As a Dripping Springs native, I wish to suppose I do know it fairly properly. The city has come a good distance from being often called the place “simply west of bizarre,” exploding lately right into a suburb of Austin (although many would frown upon that designation). When you’re driving on Freeway 290, viewing the Dripping Springs water tower with its “Gateway to the Hill Nation” motto in daring letters serves as a private welcome for residents and newcomers alike.
Regardless of the speedy latest progress within the Austin space, Dripping Springs nonetheless has lots of the small-town options that its native residents — and transplants — all love. Lots of the culinary staples I loved as an adolescent are nonetheless thriving, years after the COVID-19 pandemic threatened native companies statewide. The annual April Founders Day Competition has been a must-see for households for many years.
These in the hunt for a brand new day journey spot ought to take into account these 11 locations to go to in Dripping Springs.
The place to Eat
Homespun Kitchen & Bar
Homespun is a farm-to-table American restaurant with European influences that serves brunch, lunch, and dinner with stay music and kid-friendly areas. Chef Michael St. Germain is behind all menu selections, making use of his expertise from San Francisco eating places and bringing vital popularity of his burgers, based on the restaurant’s web site. With weekday specials, fresh-made desserts and over 300 whiskeys to select from, there’s a bit of one thing for everybody to take pleasure in. Reserve at homespunkitchenandbar.com.
Oak Creek Cafe
Who can say no to some good Southern consolation meals? Oak Creek Cafe has been working on the nook of Sportplex Drive and Freeway 290 for a number of years. Should-try menu objects embody the rooster fried steaks, biscuits and gravy, and mushroom Swiss burger. The cafe repeatedly posts photographs of its massive plates of consolation meals on Fb, and Google reviewers find it irresistible as a breakfast spot above all.
Rolling in Thyme & Dough
A private favourite: Rolling in Thyme & Dough’s authentic Freeway 290 location is within the heart of Dripping Springs, providing scrumptious pastries, breakfast, and lunch choices. Fan favorites embody the smoky chipotle breakfast sandwich, the TX two-step sandwich for lunch, and any of the freshly-baked pastries. In addition they have weekly BYOB bistro nights on Wednesdays within the spring, using contemporary elements from the Dripping Springs Farmers Market.
Mazama Espresso Co
Since its founding in 2012, Dripping Springs’ first unbiased espresso store has been caffeinating the city for over a decade. They micro-roast their very own beans from Ethiopia, Costa Rica, Colombia, Guatemala, Indonesia, and Brazil. In addition they have a bakery to offer clients with well-loved baked items and lunch. Mazama’s was named the Finest Espresso Store of Dripping Springs from 2018-2021, based on their web site.
The Nice British Baking Firm
This cozy meals spot is a more recent addition to Mercer Road. The Nice British Baking Firm provides to the rising meals tradition on the town with their home made sticky toffee pudding, sausage rolls, scotch eggs, and rotating soups. All of their menu objects are made proper behind the checkout counter of their open kitchen. Don’t neglect to browse their collection of imported British items, and ensure to take dwelling a parfait or chocolate mousse in a jar.
What to Do
Dripping Springs Chocolate Firm
The Wilson household created their chocolate enterprise as a solution to help native economies in Nicaragua after a household mission journey. Of their mission assertion, they goal to create the perfect chocolate whereas “improv[ing] the lives of the farmers and communities that develop the cacao.” They’ve since expanded their preliminary chocolate choices to spice rubs, dessert and scorching cocoa mixes, and chocolate-covered snacks.
The Sated Sheep
As a self-described “psychologist-turned-fiber-junkie,” this yarn store proprietor has created her personal group surrounding fiber crafts and a love of knitting. Allison’s store has been a must-see for any guests seeking to decide up a brand new pastime, or desirous to seize a glass of wine and watch different knitters or crocheters create artworks. The store provides inexpensive lessons for any talent stage, personal classes, and workshops for particular occasions.
Classic Soul
When you’ve by no means met Julie Crawford, you’re lacking out on some of the bubbly and welcoming personalities in Dripping Springs. Whether or not you’re in her Mercer Road store or watching her weekly “Strive-on Tuesday” Instagram tales, Julie makes everybody really feel assured in her garments and equipment. And let’s be trustworthy, everybody loves details about true garment sizing earlier than you strive it on or purchase on-line.
Starrs on Mercer
Two sisters with zero retail expertise collaborated in 2015 to construct a bustling “modern-day division retailer” on Mercer Road. Born out of a love for buying and comfort, Starrs on Mercer is a one-stop store for ladies’s, males’s, and child clothes, plus equipment, and items. The Starr sisters have since opened a journey company, Starrs On The Go, to develop their endeavors.
Treaty Oak Distilling
You may’t write about Dripping Springs with out together with some standard distilleries. When it was based in 2006, Treaty Oak says it was solely the fourth distillery working within the state. The distillery sits on a 28-acre property on Fitzhugh Street with loads of area for kids to discover when you sit again and luxuriate in a home made cocktail. Excursions of the distillery can be found on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and lessons can be found on choose Saturdays each month.
Desert Door Distillery
What was as soon as a barren plot of land on Darden Hill Street has now developed into the one sotol distillery in the US. Desert Door hosts a spread of stay music weekly, provides excursions on weekends, and in addition has a rental area for personal occasions. With a wide range of cocktails and tacos made by James Beard award winner Jesse Griffiths and Spoke Hole Steward, it’s undoubtedly a go-to for any day journey itinerary.
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