Wimberley and Driftwood: swimming holes, wine and the Salt Lick
Photo: Larry D. Moore / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
The closest real Hill Country town to Austin, with two swimming holes, a square full of shops, and a winery and distillery cluster five minutes up the road in Driftwood. This is the one you can do on a Tuesday after school.
Jacob's Well Natural Area
Free, no reservation, open daily. The overlook and the trails are the November version; swimming is a summer reservation and has been suspended in low flow years.
Ranch Brand Wine & Spirits Tasting Room
On RR 12 between the well and the square. Wine and spirits from one family, open at noon most days.
The Leaning Pear
Lunch over Cypress Creek. Wood fired pizza for the kids, the Hill Country plates for you.
Blue Hole Regional Park
Cypress trees and a rope swing in summer; a quiet creek walk and playground the rest of the year.
Wimberley Valley Winery
The 1983 original, on shared grounds with Lone Man Mountain Brewing. Wine on one patio, beer on the other, kids on the lawn.
The Salt Lick BBQ
Family style brisket under the pavilion, cash only, BYOB. Salt Lick Cellars next door pours while you wait for a table.
If you have time
Wimberley Market Days
First Saturdays. 475 booths under the oaks at Lions Field, the second largest market in Texas. Get there before 10.
Driftwood Estate Winery
The bluff over Onion Creek, 21 and up, the best view in Driftwood for a couple without the kids.
Briggs Distilling Co.
A new Driftwood stillhouse a mile from the Salt Lick, open from 4 on weekdays. The last stop if someone else is driving.
Closed Mon-Tue (per opening-announcement hours)