Dripping with weekend possibilities
Texas Hill Country’s burgeoning brewing and distilling region makes a great getaway
The first clear, cool day of fall finds me at Jester King Brewery, on the far southwestern edge of what is only technically still Austin. It feels worlds away from the endless construction and clogged arteries of the capital city, though. This is the edge of the Hill Country: Brightblue skies meet craggy cedar-edged vistas in the distance.
The brewery’s small hillside is dotted with reveler-filled picnic tables. At the table next to me, the golden “3” of a pair of 30th-birthday-party balloons gently bobs in the breeze, batting at the massive side of a speckled Great Dane. Bop. Bop. Bop.
Beer aficionados around the world know Jester King’s name: One of the most critically lauded breweries in Texas, it’s fiercely devoted to local ingredients. Many of its beers are barrel-aged — some with fruit — and it specializes in farmhouse ales, a refreshing break from the endless parade of pale ales many craft breweries seem to prefer these days.
Jester King is also arguably the most visible face of a burgeoning artisanal brewing and distilling region straddling the border of Austin and the oncetiny town of Dripping Springs. Here’s how to spend a weekend there.
WHERE TO DRINK BEER
Dripping Springs has plenty of brewery options. Beyond Jester King, there’s Family Business Beer Co., started by “Supernatural” actor Jensen Ackles, his wife, Danneel, and her parents and brother (hence the “family” name). Acopon Brewing Co. specializes in English styles; Vista Brewing makes European ales, including several Belgian styles, using local ingredients. Other fine options are Twisted X Brewing Co. and Suds Monkey Brewing — with even more breweries yet to come.
WHERE TO DRINK BOOZE
Whiskey fans should not miss a visit to Treaty Oak Distilling, where you can sample multiple whiskeys (and a gin!), and dine at the on-site Ghost Hill Restaurant. The distillery also hosts music and will soon open the Cocktail Lab, a speakeasy-type experimental cocktail bar. More of a vodka person? Try Deep Eddy Vodka, where you can sample vodkas both plain and flavored (ruby red grapefruit! sweet tea!).
WHERE TO DRINK CIDER AND AMARO (AND MORE BEER)
Pauls Valley Road, a country lane just down the road from Jester King, is home to several tasting rooms of interest. Start at Argus Cidery, which makes dry ciders that exist on a separate plane from the sugary alcoholic apple juice you might have had in the past. A bit further down, there’s Revolution Spirits, which specializes in gin and liqueurs. My personal favorite? Their Amico Amaro, a bitter liqueur that riffs on Italian tradition with Texas flavors like hibiscus and cedar. Pauls Valley is also home to Last Stand Brewing, which has a tap room and beer garden.
WHERE TO EAT
Head over to The Switch , the newest project from the folks behind Austin barbecue joint Stiles Switch, where Texas barbecue takes a slightly Cajun turn. Think crawfish boudin, pulled pork po’ boys and brisket gumbo served with a scoop of potato salad. Next door, you’ll find Pieous, serving some of the best pizza in the Austin area, as well as a killer pastrami. Pieous is also a great place to stop for a pastry and a coffee before heading into the hills for the day. Or head to Rolling in Thyme and Dough for a heartier, more egg-centric breakfast.
WHAT TO BRING HOME
Bakers should swing by miller James Brown’s Barton Springs Mill to pick up Texas-grown heirloom flour, grits or cornmeal. High-quality flour can make a huge difference in the flavor of breads and other baked goods — it’s no wonder Brown’s flour is popular among Austin pastry chefs. You can also head to Texas Hill Country Olive Oil and tour the olive orchards before sampling Texas-grown olive oil. An on-site bistro serving sandwiches makes a great lunch stop before you head out to the breweries.
WHERE TO STAY
Proximity to Austin is part of the appeal of Dripping Springs, so a long weekend might find you spending nights in the city. But do make sure to check the schedule at the Nutty Brown Amphitheater, to see whether any of the (largely country music) acts catch your eye. Should you prefer to stay the night, try the deckedout Camp Lucy for luxury cabins and guest rooms (rates from $189 per night) or the Mt. Gainor Inn, a bed-and-breakfast in a vintage farmhouse (rates from $169). For those on a budget — or for larger groups — there are plenty of cabins on short-term rental sites such as Airbnb.
HOW TO GET AROUND
Many of these breweries and distilleries are somewhat spread out. Ride-share services — Uber, Lyft, the local nonprofit RideAustin — are available, but wait times can be sizable. My recommendation is to pick one, maybe two, locations per afternoon and stick it out. Many of the tasting rooms (including Jester King, Family Business and Treaty Oak) have food options, and besides: The whole point of a Hill Country getaway is to relax and enjoy the scenery. Why spend half of the day in a car?