| 5 Central Texas & Hill Country CENTRAL TEXAS & HILL COUNTRY DAY TRIPS Explore picture-perfect small towns where you can sip Texas-made wines and craft beers, shop at locally owned boutiques, dine at farm-to-fork restaurants, tour fascinating historic sites and take off on exhilarating outdoor adventures. 1. DRIPPING SPRINGS Tour the 1854 Pound House Farmstead for a glimpse of the Dripping Springs community’s storied past. Visit the ranch for a tasting of the extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars produced by the Texas Hill Country Olive Co. , then buy a bottle to take home. Kids can’t get enough of the playground and splash pad at the laid-back Route 12 Filling Station . Browse more than a dozen charming boutiques on Mercer Street , with many located in historic buildings. Summer Revival offers natural wines and gourmet sandwiches that are perfect for Hill Country picnics. Make a reservation to spend an afternoon swimming and hiking forest trails at the Hamilton Pool Preserve . 2. DRIFTWOOD Pair lip-smacking brisket from The Salt Lick BBQ with a glass of wine from next-door Salt Lick Cellars as you enjoy live music in the shade of century-old oak trees. Visit all eight wineries on the scenic Driftwood Wine Trail . Stop by the 21-acre Vista Brewing ranch to sip craft beers and dine on farm-fresh dishes. Settle in for homey Texas eats, margaritas and live music at Hays City Store & Ice House . Pay a visit to the Driftwood outpost of Mean Eyed Cat , a lively bar that pays homage to the iconic Johnny Cash. 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 Texas Hill Country Olive Co. Salt Lick BBQ 52 visitaustin.org TOP TO BOTTOM: TEXAS HILL COUNTRY OLIVE CO.; SALT LICK BBQ
Austin Insider Guide 2027: Page 52
