Dripping Springs – A guide to Drinkin’, Sippin’ & Dancin in Drippin’
Original Article from: www.ThinkinDrippin.com
No, it’s not a typo or been drinking too much. Dripping Springs locals drop the G. And pronounce Dripping as Dripp-in (with just a slight drawl). In the last few years Drippin has transformed from “dry town” to allowing the general public and residents to purchase alcohol inside and outside the city limits.
Dripping Springs or Drippin’ is famously known as the Gateway to the Hillcountry and is also the gateway to the wine country. The Texas Hill-Country has become home to many vineyards and has been nicknamed the Little Napa.
Here is a list of just a few of the local Dripping Springs wineries. If you find another local vineyard or winery that you would like to brag on let us know. We will post a link!
- Bell Springs Winery
- Driftwood Estate Winery
- Duchman Family Winery
- Salt Lick Cellars
- Solaro Estate Winery
- Westcave Cellars
A great way to spend a Saturday (or during the week) is to take a wine tour bus. We recommend http://discovertexaswine.com/. They have luxury Mercedes buses that will take you to the best of the wineries around Dripping Springs, Johnson City to Fredricksburg.
If you are adventurous you may want to explore more of the Texas Hill-country Vineyards & Wineries at your own pace and drive your own car or a new rental from Enterprise Rent-a-car in Dripping Springs, they have some great weekend rates. Don’t forget to have a designated driver!
Here are some suggested routes in the Texas Hill County Wine Region:
- http://www.wineroad290.com/ Day trip of wineries along 290W from Dripping Springs to Fredricksburg.
- Full wine tour map If you like to travel a little further and spend more time in the Texas hillcountry, here is a wine trail list showing the location of a lot more vineyards & wineries in the Texas Hill-country. You could make it a long weekend staying at many hotels, resorts and B&B’s offered along the Hill-country wine trail.
At the end of the day or your tour you can relax on Dripping Springs on Mercer Street where you will find Dudleys Wine Bar, and tap room. This Dripping Springs hangout is famous for its service from the ultra-friendly owners Adam & Stacey Dudley and sommelier George. It recently received the coveted “Dripping Springs New Business of the Year” from the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce. They serve over 40 wines by the glass and have guest beers from USA and Europe. Their beer list changes regularly, click here for updates
Its unique atmosphere is like a European pub, where you can meet locals or chat with your friends and loved ones at the bar or in one of the many private nooks and tasting rooms. They have a regular list of talented music artists that play during the week and Saturday night. A favorite regular singer/guitarist is Tommy Mojica. They are not just known for their fine wine list. They have a great choice of handcrafted US & European Beers. Dudleys is also available for private parties & tastings.
The Dudleys Wine Bar and Tap Room is located at 211 West Mercer Street, Dripping Springs TX 78620. Tel: 512-858-9463. Dudleys Wine Bar and Tap Rooms is open 5 days a week during the following times:
Tel: 512-858-WINE
Don’t drink wine? The neighbors have you covered…… The Barber Shop Brew Pub
Almost next door to Dudley’s is the famous Dripping Springs Bar and Brew-Pub called the Barber Shop. No, they don’t do haircuts, but many folks still ask for a cut & a pint of the best. The brewpub got its name from when it used to be the Dripping Springs Barber Shop. The quaint building also used to be the local garage from the 1920’s up to 1960 serving the Dripping Springs locals. There is still the original air-compressor from the old garage mounted on the wall. The Barber Shop pub is also a favorite hangout for various clasic car & motorcycle clubs that tour the hill-country on Sunny afternoon rides. The Barber shop also helps out the local community by holding fundraisers. There annual fundraiser for Hays County Emergency Services and Fire Fighters is well attended.
Something unique to a true traditional pub is friendly dogs are allowed on the premise. Behaved kids are also welcome during daylight hours in the fenced beer garden.
The huge array of draft beers changes regularly, so stop by often to partake a sample. They have an updated list of beers available at: Barber Shop – Current Beers on Tap
The Dripping Springs Barber Shop Brew Pub is located at 207 West Mercer Street, Dripping Springs TX 78620 Tel: 512-829-4636 The pub is open 7 days a week during the following times:
Mon – Fri: 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Sat: 2:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Sun: 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Hillcountry Ramblers have a regular music gig at the Barber Shop every Tues night
Dancin’ in Drippin’
If you still have energy, go visit Mercer Street Dancehall and dance the night away to classic live western swing and country music, its just a short walk from Dudleys or the Barber shop. Mercer Steet Dance hall has featured Kevin Fowler, Derailers, Hired Guns, Tracie Lynn and many others.
Dripping Springs is not only Vineyard friendly it is also Brewery & Distillery friendly.
Take a designated driver out into the hillcountry and partake in some Fine Beer or Vodka tasting.
Jester’s King Brewery, just a few miles out of Dripping Springs.
Dripping Springs Vodka has a large and enthusiastic national following. Located on Bell Springs Road just off Hwy 290W on the west side of Dripping Springs.
Coming soon to Dripping Springs:
Twisted X Brewery (relocating to Dripping Springs from Cedar Park) New brewery & tasting rooms will be located just south of Dripping springs on FM150 at Howard Ranch. Twisted X has an amazing array of Mexican influenced lagers & beers with a distinct twist.
Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery and tasting rooms. (Currently being built on Hwy 290W near Dripping Springs.)
If you have any other favorite places in and around Dripping Springs for a libation let us know. We will be glad to feature them on our site!
If you want to make the above places a local hangout contact us, we will find the perfect home nearby!
Ps. When Drinkin’ & Sippin’ in Drippin’ please drink responsibly! We want to see y’all again!
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