVERN 166 Hargraves Drive Austin, TX 78737 leaguekitchen.com 512-595-7477

SPOON & FORK KITCHEN 166 HARGRAVES DR Austin, TX 78737 spoonandforkkitchen.com 512-788-0177

MAZAMA COFFEE CO. + ROASTERY 301 W Mercer St, Ste B Dripping Springs, TX 78620 mazamacoffee.com 512-200-6472 MCDONALD’S RESTAURANT 333 E. Hwy 290, Bldg A Dripping Springs, TX 78620 mcdonalds.com 512-858-9920 OAK CREEK CAFE 660 Hwy 290 W Dripping Springs, TX 78620 oakcreekcafe.com 512-829-4593 ROLLING IN THYME & DOUGH 333 Hwy 290 W Dripping Springs, TX 78620 thymeanddough.com 512-894-0001 THE SALT LICK Restaurant and Pavilion 18300 FM 1826 Driftwood, TX 78619 saltlickbbq.com 512-894-3117 SKULL & CAKEBONES 3991 E Hwy 290 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 skullandcakebones.com 512-348-8346 SKY CINEMAS DRIPPING SPRINGS 166 Hargraves St., Unit A100 Austin, TX 78737 skycinemas.com 512-457-0700

TAI TAI & I 258 Big Brown Drive Austin, TX 78737 Taitaiandi.com 818-800-8806 THUNDERCLOUD SUBS 598 E Hwy 290 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 thundercloud.com 512-858-4400 TILLIE’S RESTAURANT & BAR 3509 Creek Rd. Dripping Springs, TX 78620 tilliesdrippingsprings.com 512-894-4400 TORCHY’S TACOS 166 Hargraves Drive Dripping Springs, TX 78737 torchystacos.com/location/belterra 737-717-6951 VERDE’S MEXICAN PARRILLA 16018 Hamilton Pool Rd Austin, TX 78738 verdesmexican.com 512-263-0500 VISTA BREWING 13551 FM 150 Driftwood, TX 78619 vistabrewingtx.com 512-766-1842 WELL YEAH CAKES 28109 Ranch Road 12 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 facebook.com/wellyeahcakes 512-894-2042

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destinationdrippingsprings.com • 15

STAY

Stay in Dripping Springs CAMP LUCY

From rustic to luxurious, there are plenty of lodging options Get lost in the woods away from it all, dine in a reconstructed Vietnamese town hall from the 1800s or stay in a quality, comfortable hotel with all the amenities.

Whatever your idea of a vacation, Dripping Springs can help you get away.

“Our idea was to do something unique in comparison to what you normally find on vacation,” Mike Paclik, owner of

Lucky Arrow Retreat, said. “We wanted to put a bunch of small cabins out in the Hill Country, and we also have the largest collection of yurts in the state of Texas.”

Lucky Arrow Retreat helps visitors get back to nature while also offering the comforts of a modern lodging facility.

There are 25 cabins on the property tucked away into the woods.

CAMP LUCY

16 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

“The cabins are scattered throughout the property,” Paclik said. “It is kind of like a state park but with much nicer facilities.”

The 10 yurts on the grounds are also a huge draw. A yurt is a wooden framed structure typically with a canvas siding often used as a form of “glamping” or glamorous camping.

“They are all fully furnished with electricity. They have heating and cooling and are a mixture of rustic and modern design,” Paclik said. “They are more of a luxury product.

The 15-acre property, which is located adjacent to Bell Springs Winery, is covered with large oak trees and cedar trees with a rolling topography including an overlook of the Texas Hill Country.

The retreat offers a way to get away from everyday life and experience the natural surroundings.

Camp Lucy, however, is an experience in and of itself.

The entrance to the luxurious property sets the mood as a turn off of Creek Road takes visitors across a private low water

crossing. The hills in front of you are held back by large limestone walls.

“To me it is a feeling,” Kim Hanks, coowner of Whim Hospitality and Camp Lucy with her husband Whit, said. “It is absolutely beautiful, but once you drive through the gates and over the driveway on the creek, I feel like all the layers of worry and the heaviness just drop. There is something that is just peaceful.”

The 275-acre property has 27 rooms and two houses along with a vineyard, fine dining restaurant and chapel that are often used as wedding venues but also now available to guests that stay on the property.

The facilities are filled with world-class luxuries and modern amenities.

“What I find unique about Camp Lucy is these buildings we brought in from Vietnam,” Hanks said. “There is no other place in the United States where you can see an authentic buildings from Vietnam…

They are from the late 1800s, and you can just see the majesty and the craftsmanship that went into creating them.”

The property is a perfect base to experience Dripping Springs from, but it also offers enough programs to keep you entertained if you’d rather stay put.

“What sets Camp Lucy apart from other places is that we are really using our land to entertain people,” Hanks said. “When you check in at Camp Lucy, we have a programming guide, and we offer five activities a day. We break it out into three different areas of wellness, relaxation and learning.”

From guided hikes and dance classes to hatchet throwing and painting, there are plenty of dynamic activities to keep you busy. For those looking for a more relaxed

CAMP LUCY

HOLIDAY INN

destinationdrippingsprings.com • 17

STAY

S LUCKY ARROW RETREAT

stay, there are classes on whiskey tasting and how to take care of your vineyard. The options are seemingly endless.

But Dripping Springs has a lot to offer also, and many people prefer the comforts of a cozy hotel room to allow them the freedom to experience what the area has to offer.

Holiday Inn Express and Suites opened in July of 2017 in Dripping Springs. With

meeting rooms for business travelers, and swimming pool for families, the 84 room modern facility is located downtown just off Highway 290.

“People come to Dripping Springs to get married,” Philip Lawson, General Manager of Holiday Inn Dripping Springs, said with a laugh. “They also come for the Hill Country. This area is just awesome.

It’s a huge draw.”

LUCKY ARROW RETREAT

18 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

W RETREAT

Stay Awhile The Holiday Inn is close to all the activity surrounding Dripping Springs, and just 35 minutes away from downtown Austin “We offer a wide range of rooms from doubles to kings,” Lawson said. “Breakfast is always included. We offer great walking distance to most of the downtown area, which is a huge plus for a lot of people as well.”

Sleep Inn & Suites, another local hotel, has become a home for many visitors over its six years of existence. Known for their incredible continental breakfast, Sleep Inn offers nothing short of fresh fruits, eggs, three types of meats, biscuits, gravy and seemingly anything else you could want to start your day.

Dripping Springs has plenty to offer any visitor, and there are plethora of lodging options available to accommodate your stay.

LUCKY ARROW RETREAT

LUCKY ARROW RETREAT

destinationdrippingsprings.com • 19

Lodging THE ALEXANDER AT CREEK ROAD 6730 Creek Road Dripping Springs, TX 78620 thealexanderatcreekroad.com 866-515-1142 ANTLER RIDGE RETREAT 301/401 & 411 Whitetail Ridge Rd Dripping Springs, TX 78620 vacasa.com/unit.php?UnitID=15955 956-346-0681 ARBOR HOUSE OF DRIPPING SPRINGS 201 Greene Kyle, TX 78640 arborhouseofds.com 281-923-7308 ASANTE LODGING & EVENTS 16580 Fitzhugh Road Dripping Springs, TX 78620 stayasante.com 512-829-1046 BELLA NIDO BED & BREAKFAST 23351 FM 150 Driftwood, TX 78619 bellanido.com 512-584-5088 BEST WESTERN JOHNSON CITY INN 107 South Hwy. 281 at Hwy. 290 Johnson City, TX 78636 bestwesternjohnsoncity.com 830-868-4044

CAMP N 4755 W Fitzhugh Rd Dripping Springs, TX 78620 CampNDripping.com 512-917-4678

THE HAVEN 32000 RR 12 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 thehaven-dstx.com 913-626-4760

LIVE OAK CANYON GETAWAY 1000 Live Oak Canyon Rd Dripping Springs, TX 78620 homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p4762445?

512-894-3973

CANYON ROAD OLIVE RANCH 218 Canyon Road Johnson City, TX 78636 oliveranch.org 214-907-4603

HEART OF TEXAS GETAWAYS PO Box 2767 Wimberley, TX 78676 heartoftexasgetaways.com 713-907-2896

CARTER CREEK WINERY RESORT & SPA 4064 US Highway 290 Johnson City, TX 78636 cartercreek.com 877-232-0138

HENLY RV PARK 710 Henly Loop Dripping Springs, TX 78620 henlyrvpark.com 512-660-1273

MAKERS LUCK | SHORT TERM RENTAL + RETREAT Shelton Ranch Road Dripping Springs, TX 78620 makersluck.com/ 512-522-8055

COMFORTABLE RENTALS ON NUTTY BROWN 12932 C Nutty Brown Road Austin, TX 78737 texasvacationhomes4u.com 512-299-3099 COTTONWOOD CREEK RV PARK 2951 RR 165 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 cottonwoodcreekrvpark.com 512-858-0321 DEER RUN BED & BREAKFAST 20 Long Creek Road Austin, TX 78737 deerrunbandb.com 512-633-5595

BLANCO COUNTY INN & GUESTHOUSES 902 Main Street Blanco, TX 78606 blancocountyinn.com 830-833-4502

DRIPPING SPRINGS RANCH PARK 1042 Event Center Drive Dripping Springs, TX 78620 drippingspringsranchpark.com 512-858-4725

BUNKHOUSE ON CREEK ROAD 4200 Creek Road Dripping Springs, TX 78620 BunkhouseOnCreekRoad.com 361-423-0382

DRIPPING SPRINGS RV PARK 250 Windy Hills Rd. Dripping Springs, TX 78620 dsrvpark.com 512-649-8913

THE CABIN ON BARTON CREEK 3400 Bell Springs Road Dripping Springs, TX 78620 bartoncreekcabin.com 512-858-4407

ENGAGE, A CREATIVE RETREAT 1425 W. Hwy 290 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 EngageACreativeRetreat.com 214-298-9094

CAMP LUCY RESORT 3509 Creek Rd Dripping Springs, TX 78620 camplucy.com 512-858-4057

FALL CREEK VINEYARDS AT DRIFTWOOD 18059A FM 1826 Driftwood, TX 78619 fcv.com 512-858-4050

20 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

HILL COUNTRY CASITAS 7400 McGregor Lane Dripping Srprings, TX 78620 hillcountrycasitas.com 512-809-4958 HILL COUNTRY PREMIER LODGING 13600 Ranch Road 12, Ste B Wimberley, TX 78676 hillcountrypremier.com 512-847-7460 HILLS OF TEXAS LODGING 13300 RR 12 Wimberley, TX 78676 hillsoftexaslodging.com 512-847-5898 HILLSIDE ACRES RETREAT 4032 RR 3232 Johnson City, TX 78636 hillsideacresretreat.com 830-868-7515 HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS DRIPPING SPRINGS 333 Hwy 290 E, Suite 500 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 hiexpress.com 512-858-0280 HOMESTEAD AT THE DRIPPING SPRINGS 500 Mercer St Dripping Springs, TX 78620 dshomesteadbandb.com 512-858-4547 INFINITY RANCH DRIPPING SPRINGS 145 Quinn Dr. Dripping Springs, TX 78620 strongrootsatx.com 512-917-0855 THE LINEY MOON 5401 W Fitzhugh Rd Dripping Springs, TX 78620 thelineymoon.com 512-954-8534

MT. GAINOR INN - A BED AND BREAKFAST 2390 Prochnow Road Dripping Springs, TX 78620 mtgainorinn.com 512-858-0982 NEST VACATION RENTALS 1503 Spring Garden Rd Austin, TX 78746 nestvr.com 512-422-8503 ONION CREEK KITCHENS @ JUNIPER HILLS FARMS 5818 Ranch Road 165 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 juniperhillsfarm.com 830-833-0910 OUTPOST MOTEL 26200 RR 12 S Dripping Springs, TX 78620 OutpostMotelTX.com 512-858-0052 SLEEP INN & SUITES OF DRIPPING SPRINGS 2720 E Hwy 290 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 choicehotels.com/texas/dripping-spring 512-858-4096 STAR HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST 3230 Ranch Road 165 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 starhousebandb.com 512-689-6950 SUNSET RV RESORT 16910 Hamilton Pool Road Austin, TX 78738 sunsetrvresort.com 512-632-7878 VILLA VIGNETO TEXAS 700 West Creek Drive Dripping Springs, TX 78620 villavignetotexas.com 512-270-8186

Villa Vigneto Texas www.villavignetotexas.com

Experience 512.270.8186

Villa Vigneto Texas Villa Vigneto Texas is a charming, European style Bed and Breakfast and Vacation Rental on 3 private acres of Hill Country featuring elegant guest rooms and luxurious baths. Nature abounds with a walking trail and 2 oak groves under which to enjoy wildlife during the day or stars at night. Villa Vigneto Texas is located 30 minutes from downtown Austin and at the “Gateway to the Hill Country” in Dripping Springs.

www.VillaVignetoTexas.com

512.270.8186

Ask me why you should work with a local agent!

Michele Ryon Realtor, MCNE, ABR,MRP 512-299-7455 mryon@kw.com DrippingSpringsHomes.com

Sunset Canyon Veterinary Clinic Sunset Canyon Veterinary Clinic’s mission is to provide our clients the best value in veterinary service and ensure our patients receive the highest level of comfort and care.

Clinical services offered to small and large animals are: • Examinations • Vaccinations • Health screenings • In-house laboratory testing • Routine surgical procedures • Extensive dentistry • Orthopedic repairs Special procedures: • Artificial insemination • Endoscopy • Ultrasound

Affordable Rates Pet Pick-up and Drop-off Taxi Service available RoverInnKennel.com 4451 McGregor Lane Dripping Springs, TX 78620 2 0 27 0 1

18

20 7 1

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3710 E Hwy 290 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 2 0 72 0 1 8 1

20 7 1

sunsetcanyonvetclinic.com ✯ 512-894-0266 destinationdrippingsprings.com • 21

SHOP

FRESH NATIVE

Love Shop Give Live Shopping is an experience. Antique shopping is a story.

“When we buy things, we learn the whole history of it,” Renee Milton, coowner of antique shop The Rural Home, said. “It feels like we are being given the care of this valued item that doesn’t fit into someone’s life anymore. I feel really honored that they are entrusting us to find its next home.”

The Rural Home specializes in antiques, but much like the many shops of Dripping Springs, there is something for everyone.

“We can fill all kinds of needs,” Milton said. “We have true antiques and vintage items. We have local artists’ prints and jewelry. We work with a local disabled veteran who makes very unique pieces for us. We have a lot of home goods like bedding and pillows that fit well into the modern farmhouse or vintage style. We have a bit of everything to fulfill their needs.”

Located on Mercer Street, The Rural Home is part of the revitalization of the Dripping Springs Historic District.

Donna Weekley, at Lone Star Gifts, has seen the changes as she was one of the first shops to move back on to Mercer Street in 2002.

“There is so much retail coming in and there are bars and places to listen

THE RURAL HOME

to music,” Weekley said. “There aren’t many places you can spend an afternoon, shopping, having a cup of coffee and listening to live music. Tourism has really picked up here. People are looking for a small town with unique shops, and they

22 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

have found it in Dripping Springs.“ Weekley likes to say that Lone Star Gifts is really 50 little stores. Each section of the store is rented out to a different vendor offering a stunning amount of variety.

“I like to gear towards a Texas theme,

THE RURAL HOME

but we have much more,” Weekley said. “We have such a mix here in Dripping Springs I try and cater to everybody. I like handmade items, and we have a lot of local products, but we’ve got plenty of options. It caters to everyone from kids all the way up to elderly.”

The majority of shops in Dripping Springs are locally owned and operated. There is a passion, and a story, that comes along with each business.

“It feels like we are being given the care of this valued item that doesn’t fit into someone’s life anymore. I feel really honored that they are entrusting us to find its next home.”

DRIPPIN’ PICKINS

DRIPPIN’ PICKINS

“We started collecting antiques and set up a booth in Round Top,” Gwyn Sommerfeld, owner of Drippin’ Pickin’s said. “It was so much work to pack it all up and take it out there that we decided to open a shop here in town.”

With that passion comes a level of service that permeates throughout the community.

“I think Dripping Springs offers a smaller and more intimate feeling,” Sommerfeld THE RURAL HOME

destinationdrippingsprings.com • 23

SHOP

Shopping

LONE STAR GIFTS

said. “You get to meet the owners and see where they want to take the shop. We all get along so well. It is really nice. I have never heard anybody complain about any business owner in Dripping Springs.”

Shopping in the Historic District gives a glimpse of what the entire town has to offer. Throughout Dripping Springs there are more than 40 shops that offer an incredible shopping experience.

AVREY GRACE BOUTIQUE 400 W. Hwy 290, Ste A104 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 avreygraceboutique.com

MY HAPPY PLACE 2201 Highway 290 West Dripping Springs, TX 78620 myhappyplacehome.com

THE BEESWAX CO. 120 Frog Pond Ln, Bldg A-100 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Beeswaxco.com

NEW CANAAN FARMS 5916 Hwy 290 W Dripping Springs, TX 78620 newcanaanfarms.com

BREED AND COMPANY 166 Hargraves Dr., B100 Austin, TX 78737 shop.breedandco.com

REVEL WILDE 330 W Mercer Street, Ste 2 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 revelwilde.com

CARVED STONE, INC. 5300 Bell Springs Rd. Dripping Springs, TX 78620 carved-stone.com

THE RURAL HOME 104 Mercer St Dripping Springs, TX 78620 theruralhome.com

DRIPPIN’ PICKIN’S 304 Mercer Street Dripping Springs, TX 78620 facebook.com/drippinpickins/

THE RURAL TABLE 104 Mercer Street Suite H Dripping Springs, TX 78620 theruraltable@outlook.com

FRESH NATIVE 28101 Ranch Road 12 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 facebook.com/FreshNativeTX

SACRED MOON HERBS 305 Mercer St Dripping Springs, TX 78620 sacredmoonherbs.com

HAUTE EXCHANGE CONSIGNMENT 400 W Hwy 290, Ste A102 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 hauteexchange.com

THE SATED SHEEP 100 Commons Rd, Ste 5 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 satedsheep.com

HEB 598 E Hwy 290 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 heb.com HIGH COTTON Home & Design 10827 W US Hw 290, Ste 110 Austin, TX 78736 highcottonhomedesign.com THE HOME DEPOT 260 E. Hwy 290 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 homedepot.com JAM MOM BABY KIDS 750-B Old Fitzhugh Rd Dripping Springs, TX 78620 jambabykids.com LE RAGGE RUGGS/ COWGIRLS & LACE 1111 Hwy 290 W Dripping Springs, TX 78620 cowgirlsandlace.com LONE STAR GIFTS 301A Mercer St. Dripping Springs, TX 78620 lonestargifts.net LONE STAR GIFTS

24 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

SOL’STICE GARDENS 4230 Hwy 290 W Dripping Springs, TX 78620 solsticegardens.com SOPHIE’S GARDEN SALON 665 W Hwy 290 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 sophiesgarden.com SPRINGS PROVISIONS 300B W Mercer St Dripping Springs, TX 78620 TEXAS HILL COUNTRY OLIVE CO. 2530 W Fitzhugh Rd Dripping Springs, TX 78620 texashillcountryoliveco.com TWIN LIQUORS 598 E. Highway 290, Suite 200 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 twinliquors.com VIK JEWELERS 598 E. Hwy 290, Ste 240 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 vikjewelers.com VINTAGE SOUL 300 Mercer St. Dripping Springs, TX 78620 vintagesoultx.com

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apparel home gifts baby

28101 Ranch Road 12 monday-saturday 10-6

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♦ Lots of Unique Toys ♦ Designer Fabrics ♦ Drapes Blinds & Shutters ♦ Unique Gifts & Accessories

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Dealers for Hunter Douglas, Graber & Norman Shutters

Let our design staff assist you with custom draperies, baby bedding, & in-home design service.

Designer Fabrics at Discount Prices Mon-Sat 10-6

1111 W Hwy 290, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 cowgirlsandlace.com

512-858-4186 or 800-982-7424

WINDOW COVERINGS • BEDDING • FURNITURE • GIFTS • DESIGN CENTER

HIGHCOTTONHOMEDESIGN.COM 512.296.2433 10827 W. US HWY 290 Suite 110 ATX, 78736 destinationdrippingsprings.com • 25

PLAY

Sipping in Dripping DRIPPING WITH TASTE TRAIL MAY

1

Imagine it’s 4p.m. on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in the Texas Hill Country; the sun is casting an orange glow across the rolling hills dotted with perfectly lined rows of Texas grape vines. With a beverage in hand, and some of your best friends sitting next to you taking in the awe-inspiring view, you are settling into what already has been a day of exploring and discovering several of Dripping Springs’ wineries, breweries and distilleries.

In fact, you have spent just about every weekend in the Dripping Springs area sipping and savoring innovative and creative cocktails, ice-cold craft brews, and of course, some exceptional Texas wines surrounded by the most gorgeous scenery in the hippest tasting rooms in the Lone Star State.

With the emergence of a robust and eclectic beverage scene in Dripping Springs and Driftwood, Destination Dripping Springs in partnership with the Dripping with Taste Trail is on a quest to bring you the Hill Country’s finest wineries, breweries and distilleries in the area without burning a hole in your pocket.

The Dripping with Taste Trail will introduce you to a vibrant and 26 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

diverse assortment of establishments that are all committed to highquality products with home-grown hospitality.

The trail includes a stamp-able Passport giving you access to all of the best wineries, breweries and distilleries with free tastings at each participating venue during the month of May and again in October.

For $50 per person or $90 per couple, Dripping with Taste Passport holders receive complimentary tastings at the over 20 participating establishments, as well as discounts at participating restaurants, lodging, transportation companies and local shops.

With your Dripping with Taste Passport, visit as many as 4 of our 25 participating wineries, breweries, and distilleries in a day, all month long. Enjoy a complimentary flight or tasting at fabulous destinations like Treaty Oak Distilling, Last Stand Brewing, Revolution Spirits and Bell Springs Winery. And the next day visit another 4 destinations like Family Business Beer Company, Desert Door Sotol, Westcave Cellars or Acopon Brewing which is located in the heart of downtown Dripping Springs. And you can do that every day, all month long during May and again in October.

Any visit here is a treat for the senses, and with new joints popping up on what seems like a weekly basis, there’s always something new to try. Enjoy tastings like a local and discover hidden gems in the most beautiful region in Texas on the Dripping with Taste Trail. Find out more by visiting our website, DrippingWithTaste.com or giving us a call, 512-858-4740.

2019

Sun: 12pm–6pm

destinationdrippingsprings.com • 27

PLAY

DRIPPING SPRINGS DISTILLING

Dripping Springs Distilling, home to Dripping Springs Vodka and Gin, 1876 Vodka, and 1876 Bourbon, was founded by brothers Gary and Kevin Kelleher. Raised in Dallas, the brothers knew that the key to a world-class vodka was a distinctive water. They chose Dripping Springs for the local artesian spring water, a key ingredient in their award-winning products. The Kellehers founded the business in 2005, becoming the first distillery in the Texas Hill Country, and the third in the state. Both brothers, as well as other family members, continue to own and operate the business today.

In addition to the water, another point of difference for Dripping Springs Distilling is their proprietary stills. Handmade from pure copper and with a capacity of only 50 gallons, the unique stills are a testament to the brothers’ commitment to quality, and to not cutting corners. The stills are a patented design combining elements of both pot stills and column stills. Copper is known for aiding in the removal of 28 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

impurities during distillation and distilling in 50 gallon batches ensures a pure, crisp spirit is produced. When blended with local artesian spring water, that spirit becomes Dripping Springs Vodka, which in 2008 won the Purity Vodka Trophy, a prestigious international award from the International Wine and Spirits Competition in London.

The Kellehers followed the release of Dripping Spring Vodka with Dripping Springs Orange Vodka, Dripping Springs Artisan and Traditional Gins, 1876 Vodka, and 1876 Bourbons. The spirits are all award winning and available at the distillery.

Although particularly known for clear spirits, in 2017 Dripping Springs Distilling introduced 1876 Bourbon, their first grain to bottle whiskey, which won a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Peoples’ Choice Award at the 2018 Texas Whiskey Festival. Also available at the tasting room is a special release, 1876 Port Finished Bourbon.

Dripping Springs Distilling is open Monday through Saturday for cocktails, bottle sales, and walk-in tastings, and Thursday through Saturday for tours. Tour tickets can be reserved at drippingspringsvodka. com. Walk-ins for tours are accommodated depending on availability.

In March of 2019, the brothers will begin construction on additional distilling space as well as a larger visitor and event space.

Dripping Springs Distilling 5330 Bell Springs Road 512-858-1199 • drippingspringsdistilling.com

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PRIVATE PARTIES • SPECIAL EVENTS WEDDING RECEPTIONS

Open for tastings Monday – Sunday 12 p.m. - 6+ p.m.

Groups welcome, please call ahead for best service.

18281 FM 150 • Driftwood, Texas 78619 512-894-2009 http://StinsonDistilling.com • Info@StinsonDistilling.com

Tasting Room International Award Winning

Vodka, Gin, Aged & Lt. Rum, 100% Texas Brandy, Elderflower and Carajillo Liqueurs, and Holiday Nog. Distillery specialty spirits not distributed or seen elsewhere 2018 Denver International Spirits Competition Awarded 5 Medals including 2 Golds and 2 Silver

destinationdrippingsprings.com • 29

PLAY

TREATY OAK DISTILLING

Tour & Tasting Hours: Fri: 3pm–9pm Sat: 12pm–9pm Sun: 12pm–6pm Treaty Oak founder Daniel Barnes is a former sommelier who named the company after the majestic 500-year-old oak where, according to folklore, Texas founding father Stephen F. Austin signed a border agreement with local Native Americans. Barnes says he wanted the name to “symbolize the strength and longevity” of his products.

Barnes started by experimenting with 200 recipes of rum, and introduced his flagship Treaty Oak Rum in 2007. Today, that spirit for exploring and creating new recipes in spirits continues to drive innovation of the various rums, vodkas, gin, bourbon whiskey and beer offered at Treaty Oak. While varied, they all share the common element of Barnes’ commitment

to what he calls “quality, hand-crafted spirits,” he said. “No matter what we make, two things are consistent: we meticulously select the best ingredients for our products, and we adhere to stringent distilling methods to ensure a high-quality finished product. Our spirits are born of science and experience, created in custom-made pot and column stills with our own unique distillation process. We continually test new recipes and try new processes to create amazing spirits that we think you’ll love.”

An example of this care is the molasses used in Treaty Oak Rum. “Our Treaty Oak Rum is made with molasses sourced from the last sugar mill in Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley. We brew rum beer made of molasses and yeast in an initial

fermentation, and then distill it in our custom stills,” Barnes said.

As evidence of this passion and commitment to quality, Treaty Oak earned the 2004 Distiller of the Year Award from MicroLiquor. Barnes was selected among a field of more than 400 distinguished craft distillers in the U.S. The 27-acre Treaty Oak Brewing & Distilling, just north of central Dripping Springs, is a popular destination for both locals and out-of-town guests, offering food and beverages, a tasting room, and cocktail house and restaurant.

16604 Fitzhugh Rd Dripping Springs, TX 78620 treatyoakdistilling.com 512-599-0335

FROG POND DISTILLERY Frog Pond Distillery, maker of gin and vodka, is one of Dripping’s newest adult beverage makers. “We are a family owned business, no investors, so you could say my wife, son, and I literally put ourselves into our product,” co-owner Allen Lloyd said.

Frog Pond Distillery is named after the road it’s on, just east of downtown Dripping Springs off 290, and it considers itself as much a destination as a manufacturer of adult spirits. “For our business model, we consider ourselves as much a tasting room, as a maker of gin and vodka. We are excited at becoming a part of a region that produces so many craft spirits, beer, and wine,” Lloyd said. “Enjoy our products on the wrap-around porch that overlooks our hillside.”

“Both our vodka and gin are made of the same corn-based alcohol, but the gin is our real passion-- we flavor it with four botanicals. Botanicals, in gin parlance, are the herbs and spices that are used to flavor gin. Our final choices were juniper, coriander, bitter orange peel and angelica root. It took me dozens and dozens of small batches as tests to get it right, and produce the gin we make today,” Lloyd said. “People should know that we are a small batch producer. Quality is important to us.”

“We chose Dripping because everyone, including the city government, was very welcoming, we invite people to come and say hello to our family ” Lloyd said.

Cocktails, tours, bottled sales, and plenty of porch sitting.

30 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

261 Frog Pond Lane Dripping Springs, TX 78620 (512) 657-7977 Frogponddistillery.com Sat: 1pm–7pm Sun: 12pm to 6pm (No bottle sales on Sunday)

2 locations 2 unique experiences 7 days a week Wine Tastings • Food Live Music • Outdoor Patios

SidecarTastingRoom.com

| BellSpringsWinery.com destinationdrippingsprings.com • 31

PLAY

S

TWISTED X BREWING COMPANY The Twisted X Brewing Company, located near the intersection of Ranch Road 12 and FM 150, offers up an array of fine small-batch craft beers in both an indoor and outdoor venue. The microbrewery is a favorite of locals.

On top of the great brews, there is a food truck and the venue often hosts live music.

Area visitors who enjoy unique and newly crafted beers would do well to visit Twisted X and sample their latest creations from their “brew crew,” many of which are only available in their tasting room.

23455 W RR 150 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 (512) 829-5323 twistedxbrewing.com Mon–Wed: Closed Thurs–Sat: 11am–9pm Sun :12pm–8pm

ACOPON BREWING Owners Dave Neimeyer and John McIntosh, are not new to brewing or Dripping. Owners of the long-time local beer bar The Barber Shop, they decided to branch in a slightly different direction with Acopon Brewing, and open their new place right next door to the established Barber Shop. “Acopon is an old English word for restorative, or elixir, or health tonic,” Neimeyer said.

Acopon always has 7 to 8 beers available for purchase at all times, but rotates through 15 different recipes throughout the year, so visitors can always have something new to look forward to. But of course, the core English pub ale is always available.

Another distinction of Acopon is beers in cask. “We also have beers on cask, so that’s another thing that we do that’s unique. We re-ferment, cask condition the beer in a cask, and hand pump it out—So it’s just like you would find in an English pub in the old days,” Neimeyer said.

211 W Mercer • Dripping Springs TX 78620 Mon & Tues: Closed | Wed– Fri: 3pm–9pm Sat: 12pm–9pm | Sun: 12pm–6pm 32 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

Sipping in Dripping Trail WINERIES ARGUS CIDERY 12345 Paul’s Valley Road Austin, TX 78637 arguscidery.com 501.720.4443

WESTCAVE CELLARS WINERY 13551 FM 150 Round Mountain, TX 78663 westcavecellars.com 512-431-1403

STINSON DISTILLING 18281 FM 150 W. Driftwood, TX 78619 stinson.business.site 512-703-0628

DISTILLERIES

TREATY OAK DISTILLING 16604 Fitzhugh Rd Dripping Springs, TX 78620 treatyoakdistilling.com 512-599-0335

BELL SPRINGS WINERY 3700 Bell Springs Road Dripping Springs, TX 78620 bellspringswinery.com 512-643-7398

DEEP EDDY VODKA DISTILLERY 2250 E. Hwy. 290 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 deepeddyvodka.com 512-994-3534

DRIFTWOOD ESTATE WINERY 4001 Elder Hill Road Driftwood, TX 78619 driftwoodwine.com 512-858-9667

DESERT DOOR TEXAS SOTOL 211 Darden Hill Road Driftwood, TX 78619 desertdoor.com 512-829-6129

12 FOX BEER CO. 4700 W Fitzhugh Rd Dripping Springs, TX 78620 backroadsbrewing.com 512-626-4458

DUCHMAN FAMILY WINERY 13308 FM 150 West Driftwood, TX 78619 duchmanwines.com 512-858-1470

DRIPPING SPRINGS DISTILLERY 5330 Bell Springs Rd. Dripping Springs, TX 78620 drippingspringsvodka.com 512-858-1199

ACOPON BREWING CO. 211 W Mercer St. Driftwood, TX 78620 acoponbrewing.com 512-829-4723

FALL CREEK VINEYARDS AT DRIFTWOOD 18059A FM 1826 Driftwood, TX 78619 fcv.com 512-858-4050 HAWK’S SHADOW WINERY 7500 McGregor Lane Dripping Springs, TX 78620 hawksshadow.com 866-551-9463 SOLARO ESTATE WINERY 13111 Silvercreek Road Dripping Springs, TX 78650 solaroestate.com 832-660-8642

FROG POND DISTILLERY 261 Frog Pond Lane Dripping Springs, TX 78620 frogponddistillery.com 512-657-7977 GOODNIGHT LOVING VODKA 12440 Trail Driver 12440 Goodnight Trail Austin, TX 78737 goodnightlovingvodka.com/ 512- 413-7580 REVOLUTION SPIRITS 12345 Paul’s Valley Road Austin, TX 78637 revolutionspirits.com 512.358.1203

TWISTED X BREWING COMPANY 23455 W RR 150 Dripping Springs 23455 W RR 150 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 twistedxbrewing.com 512-829-5323 VISTA BREWING 13551 FM 150 Driftwood, TX 78619 vistabrewingtx.com 512-766-1842

BREWERIES

OTHER TASTING ROOMS HILL COUNTRY TASTING ROOM 18992 FM 150 Driftwood, TX 78619 driftwoodtastingroom.com 512-829-8977

FAMILY BUSINESS BEER CO 19510 Hamilton Pool Rd Dripping Springs, TX 78620 familybusinessbeerco.com 512-829-4202 JESTER KING BREWING 13187 Fitzhugh Rd Austin, TX 78736 jesterkingbrewery.com

SALT LICK CELLARS 18300 FM 1826 Driftwood, TX 78619 saltlickcellars.com 512-829-4013 SIDECAR TASTING ROOM 501 Old Fitzhugh Rd Dripping Springs, TX 78620 bellspringswinery.com/sidecar 512-643-7398 TEXAS HILL COUNTRY OLIVE CO. 2530 W Fitzhugh Rd Dripping Springs, TX 78620 texashillcountryoliveco.com 512-607-6512

LAST STAND BREWING 12345 Paul’s Valley Road Austin, TX 78737 laststandbrewing.com 512-373-3629 SUDS MONKEY BREWING COMPANY 1032 Canyon Bend Drive Dripping Springs, TX 78620 SudsMonkeyBrew.com 512-222-3893

BARBER SHOP BREWPUB 207 Mercer Dripping Springs, TX 78620 barbershopbar.com 512-626-0086

WESTCAVE CELLARS

destinationdrippingsprings.com • 33

Westcave Cellars



MAP

Live Oak Canyon Getaway

erve Pres e v a tc Wes ol n Po 3238 Hamilto nch rs Ra e m i Re

Hawk’s Shadow Winery

Ha

on ilt m

Hill Country

R ol Po

 Casitas



Onion Creek Kitchens @ Juniper Hills Farm

165



 Cottonwood RV Park

21

Carraige Hills Ranch

Camp Lucy Resort

Tillie’s Restaurant & Bar





 Engage

Founders Memorial Park & Pound Farmstead





Outpost Motel

Prochnow Rd

Twisted X  Brewery

Mt Gainor Inn

Charro Ranch Park



150

Bella Nido B&B Mercer St Dancehall

Memory Lane Event Center

191 170

2325

12

Rd



y

erle

harp

Driftwood Estate Winery

imb To W

Mt S

Hill of Texas Lodging

Old Glory Ranch

34 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

14 Stinson Distilling

1826 

220

165



Bee Flores Co Mexican Deep Rest. Terrace Sleep Club Inn & Eddy Suites Sports & Vodka Frog Recreation Park Pond Distilling S

YMCA 

Phillips Cemetery

Creek Rd

or Rd

Blanco County Inn & Guesthouses

So Es W

Vil Vign 3

DS

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rkw ay Hatton House

Mt Gain

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To

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destinationdrippingsprings.com • 35

PLAY

HAWKS SHADOW WINERY

If you want to see what the Texas Hill Country truly looks like as you sip your wine, consider a drive out to Hawk’s Shadow Winery on McGregor Lane. With sweeping views of the Texas Hill Country, Hawk’s Shadow Winery & Vineyards offers a relaxing escape from the working world and an authentic taste of handcrafted Texas wine.

The family owned winery welcomes picnics on the patio and dinners in the Cellar. Four legged friends are welcome as well.

BELL SPRINGS WINERY

BELL SPRINGS WINERY & SIDECAR TASTING ROOM

Hawk’s Shadow Wine 7500 McGregor Lane Dripping Springs, TX 78620 512-587-9085 hawksshadow.com Hours: Sat:12pm– 6pm

Bell Springs Winery offers two distinctively different venues. If you would like to experience a “Prohibition Wine Bar,” Bell Springs Wine offers the Sidecar Tasting Room in the heart of the Historic District of Dripping Springs on Old Fitzhugh Road. The décor and old piano will make you feel as if you had stepped into another era.

For a traditional picnic setting, consider their main facility on Bell Springs Road. You can bring your own blanket or chairs as you sip your wine in a park-like setting.

Main Winery 3700 Bell Springs Road Dripping Springs, TX 78620 512-643-7398 bellspringswinery.com Hours:11am –6pm

PHOTO COURTESY OF HAWK’S SHADOW WINERY

WESTCAVE CELLARS

Westcave Cellars started in 1999 as a vineyard to provide grapes to local wineries after owners Margaret and Allan Fetty found the perfect piece of property next to West Cave Preserve.

After a few years, the vineyard began producing wine too, officially opening its doors to the public in 2011.

Westcave Cellars produces unique wines made in the oldworld style that is strongly influenced by French traditions.

The vineyard has nine acres hosting 8,000 vines that include nine different varieties of grapes. Stop by the tasting room and experience these incredible 100-percent Texas wines.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BELL SPRINGS WINERY

Sidecar Tasting Room Fitzhugh Rd Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Hours: Mon –Thurs: 2pm–9pm • Fri: 2pm–10pm Sat:12pm–10pm • Sun:12pm–8pm

PHOTO COURTESY OF HAWK’S SHADOW 501WINERY Old

36 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

Westcave Cellars 25711 Hamilton Pool Road Round Mountain, TX 78663 (512) 431-1403 westcavecellars.com Mon, Thurs & Fri: By appointment Tue & Wed: Closed Sat & Sun:12pm– 5pm

Getting Around CENTRAL TEXAS VALET Central Texas Valet provides professional valet parking services for restaurants, hotels, private residences, private parties, city events, bars, night clubs, country clubs, large-scale community events, small-scale events, and sporting events throughout Texas. centraltexasvalet.com (888) 414-6059

DEER RUN CHAUFFEUR SERVICE

PHOTO COURTESY OF SLOWPOKES WINERY TOURS

Deer Run Chauffeur Service provides transportation needs for weddings, special events, wine and brewery tours, airport transportation, executive car service, and concert and sport events. deerruncs.com (512) 658-3900

SLOWPOKES WINERY TOURS Slowpokes is a Wine, Beer and Distilled Spirits Tasting Tour, which provides a memorable, one of a kind day of fun for everyone! Join a small mixed group or book a private tour for your party. texaswinetourcompany.com (214) 226-0322

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY CHARTER AND LIMOUSINE & DISCOVER TEXAS WINE TOURS Discover Texas Wine Tours provides a friendly and relaxed atmosphere for those who want to sample and become familiar with the awardwinning vintages being produced in our Fredericksburg, Dripping Springs and Wimberley wineries.

Hillcountryshuttleservice.com discovertexaswine.com (512) 656-8299 WINERY TOURS

destinationdrippingsprings.com • 37

MUSIC

MERCER STREET DANCEHALL

ACO 211 W Dripp acop 512-8

AUS 3799 Dripp austin 512-5

BAR 207 Dripp barb 512-6

DRIP DIST 5330 Dripp dripp 512-8

Live Music If you’re visiting Dripping Springs, one thing you can be sure of is that there will be some sort of live music on the day of your visit.

“We’re unusual in the sense that we have live music going on every day of the week,” Visitors Bureau president and CEO Pam Owens said. “Somewhere on Mercer Street, or nearby, someone will be on stage.”

If you want to experience a real live Texas honky tonk, complete with live music and wood dance floor, Mercer Street Dance Hall is a must visit.

Fans have been flocking back to the new facility, just south of Dripping Springs on Ranch Road 12 since it re-opened at the end of 2018. The name plays homage to its original location on Mercer Street, where after a contract dispute with the landlords spelled trouble for the Dance Hall, Nick Dotin decided to build a brand new facility.

At a time when the rush has been to preserve aging dance halls across the Lone Star State, fans of Mercer Street Dance Hall are enjoying their two-stepping at the dance hall’s new building in Driftwood.

“The Dotin’s have done an amazing job with Mercer Street Dance Hall,” said

country singing sensation Kevin Fowler.

“They’ve worked tirelessly to keep the Texas dancehall tradition alive.”

On the main street of Dripping Springs, visitors will find Hudson’s on Mercer.

Owners Chad and Natasha Hudson say it was created by artists for artists, with state of the art soundboards, recording studio, and music artists continually on stage. Here, you’ll find a combination of home grown Central Texas talent, as well as nationally known musicians. Chad Hudson receives calls from musicians that play much larger venues that now want to play in Dripping Springs. “They heard about the ambiance and the energy of Hudson’s,” Chad said.

Muddy Waters Blues icon Paul Oscher said of Hudson’s, “Man I like it out here.

It’s a place with an old time feel, a close in audience feel musicians love.” During his visit, Oscher delighted Hudson’s patrons in the patio with a “pre- show” before officially taking to the Hudson’s stage.

The music scene continues to expand with many local restaurants, coffee houses, wineries, breweries, distilleries and bars supporting the cause. At the Barbershop, a pub on Mercer where many locals have

38 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

their own name-engraved mugs waiting for them behind the bar, visitors can see live music every Tuesday night.

Nearby restaurant Homespun Kitchen and Bar, and Sidecar Tasting Room also have stages for shows during the week and weekends.

In October, Homespun Kitchen and Bar hosts the Oktoberfest Musikfest, which showcases area bands and raises money for Dripping Springs Helping Hands (a local non-profit food bank), as well as music

HUNDSON’S ON MERCER ST

HAY 8989 Driftw hays 512-7

HOM 131 E Dripp home 512-

HUD 381 Dripp huds 512-8

Live Music ACOPON BREWING CO. 211 W Mercer St. Dripping Springs, TX 78620 acoponbrewing.com 512-829-4723

MERCER STREET DANCEHALL 23490 RM 12 South Dripping Springs, TX78620 mercerstreetdancehall.com 512-858-4314

AUSTIN JAVA 3799 E. Hwy 290 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 austinjava.com 512-599-2274

SKY CINEMAS DRIPPING SPRINGS (SEASONAL) 166 Hargraves St., Unit A100 Dripping Springs, TX 78737 skycinemas.com 512-457-0700

BARBER SHOP BAR 207 Mercer Dripping Springs, TX 78620 barbershopbar.com 512-626-0086 DRIPPING SPRINGS DISTILLING 5330 Bell Springs Rd. Dripping Springs, TX 78620 drippingspringsdistilling.com 512-858-1199 HAYS CITY STORE 8989 FM 150 West Driftwood, TX 78619 hayscitystoretx.com 512-722-3905 HOMESPUN KITCHEN & BAR 131 E Mercer Street Dripping Springs, TX 78620 homespunkitchenandbar.com 512-829-4064 HUDSON’S ON MERCER 381 Mercer St Dripping Springs, TX 78620 hudsonsonmercer.com 512-894-2075

SUDS MONKEY BREWING COMPANY 1032 Canyon Bend Drive Dripping Springs, TX 78620 SudsMonkeyBrew.com 512-222-3893 TREATY OAK DISTILLING 16604 Fitzhugh rd Dripping Springs, TX 78620 treatyoakdistilling.com 392-599-0335 TWISTED X BREWING COMPANY 23455 W RR 150 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 twistedxbrewing.com 512-829-5323 VISTA BREWING 13551 FM 150 Driftwood, TX 78619 vistabrewingtx.com 512-766-1842

CHECK WITH VENUES FOR THEIR MUSIC LINE-UP OR GO TO DestinationDrippingSprings.com/events

scholarship for graduating high school seniors.

“We wanted to support live music in the community, but we also wanted to support the community. We chose Helping Hands because of the unique good they do for our community as a food bank. And while organizing Oktoberfest Musikfest can be very stressful, it has taken on a life of its own and become part of our community. People expect it,” Homespun owner Randy Ford said. “Every year it gets bigger. Last year, for the first time, we raised enough money to buy about 100 turkeys and all the fixings, so that Helping Hands could give 100 families or so a merry Thanksgiving dinner.” Dripping Springs is proof that music, community spirit, and fun, can coexist. Most of the wineries, breweries and distilleries and a lot of restaurants have live music, especially on weekends.

Always check the event page at DestinationDrippingSprings. com to find out where live music is happening. destinationdrippingsprings.com • 39

HISTORY

Local History A JOURNEY TO THE BEGINNING OF DRIPPING SPRINGS Dripping Springs’ Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead Museum offers visitors a unique glimpse into what life was like when Dripping Springs was first settled. The beautifully restored family house, dating to 1854, is filled with original family furnishings and heirlooms.

The farmstead barn, smokehouse, windmill, underground cellar and garden areas are also renovated, as they existed a century ago.

When first built, the house quickly became an outpost for the surrounding area. The Kiowa and Tonkawa knew Dr. Pound as a “Medicine Man,” as he cured both settlers and Native Americans. The house was also the first church in the area, as circuit riders would stop and hold services there. Over the years, the house expanded to serve the family’s nine children and it became the focal point for the developing community, serving as a doctor’s office, site of the first school, first church services, and gathering place for the area’s social life.

Today, the restored home and farmstead is a heritage museum,

open for tours and events, to provide us, and future generations, an experience of pioneer life in early Texas. It is again, a focal point of the community. The Dr. Pound Farmstead hosts public workshops, seminars and events year-round, including summer programs for kids. In addition the gorgeous grounds are available for private parties and special uses such as - Weddings - Reunions - Social Gatherings - Special Tours - Educational Functions This year, Pioneer Day, will be held on Saturday, May 11. This is a one-day event that turns the grounds back in time, where children can learn how to make pioneer crafts, play pioneer games and get a real covered wagon ride around the grounds. There is also live bluegrass music, over 40 demonstrators and a BBQ chuckwagon experience.

The Dr. Pound Farmstead is part of the Hill Country Trail Passbook.

Along with 17 other historical spots in the region, the Pound House is one of the featured stops where

PIONEER DAYS AT DR.POUND HISTORICAL FARMSTEAD

Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead 750 Founders Park Rd • Dripping Springs, TX 78620 drpoundhistoricalfarmstead.org you can get your passbook stamped and receive prizes for visiting different historical sites. The Dr. Pound Farmstead is included in the National Register of Historic Places and was recorded as a Texas State Historic Landmark in 1965. It is entirely sustained by charitable contributions and the work of countless volunteers and community members.

We invite you to participate with us in preserving the historic farmstead—come and enjoy a

tour, attend an event, volunteer, or become a member. Memberships make a great gift and our Frontiersman membership includes entry into our biggest annual events.

The Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 12:00pm to 3:00 p.m. Admission of $5 includes a tour and a map. Stop by the Pound Provisions store to pay for entry and browse our unique finds from local artisans. Groups are also welcome.

Antiques • Galleries • Museums CARVED STONE, INC. 5300 Bell Springs Rd. Dripping Springs, TX 78620 carved-stone.com 512-858-5665

DRIPPIN’ PICKIN’S 304 Mercer Street Dripping Springs, TX 78620 facebook.com/drippinpickins 512-750-5755

THE RURAL HOME 104 Mercer St Dripping Springs, TX 78620 theruralhome.com 512-983-6168

VINTAGE SOUL 300 Mercer St. Dripping Springs, TX 78620 vintagesoultx.com 512-567-5934

DR. POUND HISTORICAL FARMSTEAD 570 Founders Park Road Dripping Springs, TX 78620 drpoundhistoricalfarmstead.org 512-858-2030

GALLERY OF THE REPUBLIC 2600 Hwy 290 E Dripping Springs, TX 78620 galleryoftherepublic.com 512-472-7701

SCIENCE MILL 101 South Lady Bird Lane Johnson City, TX 78636 sciencemill.org 844-263-6405

LONE STAR GIFTS 301 Mercer St Dripping Springs, TX 78620 lonestargifts.net 512-858-9912

LYNDON B. JOHNSON NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK 100 Lady Bird Lane Johnson City, TX 78636 nps.gov/lyjo 830-868-7128

SOL’STICE GARDENS 4230 Hwy 290 W Dripping Springs, TX 78620 solsticegardens.com 512-569-0175

40 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

destinationdrippingsprings.com • 41

PARKS

Outdoor Adventure PEDERNALES FALLS

PHOTO COURTESY OF TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE

Pedernales Falls State Park may have the most tranquil set of falls you can find. The park’s namesake feature allows visitors to get up-close and personal with the beauty of the Pedernales River.

“The falls are more of a cascading waterfall, not a dropping waterfall,” Carl Flocke, assistant superintendent of Pedernales Falls State Park, said.

“It gently rolls down over a series of limestone ledges in the river. It spills over these rocks forming a neat water pattern. There are areas where it shoots through rapids. There are deep pools between the falls as well that are very pretty. You can wander out and

hike around them and explore the channels were the river used to run and has carved out caves and grottoes around the fall. The whole area is very beautiful.”

The 5,212-acre park sits just a few miles west of Dripping Springs. With miles of river front access, the park is a hit in the summertime for those looking for water recreation. Beyond swimming, the park offers miles of hiking. There are over 40 miles of hike and bike trails.

“We have several creeks running through the park that form neat pools and formations,” Flocke said. “They can be accessed by our trail system and they get you out deep into the Hill

42 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

Country. You can hike out onto ridges that allow you to see untarnished Hill Country views. You can go up and down over hills and ridges with junipers and oaks.”

The park is located at 2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City. Swimming, hiking, camping and fishing are the most popular activities. Day access is only $6 per adults, children 12 and under are free. Overnight camping is an additional $20 per night. Park closures are possible on weekends and holidays when parking lots are full. More information can be found at tpwd.texas. gov/ state-parks/pedernales-falls or by calling (830) 868-7304.

Things to Do ALMOST GROWN 18901 Hamilton Pool Rd Dripping Springs, TX 78620 almostgrownplaycafe.com

CARVED STONE, INC. 5300 Bell Springs Rd. Dripping Springs, TX 78620 carved-stone.com

LITTLE SPEEDSTERS 13317 Fitzhugh Rd Austin, TX 78737 littlespeedsters.com

SCIENCE MILL 101 South Lady Bird Lane Johnson City, TX 78636 sciencemill.org

AUSTIN ZOO 10808 Rawhide Trail Austin, TX 78736 austinzoo.org

DR. POUND HISTORICAL FARMSTEAD 570 Founders Park Road Dripping Springs, TX 78620 drpoundhistoricalfarmstead.org

LYNDON B. JOHNSON NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK 100 Lady Bird Lane Johnson City, TX 78636 nps.gov/lyjo

SERASANA DRIPPING SPRINGS 166 Hargraves St Austin, TX 78737 serasana.com/locations/ serasana-drippingsprings

DRIPPING SPRINGS VISITORS BUREAU 509 Mercer St. Dripping Springs, TX 78620 destinationdrippingsprings.com

ONION CREEK KITCHENS @ JUNIPER HILLS FARMS 5818 Ranch Road 165 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 juniperhillsfarm.com

SOLS’TICE GARDENS 4230 Hwy 290 W Dripping Springs, TX 78620 solsticegardens.com

BEL CANTO FARMS 4205 Lone Man Mountain Rd Wimberley, TX 78676 belcantofarms.com BOARD AND BRUSH CREATIVE STUDIO 333 E Highway 290 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 boardandbrush.com/ drippingsprings

GALLERY OF THE REPUBLIC 2600 Hwy 290 E Dripping Springs, TX 78620 galleryoftherepublic.com

Bel Canto Farms is pleased to welcome Firm Foundations Equine Assisted Psychotherapy to our home at 4205 Lone Man Mountain Rd.

THE SPRINGS FAMILY YMCA 27216 RR 12 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 austinymca.org TEXAS HILL COUNTRY OLIVE CO. 2530 W Fitzhugh Rd Dripping Springs, TX 78620 texashillcountryoliveco.com THE WIMBERLEY PLAYERS 450 Old Kyle Road Wimberley, TX 78676 wimberleyplayers.org

Life is delicate and precious...

Enjoy more of life’s bubbly moments at

firmfoundationstx.com

MERRITT HILL COUNTRY SENIOR VILLAGE Wimberley, TX 78676 (512) 797-1178

20 7 1

512-806-6700 MERRITTCOMMUNITIES.COM 28725 RANCH ROAD 12 DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620 destinationdrippingsprings.com • 43

PARKS

Swim & Relax HAMILTON POOL

DAVE WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Known since the time of Native Americans, Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve has a concave overhang that creates a beautiful waterfall. It is begging to be explored and enjoyed. The Preserve is just minutes north of Dripping Springs.

“When people come in from out of town, and I want to show them the natural beauty of Central Texas, I take them to Hamilton Pool,” Michael Brewster, Park Supervisor for Hamilton Pool Preserve, said. “It never fails to astonish people.”

“Most people can’t believe they are in Texas, because it looks more like the rainforest.”

Swimming, picnicking and hiking are just a few of the pleasures that the park has to offer in its 232 acres. The limestone cliffs, the cave and the beauty

that surrounds it are well worth the price of admission. After summer swimming season, the park is quiet and nature’s beauty is at the forefront. The waterfalls and the confluence with the Pedernales River is a must see.

Hamilton Pool is also a nature preserve with a mission to provide habitat for wildlife. There is diverse vegetation throughout the park, which serves as a home to the endangered Golden-Cheeked Warbler and a variety of other birds.

The designation as a nature preserve does come along with a few restrictions.

Hamilton Pool does not allow pets, fires, fishing, biking or camping in the park.

Visitor amenities include a picnic area and composting restrooms by the parking lot.

44 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

The pool trail is a quarter mile in length and includes a series of rock steps descending into the canyon. The trail is rugged and steep. Sturdy footwear is recommended. Visitors with physical disabilities can arrange assistance into the canyon by requesting a ride by preserve staff. The ride takes a visitor into the canyon, but not all the way to the pool, since no vehicle can make it to the pool.

Reservations are required to enter Hamilton Pool daily, March - October, and on weekends November - February and on county holidays. Call (512) 2642740 for current information. The park is located at 24300 Hamilton Pool Road.

For more visit parks.traviscountytx.gov/ find-a-park/hamilton-pool.

FOUNDERS RIDGE

An Unparalleled Location AT FOUNDERS RIDGE This community is perfectly placed on mature wooded acreage with a natural pond and native landscaping. Just minutes from schools in the Dripping Springs ISD, one of Austin’s highest ranking districts.

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Wide Variety of Homes Starting from the low $300s

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Community Park & Spacious Home Sites

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$360/Year HOA Dues and Estimated 2019 Tax Rate 2.2522

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Close to area wineries, breweries, olive groves, shopping, restaurants and more

162 OSAGE COURT | DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620 taylormorrison.com/austin | 512.292.6186 All information (including, but not limited to prices, availability, incentives, floor plans, site plans, features, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists’ renderings and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change or delay without notice. Pricing may not include options, upgrades and lot or elevation premiums. All homes subject to prior sale. Community Association fees may be required. Square footage and dimensions are estimated and may vary in actual construction. Community improvements and recreational features and amenities described are based upon current development plans which are subject to change and which are under no obligation to be completed. For further information, please see a Taylor Morrison Community Sales Manager and review our Terms of Use. Current area amenities, as well as retail and entertainment opportunities outside the Community listed above are non-exhaustive, for informational purposes only and subject to change outside of Taylor Morrison’s control. Please contact the location of interest directly for current details. This is not an offering in any state where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. © January 2019, Taylor Morrison of Texas, Inc. All rights reserved.

destinationdrippingsprings.com • 45

PARKS

Nature & Wildlife WESTCAVE PRESERVE

PHOTO COURTESY OF WESTCAVE PRESERVE

The highlights of Westcave Preserve are the cave formations and waterfalls that are surrounded by native vegetation on the 75-acre park.

“In terms of geological time it is about 100,000 years of erosion from the Pedernales River that has formed a beautiful canyon,” Paul Vickery, education director at Westcave Preserve, said. “When you get to the head, there is this magnificent grotto. You’ve got lush ferns and mosses growing. In the summer months it may be a 20 degree temperature shift from the upper area down to the grotto.”

It is worth a trip to take in all that the preserve offers. Tours of Westcave allow visitors to see and believe the wonders of the park.

Guided tours are the only way to protect the fragile ecosystem. The goal is to protect, respect, steward and educate the public.

“Our guided tour gives you a perspective of how our property has been in recovery mode for the last 40 years,” Vickery said. “We celebrated our 40th year last year. That continued dedication is not only to preserve our current features but to allow future generations to enjoy the beauty of nature and seek inspiration from it.”

The gorgeous grotto is only available for view via guided tour that are offered on a first come first serve basis on Saturdays and Sundays only. Tours are $7 for ages 4 through 12 and $15 for 13 46 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

years old and up and fill up quickly. Beyond the guided tours to the grotto are the upland trails that are available Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on weekends from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. You must be able to navigate a steep set of stairs to see the grotto waterfall.

The one-mile loop features a bird blind, prairie restoration project and a glimpse into the natural side of the Texas Hill Country. Run by the non-profit Westcave Outdoors Center, the preserve also features the Warren Skaarren Environmental Learning Center.

Part visitor’s center, part classroom, the center is 3,000 squarefeet and can accommodate up to 150. The classroom teaches ways to preserve the environment. An aperture in the ceiling allows sunlight to actually show what season it is with a meridian line and sky map embedded in the terrazzo floor.

There are also Star Parties, bird walks and wildflower walks along with a host of other events worth enjoying. Take time to visit a place to relax, learn more about the environment and to see the natural wonders of Westcave. The preserve is located at 24814 Hamilton Pool Road. Visit westcave.org or call (830) 825-3442 for more information.

REAL PROPERTIES

destinationdrippingsprings.com • 47

PARKS

Explore Outside REIMERS RANCH PARK

PHOTO BY DALTON SWEAT

“The park is so big, we never fill up,” Michael Brewster, Park Supervisor of Reimers Ranch Park, said.

There are more than 18 miles of trails throughout the classic Central Texas landscape of Milton Reimers Ranch Park. The pristine parkland, open space and reserve land in western Travis County, just a few minutes from Dripping Springs, offers almost three miles of continuous frontage along the Pedernales River.

“Reimers is about 2,400 acres of mostly undeveloped land,” Brewster said. “If you want to get out in nature, there is a lot of backcountry hiking to do. It’s an undeveloped river shoreline, so you can sit on a beach and look at a river. It’s the natural beauty of Reimers Ranch that makes it so popular.”

Beyond the space for a typical hiker, there are many popular uses for Reimers Ranch. The local rock-climbing community sees the tall cliffs that protect the edge of the Pedernales River as a world-class destination. Local anglers have come to the river for generations for incredible white bass fishing. The trails are used for both mountain biking and horseback riding (you must bring your own bike or horse).

Astronomical programs have recently been added to enjoy

48 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

the beautiful dark skies of Central Texas at the Reimers Ranch Observatory. There are two large telescopes, one 15 inches in diameter and the second 25 inches in diameter.

“For the large telescope, you have to climb up a set of stairs to use it,” Brewster said. “That is how big it is.”

The telescopes, along with the dark sky, will open up an array of celestial objects that can’t typically be seen from the typical back yard.

“It is a special opportunity for people,” Brewster said. “We also do astronomy education at these programs where we’ll point out constellations and satellites with laser beams while talking to people about space and science.”

Reservations are required for the astronomical programs. Park fees are $10 per vehicle on weekdays and $15 on weekends and holidays, Lone Star Veteran and Senior Pass Holders are free.

Only cash is accepted. Pets are allowed but must stay on a leash.

Glass bottles and public displays of alcohol are not allowed. The park is open from 7 a.m. to twilight. Camping is not allowed.

For more information call (512) 854-7275 or visit parks. traviscountytx.gov/find-a-park/reimers-ranch.

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destinationdrippingsprings.com • 49

PARKS

Our City Parks DRIPPING SPRINGS PARKS & RECREATION FALL & WINTER Life can be hectic at times, but there are still many ways to enjoy the outdoors that Dripping Springs is famous for. Being a part of the Hill Country, the area is full of natural beauty and the city has taken great steps to preserve its wide-open spaces and the area’s unique flora and fauna. Dripping Springs has parks for athletics, bird watching, hiking, swimming, rodeos, picnics and playgrounds for the little ones. There are 270 acres of land in five parks that have been set aside to enjoy whatever your outdoor endeavors.

CHARRO RANCH PARK Charro Ranch Park is a great place to reflect. Birdwatchers have a place to sit undercover and watch birds gather and feed. Or perhaps hiking and picnics are your family’s choice? The park has picnic tables and both the trails and trees are marked for easy identification. The park can also be used for biking, and cross-country track training. Donated to the city by Lucy Reed Hibbard, it had been in her family’s hands for 50 years and the trails and signs are her touches. The park is maintained by the Hays County Master Naturalists. Pack a lunch, bring your camera, and enjoy. Charro Ranch Park is located at 22690 W. FM 150.

DRIPPING SPRINGS RANCH PARK

Ranch Parks’ 166,000 square foot facility hosts many events: home & garden shows, rodeos, and livestock shows throughout the year. The versatility of Dripping Springs Ranch Park allows for a large variety of events hosted every weekend of the year. The venue also includes a smaller 12,000 square foot special venue room for receptions plus corporate or similar organizational meetings. The park also includes outdoor playgrounds, hiking trails, and equestrian trails on 110 acres. The park is located at 1042 Event Center Drive across from the Dripping Springs Elementary School.

FOUNDERS PARK

Just north of town proper, off Ranch Road 12, is for family time. Day passes are available from the city’s public swimming pool and a covered pavilion can be rented for small events or for use anytime for family picnics.

The park also has soccer, football, lacrosse fields, playgrounds and a small hiking trail to enjoy. Once part of the Dripping Springs settler’s compound, the Dr. Pound House Farmstead and Museum, is furnished with the family’s original items and time appropriate pieces; it’s the centerpiece of the park. Many events, such as Pioneer Day, that celebrate the area’s history take place here. The park is located at 480 Founders Park Road.

SPORTS AND RECREATION PARK

Sports and Recreation Park is a dream location for athletes of all ages. There are baseball/softball fields, which host both youth and adult competitions, along with soccer, basketball and volleyball facilities available. The recreation park has groves of oaks offering shade for picnic tables and walking trails. A playground for children of all ages, a concession stand and restrooms are also located in the park. The park is located at 27148 Ranch Road 12.

VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK

Dripping Springs wanted a prominent area of town to honor those who have served in the military, and Veterans Memorial Park was born. Directly at the Triangle—the intersection of U.S. Highway 290, Ranch Road 12, and Mercer Street—Veterans Memorial Park honors all veterans who served. A flag was placed and monuments erected so that the residents will never forget the sacrifices that military men and women, and their families, face every day. There are picnic tables available and the Farmers Market is held there every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

50 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

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WEDDING

Wedding Capital of Texas

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52 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

“The land out here is gorgeous,” Kim Hanks, co-owner of Whim Hospitality and Camp Lucy with her husband Whit, said. “I think that is what draws people to this area. The properties are just beautiful, and we’ve had some real pioneers in ® the industry come here to enhance the wedding experience.”

From countryside ranches to French colonial chapels and elegant wineries, it’s no wonder why Dripping Springs was named the “Wedding Capital of Texas®.”

“Dripping Springs has a wedding venue to fit any style a bride could want,” Pam Owens, president and CEO of the Visitors Bureau, said. “And our local wedding industry has grown so much over the last few years that we have plenty of vendors to choose from to make your wedding perfectly unique.”

Boasting over 35 wedding venues within a 15-mile radius, from sophisticated to downright rustic, Dripping Springs is an ideal location for weddings of all shapes and sizes. You will find a relocated 19th century Vietnamese chapel, rustic barns, historic mansions, churches, chapels, and more.

The natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country provides the perfect backdrop to any wedding. In addition to discovering their perfect venue, a couple can find everything they need in the Wedding Capital of Texas® to make their dream nuptials into reality.

Local wedding accoutrements include ministers, wedding planners, florists, baker, photographers, caterers, and of course, all kinds of romantic honeymoon possibilities.

“We are wine country,” Hanks said. “We are the second most traveled wine region in the United States. You can enjoy the wineries, distilleries and breweries. There is just so much to do. It makes this area perfect for a wedding and an adventurous weekend.”

With these local hills hosting over 3,500 weddings a year, the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce trademarked the term and then even the Texas Legislature agreed, Dripping Springs is the official “Wedding Capital of Texas®.”

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BELL 2335 Driftw bella 512-

CAM 350 Dripp cam 512-

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Wedding & Event Venues DRIFTWOOD ESTATE WINERY 4001 Elder Hill Road Driftwood, TX 78619 driftwoodwine.com 512-858-9667

HILL COUNTRY CASITAS 7400 McGregor Lane Dripping Srprings, TX 78620 hillcountrycasitas.com 512-809-4958

ASANTE LODGING & EVENTS 16580 Fitzhugh Road Dripping Springs, TX 78620 stayasante.com 512-829-1046

DRIPPING SPRINGS RANCH PARK 1042 Event Center Drive Dripping Springs, TX 78620 drippingspringsranchpark.com 512-858-4725

HILL COUNTRY TASTING ROOM 18992 FM 150 Driftwood, TX 78619 hillcountrytastingroom.com 512-829-8977

AUSTIN JAVA 3799 E. Hwy 290 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 austinjava.com 512-599-2274

THE DUCHMAN FAMILY WINERY 13308 FM 150 West Driftwood, TX 78619 duchmanwines.com 512-858-1470

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS DRIPPING SPRINGS 333 Hwy 290 E, Suite 500 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 hiexpress.com 512-858-0280

BELLA NIDO BED & BREAKFAST 23351 FM 150 Driftwood, TX 78619 bellanido.com 512-584-5088

ENGAGE, A CREATIVE RETREAT 1425 W. Hwy 290 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 EngageACreativeRetreat.com 214-298-9094

HUDSON’S ON MERCER STREET 381 Mercer St Dripping Springs, TX 78620 hudsonsonmercer.com 512-894-2075

CAMP LUCY 3509 Creek Road Dripping Springs, TX 78620 camplucy.com 512-894-4400

FALL CREEK VINEYARDS AT DRIFTWOOD 18059A FM 1826 Driftwood, TX 78619 fcv.com 512-858-4050

THE LINEY MOON 5401 W Fitzhugh Rd Dripping Springs, TX 78620 thelineymoon.com 512-954-8534

THE ALEXANDER AT CREEK ROAD 6730 Creek Road Dripping Springs, TX 78620 thealexanderatcreekroad.com 866-515-1142

CARRIAGE HILLS RANCH WEDDING VENUE 125 Moore Lane Blanco, TX 78606 carriagehillsranch.com 512-222-9821

FLORES MEXICAN RESTAURANT 2440 E. Hwy 290 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 floresmexican.com 512-858-2221

MEMORY LANE EVENT CENTER 403 KC Memory Lane Dripping Springs, TX 78620 memorylaneweddings.com 512-894-0700

FRIENDSHIP CREEKSIDE FELLOWSHIP 14455 FM 1826 Austin, TX 78737 friendshipcreekside.com 512-288-2009

CYPRESS MILL RIDGE 25404 Hamilton Pool Road Cypress Mill, TX 78663 cypressmillridge.com 858-361-7297

THE HAVEN 32000 RR 12 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 thehaven-dstx.com 913-626-4760

DEEP EDDY VODKA DISTILLERY, TASTING ROOM & EVENT VENUE 2250 E. Hwy. 290 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 deepeddyvodka.com 512-994-3534

HAWK’S SHADOW WINERY 7500 McGregor Lane Dripping Springs, TX 78620 HawksShadow.com 866-551-9463

MT. GAINOR INN - A BED AND BREAKFAST 2390 Prochnow Road Dripping Springs, TX 78620 mtgainorinn.com 512-858-0982

HEART OF TEXAS GETAWAYS PO Box 2767 Wimberley, TX 78676 heartoftexasgetaways.com 713-907-2896

OLD GLORY RANCH 3633 River Road Wimberley, TX 78676 oldgloryranch.com 512-847-3646

DR. POUND HISTORICAL FARMSTEAD 570 Founders Park Road Dripping Springs, TX 78620 drpoundhistoricalfarmstead.org 512-858-2030

RANCH AUSTIN WEDDING & EVENT VENUE 10313 Circle Drive Austin, TX 78736 ranchaustin.com 512-348-7264 SADDLE CREEK WEDDINGS 700 Farrell Ln. Dripping Springs, TX 78620 saddlecreekweddings.com/ 512-781-5683 THE SALT LICK RESTAURANT AND PAVILION 18300 FM 1826 Driftwood, TX 78619 saltlickbbq.com 512-894-3117 STONE HOUSE RANCH 2750 McGregor Lane Dripping Springs, TX 78620 stonehouseranchweddings.com 512-993-8005

MA MAISON WEDDING & EVENT VENUE 2550 Bell Springs Road Dripping Springs, TX 78620 themamaison.com 512-777-1642

CREEKSIDE WEDDINGS AND SPECIAL EVENTS 18315 RR 1826 Driftwood, TX 78619 austincreekside.com 512-894-3218

PECAN SPRINGS RANCH EVENT VENUE 10601 B Derecho Austin, TX 78737 pecanspringsranch.com 512-632-1046

MERCER STREET DANCEHALL 23490 Ranch Road 12 Driftwood, TX 78619 mercerstreetdancehall.com 512-858-4314

THE TERRACE CLUB 2600 E Hwy 290 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 theterraceclub.com 512-894-4009 TEXAS HILL COUNTRY OLIVE CO. 2530 W Fitzhugh Rd Dripping Springs, TX 78620 texashillcountryoliveco.com 512-607-6512 TREATY OAK DISTILLING 16604 Fitzhugh rd Dripping Springs, TX 78620 treatyoakdistilling.com 392-599-0335 VISTA WEST RANCH 4505 McGregor Ln. Dripping Springs, TX 78620 vistawestranch.com 512-894-3500

destinationdrippingsprings.com • 53

EVENTS

Songwriters Festival

DRIPPING SPRINGS SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL OCTOBER 18 –20, 2019 Downtown Dripping Springs drippingspringssongwriters festival.com

2 018

The Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival, this year from October 18–20, is now a local tradition. The weather cools down, and the music fans turn out in downtown Dripping Springs to enjoy just about any type of acoustic music you would want. If you don’t like what you’re hearing, wait a couple of minutes and somebody else will be playing something completely different and all shows are FREE. Each of the venue hosts four individual songwriters for an hour and a half. Each songwriter does one of their own songs before passing it off to the next songwriter. The process is called a writer round or song swap, which allows everyone a chance to sing while giving each songwriter the ability to pick their best tunes. The festival starts on Friday at noon and concludes on Sunday afternoon with a wrap party on Mercer Street in front of The Barber Shop.

The songwriters come from all over – some have even come from Australia. Dripping Springs residents and local lodgings house the songwriters. And although not paid, the songwriters are fed and have a roof over their heads while they are here. The venues include Acopon Brewing, The Barber Shop, Hudson’s on Mercer, Mazama Coffee Co., and Sidecar Tasting Room on Old Fitzhugh Road.

See over 40 musicians and 35 shows per day during the Dripping Springs Songwriter’s Festival and who knows? Maybe you’ll enjoy a future number one hit.

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54 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

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Dripping Springs Events APRIL APR 13-14 Redbud Artisan Market Dripping Springs Ranch Park facebook.com/Redbud-ArtisanMarket APR 26-28 32nd Annual Founders Day Festival Historical Mercer Street foundersdayfestival.com

MAY MAY 1-31 Dripping with Taste Passport Trail Various drippingwithtaste.com MAY 11 Pioneer Day @ Dr Pound Historical Farmstead Dr Pound Historical Farmstead drpoundhistoricalfarmstead.org MAY 11-12 Shorty Scott Memorial Ride Dripping Springs Ranch Park

MAY 18 Bailey Kay Hutson Bull Ride Dripping Springs Ranch Park facebook.com/baileykay.hutson MAY 22-23 Wildflower Spring Arts & Crafts Mkt Dripping Springs Ranch Park texasmarketguide.com/ MAY 27 Memorial Day Service Veterans Triangle Park post290tx.com/

JUNE JUN 9-10 Dripping Springs Ranch Park Riding Series Jumper Show Dripping Springs Ranch Park Dripping Springs Ranch Parkridingseries.com/ JUN 14-21 Camp Ben McCulloch Reunion Camp Ben McCulloch Park campben.com

JULY

AUGUST

JUL 4 Fire in the Sky 4th of July Celebration Dripping Springs Ranch Park destinationdrippingsprings.com/ events

AUG 2-3 Hill Country Rally for Kids BBQ Cook-off Camp Ben McCulloch Park hcrally.com

JUL 13 Premier Gun Show Dripping Springs Ranch Park premiergunshows.com

AUG 17 Drives for Dripping’ Vaaler Creek Golf Club hcrally.com

JUL 20-21 Rotary Club Home & Garden Show Dripping Springs Ranch Park destinationdrippingsprings.com/ events

AUG 30-31 Gunner Thames Memorial Jackpot Dripping Springs Ranch Park gunnerthames.com

JUL 26-28 DS Fair & Rodeo Dripping Springs Ranch Park drippingspringsfairandrodeo.com

SEPTEMBER SEP 21-22 Premier Gun Show Dripping Springs Ranch Park premiergunshows.com

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destinationdrippingsprings.com • 55

EVENTS

BY ALYSSA WEINSTEIN

Founders Day is an annual three-day festival that celebrates the founding of the Dripping Springs community.

Every April, locals and visitors look forward to the wide variety of festivities that are offered including the Mighty Thomas Carnival, delicious food, barbecue cook-off competitions, live music, and the more than 150 arts and craft booths and vendors that line-up along Mercer Street.

The first day of the festival kicks-off on a Friday evening with a parade made up of the small businesses, organizations and schools of Dripping Springs as they ride through downtown. Locals line Mercer Street in their lawn chairs with food, drinks, and empty bags ready to catch goodies and candy thrown from the parade. Afterwards, the Mighty Thomas Carnival is ready for the kids to enjoy and the booths

56 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

and vendors are ready for the parents to stroll by and shop.

On Saturday and Sunday, spend the day at the carnival, listen to live music and try all the different food options.

This year’s 32nd Annual Founders day will take place in downtown Dripping Springs on April 26–28, 2019. For more information visit cityofdrippingsprings. com/page/foundersday.home.

The festival is hosted by the City of Dripping Springs, as well as the Founders Day Commission, which includes representatives from different local organizations. The proceeds collected from the three-day event are contributed back to the community, and benefit local non-profit organizations, parks, churches, schools, youth groups and charities.

Th conti of pr Th recog by th Farm awar year vend La squa sprin ripen local Ve of t juice

FARMERS MARKET: Fresh produce, music & more!

The Dripping Springs Farmers Market continues all year long with a wide assortment of produce, vendors, shoppers, music and fun.

The Dripping Springs Farmers Market was recognized as the #1 Farmers Market in Texas by the American Farmland Trust in its recent Farmers Market Celebration Contest. The award winning Farmers Market continues all year long with a wide assortment of produce, vendors, shoppers, music and fun.

Late summer stuff-- melons, peppers and squash--give way to fall freshly harvested spring greens, plump strawberries, treeripened peaches, and crisp green beans at the local farmers market.

Vendors flock to market with new varieties of treats (fruit popsicles, fresh squeezed juices, caramel corn) and ranchers offer a

wide assortment of meats (grass-fed beef, lamb, bison, pork and chicken).

Grow-your-own types can find the best varieties of starter plants for Hill Country gardens, hand-selected and grown by people who know best.

There’s more fun at the market with live music from inspired musicians, and lots of space for kids and dogs to romp. Plenty of picnic tables in the shade of towering trees offer spots for enjoying the ready-made food, glasses of locally made wine and friends gathering every Wednesday afternoon at the “Triangle,” located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 290 and Ranch Road 12. For more information visit: cityofdrippingsprings.com/ page/fm.home.

FARMERS MARKET

DRIPPING SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET Wednesdays: 3–6pm, Rain or Shine

FARMERS MARKET

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destinationdrippingsprings.com • 57

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Christmas on Mercer cityofdrippingsprings.com/page/city.mercer_christmas

As the weather finally begins to turn cool, the holiday season starts heating up.

In Dripping Springs, Christmas officially kicks off right after Thanksgiving with the 15th annual Christmas on Mercer, on Saturday December 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The festival, hosted by the City of Dripping Springs and the Lion’s Club, takes over downtown Dripping Springs. Mercer Street, Dripping Springs’ main street, is closed to vehicle traffic allowing shoppers to meander the street and check out vendor booths and local shops.

For the shopper, the street is filled with vendor booths selling crafts, decorations, art, hand-crafted furniture, clothing, food and beverage, and many other items.

There are also plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained, as well as live music, making the whole event perfect for families. Parents will find a petting zoo, trackless train, pony rides, and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The event starts off at 10 a.m. but it really lights up at dusk. When the sky goes dark, everyone gathers around the Christmas tree at Veterans Memorial Park (also known as The Triangle) for the official tree lighting.

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DRIFTWOOD

Driftwood

Driftwood is adjacent to Dripping Springs, and equally loaded with rich Texas History.

The heart of Driftwood following FM 150 was part of a land grant issued to William Barret Travis, an Alamo defender, over a century ago.

In keeping with that history, area residents are now asking state lawmakers to pay homage to that history and rename the stretch of FM 150 from Ranch Road 12 to FM 3237 the W.B. Travis Heritage Trail.

Enjoy a beautifully scenic drive, as you traverse FM 150 and visit the many venues Driftwood has to offer.

60 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SALT LICK BBQ

VISTA BREWING

It isn’t just Dripping Springs that is exploding with places aimed at pleasing your taste buds. Driftwood also has new locations intent on bringing the best craft beer around.

Vista Brewing opened this past year just a few miles from Dripping Springs proper. The destination brewery was founded by Kent and Karen Killough and has a “holistic approach to hyper-local, delicious foods and beverages.” Come out and enjoy the fresh air, fresh beer and live music.

The shaded beer garden offers views of the incredible ranch land that the brewery is located on. Brewmaster Josh Watterson, who was most recently head brewer at Brasserie St. James, has brought his own unique signature to the typical European traditions of crafting beer. Watterson also received critical acclaim by winning the Great American Beer Festival’s Brewmaster of the Year award.

“Recipes are influenced by European traditions, with their own signature interpretation,” Vista Brewing’s website said. “They have a range of styles, all balanced, approachable, low abv. Crisp and dry on the palate, but at the same time, soft and drinkable. From brewing a pristine kolsch, to a delicately fruited lambic, to the most awarded saison in the world, Josh is recognized as one of the top brewmasters in the United States. More complex and nuanced recipes are designed around ingredients from the Vista property and surrounding Hill Country (honey, persimmons, agarita, juniper, etc.) and we’ll utilize wine barrels from our neighbors on the Central Texas wine road.”

VISTA BREWERY

Thur: 11am–9m Fri & Sat: 11am–10pm Sun: 11am–9pm (512) 766-1842 13551 FM 150 Driftwood, TX 78619 Family Friendly, Dog friendly

VISTA BREWERY

Scott Roberts and his wife are owners of Salt Lick, the famed barbecue joint that his father started in 1967.

There isn’t a type of meat that isn’t served at Salt Lick. Stop in and try a slab of brisket, pork ribs, chicken, beef ribs, turkey, pulled pork and prime rib. The restaurant is famous for barbecuing its meat over an open flame in the middle of the dining area.

The Salt Lick has grown into one of the biggest restaurants around as it packs in hundreds every night of the week, but this property still tells a small town love story.

MARK ADAMS MEDIA

SALT LICK Thurman Roberts, Sr. and his wife Hisako met while he was stationed in Hawaii.

They married and moved to Driftwood. It was there that Hisako’s Japanese heritage came into play. The BBQ sauce was perfected and combined perfectly with Thurman’s old fashioned, slow smoking method learned from his grandmother.

Fifty years later, the third generation BBQ is better than ever.

The restaurant is now home to Salt Lick Cellars, which opened a tasting room on property in 2009. Many fine wines are available, but some of the best award-

winning wines are made from the grapes grown right on the property. It is an evergrowing endeavor.

The Salt Lick is a family style, BYOB establishment and it’s a lot of fun. This is one place not to be missed, locals all know how good the BBQ and fixin’s truly are.

Open daily: 11am –10pm 18300 FM 1826 • Driftwood, TX 78619 saltlickbbq.com (512) 858-4959 Salt Lick is cash only and BYOB destinationdrippingsprings.com • 61

DRIFTWOOD

DESERT DOOR SOTOL

Desert Door is a craft distiller of a premium and unique Texas spirit known as Texas sotol.

Their liquor is made from the sotol plant which we wild-harvest all across Texas, from Driftwood to Marfa. Sotol was the first alcoholic beverage ever consumed by humans in Texas 800 years ago, and the plant has been in use for over 13,000 years. The sotol is smoother than whiskey, less smokey than mezcal, and it doesn’t burn like tequila. The intriguing and complex flavor will give you a sensation of west Texas in every sip and you can substitute your usual spirit with sotol for a more compelling cocktail. The Desert Door distillery is located in Driftwood, TX, on the eastern edge of wild sotol country, where you can drop by the desertmodern tasting room and enlighten your palate.

Live music every weekend and locals should mention they’re from the area for a discount on tasting, cocktails, merch, and tours!

Desert Door Sotol Thurs: 3:30 – 8pm, Fri & Sat: 11:30 am –8 pm, Sun 12:00-6:00 pm 211 Darden Hill Road, A200 | Driftwood, TX 78619 (512) 829-6129 • desertdoor.com

STINSON DISTILLING

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Stinson Distilling is known for its handcrafted spirits, and it has the awards to prove it.

Stinson produces enough types of liquor to fill your cabinet with seven different styles. From the premium vodka to the rum and whiskey, there are no taste buds left untouched.

In fact, Stinson Distilling took home five awards at the prestigious Denver International Spirits Competition including the gold medal for the premium vodka and a Carajillo. The Carajillo, one of the newest additions to the distillery’s flight, is a cream, rum, and coffee explosion with hints of vanilla, chocolate and visions of Tiramisu.

The tasting room, which offers craft cocktails and light snacks as well as the liquor tastings, is open Tuesday through Sunday from noon until 6 p.m.

Stinson Distilling Tues–Sun: 12pm–6pm 18281 Ranch to Market Road 150 #211 Driftwood, TX 78619 (512) 894-2009 • stinson.business.site PHOTO COURTESY OF FALL CREEK VINEYARDS 62 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

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DRIFTWOOD

Wine Lovers

DUCHMAN FAMILY WINERY

PHOTO BY JERRY HAYES PHOTOGRAPHY

Duchman Family Winery is one of the most beautiful wineries in Texas.

Nestled in the Texas Hill Country near Driftwood, the stone architecture and rolling hills elicit the feel of an elegant winery in Italy. In fact, HGTV listed the winery as one of the 20 most picturesque in the country.

The look and feel of Italy was intentional as founders Lisa and Stan Duchman love unique Italian grape varieties, which have inspired some of the wine varieties like the

Vermentino, Sangiovese and Dolcetto.

But make no mistake this winery is truly Texan. Duchman uses 100 percent Texas grapes to make the wines with the majority of its fruit acquired from the Texas High Plains where cooler temperatures and climate are ideal for producing Italian grape varieties and from nearby Salt Lick Vineyards.

All of the winery’s current releases can be sampled and purchased at the winery’s tasting room and the estate’s beautiful Italianate villa and grounds

64 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

are open to visitors who can enjoy their wines with a picnic lunch.

Stop by and have a taste at picnic tables under the shade of oak trees. The tasting room is open seven days a week.

Duchman Family Winery 13308 FM 150 Driftwood, TX 78619 duchmanwinery.com (512) 858-1470 Mon: 12pm–6pm Tues–Sun:11am–8pm

FALL CREEK VINEYARDS

Fall Creek Vineyards may be new to the Driftwood area, but it is far from a new winery. The first location was originally opened in 1975 in Tow, Texas making Fall Creek one of the first wineries in the state.

In 2016, the winery opened a second location in Driftwood, because they found something special in the soil.

“What we have found is that some of the best soils in Texas, as good as anywhere in the world, are here in this Onion Creek Valley,” Ed Auler, owner of Fall Creek, said. “We found that the soils in the Salt Lick Vineyards (directly across the street from Fall Creek) are producing grapes that are making wines that are getting awards in international competition… What we are finding is truly world class wines are coming out of these soils.”

The tasting room in Dripping Springs is still getting its feet wet when it comes to growing grapes, but the wine on hand is already award-winning. Fall Creek’s winemaker Sergio Cuadra came to the company four years ago.

“He didn’t come here to make great Texas wines,” Auler said. “He came here to make great wines that just happened to come from Texas.” Fall Creek Vineyards won Top Texas Winery at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 2016 and won the Top Texas White Wine in 2017.

Apparently, the international wine community agrees that the wines are world class. In 2016, Fall Creek Vineyards GSM Salt Lick Vineyards 2014 wine was awarded a double gold medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition, one of the most prestigious competitions and awards in the world. Three other Fall Creek Wines received gold and silver medals at the competition.

While the main Fall Creek Winery is still in Tow, the new tasting room in Driftwood, just outside of Dripping

Springs, is a treat to see.

“We have a gorgeous property,” Brewster said. “They purchased a home and converted into a tasting hall. So it has an elegant and cozy environment. It feels like you are drinking wine in your own perfect home, and you have the opportunity to do that over looking vineyards and the Texas Hill Country. Also, you are across the street from one of the top barbecue restaurants in the state (Salt Lick) so you have the wafting smell of barbecue coming across the road.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF FALL CREEK VINEYARDS

Fall Creek Vineyards 18059-A FM 1826 • Driftwood, TX 78619 Mon–Sat: 11am–7pm • Sun: 12–5pm (512) 858-4050 fcv.com/driftwood

DRIFTWOOD ESTATE WINERY

PHOTO BY ROBERT ANSCHUTZ

If you are touring the Hill Country, Driftwood has a few sights to see and it’s only 10 minutes from downtown Dripping Springs. The old filling station across from the cemetery, and the historical cemetery are both worth a peek. But traveling on you’ll run into Driftwood Estate Winery, a winery that boasts a million dollar view.

Inside the tasting room or outside on the grounds, everything is relaxed, especially when having a glass of award-winning wine. Their Orange Muscat, using 100% Texas grapes received the gold medal from the Houston International Wine Competition, and their 2017 Viognier received a gold medal from the San Francisco International Wine Competition.

The 18-acre property sits high atop a bluff on the edge of the Texas Hill Country and looks out over the vineyards several hundred feet below. It is a great place to have a picnic lunch and to imbibe in an award-winning wine from Driftwood Estate.

The family-owned winery produces a large variety of wines that are as good as the view. Specializing in Mediterranean varietals such as Syrah, Viognier, Sangiovese, Muscat as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, they try to use Texas grapes only. The staff and owners are very knowledgeable and their service is top notch.

Driftwood Estate Winery 4001 Elder Hill Road • Driftwood, TX 78619 driftwoodvineyards.com (512) 692-6229 Tasting Room Hours: Daily 11am –6pm destinationdrippingsprings.com • 65

Get lost in the view

INDEX

ADVERTISER INDEX AESA Prep Academy

2

Audrey Row Realtor

15

Michele Ryon - Realtor

21

Austin Outline Inc

63

Milena Christopher Attorney at Law

59

Aylor Construction

29

Nest Vacation Rentals

67

Bel Canto Farms

43

Realty Austin – Ashley Bobel

63

Bell Springs WInery

31

REMAXREAL PROPERTIES

47

Central Garage

54

Remax/Gateway 68

Cottonwood Creek RV Park

21

Rover Inn

21

Cowgirls & Lace

25

Sated Sheep

15

Dripping Springs Distilling

27

Simmons Bank (formerly Southwest bank)

58

DS Songwriters’ Festival

55

Sodalis Memory Care~ Signal Hill

51

Dr Pound Historical Farmstead

41

Sonora Bank

7

5

Spoon Fork

9

Dripping Springs Elite Real Estate Professionals

Mazama Coffee

9

Dripping Springs Library

41

Station on Mercer

55

Fresh Native

25

Stinson Distilling

29

Friends of the LBJ National Historic Park

41

Sunset Canyon Vet Clinic

21

Hays City Store

15

Taylor Morrison Homes

45

High Cotton Design

25

Texas Hill Country Olive Oil

13

High Tide Pool Service

54

Texas Night Sky Festival Association

63

Hill Country Insurance Agency

15

The West Henly Boil Shack

39

Indigo Healing Acupuncture, PLLC

29

Veritee Property Solutions

43

Ledgestone Senior Living Community

49

Villa Vigneto

21

Malone Diesel

56

Whim Hospitality

3

Marilyn Miller Attorney

57

Wimberley Lions

55

Mark Handley State Farm

58

Your Growing Child

51

66 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019

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68 • Dripping Springs Visitors Guide Spring & Summer 2019