Central Texas & Hill Country 15 CENTRAL TEXAS & HILL COUNTRY DAY TRIPS Sip along scenic wine trails, shop and dine in charming small towns, spend a day tubing and hiking, sample locally made craft beers, tour fascinating historic sites and so much more. 1. DRIPPING SPRINGS Take a tour with the great-great-granddaughter of the founders of the 1850s Pound House Farmstead . Book a tasting of the signature olive oils and balsamic vinegars produced by the Texas Hill Country Olive Co. The gorgeous Tillie’s was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful Restaurants in America by People magazine. Enjoy a bite and a beer in the outdoor garden of the family-friendly Fitzhugh Brewing . Kids will love the splash pad at Route 12 Filling Station , serving up comfort fare like chicken fried steak. Cousin Louie’s Italian Restaurant is known for its family recipes and handmade pastas. 2. DRIFTWOOD Dig into pit-smoked pork ribs at The Salt Lick BBQ and enjoy live music on the patio with wine from next-door Salt Lick Cellars . Travel the Driftwood Wine Trail loop and discover eight renowned wineries. Sample smooth Texas spirits and reserve a tour spot at Desert Door Texas Sotol distillery. Hyper-local food and drink is the focus at the sprawling Vista Brewing ranch. Check out Hays City Store & Ice House for scratch-made Texas food, live music and craft cocktails like the elderberry frozen margarita. Austin’s popular Mean Eyed Cat has opened a Hill Country outpost of its Johnny Cash-inspired bar. MARBLE FALLS SPICEWOOD LAKEWAY JOHNSON CITY AUSTIN 25 mile radius 50 mile radius 75 mile radius FREDERICKSBURG LUCKENBACH DRIPPING SPRINGS DRIFTWOOD BASTROP WIMBERLEY SAN MARCOS LOCKHART ROUND TOP BOERNE GRUENE NEW BRAUNFELS The Salt Lick BBQ Vista Brewing 52 visitaustin.org TOP TO BOTTOM: THE SALT LICK BBQ; VISTA BREWING
Austin Insider Guide 2026: Page 52
