Insight by Digital Publisher

2016

INSIGHT DRIPPING SPRINGS

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From the Publishers

inSight Dripping Springs

As a lifestyle and entertainment publication, we focus on our historic and generous

community, the businesses that bring vivacity to our city, and local personalities whose perspectives are enlightening and witty. With more happenings in town than we can ever remember, it’s exciting to discover what’s new and what we have unearthed while creating our 2016 issue. With our second issue of inSight published and distributed, we are enormously fortunate to have so many supporters and advertisers who believe in us to publish an original and creative magazine devoted to Dripping Springs. With compelling images and stories that give local residents and visitors a true picture of our community, inSight is a refreshing resource that celebrates the pleasures of living in and visiting Dripping Springs. We are souls dedicated to our wonderful city and we know you are as well. So come be a part of inSight by staying in touch with us through the e-newsletters we publish twice a month. To receive our e-news, visit us at www.insightdrippingsprings.com. We welcome your input to help us promote and amplify the spirit of Dripping Springs.

Pun Nio and June Baumoel, Publishers, inSight Dripping Springs

Publishers June Baumoel Pun Nio Editors Christine Devall Lynn Fichtner Diane Motz Advertising Sales Contact

info@insightdrippingsprings.com Distribution inSight is a free publication with 15,000 copies printed and distributed to more than 350 select locations in 40 surrounding cities within 20 counties and large metropolitan areas in Texas. © 2016. No part may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. For additional copies of inSight Dripping Springs or to advertise in print or online, please send a request to info@insightdrippingsprings.com. NOTE: We want you to experience the best that Dripping Springs has to offer. While we have taken every measure to obtain accurate information, changes do occur with hours and days of operation at attractions and events. Please call ahead to verify information before you visit. We apologize in advance for any errors. Let us know about them by contacting info@insightdrippingsprings.com.

EDITORS

Contributors

Christine Devall works in educational publishing in Austin. She wants to do every Dripping Springs activity featured in this issue of inSight.

DorRae Stevens, an awardwinning photographer, lives and works in Dripping Springs and the Austin/Hill Country area. DorRae’s photography spans from portraits and weddings to documentaries, art, and commercial work.

Photographer Dave Wilson grew up in Scotland but got to Texas as soon as he could. He has lived in Dripping Springs for 12 years with his author wife, two sons, two dogs, three goats, and a varying number of chickens.

Laurel Robertson enjoys writing about interesting happenings in the Texas Hill Country. She’s spent 22 years in Dripping Springs raising children, chickens, and general ruckus, and hopes to spend the next 22 years dancing at her favorite country dance halls.

Barb Mansur and husband Bruce have lived in Dripping Springs for more than 20 years. She delights in helping with local nonprofits, especially those involving animals and children. When not herding cats or donkeys, Barb enjoys gardening and supporting local businesses.

Lynn Fichtner recently retired after teaching English for 20 years and now spends time playing in a steel pan band when she’s not working as a freelance editor/writer. She enjoys reading for audio book programs and exploring Texas. Diane Motz is a managing editor working in educational publishing who also enjoys freelance editing and writing projects. Based in Dripping Springs for over 20 years, her work has covered the gamut from lifestyle magazines to trade books and textbooks.

2  The Lowdown

inSight Dripping Springs

CONTENTS

Lifestyle



Entertainment



Destinations

THE LOWDOWN

PILLOW TALK

ESCAPES AND DIVERSIONS

4 Quiz: Milestones in Dripping Springs 8 The Importance of Being Historic 10 Take Two: Best New Things in Dripping Springs

24 True Confessions of Innkeepers 26 Dreaming in Dripping 28 Five-Star Lodging in Dripping Springs

50 52 54 56

CRAVINGS AND QUENCHERS

12 Rise and Dine! It’s Breakfast Time! 14 Global Local 17 Sippin’ in Drippin’ 18 The Sippin’ in Drippin’ Scene 22 Dripping’s Happy Gardener

TO MARKET 30 32 34 36 38

Horses, Humans, and Hospitality Stepping Out Hidden Gems (Almost) in Plain Sight Decorating in Dripping Hot Type in Dripping Springs

HOME SWEET HOME 2016

INSIGHT DRIPPING SPRINGS

40 42 44 46 48

Homes in the Hills Gardening Superstars The Roadrunner Art in the Wild Thumbs Up for the Masters

Cover Acknowledgments

LIFESTYLE

ENTERTAI N MEN T

DES T I N AT I O N S

Appreciation to Kathryn and Erich Oswald, owners of Prospect House, for facilitating the cover photograph. And to Ana Silva, bride model. Photo by DorRae Stevens Photography

Welcome to Founders Day: The Early Years Seriously Horsing Around Pedernales Falls State Park Back to School with Pleasure

CELEBRATIONS 58 “My Wedding, My Way” 60 “The Best Day of My Life” 62 Say It with Flowers

CONNECTIONS 64 The Fundraiser Circuit 66 Hill Country Alliance 67 A Creative Path to History in Dripping Springs 68 Hill Country Rally for Kids

RESOURCES 70 Resource Guide for Newcomers 72 Calendar of Events 75 Drinkology Trail Adventure 76 The Advertising Directory 79 Dear Barb

APPLAUSE 80 Citizens of Dripping Springs

On location at Tex-Zen Dreams

 THE LOWDOWN

QUIZ

Milestones in Dripping Springs

Find the answers to the following questions from the list of possibilities below. Note: This is tricky. There are more choices than there are questions!

LIST OF CHOICES

A. The Pointer

G. Short Mama’s

M. The Cardinals

B. Cattle ranching

H. Pedernales Baptist

N. Dr. Joseph M. Pound’s

C. Opening of Dripping

I. Methodist Church

Springs’ first post office

J. 1958 K. Dripping Springs

D. 1987

Redstockings

E. Dripping Springs

L. Incorporation of

Reunion

F. 1962

Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC)

Homestead

O. The Barber Shop Bar (formerly Crenshaw Garage)

P. Livery business Q. Milkhouse Spring

R. Lower Colorado River Authority water

S. The Salt Lick T. Spring Road U. Founders Memorial Park

V. Raising sheep and goats

From the list of choices Above, Select your answer

1 This location housed Dripping Springs’ first fire truck.

4 This was the name of the first mascot for Dripping Springs’ schools.

8 This occurrence in 1938 forever changed the way people live in Dripping Springs.

5 The first newspaper to hit the streets in Dripping Springs was called this.

9 On Thanksgiving morning in 1961, this event took place.

2 U.S. Highway 290 was built in this year.

6 The first traffic stoplight in Dripping Springs was installed is this year.

0 This festival was expected to become the next Woodstock.

3 This major driver of Dripping Springs’ growth was first delivered in 2002.

7 Before electric refrigeration, people in Dripping Springs stored their perishable foods here.

q When growing cotton proved nonviable, this industry became prominent in Dripping Springs. Answers on page 6

4  The Lowdown

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THE LOWDOWN 

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Old Fitzhugh Road pRESERVE Mercer Street

Cit y

Operated by Danny Hubbard and son Kevin Hubbard

ipping S Dr pr In

c. 1981

texas

Original historic “Main Street”

CoMMUnITy REVITALIZE LIVE MUSIC

Hays Street

Protect residential character

ShoppIng of surviving neighborhood

gs in

Family Owned and

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Historic renovations for eclectic mixed-use and tree preservation

DInIng

WALKIng

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It’s all about preserving our small-town character! insightdrippingsprings.com 

 THE LOWDOWN

1800 1900

1910

1920

1900 Dr. Shelton arrives; 1854 delivers 4,000 babies in career Pound House built 1869 Wallace Mountain Cemetery founded 1877 First cotton gin used 1895 Telephone lines appear

ANSWERS

Since Dripping Springs didn’t have an actual fire station, Short Mama’s garage housed our first fire truck, bought used in 1958. “Short Mama” was the affectionate nickname of Mrs. Buelah Haydon. Her son, Alva Haydon, served as the first fire chief for 17 years. Short Mama’s home still stands at 101 College Street. Sources say that Short Mama bought one of the first washing machines in town, and after she finished her own clothes, she would let others come by and use it.

2 1958

U.S. Highway 290 was built in 1958. It diverted traffic away from Mercer Street, which had served as Dripping Springs’ commercial hub for over 100 years. Although Mercer Street lost its role as the main thoroughfare from Austin to points farther west, the new highway likely contributed to the preservation of buildings on Mercer Street: it was never redeveloped and remains largely intact since its heyday in the early 1900s.

3 Lower Colorado River

Authority water The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) installed a 15-mile, 24-inch water pipeline (sourced from the Colorado River) along U.S. Highway 290 in 2002. The pipeline not only spurred growth but also rescued many residents whose ailing wells had already run dry. The new LCRA pipeline stirred much controversy at the time among environmentalists who feared that development fueled by the pipeline would contribute pollution to the Edwards Aquifer, thus harming Barton Springs and its endangered salamander.

6  The Lowdown

1940

1930s Bonnie and Clyde pass through town 1938 Six-man school football team formed

to MILESTONES in Dripping Springs

G 1 Short Mama’s

1915 First automobile sighted

1930

The Cardinals The Cardinals was the name of Dripping Springs’ school mascot in the 1920s and early1930s. The colors during that time were red and white. Lore has it that the name was changed to the Tigers in 1938, when a discounted price was obtained on some maroon and gold football uniforms that had been returned by another team.

H 5 Pedernales Baptist The Pedernales Baptist was the first recorded newspaper in Dripping Springs in 1905 but lasted only a few months. It was not until 1972 that the Roadrunner was published by Jeanine Lewis, who also owned a grocery store. According to published reports, Mrs. Lewis was not as keen on printing the news as she was on

getting dirt about people and trying to get support for a “wet vote” so she could sell liquor at her store. The Roadrunner was also short-lived. It was not until the early 1980s and 1990s that newspapers would begin to have steady lives with the appearance of the Century News and the News-Dispatch.

6 1987

In 1987 the first traffic stoplight was installed in Dripping Springs at the intersection of Ranch Road 12 and U.S. Highway 290. Since that time, more than seven traffic signals have been installed to slow heavy traffic emerging from our growing population. In March 2015, the Dripping Springs City Council approved a contract to study traffic development over the next 10 years and to recommend solutions. More lights coming soon.

Milkhouse Spring Prior to refrigeration, the Milkhouse Spring was used by the people of Dripping Springs to store milk and other dairy products—hence the name. Milkhouse Spring is a quarter-mile south of the city’s namesake dripping springs and is in a box canyon with rocky ledges that form a natural amphitheater. The cavelike spot once offered cool flowing waters and was a gathering place for families to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

THE LOWDOWN 

1950

1960

1970

1950 Future Farmers of America chartered

1960 First fire station built

1970s Population explodes in DSISD

8 Incorporation of Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC)

The Pedernales Electric Cooperative was

incorporated in 1938 and the Texas Hill Country was finally “lit.” While electricity was commonplace in large cities, people living in rural areas in the 1930s still relied on kerosene lanterns to light the way. Lyndon B. Johnson, a young congressman at the time, was instrumental in obtaining a federal loan through the Rural Electrification Act of 1938 to pay for the electrical distribution system. Today PEC delivers electricity to more than 265,000 accounts and has the most meters of any electric cooperative in the United States.

9 Opening of Dripping

Springs’ first post office

In 1961, the first post office building

opened in Dripping Springs. Prior to this time, the home of the postmaster or a local business served as the post office. The new structure, facing Mercer Street at the corner of Old Fitzhugh Road, was just 800 square feet. In 1984 the building was demolished, and the post office moved steps away on Mercer Street into the former Glosson grocery store. The post office on Mercer Street served as a meeting place for locals for almost 25 years. In September 2009, the post office moved west of town on U.S. Highway 290. The loss of the post office downtown

1980 1981 Dripping Springs incorporates as city

1990

2000

1990 Founders Memorial Park opens 1998 Community library dedicated 1999 Tank Town bottles rainwater for drinking

2001 Todd Purcell becomes mayor 2002 Liquor sales approved 2007 Mercer Street becomes historic district 2009 Tiger band wins state championship 2010 H-E-B opens 2015 Legislature declares city Wedding Capital of Texas. DSHS girls volleyball team wins state championship

almost sucked the wind out of Mercer Street, according to City Administrator Michelle Fisher. Luckily, other businesses opened to facilitate the revitalization of the city’s center.

0 Dripping Springs Reunion

The Dripping Springs Reunion, a threeday music festival first held in March 1972, was located about 10 miles west of town on land known as the Hurlbut Ranch. The line-up included Buck Owens, Loretta Lynn, Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings, and such “others” as Willie Nelson, whose fame was just beginning. The organizers expected more than 60,000 people, but fewer than 12,000 actually attended. Despite its financial failure, the reunion elevated progressive country music and the music scene in the Austin area. It was also a unique gathering of an unusual mix of people: cosmic hippie cowboys and redneck music fans. Willie was so inspired by the reunion that he held his first Fourth of July Picnic the following year on the same property. Willie’s biographer, Joe Nick Patoski, believes that without the reunion, Willie may have stayed in Nashville and not moved to Austin.

q Raising sheep and goats

D uring the 1920s and 1930s, the sheep

and goat industry became prominent in Dripping Springs. Local sources reported that between the years 1925 and 1927, Angora goats increased from 2,150 to 25,690 in Hays County. Subsequently, the market for wool and mohair opened around the area. By 1937, more than 175,000 pounds of wool and 125,000 pounds of mohair were produced in Dripping Springs by merchant Will Crow. Wool and mohair continued to be a successful business into the 1960s and 1970s. In 1962, the Rippy family, who had purchased the business from Will Crow, marketed more than 1.1 million pounds of wool and mohair from their small store in Dripping Springs. In all of Texas that year, 30 million pounds of wool and mohair were traded.

Acknowledgements:

National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Dripping Springs Downtown Historical District, 2011; The Complete History of Dripping Springs, Texas, and the P. A. Smith Survey, by Carl Waits, 2003: Nortex Press. Photos courtesty of Carl Waits.

insightdrippingsprings.com 

 THE LOWDOWN

The Importance of Being Historic Do you cherish Dripping Springs’ unique historic personality? If so, you can be proud of our city’s initiatives to preserve our history, advance our future, and retain the personality of the city we love.

Protecting Our Heritage

Local governments began protecting their historic assets through zoning laws long before preservation was of genuine importance at the federal level. The use of zoning laws as a means of protecting precious assets was first used by the city of Charleston in 1931 and a few years later by the cities of New Orleans and Savannah, where vast areas were given protection. It was not until 1966 that the U.S. Congress, at the urging of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, passed the National Preservation Act to protect not only individual properties but also areas and districts that hold special significance for people in urban and rural areas. An important aspect of the National Preservation Act of 1966 is the protection it lends to historic properties and areas that might otherwise be destroyed through federal programs —such as the massive national interstate highway system—that were commonplace after World War II. During this period, it is estimated that 25 percent of the nation’s finest historic sites were lost in federal construction projects. As the public became more aware of the demolition in the 1950s and 1960s, the Conference of Mayors, with the help of Lady Bird Johnson, undertook a study of historic preservation. The resulting publication, With Heritage So Rich, led to the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act. With the enactment, historic preservation caught hold at all levels of government. By 1981, almost 1,000 cities in the United States had adopted some form of historic district zoning. As part of the revitalization of Mercer Street, the Community Giving Tree is one of several features that bring new life into the historic district.

Historic Preservation in Dripping Springs

With a comprehensive plan and proper zoning ordinances in place, the City of Dripping Springs formed the Historic Preservation Commission in 2002. Of the many duties of the commission, its main function is to adopt and implement specific guidelines for the designation of historic places and areas that contribute to our significant past. The commission is also responsible for inventorying and cataloguing numerous buildings and sites, as well as their histories, to help educate citizens and tourists. In 2007, the city council adopted an ordinance at the request of the commission to create the Mercer Street Historic District, which also includes the streets Bluff, Wallace, College, and San Marcos within the downtown area. Although the city does not need permission from property owners to create a district, they do need support from the majority of them. When a district is established, the commission becomes responsible for reviewing and approving any exterior alterations proposed by property owners. This process allows for the preservation of the historical character of a house or a building and for the integrity of the area. It is not a process to deny changes; it’s simply to prevent modifications to buildings that might alter architectural features that are expressive of the past and to maintain a harmonious character. In recent years, Dripping Springs has experienced an enormous amount of residential and commercial growth that has led to concern about possible incompatible projects in areas that give our city its enduring charming personality. As a result, and after careful deliberation and due process, the commission and the city determined the need to create two additional historic districts: the Old Fitzhugh Road area and the Hays Street area. Each of the districts has its own set of unique design standards and use guidelines for reviewing proposed developments or changes. Of the three districts, the Mercer Street area has the strictest guidelines because it contains so many historical buildings and also because it is registered at the federal level under the National Preservation Act.

The Benefits of Historic Districts

The creation of local historic districts results in many benefits for a city and for property owners. Historic districts can increase heritage awareness and cultural tourism; encourage economic prosperity; provide aesthetic cohesiveness and civic pride; promote education; and, most importantly, provide a “sense of place” and a connection to the past as we look to the future, with history guiding the way.

8  The Lowdown

THE LOWDOWN 

Dripping Springs Historic Districts

Old Fitzhugh Rd.

OLD FITZHUGH DISTRICT

RR 12

MERCER DISTRICT Mercer St.

Hwy. 290

HAYS DISTRICT Hays St.

insightdrippingsprings.com 

 THE LOWDOWN

Best New Things in Dripping Springs

Take Two Gay Dotin

Co-owner, Mercer Street Dance Hall Manager, Camp Lucy Cottages

Gay and Keenan give their take on what’s new in town. Let us know your take at insightdrippingsprings.com.

Great addition to Fitzhugh! I never knew you could do so many different things with wine. First Thursdays bring the community together to enjoy downtown. It’s a new tradition. FINALLY! I can’t get enough of that crazy bread and keep going back for more. From designing and planning to gifts and accessories, wildly creative. Mmmmmm, Red-handed and Big Red. You need to go and try it for yourself.

Sidecar Tasting Room

Newest bar on the street with some good eats.

Bell Springs Winery’s “speakeasy” may be the coolest, classiest addition to the growing collection of cool on Old Fitzhugh Rd. I love that First Thursdays bring us to the heart of Dripping Springs to witness our town’s history brimming with new life!

First Thursday

The beloved “original” sandwich finally makes it out west. Yeah, “West of Weird” and not a moment too soon!

Scholtzky’s

Here’s an intriguing, rich, fun fusion of styles and elements, all brought comfortably together under a single farmhouse roof. Did not leave empty handed.

Revel Wilde

Treaty Oak Distilling Co.

What a great job she has done with that little building! So glad it’s so close to Mercer Street Dance Hall!

Keenan Smith

Architect, City Lights Design Alliance City of Dripping Springs Consultant

Vintage Soul

There is definitely soul to be found in anything vintage, and the sweet little shop really proves it with everything they do. Drippin’s love affair with music, musical instruction, and musical talent comes full circle and back to Mercer Street.

Hudson’s Music on Mercer

Love/hate that they get new clothing in every week. Addicting!

This easy, rambling confederation of sacred oaks and newly built barns and sheds invites “slow sipping,” with fantastic tastes of spirits warming the palate and the heart.

Starrs on Mercer

Love their old-time department store feeling, mood, and motto: “If it’s in a mall, it’s not in our store.”

2015

I have never seen so many people in one room be so quiet listening to all these great songwriters. Moving.

10  The Lowdown

Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival

Another great event and one more “merit badge” to the cluster of creative talent right here in Drippin’!

THE LOWDOWN  the historical heart of Dripping Springs

ake a step back in time and into the rich history of Dripping Springs at the “Pound House” farmstead and museum. Nestled on five oak-filled acres, the 1854 farmstead offers a fascinating and informative glimpse into our community’s historic past.

The farmstead and museum are available for tours, birthday parties and special events throughout the year. Conveniently located in Founders Park (1/3 mile north of 290 on RR 12).

JOIN US FOR THESE 2016 EVENTS: APRIL Heritage Gala SEPT Pioneer Day

JULY Time Travel Thursdays DEC Homespun Holiday

Drippin Spring’sg O Y MuseNuL m!

TOURS Wednesday – Saturday 12-3pm Founders Park, Dripping Springs

512.858.2030 or poundhouse@verizon.net www.drpoundhistoricalfarmstead.org Where Men Shop-2P

You’ll need plenty of time to shop all 2700 square feet of this historic building nestled in downtown Dripping Springs.

WHERE MEN SHOP Made-to-Measure & Tailored Clothing Contemporary & Classic • Formal Wear • Wedding Attire

Fine Fabrics for Custom Suits, Jackets, Slacks, and Shirts

Lone St r Gifts

www.wmsmadetomeasure.com

Hill Country Shopping at Its Finest

301 Mercer Street

Historic Downtown Mercer Street

Alteration Services to Sharpen Your Look

NEW ★ VINTAGE ★ ORIGINALS ★ ANTIQUES

Mon.-Sat.9am–6pm 512-858-9912

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Visit Our Facebook Page

27490 RR 12 Bldg. 2, Suite B6 Dripping Springs, Texas 78620

512-894-2130

insightdrippingsprings.com 

 CRAVINGS AND QUENCHERS

Rise and Dine! It’s

s t a f T k i a m e r B Flores Taco Stand Mighty Tiger Burrito

From sweet muffins and yogurt parfaits to pancakes and tacos to start your day. Slap on some sausage, maybe some bacon, too. There’re so many choices to go with your brew!

Sonic CroisSonic® Breakfast Sandwich

Cinnabon’s Minibon at Schlotzsky’s

Subway Egg and Veggie Six-inch

Oak Creek Cafe Eggs, Bacon, Grits, and Buttered Toast

Mazama Morning Glory Muffin

Rolling in Thyme & Dough Pig in a Blanket

McDonald’s Yogurt Parfait

Shell Food Mart Egg and Potato Taco

Whataburger Pancakes, Sausage, and Taters

12  Cravings and Quenchers

CRAVINGS AND QUENCHERS 

GOOD IS

community banking in a town just west of weird. Good is a bank you can count on to be there with big time products and small town values. At Broadway Bank, good is giving more than you take, and always doing good for the communities we serve.

PERSONAL BANKING | PRIVATE BANKING BUSINESS BANKING

Special deal with this ad. Limit one per customer. Inside the Shell Food Mart 200 W. Hwy. 290 @ RR 12

SPECIAL

OPEN Wednesdays at 3PM The Triangle @ Veterans Memorial Park Hwy 290/RR12

Buy one “MAKE IT A MEAL” of any size and receive second “MAKE IT A MEAL” of same size for ½ price.

cityofdrippingsprings.com insightdrippingsprings.com 

 CRAVINGS AND QUENCHERS

Global Local

inSight’s tasting tour led us around the world. Whatever your international cravings, try exploring these local interpretations.

Ceviche with Tilapia Latin America El Rey yelp.com

Chicken Mole Empanada Portugal, YAPA yapaartisanempanadas.com

Pizza Italy Grand Slam Pizza grandslam-pizza.com Brisket Eggrolls Texas, USA Smoke 'n Hops smokenhops.com

Crème Brûlée French Toast France Trudy’s Four Star trudysfourstar.com Sushi Rolls Japan H-E-B https://www.heb.com/ www.heb.com

Edamame & Spring Rolls China Koi Lantern koilantern.com

Shishito Peppers Japan Cannellini Bean Hummus with Baba Ganoush Greece The Mercantile mercantileonmercer.com

Photo by DorRae Stevens Photography

14  Cravings and Quenchers

CRAVINGS AND QUENCHERS 

ODELL

EQUIPMENT COMPANY

Serving satisfied customers in the Hill Country for over 20 years! Land Clearing Grading, Excavation Site Development Roads, Driveways, Stock Ponds Licensed Septic Installer

301 Mercer Street Dripping Springs • TX www.mazamacoffee.com mazamacoffee.com

Roy Odell

www.ranchwerks.net

Ranchwerks Steve Dearen Land and Ranch Improvements

512-762-0337 ranchwerks@gmail.com

Ranchwerks Dripping Springs, TX Cedar/brush removal, roads, fencing, welding, Bobcat work, shredding

Dependable, Trustworthy Service Proud supporter of 4-H & FFA

roygodell@gmail.com

512-923-8608

FREE ESTIMATES

Texas f o s e i Sk Starlit e h t f no bratio e l e C REE

2016 ✹ ark , 5 h c , Mar rings Ranch P urday p

www.Barbershopbar.com

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Live Music

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sp ✹ H w rt Di ions r sho and A entat , s e e c r e sta n P e m i e o c v i D s , l ery ation iscov educ s ium D r a ation t v e bser Plan o n i r t Party a s l Au so rving e s b o t sky al.org Nigh festiv

L o c a l Bre ws Limite d Of fe r in

s a x e T y k S t Nigh ival Fest3–10 pm

Hosted by texas

insightdrippingsprings.com 

 CRAVINGS THE LOWDOWN AND QUENCHERS

2 locations 2 unique experiences 7 days a week Wine Tastings • Appetizers Live Music • Outdoor Patios

Hours and locations @ www.BellSpringsWinery.com 16  Cravings and Quenchers

CRAVINGS AND THEQUENCHERS LOWDOWN 

Sippin’ in Drippin’

Dripping Springs is a great place for your taste

buds when they’re in the mood for beer, wine, or spirits. Over the past several years, many businesses producing a variety of libations have established roots around our city. So what makes the Dripping Springs area such a desirable place to brew, ferment, and distill? For Susan Kelleher, co-owner of San Luis Spirits, which makes Dripping Springs Vodka and Dripping Springs Gin, it’s the Hill County. “Artesian spring water is intrinsic to our vodka recipe. And Dripping Springs is the gateway to the Hill Country.” Given the popularity of these venues and their products, it’s very apparent that people are more than willing to make the drive here to enjoy them. Jim Sampson, founder and president of the Twisted X Brewing Company, observes that people come to Dripping Springs every day for the possibilities alcoholic. “We built Twisted X in the middle of all this activity. It was a great choice, and we’re glad to be here.” Indeed, this “liquid flurry” has transformed

Dripping Springs into a true destination point where people can enjoy impressive tastings in picture-perfect settings such as those at Solaro Estate Winery. Co-owner Barbara Haderlein says that the Solaro property, previously a family estate, was established in 2000 as “a sustainable vineyard, winery, and ranching operation that now produces wines recognized as among the best in the world.” So to assist you in your pleasure-trippin’, inSight has provided a full listing of local wineries, breweries, and distilleries on page 20. Many have live music on weekends, some serve food, and several encourage guests to bring their own foods for pairing, so check their websites or call ahead for information and recommendations about hours, tasting schedules, reservations, special occasions, policies on kids and dogs, and so on. Plus, be aware that not every business showcased here offers tastings. With so many choices, going sippin’ in Drippin’ may in fact become your favorite outing. So plan your trip, head out, and don’t forget the designated driver.

insightdrippingsprings.com 

 CRAVINGS AND QUENCHERS

Jim Sampson Twisted X Brewing Co.

Randall Metting Dulce Vida

Allison Kelly & Brian Smittle Thirsty Planet

18  Cravings and Quenchers

Doug Reed Hawk’s Shadow Winery & Vineyard

Tamara & David Tindol Specialty Blends

Robert Fritz & Barbara Haderlein Solaro & Barton Springs Winery

Gary Elliot Driftwood Estate Winery

CRAVINGS AND QUENCHERS 

The Sippin’ in Drippin’ Scene Photographed in June 2015 by DorRae Stevens Photography on the grounds of Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead

Not pictured: Last Stand Brewing Company, Argus Cidery, Swift Distillery, and Treaty Oak Distilling Co.

Ed and Susan Auler Fall Creek Vinyards

Kevin Coles Deep Eddy Vodka

Michael Steffing Jester King Brewery

Margaret & Allan Fetty Westcave Cellars Winery

Susan Kelleher

Aaron Day

Dripping Springs Vodka and Gin

Revolution Spirits

Nate Pruitt

Dave Reilly

Bell Springs Winery

Duchman Family Winery

Jay Knepp Salt Lick Cellars

More on wineries, breweries, and distilleries

☞

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Savoring Luscious Wines Bell Springs Winery releases eight enjoyable red or white wines each year. The winer y began in 2009 with a vineyard and tasting room on Bell Springs Road. In 2015, the popular Sidecar Tasting Room in the Old Fitzhugh historic district opened. bellspringswiner y.com

Driftwood Estate Winery, located on a beautiful bluff overlooking its vineyards, is a per fect spot to sip on red and white wines, including some sweet muscats. The tasting room is open daily. driftwoodvineyards.com

Duchman Family Winery pours tastings ever y day and hosts special events on regular occasions. Sourced from 100 percent Texas grapes, their wines have won many awards in prestigious competitions. Duchman is a beautiful setting for any occasion. duchmanwiner y.com

Fall Creek Vineyards began in Tow, Texas, 30 years ago and has since produced its many internationally award-winning red and white wines. Fall Creek expanded in 2015 to Driftwood, where tastings and special events are offered in a pleasing venue. www.fcv.com

Loving Local Craft Beer

Drippin’ Vintners Hawk’s Shadow Winery and Vineyard

Solaro Estate has two locations, one in

produces unique wines in a serene Dripping Springs location with vast views of the Hill Countr y. The winer y recently expanded to increase production and offers a stunning underground limestone tasting and party room. hawksshadow.com

Houston and one in Dripping Springs, where the vineyard is located. Solaro produces awardwinning wines and offers tastings ever y day from their striking venue overlooking the vineyard. solaroestate.com

Salt Lick Cellars grows grapes for wine pro-

Music Series and other events while ser ving red and white wines grown from Texas grapes in their nine-acre vineyard. The winer y is located in one of the prettiest areas of the Hill Countr y. westcavecellars.com

duction and offers a pleasing indoor-outdoor wine tasting venue. The delicious wines are produced by Fall Creek Vineyards and other vineyards in the Hill Countr y. saltlickcellars.com

Westcave Cellars Winery hosts the Sunday

For locations, see page 75, the Drinkology Trail Adventure.

Applauding Artisan-Crafted Spirits Dulce Vida Organic Tequila is made under the careful eyes of its owners from 100% organic agave from rich farmland in Mexico. Dulce Vida produces seven types of 100-proof tequilas, all pure and power ful without additives. dulcevidaspirits.com

Revolution Spirits, a relatively new distiller y, creates the refreshing and refined Austin Reser ve Gin that is a modern mix of corn, juniper, and five additional botanicals selected to create a smooth, power ful 100-proof gin. revolutionspirits.com

Drippin’ Brewers Jester King is a true farmhouse brewer y that emphasizes partnering with nature to make unique beers and ales. A great location for large groups and lovers of variety, Jester King has produced more than 60 beers since opening in 2009. jesterkingbrewer y.com

Last Stand Brewing Company opened in 2014 with a beer garden and a tap room also used as an experimental lab. Production includes a strong pale ale, a full‑bodied coffee porter, and a west-coast‑inspired IPA. laststandbrewing.com

Thirsty Planet, known for its friendly, knowledgeable owners and staff, has tours and tastings and often private parties. Seasonal beers are on tap, as are year-round beers, the most popular being the amber-style ale, Thirsty Goat. thirstyplanet.net

Twisted X Brewing Company, also known as Tex Mex Beer,TM is open ever y day, with talented brewers ser ving crisp, rich lagers, jalapeno pilsners, hoppy IPAs, and its Señor Viego classic black beer. texmexbeer.com

20  Cravings and Quenchers

Drippin’ Distillers Deep Eddy Vodka produces five varieties of crisp, smooth vodkas including lemon, sweet tea, cranberr y, grapefruit, and regular. Their large tasting room can be used for private parties, with outdoor facilities also available. deepeddyvodka.com

Dripping Springs Vodka and Gin uses pure, mineral-rich artesian waters from the Hill Countr y. A delicious orange vodka is made from hand-zested oranges. Take a tour to see the small-batch distiller y with copper stills. drippingspringsvodka.com

Swift Distillery began making an authentic Scottish whisky, Swift Single Malt, in 2010, after extensive travels and research. The singlemalt whisky is distilled in hand-hammered copper pots and aged in Kentucky bourbon barrels and sherr y casks from Portugal. swiftdistiller y.com

Treaty Oak Distilling Co. has seven liquors, including vodkas, bourbons, gins, and its highly rated rums. Treaty Oak recently expanded operations to Dripping Springs, and the word is more products such as liqueurs, cordials, and perhaps beers may be coming. treatyoakdistilling.com

Cheering Special Commodities Argus Cidery offers a lovely selection of still

Specialty Blends produces distinctive alcoholic

and sparkling hard ciders made from Texasgrown apples as well as a sparkling pineapple tepache wine. Argus also bottles a zingy ginger perr y beer using only pears. arguscider y.com

infusions and mixes to blend with wines and beers to create cocktails usually made with hard liquors. Though not available to the public, wine and beer establishments may order to enhance their beverage menus. ilovemargaritas.com

CRAVINGS AND THEQUENCHERS LOWDOWN 

www.drippingspringsvodka.com insightdrippingsprings.com 

 CRAVINGS AND QUENCHERS

Dripping’s Happy Gardener An interview with Marianne Simmons for 40 vendors. It’s a great place to shop for fresh foods and crafts, enjoy local entertainment, and meet friends each Wednesday afternoon. It’s a true gathering place where consumers can talk to suppliers to learn about gardening, foods, and preparation techniques. I am very proud of our accomplishments and grateful for the city’s support.

You are from South Texas. Tell us how you got to Dripping Springs. Yes, I’m from

Brownsville, where it’s hot and humid, and you get the Gulf breeze. I love the bicultural environment there and the variety of fruits and vegetables—lots of citrus, onions, sugar cane, and cabbages—that thrive in the climate. I graduated from UT Austin and worked for Whole Foods in its infancy. Then I moved to southern California, where I worked in the produce distribution industry and witnessed the farming culture. I knew it was for me. I operated a small, successful organic farm in Santa Barbara County, where I really enjoyed selling at farmers markets and to chefs. I longed for some land, so in the early 1990s I bought my home and acreage in Dripping Springs. It’s been very rewarding.

There are so many terms related to foods: non-GMO, organic, certified organic. Is there a simple way to know if produce is grown without pesticides or herbicides?

Shop at the farmers market and talk to the farmers. When looking at labels, be sure to see that word organic is accompanied by the word certified. You’ll know it’s clean, healthy, and grown responsibly.

Your business, Onion Creek Farm, is very popular. Where do you sell your products? My products are found primarily

at the local farmers market, and I sell to a few area restaurants. I sell potatoes, asparagus, leeks, heirloom garlic, shallots, fresh and dried herbs, pickles, and homemade breads. I have a flock of hens that roam the farm and lay delicious eggs.

If we were to follow you in a span of a year, what would we find you doing?

What advice would you give to a novice gardener? Start small, grow what you like,

and keep your expectations reasonable. One great resource is the Hays County Master Do you grow most of your vegetables Gardeners association that offers classes in from seed or from starter plants? I grow Dripping Springs. You can learn a great from seeds and starter plants. Since I am a deal by becoming a Master Gardener. GEO certified organic farmer, the seeds and plants Growers, a local nursery, is helpful, too. must come from organic suppliers, like Gabriel Whether in pots, raised beds, or troughs, just Valley Farms. I recommend buying plants from start gardening, and learn by trial and error. small local nurseries that can recommend Gardening is a true learning experience. varieties suited to our area. I also collect and use my own seeds and freeze them, too. Tell us about your involvement in Dripping Springs Farmers Market. I started What surprised you most about talking to city administrators and researching gardening in the Hill Country? other farmers markets to begin the process of The extremes in the weather, for sure. forming an association. We spent a lot of time What you have to know is that in Central developing rules and bylaws and creating Texas, no season from year to year is ever the a board. In 2009, we officially formed the same. There’re pests and wildlife you have to organization. We are constantly revising our control or they will devour your crops. guidelines as the market grows and more Do you amend your soil? Yes, I do use diverse vendors, from home crafts to prepared natural fertilizers and compost. The extra foods, join us. At Veterans Memorial Park, nutrients really help. where the market is held, we have capacity

22  Cravings and Quenchers

Spring–tilling soil, planting, selling, lots of weeding, watering Summer–picking, selling, weeding, watering, canning Fall–planting, maintaining growth, picking, selling, weeding, watering Winter–weeding, composting, selling, fixing broken tools, and maintaining vehicles What is your favorite dish to cook?

Quiches! One of the blessings of growing produce is you cook straight from the garden using fresh vegetables and herbs that are in season. My dishes are pretty simple and all natural. Just delicious! I have a new dish I want to make, but I can’t tell you yet. When you are not gardening, what is your favorite pastime? Dancing at

Mercer Street Dance Hall and other spots and playing Scrabble and Texas 42 with friends. When dancing, I get to dress up and be social. And the games challenge me mentally. I do love farming, but it’s important to get out and about and live life in Dripping Springs.

CRAVINGS AND QUENCHERS 

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 PILLOW TALK

True Confessions of Innkeepers An interview with Jerry and Laurie Pinnix, owners of Mt. Gainor Inn

Why did you decide to become innkeepers? We never decided, and we never had

a plan. Mt. Gainor Inn appeared from left field. We let Texas A&M students who were looking for a weekend getaway place rent the house, and by word of mouth it became a business.

serve quality food, and provide luxury sheets, pillow, and towels. Have you witnessed any interesting late-night escapades by guests? No,

not really, we are typically asleep by 9:00 pm since we get up early to cook breakfast. What are some of the most interesting items left behind by guests? Around

time and some arguing to learn who was better at each job. We found a nice balance in our working relationship and now it’s effortless and quite pleasurable. Has the wedding industry explosion in Dripping Springs affected your business? We definitely see more wedding parties

Halloween, we have found parts of costumes left behind. Plastic swords, lots of eyelashes, vampire teeth, and a sheriff ’s badge with handcuffs (and a plastic hand).

since we are close to several venues. We love when families reserve the whole house. It’s fun to serve a luncheon, too, when the bride and her bridesmaids are having their hair and makeup done. Sometimes they are a little stressed, so we have chair massages for them.

You offer specials for your guests like fruit and cheese trays, massages, and more. Do guests often purchase them?

What’s the strangest occurrence you have encountered with guests? We have

And we vacuum under beds, above door trims, picture frames, window screens, under sofa cushions, you name it, we clean it. No water spots on chrome or glass either. We want our rooms to be clean, crisp, and fresh for every guest.

Yes, they do. Our intention is to make their stay special and design packages to create the experience they desire. Many guests are here for honeymoons, anniversaries, birthdays, girls’ weekends, and other occasions. We offer massages, rose petals, cakes, flowers, and other special requests.

Does the inn ever close? No, we never

What was the worst day of your life as an innkeeper? That’s easy. One year we

Your job is 24/7. How do you relax and care for yourselves? It’s doesn’t seem like

You have many five-star reviews on TripAdvisor. What’s your secret to success? Privacy, great accommodations,

good pricing, and top-notch staff. We treat our guests the way we want to be treated. We serve great country breakfasts and cater to our guests’ dietary restrictions. It’s still all delicious! Your inn is known for its cleanliness. Do you dust light bulbs? You bet we do.

had a really cold winter, lost electricity, and had 17 water breaks. Then in the summer of 2014, all six air conditioning units went out the same day. What advice would you give a person hoping to become an innkeeper? First

and foremost, you need to like people and have an appreciation for being self-employed. Also, be flexible, have a good sense of humor,

24  Pillow Talk

24/7 because we love what we do. We have a great staff that allows us to take some cool vacations. We live in paradise and love just sitting on our porch viewing the Texas Hill Country. We have lots of family in the area and every Wednesday we have our grandkids. As a married couple running an inn, do you ever argue? Before opening the inn,

we had never worked together, so it took some

had brides delivered by helicopter, guests show up for breakfast in costumes, a whistler who serenaded other guests, and a man who worked for a telephone company hook up an antique telephone. Believe it or not, it worked!

close. We are open 365 days a year, even for holiday season. We have many people during the holiday visiting nearby relatives. It’s convenient, and sometimes their families come over for breakfast, too! Thank you for letting inSight interview you today. Anything else you wish to add? We find great joy seeing the smiles of

our guests. We all need an opportunity to kick back and relax, and we built the inn with just that in mind.

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 PILLOW TALK

Dreaming in Dripping

Tex-Zen Dreams

26  Pillow Talk

Bella Nido

Great for

Country weddings, bicycling, glamping

Small weddings, town tours

Location

Eleven secluded acres between Dripping Springs and Johnson City. Limestone hills slope down to a rich bottomland with flowing creek and towering Escarpment Cherry trees.

Near town, a 1905 bungalow shaded by pecan trees and a old stone barn retrofitted for small weddings and events. Overlooks wildflower fields sloping down to Onion Creek.

Ingenious use of native materials First Impressions creates whimsical surprises at

Arts and Crafts style throughout: tin ceilings, longleaf pine floors, period furnishings. Bonus sitting rooms and a dining room downstairs. Spacious porches wrap three sides.

Special Features/ Activities

Tex-Zen is full of variety with charming cottages, hammocks, hot tub, serene rose garden, reflecting pool, and even a zip line. For a camp zen experience, choose to stay in the immaculate 30-foot Holiday Rambler. You’ll be happy anywhere at Tex-Zen Dreams.

For quick access to Dripping Springs, or for a retreat from this century, Bella Nido (“beautiful nest”) is just that. The iconic stone barn makes a per fect setting for small weddings and events, with a rustic hall and four bedrooms. The two-story bungalow next door accommodates wedding guests or groups of friends enjoying wine tours, Drippin’ shopping, Mercer Street night life, the nearby Twisted X Brewery, and area parks.

Anything Else?

Clean and green living with a pure rainwater supply, a greywater system, composting toilets, and an organic garden and greenhouse.

Full breakfasts served at the long dining table on weekends, Friday happy hour, and gourmet picnic lunches available for day trips.

How to Book

texzendreams.com 512-858-5634

bellanido.com 512-584-5088

every turn. Gazebos, patios, hammocks, walking trails, water, and wildlife abound to create an eminently inviting outdoors.

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Dripping Springs Ranch House

Hatton House

Tipping T

Great for

Gatherings of families and friends, a quiet retreat, “getting lost”

Wineries, wedding guests, artist’s retreat

Large groups, glamping, special occasions

Location

On 300 acres with gorgeous large oaks and a backdrop of Barton Creek and surrounding granite bluffs. Minutes away from wedding venues, vineyards, breweries, and distilleries.

Limestone dwelling tucked into a bluff above Onion Creek. Two miles from Dripping Springs, a world away from modern rush and fuss.

On five acres conveniently located to Austin and Dripping Springs, nestled among live oak trees where cool breezes prevail.

An inviting, comfortable Texas ranch First Impressions house filled with unique paintings,

Wildflower fields above, shaded lily pools below, and situated in between a limestone dwelling that blends into the natural setting. Only its turquoise trim imparts its presence.

Gracious owners welcome you to their compound of cottages and cabins that circle the property and natural scenery. The hosts provide everything you need to make your stay comfortable and relaxing.

Special Features/ Activities

With a total of five bedrooms and three baths in the main house and bunkhouse, there is ample space for a larger group. The sizeable dining room and well-equipped kitchen are ideal for entertaining. Relax with morning coffee or afternoon cocktails on the screened porch where views of the wildlife encourage you to explore the property.

The most valued activity at Hatton House is relaxation and timeless quietude. Stargazing, wildlife watching, and croquet are also popular. Walking, hiking, and bicycling around the 20 acres (or down scenic Creek Road) complement the unwinding options.

Tipping T sleeps 30 people and has space for kids as well. The two cabins, Hummingbird and Bunting, are spacious with full baths, kitchens, front and back porches, outdoor grills, and all amenities. The adorable cabins, Waller, Armadillo, and Waterloo, are equipped with TVs, WIFI, and small refrigerators; plus, they offer a more glamping experience as they share an amazingly large bathhouse steps away from the front porches.

Anything Else?

The ranch has numerous interesting natural sites to appreciate and outdoor games to play. Cook on the grill while enjoying the peaceful fountain in the gardens.

A spring beneath the house flows to a natural pool on the patio. Gardens supply ingredients for complimentary breakfasts.

Tipping T’s Tejas Pavilion is a delightfully pleasing space to host parties and small weddings. The pavilion has indoor and outdoor areas for entertaining and a huge kitchen for chefs.

How to Book

vrbo.com/457973

creekroadhomestead.com 512-858-5634

tippingt.com 512-413-4590

antiques, collectibles, memorabilia, and bright colors that all come together with the owners’ personal and soothing decorating touches.

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 PILLOW TALK

Five‑Star Lodging in Dripping Springs

HOSPITALITY

Without question,

the very special places in Dripping Springs to rest your body and soul are those that garnish five‑star ratings from their guests. So how do they do it? inSight’s investigations into area lodging yielded several exceptional offerings that bring about the highest compliment: “If only I could stay one more night.” Sleep Inn & Suites, for example,

receives rave reviews for their “most amaz‑ ing” breakfast buffets, filled to the brim with fresh foods of all kinds, including an assortment of fruits, bone-in ham, bacon, sausage, scram‑ bled eggs, biscuits, and gravy. Sleep Inn also gets high ratings for their dreamy mattresses and trailer-friendly parking lot, an impor‑ tant feature for folks headed to horse shows at Dripping Springs Ranch Park.

28  Pillow Talk

FRESH FOOD

SPARKLING CLEAN

AMENITIES

At Star House Bed & Breakfast, hospi‑

Larger lodges around Dripping Springs, such as Henly Hills Ranch and Long-

cially the “Blissful Bath Experience.” The character of a lodge or bed & breakfast always plays an important role in the minds of travel‑ ers. At Camp Lucy, for instance, the spacious, comfortable, and beau‑ tifully designed cottages are an “unexpected luxury” for guests who appreciate the “luxe rustic” accommodations and warm, welcoming, hospitality. The whim‑ sical décor featuring family heirlooms at Tex-Zen Dreams pro‑ vide a truly interesting setting in which people enjoy storytelling under the stars. At Tipping T, guests enjoy the crafts‑ manship and charm of the houses and the peaceful surroundings of nature in addition to the fully stocked kitch‑ ens and toys for kids. At Dripping Springs Ranch House, the spaciousness of a true Texas ranch house is inviting and comfort‑ able for large groups,

tality reigns supreme as you are treated like “honored guests” by beautiful hosts in a beautiful setting. The owners of Bella Nido,

Hatton House, TexZen Dreams, and Mt. Gainor Inn also receive

regular accolades for their genuine warmth as innkeepers. These lodges, and many oth‑ ers, have proprietors who take a personal interest in their guests by greeting them with open arms—a sooth‑ ing touch for droopy travelers. Hatton House provides delicious lavender lemonade and warm, comfortable sheets and bed cover‑ ings. Bella Nido is also known for its “elegant bedding” and “scrump‑ tious almond French toast.” At Tex-Zen Dreams, guests adore the “warm and gracious owners” who provide “immaculate and well equipped” lodging and outdoor spaces.

horn River Ranch,

have extremely popular amenities—multiple outdoor activities and games, access to swim‑ ming, fishing, hiking, and expansive acre‑ age—that are perfect for family reunions. It’s an opportunity for people to stay on big ranches, complete with “super staff ” that “ex‑ ceeds expectations.” Elsewhere, the lus‑ cious shampoos, lotions, soaps, and worldfamous pumpkin bread at the Homestead at Dripping Springs, and the homemade granola and handmade donkeyshaped chocolates at Juniper Hills Farms are among the thoughtful amenities. At 3 Dawg Night, the proprietor happily offers trans‑ portation to nearby weddings. At Mt. Gainor Inn, guests take pleasure in the special packages offered, espe‑

CHARACTER

not to mention its ideal proximity to wineries and wedding venues. Dripping Springs has so many gracious hosts prepared and equipped to showcase the Texas Hill Country way of life through their lodgings by treat‑ ing visitors with the kindest hospitality. They are loving people who represent Dripping Springs as a gener‑ ous, giving commu‑ nity offering the “great country outing” that we residents experience every day. So when daily chores overwhelm, Dripping Springs’ locals might consider tak‑ ing a break in life and checking themselves into one of our many unique places to renew and relax from our own busy lives. It’s Texas Hill Country life for all to enjoy.

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 TO MARKET

Horses, Humans, and Hospitality An interview with Penny Reeves How long have you lived in Dripping Springs? Are you a native Texan?

I’m from Missouri and went to SMU. We moved to Dripping in the 1990s, after I sold my share of Body Business Health Club in Austin. My kids went to school here and I was fitness director at the Springs Family Y (formerly the Springs Fitness Center) when it opened.

Penny’s a celebrity whose energy, spontaneous wit, and warm words of welcome light up any crowd.

Where would you suggest buying horse feed? DLS Feed. I like their brands and

they deliver! There’s also Rippy’s and Triple S to shop.

Tell us about your broadcasting days.

Tell us about your pets. Who’s your veterinarian? I’ve had many dogs and cats

I worked in Dallas as an intern at a radio station. I came to Austin and worked at KVET where I landed a drive-time show slot, which was unusual for a woman in the 1980s. It was a tough go but I eventually won over the listeners.

and I buy my pet food at H-E-B; my vet is Sunset Canyon Veterinary.

You do many appearances as master of ceremonies for events. Where do you shop for clothes in Dripping?

I love Ranch 2 Runway and Sunny Paige! But I go to Cowgirls & Lace, too. I want to go to Goody Two Shoes soon. For gifts, I go to Robin’s Closet and Lone Start Gifts where you can find many neat things. And Vintage Soul, love her stuff!

When did you fall in love with horses?

As a kid, I would put a towel under my shirt, tuck it in my pants, and jump over picnic tables, like a horse. You know the movie, National Velvet, well, I’m the horse! When did you decide to develop Graymar Farms? After the Springs

Fitness Center sold to the YMCA, and I got a divorce, I had to decide what to do. So I developed Graymar Farms. I started with four horses. Now there are 28-30. We board horses and offer classes on horsemanship, ranch riding, rein/hunter saddle, and western dressage. People of all ages come to Graymar. Some come just to ride and relax. It’s great to witness people healing through horses. What’s the future for Dripping Springs?

Fabulous! If we build the infrastructure, like roads and schools, we’ll expand our community. I believe the more people, the better to make a vibrant community where businesses can thrive. Of all the new developments in the city in the past years, what is your favorite? Besides expanding the schools, I am glad

we have more places to eat since I’m not a cook! I like the new housing developments, but I do hope for more affordable housing.

30  To Market

is Robert Skrobarczyk at RMSBuilder.com. He is a custom home builder and did an awesome job on the “homes” for all the horses here at Graymar.

Do you get your hair styled in Dripping?

GG’s Hair Lounge behind Walgreen’s. I’ve gone to Grainne for years. Where do you go for truck service? Banks have popped up all over town. Where do you bank? I’ve banked with

Prosperity Bank for years…. Debbie and Dena are the best.

Owning a business can be an administrative burden. Do you have a CPA?

I use Quickbooks for everyday needs. Bret Garner is my CPA. Tackling math is my greatest challenge! Who would be your realtor if you were buying or selling property? That’s tough!

I know so many good realtors—Russ Taylor, Steve Mallett, Terese Peabody, Jessi Rose Waite, Stephanie Pope. It would be hard to select one. Who built your barn and stables?

My barn builder, horse shed builder, and the man who did all the remodeling on my house

L&L Automotive. If given time, how do you relax?

Sleep, and I read up on dressage. But I love being with people, and that is relaxing to me! Do you drink wine? Where do you buy?

Depends on what I’m wearing! If I wear white I drink white, when I wear red, I drink red—just kidding! My latest wine is 14 Hands Wine that I buy at H–E-B. What’s your favorite cause in Dripping?

The 4H and FFA programs and any rural heritage events. I am passionate about all events at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. What’s your motto, Penny? I have lots of quotes I live by. I have one for each day. My favorite is: Ride the Moment. That says a lot to me.

TO MARKET 

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 TO MARKET

Stepping Out

Whether heading out of town, to a meeting, or for a date night, Dripping’s apparel stores offer smart attire for any age. Photography by DorRae Stevens Photography Style Coordinator, Cammy Jones

Claireen Fellers, left, Cowgirls & Lace denim top, white slacks, and jewelr y; Starrs on Mercer beaded purse. Daniela Watkins, center, from Starrs on Mercer gold purse and necklace; Sunny Paige embellished top, leggings, and bracelet. Cr ystal Emmons, right, Ranch 2 Runway denim jeans, boots, camisole, navy top, and jewelr y.

Claireen Fellers is a founding board member of the Pound House Foundation, where she was instrumental in restoring the city’s only museum, the Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead. Claireen is also a founding member of the Dripping Springs Community Foundation that raised sufficient funds to build Dripping Springs Community Library. Because of her foresight, the successful Dripping Springs Women’s Club came into being in 2007. Claireen has contributed countless volunteer hours for the betterment of our community. She spends enjoyable summers with her husband Doyle in Michigan.

32  To Market

Daniela Watkins, a senior at Dripping Springs High School, serves as historian for the Dating Violence Advocacy Awareness Board, whose mission is to promote an understanding of domestic violence. She designed and implemented a self-compassion campaign called FLY (First Love Yourself ) as part of her activism. She has worked on water conservation with a group called Dripping Skies that encourages rainwater collection. As an officer of the fashion club, Daniela led a school-wide “Coats for Kids” drive. This energetic young woman also belongs to the Leo and Interact Clubs and the National Honor Society.

For the past 12 years, Crystal Emmons has dedicated herself to Dripping Springs Helping Hands, where she has worked tirelessly in the food pantry, and on the Christmas Elf Project, the Back-to-School Drive, and the Empty Bowls Project—all for our neighbors in need. She also served as a board member for six years and as president for over four years. Helping Hands has benefited greatly from her dynamic services and leadership. Crystal is an active member of the Presbyterian Church. When not volunteering, Crystal enjoys playing tennis.

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Claireen Fellers, Ranch 2 Runway tunic, slacks, jewelry, and boots; Starrs on Mercer gold purse.

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Crystal Emmons, Ranch 2 Runway denim jacket, turtleneck, leggings, boots, and hat.

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Hidden Gems (Almost) in Plain Sight You never know what you will find in Dripping

Springs when you dig a little. They may not have storefronts, but there are many talented people in Dripping Springs whose unique wares and edibles are hidden gems. Made in the comfort‑ able confines of the creators’ homes where the environment suits their lifestyles, these jewels are created without expensive overhead. Making products at home, sometimes called the “cottage industry,” often requires a work‑ force of family members. Take, for example, Allison the Cookie Fairy, whose husband is her number‑one helper. He rolls the dough, mixes icings, and makes deliveries of Allison’s magically crafted, hand-painted cookies. But the creativ‑ ity is left to Allison. She started her business in 2013 as a novice and now has a booming cookie company, all from her home. Allison attributes her success to the exclusivity of her product (truly one-of-a-kinds), word of mouth, and the “likes” from satisfied customers on her Facebook page. the-cookie-fairy.com

With the advent of e-commerce and social media, marketing home-based products has become fairly easy. Attractive photography, smart labeling, affordable pricing, and hassle-free order‑ ing all contribute to the success of selling prod‑ ucts online. Jessica Hancock, owner of LylaDee Designs, works from her garage and mainly sells her adorable, festive burlap banners on Etsy— about 200 per month in the busy holiday season. But Jessica also knows that other avenues have helped her success. She attends area craft markets and has a booth at Drippin’ with Delights in Dripping Springs, outlets that allow her products to be seen offline. etsy.com/shop/LylaDee.com For Steve Gamache, who makes gorgeous wood-turned bowls from pine, his creations are really a therapeutic hobby that allows him to es‑ cape everyday life while bringing in extra income. Each bowl Steve makes becomes an exclusive design—no two ever come out the same—as he plays with different stains and embellishments. He doesn’t have a sophisticated marketing plan or website. He simply sells his bowls from a booth tucked in the back at Lone Star Gifts. Steve’s hobby is just what it is: a creative diversion that brings him pleasure. lonestargifts.net On one of inSight’s trips to the Dripping Springs Farmers Market, we discovered two gals,

34  To Market

Sherri Hendrix of Sew Many Possibilities and Dana Mihaley of Sew Pinkin/Stinken Cute. Sherri and Dana “found” one another at the mar‑ ket and realized they would make a terrific team marketing their products together. Sherri, who monograms, and Dana, a stitch-perfect seam‑ stress, offer the cutest adult and kids’ clothing: hats, purses, keychains, and an array of other gift items. Both ladies work from home, where they complete custom orders, make new products, and prepare for the weekly market. facebook.com/sew-many-possibilities and sewpinkincute.com

inSight’s treasure hunt for homemade products in Dripping Springs also uncovered other noteworthy items that may suit your fancy or be just the perfect gift! Bath and body products from Bell Springs

Products bellspringsproducts.com and Linger Bath and Body etsy.com/shop/LingerBathAndBody Cookies and cakes from Fancy Eats and Sweets fancyeatsandsweets.com Sweet and savory breads and cakes

by Whisk-y Business janamuniz.wix.com/whiskybizz Kids’ clothes and accessories by Simply Seamed simplyseamed.com Handmade jewelry from Mercy’s Beads

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Ceramic bird feeders by Dan’s Bird Feeders

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Decorative monograms by Custom Cut

Monograms etsy.com/shop/CustomCutMonograms Artistic products by Cosmic Art & Soul cosmicartandsoul.com Fused glass jewelry from Hippos Eating Alligators hipposeatingalligators.com Fudge, pralines, and date candies at C-Bar-Eight Country Candy stores.cbareightcountrycndy.com For jewelry and other fine art items visit

Wesley Gallery, Artists Alliance of the Hill Country, Sol’stice Garden Expressions, and Photographers of Dripping Springs, all of

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Hot Type in Dripping Springs inSight profiles four local authors about their writing craft and their love for the Texas Hill Country.

Nikki Loftin has lived her entire life

in this region. She grew up in a family of musicians, trained as an opera singer, and has taught music in school, but music is not her only medium. Nikki is an accomplished writer of three middle-grade novels and the author of many poems and essays. Her most recent children’s novel, Wish Girl, earned her a panelist spot at the 2015 Texas Book Festival, and she warmly refers to this book as her love letter to the Texas Hill Country. It’s a suspenseful look at the pain and beauty of young friendships, mixed with magical realism. Her first novel, The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy (2012) and her second, Nightingale’s Nest (2014), both received lavish reviews and several awards.

Ben Rehder is perhaps the most prolific

of the bunch with Bum Steer (2015) being the ninth book in his darkly comic Blanco County mystery series. Once again, game warden/detective John Marlin gets involved in another unforgettable and tangled web of crime and deceit. The

38  To Market

clever dialogue and characterizations in this droll series are spot-on perfect, which explains why Ben Rehder’s award-winning novels are consistently named on the bestof-year lists in the literary world. He’s also author of the Roy Ballard Mystery series, plus the young adult novel The Driving Lesson (2012). Ben, born and raised in the Austin area, now lives close to his beloved Pedernales River, where he writes fulltime and enjoys the simple Hill Country lifestyle. Stay tuned to see if his Blanco County books become a hit TV series!

Another multitalented artist, Steven

Hubbell, has called this area home since 2002. He has worn several professional hats—most notably as a water-quality specialist with the LCRA—but today Steven is happily working on his paintings and books. In his gentle, easy manner, Steven explains the cathartic nature of his writing process. One Autumn in Europe (2012) is an eloquently written memoir about his youthful backpacking adventures around Europe, which ultimately became a classic story of self-discovery. His second memoir, La Via dell’Amore: The Path of Love (2012), chronicles the bonding experiences shared with his grown daughter as they traveled through some of the same places he visited in his youth. There is a third in this memoir series, plus Steven has published a fiction novel and a book of poetry, all of which can be found

on his Amazon.com author’s page. Steven sums up his philosophy of Hill Country living: “It’s imperative that we respect and be sensitive to the natural beauty around us. Be mindful of your impact.”

Janie Botkin, a

real community mover and shaker and founding member of The Heritage Circle, retired in 2008 from teaching English at Dripping Springs High School. She’s proud of her directorship of all 15 volumes of the Dripping Springs and Hays County Historical Collection, which her students researched. The collection provides a treasure trove of local history, and copies can be ordered from Amazon or found in the Dripping Springs Community Library. Janie was so inspired after 19 years of teaching research and writing skills that she wrote a book entitled Frank Little and the IWW: The Blood That Stained an American Family. Frank Little is Janie’s great uncle, the famous anti-war activist and labor movement leader who was lynched in 1917. Janie spent eight years pursuing the truth behind this murder. Her book will be published in December 2016, so be sure to look for it then. Currently Janie is working on her next book, which uncovers the real story of the founders of Dripping Springs. The Texas Hill Country can inspire the artist’s soul, and clearly these local writers, all native Texans and graduates of the University of Texas, have discovered their true calling.

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Homes in the Hills inSight spots eight local custom homes modeling architectural styles that emerged in the Texas Hill Country.

Gordon Inscore Homes: Craftsman style

Austin Outline: Modern Craftsman/Ranch style

What does a Texas Hill Country home signify to

you? Is it rustic and ranch-like with a twist of modern features? Does it echo designs from years gone by? Housing styles in our region contain influences from Spanish expeditioners and Mexican, European, and Anglo-American settlers, all of whom brought with them distinctive cultural building practices. Spanish inspirations can be seen throughout the Hill Country, where commanding arches, tile roofs, and multilevel roof lines define the Spanish Colonial Revival homes that were originally built in the early 1900s. This popular style often incorporates a heavy use of wrought iron, painted tiles, stucco, stone, and wood beams. The Dr. Pound House Historical Farmstead and Museum (c. 1854) exhibits the climate-control convention of the dogtrot, with a broad, open 10-to15-foot passageway running through the center of the house to channel breezes. Dogtrot homes connecting two cribs were popular in the mid-19th century and originated from European antecedents, most likely German and Irish. Dogtrots are still built today to provide respite from the Central Texas heat.

40  Home Sweet Home

American Craftsman–style homes became popular in the early 20th century. They developed from the British Arts and Crafts movement, a rejoinder of traditional craftsmanship over mass production that began in the 1860s. The Craftsman-style home is easily identified by its distinct features—large porches with generous overhanging eves, low-pitched roofs, supporting columns (usually tapered with stone detail), dormer windows, and nature-inspired tones of green and brown. Interestingly, the founders of the Arts and Crafts movement placed emphasis on environmental friendliness and sustainability—virtues that are also encouraged today. Blue Horse Building + Design: Modern dogtrot style

Duffin Custom Homes: Ranch/Prairie style

Southwest Custom Constructors: Dogtrot-style barn

John Hagy Custom Homes: Prairie style

Prairie-style architecture grew out of the Arts and Crafts movement in the United States in the early 1890s and was made famous by Frank Lloyd Wright. A Prairie-style home features open floor plans, indigenous materials, low-pitched roofs, overhanging eves, and most importantly, a horizontal orientation. Practitioners of the Prairie design believed that a house should appear as if it naturally grew from the land. Wright felt that the horizontal orientation was a distinctly American design motif well suited for wide open spaces. It’s a very familiar style. Though the earth-hugging Prairie style was short lived, it paved the way for the popular American Ranch–style home that sprang up in the mid–20th century. In addition to Prairie, this style borrows from Spanish Colonial and Craftsman and remains popular today. Though rooted in the west, the Ranchstyle home is more linked to the rise of the automobile culture than it is to cattle ranching. The basic Ranch house includes

Kimmell Builders: Ranch style

open floor plans for flexible, easy, unpretentious living. The houses give occupants a direct visual connection to the outside through picture windows, sliding glass doors, and backyard patios. In homes and outbuildings built in 21st-century Central Texas, it’s not uncommon to see several architectural influences combined in one structure. In fact, terms defining Hill County homes are practically endless: Modern Ranch, Hill Country Craftsman, Hill Country cottage, Hill Country contemporary, Hill Country Mediterranean, Hill Country transitional, Hill Country farmhouse, and Hill Country Spanish-Tuscan. All these appellations reflect owner preferences with respect to architectural style and lifestyle—but it’s the addition of “Hill Country”—with its evocation of Texas history, rolling hills, close wildlife, ample outdoor living areas, and barnyard friends—that makes them mystical.

John Siemering Homes: Spanish influence

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Gardening Superstars in Dripping Springs!

Exploring Texas Superstars® for your garden showcase

While there are many good plants for

A Sampling of Texas Superstar Plants

Annual Cora Vinca Periwinkle Special features: deer resistant, huge blooms, no fungus

Perennial Duranta “Royal Blue” Special features: deer resistant, attractive to butterflies and birds

Chinkapin Oak Tree Special features: underutilized Texas-native shade tree with many colors through the seasons

Woody Shrub Knock Out Rose Special features: disease and deer resistant, introduced in 2000.

Moy Grande Hibiscus Per-Annual Special features: 12" blooms, used for table décor

Arctic Frost Satsuma Special features: cold-hardy, evergreen tree producing high-quality fruit.

42  Home Sweet Home

Central Texas, I am keenly fascinated by those that hold the title Texas Superstar® —a designation given by Texas A&M AgriLife to plants that have been tested for several years in horticulturist field trials throughout Texas. A plant must possess six characteristics to be a superstar. The plant must be colorful and attractive; unique or not previously well known; perform well with minimal water in a variety of soils; be pest resistant without pesticides; be easy to propagate; and sell itself at the garden nursery. What all this means is that gardeners, even novice ones, are very likely to have great success and variety in their landscapes with these superstars. There are more than 60 superstars divided into annuals, perennials, per-annuals, woody shrubs, trees, and specialty plants. From the overall list, inSight selected one from each category to help introduce gardeners to a few of the superstars. Keep in mind that some have been cross-bred to achieve an overall better plant just for Texas. The next time you visit a local nursery, you may want to arm yourself with the entire list of superstars, including detailed information about each plant, that can be found on the website texassuperstars.com. Or if you are simply looking for a good read, the website is a wealth of information for new gardeners and for those of us who may be experienced but still love to investigate “what’s new” for the garden. Photos Courtesy of texassuperstars.com

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The Roadrunner Messenger of Countrymen

Were you fortunate enough to see a

roadrunner on your route today? Roadrunners are said to bring good luck; that is, if they cross your path from left to right. Some Native American tribes believed that roadrunners could ward off evil spirits, and in Mexican folklore, they are said to bring babies to families, just as storks do in other cultures. So much has been related about this iconic bird and its unique qualities that it’s no wonder that dozens of companies, sports teams, and army battalions have adopted the name “roadrunner” to symbolize themselves as fearless, tireless, and performance-driven. Also known as the chaparral cock, ground cuckoo, and paisano, this celebrated bird was made famous as the cartoon character and also by the well-known writer J. Frank Dobie, who wrote extensively about the roadrunner. The roadrunner is also the official emblem of the Texas Folklore Society; since its adoption in 1932, the bird has been rendered artistically by many of the society’s artists. One banner displays the Spanish term correr del paisano, which translates roughly as “messenger of his countrymen.” Why are we so fascinated with this bird? Its great agility is certainly eye-catching as it jumps, darts, often out of nowhere, scampers, scuttles, and runs up to 20 miles per hour. Because of its great speed and elusiveness, the roadrunner’s particular characteristics may be hard to detect. Contrary to the cartoon character, the real bird is not purple, but it does have blue and red facial coloring along with its brown, black, and white feathers. The roadrunner measures about 12 inches tall and 20 inches long, with a large wingspan of up to 27 inches and a weight of 8–19 ounces. Though the roadrunner does not

44  Home Sweet Home

often fly, and then only 50 feet or so, it will fly to catch prey and escape predators and to build nests in trees. Roadrunners have adapted so well to various environments that they can be seen as far east as Missouri and in all counties in Texas. Interestingly, the bird does not need much water to survive, as it feeds on foods with high water content such as frogs, lizards, insects, spiders, mice, and snakes, and on rare occasions, fruits and seeds. The roadrunner can eat poisonous prey without being harmed and is known for its ability to kill rattlesnakes with its sharp beak. The roadrunner lives up to eight years in the wild. It seldom ventures more than a few miles in its lifetime, so it may be that you see the same cute bird on numerous occasions within a given territory. The roadrunner normally travels alone except during mating season or when nurturing its young. The real roadrunner’s vocabulary does not include “beep-beep” or “hmeephmeep” like the animated television star’s does, but it is a vocal bird with a variety of sounds, including barking, growling, rattling, and cooing. So where can you see these comical birds? The best place to spot them is along quiet country roads in open range. When walking along wildlife paths, you may be able to identify the tracks left by its zygodactyl foot, meaning it has two toes pointing forward and two toes pointing backward, leaving a track that looks like an X. But beware: this feature makes it hard to know if the roadrunner is coming or going! Could this be what keeps Wile E. Coyote so confused? In the real world, coyotes prey on roadrunners and run at speeds almost twice as fast. But because the roadrunner is so dear to us, let’s just pretend that our Hill Country coyotes rely on defective gizmos to catch our hero, the acceleratii incredibus.

Illustration by Kat Sherby

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 ESCAPES AND DIVERSIONS Master Gardeners working at Charro Ranch Park October 2015.

Thumbs Up for the Masters

Being in touch with nature has never been easier through two

dynamic groups in Hays County: the Master Naturalists and the Master Gardeners. Both organizations offer educational, volunteer-based programs that take pastime pursuits to a higher level of learning. Chapters for the Master Naturalist and Master Gardener programs exist throughout the United States (and in some foreign countries), where they are administered at the state level, typically by a university. Specific programming, however, is offered by region or county because environmental conditions, such as the weather, soils, plants, grasses, and insects, can vary greatly from one area to another; naturally, you wouldn’t teach about plants that grow well in East Texas–rich acidic soils to a group of gardeners living with the alkaline soils around Central Texas. Texas Master Naturalist and Master Gardener programs have a strong following and are often cited as among the best statewide models of well-governed, strong organizations. In Texas, each group has an estimated 10,000 trained graduates who have received their coveted badges after completing 40-50 hours of instruction and providing an equal number of volunteer hours. The Texas Master Naturalist program, formed in 1997, is administered by Texas Parks and Wildlife and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Its mission is to develop Master Naturalist Cindy Luongo Cassidy at the Rainwater Revival

48  Escapes and Diversions

a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas. The first Texas Master Gardener class was held in Montgomery County in 1979; in 1987, due to the growing popularity, the program received a dedicated statewide coordinator, also through Texas A&M AgriLife, to carry out its main objective: to promote environmentally sound horticultural practices through sustainable landscape management, education, and training. Both groups are powerful resources as caretakers of our lands. To maintain status annually as “masters,” volunteers must complete additional hours of service, worth millions of dollars to the state, from a vast array of pre-approved, nonprofit projects within their communities. In Hays County, the Master Naturalist programs are offered yearly, usually from February through November. Classes are held throughout the county in various locations. Originally meeting only in San Marcos at the County Extension Office, the Hays County Master Gardeners chapter expanded to Dripping Springs in 2015, due to the high demand. Both groups can be seen in many places around Dripping Springs, where their work teaches us to be better stewards of the earth. At Charro Ranch Park, a passive nature park, the Master Naturalists have enhanced and preserved the area by installing native plants and grasses, building hiking and walking trails, and maintaining the park for visitor enjoyment and learning. You can also see their efforts at Westcave Preserve, the Springs YMCA, the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, and the Rainwater Revival event. From aquifer conservation and education to habitat protection and restoration to tracking local bird counts

ESCAPES AND DIVERSIONS 

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and reducing feral hog populations, the Master Naturalists engage in a steady stream of projects beneficial to our natural environment. The Master Gardeners’ undertakings are on view at the Dripping Springs Farmers Market where they provide valuable gardening lessons, at the Church of the Springs where they maintain a demonstration garden, and at the Burke Center for Youth where they teach gardening skills to young men. For Helping Hands food pantry they maintain a “giving” vegetable garden at Dripping Springs Presbyterian Church. With more folks in Dripping Springs becoming master gardeners, you can expect additional projects to take hold. Regardless of where these volunteers may be, they are leading the way in safeguarding our environment, especially as urbanization separates us from natural areas. As our community grows, more naturalists and gardeners will be needed to open our eyes to the vital connection between people and nature.

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Photo by DorRae Stevens Photography

 ESCAPES AND DIVERSIONS

The Early Years Of the many statements we can make

about the Founders Day Festival in Dripping Springs, one is for sure—it’s always been a huge success, even from its small beginnings in 1988. Our hats go off to the volunteers who began the festival and named it Founders Day and Texas Chicken Cook-off. The success of Founders Day is deeply rooted in the festival’s two-fold mission that has remained true since 1988: to attract visitors and to provide one centralized means for organizations to raise money for their causes. Its purpose is just as strong today as it was 29 years ago.

It takes a small army of committed people to organize a community event like the Founders Day Festival. inSight visited with just a few early participants and organizers enjoying Founders Day Festival 2015, without duties! 1. Pat and Cheryl Lyle; 2. Kim Johnson; 3. Joseph Syring; 4. Keely and Roy Odell; 5. Jack Wisdom; 6. David and son Brandon Peterson (David’s dad Moose was an early participant); 7. Larry Shanks; 8. Gary Hale; 9. Mayor Todd Purcell (whose parents, Joy and Bob, were founding members) and his barbeque team.

50  Escapes and Diversions

So what about that Texas Chicken Cook-off? Back then, all cooks—there were less than a dozen—received a free chicken to cook for competition. Judging categories included fried, barbequed, and exotic. The name “Texas Chicken Cook-off ” was dropped as the Dripping Springs Cook-off Club arose as a formidable organization to host the cook-off. Now there are more than 100 cooks competing in seven categories, including a margarita contest!

What else is different? Certainly the number of people attending. The festival now attracts thousands of people from far and wide, especially for the Friday night parade that has kicked off the weekend since the beginning. According to initial organizers, in the first few years there were more people in the parade than in the crowd of spectators. Early organizers also report that in one parade, a boatload of strippers made its legendary way down Mercer Street.

ESCAPES AND THEDIVERSIONS LOWDOWN 

The parade now has more than a hundred entries with folks in floats, on horseback, and in all kinds of vehicles. With a new theme each year, our hometown parade has evolved into one of the best in Texas! Sadly missing from the parade is the original chicken mascot, but the chicken theme remains supreme with the annual clucking contests for kids and adults, complete with shaking tails, flapping arms, and regaling clucks. Some entertainment has changed, and some has endured. Bank robbery reenactments don’t take the stage today and chickens don’t fly from mailboxes, but the street dance is still around. Today we don’t have a drama play or spaghetti supper but the carnival remains a dominant force and the main highlight for kids. The music scene is now bigger and better, with dozens of performers all weekend. Food and craft booths now line Mercer Street four rows deep, and beer and wine is sold in this once “dry” area. What else remains the same? It’s the collective passions of volunteers and participants who make the festival a booming success regardless of rain, wind, heat, or any other act of Mother Nature. It’s a celebration of community pride and a time to relax and revel with old and new friends. It’s where no one needs an invitation and everyone is invited to the same party. And as always, it remains free to the public.

www.mercerstreetdancehall.com

SAVE THE DATE

Mark your calendars for the 29th Annual Founders Day Festival on April 22–24, 2016. foundersdayfestival.com

July 22, 23 & 24

1042 Event Center Dr. and RR 12 North

CPRA Rodeo Fri. & Sat. night

9 9

★

Ranch Rodeo Saturday

★ Dance after the Rodeo Saturday

★ Mutton Bustiing and more! ☛ Log on website for detailed schedule

drippingspringsfairandrodeo.com Photo by Dave Wilson

insightdrippingsprings.com 

 ESCAPES AND DIVERSIONS

Seriously Horsing Around AT DRIPPING SPRINGS RANCH PARK inSight highlights a few folks who helped facilitate the building of the park and their equestrian pursuits that produce crowd-pleasing entertainment. Photo courtesy of Tami Purcell Burklund

Barrel Racing Pictured is Tami Purcell Burklund, who became in 2014 the first woman inducted into the Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame for her achievements as a jockey. Tami retired from horse racing in 2000 to become a professional barrel racer and trainer in this speedy sport. She is a founding member of the Texas Hill Country Barrel Racers Association, which hosts exhibition races each Tuesday night at Dripping Springs Ranch Park (DSRP). It is believed that the first competitive barrel race was held in Texas in 1948 as an event specifically for women. A barrel racer’s goal is to finish with the lowest time while maneuvering a horse successfully around three barrels placed in a cloverleaf pattern. The rider’s time depends on several factors: the horse’s physical and mental condition, the rider’s horsemanship abilities, and the type of footing (type of dirt) in the arena. Barrel racing is a fast-paced, popular spectator activity included in most rodeos and still dominated by women. Photograph by Vicki LeBlanc Photography.

Cutting Pictured is Chandler Borchardt, a member of the Franklin Family Ranch in Blanco and the daughter of Jason Borchardt, President of the American Cutting Horse Association. Jason and his family have been instrumental in bringing this captivating sport to Dripping Springs. Cutting as a competition grew from driving cattle on open ranges and separating stock from the herd. It’s fascinating to watch a rider carefully select two or three cattle deep in the herd while the horse maneuvers with fancy footwork to keep a cow confined. Scoring is based on time and points achieved in competition. Horses are bred and trained for this event, which started in Haskell, Texas, in 1898, and has become a world-wide sport.

52  Escapes and Diversions

Team Roping

Photograph by Dave Wilson

Pictured is Bryan Schwiening, who devoted many years as a volunteer to help develop DSRP. Bryan and others enjoy team roping on Monday nights, when the D-Bar-S Roping Club takes the arena. Bryan is gratified to see so many young riders at the park. Unlike calf roping, which involves one rider, competitive team roping requires two riders. This activity was once part of the day-to-day chores on a working ranch. The sport, often called heading and heeling, grew from the need to restrain cattle too big for one person to manage. The first rider, the header, is responsible for roping the front of the steer to allow the second rider, the heeler, to rope the steer’s hind legs. Team roping is a timed event and draws huge crowds at rodeos. It’s the only professional rodeo event where men and women compete equally in either single-gender or mixed-gender teams.

ESCAPES AND DIVERSIONS 

Dressage

Photograph by David Douglas

Pictured is Brenda DeWitt, who served on the initial committee to build DSRP. Brenda enjoys competing (and winning) as an amateur in Western and English dressage. You can also find Brenda riding trails at Pedernales Falls State Park. Dressage, French for “training,” developed as a method for drilling military horses centuries ago. In its purest form, dressage is the development of a horse and rider to become a harmonious team—training that can be used for most any horse discipline, whether in English or Western competitions. In dressage, a rider spends years working through compulsory tests from the introductory level up through the highly difficult international tests. Competitors are judged on accuracy of the required movements and the relaxation, energy, and rhythm produced by the rider and the horse. The beauty of this sport is to witness the communication between horse and rider that becomes so subtle, the horse seems to be performing without input from the rider.

Show Jumping

Photograph by David Douglas

Pictured is Kim Arnette, a valued trainer at Graymar Farms who has been riding in hunter/jumper shows for more than 20 years. Kim helped establish the very successful 2015 Summer Horse Series at DSRP. Show jumping is one of the most popular equestrian spectator sports because of its splendor and ease of understanding. Competitors are scored on their time and abilities to negotiate a series of obstacles and jumps without fault. It’s not an easy sport; both riders and horses must work with experienced trainers before they are ready to jump at the beginning levels of just two to three feet high. At the highest (ninth) level, the rider is required to hurdle high jumps of up to six feet and to clear a span of water up to 13 feet. It’s hard to imagine guiding a 1,000-plus-pound horse to jump heights as tall as if not taller than its rider. No doubt, the rider must be accurate and precise, and his/her horse must be agile and athletic, even at the beginner levels.

Stock Horse Competition Pictured is Stacey McAlexander, an award-winning rider who owns 2 Bar 2 Horses, a training facility. Stacey has helped produce many equestrian shows at DSRP since its beginning. In 2014, Stacey won the American Paint Horse World Championship for Trail Class. A stock horse show is a fairly newly organized competition, developed in just the past 20 years. Its origins grew from members in the equestrian industry who believed that specialized horses and riders were taking the place of all-round versatile horses. Stock horse competition emphasizes a variety of skills in four disciplines: reining, pleasure, trail, and the working cow class. Each discipline tests a rider’s and horse’s ability to maneuver patterns or movements that are typical of ranch tasks in a friendly competitive arena. One of the oldest groups to promote versatile riding is the Stock Horse of Texas (SHOT) Association. SHOT aims to help educate riders through clinics held prior to a show and through a scoring system that provides constructive feedback to the rider. SHOT, organized in 1996, lead to the formation of the American Stock Horse Association. Photograph courtesy of Stacey McAlexander

insightdrippingsprings.com 

 THE LOWDOWN ESCAPES AND DIVERSIONS

Photo by Bob Satter white

Pedernales Falls State Park Photo of Pedernales Falls State Park by Michael Penn Smith

The park’s website headline says it all: “Take me to the river.”

I admit, I am a river rat and proud of it. When I returned to Texas in 1998, I immediately bought an annual pass to play in the waters of one of Texas’ most scenic state parks. I was glad to be home. The Pedernales Falls State Park comprises 5,212 beautiful acres and is located just 13 miles northwest of Dripping Springs. Swimming in the river and viewing the surrounding natural habitat are my favorite pursuits and, as many former owners appreciated, there’s plenty more to do in these vast lands. C.A. and Harriet Wheatley, the last private owners of the property, devoted much of their time to camping, fishing, and hunting. In fact, it’s been reported that it was the excellent fishing, especially for enormous catfish that still exist today, that may have been a top attraction that led the Wheatleys to purchase the property in the 1930s. Certainly the area had been attracting visitors from Austin and beyond who were aware of the majestic beauty of the Wheatleys’ ranch, which they called Circle Bar. The Wheatleys eventually limited hunting on their ranch with the intention of preserving the land that had almost been destroyed in previous decades by cattle and goat grazing and excessive hunting. In 1962 the Wheatleys made an unsuccessful attempt (due to legislative mishap) to donate their beloved ranch to the state of Texas in the hope of protecting the land for future generations. The following year C. A. passed away at the age of 81, and by 1970 Harriet had finally sold the property to the state for just under $1 million. When the park opened a year later in 1971, the state set about creating one of the finest parks in all of Texas. Today the park is visited annually by an estimated 150,000 people who come for many reasons: camping, hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, nature study, photography, swimming, and horseback riding. The park features more trail mileage than most Texas parks with over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails and 18 miles of equestrian trails. The Pedernales River was named after the Spanish word for the flint rocks that line the riverbed. It meanders six miles through the park, supporting an immense array of wildlife typically found in central Texas—whitetail deer, turkeys, raccoons,

54  Escapes and Diversions

“There is something about the human mind and spirit that needs places like this, where tranquility and peace pervade, to help us all escape and rejuvenate—if only for a brief time.” —Bill McDaniel, former Pedernales Falls State Park Superintendent

rabbits, opossums, coyotes, armadillos, and pigs. With more than 150 species of birds frequenting the area, a third of which are permanent residents, the park is one of the state’s premium spots for bird watching. The park also has a large primitive camping area, if sleeping in tents is your preferred way of connecting with nature. Or you can take advantage of one of the 69 developed sites that include the customary RV facilities that are so popular for family vacations. If you are new to camping, you might want to join one of the park’s Texas Outdoor Family weekends designed to help families discover the delights of camping. And to make it even easier, the park supplies all the necessary gear and equipment. For horse lovers, the park offers an equestrian group camping area complete with picnic tables, a fire ring, and horse pens. The park can also accommodate large youth groups of up to 150 kids for a reasonable nightly fee. Spending days in the park certainly allows more time to learn about this fascinating, pristine area, especially the flora, fauna, and geological features that were formed hundreds of millions of years ago. Make sure to view the falls from the scenic overlook and to roam through the layered stairsteps of ancient limestone along the river. Pedernales Falls State Park is open year round, with summertime being the busiest time with folks on vacation seeking relief from the heat. Try to visit the park after a good amount of rainfall, when the river rises a few inches and provides an even cooler and more refreshing flow. It’s the perfect time for water recreation. And one thing’s for sure, this river rat will be on the Pedernales, too.  tpwd.texas.gov Acknowledgement: Farmers, Ranchers, the Land and the Falls: A Histor y of the Pedernales Falls Area, 1850–1970 by John J. Leffler

FOOD & DRINK

Children’s Games and Activities Pictures with Santa

f o

ipping S Dr pr In

c. 1981

gs in

Cit y

12th Annual

texas

Saturday dec. 3, 2016 cityofdrippingsprings.com 10am to 5pm

Annual Tree Lighting at Dusk Food Vendors

Christmas Carolers

inSight Dripping Springs 2016

SHOPPING

ART

2016 DATES April 7  May 5  June 2  July 7 August 4  September 1  October 6 November 3  December 1

Live Entertainment Arts and Crafts Booths

ESCAPES AND DIVERSIONS  MUSIC

Pony Rides and more!

Dripping Springs... Like You’ve Never Seen it Before

www.firstthursdaydrippingsprings.org www. FirstThursdayDrippingSprings .org

www.drippingspringssongwritersfestival.com insightdrippingsprings.com 

 ESCAPES AND DIVERSIONS

Back to School with Pleasure!

Are you ready to broaden your horizons by acquiring a new hobby? Or gain knowledge simply for

personal benefit or for a second or new career? There are many opportunities in Dripping Springs to keep us busy while exploring our true interests. Jobs are jobs, but hobbies make our lives more abundant! inSight discovered interesting adult classes that might just turn a curiosity into a passion. Notable Classes

Who’s Offering?

Website/Contact

Beekeeping, private or group Bee Weaver beeweaver.com Furniture makeovers, Cowgirls & Lace cowgirlsandlace.com DIY projects “101” forums; helpful business solutions

Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce

drippingspringstx.org

Mah-Jongg

Dripping Springs Community Librar y

dscl.org

CPR, financial planning, welding, and more

Dripping Springs ISD Community Ser vices

dsisd.txed.net

Guitar, drums, violin, piano, instrumental, and vocal

Hudson’s on Mercer

hudsonsonmercer.com

Boot scootin’ dance lessons

Mercer Street Dance Hall

mercerstreetdancehall.com

Guitar lessons

Oak Shed Studios

oakshedstudios.com

Cooking-spectator and hands-on Onion Creek Kitchens at Juniper Hills Farm

Suggested Classes may change; please call ahead for offerings and schedules.

juniperhillsfarm.com

Fitness/sports classes Various health clubs/gyms google for YMCA, CrossFit, Anytime Fitness, Polo Tennis and Fitness Club, others Classroom and field photography Photographers of photographersofds.us Dripping Springs Horse riding lessons Many talented instructors equinenow.com/riding/dripping+springs-texas.htm, newhorse.com/page/ridinglessons, or google for others Gardening, nature

Hays County Master Gardeners & Naturalists

txmg.org/hays haysmn.org

Potter y, glass fusion, painting

The Art Garage

theartgarageaustin.com

Knitting, crocheting

The Sated Sheep

thesatedsheep.com

Sewing, quilting projects Ballet beginner, intermediate

Valli & Kim valliandkim.com Springs Family YMCA austinymca.org

56  Escapes and Diversions

ESCAPES AND THEDIVERSIONS LOWDOWN 

foundersdayfestival.com

Helping Animals

Take a trip to the

in NEED for

AUSTIN ZOO

WIld Side!

For over 25 years, Austin Zoo has provided a safe and happy home for animals in need. From lions, tigers and bears to monkeys, reptiles, and everything in between, we’ve rescued, rehabilitated, and come to love hundreds of Mother Nature’s finest. Come say hello today, or find out how you can help at AustinZoo.org.

April 22–24, 2016 Parade • Carnival Cook-Off • Live Music Entertainment • Beer Food • Arts and Crafts Photos: City of Ds & Clint holtzenDorf

10808 Rawhide Trail Austin, TX 78736 | 512.288.1490 | www.AustinZoo.org

We’re the gateway to the Texas Hill Country so of course We’re thethe gateway to the Hill Country so of course We’re the gateway to the Texas Hill Country so of course We’re the gateway toTexas theTexas Texas Hill Country soof of course We’re gateway to the Hill Country so course Dripping Springs we have natural beauty at our parks, hills, streams wewe have natural beauty at our parks, hills, streams have natural beauty at our parks, hills, streams we have natural beauty at ourparks, parks, hills,streams streams we have natural beauty at our hills, is the gateway to the Texas Hill Country where natural beauty and vistas but let us tell you about our... andand vistas but let tell our... our... vistas butuslet usyou tellabout you about thrivesbut in our parks, hills, creeks, and vistas! andvistas vistas but let ustell tellyou youabout about our... and let us our... Libations Libations

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Whether rodeoing or two-stepping www.DestinationDrippingSprings.com Check out the Events Calendar for more fun! Whether rodeoing or Check out the Event calendar for all things fun at Whether rodeoing Check out the Event calendar things fun Rodeos, horse shows, Whether rodeoing oror Check out the Event calendar forfor allall things fun at at two-stepping www.destinationdrippingsprings.com www.DestinationDrippingSprings.com two-stepping two-stepping, and more! two-stepping www.DestinationDrippingSprings.com www.DestinationDrippingSprings.com

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insightdrippingsprings.com 

 CELEBRATIONS

“My Wedding, My Way!” with lots of help from my sweet mom

An interview with recent bride Ana Silva What was the most important goal for you and your husband to achieve on your day? To take it slowly, keep our

hearts in the right place, and appreciate the commitment we were making while having fun. We took communion at the ceremony and that was important to us. Did you use a wedding planner or buy any magazines? We didn’t use a wedding

planner. My mom helped me a lot. I think I bought one magazine “just because I could” after becoming engaged. What was your favorite part of planning your wedding? Absolutely selecting the

flowers! My florist, who is no longer in the area, understood my style. I had a large Pinterest board of flowers and she helped narrow my choices. I finally selected bur‑ gundy dahlias, red garden and amnesia roses, and blooming eucalyptus, all very colorful! What was the hardest part about the planning process? I am a professional

event planner, so everyone thought I would have a theme. I couldn’t pin it down, so I just decided the theme would be whatever the hell I wanted! I like a lot of contrast, from bohemian to preppy. Did your husband help with the planning? Yes and no. He tried to help but

didn’t want to upset me if I disagreed. He did insist on having twinkle lights hanging in the trees and Platinum Strings playing during the ceremony. They played “November Rain” by Guns and Roses when I walked down the aisle.

Photos courtesy of Tankgoodness Photography, Travis and Nina Tank

58  Celebrations

Did you send out save-the-dates?

Yes, we did. We used our engagement photographs taken at an old mansion in Austin that is now a law office. We planned to be outdoors (yes, we were probably trespassing), but the owners arrived and invited us inside. The house was decorated for Christmas and the photograph, taken on a grand staircase, looked like we were living the life of luxury in a stately home. Where was your rehearsal dinner?

At Trattoria Lisina. Our wine glasses were full all evening! How did you select your wedding venue? We looked at a few places, but I

knew we would marry at Pecan Springs Ranch. The owners, Judy and Dub Smith, are like other parents to me. It has indoor and outdoor spaces that are beautiful. Tell us the wedding attire. I actually had

two dresses. One I bought on a whim at a bridal extravaganza (big mistake) but didn’t

wear. The dress I wore was strapless, and too tight! I did have a full‑length wedding veil. And my shoes were a beautiful shade of blue with gold trim. They were gorgeous but killed my feet. My husband wore a tuxedo and the groomsmen wore charcoal suits that I insisted upon. My bridesmaids wore champagne‑colored sequined skirts that my mom made with navy satin tank tops. It’s all about the contrast! Were there kids in the wedding? Yes, we

had four kids under the age of seven who stole the show! They are my best friends’ kids and I adore them. We also had my dog, Choco, walk my maid of honor down the aisle. He and the beer donkeys didn’t get along too well. Who made your wedding cake? Green

Lily Bakery made our cake. It was all organic with buttercream icing and trimmed with gold-painted figs. Have you ever seen edible gold paint used on foods? I am so ready to paint all my food in gold! It’s organic, too. Where did your wedding party stay?

I didn’t block rooms for guests, but my bridal party stayed at Bella Nido, which was perfect for them. What would you do over again?

In hindsight? Elope! On a mountain in the Rockies, perhaps. But I loved being with all my family and friends at Pecan Springs Ranch.

CELEBRATIONS 

AL Gawlik Photography

Loft Photography

WE INVITE YOU TO CELEBRATE

The Nichols

HeritageHouseDS.com | 5001 McGregor Lane | Dripping Springs, Texas 78620 | 512.894.4933

WWW.PREMIEREEVENTSONLINE.COM

The Nichols

Visit our new showroom location:

333 E HIGHWAY 290, SUITE 419 DRIPPING SPRINGS, TEXAS 78620 512.829.4498

insightdrippingsprings.com 

 CELEBRATIONS

“The Best Day of My Life” Getting Married in Dripping Springs—the Wedding Capital of Texas

The talented owners of Prospect House, Erich and

Kathryn Oswald, opened its doors to their first wedding couple during the Memorial Day floods of 2015— without a glitch. This new celebration site, designed by award-winning architect Max Levy, includes numerous fascinating architectural features that truly set it apart from other venues. Overlooking the rolling Hill Country, Prospect House combines the beauty of the landscape with modern structural elements to create an unpretentious yet breathtaking site. The minimalist altar is an impressive artistic sculpture that imparts a sense of entering the future. The magical wheel on the ceiling of the reception room is a showcase piece that turns with the wind and can be adorned to please one’s imagination, while the wall of 42 vases lets your creativity and inspiration take hold. The venue is so artistically appreciated that people come here not just for weddings and events, but for photo shoots as well. Prospect House is truly an exceptional site in which to celebrate.

Cory Ryan Photography

Duchman Family Winery offers a lovely Italian-style villa

Courtesy of Duchman Family Winery

60  Celebrations

in which to have a unique wedding experience. Complete with the vineyard, lush gardens, large shaded oaks, and patios, the venue has multiple areas for entertaining outdoors. The 4,000-square-foot interior space is equally inviting, with handsome stone walls, a fireplace, and a granite bar. While mingling during cocktails, guests may enjoy the views of the winery’s barrel room, fermentation room, and bottling rooms. The wine cellar is a popular draw for photos and a special spot for couples to have a moment’s respite during the celebration. Duchman offers (optional) in-house catering and, of course, the benefit of pairing award-winning wines to create a gourmet occasion. Duchman’s event manager, Candace Barnes, has been in the hospitality business for over 10 years and is a true professional in the wedding industry. As the popularity of this venue grows, new touches are added regularly to this slice of Tuscan heaven in the Texas Hill Country.

Owners Cindi and Rex Baker often refer to Heritage House as a

“boutique wedding site” that they have devoted years to developing, while also incorporating their personal heirlooms to create that sense of a family venue. Heritage House is comfortable and versatile with many spaces in which to celebrate. The large, covered pavilion with relaxed seating, a fireplace, and a bar serves as a greeting point and cocktail area. For the ceremony, Heritage House is complete with a Hill Country church—named Grace Chapel—and adorned with English features. The chapel is used for indoor weddings and as a charming backdrop for an outdoor ceremony. Heritage House has three spacious cottages for the bride’s and groom’s parties, as well as a green room for vendors or grandparents. The expansive, modern-day barn with eye-catching cupolas, large patios, and festive lighting is a perfect setting for receptions. Guests will want to meander around the attractive grounds, water features, and gazebo. Before leaving, make sure you have photos taken with “Tini,” a 1963 Globe Trotter airstream that sparkles like the moon after the sun has set.

Loft Photography

Jake Holt Photography

Set on a hilltop overlooking the Salt Lick Vineyards,

Thurman’s Mansion is a special place to say “I do.” The large native limestone building, named for Salt Lick BBQ founder Thurman Roberts, is at once rustic and elegant. A warm fireplace, rough-hewn beams, and large picture windows allow for any selection of reception décor, from vintage chic to classy crystal. The outdoor ceremony site is set on the expansive, lush lawn complete with natural wooden altar set among native oaks. It’s a beautiful site with the Hill Country skies and

scenery delivering the backdrop for the nuptials. The spacious balconies are perfect for cocktails before and after the wedding. Thurman’s Mansion offers almost every rental item a couple may need for entertaining. Catering is provided by the Salt Lick, but it’s not just barbeque on the menu. The selection ranges from sushi to Indian to vegan choices. Any couple and their wedding parties will be delightfully entertained at Thurman’s Mansion where you know you are in good hands with an outstanding team of professionals.

When you arrive to The Greenhouse at Driftwood, you know from

Ashley Bosnick Photography

the beginning that passion surrounds this relatively new celebration venue. We were greeted by Harper and Dave Connell, who have transformed Dave’s childhood home into a picturesque event site above Onion and Jackson Creeks. The rock, steel, and glass greenhouses are true botanical gardens containing more than 70 species of plants. The arboretums are spectularly lit at night, and they offer a stunning place in which to be photographed, but they are not the only gorgeous place to capture memories. The greenhouse tower lends itself to a memorable photo shoot as well as a secret spot for the bride to view her guests arriving. The outdoor patios under large native trees create an atmosphere of beauty and festivity. The bride’s and groom’s rooms are spacious, with relaxing décor and abundant amenities. The Greenhouse at Driftwood accommodates as many as 700 people, more than most, and as few as 75. insightdrippingsprings.com 

 CELEBRATIONS

Say It with Flowers There is a language, little known, Lovers claim it as their own. Its symbols smile upon the land, Wrought by nature’s wondrous hand; And in their silent beauty speak, Of life and joy, to those who seek For Love Divine and sunny hours In the language of the flowers. —The Language of Flowers, London, 1875

This copy of The Language of Flowers, first published in 1968 by Margaret Pickston, sits open on the author’s shelf as a reminder of her sweet grandmother, Babba, who left it for her and who taught her to love plants and flowers. With the abundance of marriages taking place in Dripping Springs, now the official “Wedding Capital of Texas,” there are many florists who can help you with your flower selections.

62  Celebrations

Plants and flowers appear in all aspects of our lives—art and literature,

our homes and landscapes, and certainly in our celebrations of life. And while certain plants may have special meaning to you, there is an established corresponding meaning attached to nearly all flowers, trees, shrubs, and herbs, especially for those that bloom in all shades of colors. The term “language of flowers,” also known as floriography, is a means of cryptic communication through the use of flowers in arrangements and bouquets. It’s based upon a combination of folklore, mythology, religion, poetry, medicinal value, and characteristics of the plant itself, such as its texture, aroma, color, and growth patterns. Although the practice of floriography began in ancient times, it grew ardently in the 18th and 19th centuries with the proliferation of flower books and dictionaries published in Europe and the United States, many of which can still be found in print. Floriography was especially popularized during the Victorian Era from 1837-1901 when flowers were used to convey secret, hidden messages in subtle ways that would otherwise not be spoken in proper Victorian society. In most cases, these were positive implications of love, passion, and affectionate feelings. The Victorians, armed with floral dictionaries, exchanged small “talking bouquets,” also called nosegays or tussie-mussies, to express themselves or to wear for floral scents and as fashion accessories. During those times, men regularly wore boutonnieres, French for “buttonhole,” as part of their attire. In today’s modern society, adornments of bouquets and boutonnieres are normally reserved for formal occasions and most often for wedding celebrations. Flower arrangements appear in most all celebrations and significant life moments, including worship, courtship, marriage, mourning, or sometimes just on a whim to brighten our day. inSight selected just a few plants and flowers and their meanings as examples of the language of flowers on the opposite page. Some of these can be found in our yards while others typically have to be purchased from a florist. The next time you select flowers or plants, will you be curious as to their meanings before you buy or just enjoy them because they speak in a language only you the initiated can hear?

Dan Tay’s Flowers & Gifts dantays.com

Revel WILDE www.revelwilde.com

For plant selections, these businesses offer many varieties.

French Inspired Floral frenchinspiredfloral.com

Sweet Magnolia Floral Studio sweetmagnoliafloral.com

GEO Growers geogrowers.net

H-E-B Blooms Shop www.heb.com Petal Pushers petalpushers.us

The Flower Girl theflowergirltx.com Wild Bunches Floral wildbunches.org

Home Depot homedepot.com Sol’stice Garden Expressions solsticegardens.com Vivero Growers Nursery viverogrowers.com

CELEBRATIONS 

Say It with Flowers

Good wishes

Thoughts of absent friends

Basil

Zinnia

Healing Peony

Encouragement Black-Eyed Susan

Remembrances

Sincerity

Fern

Enthusiasm, passion

Forever mine

Innocence, hope

Declaration of love

Devotion

Delicate beauty

Rosemar y

Daisies

Red Tulip

Orange Rose

Lavender

Red Salvia

Orchid

2201 Hwy. 290 W. Bldg. B • 512-858-7401

Dan Tay’s Flowers & Gifts

dantays.com

222 Hwy 290 W. / 512. 858.7625 M–F 9am–5pm / Sat. 10am–2pm

Home Decor • Floral Design • Monogramming Gifts • Event Planning • www.revelwilde.com insightdrippingsprings.com 

 CONNECTIONS

The Fundraiser Circuit

inSight highlights the eight largest nonprofit fundraisers in Dripping Springs. Collectively, these organizations raise hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. We are, indeed, a small town with a big, generous heart! Mark your calendars, and don’t miss the festivities!

Wild Game Dinner

Denim & Diamonds

Heritage Gala

Austin Zoo Revue & Grand Gala

THE Experience

Enjoy an all-you-can-eat feast of wild game, including fried venison cutlets, elk enchiladas, pheasant gumbo, and an endless variety of sides and desserts. Big raffle (think golf carts) and live auctions.

A grand evening of dinner and dancing with a casino and silent auction. Think a night on the town!

An elegant evening of libations, hors-d’oeuvres, dinner, dancing to live music, and very desirable silent and live auction items.

BenefICIARY

The Dripping Springs Education Foundation, which makes grants for teaching, student leadership, and for the DSISD.

The Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead & Museum, built in 1884 by one of Dripping Springs’ founding families.

Private showings of more than 350 animals, birds, and reptiles! Enjoy libations, a gourmet dinner, a big silent auction, and a live auction of fiberglass animals by acclaimed local artists.

When & WHere

Usually held in March in one of Drippin’s exceptional venues. Check website.

Early May on the grounds of the farmstead museum under tents with twinkling lights and well-dressed tabletops.

BenefICIARY

Hosted by the United Methodist Men, who raise money for many local nonprofits and also for missions within the church. When & WHere

In February at the Dripping Springs High School cafeteria. Who Attends

800 hungry folks who partake in this bounty of delicious food, fellowship, and entertaining kids’ activities.

Who Attends

More than 550 adults who deeply support education and who like a casino, love to dance, and enjoy delicious food.

Who Attends

An adult affair; 250 people who have a love for history and a grand party.

Price

BenefICIARY

Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary, whose mission is to assist animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation, and education. When & WHere

In May at the Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary under the Texas skies in open tents from which you can view the safe haven for the beloved animals. Who Attends

More than 250 people who support the zoo’s mission and enjoy a festive night with friends and the zoo’s cherished residents.

$75; $100 VIP.

$100 per ticket.

Price

Attire

Adults $30; kids $10; kids under 4 eat free.

Fashionable-casual; no ties, country chic.

It’s an occasion to dress up, but ties not required.

Attire

Info

$100

Neat, casual.

dseducationfoundation.org

drpoundhistoricalfarmstead.org

Attire

Price

Info

Safari chic with comfortable shoes.

dswildgamedinner.com

Info

64  Connections

austinzoo.org

CONNECTIONS 

Find Your Passion

RED Arena Round-Up THe Experience

Watching kids and adults of all ages and abilities compete in a friendly playday rodeo. Many fun activities for families; raffles and auctions, too. Beneficiary

Friends Foundation BBQ at Salt Lick

Empty Bowls Project THe Experience

THe Experience

Select gorgeous bowls handthrown by local potters, then fill them with gourmet soups and enjoy music from local entertainers.

Enjoy a festive evening of exquisite foods and fine wines with live and silent auctions that you don’t want to miss—like exotic trips. Always a jubilant event for animal lovers.

A night of pure pleasure with a huge silent auction and sensational live auction items. Salt Lick barbeque is always delicious and the live music plays all night.

Beneficiary

RED Arena, which provides equine-assisted therapies—physical, occupational, and therapeutic—for people of all ages; also provides scholarships.

Beneficiary

When & WHere

Held in early June at Red Arena or Dripping Springs Ranch Park.

In October at the Salt Lick Pavilion.

Who Attends

60 riders and 500 fans come out for this passionate day of heartwarming events. Price

Everyone! It’s also a joy to see the residents of Hill Country Care Nursing Home come out for the affair.

Free; donations accepted.

Price

Attire

$20 per person; children under 6 free.

Neat, casual.

Attire

Shorts or jeans, comfortable shoes or boots.

The Friends Foundation, which provides services to elders in need in the greater Dripping Springs Area.

Bone Appetit

Dripping Springs Helping Hands, which provides food and financial support to our neighbors in need.

Beneficiary

First Sunday of November at the Mercer Street Dance Hall.

PAWS Shelter of Central Texas, a no-kill facility which provides care and love to homeless, abandoned, and abused animals.

Who Attends

When & WHere

1,000 people from all walks of life who love pottery and want to help less fortunate folks in the community.

Date changes but always held in one of Drippin’s exceptional venues.

Price

Info

200 adults who are dedicated to helping companion animals in need and who enjoy a delectable menu paired with fine wines.

helpinghands-drippingsprings.org

Price

When & WHere

$25 donation.

Who Attends

Info

Boot-scootin’ attire.

redarena.org

Info

Attire

thefriendsfoundation.org

Hill Country chic; no ties.

$125–185

Info

pawsshelter.org insightdrippingsprings.com 

 CONNECTIONS

As the population climbs steadily all

Hill Country Alliance

around us, do you ponder the future of the Texas Hill Country? Will our scenic beauty and natural resources be here for generations to come? If you want to speak knowledge‑ ably about changes in the region, look to the Hill Country Alliance (HCA). The HCA is recognized as the go‑to group for current news regarding water and energy resources, governmental rules and laws, and planning and development issues impacting the Hill Country. With over 7,000 supporters and friends, HCA may be the largest organization working to preserve our resources and heritage. Formed in 2005, HCA is a nonprofit educational organization that promotes public awareness of both positive and potentially threatening events affecting precious assets in the 17 counties that comprise 11 million acres. With dozens of partners, collaboration is paramount to HCA’s mission of bring‑ ing compatible economic and environmental prosperity to the Hill Country in a fair, open, and public manner. According to Karen Ford, former Hays County commis‑ sioner and a founding and current board member, “The HCA is very effective because of the way we connect people around issues—defining the problem, getting the facts, finding common

The

Dripping Springs

Women’s Club The Dripping Springs Women’s Club promotes community awareness and involvement through programs and activities.

Monthly Enlightening Luncheons September through May What you will see and hear!

Local Authors Area Nonprofits City Development Fashion, Gardening Culinary Demonstrations Holiday and Spring Parties and more!

ground, and working cooperatively toward solu‑ tions. In the end, it’s all about promoting new and better ways to take care of the Hill Country and keep it from being loved to death.” HCA hosts and promotes many meetings and symposiums throughout the year in numer‑ ous cities. There’s a topic of interest to most anyone interested in sustaining the Texas Hill Country—from water conservation, native gardening, and wild‑ life management to transportation and regional planning. The HCA also publishes a newsletter (truly worth reading) several times a month to keep readers informed of evolving topics and worthy news. HCA’s website, hillcountryalliance.org, may be one of the most important, comprehensive channels to preserv‑ ing the Texas Hill Country. Among its many endeavors, the HCA is a top sponsor of the annual Rainwater Revival, which promotes water conserva‑ tion. Mark your calendars to attend the next revival on November 5, 2016, at Dripping Springs Ranch Park, where you will see the HCA, once again, making its mark as a valued steward. The Hill Country Alliance celebrated its 10‑year anniversary in November 2015. As Central Texas is one of the fastest‑growing areas in the country, there is a reason this organization grows stronger every day.

Painted rain barrels are auctioned during the Rainwater Revival.

Keep History Drippin’ Become a Member of the Heritage Circle

Make New Friends • Connect with the Community

Come Join Us!

dswomensclub.com • womenofds@gmail.com 66  Connections

Heritagecircle.org

CONNECTIONS  In Memoriam

Johnny Gimble

Johnny Gimble, who passed away in 2015, was not only a national

award-winning fiddle player, he was also a very generous man who

helped numerous Dripping Springs nonprofits through his Texas Swing music. For more than two decades, while residing in our community, Johnny graciously took the stage to entertain for a cause. While the world’s premier fiddler played alongside many celebrated artists,

including Bob Wills, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Ray Benson, and

George Strait (to name a few), Johnny was a huge star in his own right and certainly here in Dripping Springs.

Photo courtesy of johnnygimble.com and the Gimble family.

A Creative Path to History in Dripping Springs

Not all of the history of Dripping Springs

extends beyond promoting that founding family’s homestead. Members of the circle strive to spread is written down, but it is all around us—in their programming to all parts of Dripping Springs gravestones, in existing and vanished streets through speakers’ bureaus, community outreach, and and homes, in old outhouses and smoke‑ partnerships with other groups, such as the Drip‑ houses, and in time-worn photographs and ping Springs Historical Commission. The circle’s clothing. And with the help of the Heritage walking tours of historic districts, where historical Circle, learning the history of our area has plaques render more than just a tale or two, make never been easier or more entertaining! for an interesting glimpse into the lives of the gen‑ The Heritage Circle, formed in 2010, erations who helped shape Dripping Springs. If you promotes and fosters an understanding of our are a genealogy buff and want to learn more about rich heritage through curiosity-heightening your forefathers, the circle can help you trace your programs and activities. Through clever nar‑ Pam McAfee, President of HC ancestors, too! rative presentations, such as guided walks The Heritage Circle’s members are a creative through cemeteries (“If Tombstones Could group of people who have a love for history in general and for Talk”), the Heritage Circle brings history to life. It’s very popu‑ our beloved community especially. The circle is a self-sustaining lar “Sarah’s Trunk Show” is exhibited in elementary classrooms organization that depends on memberships to fund and nurture where students receive creative visual curricula that broadens its mission. If you are a devoted fan of Dripping Springs and its their appreciation of pioneer days. One might call the circle’s precious history, the Heritage Circle welcomes you to be a part method of teaching history a bit of a gimmick, but it’s a tried of their unique programming which truly encourages everyone, and true recipe that works: make history fun! young or old or in between, to learn about our local history in a The Heritage Circle originally began as an auxiliary of hands-on, imaginative way.  heritagecircle.org the Friends of the Pound House Foundation, but its mission Philips Cemetery Tour in 2015

insightdrippingsprings.com 

 CONNECTIONS

Hill Country Rally for Kids Rally v.: to draw persons together for a common effort. This one’s for the kids!

For the past nine years, dozens of giving souls

have dedicated themselves to one of the most successful fundraisers in Dripping Springs: the Hill Country Rally for Kids held each August. It’s an event not to be missed and one that sets itself apart from others. The entertainment is endless and unique. Where else can you find an amazing 200+ car show, a fun bike/run race, barbeque competition, live music, kids’ activities, washer‑pitching, and more? With an ample amount of space at Camp Ben McCulloch, the Hill Country Rally truly expands to accommodate 2,000 happy campers, cookers, and spectators for an end-of-summer fun gathering. And what’s not to enjoy when you are on the scenic banks of Onion Creek beneath the towering shady oaks? The rally events are non-stop from Friday evening through Sunday morning, and more importantly, the activities truly cater to families. The rally is not an easy event to organize, but when you con‑ sider the cause—to improve the quality of life for as many kids as possible in Dripping Springs and throughout Hays County— there are plenty of brains and lots of muscle power to bring home the bacon. It’s an impressive group whose blueprint for fundraising is inspiring. Headed by Cody Reeves, the leadership of the rally knows how to garner the talents of more than 100 volunteers to drive this popular fundraiser. In 2015, the Hill Country Rally for Kids raised an all-time record of more than $100,000 to help various children’s chari‑ ties do incredible work, charities that are not always front and center on our “giving radar.” These organizations include groups that provide food and shelter for youth who are not receiving basic needs or who have serious medical or behavioral issues. The board members also donate money to scouting programs where kids can learn important life skills like self-discipline and time management. In other words, it’s about providing children some hope for the future by improving their quality of life.

68  Connections

And as the slogan for the Burke Center for Youth (one of the many recipients of funds) says, “It’s better to build children than to repair adults.” So just how does this band of rally members raise such heaps of money? Even though the rally is the culminating “big event,” it’s what happens all year long that adds even more dollars to the coffer. In April, the board gears up by entertain‑ ing their sponsors at the spring gala in order to energize both donors and volunteers to become involved in the rally’s mission. In past years, the gala has been held at the Hog Heaven private event residence, a lovely, fun place that truly makes one want to revel and to give! Plus, there’s a raffle that literally cannot be missed. Throughout most of the year a custom jeep and a golf cart are positioned at different spots all over town to attract ticket buyers who hope to win one of these beauties. The raffle alone is a huge undertaking with many local (generous) auto suppli‑ ers, mechanics, and body shops devoting hundreds of hours to produce these one-of-a-kind, sought-after motor vehicles. The 3,000 raffle tickets are sold online and during the rally weekend, and they do sell out. At $20 a ticket, it’s easy to understand how important the raffle is to the cause. So before the August rally even begins, the board has already been hard at work raising thousands of dollars to meet new annual goals and to give more money to kids’ charities. The rally, though, is an eye-opener when you witness children who are in need delighting in archery activities, water balloon tosses, watermelon contests, and judging the classic car and motor bike contests. The smiles on kids’ faces let you know that the three-day rally—and the entire year—are well worth the time, effort, and money. It’s an event that deserving youth can count on because the volunteers of the Hill Country Rally for Kids are true pros at pumping in the dollars.  hcrally.com

CONNECTIONS 

Photography Club—JOIN US! www.photographersofds.us Protecting our fragile natural resources.

Texas Hill Country water is slipping away. Celebrate the beauty.

hillcountryalliance.com

Care for our fragile natural resources. Learn more at www.hillcountryalliance.org

Pro/Novice Welcome Meetings | Outings | Classes | Workshop | Print Shows FOR MORE INFO

SAVE THE DATE

Nov. 5, 2016 RainwaterRevival.com

Facebook: Photographers of Dripping Springs

RAINWATER REVIVAL

A HILL COUNTRY ALLIANCE EVENT Painted

Must see!

FREE ADM I SSI O N

Information for Sponsors and Exhibitors at:

RainwaterRevival.com

Milena Christopher Attorney at Law Milena Christopher Credentialed Mediator Attorney at Law

Credentialed Mediator

Family Law • Divorce • Mediation Wills • Estate Planning • Probate • Personal Injury

3975East A Hwy 290 E 3975 Hwy 290 Dripping Springs, TX 78620

512-858-9779 ChristopherLawFirm.com insightdrippingsprings.com 

 RESOURCES

Resource Guide for Newcomers Are you new to town and not sure where to turn for information? Let inSight’s resource guide be your escort to navigating Dripping Springs. While You Are Here

f o

City of Dripping Springs: 512-858-4725,

511 W. Mercer, cityofdrippingsprings.com Hays County Government, Precinct 4: 512-858-7268, 195 Roger Hanks Parkway, co.hays.tx.us

ipping S Dr pr In

c. 1981

gs in

Government: Visit these websites to keep abreast of agendas and regulations.

Cit y

Important Numbers and Places

texas

Education: Learn about our public schools and how to support them. Dripping Springs Independent School District: 512-858-3000,

510 W. Mercer, dsisd.txed.net

Dripping Springs Education Foundation: 512-858-3063,

dseducationfoundation.org

Fire and rescue: Be safe! Know whom to call and where to go. North Hays County Fire and Rescue: 512-894-0704,

400 Sportsplex Drive, northhaysfire.com Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center: 512-396-4357 or 800-700-4292 Five Star ER: 512-893-7410, 333 E. Hwy. 290, fivestarer.com Community Resources: For general help, directories, events, connecting with others, and local organizations. Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau:

512-858-4740, 509 W. Mercer Street, drippingspringstx.org Dripping Springs Community Library: 512-858-7825, 501 Sportsplex Drive, dscl.org Dripping Springs Nonprofit Guide:

dscommunityfoundation.org

Facts to Know City of Dripping Springs population and area size: 2,000 (est.)

and 2,000 acres

Extraterritorial jurisdiction population and area size: 30,000 (est.)

and 75,000 acres

City of Dripping Springs’ awards: Gold Scenic City Certificate

and International Dark Sky Community

Five major parks: Charro Ranch Park, Dripping Springs

Ranch Park, Sports and Recreation Park, Founders Memorial Park, Veterans Memorial Park Farmers market: Every Wednesday, 3:00 pm until dusk at Veterans Memorial Park Nicknames: The Gateway to the Hill Country, The Drip, Drippin’, the Wedding Capital of Texas, It All Starts Here, Just West of Weird

70  Resources

Dripping Springs has a number of places to rest your head. From hotels to ranch houses to B&Bs, there is lodging to make you happy. inSight Dripping Springs-pages 26 & 27 airbnb.com bedandbreakfast.com drippingspringstx.org homeaway.com vrbo.com

Reliable Automobile Service AMM Collision 512-894-3888 Central Garage 512-894-4114 Good To Go Oil Center 512-858-1420 L & L Automotive 512-894-4486 Lloyd’s Automotive 512-894-0110 Gary Garnett’s Garage 512-924-7298 Malone Diesel & Auto 512-858-2132 ProTech Automotive 512-829-5123 Wagoner Tire 512-829-4716 Drippin’ Towin’ Service 512-264-2757 Places for Your Pets Dog Camp Driftwood Kennels Gateway Dog Training Hill Country Pet Resort Rover Inn Boarding Kennel Stay N Play Pet Ranch Tail Waggers Pet Sitting Horse boarding

dogcamp.net driftwoodkennels.com gatewaydogtraining.com hillcountrypetresort.com roverinnkennel.com staynplaypetranch.com petsit.com drippingspringsranchpark.com

How to Appeal to the Locals • Learn the names of the city’s founders. • Shop the merchants on Mercer Street, Old Fitzhugh Road, and the Promenade. • Know where the old post office was located. • Know the standings of all the public school sports teams. • Be able to give directions to the Rinky Dink Domino Hall.

How to Be Part of the Crowd • Attend a local gala or festival. • Volunteer for one of the many nonprofits. • Be seen at The Barber Shop bar and brewery. • Hang out at First Thursdays. • Shop the Dripping Springs Farmers Market. • Head to Drippin’s unofficial meeting place: H-E-B.

RESOURCES 

All Points Lead to Dripping Springs 620

Lakeway 281

620

Hamilton Pool Road

Bee Cave

2244

3238 71 Johnson City

1 3232

Fitzhugh Road McGregor Lane

290

Fitzhugh Road

290

220

165

AUSTIN

Dripping Springs

190

Oak Hill 1826

290 Henly

Circle Drive Bell Springs Road

1826

281

150 198 Driftwood

191 Blanco

170

220

165 2325

miles 967

Buda

150

3237

150

Dripping Springs High School

Wimberley

Dripping Springs Elementary School

Dripping Springs Ranch Park

Kyle

North Hays County Fire & Rescue 32

281

Rd. ugh Old

Founders Park Rd.

Walnut Springs Elementary School

S. College St.

Hays St.

N. San Marcos St. S. San Marcos St.

Hays County Precinct 4 Offices

Wallace St.

Veterans Memorial Park Loo p

(Belterra subdivision)

Sports and Recreation Park

Charro Ranch Park

City Hall

Rooster Springs Elementary School

290

Dripping Springs City Hall Chamber of Commerce/ Visitors Bureau

N. College St.

St. cer Mer

N. Bluff St.

DSISD School Administration Building

Groundbreaking for the new elementary school and new middle school to be built on Sawyer Ranch Road, in fall of 2017.

S. Bluff St.

Sportsplex Rd.

Dripping Springs Middle School

Roger Hanks Parkway

Founders Memorial Park

San Marcos

Fitz h

Dripping Springs Community Library

Commons Rd.

150

Dripping Springs High School Girls Volleyball State Champions

insightdrippingsprings.com 

 RESOURCES

Dripping Springs 2016

Calendar of Events

January 16 Hays County Livestock Horse Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Park hayscountylivestockshow.com 23-24 Hill Country Cutting Horse Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Park facebook/hill.country.cutting.horse.association 26-28 Hays County Livestock Horse Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Park hayscountylivestockshow.com

14 Brittany Tuck Memorial Benefit

Camp Ben McCulloch brittanytuck.com 12 Fancy Feathers Ninth Annual Open

Chicken Show Dripping Springs Ranch Park fancyfeatherstx.org 19 Hays County 4-H Horse Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Park hays4-h.blogspot.com

Ongoing Events Wednesdays 3–7pm Farmers Market, Veterans Memorial Park cityofdrippingsprings.com 3rd Wednesdays Sept–May Dripping Springs Women’s Club

dswomensclub.com 1st Thursdays First Thursday of month, except Jan-Feb. firstthursdaydrippingsprings.org 3rd Thursdays

February

April

5 Suits & Boots Community Awards Banquet

1 Denim & Diamonds Gala

wearenewlife.org

Ma Maison dseducationfoundation.org

Live Music and Entertainment

2 Relay for Life

barbershopbar.com

hays4-h.blogspot.com

Dripping Springs Ranch Park relayforlife.org

Mercer Street Dance Hall

7 Capital of Texas Wedding Showcase

8-10 Hill Country Cutting Horse Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Park drippingspringstx.org 6 Hays County 4-H Horse Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Park

Dripping Springs Ranch Park drippingspringstx.org

Dripping Springs Ranch Park facebook/hill.country.cutting.horse.association

13 Intercollegiate Horse Show

16 Cemetery Tour

Dripping Springs Ranch Park ihsainc.com 13-16 Annual Backyard Bird Count

Hays County Master Naturalist Charro Ranch Park | haysmn.org 20-21 Saxet Gun Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Park saxetshows.com 20-26 Annual Wild Game Dinner

Sponsor: Dripping Springs United Methodist Church dswildgamedinner.com 26–28 Austin K9 Xpress Dog Agility Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Park k9x.org

March 5 Texas Night Sky Festival

Dripping Springs Ranch Park cityofdrippingsprings.com 11-13 Hill Country Cutting Horse Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Park facebook/hill.country.cutting.horse.association

72  Resources

Heritage Circle heritagecircle.org 15-17 Hill Country Wildflower Arts & Crafts Fair

Dripping Springs Ranch Park texasmarketguide.com 23-24 Saxet Gun Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Park saxetshows.com 24-26 29th Annual Founders Day Festival

Downtown Mercer Street foundersdayfestival.com 30 Heritage Gala

Thirsty Thursday, Dripping Springs Ranch Park

The Barber Shop Bar

mercerstreetdancehall.com Homespun Kitchen and Bar

homespunkitchenandbar.com Sidecar Wine Tasting Room

bellspringswinery.com/sidecar.html Hudson’s on Mercer hudsonsonmercer.com 14-15 Tour The Talent Studio Tour

Artists Alliance of the Hill Country artistsalliancehc.com 14-15 Shorty Scott Memorial Ride

Dripping Springs Ranch Park drippingspringsranchpark.com 20 SHOT Horse Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Park stockhorsetexas.org

Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead drpoundhistoricalfarmstead.org

21 Ducks Unlimited Annual Banquet

May

25 Memorial Day Service

7-8 Bailey Kay Hutson Bull Ride

Dripping Springs Ranch Park facebook.com/baileykay.hutson 14 Austin Zoo Revue and Grand Gala

Austin Zoo austinzoo.org

Hog Heaven ducks.org/texas/events Veterans Park post290tx.com 27 Hill Country Cutting Horse Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Park facebook/hill.country.cutting.horse.association

RESOURCES  June 3-4 Red Arena Round-Up

Dripping Springs Ranch Park redarena.org 4 Dripping Springs Ranch Park Riding Series

Dripping Spring Ranch Park caqha.com 10-12 Hill Country Cutting Horse Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Park facebook/hill.country.cutting.horse.association 17-19 USDF Dressage Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Park usdf.org 17-24 120th Camp Ben McCulloch Reunion

Camp Ben McCulloch campben.com 25 4th Annual Tomato Festival

Founders Memorial Park cityofdrippingsprings.com

27 Dripping Springs Ranch Park Riding Series

21-23 Hill Country Cutting Horse Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Park caqha.com

Dripping Springs Ranch Park facebook/hill.country.cutting.horse.association

September

22-23 Fall Art Show Artists Alliance of the Hill Country

3-4 Gunner Thames Memorial Jackpot

Dripping Springs Ranch Park artistsalliancehc.com

Dripping Springs Ranch Park gunnerthames.com 10 9th Annual Dripping with Taste

Dripping Springs Ranch Park drippingwithtaste.com 16-17 Vintage Market Days

Dripping Springs Ranch Park austinhillcountry.vintagemarketdays.com 24 Pioneer Day

Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead drpoundhistoricalfarmstead.org 24-25 Saxet Gun Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Show saxetshows.com

25-26 Dripping Springs Ranch Park Riding Series

28-30 USDF Dressage Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Park usdf.org

November 5 Rainwater Revival

Dripping Springs Ranch Park rainwaterrevival.com 6 19th Annual Empty Bowls Project

Dripping Springs Helping Hands Mercer Street Dance Hall helpinghands-drippingsprings.org 12-13 Saxet Gun Show

Dripping Springs Ranch Park caqha.com

October

Dripping Springs Ranch Park saxetshows.com

1 Brent Thurman Memorial Bull Ride

13 6th Annual Run by the Creek

July

Dripping Springs Ranch Park brentthurman.com

4 Fire in the Sky

Dripping Springs Ranch Park drippingspringstx.org 16-17 Dripping Springs Ranch Park Riding Series

Dripping Springs Ranch Park caqha.com 22-24 4th Annual Dripping Springs Fair & Rodeo

Dripping Springs Ranch Park drippingspringsfairandrodeo.com 30 Dripping Springs Ranch Park Riding Series

Dripping Springs Ranch Park caqha.com

TBA 22nd Annual Chili and Salsa Contest

Dripping Springs Cook Off Club dscoctx.com 6 22nd Annual Friends Foundation BBQ

The Salt Lick thefriendsfoundation.org 7-8, 14-15, 21-22 Boo at the Zoo

Austin Zoo austinzoo.org

18-20 Dripping Springs Ag Boosters Fall Classic

Dripping Springs Ranch Park dsagboosters.org 26 Hill Country Gift Tour

Dripping Springs Ranch Park texasmarketguide.com

December

6-7 Texas Senior Pro Rodeo

Dripping Springs Ranch Park alamoarabians.org 14-16 3rd Annual Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival

Camp Ben McCullough hcrally.com

Mercer Street drippingspringssongwritersfestival.com

13-14 Dripping Springs Ranch Park Riding Series

15 Texas Hill Country Barrel Racers Association

Dripping Springs Ranch Park caqha.com

Market The Terrace Club dswomensclub.com

7-9 Arts and Crafts Fair

8 Alamo Arabian Horse Association Show

12–14 10th Annual Hill Country Rally for Kids

16 Dripping Springs Women’s Club Holiday

Dripping Springs Merchants drippingspringstx.org

August Dripping Springs Ranch Park tspra.com

Creek Road runbythecreek.com

Dripping Springs Ranch Park thcbra.com

3 Christmas on Mercer Street

Mercer Street cityofdrippingsprings.com 9-11 Vintage Market Days

Dripping Springs Ranch Park austinhillcountry.vintagemarketdays.com

For up-to-date listings: drippingspringstx.org and drippingspringsranchpark.com insightdrippingsprings.com 

 RESOURCES

Community News and Events Featured Advertisers and Local Highlights 

Photo by Cathy Potkin Jones 1955 Chevrolet Corvette provided by Gary Hale

DRIPPING WITH

TASTE

WINE

FOOD

F E S T I VA L

www.drippingwithtaste.com 74  Resources

RESOURCES 

Drinkology Trail Adventure Let this map guide you near and around Dripping Springs to taste local beers, wines, and spirits! Before you go, it’s best to verify opening times, and do check for live music and entertainment and new product releases. Consider taking a cooler so your purchases will stay fresh and away from the sun. And do remember to appoint 620 a designated driver if you haven’t hired a tour service for your exploration. Enjoy!

Lakeway

Westcave Cellars

620

Hamilton Pool Road

Bee Cave

Hawk’s Shadow Winery

2244

3238 71 1

3232

Fitzhugh Road

Fitzhugh Road Treaty Oak Distilling Co. Revolution Spirits Thirsty Distilling Company Bell Springs Planet Argus Cidery Last Stand Winery Circle Drive to Austin Brewing Swift Company Distillery 12 Solaro Oak Hill Dripping Estate Jester King Brewery Springs 1826 Vodka 290

Bell Springs Road

McGregor Lane

to Fredericksburg Henly

290

190 220

165

71 71

Deep Eddy Vodka

Dripping Springs

35 290

Twisted X Brewing Co.

1826

150

Salt Lick Cellars

198 Driftwood

191

Fall Creek Vineyards

170

220 2325

to Wimberley

Driftwood Vineyards

Duchman Family Winery 150

miles 967

to Buda

Buda

3237

150 Wimberley Kyle

insightdrippingsprings.com 

 RESOURCES

The Advertising Directory Entertainment and Lodging Austin Zoo-page 57 With more than 350 animals and 100 different species, the Austin Zoo is an adventure for kids of all ages. Birthday parties and large groups are welcome. 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin 512-288-1490 austinzoo.org

Unless noted, all addresses are in Dripping Springs.

Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival-page 55 Dripping Springs is filled with music when this festival showcasing dozens of local and national songwriters over a three-day weekend hits town. It’s inspiring for everyone. Historic area of Dripping Springs drippingspringssongwritersfestival.com

Christmas on Mercer Street-page 55 Mercer Street sparkles when Santa comes to town. Family activities, shopping, entertainment, food vendors, and lighting of the tree are all part of holiday festivities. 512-858-4725 cityofdrippingsprings.com

Dripping with Taste-page 74 Sponsored by the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, the Dripping with Taste Festival is an annual event where attendees enjoy food, wine, beer, spirits, entertainment, and shopping. 512-858-4740 drippingspringstx.org drippingwithtaste.com

Destination Dripping Springs-page 57 Destination Dripping Springs is the source for all things fun in the city, whether its live music, food and drinks, special events, or local attractions. Sponsored by the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. 512-858-4740 destinationdrippingsprings.com

First Thursday-page 55 Each first Thursday of the month, historic Dripping Springs comes alive when local merchants stay open late for patrons to enjoy shopping, dining, beverages, live music, and special offerings. firstthursdaydrippingsprings.org

Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead & Museum-page 11 History is revived at the oldest restored homestead in Dripping Springs. Take a tour of this national, state, and local historic landmark to appreciate ways of life in the mid-1850s. 570 Founders Park Road 512-858-2030 drpoundhistoricalfarmstead.org Dripping Springs Fair and Rodeo-page 51 The fair and rodeo showcase the finest rodeo skills along with food, cold beer, beverages, and entertainment over a three-day weekend. After the rodeo, dance the night away to live music. 1042 Event Center Drive and RR 12 512-858-4725 cityofdrippingsprings.com Dripping Springs Historic Districts-page 5 The City of Dripping Springs strives to protect historic assets in our community by establishing districts in the areas of Mercer Street, Old Fitzhugh Road, and Hays Street. These districts are being enhanced, revitalized, and protected to maintain the small-town character of our city. 512-858-4725 cityofdrippingsprings.com Dripping Springs Ranch Park & Event Center-back cover page The Dripping Springs Ranch Park, on more than 110 acres, has a covered arena, event space, walking and running trails, and a playscape. It is also home to many enjoyable and exciting events every weekend, from rodeos to arts and craft shows. 1042 Event Center Drive and RR 12 512-858-4725 cityofdrippingsprings.com

Founders Day Festival-page 57 The Founders Day Festival is the largest annual event in Dripping Springs with a parade, cook-off, arts and crafts booths, carnival, live music, fair, food, and more. 512-858-4725 foundersdayfestival.com Heritage House-page 59 Heritage House is a beautiful venue for a wedding or any celebration, indoors or outdoors among the picturesque Hill Country scenery and beneath the star-lit skies. Heritage House is a special place for couples to marry in its own Grace Chapel. 512-894-4933 heritagehouseds.com Hill Country Premier Lodging-page 29 Hill Country Premier Lodging, a leasing agent and property management company, provides knowledgeable service and a wide selection of properties to make your Hill Country vacation a delightful excursion. 13600 RR 12, Wimberley 512-847-7460 hillcountrypremier.com Mercer Street Dance Hall-page 51 Since opening in 2013, Mercer Street Dance Hall has provided two-steppin’ dancing to live music in a comfortable, classic dance hall with a full bar and AC. Locals and visitors appreciate the friendly atmosphere and Texas hospitality. 332 Mercer Street 512-858-4314 mercerstreetdancehall.com Onion Creek Kitchens at Juniper Hills Farm-inside back page For a weekend getaway with the girls or that special someone, head to Sibby Barrett’s delightful 54-acre retreat. It’s a perfect place for celebrations, corporate outings, or just to hide. Be sure to sign up for cooking classes in the magical kitchen for culinary delights. 830-833-0910 juniperhillsfarm.com

Rainwater Revival-page 69 Now in its 7th year, the annual Rainwater Revival brings together homeowners, builders, vendors, and conservation experts to connect, share, and celebrate the ancient tradition of harvesting rainwater. It’s a fun family and educational event with activities for all ages. Sponsored by the Hill Country Alliance. 512-263-9147 rainwaterrevival.com Sleep Inn & Suites Hotel-page 29 With an indoor pool, exercise equipment, and spotless service, Sleep Inn provides all the comforts of home, plus convenience to many venues. 2720 E. Hwy. 290 512-858-2400 www.choicehotels.com Texas Night Sky Festival-page 15 The Texas Night Sky Festival comes to Dripping Springs Ranch Park on March 5, 2016, to increase an appreciation for the dark skies in the Texas Hill Country through fun and interesting activities for the whole family. 1042 Event Center Drive and RR 12 512-858-4725 cityofdrippingpsprings.com

Food and Beverage Barber Shop Bar-page 15 The Barber Shop Bar on Mercer Street offers a large variety of craft beers and wine in a comfortable, feel-good corner bar with indoor and outdoor seating. It’s a great spot to meet friends. 207 W. Mercer 512-829-4636 barbershopbar.com Bell Springs Winery-page 16

Bell Springs Winery has two locations to enjoy fine wines, light foods, and music in friendly indoor and outdoor settings. Winery & Vineyard: 3200 Bell Springs Road; Sidecar: 501 Old Fitzhugh Rd. 512-643-7398 bellspringswinery.com Dripping Springs Farmers Market-page 13 Every Wednesday, fresh produce, meats, breads, prepared foods, and gift items are offered at the Dripping Springs Farmers Market, where people shop and mingle with local farmers and artisans while enjoying demonstrations and live music. The Triangle at Veterans Memorial Park Hwy. 290 & RR 12 512-858-4725 cityofdrippingsprings.com Dripping Springs Vodka and Gin-page 21 The award-winning Dripping Springs Vodka and Gin are handcrafted in the Texas Hill Country using all-natural ingredients. Take a tour of their smallbatch distillery. 5330 Bell Springs Road 512-858-1199 drippingspringsvodka.com Mazama Coffee Co.-page 15 A popular hangout in town, Mazama serves coffee, tea, wine, beer, and breakfast and lunch fare. Check out the outdoor courtyard. 301 W. Mercer Street 512-200-6472 mazamacoffee.com

inSight’s special investigator, Thurman, is always on the hunt for news and happenings.

76  Resources

RESOURCES  Rolling in Thyme and Dough-page 23 Rolling in Thyme and Dough serves breakfast and lunch Monday–Saturday, and bistro dinners on Thursdays using farm-fresh ingredients. Relaxing indoor and outdoor seating. Check for Sunday brunch in seasonal weather months. 333 Hwy. 290 W. 512-894-0001 thymeanddough.com Shell Food Mart Krispy Krunchy Chicken-page 13 Inside the Shell Food Mart is delicious Krispy Krunchy Chicken, Cajun style. The drive-through window is convenient, or shop inside for other items in the mart while you fuel your car. 200 W. Hwy. 290 512-894-3131 or 512-894-7523

Professional Services Adair Dentistry-page 39 Drs. Laura and Allen Adair provide dependable preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry for clients of all ages in a soothing setting. 2150 Hwy. 290 E. 512-858-5243 adairdds.com Bracewell & Guiliani-page 35 Bracewell & Guiliani is an international law firm providing guidance on business law, finance, litigation, government relations, and regulatory policy. bgllp.com Broadway Bank-page 13 Broadway Bank provides all your personal, private, and commercial banking needs as well as wealth management services. With 39 banking centers and online and mobile banking, Broadway Bank is conveniently located to serve you. 320 E. Hwy 290 512-858-1039 broadwaybank.com Capital Farm Credit-page 31 Capital Farm Credit has been serving communities since 1916. The customer-owned cooperative provides lending and leasing services to rural land and home owners and agribusinesses. With 72 offices in Texas, Capital Farm Credit is ready to assist you. 5900 Southwest Pkwy. Suite 501, Austin 866-886-4425 capitalfarmcredit.com Central Garage-page 5 Central Garage offers complete automotive repairs for all makes and models of vehicles, including small diesels and hybrids. 120 Hwy. 290 W. 512-894-4114 Deep Eddy Rug and Carpet Cleaners-page 45 Deep Eddy Rug and Carpet Cleaners specialize in cleaning fine rugs. And they can clean your entire home from carpet, upholstery, and air ducts, to tile and grout. 6509 Burnet Lane, Austin 512-452-9918 deepeddyrugcleaners.com

Dripping Springs Rental Center-page 47 Buddy Lewis at Dripping Springs Rental Center has provided construction equipment and tools to Dripping Springs and surrounding areas since 1993. 299 W. Mercer Street 512-858-5337 dsrentalcenter.com

inSight Dripping Springs-page 74 inSight Dripping Springs, an entertainment, destination, and lifestyle magazine, guides you to the special gems of our city. Follow us online to stay current on Dripping’s latest happenings. insightdrippingsprings.com L & L Automotive-page 47 L & L Automotive is a certified NAPA Autocare Center providing quality car maintenance and repair. 3987 Hwy. 290 512-894-4486 landlautomotive.com The Law Office of Milena Christopher-page 69 Practicing law since 1998, Milena Christopher offers caring representation for family law matters, including divorce, estate planning, wills, and probate. Milena is also a certified mediator. 3975 Hwy. 290 East 512-858-9779 christopherlawfirm.com Maugel and Purcell Financial Solutions-page 37 Nancy Maugel and Paul Purcell provide custom financial solutions during all phases of your life. paulp@moneymaugel.com 512-264-3833 Natural Solutions Wellness-page 23 Located in Dripping Springs, Natural Solutions Wellness is dedicated to meeting your wellness and well-being objectives through programs and products designed to optimize your health. 1320-B Hwy. 290 W. 512-829-5031 naturalsolutionswellness.com Odell Equipment-page 15 For over 20 years, Odell Equipment has specialized in reliable excavation, roads, stock ponds, driveways, and septic installations. 512-923-8608 roygodell@gmail.com Perfect Day Productions-page 35 For your special events, look to Per fect Day Productions for your music, lighting, sound, photography, and videography needs. They offer expert service for occasions of any size. 512-829-1555 per fectdayproductions.com Premiere Events-page 59 Premiere Events is your source for any and all types of party rentals to make your special occasion an event to remember. Visit their new showroom in Dripping Springs. 333 E. Hwy. 290, Ste. 419 512-829 4498 premiereeventsonline.com Prosperity Bank-page 35 Formed in 1983, Prosperity Bank seeks to develop broad customer-service banking relationships through service and convenience. 721 W. Hwy. 290 512-894-0541 prosperitybanktx.com Ranchwerks-page 15 Ranchwerks is a locally owned ranch and land improvement company serving Austin and the Texas Hill Country since 2007. The company provides honest and reliable work for most all your outdoor construction needs. 512-762-0337 ranchwerks.net

Rover Inn Boarding Kennel-page 29 Rover Inn is located in a quiet area of Dripping Springs and provides safe, clean, comfortable boarding for pets. Pick up and grooming services available. 4451 McGregor Lane 512-858-4928 roverinnkennel.com Seasha Pools-page 25 Since 1986, Seasha Pools has designed and built pools, spas, and decks for satisfied customers in the Texas Hill Country and Austin area. 512-461-3841 seashapools.com Security State Bank & Trust-page 31 Security State Bank & Trust has provided personal and business banking services in the Texas Hill Country since 1941. 1500 Hwy. 290 W. 512-858-2900 ssbtexas.com Shweiki Media-page 78 Founded in 1984, Shweiki Media is a full-service printing company and prime resource for large and small publishers. 512-480-0860 shweiki.com Sophie’s Garden Salon-page 39 Since 1999, owner Lisa Gilliam and her stylists have offered excellent hair salon services, including hair cutting, styling, coloring, and corrective color to satisfied clients in a warm, relaxing environment. 665 W. Hwy. 290 W. 512-858-1828 sophiesgarden.com UPS Store-page 47 The UPS Store provides packing, shipping, mailbox, and printing services along with office supplies. UPS has a notary for your legal documents. 100 Commons Road, Ste. 7 512-894-0484 drippingsprings-tx-5486.theupsstorelocal.com

Realtors, Home Builders, and Housing Austin Outline, Inc.-page 45 Austin Outline, founded in 1989, is a superior builder providing new construction and remodeling services for residential and commercial clients. 512-288-0041 austinoutline.com Susan Black, Realtor-page 47 For 25 years, Susan Black has represented home buyers and sellers. She sells and leases residential homes, second homes, golf properties, and lots. 512-825-8570 susanblack@avalaraustin.com stellaraustinproperties.com Gordon Inscore Homes-page 47 As a builder for over 20 years, Gordon Inscore has extensive professional experience building custom homes in the Dripping Springs area. 512-858-1809 gihomes.us Ledgestone Senior Living Community-page 25 Ledgestone Senior Living Community is being built on 17 acres in Dripping Springs. The community, coming in 2016, will offer both independent living residences and a memory care cottage. The new facility will include walking trails, fitness and wellness center, pool, and multiple dining venues. 13150 Four Star Blvd., Austin 512-915-9042 ledgestoneSL.com

insightdrippingsprings.com 

 RESOURCES Mallett Integrity Team, Real Estate-page 35 Keller Williams Realty Since 2003, the Mallett Integrity Team has represented buyers and sellers of exceptional homes in Dripping Springs and the surrounding area. 333 E. Hwy. 290, Ste. 417 512-829-2062 mallettintegrityteam.com Pam McAfee, Realtor-page 31 Graves Realty Group Since 1996, Pam McAfee has provided personable service to home buyers and sellers in the Central Texas area. 512-554-8476 pammcafee.com Terese Peabody, Real Estate Broker-page 37 Stanberry & Associates With more than 22 years in the residential and commercial real estate market, Terese Peabody has represented home buyers and sellers throughout the Texas Hill Country. 400 W. Hwy. 290, Bldg. B, Ste. 101 512-628-8554 tpeabody.com John Siemering Homes-page 43 John Siemering Homes has built fine custom residences for more than 27 years. As a builder, John provides concise budgeting and quality craftsmanship. 11614 FM 2244, Ste.250, Austin 512-416-6500 jsiemeringhomes.com

TerraScena and Blue Horse Building + Designs-page 1 Discover TerraScena, offering one-acre home sites and eco-wise home designs with an exceptional, different point of view. TerraScena and Blue Horse Building + Design come together to create homes for the future. 223 TerraScena Trail 512-934-1598 Terrascena.com 512-264-1366 bluehorsebuilding.com

Retail Cowgirls & Lace-page 37 Cowgirls & Lace helps clients design their home furnishings by offering knowledgeable and creative services and a wide variety of fabrics, trims, accessories, and gifts. 1111 Hwy. 290 W. 512-894-0350 cowgirlsandlace.com Dan Tay’s Flowers & Gifts-page 63 Locally owned and operated, Dan Tay’s is a full-service florist delivering the freshest flowers with an artistic flair. Dan Tay’s also carries unique gifts for any occasion. 222 W. Highway 290 512-858-7625 dantays.com GEO Growers-page 23 GEO Growers is your place for all garden products, including vegetables, herbs, soil, compost, and natural fertilizers. 12002 Hwy. 290 W., Austin 512-892-2722 geogrowers.net

Leslie Kell-page 39 Leslie Kell, an artist for over 25 years, enjoys the contemporary medium of digital art in her photographic interpretations. Leslie is often commissioned by individuals as well as large corporations. 512-917-0104 lesliekell.com Lone Star Gifts-page 11 Lone Star Gifts offers an array of new and vintage apparel, jewelry, home décor, and one-of-a kind antique items. It’s a great place to mingle, too. 301 W. Mercer Street 512-858-9912 lonestargifts.net Revel Wilde-page 63 Revel Wilde has a wide array of home accents and gifts and carries YETI and Jon Hart products, stationery, and fresh flowers. Many items can be monogrammed. Revel Wilde also offers event planning services. 2201 Hwy. 290 W. Bldg. B 512-858-7401 revelwilde.com Sacred Moon Herbs-page 31 Professional herbalists at Sacred Moon Herbs offer natural healing herbs, aromatherapy products, educational materials, gifts, and more in this quaint historic building. 305 Mercer Street 512-858-7305 sacredmoonherbs.com

For Free Samples & Bids Please Contact Sales@shweiki.com or 512-480-0860 www.shweiki.com

78  Resources

RESOURCES  Sated Sheep-page 35 The Sated Sheep carries many fine yarns and supplies and offers knitting and crocheting classes for beginners to experienced levels. For a fun time, knit along with friends and enjoy tea, coffee, wine, or beer. 100 Commons Road, Suite 5 512-829-4607 thesatedsheep.com Starrs on Mercer-page 33 This modern-day department store in the heart of the historic district carries apparel for men, women, and children and a wide array of accessories, gifts, and vintage furniture. The outdoor patio is a relaxing place to hang out. 209 Mercer Street 512-858-4100 starrsonmercer.com Texas Hill Country Olive Co.-page 49 The Texas Hill Country Olive Co. is a destination for tasting award-winning virgin olive oils and vinegars while shopping for food and spa products. Tour the orchards and mill and stay for lunch. The Orchard is a lovely venue for special occasions. 2530 W. Fitzhugh Road 512-607-6512 texashillcountryoliveco.com

Where Men Shop-page 11 Where Men Shop offers distinct, made-to-measure clothing using fine fabrics and detailing to customize the perfect fit. Where Men Shop sells suits, shirts, slacks, ties, belts, and jackets for any man’s wardrobe. Alterations for men and women’s clothing. 27490 Ranch Road 12, Bldg. 2, Suite B6 512-858-2130 wmsmadetomeasure.com

Dripping Springs Women’s Club-page 66 The Dripping Springs Women’s Club is dedicated to providing women a means for interaction, information, and community involvement through programming and activities. The club meets September–May and membership is open to women in the greater Dripping Springs area. dswomensclub.com

Wilson AC & Appliance-inside front cover Wilson AC & Appliance, founded in 1949, helps customers select desirable and functional appliances, kitchen accessories, and heating and cooling systems for their homes. Wilson provides reliable, quality service. 4205 E. Hwy. 290 W. 512-894-0907 wilsonappliance.com

Heritage Circle-page 66 The Heritage Circle is devoted to preserving family and community history in the Dripping Springs area through unique and interesting programs for people of all ages. Membership is open to anyone who enjoys fun and history. heritagecircle.org

Service Organizations

Photographers of Dripping Springs-page 69 The Photographers of Dripping Springs (PODS) are both amateurs and professionals who meet monthly for workshops, field trips, and to share artistic expressions. photographersofds.us

Dripping Springs Community Library-page 5 The Dripping Springs Community Library holds more than 48,000 titles and offers classes, book clubs, special events, meeting rooms, and computer and Wi-Fi services in a warm and inviting environment. Open Monday–Saturday with extended hours. 501 Sportsplex Drive 512-858-7825 dscl.org

Dear Barb Dear Barb, We have just moved to Dripping Springs to be close to my parents. We love it here, but my kids are stir-crazy and I am out of my mind! The unpacked boxes are piled up with no room for the kids to play. My husband travels so it is up to me to unpack. Where’s a good place for the grandparents to take the kids while I organize the house? —Frazzled Mom

Dear Reluctant, Golf can be a mysterious, baffling game, but it does provide hours of fresh air. And lucky for you, Home On The Range in Dripping Springs provides putting greens, driving ranges, and a pro shop—all you need to get your game going. The facility is open every day and evening, so you have plenty of options to get your swing in shape. Before you know it, your husband will surprise you with your own set of golf clubs. But let’s hope it’s not for your birthday, when perhaps you would rather have jewelry. homeontherange-ds.com

Dear Frazzled, inSight’s Own Advice Columnist Moving can be stressful, especially with young ones. One of the best places around the Drip to entertain Dear Barb, kids is Jump Wild, with wall-to-wall trampolines and bounce In the past year, the torrential rains and floods have caused great houses. The facility is sparkling clean, safe, and engaging. concern for people living in many parts of the Texas Hill Country, With a snack bar and two big-screen TVs, your parents can including Dripping Springs. Is there a way to hear about dangerous relax while the kids socialize and get some exercise. situations to help protect ourselves from harm? Visit jumpwild.com to check for hours, directions, and to —Concerned Citizen download the waiver before you go. Dear Concerned, Dear Barb, We understand your worries. Some recent dangerous situations My husband, who is an avid golfer, wants me to take up the and the fires in 2011 were scary events that threatened our game so we can play together on the weekends. Quite honcommunity. One way you can receive alerts is to sign up for estly, I find the game kind of silly. Chasing a little white ball notifications through the City of Dripping Springs’ emergency all over the course through trees and tall grasses with snakes management resource called “CODE RED.” It’s an easy applicaseems a bit crazy. But, I have agreed to make an effort so tion to complete and can be found on the city’s website. When we can spend quality (?) time together. Is there a convenient critical circumstances arise, an automatic recording is sent to place where I can practice? your phone. It’s a system the city can use for other important, —Reluctant Golfer non-life-threatening matters, too, like road closings. If you’re Barb Mansur is one of Dripping Springs most resourceful, active citizens. You not on the call list, enroll today to ease your mind. can count on her for solutions to your problems and some doggone good advice. cityofdrippingsprings.com If you have a question for Dear Barb, write to: info@insightdrippingsprings.com

insightdrippingsprings.com 

InSight Honors Citizens of Dripping Springs Reba Byrd

One might say that Dripping Springs became a

destination point because of Reba Byrd’s famous store, Le Raggé Ruggs /Cowgirls & Lace. For

decades, people have traveled to Dripping Springs to shop for fabrics, interior furnishings, and gifts

ranging from body care products to toys for kids. Reba’s knowledge, style, and grace are expressed

throughout her extensive retail collection as well

as her devotion to satisfying customers with warm and friendly service.

Photo by DorRae Stevens Photography

Carl Waits

Whatever you need to know about the history of Dripping Springs, Carl “Coach” Waits has

the answer! In 2003, he published The Complete History of Dripping Springs, Texas, and the P.A,

Survey—a 13-year project. He has been around, having arrived in Dripping Springs in 1965 to

teach school and coach sports for 30 years. Carl is a noted sports reporter, organizer of adult

softball leagues, and school bus driver. Carl has

been married to his wife, Carolyn, for more than 53 years.

Photo by Dave Wilson

80  APPLAUSE

Life, like food, should be savored and celebrated. Onion Creek Kitchens at Juniper Hills Farm is a state-of-the-art cooking school tucked away in the beauty of the Hill Country. Travis â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sibbyâ&#x20AC;? Barrett offers a variety of public and private cooking classes at her Kitchen in the Grove. Her use of local products, including goat cheese, olives, pecans and peaches as well as organic vegetables and herbs helped define the local Farm to Table movement. Juniper Hills Farms offers luxury accommodations in one of five well-appointed casitas nestled amid native xeriscaped grounds. Enjoy sights of white-tailed deer, grey foxes, jackrabbits, armadillos, peacocks, goats, and a herd of miniature donkeys when walking about the grounds. The Kitchen in the Grove is a unique private-event venue offering brunches, rehearsal dinners and business retreats and special themed dinner-by-reservation nights. Slow down a little so that life can be enjoyed and savored the way it was meant to be.

O NION C REEK K ITCHENS AT

Call or visit us online at juniperhillsfarm.com (830) 833-0910

CIT YOFDRIPPINGSPRINGS.COM

Go Play Outside

at Dripping Springs Ranch Park 110 Acres + Walking Trails + Picnic Area + Horseshoe Pits + Playground Washer Pits + Wildlife Viewing + Primitive Camping + Ranch House Rental + RV Sites

1042 Event Center Drive and RR 12 North D R IP P IN G S P RING SRA NCH PA RK.COM