Dripping Springs

Surrounded by stunning verdant hills and stately oak trees, Dripping Springs is a picture-perfect destination located just west of Austin in the Texas Hill Country. Known as the “Wedding Capital of Texas” for its scenic beauty, Dripping Springs is home to some of the most beautiful places in the Lone Star State. Relax in the aquamarine waters of the Hamilton Pool Preserve, explore the hiking trails in Pedernales Falls State Park, and savor a taste of Texas-made beer, wine, and liquor. Enjoy all the live music venues across town and stop by one of the local attractions that offer fun for folks of all ages. A true family-friendly destination, Dripping Springs has everything you need for a remarkable getaway.

Dripping Springs was settled by three families in 1853 and named after the dripping springs (bubbling aquifer) at the Milk House Branch of the Edwards Aquifer. Dr. Joseph McKegg Pound, the first doctor in Hays County, and his wife Sarah were one of those original three founding families. They built their homestead in 1852, which you can visit today: the Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead & Museum. The five-acre farmstead is a great place to learn what life was like on the Texas frontier back in the mid-1800’s. Tours and demonstrations from docents wearing period clothing, as well as exhibits in the home itself, immerse you in the pioneer life while providing an educational environment for children and adults alike.  

Dripping Springs, and much of the Hill Country, is an agricultural mecca where you can tour the olive orchard and mill at Texas Hill Country Olive Company or one of the many wineries in the area. Tour many popular Dripping Springs breweries, wineries, and distilleries such as Deep Eddy Vodka’s Distillery, Twisted X Brewing Company, Dripping Springs Vodka & Gin, and Treaty Oak Distillery. You can book tours with companies like Discover Texas Wine Tours and let them do all the driving for you — they’ll even pick you up from your hotel.

There are plenty of places to play outside here in addition to Hamilton Pool Preserve. In and around Dripping Springs, you’ll encounter some of the best outdoor recreation spots in Texas, including Pedernales Falls State Park, Reimers Ranch, Westcave Preserve, Charro Ranch Park, and Dripping Springs Ranch Park. Kayaking and birding (the golden-cheeked warbler has been spotted at some of these parks) to camping and swimming are just a few of your options while you’re in town. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the nearby Austin Zoo, a rescue zoo where you’ll see all sorts of big cats, exotic birds, primates, and reptiles.

In addition to weddings, there are many events in Dripping Springs worthy of a road trip, including the Dripping with Taste Trail & Passport, Dripping Springs Fair and Rodeo and the Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival.

Visit Dripping Springs anytime of the year for a memorable Texas Hill Country vacation full of natural beauty, vibrant art, and homegrown goodness.

Photo Credit: Terry Brim