Looking for things to do in Dripping Springs for Labor Day weekend? Here are some great events that will keep you busy for the long weekend. Most of them, you can go anytime. Not just for Labor Day. Also, these are great spots for pictures.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
24300 Hamilton Pool Rd.
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
parks.traviscountytx.gov/parks/hamilton-pool-preserve
Designated a nature preserve in 1990, Hamilton Pool Preserve is part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP). Surrounding the pool is a natural area that contains a collapsed grotto and canyon formed by years of water erosion.
The preserve has a quarter-mile rugged trail from the parking lot to the pool with uneven steps. If you’d like more hiking, Hamilton offers guided hikes that descend 80 feet into a canyon where you can observe a diversity of native animals and plants. You’ll also learn about how the preserve’s unique geological features came to be. The tour lasts for an hour and ends at the pool. Bring food and water as concessions are not available. And if you want to keep your phone charged, bring a portable charger.
Before heading to the preserve for a refreshing swim, call the public information line for the status of the preserve and make reservations. Conditions can change the status of swimming availability. Also, beware there is no lifeguard on duty and life vests are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Milton Reimers Ranch Park
23610 Hamilton Pool Rd.
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
parks.traviscountytx.gov/parks/reimers-ranch
If you go to Hamilton Pool Preserve, you’ll want to stop by Milton Reimers Ranch Park. The parkland is the largest acquisition in the history of Travis County. If you love rock climbing, this is a must-do as it has world-class rock climbing. Mountain bikers can ride their way through more than 18 miles of trails. Equestrian trail riding and hiking are also available at the park.
After all that activity, you may want to dip into the Pedernales River to cool down. Anglers love to come to the river to catch white bass. The park offers monthly bird walks on the first Saturday from October through April. While you won’t be able to do this over Labor Day weekend, you might want to note it for future reference.
The park also has Reimers Observatory, an observatory and program for space fans to see a star-filled sky and learn more about the universe. They also offer telescope classes. The observatory requires reservations. Visit the website for more information.
Texas Hill Country Olive Company
2530 W Fitzhugh Rd.
Dripping Springs, TX 78620-3342
texashillcountryoliveco.com
A family-owned business in Dripping Springs, Texas Hill Country Olive Company contains 16 acres of land filled with olive trees. The family chose Dripping Springs for its perfect land conditions and its many similarities with the landscapes of Italy. You can tour the orchard and see where they produce extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. They’ll show you how they harvest and press the olives.
And finally, you’ll find out what makes olive oil “extra virgin.” No tour is complete without the tasting room where you can sample a variety of olive oils and balsamic vinegar. They have an onsite gift shop and bistro. Tours take place on Fridays and Saturdays.
Annual Grape Stomp at Becker Vineyards
464 Becker Farms Rd.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
www.beckervineyards.com
“Stomp me, crush me, and make me wine!” is the battle cry for Becker Vineyard’s Annual Grape Stomp in Fredericksburg. It occurs over two weekends including Labor Day weekend. You may be picturing Lucy and Ethel stomping grapes and yes, it’s that much fun. And in honor of Lucy, they’ll judge the “Lucy and the Italian Woman Costume Contest” for the best Lucille Ball & the Italian Woman impersonation on Sep. 2!
Grape stomping separates the juice from the skins in the white wine process or wine from the skins in the red wine process. You can put your stomp prints on the back of your souvenir t-shirt! Children are welcome with adult supervision. Cheese and meat will be on sale in the deli case and a food truck on site.
If you fall in love with Dripping Springs after visiting these awesome places, check out the Caliterra community and the new Dripping Springs home inventory. To learn more, contact us today. You can also connect with us Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
