One of the best things about living in Dripping Springs is its proximity to other great towns in the Hill Country. Austin of course has the big city charm, but several smaller towns offer their own unique appeal. Driftwood is a nearby neighbor of Dripping Springs and the charming Texas town is close enough for an easy day trip.
From barbecue that has a reputation beyond the Lone Star state to wineries and outdoor excursions, if you haven’t made your way south to Driftwood just yet, here are a few reasons to do so.
World-Famous Barbecue and Other Local Flavors
When we said Driftwood was a nearby neighbor of Dripping Springs, we weren’t kidding. Just hop on Ranch Road 12S or FM150W and it’s a quick 8-mile trip that takes under 15 minutes. Driftwood is an unincorporated community in Hays County that hasn’t grown much since it was settled in the mid-1800s. Its population today is just over 100 residents.
Visitors from all over Central Texas make a point to visit Driftwood though to get a taste of its Salt Lick BBQ. It can be difficult to stand out in the barbecue game in Texas, but Salt Lick has been an iconic barbecue destination since the 1960s and has been featured on popular TV shows such as Man vs. Food. The barbecue joint has since expanded to a location in Round Rock as well as restaurants in the Austin and Dallas airports, but there’s nothing quite like digging into a hunk of brisket or slab of pork ribs hot off the grill at the original spot in Driftwood.
Barbecue isn’t the only thing on the menu in Driftwood. Trattoria Lisina is a popular spot for a romantic evening out. From the moment you pull into the parking lot and see the Tuscan villa-style building draped in ivy, you know you’re in for a special meal.
With a menu that includes wood-fired pizzas and classic dishes such as lasagne alla bolognese and osso buco, the food here will transport your taste buds straight to Italy.
And no tour of Central Texas wine country is complete without a stop in Driftwood. Fall Creek Vineyards, Driftwood Estate Winery, and Duchman Family Winery all call Driftwood home and offer both tours and tasting rooms for guests to sample the wines before snagging a bottle to take home with them.
Stretch Your Legs and Snap a Vintage Selfie
Located just off FM150, Charro Ranch Park is a favorite of both Dripping Springs and Driftwood residents. Composed of 64 acres, the park offers several walking trails and picnic areas as well as a Solstice Circle and various spots for meditation and peaceful reflection.
Local birders will want to check out the park at different times of the year to snap a photo of nesting chimney swifts and painted buntings.
And speaking of photo opportunities, no stop in Driftwood is complete without snapping a photo in front of its historic Texaco station. The non-operating gas station is a slice of pure Americana from years past and makes for an amazing photo backdrop.
There’s a lot to love about Dripping Springs with its location offering residents everything that the Texas Hill Country has to offer. If you’re looking for a home in the area, reach out to learn more about the builders of Caliterra.
Photo by Destination Dripping Springs.
