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Things to Do
Dining, Shopping, and Things to do around The Hill Country
We are delighted to have you stay with us! Arbor House is a local family business, and we want you to enjoy The Hill Country as much as we do! We’ve included a number of local attractions including dining, shopping, vineyards, music, and surrounding communities that are a quick drive. Arbor House offers seclusion but with the accessibility of many quaint communities ‘just around the corner’ as well as the vibrancy of Austin’s city life. You have many choices!
If you head out of the property to Fitzhugh and take Fitzhugh all the way to Hwy 290 you will hit multiple wineries, breweries, distilleries, restaurants, and shopping. Or, decide if you want to head north into Austin, south into Dripping Springs and Wimberley, or west into Johnson City and Pedernales Falls State Park. We’ve compiled a list of local attractions all over the area so you can best plan your time with us. Most places have websites where you can go for information about hours and more specific offerings. Enjoy!
Wineries, Breweries, and Bars:
Backroads Brewing: 2.5 Miles from Property
4700 West Fitzhugh Rd
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Single sourced Malt; High-end, European master craft beer;
Veteran-owned brewery & bakery coming to 78620 in early 2019.
Bell Springs Winery: 4.7 Miles from property
3700 Bell Springs Rd
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Wine tasting and food truck; live music every weekend
Hawk’s Shadow Winery: 6.6 Miles from property
7500 McGregor Lane
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Offers a relaxing escape from the working world and an authentic taste of handcrafted Texas wine; picnics on the patio and dinners in the Cellar.
Four legged friends are welcome to join.
Treaty Oak Distilling: 8.3 miles from property
16604 Fitzhugh Rd
Dripping Springs, TX 78620-5011
BBQ; Distillery tours; gift shop. Try their vodka sweet tea specialty.
Acopon Brewing Company: 9.2 miles from property:
211 W. Mercer
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
On bustling Mercer Street, this pet-friendly brewery serves all kinds of brews but specializes in English brews; outside food is welcomed.
The Barber Shop: 9.2 miles from property:
207 W. Mercer
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
Casual bar with hand crafted beers; a local favorite for many with deep roots in what used to be a garage and gas station.
Sidecar Tasting Room: 9.5 miles from property:
501 Old Fitzhugh Road
Dripping Spring, Texas 78620
Prohibition wine bar and full menu with a quaint indoor and outdoor space.
This tasting room is a tribute to the Prohibition era and a second tasting room for Bell Springs Winery.
Solaro Estate Winery: 9.6 miles from property
13111 Silver Creek Rd.
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Winery, tastings, tours, and vineyards.
Deep Eddy Vodka: 11 miles from property
2250 E. Hwy. 290
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
Award winning vodkas and tasting room; try a sweet tea, ruby red, peach, and cranberry flavors among many others.
Twisted X Brewing Company: 11 miles from property
West 150, 23455 Ranch Rd 12
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
Handmade Texan-American small-batch, craft beer brewery made with high quality local products. Stop by for tours and samples and try their Tex-Mex beer.
Jester King Brewery and Stanley’s Farmhouse Pizza: 12 miles from property
13187 Fitzhugh Road
Austin, Texas 78736
Craft brewery, handmade pizzas, covered spaces, outdoor seating, playground and family-friendly.
Suds Monkey Brewing Company: 13 miles from property
1032 Canyon Bend Drive, Suite B
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
A fun nanobrewery, kid friendly, with games for adults.
Driftwood Estate Winery: 16 miles from property:
4001 Elder Hill Road
Driftwood, Texas 78619
Winery, vineyards, food and drinks; sits on a bluff overlooking the vineyards.
Duchman Family Wineries: 19 miles from property:
13308 FM 150 W
Driftwood, TX 78619-9232
Scenic Hill Country views and close to Trattoria Lisinia (see Food section).
Food:
Texas Hill Country Olive Company: 3.7 miles from property
2530 W. Fitzhugh Road,
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
High quality handmade olive oil, vinegars, and gifts; features a lunch menu surrounding the olive gardens.
Crepe Crazy: 8.7 miles from property
660 B W. Hwy 290
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
Voted “Best of Dripping Springs”; serving sweet and savory crepes and drinks.
Thyme and Dough: 9 miles from property
333 W. Hwy. 290
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
Fresh, local, organic ingredients; sandwiches, soups, salads and daily specials, wonderful bakery; Bistro Night every Thursday 6-9pm with live music on the patio.
Homespun Kitchen and Bar: 9.6 miles from property
131 E. Mercer
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
Gourmet and homestyle foods and ales.
Epicure Food, Wine and Piano Bar: 9.6 miles from property
1025 Cannon Drive Suite 105
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
Upscale food in a casual setting; live piano music nightly; reservations accepted
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Pizza Cave: 9.2 miles from property
110 US Hwy. 290
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
Hand-thrown pizza, Stromboli, and eggplant parmesian in a casual sit-down restaurant.
Mazama Coffee: 9.1 miles
301 W. Mercer St. Ste. B
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
Quaint local coffee shop, bakery and small food menu all day. Try a homemade poptart!
With casual, rustic design and indoor and outdoor spaces, this spot is great for enjoying a book or a chat.
Stanley’s Farmhouse Pizza: 12 miles from property:
On property with Jester King Brewery, enjoy a hand-crafted beer with a hand-crafted pizza. Views in every direction, enjoy covered or outdoor dining or spend the day relaxing.
Austin Java: 13 miles from property
3799 E. Hwy 290
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Right next door to Skulls and Cakebones (see below), Austin Java has deep Austin roots and created a restaurant just for Dripping Springs. With a full menu, drinks, and a playground, this one is great for the whole family.
Skull and Cakebones: 13 miles from property
3991 E. Hwy. 290
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
Food so good you’d never know it was vegan. Featured on the Cooking Network and Food and Wine magazine.
The League Kitchen and Tavern: 16 miles from property
166 Hargraves Drive
Austin, Texas 78736
In Belterra, this locally owned tavern has a full bar and excellent menu.
From brunch to lunch to dinner to dessert, enjoy gourmet food any time of day in their new Dripping Springs location.
Torchy’s: 16 miles from property
166 Hargraves Drive
Austin, Texas 78736
Also in Belterra, what started as a food truck became a local legend, with a brand new restaurant now serving Dripping Springs.
With a bar and tacos of all varieties, each with a unique name, enjoy indoor or outdoor dining.
Pious Pizza: 16 miles from property:
166 Hargraves Drive
Austin, Texas 78736
Known for pastrami and Neapolitan pizza, this new Belterra location also includes a bakery.
The Switch by Stiles Switch BBQ: 16 miles from property:
In Belterra Village (see above), this restaurant features wood-smoked meats, unique menu items, and a Sunday brunch.
Spoon and Fork: 16 miles from property:
Japanese and Thai kitchen in Belterra Village.
Hat Creek Burger Company: 16 miles from property:
In Belterra Village with burgers, hand-cut fries, and a great playground.
Trudy’s: 16.5 miles from property
13000 W. Hwy. 290
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
Casual Tex-Mex and excellent Mexican Martinis
Lox, Box, and Barrel: 17 miles from property
9521 W. Hwy. 290
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
New York style retro deli with smoked fish and meats; housemade charcuterie
Trattoria Lisina: 19 miles from property
13308 FM 150 W.
Driftwood, Texas 78619
Casually elegant dining with wood-fired pizza and Italian foods and sorbet.
Beautiful Hill Country setting.
The Salt Lick: 20 miles from property
1800-C FM 1826
Driftwood, TX 78619
A long-time favorite barbecue restaurant in a country setting that many consider “the best.”
Jack Allen’s Kitchen: 20 miles from property
7720 Hwy. 71 West
Austin, Texas 78735
Features farm-to-table dining; try their incredible Sunday brunch and their homemade pimento cheese.
Shopping:
The Rural Home Antique Store: 9.4 miles from property
104 W. Mercer Dripping Springs, Texas
Antiques and home decor
Abby Cara Chocolatier 9.6 miles from property
601 Old Fitzhugh Rd
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Offers artisan chocolates and cacao elixers; known as “sipping chocolates”—YUM!
Fresh Native: 9.8 miles from property
28101 Ranch Road 12
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Women’s clothing boutique and home decor
Vintage Soul: 9.1 miles from property
302 W Mercer
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
Clothing, jewelry, hats, bags, and accessories
Starrs on Mercer: 9.2 miles from property
209 Mercer
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
Local gift shop, apparel, jewelry, gifts, and more
Dripping Delights: 9.1 miles from property
330 W Mercer St.
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Dessert parlor, ice cream, and artisan marketplace; shop while you snack!
Lone Star Gifts: 9.1 miles from property
301 W Mercer
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
Premier gift shop with multiple vendor booths; local crafts, novelties, and memorabilia
Sacred Moon and Herb: 9.1 miles from property
305 W. Mercer
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
Experts in herbs and remedies in a quaint shop on Main Street.
High Cotton Home and Design: 15 miles from property
10827 W. Hwy. 290
Austin, Texas 78736
Upscale retail shop for home décor and gifts.
Belterra Village: 16 miles from property
Hwy. 290 and Nutty Brown Road
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
New to Dripping Springs, this shopping center has multiple stores, restaurants, and a luxury movie theater.
Parks and Swimming Holes:
Pedernales Falls State Park: 9.8 miles from property
2585 Park Road 6026
Johnson City, Texas 78636
Camp, hike, mountain bike, picnic, geocache, bird watch, and ride horses.
On the river, you can swim, wade, tube or fish.
Look for local wildlife and plants at the bird blind and butterfly garden.
Charro Ranch Park: 12 miles from property
W. FM 150
Driftwood, TX
64 acre park with trails and signs marking plant species
Hamilton Pool Preserve and Reimer’s Ranch Park: 16 miles from property
24300 Hamilton Pool Road
Dripping Springs, Texas
Beautiful, natural swimming pool and Hill Country hikes with sandy beaches.
Reservations required for Hamilton Pool.
Blue Hole Regional Park: 25 miles from property
100 Blue Hole Lane
Wimberley, Texas 78676
Swimming hole: “a blue hole is a large marine cavern or sinkhole open to the surface.”
Jacob’s Well: 21 miles from property
1699 Mt. Sharp Rd.
Wimberley, Texas 78676
Beautiful swimming hole and 81.5 acre preserve-online reservations required for swimming
Other Things to Do:
Sycamore Creek House Concerts: in the neighborhood--as local as you can get!
Enjoy local music at various dates, but be sure to check their website for specific dates and performers.
Some great talent comes through and all money goes to the bands.
Home on the Range Golfing Range:
3000 W. Highway 290
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Golfing, putting, and driving range with unique targets
Shady Greens Wine and Beer Garden and Miniature Golf:
235 Sports Park Rd.
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Family fun mini golf, beer garden, and live music
Magic’s Theater and Museum: 12 miles from property:
13419 Fitzhugh Road
Austin, Texas 78736
Magic shows, museum and live theater. This is a top Hill Country event.
Sky Cinemas Dripping Springs: 16 miles from property
166 Hargraves St., Unit A100
Austin, TX 78737
Luxury movie theater, bar, reclining seats, and full food and drink menu.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and Botanic Gardens: 16 miles from property:
4801 La Crosse Ave
Austin, TX 78739
State Botanical Garden and Arboretum, café and playground.
Austin Zoo: 19 miles from property:
10808 Rawhide Trail
Austin, Texas 78736
A rescue, rehabilitation, and education facility located on the southwest edge of Austin;
draws visitors from around the world to learn about the rescued animals and to enjoy time outdoors in the Texas Hill Country.
Hays County Store: 23 miles from property
8989 FM 150
Driftwood, Texas
Live music, indoor and outdoor seating, scratch-made comfort food, homemade key lime pie.
Nearby Communities and Attractions:
Wimberley, Texas: 24 miles from cabin:
Cute restaurants and lots of local shopping downtown, this is a favorite haunt for Hill Country gatherings.
Lakeway Marina: 25 miles from cabin:
103 Lakeway Drive
Lakeway, Texas 78734
Outdoor activities, boat tours and water sports, tours, endless dining and shopping in the surrounding area.
Buda, TX: 28 miles from property:
Once dotted with dilapidated metal barns, silos, and a cotton gin dating 1914, historic Buda is finding new life but with deep roots.
The Mercantile at Buda Mill and Grain
300 South Main 78610
Buda, Texas
An upscale apothecary and home goods store.
Tavern on Main
Buda, Texas
Bar, restaurant, live music
Assemblage Contemporary Craftsman Gallery
306 S. Main Street, Suite 106
Buda, Texas 78610
“The gallery emphasizes the quality and beauty in each medium by creating a cohesive collection, resulting in the most exquisite, diverse body of work. “
Buda Drug Store and Soda Fountain
203 Railroad Street
Buda, Texas 78610
Hometown pharmacy and soda fountain with wonderful baked goods.
Gruene, TX: 29 miles from property:
Texas’ oldest dance hall is here. Live music every day. Historic district with shopping and quaint restaurants.
Austin, TX: 30 miles from property
Austin’s reputation for live music and good food is strong and the food trucks are everywhere!
Don’t forget live theatre in Austin’s cultural downtown.
If you want national upscale chains like Fogo de Chao or Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, this is your place.
San Marcos, Texas: 43 miles from property:
Tangers Outlet Malls—over 90 retail stores with discount prices; head a few miles further for dining, shopping, and floating the river.
Schlitterbahn: Waterpark, rides, and lazy river ride, food and drinks. Stop in at Buc-ee’s on the way!
Fredericksburg, TX: 47 miles from property
Old German community with restaurants and bakeries, downtown shopping, wineries,
the famous Wildseed Farms, and the Nimitz Museum.
Ongoing Local Events:
Dripping Springs First Thursdays:
“Experience Downtown Dripping Springs like never before. All grown up and open late on the First Thursdays of each month. Enjoy special activities, music, art, dining and shopping. Make it a night to remember with someone special.”
Dripping Springs Farmers Market:
Veterans Memorial Park - Hwy 290 & RR 12
Dripping Springs, Texas
Every Wednesday from 3pm-6pm
Headwaters Farmers Market:
708 Headwaters Blvd. Dripping Springs
Every Saturday from 9am-1pm
The Austin Flea at Jester King Brewery:
13187 Fitzhugh Road
Austin, TX 78736
First Sunday of the month 12-5 when weather permits-check Jester King website for updates!
Wimberley Trade Days:
Wimberley Lions Club
601 FM 2325
Wimberley, Texas 78676
First Saturday of each month-weather permitting
“Market Days has been an institution in Wimberley since 1964, when the first market was held on the town Square. Local vendors set up for business on the tailgates of their trucks. Most items sold for $10 or less.”