Retail Roundup: Dripping Springs Area Shopping, Dining and Entertainment

Dripping Springs’ citizens are proud of their town’s heritage as well as their historic and growing central business district. With over 30 one-of-a-kind boutiques, restaurants and shops in the downtown Dripping Springs area bounded by Mercer Street and Highway US 290, locals have a lot to be proud of.

Although still a small town, Dripping Springs has an abundant charm that attracts visitors from all over the region. Check out new trends in women’s fashion or apparel with a distinctive spice at Valli & Kim, Cowgirls & Lace, or the Jeweled Gypsy. Find a unique gift that touches the soul of someone special at the inimitable Sol’stice Garden Expressions or learn a new dish at the Onion Creek Kitchen & Juniper Hills Cooking School. And don’t forget to explore wine selections to complement almost any dish at the Bell Springs Winery, one of several in the area.

For everyday needs, locals shop at an HEB grocery, Dollar General, Walgreens and a few local markets. In addition, every Wednesday during the growing season, an area farmers market offers the freshest in local fruits, vegetables, berries and nuts.

Elegant Fine Dining and Flavorful Tex-Mex Comfort Food

Bordeaux’s Prime Steakhouse & Seafood and the Creek Road Café are among the leaders of local fine dining establishments. In addition to 21-day aged certified angus & USDA prime steaks, Bordeaux’s serves a wide variety of fish and seafood in an elegant atmosphere. Creek Road Café serves a variety of thoughtfully prepared farm-fresh entrees — pork chops, lamb chops, chicken, scallops, and a vegetarian specialty of the day.

Just about 15 minutes away in nearby Driftwood, The Salt Lick serves utterly authentic and nationally famous Texas barbecue. El Rey, another local restaurant, is popular for their Tex-Mex. Locals enjoy their margaritas, fajitas, enchiladas, and other tasty classics. You can choose between Hill Country Ranch Pizzaria or Grand Slam Pizza for pizza night. Local bakers of Rolling in Thyme & Dough create all sorts of breads and baked goods, and serve both traditional bistro-style breakfast and lunches — now with gluten free options.

Plenty of Fun and Recreation for Kids of All Ages

Dripping Spring’s nightlife includes various events year-round at the Parks Department Ranch Park facilities such as concerts, galas, equestrian shows, and more. Local watering holes like Dudley’s Wine Bar & Tap Room or The Barber Shop (in an old-timey building that was once a tonsorial parlor) furnish great ambiance for winding down and visiting with friends and co-workers at the end of a long day.

Families love Jump Wild, a commercial play space for the kids including water slides, a giant trampoline area, party rooms and more. For the older kids, or for the kids at heart, the unique facilities of the Twin Parks Country Club provides three golf courses, one lit for evening play, a clubhouse with a game room, locker room, and organized Frisbee tournaments.

Dripping Springs offers its residents and many visitors a pleasant experience that can only be found in a charming little town that marries its heritage with modern amenities. It’s located conveniently close to San Marcos, Austin, and other communities. It has plentiful hunting, fishing and several area private and State parks. The atmosphere is relaxed and leisurely, but the amenities and resources are convenient and modern.