The year-round sun and warmth of Texas is what makes it a great place for a getaway no matter the time of year. Historic Dripping Springs offers an experience like no other, with many buildings as old as the 1870s and many other popular historic landmarks either in town or nearby. Make sure your next winter getaway to the Dripping Springs area includes at least a few of these Dripping Springs activities.
A well-known Dripping Springs attraction, the beautiful landscape and cool waters of Hamilton Pool draw locals and tourists alike. The natural wonder was formed when the dome of an underground river collapsed, causing the unique structure which includes a waterfall and a grotto. Part of a 234-acre nature preserve, the pool is a Texas swimming hole gem. Bring your bathing suit for a dip—though the water may be a chilly 55 degrees—close-toed shoes for the hike there and back, or pack a picnic to enjoy on the shores. From March through December, you’ll need to reserve one of the 140 per day 4-hour time slots.
Warm up with some of your favorite brews or spirits. With a list of distilleries, brewing companies, and wineries longer than your arm, Dripping Springs has something to quench your thirst. Head to their tasting room and try Deep Eddy Vodka. It comes in a range of flavors from traditional to ruby red, and even peach. Make a tasting appointment at Hawk Shadow Winery & Vineyards and walk away with “Bad Boy Red” or a 2011 vintage Orange Muscat – made from Lost Draw Vineyards grapes with aromas of green apple and lemon grass finishing with hints of orange blossom. For a great-tasting, locally made brew, head to Family Business Beer Co. Try the Golden Age, a German-style pilsner with a milk, earthy hop bouquet and clean finish, or the Cosmic Cowboy, an American IPA ripe with pineapple and grapefruit with a layer of pine.
If you schedule your break during December, make sure to make the Christmas on Mercer Street a part of your plans. Hosted by the City of Dripping Springs and the Dripping Springs Lions Club, you’ll experience the joy of the season with brilliant lights, Christmas cheer, music, and carols, as well as business vendor booths and shopping.
The namesake of the museum was Will Roger’s cousin. His museum is a tribute to Old West life in true pioneer fashion. There’s the museum, and opera house, newspaper, and ice cream parlor. Jack had plenty of stories and a collection of memorabilia like no other.
Step into the country’s presidential past and tour the boyhood home of the 36th U.S. president, Lyndon B. Johnson. The home, where Johnson lived from age five until his 1924 high school graduation, is listed as a national historic park. The home has been furnished in the early to mid-1920s period and reflects the rural Texas lifestyle Johnson and his family lived in. There are free guided tours available hourly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., with a lunch break at noon.
Climb into a helicopter and head toward the clouds. You’ll see many of Dripping Springs’ must-see sights – with a bird’s eye view. Fly over areas like the Hamilton Pool, Lake Travis, Mansfield Dam, Downtown Austin, and many more, depending on the package you book.
Visit the team at Visit Brewing and take a winter stroll along the trail and see Christmas lights, luminaries, and more. Bring your camera for holiday photo ops throughout the 21-acre site. Sip on hot apple cider, or one of Vista’s 14 drafts, as well as a wide range of bottles of brew and local wine. Add in smores cooked over an open fire pit and you have a recipe for winter fun.
The historic Mercer Street decks itself out in Christmas finery during the winter months, but there’s also plenty of Old West heritage lining the street. Many of the buildings were built between 1870 and 1940, and are current sites of town businesses, like the “Barber Shop” bar or Vintage Soul boutique.
Once you’ve decided to make Dripping Springs your next winter holiday destination, make sure your next step is booking a vacation rental with I Love Dripping Springs. Begin and end every day of your adventure in a private, luxurious rental with all the comforts of home. Choose an intimate one-bedroom for you and your sweetheart or a six-bedroom to accommodate a family reunion or other large group. Enjoy the privacy of your own room, and private outdoor spaces like patios and balconies. Choose a premium unit for hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, flat screen TVs and more.
Contact us today to start planning your trip to Dripping Springs and make memories to last a lifetime!
