Texas Archives - Plan to Explore https://plantoexplore.com/tag/texas/ Your Resource for Easy Travel Tips Fri, 28 Mar 2025 17:57:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://plantoexplore.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/cropped-P-1-32x32.png Texas Archives - Plan to Explore https://plantoexplore.com/tag/texas/ 32 32 How To Plan the Best Day in Wimberley Texas [Updated 2025] https://plantoexplore.com/best-day-in-wimberley-texas/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-day-in-wimberley-texas https://plantoexplore.com/best-day-in-wimberley-texas/#comments Wed, 15 Jun 2022 21:15:30 +0000 https://plantoexplore.com/?p=3485 Are you looking for a day trip from Austin, Texas? Want to visit all the small towns in Texas? This post will give you all the details you need for visiting Wimberley, Texas.  Wimberley is a charming small town about 35 miles South of Austin, in the Texas Hill Country. Read on for my tips on when to visit, things to do, where to eat, and even where to swim in Wimberley, Texas!  When to Visit Wimberley When to visit is definitely determined by the weather in Wimberley and the activity you’d like to enjoy! Spring and Fall are ideal for shopping, eating on a patio, hiking, and walking around town. If it’s late spring or early fall, you may be able to swim too.  Summer is hot, ideal for going swimming and places with A/C.  Winter is hit or miss, but can be good for shopping and strolling.   Trail next to the Blanco River in downtown Wimberley – Late Spring How to Get to Wimberley Located South of Austin, getting to Wimberley will definitely take a car or a hired driver. I recommend renting a car to get around as there is not much transit available in the area. You’ll want to be able to drive to locations a few miles apart while visiting.  From Austin: The drive will take around 1 hour  Airports:  Austin Bergstrom International Airport – about 50 minutes away San Antonio International Airport – a little over an hour away Pro Tips: Don’t forget to sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now Going) to get flight deals right in your inbox! You can also search for rental cars at local airports on booking.com! You’ll be able to see all the rental companies compared in one place.  Where to Swim in Wimberley Wimberley swimming holes are a bit famous in Texas. Not only can you swim, but you can also hike in these areas. So plan to take a hike and then a dip afterwards!  Jacob’s Well – An underwater cave swimming hole. Reservations are required. Open from 8:00 – 6:00 pm daily from May – September (no alcohol, glass, or dogs). Check their website for the latest fees. You are able to hike with no reservation. *Water levels at Jacobs Well have become so low this area is now closed to swimming for the foreseeable future – check website** Blue Hole – A wooded swimming area with rope swings, as well as trails and a basketball court. Reservations are required. Open 8:00 am – Sunset from the end of May to the beginning of September.  Shopping in Wimberley The shops in Wimberley are absolutely adorable. There are small boutiques, antique stores, kitchen accessories, plant shops, gift shops, coffee shops, and more. The main area for shopping is the Wimberley Square area, and east a long Old Kyle Rd. You can easily walk here with convenient pedestrian crossing areas.  A few stores that I like to stop in:  Vintage Lily: Women’s Clothing The Wildflower: Women’s Clothing Wimberley Whimsy: For unique items and gifts  The Old Mill: For gifts and souvenirs The Bazar: For small antiques and thrift  Pro Tip: Give yourself at least 3 hours or more to wander – there are so many more great shops than I mentioned!  Parking: I recommend parking in the open lot next to Community Pizza & Beer Garden. If it’s not too busy, you might snag a spot right on Wimberley Square instead.  Where to Eat in Wimberley You’ll find a good selection of places to eat in Wimberley, Texas. I’ll list a few of my favorites below!  Community Pizza & Beer – A go-to for our family. Not only do they have amazing wood fired pizza, they have a great beer selection (a long with other drinks). There is a small sized indoor area, and a large patio with sails and misting fans. This is also a win for us because of the pirate ship play ground that my son loves!  Chill’s on the Creek – I know it seems like a touristy spot, and maybe it is, but we’ve never had a bad experience! We love this as a lunch location where you can sit outside along the Blanco River. Make sure you try any of their sourdough sandwiches, the bread is locally made and has a little sweet touch to it. Yum!  JoBell’s – For an upscale dining experience try JoBell’s just a little bit north on RR 12. We visited for our anniversary and enjoyed the experience. Low romantic lighting inside, or a lovely patio outside gives you dining options.    Read more: Insider’s Guide to Dripping Spring, Texas Where to Grab a Drink The Hill Country in Texas is known for its wine and craft beer scene, and Wimberley does not disappoint.  Los Olivos Market – Part wine bar, part wine and foodie shop, I like this spot. I was here on my birthday and grabbed a charcuterie box (it was delicious) and a glass of Rosé. Take away wines include a large selection of Texas wines, as well as some natural wines. They do also offer beer.  Social on the Square – Featuring wine and some alternative drinks like a paloma and a margarita, this is a cute spot with a courtyard to hang out in. There is also a small beer menu.   Casa Vindemia Wine & Beer Patio – A little off the beaten path up 12, I love this wine bar. They have 5 wines open at any given point, and you can choose to do a tasting of all of them, or a glass of one. The owner here imports very interesting wines which is unique and great. We were able to have glass of Hungarian wine! (Click here to read my post about why you should try Hungarian wine) *Temporarily Closed as of March 2025* Casa Vindemia Wine & Beer Garden Where to Stay in Wimberley, Texas There are a lot of options for Wimberley places to stay. From cabins, to a quaint hotel, to unique Airbnbs you’ll be able to find a great fit for you and your friends or family. Here are a few recommendations:  Wimberley Inn: A 3-star hotel with a bar and garden on site, and modern hip interiors.  Burnett Ranch Cabins – For an escape to the countryside (in true Texas style) try these rustic cabins that sleep 4+ people.  Rock House on Cypress Creek – This house accommodates 8 people and is walking distance to Wimberley. Private pool onsite is a plus!  Do you have the ideas you need to plan your best day in Wimberley, Texas? I hope this gives you the information you need to visit Wimberley and plan the best trip – for you! Leave a comment and let me know if you plan to use any of these Wimberley travel tips!  Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links, meaning I receive a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I really, really appreciate your support and could not continue this blog without you!

The post How To Plan the Best Day in Wimberley Texas [Updated 2025] appeared first on Plan to Explore.

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Are you looking for a day trip from Austin, Texas? Want to visit all the small towns in Texas? This post will give you all the details you need for visiting Wimberley, Texas. 

Wimberley is a charming small town about 35 miles South of Austin, in the Texas Hill Country. Read on for my tips on when to visit, things to do, where to eat, and even where to swim in Wimberley, Texas! 

When to Visit Wimberley

When to visit is definitely determined by the weather in Wimberley and the activity you’d like to enjoy!

  • Spring and Fall are ideal for shopping, eating on a patio, hiking, and walking around town. If it’s late spring or early fall, you may be able to swim too. 
  • Summer is hot, ideal for going swimming and places with A/C. 
  • Winter is hit or miss, but can be good for shopping and strolling.  
Wimberley Texas Weather, Plan to Explore
Trail next to the Blanco River in downtown Wimberley - Late Spring

How to Get to Wimberley

Located South of Austin, getting to Wimberley will definitely take a car or a hired driver. I recommend renting a car to get around as there is not much transit available in the area. You’ll want to be able to drive to locations a few miles apart while visiting. 

From Austin: The drive will take around 1 hour 

Airports: 

  • Austin Bergstrom International Airport – about 50 minutes away
  • San Antonio International Airport – a little over an hour away

Pro Tips: Don’t forget to sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now Going) to get flight deals right in your inbox! You can also search for rental cars at local airports on booking.com! You’ll be able to see all the rental companies compared in one place. 

Where to Swim in Wimberley

Wimberley swimming holes are a bit famous in Texas. Not only can you swim, but you can also hike in these areas. So plan to take a hike and then a dip afterwards! 

Jacob’s Well – An underwater cave swimming hole. Reservations are required. Open from 8:00 – 6:00 pm daily from May – September (no alcohol, glass, or dogs). Check their website for the latest fees. You are able to hike with no reservation. *Water levels at Jacobs Well have become so low this area is now closed to swimming for the foreseeable future – check website**

Blue Hole – A wooded swimming area with rope swings, as well as trails and a basketball court. Reservations are required. Open 8:00 am – Sunset from the end of May to the beginning of September. 

Shopping in Wimberley

The shops in Wimberley are absolutely adorable. There are small boutiques, antique stores, kitchen accessories, plant shops, gift shops, coffee shops, and more. The main area for shopping is the Wimberley Square area, and east a long Old Kyle Rd. You can easily walk here with convenient pedestrian crossing areas. 

A few stores that I like to stop in: 

  • Vintage Lily: Women’s Clothing
  • The Wildflower: Women’s Clothing
  • Wimberley Whimsy: For unique items and gifts 
  • The Old Mill: For gifts and souvenirs
  • The Bazar: For small antiques and thrift 
  • Pro Tip: Give yourself at least 3 hours or more to wander – there are so many more great shops than I mentioned! 

Parking: I recommend parking in the open lot next to Community Pizza & Beer Garden. If it’s not too busy, you might snag a spot right on Wimberley Square instead. 

Shopping in Wimberley, Texas, Plan to Explore

Where to Eat in Wimberley

You’ll find a good selection of places to eat in Wimberley, Texas. I’ll list a few of my favorites below! 

Community Pizza & Beer – A go-to for our family. Not only do they have amazing wood fired pizza, they have a great beer selection (a long with other drinks). There is a small sized indoor area, and a large patio with sails and misting fans. This is also a win for us because of the pirate ship play ground that my son loves! 

Chill’s on the Creek – I know it seems like a touristy spot, and maybe it is, but we’ve never had a bad experience! We love this as a lunch location where you can sit outside along the Blanco River. Make sure you try any of their sourdough sandwiches, the bread is locally made and has a little sweet touch to it. Yum! 

JoBell’s – For an upscale dining experience try JoBell’s just a little bit north on RR 12. We visited for our anniversary and enjoyed the experience. Low romantic lighting inside, or a lovely patio outside gives you dining options. 

 

Read more: Insider's Guide to Dripping Spring, Texas

Where to Grab a Drink

The Hill Country in Texas is known for its wine and craft beer scene, and Wimberley does not disappoint. 

Los Olivos Market – Part wine bar, part wine and foodie shop, I like this spot. I was here on my birthday and grabbed a charcuterie box (it was delicious) and a glass of Rosé. Take away wines include a large selection of Texas wines, as well as some natural wines. They do also offer beer. 

Social on the Square – Featuring wine and some alternative drinks like a paloma and a margarita, this is a cute spot with a courtyard to hang out in. There is also a small beer menu.  

Casa Vindemia Wine & Beer Patio – A little off the beaten path up 12, I love this wine bar. They have 5 wines open at any given point, and you can choose to do a tasting of all of them, or a glass of one. The owner here imports very interesting wines which is unique and great. We were able to have glass of Hungarian wine! (Click here to read my post about why you should try Hungarian wine) *Temporarily Closed as of March 2025*

Casa Vindemia Wine & Beer Garden

Where to Stay in Wimberley, Texas

There are a lot of options for Wimberley places to stay. From cabins, to a quaint hotel, to unique Airbnbs you’ll be able to find a great fit for you and your friends or family. Here are a few recommendations: 

Wimberley Inn: A 3-star hotel with a bar and garden on site, and modern hip interiors. 

Burnett Ranch Cabins – For an escape to the countryside (in true Texas style) try these rustic cabins that sleep 4+ people. 

Rock House on Cypress Creek – This house accommodates 8 people and is walking distance to Wimberley. Private pool onsite is a plus! 

Do you have the ideas you need to plan your best day in Wimberley, Texas?

I hope this gives you the information you need to visit Wimberley and plan the best trip – for you! Leave a comment and let me know if you plan to use any of these Wimberley travel tips! 

Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links, meaning I receive a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I really, really appreciate your support and could not continue this blog without you!

The post How To Plan the Best Day in Wimberley Texas [Updated 2025] appeared first on Plan to Explore.

]]> https://plantoexplore.com/best-day-in-wimberley-texas/feed/ 1 Top Dripping Springs Breweries You Need to Visit – from a Local [Updated 2025] https://plantoexplore.com/dripping-springs-breweries/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dripping-springs-breweries https://plantoexplore.com/dripping-springs-breweries/#comments Fri, 16 Apr 2021 19:51:00 +0000 https://plantoexplore.com/?p=1619 The Texas Hill Country is best known for the many wineries stretching for miles along Highway 290, but did you know there are amazing breweries too? Dripping Springs breweries have been popping up over the past decade, and there are now enough to visit that it would be tough to hit them all in a weekend.  If you are planning a trip to Dripping and love beer, or are traveling with someone who does, read on for the rundown on some of my favorite locations. (And don’t worry, if beer is not your drink of choice, most offer alternatives!)  Where is Dripping Springs? Dripping Springs is located in the Texas Hill Country, about 30 minutes outside of Austin. While wineries start in Dripping and continue all the way into Fredericksburg (about 45 minutes away), the majority of the breweries and distilleries are actually in Dripping!  When to visit Dripping Springs Dripping is really a great place to visit for most months of the year. If you want ideal weather for Dripping Springs breweries, I would visit in the Spring or the Fall. Summer temps really start to rise in late June – August, and a lot of the breweries have the majority of their space outside. Not to say you can’t find AC if you want to!  Where to Stay in Dripping Springs Did you know that Dripping is also a top wedding location in Texas? The good news – that means lots of fun local accommodations in the area. Personally I love using Airbnb. Below are a few other awesome options for you to check out and book!  Hill Country Casitas – A little bit off the beaten path, but offering a private retreat-like feel, these casitas are a fun option. Each casita offers an outdoor patio and hill country views. At least click to take a look at these little cottages! Quintessential Hill Country!  Lucky Arrow Retreat – This is such a unique place to stay in Dripping! Perched on a hilltop next to Bell Springs Winery/Brewery, the location is great. They offer upscale cabins and yurts, and amenities include a pool and an event space.  Click here to browse accommodations in Dripping!  Dripping Springs Breweries Suds Monkey Brewing About: Suds Monkey is the modern version of a local neighborhood bar, except with high-quality brews and pizza. This location features an indoor taproom with tables and a bar, as well as a large beer garden that caters to kids. Their beer selection is pretty wide with typically 10 beers on tap varying from blonde, to IPA, to hefeweizen, and porter. This is a great spot to go hang out all day. Also…I love pizza. 🙂  Tip: The owner often features events like Music Bing on Saturday nights and Wednesday night trivia, an Easter egg hunt in the Spring and more. Most of which are family-friendly. Check their website or social media for details!  Food: Pizza is available for dine-in or take out and the quality is really good. They also have salads, garlic knots, and cheesy bread so there is something for everyone.   Family Friendly: Yes! Playscape out front and kids are welcome in the taproom. Also pet friendly!  Alternative beverages: Yes! They also have wine and seltzer available, as well as sodas and juice boxes.  Location: 12024 US-290, Austin, TX 78737 (Picture is of the old location) Website for more details Vista Brewing About: Technically not in Dripping but in neighboring Driftwood, this taproom and garden has some of the most interesting and delicious beers in the area. They often partner with other breweries and wineries to make unique blends. Their beers cover a large spectrum from IPA, to blonde, to farmhouse ales. They offer a large outdoor beer garden space, and large indoor tables as well. Since this location is closer to the Austin Metro, get there early on a nice day to secure a table.  TIP: Grab your beer from the walk-up outdoor window, it can sometimes have a shorter line than the indoor bar.  Food: Vista offers elevated comfort food that pairs perfectly with its unique beers. They also have an on-site farm where they bee keep and grow fresh food.  Family Friendly: Yes! There is a large play platform with a slide towards the rear of the beer garden.  Alternative Beverages: Yes! With cider, sparkling wine, rose, white and red wine, anyone can find a drink they prefer. Non-alcoholic drinks include root beer, lemonade, sparkling water, and when you need a little pick me up – cold brew coffee.  Location: 13551 Ranch to Market Rd 150, Driftwood, TX 78619 Website for more details Bell Springs Winery & Brewery About: Wait a minute – a two for one location?? That’s right, Bell Springs has long been a winery in Dripping, but added brewing beer in 2019. They now offer wine tasting at one bar, and beer taps at another within the same building. With two covered porches and a good amount of outdoor seating, this is an ideal location to lounge outside. Typically four beers on tap, and last time we had a blonde and an IPA. Their seasonal Oktoberfest beers are amazing and have won awards. TIP: This is one of the most laid back wineries in the Hill Country. So if you like wine (and beer) in a relaxed atmosphere this is the place for you. Sunday is a perfect day here, Friday and Saturday can get busy with winery bus tours.  Food: The food truck on site has great options, and there are happy hour prices on Thursday and Fridays from 3:00 – close.  Family Friendly: Yes! They added a playscape in 2024, there is a dry creek bed that my son loves to check out (within site of outdoor tables). Alternative Beverages: Soda, water or sparkling water.  Location: 3700 Bell Springs Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Website for more details Acopon About: This brewery is the perfect stop as you stroll the shops on historic Mercer Street in downtown Dripping. Their beers focus on English Pub style brews. You’ll find cask style pours, as well as IPA, hefeweizen, barrel-aged ale, Czech pilsner, and more. Taps rotate so will vary.  Tip: Weeknights (Wednesday & Thursday) are pretty quiet here, so if you want an intimate experience it’s a great time of the week to go.  Food: They often have a food truck on-site, but you may want to check before you go.  Family Friendly: Yes, they have board games inside, and kids are welcome to sit inside or out (it is a small room so do make sure they are courteous). No official kids space.  Alternative Beverages: Yes! They have cider and wine available as well as sodas. My son loves the rootbeer.  Location: 211 W. Mercer St., Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Website for more details 12 Fox Beer Co About: A veteran-owned brewery, 12 Fox is located the furthest off the beaten path. With an outdoor beer garden and a large closed-in porch (with heat and A/C) for the bar and seating, this is a great spot to spend some time. Their beers focus on Belgian and German European styles with a saison, hefeweizen, and Belgian tripel usually on draft.  Tip: Check to see which food truck will be on-site before you get there! They also have a big Oktoberfest celebration yearly, as well as other fun events! Check them out on Instagram (owner posts regularly)  Food: Varies depending on what food truck is parked on-site for the weekend. Regulars include Gummis BBQ, Gourmet Burgers, and Tacos. The taproom also offers an ice cream freezer for treats.  Family Friendly: Yes! Full playscape, and swingset on-site. Adult supervision required.  Alternative Drinks: Yes! Wine and mead on tap, juice for kids, water, and sodas.  Location: 4700 W Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Website for more details Going – for cheap flight notifications! Want cheap flight deals delivered straight to your inbox? I love and use Going to send me the best cheap flights and mistake fares!  I booked flights to and from Madrid, Spain for only $400/each in the past using their notifications.  Click here to sign up for a free account, or a subscription for even better deals.  Ghost Note Brewing About: New to the brewery scene in 2021, Ghost Note is an awesome addition to the beer scene. I love the atmosphere with a nice open air deck and well manicured beer garden space. They have a varied beer selection, when we visited our selections included an IPA, Saison, and Blonde. Some of my favorite beer in the area.  Tip: They offer a variety of live music on the weekends.  Food: There is a resident food truck on site with Mexican food, to be honest it’s not my favorite bit it does the trick for a quick snack.  Family Friendly: Yes! They have a more natural playscape with a climbing net and slide.  Alternative Drinks: Yes! They have sodas, sweet tea, and non-alcoholic beer, as well as wine and house made hard seltzer that is really good.  Location: 23663 Ranch Road 12, Ghost Note Ln, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Want more Dripping info? Click to read my full Insider’s Travel Guide to Dripping Springs! Fitzhugh Brewery About: Joining the likes of Treaty Oak and Jester King along Fitzhugh Road, this spot is quite the contender. I’ve visited multiple times now and each time found a different beer that I loved. Hazy IPA, Austrian style beer, saison, stout, and more are part of their rotating taps with ver unique beers. The taproom is stylish with room to sit indoors, a covered porch, and huge beer garden outside as well.  Tip: This place gets busy on the weekend. Arrive early to snag a table.  Food: Full menu of delicious food, which is a major plus. We love their big soft pretzel with queso.  Family Friendly: 100%. The beer garden tables are all placed in a circle around the playground. They also have popsicles, what more can a kid ask for? Dog friendly too! Alternative Drinks: Yes! They have wine and hard seltzer, as well as fountain drinks. (Wine at a brewery can be pricy, but this spot if affordable!)  Address: 15435 Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Dripping Springs Breweries – Pro Tips Visiting more than 2 breweries a day would be a bit optimistic. You’ll find that it’s much more enjoyable to relax and stay awhile. I recommend keeping your agenda light.  We are outside the city in the Hill Country, and there can be bugs. I suggest closed-toe shoes especially if red ants tend to like you. Also, bug spray your ankles to be safe especially in late spring and summer.  Have you been to any of these Dripping Springs Breweries? Let me know your favorite in the comments!

The post Top Dripping Springs Breweries You Need to Visit – from a Local [Updated 2025] appeared first on Plan to Explore.

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The Texas Hill Country is best known for the many wineries stretching for miles along Highway 290, but did you know there are amazing breweries too? Dripping Springs breweries have been popping up over the past decade, and there are now enough to visit that it would be tough to hit them all in a weekend. 

If you are planning a trip to Dripping and love beer, or are traveling with someone who does, read on for the rundown on some of my favorite locations. (And don’t worry, if beer is not your drink of choice, most offer alternatives!) 

Where is Dripping Springs?

Dripping Springs is located in the Texas Hill Country, about 30 minutes outside of Austin. While wineries start in Dripping and continue all the way into Fredericksburg (about 45 minutes away), the majority of the breweries and distilleries are actually in Dripping! 

Dripping Springs Outdoors

When to visit Dripping Springs

Dripping is really a great place to visit for most months of the year. If you want ideal weather for Dripping Springs breweries, I would visit in the Spring or the Fall. Summer temps really start to rise in late June – August, and a lot of the breweries have the majority of their space outside. Not to say you can’t find AC if you want to! 

Where to Stay in Dripping Springs

Did you know that Dripping is also a top wedding location in Texas? The good news – that means lots of fun local accommodations in the area. Personally I love using Airbnb. Below are a few other awesome options for you to check out and book! 

Hill Country Casitas – A little bit off the beaten path, but offering a private retreat-like feel, these casitas are a fun option. Each casita offers an outdoor patio and hill country views. At least click to take a look at these little cottages! Quintessential Hill Country! 

Lucky Arrow Retreat – This is such a unique place to stay in Dripping! Perched on a hilltop next to Bell Springs Winery/Brewery, the location is great. They offer upscale cabins and yurts, and amenities include a pool and an event space. 

Click here to browse accommodations in Dripping! 

Dripping Springs Breweries

Suds Monkey Brewing

Dripping Springs Breweries, Suds Monkey Brewing, Plan to Explore

About: Suds Monkey is the modern version of a local neighborhood bar, except with high-quality brews and pizza. This location features an indoor taproom with tables and a bar, as well as a large beer garden that caters to kids. Their beer selection is pretty wide with typically 10 beers on tap varying from blonde, to IPA, to hefeweizen, and porter. This is a great spot to go hang out all day. Also…I love pizza. 🙂 

Tip: The owner often features events like Music Bing on Saturday nights and Wednesday night trivia, an Easter egg hunt in the Spring and more. Most of which are family-friendly. Check their website or social media for details! 

Food: Pizza is available for dine-in or take out and the quality is really good. They also have salads, garlic knots, and cheesy bread so there is something for everyone.  

Family Friendly: Yes! Playscape out front and kids are welcome in the taproom. Also pet friendly! 

Alternative beverages: Yes! They also have wine and seltzer available, as well as sodas and juice boxes. 

Location: 12024 US-290, Austin, TX 78737 (Picture is of the old location)

Website for more details

Vista Brewing

Vista Brewing, Dripping Springs Breweries, Plan to Explore

About: Technically not in Dripping but in neighboring Driftwood, this taproom and garden has some of the most interesting and delicious beers in the area. They often partner with other breweries and wineries to make unique blends. Their beers cover a large spectrum from IPA, to blonde, to farmhouse ales. They offer a large outdoor beer garden space, and large indoor tables as well. Since this location is closer to the Austin Metro, get there early on a nice day to secure a table. 

TIP: Grab your beer from the walk-up outdoor window, it can sometimes have a shorter line than the indoor bar. 

Food: Vista offers elevated comfort food that pairs perfectly with its unique beers. They also have an on-site farm where they bee keep and grow fresh food. 

Family Friendly: Yes! There is a large play platform with a slide towards the rear of the beer garden. 

Alternative Beverages: Yes! With cider, sparkling wine, rose, white and red wine, anyone can find a drink they prefer. Non-alcoholic drinks include root beer, lemonade, sparkling water, and when you need a little pick me up – cold brew coffee. 

Location: 13551 Ranch to Market Rd 150, Driftwood, TX 78619

Website for more details

Bell Springs Winery & Brewery

Wine & Beer, Bell Springs, Dripping Springs Brewey, Plan to Explore

About: Wait a minute – a two for one location?? That’s right, Bell Springs has long been a winery in Dripping, but added brewing beer in 2019. They now offer wine tasting at one bar, and beer taps at another within the same building. With two covered porches and a good amount of outdoor seating, this is an ideal location to lounge outside. Typically four beers on tap, and last time we had a blonde and an IPA. Their seasonal Oktoberfest beers are amazing and have won awards.

TIP: This is one of the most laid back wineries in the Hill Country. So if you like wine (and beer) in a relaxed atmosphere this is the place for you. Sunday is a perfect day here, Friday and Saturday can get busy with winery bus tours. 

Food: The food truck on site has great options, and there are happy hour prices on Thursday and Fridays from 3:00 – close. 

Family Friendly: Yes! They added a playscape in 2024, there is a dry creek bed that my son loves to check out (within site of outdoor tables).

Alternative Beverages: Soda, water or sparkling water. 

Location: 3700 Bell Springs Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Website for more details

Acopon

Acopon Brewing, Dripping Springs Breweries, Plan to Explore

About: This brewery is the perfect stop as you stroll the shops on historic Mercer Street in downtown Dripping. Their beers focus on English Pub style brews. You’ll find cask style pours, as well as IPA, hefeweizen, barrel-aged ale, Czech pilsner, and more. Taps rotate so will vary. 

Tip: Weeknights (Wednesday & Thursday) are pretty quiet here, so if you want an intimate experience it’s a great time of the week to go. 

Food: They often have a food truck on-site, but you may want to check before you go. 

Family Friendly: Yes, they have board games inside, and kids are welcome to sit inside or out (it is a small room so do make sure they are courteous). No official kids space. 

Alternative Beverages: Yes! They have cider and wine available as well as sodas. My son loves the rootbeer. 

Location: 211 W. Mercer St., Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Website for more details

12 Fox Beer Co

About: A veteran-owned brewery, 12 Fox is located the furthest off the beaten path. With an outdoor beer garden and a large closed-in porch (with heat and A/C) for the bar and seating, this is a great spot to spend some time. Their beers focus on Belgian and German European styles with a saison, hefeweizen, and Belgian tripel usually on draft. 

Tip: Check to see which food truck will be on-site before you get there! They also have a big Oktoberfest celebration yearly, as well as other fun events! Check them out on Instagram (owner posts regularly) 

Food: Varies depending on what food truck is parked on-site for the weekend. Regulars include Gummis BBQ, Gourmet Burgers, and Tacos. The taproom also offers an ice cream freezer for treats. 

Family Friendly: Yes! Full playscape, and swingset on-site. Adult supervision required. 

Alternative Drinks: Yes! Wine and mead on tap, juice for kids, water, and sodas. 

Location: 4700 W Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Website for more details

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Ghost Note Brewing

Ghost Note Brewing at night, Plan to Explore

About: New to the brewery scene in 2021, Ghost Note is an awesome addition to the beer scene. I love the atmosphere with a nice open air deck and well manicured beer garden space. They have a varied beer selection, when we visited our selections included an IPA, Saison, and Blonde. Some of my favorite beer in the area. 

Tip: They offer a variety of live music on the weekends. 

Food: There is a resident food truck on site with Mexican food, to be honest it’s not my favorite bit it does the trick for a quick snack. 

Family Friendly: Yes! They have a more natural playscape with a climbing net and slide. 

Alternative Drinks: Yes! They have sodas, sweet tea, and non-alcoholic beer, as well as wine and house made hard seltzer that is really good. 

Location: 23663 Ranch Road 12, Ghost Note Ln, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Want more Dripping info? Click to read my full Insider's Travel Guide to Dripping Springs!

Fitzhugh Brewery

Fitzhugh Brewery, Plan to Explore

About: Joining the likes of Treaty Oak and Jester King along Fitzhugh Road, this spot is quite the contender. I’ve visited multiple times now and each time found a different beer that I loved. Hazy IPA, Austrian style beer, saison, stout, and more are part of their rotating taps with ver unique beers. The taproom is stylish with room to sit indoors, a covered porch, and huge beer garden outside as well. 

Tip: This place gets busy on the weekend. Arrive early to snag a table. 

Food: Full menu of delicious food, which is a major plus. We love their big soft pretzel with queso. 

Family Friendly: 100%. The beer garden tables are all placed in a circle around the playground. They also have popsicles, what more can a kid ask for? Dog friendly too!

Alternative Drinks: Yes! They have wine and hard seltzer, as well as fountain drinks. (Wine at a brewery can be pricy, but this spot if affordable!) 

Address: 15435 Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Dripping Springs Breweries - Pro Tips

  • Visiting more than 2 breweries a day would be a bit optimistic. You’ll find that it’s much more enjoyable to relax and stay awhile. I recommend keeping your agenda light. 
  • We are outside the city in the Hill Country, and there can be bugs. I suggest closed-toe shoes especially if red ants tend to like you. Also, bug spray your ankles to be safe especially in late spring and summer. 

Have you been to any of these Dripping Springs Breweries? Let me know your favorite in the comments!

The post Top Dripping Springs Breweries You Need to Visit – from a Local [Updated 2025] appeared first on Plan to Explore.

]]> https://plantoexplore.com/dripping-springs-breweries/feed/ 1 Interesting Things To Do Off the Beaten Path in San Antonio, Texas [Updated 2025] https://plantoexplore.com/san-antonio-texas/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=san-antonio-texas https://plantoexplore.com/san-antonio-texas/#comments Wed, 03 Mar 2021 20:14:10 +0000 https://plantoexplore.com/?p=2610 I’ve been to San Antonio, actually multiple times before, since it’s so close to Austin.  I’m guessing when you think of San Antonio, Texas you think of two things  – The Riverwalk and The Alamo.  While those are great (albeit touristy) spots, we had visited both before and wanted to change things up. I love seeing alternate parts of a town and discovering hidden gems. Oh and don’t forget food, lots of good food.  Read on to find out the top interesting spots off the beaten path in central San Antonio. Where to Stay in San Antonio, Texas Airbnb is the way to go for an alternate place to stay! There are lots of great hotels on the Riverwalk, but an Airbnb lets you walk around a neighborhood and really feel the vibe “off the beaten path.”  Tobin Hill is a great choice for central San Antonio, still close to everything but not in the tourist center. You can walk to several areas from here including St Mary’s Strip, North Riverwalk Trail, and The Pearl.  There are also a lot of hotels closer to the Riverwalk itself. You can find historic locations, a “haunted hotel” (The Menger), and modern spots as well. Click here to book!  Tobin Hill Airbnb Check out more places to stay below through Booking.com. If a hotel is more your speed, they have great deals on stays in San Antonio!  San Antonio Weather & When to Visit San Antonio is one of those cities you can visit almost year-round. Winters are mild (usually), with Spring and Fall really being an ideal time for mid-range temperatures.  Summer is hot. I would not visit in July or August unless you plan to do most things indoors or in some type of water.  Pro tip: I constantly use weatherspark.com to check the weather, typical rainfall, even humidity of a city in a particular month. It helps me decide when I want to visit throughout the year!  The Historic Pearl Brewery & District The Pearl is such a fun spot. Restaurants, shops, farmer’s market on the weekend, and drinks while you wander around. I mean what more can you ask for?  Beautiful historic buildings make up this area, all from when this was a working brewery. The Pearl Brewery operated and made beer from 1883 – 2001. It’s fun to walk around and look into the old buildings to see what was retained. Great places to see some of the history are inside Hotel Emma, Southerleigh Kitchen and Brewing, and Cured.  Pearl Brewery – Where to Eat & Drink I’m not sure if you can really go wrong with food in this complex. It’s known as a culinary hot spot, and there are so many places I want to go back to try.  Bottling Dept Food Hall – A great spot for to-go food to eat on the lawn or at tables out front. Food is affordable and delicious. Options range from pizza to ramen to Caribbean food. We opted for the latter at Mi Roti and loved their Roti wrap. Another spot we tried wass Chiliquil for breakfast tacos. Full take-away bar on-site.  Southerleigh Kitchen & Brewing – Get craft beer from this restaurant and stay for the food. We have only had appetizers here, but they were good. You can also purchase beer from a stand right outside and wander around with it. Yes, please.  Down on Grayson – Technically not within the Pearl but right next door, we really loved their outdoor patio. The food and cocktails were outstanding, and the price much more affordable than some of the Pearl locations.  Supper – This upscale restaurant is a perfect spot for a celebration, birthday, or just a fancy night out. Their small menu has items that are all done well, and they offer a superb wine list.  Lick Ice Cream – I’m not sure how we never managed to go here in Austin, where Lick was founded, but we finally visited! Delicious top ingredient ice cream. I had their cream cheese kolache flavor, and the kiddo had chocolate peanut butter with brownie chunks in it. I mean come on.  Down on Grayson Pearl Brewery – Things To Do Besides eating, which is really the main thing to do here, there are a few other fun options.  Pearl Farmer’s Market – Every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, local vendors set up shop all along the walkways. On Saturday the market features produce, meat, hummus, coffee, and more. Sunday lends more towards local artisans for shopping. We tried empanadas that were fantastic!  Lounge on the lawn – Right outside the Bottling Depot is a big lawn for lounging and playing. Sit on the turf or grab a table on the perimeter and hang out with a cold beverage. Also great for people watching. We felt like we were back in a city center in Europe! San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden Within Brackenridge Park, North of downtown is the Japanese Tea Garden. Opened in an abandoned limestone rock quarry in 1942, this has become a beloved garden in San Antonio.  Normally lush, green, and beautiful, it was a bit brown when we visited due to icy weather the week before. A fun place to explore, winding pathways lead to bridges that take you over green lagoons.  Notes: FREE. We spent about half an hour to 45 minutes exploring. Good shoes are necessary, and if you have a kid do not even consider bringing a stroller.  St. Mary’s Strip St. Mary’s is kind of like the little sister to the Riverwalk with bars and restaurants (with much better quality food) lining the street. We had time to check out a few cool spots while we were there.  Singh’s Vietnamese – Really great Vietnamese food, we tried the pulled pork Bahn Mi and Brisket Bun. Definitely give their egg rolls a try, so delicious.  Little Death Wine Bar – Such a unique place! Wine store inside, and patio/parking lot for drinking outside, this is a great place to hang out. They specialize in natural and orange wine. If you don’t know what either of those is, please Google ASAP. 🙂  Burger Boy – That old school burger joint spot with a drive-thru to order and pick up. I didn’t eat there personally, but my son had a quality looking hot dog, crinkle cut fries and their specialty drink the Orange Freeze.  Notes: I heard great things about a few other restaurants along this strip, but didn’t have a chance to try them all! Check out NOLA Brunch & Beignets, or Tacos El Regio.  Also, I can’t speak to the bar scene because 1) I have a small child and, 2) We visited during COVID and only did outdoor activities.  Little Death Wine Bar Want to protect your data while you’re traveling? I highly recommend Surfshark VPN, and have been using it now for years.  A VPN conceals your IP address so hackers cannot access any of your data. I use it in airports, at coffee shops, and even if I want to access a website I’m not sure about!  Click here to check it out!  Historic Spanish Mission Trail I didn’t know what to expect but really loved the Historic Mission Trail. Picture stone church structures from the 1700s with history and green space to roam.  With five missions to visit, this can be a full-day itinerary or you can choose a few to focus on as we did. On this trip, we visited Mission Concepcíon and Mission San José. All are dotted along Mission Road/Parkway through Southern San Antonio.  If you prefer to get some exercise, each mission is connected through a hike and bike trail. There are even BCycle bike rental spots at various locations to make it easy to hop on one and tour.  Notes: If you don’t want to hike or bike, you will need a car to visit these locations. Comfortable shoes recommended, but most of the grounds are relatively flat. I recommend bringing snacks and water along as there are no “concessions.”  Mission Concepcion Mission San Jose What do you think about these San Antonio travel tips off the beaten path? Let me know in the comments! After my third trip to San Antonio, I’m excited to go back now more than ever. I really believe that experiencing a city from a new point of view can change your whole opinion!  Whether your visiting as a solo traveler, a couple, or as a family, there is something for everyone in San Antonio.  Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I really, really appreciate your support and could not continue this blog without you! 

The post Interesting Things To Do Off the Beaten Path in San Antonio, Texas [Updated 2025] appeared first on Plan to Explore.

]]>

I’ve been to San Antonio, actually multiple times before, since it’s so close to Austin.  I’m guessing when you think of San Antonio, Texas you think of two things  – The Riverwalk and The Alamo. 

While those are great (albeit touristy) spots, we had visited both before and wanted to change things up. I love seeing alternate parts of a town and discovering hidden gems. Oh and don’t forget food, lots of good food. 

Read on to find out the top interesting spots off the beaten path in central San Antonio.

Where to Stay in San Antonio, Texas

Airbnb is the way to go for an alternate place to stay! There are lots of great hotels on the Riverwalk, but an Airbnb lets you walk around a neighborhood and really feel the vibe “off the beaten path.” 

Tobin Hill is a great choice for central San Antonio, still close to everything but not in the tourist center. You can walk to several areas from here including St Mary’s Strip, North Riverwalk Trail, and The Pearl. 

There are also a lot of hotels closer to the Riverwalk itself. You can find historic locations, a “haunted hotel” (The Menger), and modern spots as well. Click here to book! 

Where to stay San Antonio, Plan to Explore
Tobin Hill Airbnb
Check out more places to stay below through Booking.com. If a hotel is more your speed, they have great deals on stays in San Antonio! 

San Antonio Weather & When to Visit

San Antonio is one of those cities you can visit almost year-round. Winters are mild (usually), with Spring and Fall really being an ideal time for mid-range temperatures. 

Summer is hot. I would not visit in July or August unless you plan to do most things indoors or in some type of water. 

Pro tip: I constantly use weatherspark.com to check the weather, typical rainfall, even humidity of a city in a particular month. It helps me decide when I want to visit throughout the year! 

The Historic Pearl Brewery & District

The Pearl is such a fun spot. Restaurants, shops, farmer’s market on the weekend, and drinks while you wander around. I mean what more can you ask for? 

Beautiful historic buildings make up this area, all from when this was a working brewery. The Pearl Brewery operated and made beer from 1883 – 2001. It’s fun to walk around and look into the old buildings to see what was retained. Great places to see some of the history are inside Hotel Emma, Southerleigh Kitchen and Brewing, and Cured. 

San Antonio, Texas - Pearl Brewery, Plan to Explore
Pearl Brewery - Where to Eat & Drink

I’m not sure if you can really go wrong with food in this complex. It’s known as a culinary hot spot, and there are so many places I want to go back to try. 

Bottling Dept Food Hall – A great spot for to-go food to eat on the lawn or at tables out front. Food is affordable and delicious. Options range from pizza to ramen to Caribbean food. We opted for the latter at Mi Roti and loved their Roti wrap. Another spot we tried wass Chiliquil for breakfast tacos. Full take-away bar on-site. 

Southerleigh Kitchen & Brewing – Get craft beer from this restaurant and stay for the food. We have only had appetizers here, but they were good. You can also purchase beer from a stand right outside and wander around with it. Yes, please. 

Down on Grayson – Technically not within the Pearl but right next door, we really loved their outdoor patio. The food and cocktails were outstanding, and the price much more affordable than some of the Pearl locations. 

Supper – This upscale restaurant is a perfect spot for a celebration, birthday, or just a fancy night out. Their small menu has items that are all done well, and they offer a superb wine list. 

Lick Ice Cream – I’m not sure how we never managed to go here in Austin, where Lick was founded, but we finally visited! Delicious top ingredient ice cream. I had their cream cheese kolache flavor, and the kiddo had chocolate peanut butter with brownie chunks in it. I mean come on. 

Down on Grayson, San Antonio, Texas, Plan to Explore
Down on Grayson
Pearl Brewery - Things To Do

Besides eating, which is really the main thing to do here, there are a few other fun options. 

Pearl Farmer’s Market – Every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, local vendors set up shop all along the walkways. On Saturday the market features produce, meat, hummus, coffee, and more. Sunday lends more towards local artisans for shopping. We tried empanadas that were fantastic! 

Lounge on the lawn – Right outside the Bottling Depot is a big lawn for lounging and playing. Sit on the turf or grab a table on the perimeter and hang out with a cold beverage. Also great for people watching. We felt like we were back in a city center in Europe!

San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden

Within Brackenridge Park, North of downtown is the Japanese Tea Garden. Opened in an abandoned limestone rock quarry in 1942, this has become a beloved garden in San Antonio. 

Normally lush, green, and beautiful, it was a bit brown when we visited due to icy weather the week before. A fun place to explore, winding pathways lead to bridges that take you over green lagoons. 

Notes: FREE. We spent about half an hour to 45 minutes exploring. Good shoes are necessary, and if you have a kid do not even consider bringing a stroller. 

Japanese Tea Garden, San Antonio, Texas, Plan to Explore

St. Mary's Strip

St. Mary’s is kind of like the little sister to the Riverwalk with bars and restaurants (with much better quality food) lining the street. We had time to check out a few cool spots while we were there. 

Singh’s Vietnamese – Really great Vietnamese food, we tried the pulled pork Bahn Mi and Brisket Bun. Definitely give their egg rolls a try, so delicious. 

Little Death Wine Bar – Such a unique place! Wine store inside, and patio/parking lot for drinking outside, this is a great place to hang out. They specialize in natural and orange wine. If you don’t know what either of those is, please Google ASAP. 🙂 

Burger Boy – That old school burger joint spot with a drive-thru to order and pick up. I didn’t eat there personally, but my son had a quality looking hot dog, crinkle cut fries and their specialty drink the Orange Freeze. 

Notes: I heard great things about a few other restaurants along this strip, but didn’t have a chance to try them all! Check out NOLA Brunch & Beignets, or Tacos El Regio. 

Also, I can’t speak to the bar scene because 1) I have a small child and, 2) We visited during COVID and only did outdoor activities. 

Little Death Wine Bar
Surfshark VPN

Want to protect your data while you’re traveling? I highly recommend Surfshark VPN, and have been using it now for years. 

A VPN conceals your IP address so hackers cannot access any of your data. I use it in airports, at coffee shops, and even if I want to access a website I’m not sure about! 

Click here to check it out! 

Historic Spanish Mission Trail

I didn’t know what to expect but really loved the Historic Mission Trail. Picture stone church structures from the 1700s with history and green space to roam. 

With five missions to visit, this can be a full-day itinerary or you can choose a few to focus on as we did. On this trip, we visited Mission Concepcíon and Mission San José. All are dotted along Mission Road/Parkway through Southern San Antonio. 

If you prefer to get some exercise, each mission is connected through a hike and bike trail. There are even BCycle bike rental spots at various locations to make it easy to hop on one and tour. 

Notes: If you don’t want to hike or bike, you will need a car to visit these locations. Comfortable shoes recommended, but most of the grounds are relatively flat. I recommend bringing snacks and water along as there are no “concessions.” 

Mission Concepcion, San Antonio, Texas, Plan to Explore
Mission Concepcion
Mission San Jose, San Antonio, Texas
Mission San Jose

What do you think about these San Antonio travel tips off the beaten path? Let me know in the comments!

After my third trip to San Antonio, I’m excited to go back now more than ever. I really believe that experiencing a city from a new point of view can change your whole opinion! 

Whether your visiting as a solo traveler, a couple, or as a family, there is something for everyone in San Antonio. 

Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I really, really appreciate your support and could not continue this blog without you! 

The post Interesting Things To Do Off the Beaten Path in San Antonio, Texas [Updated 2025] appeared first on Plan to Explore.

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