Summer Road Trip Plans? Make Dripping Springs One of Your Destination

With Texas being the second largest state in the US, it’s no wonder you can always find something to do…from beaches to mountains, from open plains to the gorgeous Texas Hill Country - there are endless possibilities. People gravitate to Texas year round for the outdoor recreation, abundant activities, friendly people, great food, shopping, and of course - live music! If exploring Texas is on your list of things to do, be sure to plan a trip to Dripping Springs, TX for a day, weekend, or week-long getaway. There’s plenty to do in this little slice of paradise, and here are the reasons why it should be on your travel agenda.

Dripping Springs, TX is located at the Gateway to the Hill Country, just west of Austin and away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Over the years, Dripping Springs has become a hot spot for numerous wineries, breweries, distilleries, making it a great place for adult outings and date nights. Many offer kid and pet friendly settings too. Home to a number of festivals throughout the year means year round entertainment and things to do. Officially the Wedding Capital of Texas®, means unmatched lodging and accommodations for every budget. It's the perfect destination for a romantic getaway or a family vacation. Check out some of Dripping Springs places to hangout, cool off, and enjoy all the Hill Country has to offer. https://www.destinationdrippingsprings.com/p/plan.

For a fun place to cool off from the summer heat, plan a trip to Pedernales Falls State Park. You can camp, hike, mountain bike, picnic, geocache, bird watch and ride horses at the park, or swim, wade, tube or fish on the river.

With over 32 wineries, breweries and distilleries in the Dripping Springs area is a craft beverage destination! The Dripping Springs Brewers Festival, held in March, hosts many of the breweries in the area. Visit and sip with several of the Hill Country region’s top craft beers and those who brew them. Up and coming in April, what better way to celebrate than with a wine, beer and spirits trail? The Dripping with Taste Trail is a fun way to experience Dripping Springs' unique beverage scene and will be launching April 22nd!

We often visit 12 Fox Beer Co, a very lively spot with lots of families, live music, food trucks, and cold beer. Find a picnic table under the trees and enjoyed a flight of beer and a conversation with some of the locals. Located right in Downtown Drippin' on Historical Mercer Street, Acopon Brewing Company showcases English ales as their specialty and tap fresh casks every week. Right down the street you'll find Sidecar Tasting Room created as a second tasting room for Bell Springs Winery & Brewery and to pay tribute to the prohibition era.

In addition to producing excellent goods, many Texas distilleries open their doors to show their process to enthusiasts. Island Getaway Rum proudly produces Texas Rums while serving tropical cocktails in their beautiful distillery oasis. Desert Door sotol is a uniquely Texas spirit that gives you a sensation of west Texas in every sip. The Desert Door distillery is located on the edge of wild sotol country, where you can drop by the desert-modern tasting room and enlighten your palate. If you're looking to try some famous Texas BBQ, a visit to Treaty Oak Distillery is always a good call. Anchored in the roots of tradition and yet each inspired by unique cultural impulses, Treaty Oak is famous for their whiskey and bourbon.

Here’s a three-for-one stop! Maybe you're looking for a unique tour in the area, let us suggest Barton Springs Mill, the Hill Country’s first new mill in more than a century. They opened in 2017 and are located off of Fitzhugh Road. Tours are available this summer. Barton Springs Mill also holds classes and workshops on occasion so make sure to check their website for dates and times.

In the same building, you can find Abby Jane Bakeshop, a delicious baked goods shop that uses heritage grains grown in Texas and milled in Dripping Springs at Barton Springs Mill. In fact, a nine-foot window from the bakery into the mill means when you come to get your latte and morning bun, you can sip leisurely while watching the millers doing their hard work. (Seriously, they love it. Do it.) Abby Jane offers a regular menu of breads, pastries, pizza, sandwiches, grain salads, treats, and sweets made with all the heirloom grains we can get our hands on.

After you’ve toured the mill and stopped in the bakeshop, maybe you’d like to wet your whistle with a little adult libations, family-friendly atmosphere, live music, and outdoor games among the large oak trees at Treaty Oak Distillery. Tucked away from the noise of the city, the Treaty Oak Ranch sits on a twenty-seven acre plot of land. Their focus is innovative Texas-centric food and beverage experiences with family-friendly entertainment while enjoying the tasting room, distillery, restaurant, rick house, cocktail house, play area and dog park. Wow!

Now that you have your sights set on Dripping Springs for your next trip, it’s time to decide where to stay. Dripping Springs has a number of lodging options depending on your personal needs and desired accommodations. Stay in an adorable tiny home at Harrod's Hill Country Hideaway which is centrally located near numerous wine tasting rooms, distilleries and breweries. If you're looking for a secluded Hill Country hideaway with the opportunity to imerse in nature, Hill Country Casitas offers 10 Casitas ranging from studios to two bedrooms. There is definitely something for everyone from yurts to cabins to traditional hotels.

If you're looking for a more secluded and romantic place to stay, Dripping Springs has some real hidden gems. To help you narrow your search, here’s a couple of our favorites:

If you're looking for a pet-friendly boutique hotel known as Lucky Arrow Retreat sits on 15 acres of pure Texas Hill Country beauty.

Maybe you’d like to spend your time among the trees, well look no further than the Alexander at Creek Road. Enjoy big Hill Country views with three cozy tree houses. Gaze at the hills through picture windows or from lounge chairs on the spacious deck.

Once you have the overnight accommodations set, you’ll want to stop in Mercer Dancehall to dance, listen and enjoy what makes Texas honky tonks uniquely special. Spend an afternoon strolling along Historic Mercer and Old Fitzhugh Streets to take in the eclectic boutiques. Finally, stop by new Summer Revival Wine Co. for a cute couples wine tasting.

If you’re bringing the whole family on a trip, then maybe you’re looking for a more traditional place to stay. Short-term vacation rentals are one option, or Dripping Springs has a couple of hotels to choose from too; Holiday Inn Express & Suites, and Sleep Inn & Suites, and Courtyard by Marriott.

Stop by Dreamland for a rousing family game of pickleball, meet the goats at Jester King Brewery or catch a movie at Evo Cinemas.

So whether you plan to explore a lot of Texas or just a portion of it, do yourself a favor and make Dripping Springs one of your destinations - you won’t be sorry. Stay a day as you pass through, or make it an extended stay, either way you’ll see what makes it so special.

Be sure to check out our other blogs for all things Dripping Springs : Destination Dripping Springs