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Northwest Trail

Start your day with a visit to the Texas Hill Country Olive Company for some tastings, shopping, and a tour of the orchard. Next on the agenda, visit one of the nearby parks, Hamilton Pool or Reimers Ranch Park. A stop at Family Business Beer Co. is a must for some rest, relaxation and a cold pint after your hike. Finish your day with some great Mexican food at Verde's Mexican Parilla.

Four people walking on a caliche road walking through an olive orchard

1. TEXAS HILL COUNTRY OLIVE CO.

Sitting upon 17 gorgeous Hill Country acres, the Texas Hill Country Olive Company is the perfect place to grab a glass of wine and taste the delightful Texas olive oil and vinegar produced in Dripping Springs. The international award-winning company hosts orchard and mill tours on Fridays & Saturdays; the tours are $6 per person and you will learn about the history of olive oil, the oil extraction process and much more. After the tour, stop by the bistro where you can pick up a chef made panini or pizza to snack on, choose a drink from a lovely selection of local beers and wines, and find a place on the covered porch to sit back and enjoy the views of the orchard and the surrounding natural beauty.

2. 12 FOX BEER COMPANY

Beer is more than just a liquid and our brewery is not just a pet project - It’s a lifestyle. 12 Fox's beer is simple and to the point... created from rainwater, boutique farm grains, top quality hops and custom crafted yeast. They make small batches to fit their seasonally brewed and always fresh approach which keeps from having to use all of the {headache causing} preservatives so many breweries add to make sure their beer last for months and sometimes years. Eat local with Gummies BBQ on site attend one of the many fun events throughout the year.

3. HAMILTON POOL PRESERVE

One of the most picturesque locations in all of Texas (maybe even the world) is located right here in Dripping Springs, TX. A trip to the 200-acre Hamilton Pool Preserve will have you feeling like you have been transported to another world rich with lush plants and trees, and an abundance of wildlife. The pool, a geological masterpiece was formed by thousands of years of water erosion which created a collapsed grotto, the canyons and a staggering waterfall. Located 3/4 mile upstream from its confluence with the Pedernales River, Hamilton Creek spills out over limestone outcroppings to create a 50-foot waterfall as it plunges into the head of a steep box canyon. Before you plan your trip to the pool, you must make an $11 online reservation. You will also pay $15 per vehicle in cash for an entrance permit when you arrive at the preserve. Nothing quite beats Hamilton Pool in the heat of the Texas summer, but reservations do fill up fast, so make them before they’re gone.

5. REIMERS RANCH PARK

Reimers Ranch has been very well known by the rock climbing community for many years as a destination for climbers of all skill levels. The limestone cliffs and walls that hang over the Pedernales River in Dripping Springs are a rock climbers dream but also a beautiful back drop for anyone looking to spend some time in the great outdoors. A visit to Reimers Ranch will put you right on the banks of the Pedernales river where you’ll have 3 continuous miles of river frontage to explore. The park is situated on over 2,400 acres and gives you access to over 18 miles of trails perfect for hiking and biking. After you’ve worked up a sweat, you can hop in the cool, clear river for unforgettable swim. Reimers Ranch hosts different events throughout the year including stargazing, so check the website to keep up-to-date on all the happenings.

6. VERDE'S MEXICAN PARILLA

Verde's is dedicated to using the freshest ingredients and providing food that people keep coming back for. Verde’s is not your typical Mexican food restaurant; they are known for infusing the flavors and spices of Mexico with the grill to make their own unique menu including pork tenderloin, bacon wrapped quail, and various other Mexican “platos”. While the food, and drinks at Verde’s will have your mouth watering, the outside dining area will take your breath away. The large covered patio with an expansive fenced-in lawn area is ideal for letting the kiddos run around and play to their hearts content. If you are looking for fine dining in a casual setting, Verde’s is the place.