Surround yourself with some of the prettiest nature paths in Dripping Springs. Go for a run on the jogging trails, bring your binoculars along for bird watching at the bird viewing station, or take a leisure walk and have a picnic. All this and more are available at Charro Ranch Park.
Play some pickleball or putt putt golf and grab a bite or drinks!
Hamilton Pool is one of the most picturesque locations in all of Texas (maybe even the world) and is located in Dripping Springs. A trip to the 200-acre Hamilton Pool Preserve will make you feel like you are being transported to another world rich with lush plants, and a variety of wildlife species. 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. The waterfall never completely dries up, but in dry times, it does slow to a trickle. To get to the pool, you must take a ¼ mile trail that includes a series of rock steps that descend into the canyons. Good shoes and plenty of water are a must for the trip to the pool and preserve.
Reservations are required to visit Hamilton Pool Preserve and must be made online beforehand. Camping and pets are not allowed on the grounds either so make sure to leave your dogs at home.
"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.
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.
Along Fitzhugh road just northwest of the center of Dripping Springs you will find the Texas Hill Country Olive Company. Pull into the parking lot of the Tuscan inspired villa and you will find yourself surrounded by over 15 acres of olive trees and smack dab in some of the most beautiful lands in all of the Hill Country. The Texas Hill Country Olive Company has been in business since 2008 and offers orchard and mill tours on Fridays & Saturdays.
During the tour, you will learn about the history of olive oil, the oil extraction process and much more. There’s also a tasting room on the grounds, a bistro with paninis, charcuterie and pizzas, as well as a lovely selection of local beers and wines. Within the villa is a gift shop where you can purchase their award winning olive oil, balsamic vinegars, cooking accessories, fresh bread, and gifts.
Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is a 76-acre natural preserve with caves, dripping springs, bird watching areas, and more. Individual and group tours are available. For a small entry fee, take up to an hour and a half leisurely walk through the oak trees and spring wildflowers.
Pastry chef Abby Love opened this Hill Country bakery that churns out exceptional bread, croissants, and pastries (try the monkey bread). The bakeshop also serves sandwiches, grab-and-go sides, and, occasionally, wood-fired pizza. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.
The restaurant at Treaty Oak Distilling serves Texas dishes like smoked enchiladas, tacos, and barbecue plus sides to a boisterous crowd enjoying whiskey flights, cocktails, or beer on the many outdoor picnic tables. It’s a great place to watch the sun set on a nice night. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.
The Hill Country fare at the casual restaurant consists of deviled eggs, fried pickles, chicken fried steak, and shrimp and grits. For drinks, pick something out from the admirable bourbon and wine selection. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.
This café near the Dripping Springs town center serves coffee (with in-house roasted beans), house-made baked goods (including vegan and gluten-free friendly options), and sandwiches for lunch. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.
Primarily a bakery and lunch café, Thyme & Dough offers fresh pastries in the morning, light luncheon fare, and desserts. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.
Amazing BBQ! It is BYOB.
Feeling fancy? Stop into the gorgeous antique-filled restaurant at hotel/wedding venue Camp Lucy. Tillie’s has a seasonal menu with dishes like a duroc pork chop with street corn and watermelon relish, a 10-layer Texas honey cake, plus a full bar. Tillie’s serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, and there are alpacas living on-site for post-meal pets. There are indoor dine-in services.
Deep Eddy offers food and drink, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, options at the Tasting Room.
Located in the heart of hill country, the Tasting Room is a great place to spend some time unwinding while you sample their "almost infinite variety of cocktails." They also feature live music most Fridays through Sundays.
The original Texas Hill Country distillery, Dripping Springs Distilling has produced the award winning Dripping Springs Vodkas, Dripping Springs Gins, and 1876 Texas Straight Bourbons in their patented 50 gallon copper stills in Dripping Springs Texas since 2005. As of August 2021 the beautiful new Distillers Bar is open Thursday-Sunday for tastings, tours, craft cocktails and scratch kitchen, with plenty of seating inside, on the patio, and under the oak trees. Stop by for a meal or stay for the afternoon for cocktails with your family and friends and taste the small batch difference!
Tucked away in the Hill Country, located on twenty-eight acres is Treaty Oak Ranch which is home to the distillery, the gift shop and Alice's Restaurant. Named after the massive and majestic 500-year-old oak that symbolizes strength and longevity, the ranch is a family and dog friendly destination. Treaty Oak selects the best ingredients for their selection of beers, and spirits that include bourbon, rum, and gin. There’s a little something for everyone at Treaty Oak - a gift shop, tasting room, artisanal cocktails on tap, yard games, a kids play area, and live music every weekend.
Alice's Restaurant houses a full bar and kitchen and serves up delicious Texas inspired meals and BBQ all weekend long. The menu includes snacks, smoked/roasted/grilled meats, fresh salads, roasted veggies and well as a kid friendly fare.
They also offer a 45-minute tour of the distillery where you can learn all about the production process from the Treaty Oak distillers. Pack up the kiddos and head out to Dripping Springs and Treaty Oak Distillery for an experience the whole family will enjoy.
Visit and experience our small-production wines, chef prepared food, and a visit that you will never forget. You can stop by for a wine tasting, pairing experience, glass of wine, or lunch from our food truck, and more.
Our tasting room is set with 5 Tasting Stations. This is to ensure a positive tasting experience for all of our guests. We accept reservations for up to 10 guests in a single group. Options for larger groups are our Private Tasting options or enjoying glasses/bottles. Our indoor and outdoor property is currently open. While we allow leashed dogs outside, no pets are allowed inside the winery.
We offer by the bottle, by the glass, and wine tastings. We accept walk-ins for wine tastings Monday-Thursday, based on availability. Wine tastings are reservations only Friday-Sunday and are very limited. You can request a reservation for a wine tasting by calling the Tasting Room, online through TOCK, or emailing tr@duchmanwines.com
Please note, reservations are for wine tastings only. If you wish to enjoy a bottle or glass, those are accommodated on a walk-in basis only
Hours of Operation
Regular hours:
Thur: 11-8 pm( Open for lunch)
Fri: 11-8 pm (Open for lunch)
Sat: 11-8 pm. (Kitchen closes at 8:00 pm)
Sun: 12-7 pm (Kitchen closes at 7:00 pm)
Jester King is open for your outdoor dining & drinking experience which includes hiking trails, live music, and more across our beautiful 165-acre ranch in the Texas Hill Country!
Walk-ins only. We no longer take reservations, except for parties of 25+. Make a reservation here.
Our Dripping Springs tasting room is the epicenter of the Twisted X experience. Our Tasting Room in Dripping Springs is open 7 days a week, and the Twisted X team brings out small batches craft beers only available in the tasting room. Sample the flavors and finesse of our Twisted X Collection on specially-made flight paddles featuring 5 oz samples @ $2.50 a piece