While residents of Sunset Canyon can find everything imaginable for their shopping and entertainment needs just a short drive away in Austin, there are also plenty of shops and services available just minutes from home in Dripping Springs.
Neighbors do much of their grocery shopping at the local HEB, about five minutes from home, or at Dripping Springs Farmers’ Market. Shoppers also enjoy perusing the charming specialty retail shops nearby, such as VIK Jewelers, Sunset Canyon Pottery, Cowgirls and Lace Clothing and the Wesley Art Gallery.
The sophisticated retail environment of Escarpment Village is just 15 minutes away. Escarpment Village, one of Austin’s first green retail centers, features rainwater-harvesting cisterns and solar panels. The center hosts more than 25 shops and stores. Among the stores is a hybrid HEB (incorporating many of the gourmet aspects of Central Market), a Starbucks, Oasis Day Spa, Massage Envy, Eye Tech Optometry, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Allstate Insurance, an Animal Hospital and Tomlinson’s Pet Supplies, among others.
Escarpment Village also has six restaurants. For a casual meal, locals have a choice of several beloved Austin institutions such as Torchy’s Tacos, Waterloo Ice House and Kerbey Lane Cafe (famous for its pancakes and Bacon Pesto chicken with parmesan mashed potatoes). Desserts at D’Lites are always a treasure. D’Lites boasts 150 naturally flavored varieties.
A Rodeo, Founder’s Day Fair and Holidays with Flair
There is plenty of Hill Country entertainment to be found near Sunset Canyon, and residents enjoy a wonderful sense of community in a picturesque rural setting. The semi-annual Dripping Springs Fair and Rodeo showcases the finest in rodeo skills, exciting carnival rides and plenty of live music and dancing.
Southern food is the highlight of the annual Founders Day Festival, which celebrates the founding of the community with live music and over 40 food vendors serving delighted locals delicious southern favorites such as crispy fried chicken, grilled corn, spicy crawfish and sweet funnel cakes. Locals also enjoy starting off the holidays at the annual Christmas on Mercer Street. The entire main street of Dripping Springs sparkles with festive lights, charming decorations and excitement!
Have a Sip or Two; Scoot Your Boots
The Mercer Street Dance Hall is bringing in today’s and tomorrow’s champion league two-steppers. With a big dance floor and dance instructions included in the ticket price, both veterans and first timers come to have a great time scooting their boots around Hill Country style.
For those feeling a bit more sedentary, the Barber Shop is a popular bar in an old stone building that used to be an actual barber shop. They offer several Texas craft beers and feature a large dog-friendly patio.
Dudley’s Wine Bar & Tap Room offers Sunset Canyon residents an excellent wine and craft beer selection in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Locals rave about the handcrafted chocolate truffles and artisan cheese platter, as well as the friendly service.
Minutes Away from the Best Barbecue in the World
Residents in Sunset Canyon are just 15 minutes from what a number of food critics and plenty of regular patrons have claimed to be the best barbecue in the world at the Salt Lick in Driftwood, TX. The most popular option on the menu is to order “Family Style.” Each person at your table pays about $20, and everyone can have as much beef brisket, sausage, pork ribs, potato salad, coleslaw, beans, bread, pickles and onions as they’d like.
Though the barbecue is clearly the star of the show here, the Salt Lick’s homemade coleslaw, potato salad and beans are quite tasty in their own right. And, if by some miracle, you manage to stop eating the delicious mains and sides before the end of the meal, there are also desserts. Homemade pecan pie, blackberry or peach cobbler or ice cream are delicious ways to fill any tiny amount of room that remains. Diners who’ve fully indulged and can’t imagine dessert right away can buy full pies or cobblers to enjoy at home.