Texas Travel

City Spotlight: Dripping Springs

By Mitch Gruen 6.1.20

The population of Dripping Springs has more than doubled over the past decade. With its small-town feel, big-city convenience, and natural beauty, it’s clear why.

Courtesy of Salt Lick BBQ

Mercer Street

Start your visit with a stroll down historic Mercer Street, where buildings built between 1870 and 1940 are well preserved and open for business. Vintage Soul and Revel WILDE offer unique home decor and clothing, and Hudson’s On Mercer St. hosts live music nearly every night.

A 15-minute drive to Driftwood will bring you to The Salt Lick BBQ, some of the best barbecue around.

At the west end of Mercer Street, park in the Visitors Bureau parking lot and follow the steps down. Here, you’ll find the steadily dripping, fern-covered limestone ledges that Dripping Springs is named after.

Hamilton Pool

Hamilton Pool is a must-stop for any lover of the outdoors. A short drive and a half-mile hike from central Dripping Springs, a breathtaking waterfall spills over ancient rock. Swim in the tranquil, turquoise waters, then rest in the shade of a gigantic overhang that formed thousands of years ago when the roof of an underground river collapsed. It’s open only by reservation, so make sure you plan ahead.

Dr Pound Historical Farmstead

Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead Museum

For a step back in time, visit the Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead Museum. Pound built his farmstead in the 1850s, and his family occupied it until 1983. The farmstead has since been restored to its full glory and opened as a museum.

Take a tour of the five-acre property and bask in the shade of its many oaks. Explore the lives of a Dripping Springs founding family and view artifacts in the family’s two log cabins.

Courtesy of Texas Hill Country Olive Company

Texas Hill Country Olive Company

Take a tour of the 12-year-old olive orchard to learn about the process of harvesting and pressing olives. The tour ends with a tasting of their award-winning olive oils and balsamic vinegars.

Dreamy Elk Photography

Accommodations

When you’re ready to cozy up for the evening, there are plenty of options. For luxury accommodations, try Camp Lucy. This fine hotel features guest rooms and cottages, a communal fire pit, and a world-class wedding venue.

For breathtaking views of Hill Country sunsets, check out one of the many homes available for rent on Airbnb. And if you’re on a budget, there are plenty of campsites in the area. No matter where you choose to stay, the splendor of Dripping Springs awaits you.

Find more Texas towns to explore here.

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