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Just a quick commute out of Austin sits Wimberley and Driftwood, Texas – two small towns that pack a lot of punch!
 

Wimberley started as a trading post settlement near Cypress Creek in 1848, the year Hays County was organized while Driftwood was settled around 1880. Both towns have great pride in their Texas roots and residents here are all too proud to tell you that they live here.
 

This is Hill Country living at its finest; neighbors are kind and hospitable, the restaurant scene is thriving and the school district is top-notch. Many Austinites already head to one of these towns for a local getaway so why not live here and commute into the city instead? 

 

What to Love 

• Gorgeous Texas Hill Country; idyllic, slow-paced but close enough to the thrills of Downtown Austin

• Charming small towns with bustling environments

• Great schools, involved parents, close-knit communities

 

People and Lifestyle 

Like most of Texas, Driftwood and Wimberley residents are kind above all else, hospitable to their neighbors, and love to take advantage of the outdoor recreational activities offered here. These are small communities – you will soon know mostly everyone in town! For example, locals gather at the classic diner Wimberley Cafe and every waitress knows each of them by name. It doesn’t get more charming than that. 

 

Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping

Ready yourself for a long list, because although these towns may be small in size, they have some great eateries. 
 

• The Salt Lick BBQ: Driftwood’s claim to fame and the original famous Texas barbecue location, appearing on “best of” lists before there were “best of" lists

• Wimberley Cafe: A classic diner where “everybody knows your name” (try the breakfast pork chop!) 

• Leaning Pear: Contemporary, refined, upscale dining

• Mima’s Kitchen: Best breakfast tacos around! 

• Jobell Café & Bistro: Locally-sourced food and wine

• Longleaf Craft Kitchen and Bar: Great cocktails, craft beers, and excellent food

• CreekHouse: Elevated comfort food dishes set amongst towering cypress trees – the newest Kevin Fowler restaurant

• The Shady Llama:  A huge outdoor venue with food trucks, hammocks, swings, bar games, and a row of beer taps – dog and kid-friendly!  

• Sip On The Square: Our personal pick for excellent coffee with the friendliest baristas!

• Community Pizza Garden: Top-notch wood-fired pizza, variety of vegan choices, and awesome atmosphere

 

Wineries & Breweries: 
 

This area is home to multiple wineries and breweries, check some of these out!
 

• Fall Creek Vineyards: Regarded as one of the vineyards that founded the Texas wine scene with gorgeous grounds, a welcoming tasting room, and 40 years in the business make this a must-stop. 

• Driftwood Estate: Our personal favorite local winery offers award-winning selections, breathtaking views, and fantastic lunch options!

• Wimberley Valley Winery: A huge outdoor venue with animals for the kids to feed, yard games, and good wines. They even do wine slushes in the summer and spiced wine in the winter. Other great wineries are Limestone and Duchman Winery (which even has a playground for little ones and an excellent Italian restaurant on-site!)

• You can pick up a bottle or two at the Hill Country Wine Shoppe, a little tasting room with vintage appeal. 

• If your buddies are looking for brews, you’ll have to go a bit further, up the road to San Marcos for Middleton Brewing and Roughhouse Brewing. It’s not far (we promise) and both breweries have their taps listed online so you can choose your own adventure.

• Vista Brewing: Lots of room inside and out, live music on the weekends, great beers, and that rustic appeal that is so singular to central Texas. 

• For something a bit stronger and still local, check out Cypress Creek Reserve, a restaurant and rum distillery. Lovely scenery, a shaded patio, and fantastic rum cocktails plus tours.

• And for a taste of everything, try Hill Country Tasting Room which offers beers, wines, and ciders from all across the state.
   

The Wimberley Square is home to a jumble of fun, fabulous, fancy boutiques and shops. Definitely start your visit here and stop by the Kiss The Cook Kitchen Shop, The Wild West Store, and The Tree House. You can get your Texaholic shirt at The Wildflower and everyone goes to the ACE Hardware Shop for everything ranging from home improvement to home decor – this is not your average hardware shop, folks!
 

The Old Mill Store sells jewelry, soaps, candles, hand-painted pottery, sculpture, textiles, and some toys for the kids, too. 
 

For more of a shopping “event”, plan your trip around the monthly Wimberley Market Day. Featuring 20+ acres and 490 stalls, Wimberley Market Day is overwhelming and awesome with live music, eats, and drinks—definitely an all-day affair!

 

Things To Do 

There is no shortage of great things to do in Wimberley & Driftwood! Here are some of our favorites: 
 

1. Jacob’s Well and Blue Hole are two gorgeous natural swimming holes surrounded by looming ancient Cypress trees. Blue Hole has been rated one of the best swimming holes in Texas and its shady, grassy shores host live performances. Reservations-only Jacob’s Well is one of the longest underwater caves in Texas… but don’t worry, you won't actually be going into the cave. 

2. Old Baldy is a 221 step hike to reach a plateau of cedar trees, cactus plants, and wildflowers surrounded by 360 views. 

3. Wimberley Zipline lets you fly through canyons and creeks on 10 separate ziplines. 

4. Quicksand Golf Course is a semi-private golf club surrounded by a natural Texas Hill Country setting. 

5. Emily Ann Theatre and Gardens is the epicenter for art and theater in Wimberley with indoor and outdoor stages, a Veterans Memorial Plaza, a children’s memorial, natural paths, and interactive activities. They host numerous events—Shakespeare Under The Stars, drama classes, summer programs, a butterfly festival, Christmas Trail of Lights, and more.

6. Charro Ranch Park is a well-manicured walking/biking trail on 64-acres.

7. Wimberley Market Days are an absolute blast and a great way to spend the day doing some retail therapy!

8. Most notably, these are the communities outside the hustle of Austin where you get the small town things like Hometown 4th of July parades, community trick or treating on the square, farmers markets, and antique car shows.

 

Schools

Children who live in Wimberley & Driftwood are served by three of the Austin area’s top-rated school districts: The Dripping Springs ISD, the Wimberley ISD, and the Hays ISD.
 

If you live in the Dripping Springs Independent School District, kids will likely attend the following schools:
 

• Sycamore Springs Elementary School

• Walnut Springs Elementary School

• Dripping Springs Middle School

• Sycamore Springs Middle School

• Dripping Springs High School
   

If you live in the Hays Independent School District, kids will likely attend the following schools:
 

• Carpenter Hill Elementary School

• Elm Grove Elementary School

• Laura B Negley Elementary School

• Eric Dahlstrom Middle School

• RC Barton Middle School

• Jack C Hays High School
   

If you live in the Wimberley Independent School District, kids will likely attend the following schools:
 

• Jacobs Well Elementary School

• Danforth Middle School

• Wimberley High School

 

 

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