Welcome to Texas!

Whether you are staying in Austin or Dripping Springs there are great sights, food and sounds in both places - Dripping Springs is a 30 minute drive from Austin.

The wedding and reception will be held at Vista West Ranch in Texas Hill Country

https://www.vistawestranch.com/vistawestranch/inside-the-barn.

Vista West is 20 minutes from the center of Dripping Springs and 45 minutes from Austin.

Dripping Springs

Dripping Springs is home to spectacular natural wonders, historic treasures, unique shopping, eclectic live music venues, a plethora of vineyards, craft breweries and local distilleries

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Texas Hill Country, Dripping Springs stands as a beacon of "small town" Texas charm. As a certified Dark Sky Community, it invites visitors to gaze in wonderment at the star studded skies. Dripping Springs is a have for craft alcohol lovers.

“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.

Check out the quaint boutiques, grab a beer at the "Barber Shop," or treat your ears to some great live music. There's 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.

Vogue’s Guide to Dripping Springs, the Buzziest Rural Town in America https://www.vogue.com/article/dripping-springs-texas-guide

Conde Nast Travelers Guide to Texas Hill Country

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/where-to-eat-stay-and-play-in-texas-hill-country

Eating in Dripping Springs

Tillies

Much like the family property where it’s located, Tillie’s culinary menu takes what’s familiar and infuses it with an array of innovative international flavors, creating a new set of rules for cuisine in Central Texas. Join us at Tillie’s dining room table for a modern interpretation of classic gourmet dishes.

https://tilliesdrippingsprings.com

At Camp Lucy, a Texas Wine Country Resort

3509 Creek Road

Dripping Springs, Texas

Homespun Kitchen & Bar

Located in the heart of Dripping Springs, Texas, Homespun Kitchen and Bar is a Farm-to-Table style with both European and American influences.

At HKB, we strive to give great customer service and the highest quality of food available. We're truly a restaurant that locals can call home. San Francisco Chef Michael St. Germain will truly be taking Dripping Springs, Texas by storm with his passion and skills for food. He has won multiple awards and is critically-acclaimed for having "Best Burger."

https://homespunkitchenandbar.com

131 E Mercer Street

Dripping Springs, TX

78620

Vista Brewing

Vista is a 21-acre destination brewery located just outside of Austin at the gateway to the Central Texas Wine Trail in Driftwood, TX. Our holistic approach to hyper-local food and beverages captures the beauty and bounty of the Texas Hill Country.

Co-Founders Karen and Kent Killough set their sights on building a destination where both locals and visitors can experience all the Texas Hill Country has to offer and fall in love with its rolling hills, beautiful trees & wildflowers and out-of-this-world sunsets. They created the Vista destination out of their mutual love for local craft culture, obsession with high quality and sustainably-produced food and drink, and passion for the beautiful Texas Hill Country.

They were influenced by time living abroad in the United Kingdom where they fell in love with the “country pub”, as well as travels around the world. Kent and Karen strive to connect and collaborate with talented local partners, and hope that Vista will connect guests in a deep and meaningful way to the world around them.

https://www.vistabrewingtx.com

13551 FM 150, Driftwood, TX 78619

Twisted X Brewing Co

The Twisted X Brewing Company, located in beautiful Dripping Springs, offers up an array of our finest small-batch craft beers. We take great pride in sourcing the finest ingredients along with thorough attention to detail in every batch that we produce. The result is a flight of superior craft lagers, pilsners, IPAs, as well as many others. We are constantly developing new recipes with our 3-barrel pilot system. These beers are excellent and worth experiencing and are only available in our tasting room.

https://www.twistedxbrewing.com

23455 W. RR 150

Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Grawlix

Whether you're looking to enjoy a craft cocktail and lounge on a velvet crushed couch, or sling beer and shoot pool, Grawlix offers the best of both worlds. Separated by a hinged bookcase, Dripping Springs local dive bar-cum-speakeasy offers the ideal evening exxperience to wind down your night.

https://grawlixcocktaillounge.com

332 W. Mercer Street

Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Treaty Oak

Founded in the heart of Texas, Treaty Oak Distillery began with a vision to honor the spirit and legacy of our state through exceptional whiskey. As one of the first four distilleries in Texas, we set out to push the boundaries of traditional distilling while staying true to the authentic character of Texas whiskey. Named after the historic Treaty Oak tree, our distillery represents a deep respect for Texas heritage and a commitment to craftmanship. From our handcrafted stills to our unique aging process under the Texas sun, every bottle of Treaty Oak whiskey tells a story of passion, precision, and innovation. Today, as a proud member of the Texas whiskey movement, we continue to create bold, award-winning spirits that resonate with the true taste of Texas.

THE PRODUCTS:

Day Drinker Bourbon

Daydrinker Bourbon is a smooth, easy-drinking bourbon designed for any occasion. With a subtle blend vanilla, The Day Drinker's silky texture carries notes of kettle corn, wheat, mild nutmeg and cinnamon that offers a light yet full-bodied profile that’s perfect for sipping or mixing.

Ghost Hill Bourbon

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Ghost Hill Bourbon is the pinnacle of our craftsmanship. Aged to perfection and rich in flavor, this bourbon boasts notes of honey, spice, and toasted oak, offering a robust profile that’s both complex and smooth.

The Bourbon Old Fashioned

Pre-mixed and perfectly balanced, our Bourbon Old Fashioned brings the classic cocktail to your glass with ease. Made with our signature Ghost Hill Bourbon, bitters, and a hint of orange zest, this cocktail is ideal for those who enjoy tradition with a twist. Simply pour over ice, garnish, and savor the timeless flavors of a well-crafted Old Fashioned.

https://www.treatyoakdistilling.com

16604 Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Railroad Barbecue

Slow-cooked. Mesquite smoked. Ribs and brisket that melt in your mouth.

Delicious sausage, chicken and smoked turkey, too. Originally founded in 1982, the Sherrill Family has been serving up succulent, juicy smoked chicken, brisket, sausage, ribs and turkey for over 34 years. We offer the finest cuts of meats, mesquite-smoked to perfection.

https://www.rrbbq.com/

111 West Hwy 290

Dripping Springs, TX 78620

More on Dripping Springs

Need some British Provisions - Scotch Egg, Sausage Roll, Bakewell Tart

The Great British Baking Co

After moving to Dripping Springs 4 years ago we instantly fell in love with both the place and the people, however the options for a lunch that incorporated both fresh homemade food without having a wait were very limited. We then thought about combining the idea of these and created The Great British Baking Co. We create feel good food for those either on the go or those who want to sit in our dining room.

https://www.thegreatbritishbakingco.com

104 West Mercer Street, Dripping Springs, 78620

Drink and a dance

Mercer Dancehall

The perfect place to unwind with a drink and maybe do a little dancing.

Tucked away in the hill country, you’ll find a one of a kind, family-run, dancehall. What started downtown on Mercer Street has now moved to Driftwood and become something bigger and better.

With live music every weekend and The Cabins at Mercer Dancehall, you can create your perfect weekend getaway, or just stop by to enjoy a drink on our 2000 sq ft, wrap-around porch.

https://www.mercerdancehall.com/about-us/

23490 Ranch Road 12

Driftwood, Texas

78619

Austin

Austin—the quirky, liberal Texas capital—is full of great barbecue, world-class sushi, and some gnarly traffic. But if you plan it right, and dress according for the temps,, you'll be droppin' your "g"s and keeping up with the locals (at least in terms of margaritas).

Local Tips

Do plan your meals ahead of time. Food should be your top priority. Many of the upscale restaurants, like Uchi and Lenoir, will require reservations, while others like Clark's Oyster Bar and Tex-Mex institution Guero's just require well-timed arrivals. There are so many amazing restaurants here it's overwhelming, so map out the general meals you'd like to eat—this way, you won't freeze up when it comes time to pick a barbecue spot.

Don't forget about music. Austin is the self-proclaimed "live music capital of the world" and is a magnet for singer-songwriters, country, jazz, and rock musicians. We love The White Horse for its honky tonk dancing and old-school country music. Then there's the Moody Theater, which hosts live tapings of Austin City Limits Live, the longest running music TV show in American history. Or, head to Stay Gold in East Austin for live soul music.

The Bats

Crowds gather nightly on the Congress Avenue Bridge, at sunset, to watch Austin’s urban bat colony fly out from their home on the underside of the bridge over Lady Bird Lake. The 45-minute spectacle is one of those only-in-Austin happenings. The colony of Mexican free-tailed bats is the largest in an urban environment in North America—about 1.5 million bats take flight each night to feed (on pesky insects like mosquitoes, making the animal a local hero). Note that the spectacle is seasonal, typically from May through October; during the winter, the bats migrate elsewhere. And even though the whole thing lasts 45 minutes, you get the idea in under five. If you can pair your viewing with another activity downtown—not difficult, as this part of town is extremely lively—it's worth making time to watch.

Street Food

At first glance, Rainey Street looks like a sleepy suburban avenue with quiet wooden verandas and picket fences, but at night, it really wakes up. Here, the craftsman-era bungalow homes, many dating back to the late 19th Century, have been renovated into a string of hipster-friendly bars and restaurants. Wander around and you’ll see food trucks tucked in alongside renowned nightlife spots like Half Step, Geraldine’s, Lustre Pearl, Emmer & Rye, and Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden. It’s a spot to relax on a porch or picnic table with your kids or your dog during the day, and party with friends or your significant other at night.

Barbecue

A standout star within Austin’s heavyweight barbecue scene, Franklin draws lines that are as epic as its world-renowned brisket. Take a tip from the regulars: come early, come hungry, and come with a collapsible chair (you don't want to stand for three or four hours if you can avoid it). The good news is that you can now preorder up to six weeks in advance, as long as you’re committed to at least three pounds of meaty treats. Just don’t miss that luscious oak-smoked brisket with its distinctive peppery exterior; it’s tender enough to cut with a spoon.

Read our entire guide to Austin's best barbecue here.

Shop

Completely and utterly idiosyncratic, this is the hippest flea market you will ever visit. Picture a sprawling emporium full of fascinating items you could easily spend hours poring over. With jewelry, retro toys, and neon signs to brighten up your space, it's a temple to American hipster weirdness and it's absolutely brilliant. There are 24 professional antique sellers permanently based here, so if you're after something specific (or to fill a specific corner in your home), then seek one out for the insider intel. Otherwise, be warned that you could easily lose hours on end in this place.

https://www.cntraveler.com/shops/austin/uncommon-objects

1602 Fortview Rd

Boots

The first thing you'll notice when you walk into this Austin institution on South Congress Avenue is the smell of leather. Then the shelves that house thousands of pairs of cowboy boots, from exotic Caiman crocodile skin to trendy Western booties. Texans will recognize brands like Lucchese and Tony Lama; the uninitiated might gravitate toward Frye. Need a whole head-to-toe look? There are cowboy hats, belts, leather jackets, jeans, and other accessories. If you've never owned cowboy boots, try on a pair even if you have no intention of buying them. It's an experience from beginning to end, right down to the art of removing them.

Walking - if that’s what you like?

Over 13 connected miles of flourishing green spaces start at Zilker Park and the Barton Creek Greenbelt and snake down to Slaughter Creek and Dick Nichols Park. Shortly, when the 30-miles of trail with giant oaks and winding creeks is completed, it’ll be the longest in Central Texas running from downtown Austin to Onion Creek. Manicured and wild trails, paved and smoothed dirt are hiking, biking, cycling, running, or rollerblading options along with walking amongst wildflowers and wildlife. Favorite spots in Barton Creek like Campbell’s Hole and the Flats as well as climbing walls, creeks and urban wildlands, open green spaces, and off-trail pathways are here to venture into. Trail maps stand at different inflection points, but because Violet Crown is extensive, each piece varies in what you see in the surrounding area.

Honky Tonk at the White Horse

This is perhaps the coolest honky-tonk in Austin. The simple space puts newcomers at ease, while regulars take to the dance floor when live music is playing every night on a very small stage. A photo booth, pool tables, and a small yard with seating allow for breathers between sets. With a full bar that serves whiskey on tap, the energy at this dive never seems to wane; neither does the flow of cheap drinks. And the dynamic crowd is one of the best surprises here—a multigenerational mix of hipsters, ranchers, rockabillies, and bikers convene nightly.

Breakfast/Brunch

Dai Due - my fave

Dai Due was created in 2006 to reconsider what “our” food is and will be. By using ingredients that are present in our region (Texas), we are able to serve foods that are fresher, buy food that is produced in a fair and equitable way, represent local culinary traditions, and support farmers and ranchers who are striving to improve the quality of our food. Because of this focus, preservation is key. We dry, can, pickle, ferment, smoke, candy and freeze like pioneers. We cook predominately with Texas olive oil, animal fats from hogs, beef, chicken and duck, and butter. We deep-fry with beef tallow. Only our mayonnaise uses canola oil. Almost all of our dry goods and vinegars are certified organic. We buy mostly organic grains and corn grown and milled in Texas. Our wines and beers are from Texas. The wines are never made from imported grapes. We believe in these industries and feel that these products represent the true terroir of Texas.

https://www.daidue.com/home

2406 Manor Road, Austin 78722

Sawyer & Co

All-day diner breakfast can be found at New Orleans-leaning Govalle restaurant. There are dishes like omelets, tacos, hot cakes, scrambles, and more. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

https://www.sawyerand.co/menu

4827 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin,

TX 78702

Sour Duck Market

The food and drink at Sour Duck Market are inspired by local farmers and purveyors. Meats are smoked daily in a 1,000-gallon pit smoker, the flour for baked goods is milled locally and cocktails are made with the freshest juice and product. We believe in showing true craftsmanship in cooking by serving good, local food, made the way nature intended—from scratch.

https://www.sourduckmarket.com

Sour Duck Market

1814 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd

Austin, TX 78702

Paperboy

The trailer-turned-physical restaurant in Central East Austin is still very dedicated to breakfast. with an expanded menu. This means more toasts and entrees, such as quiches, egg sandwiches, and migas. Takeout order can be placed online or through its walkup window; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

https://www.paperboyaustin.com

1203 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702

Birdies

Birdie's is an award-winning, forward thinking concept we like to call "fine-casual," which means you can expect that we take the same care in sourcing and preparing your food and curating our wine as a fancy joint, but in a no frills, counter service setting.

https://www.birdiesaustin.com/location/birdies/

2944 E 12th St, Unit A,

Austin, TX 78702

Ovenbird

The delightful South Austin restaurant is all about Bavarian breakfasts, which means sandwiches on Bavarian croissants, breakfast tacos on marbled rye tortillas, and loads of pastries. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dining areas.

Ovenbird is your neighborhood Bistro and Third-wave craft coffee shop. We cherish the beauty of doing things the old-fashioned way - by hand, from scratch, and with quality ingredients. We respect our food and feel that everything consumed in our space should be made in our space. We believe people should know where their food comes from, and the people who made it.

Most importantly, we stand by the firm belief that you should be able to have a fabulous breakfast and an equally great cup of coffee in the same place - and you shouldn’t have to pay $20 for parking to enjoy it, either!

https://www.ovenbirdatx.com

6501 South Congress Ave.

Austin Texas, 78745

Brooklyn Breakfast Shop

The breakfast-dedicated food truck in the far south Austin food truck park the Thicket features eggy sandwiches, bagels, biscuits, and more. Takeout orders can be placed in person or online; there are outdoor dine-in areas.

https://brooklynbreakfastshop.com/

7800 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78745

Brunch

Café No Sé

With a steady flow of guests from the ultra-hip South Congress Hotel and locals who are here to refuel while strolling the strip, this is a place in which to immerse yourself in Austin's verve, and the food delivers. This modern hotel restaurant, with reliably professional and helpful service, serves standout oatmeal hotcakes but offers healthier options as well, like the quinoa porridge with fruit and an excellent poke bowl. Come for the people-watching, stay because the rosé cocktails are flowing.

https://cafenoseaustin.com

603 South Congress Ave., Austin, Texas 78704

Magnolia Cafe

The historic, beloved Magnolia Cafe has drawn dedicated brunchers for decades. This hot spot takes classic American diner fare and gives it a special twist. The Tex-Mex, vegetarian-forward menu offers dishes like Texas-style eggs Benedict, club sandwiches, frittatas, and bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast tacos. Come for a down-home brunch any time you crave it—the “Sorry We’re Open” sign in the window is up whether it’s 10 a.m. or midnight.

https://www.magnoliacafeaustin.com

1920 South Congress Ave

Austin TX 78704

Pitchfork Pretty

Like the hip East Side neighborhood it resides in, the food and crowd at Pitchfork Pretty are eclectic. The menu is inspired by the Texas Hill Country, but you would be hard-pressed to find these dishes on a ranch. The poached, pickled quail egg is a local favorite and sets the tone for unexpected tastes to follow. Cornbread is served with miso honey butter. Pork chops are smothered in buckwheat. The spicy fried chicken gets battered in a chickpea base. Visitors seeking out the reasons for Austin's dining scene's national hype need look no further.

http://pitchforkpretty.com/

2708 East Cesar Chavez St., Austin, Texas 78702

Lunch/Dinner/Brunch

Franklin BBQ

A standout star within Austin’s heavyweight barbecue scene, Franklin draws lines that are as epic as its world-renowned brisket. Take a tip from the regulars: come early, come hungry, and come with a collapsible chair (you don't want to stand for three or four hours if you can avoid it). The good news is that you can now preorder up to six weeks in advance, as long as you’re committed to at least three pounds of meaty treats. Just don’t miss that luscious oak-smoked brisket with its distinctive peppery exterior; it’s tender enough to cut with a spoon.

https://franklinbbq.com/

900 E. 11th, Austin, TX 78702

Le Roy & Lewis

We opened in 2017 in the lot of Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden. Since then we’ve been dedicated to serving our community by making excellent, inventive barbecue and supporting our local ranches by sourcing all of our meat from small, responsible purveyors in Texas. We call it New School Barbecue.

With our new restaurant and bar location in South Austin, we have expanded on our “New School BBQ, Old School Service” mission. Come enjoy our new menu offerings, have a drink at the bar, and explore our retail space for a unique hospitality experience

https://leroyandlewisbbq.com/about-us/

5621 Emerald Forest Dr. Austin, TX 78745

Nixta Tacqueria

Nixta is not a typical taquería. We’re a little silly and a little serious.

Nixta treads a line between the super-traditional (we make our own masa and tortillas using heirloom corn from Mexico) and the unconventional (you don't see many taquerias where duck confit stands in for carnitas). Owners (and maridos), Sara Mardanbigi, and Chef Edgar Rico, (a James Beard Award winner and TIME100 recipient), aim to transform the landscape of what Mexican-American cuisine can be by providing imaginative creations that are steeped in technique, history, and a maíz revolution.

https://www.nixtataqueria.com/menu

2512 E. 12th Street

Austin, Tejas 78702

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