"Taking a step back in time," is a common phrase you will hear as you stroll down Mercer Street or Old Fitzhugh Road in downtown Dripping Springs, enjoying the architecture of buildings, many of which were built between 1870 and 1940, but are the current location for several thriving businesses.
Mercer Street was home to some of the first businesses in Dripping Springs and many of the storefronts have remained unchanged for decades. Downtown, you will find unique and eclectic storefronts and businesses full of energy, entertainment and accessibility for folks of all ages.
Whether it's shopping at one of the quaint boutiques, grabbing a beer at the well-known "Barber Shop," or treating your ears to some fantastic live music, there is something for everyone in downtown Dripping Springs.
Also, located downtown is the actual "dripping springs", the landmark which gave Dripping Springs the town, its name. Located on the west end of Mercer Street, this specific area consists of lush,
fern-covered limestone ledges which consistently drip water into a small stream.
Originally, it was a gathering place for the native Americans that roamed this part of the Hill Country and a source of water for the first Anglo settlers. This area of Dripping Springs is located at the west end of Mercer Street near The Homestead and is delineated by a granite marker. Folks can get a glimpse of the springs by parking at the Visitors Bureaus parking lot, locating the FedEx mailbox and following the limestone stairs down to the creek.