Texas Hill Country Archives

Hidden Gems in Wimberley Texas

June 6, 2022May 21, 2024Summer in Wimberley, Things To Do In Wimberley

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With its winding roads and beautiful scenery, the drive to Wimberley is one of the most scenic drives in the Texas Hill Country.

A popular vacation spot for Texans and visitors alike, Wimberley is best known for its spring-fed swimming holes, quaint shops, restaurants, and cypress trees, but don’t miss the hidden gems in Wimberley that are sure to take you off the beaten path. This small town is packed with things to do, from dining and shopping to exploring art galleries, wineries, and breweries…let’s go!

BLUE HOLE REGIONAL PARK

The spring-fed swimming hole remains at 75 degrees year-round and is the centerpiece of this community park. While the swimming hole is world-famous, the park is one of the hidden gems in Wimberley that is often overlooked.

The 126-acre park is surrounded by natural forests and grass fields and includes approximately 4.5 miles of hike/bike trails, picnic areas, a playscape, a basketball court, a sand volleyball court, an amphitheater, a community pavilion, and of course the famous Blue Hole swimming area with giant Cypress trees providing shade while you take a respite from the scorching summer heat.

The park is free and open to the public and is open daily from 8 am to sunset; however, reservations are required for the swimming.

Cypress Creek in Wimberley’s Blue Hole Regional Park

JACOB’S WELL

Wimberley is proud to have not only one but TWO world-famous swimming holes! The second is Jacob’s Well, which is the headwaters of the Cypress Creek, which flows through Blue Hole Regional Park and feeds into the Blanco River. The water at Jacob’s
Well remains at a cool 68 degrees year-round and swimming in this Texas treasure is only allowed between May 1 – September 30 and requires a paid reservation.

The lesser-known activities at Jacob’s Well Natural Area that this hidden gem in Wimberley offers guided tours, birding, hiking trails, Geocaching, a labyrinth, picnic areas, scenic photography, a sundial, and a children’s play area. Located at 699 Mt. Sharp Rd, Wimberley, TX, 78676, the park is open daily (except on certain holidays) from 8 am to 6 pm. Entrance to the natural area is free to the public.

Jacob’s Well – a popular swimming hole in Wimberley, Texas

PIONEER TOWN

Pioneer Town is a hidden gem in Wimberley where visitors can stroll down the main street and be transported back in time to a simpler era. Once hosting gunfight reenactments, today this Old West village remains a place where you can explore what it was like to live in the frontier days.

An opera house, the Pioneer Chapel, the Glass Bottle House (made completely of glass bottles), and storefronts recreate an 1880s western town. A working old-time ice cream parlor provides a place for a sweet treat. The parlor’s summer hours are Sunday through Tuesday: 12 pm to 6 pm, Thursday: 12 pm to 6 pm, Friday: 12 pm to 8 pm, Saturday: 11 am to 8 pm, and closed on Wednesdays.

The Cowboy Museum (full of memorabilia) is open Thursday: 12 pm to 5 pm, Friday: 10 am to 5 pm, and Saturday: 10 am to 6 pm. An arcade and the new Pioneer Express (opening soon) round out the features of this little-known Wimberley thing to do.

EMILYANN THEATER & GARDENS

Emilyann Theater & Gardens is a 12-acre wonderland that offers something for every family member during every season. Created in 1998 as a way to celebrate the life of Emily Ann Rolling, it is home to Shakespeare Under the Stars, a program she held dear to her heart.

The gardens also feature a children’s theatre production, an outdoor amphitheater stage under the stars, an immaculate garden with a life-sized chess board, interactive activities for the children, and dinosaur sculptures.

For couples and nature lovers, stroll through the beautiful grounds and enjoy a picnic under the oak trees, watch birds and butterflies, listen to the flowing waters of the multiple fountains, or plan a special moment with your sweetheart at this hidden gem in Wimberley – a 200-year-old Betrothal Tree.

MT. BALDY & PRAYER MOUNTAIN

A hike up Mt. Baldy’s 219 stone steps will reward you with an amazing view of the Wimberley Valley. Locals and visitors alike love to hike to the top – some even do yoga at the summit, giving the mountain its nickname, Prayer Mountain. With its beautiful display of American flags, the Veteran’s Memorial can be seen directly across the mountain which is located in the EmilyAnn Gardens.

TOTEM POLES

These hand-carved, cypress tree trunks are amazing and are definitely a hidden gem in Wimberley! They are located in the grassy area behind Chills On the Creek restaurant. This backyard space at one of Wimberley’s most this locations sits beside Cyprus Creek and is a great place to enjoy a beer and watch the world go by.

CYPRESS CREEK NATURE TRAILS & PRESERVE

One of the coolest hidden gems in Wimberley can be found right in the heart of downtown just off the Wimberley Square – the Cypress Creek nature trails. This protected green space offers over 7 acres of trails that run along Cypress Creek and connect to the Blue Hole Regional Park.

BOOT TOUR

If you are unfamiliar with Wimberley, you will quickly realize that it is a haven for artists. The art scene in Wimberley highlights all forms of art from jewelry to leather works to colorful boots all over town! The Bootiful Wimberley Boot Tour is a hidden gem in Wimberley that takes you on a tour through the city where you just may find new places to explore that weren’t on your list!

A project of the Wimberley Arts & Cultural Alliance, its mission is to support art and culture in all of its forms – check their events page to see what’s happening during your visit to Wimberley!

CYPRESS CREEK RESERVE RUM DISTILLERY

Located just 10-minutes from downtown, this hidden gem in Wimberley is located near Jacob’s Well – stop on your way there or afterward to enjoy exceptional rum. The Cypress Creek Reserve Distillery features crystal rum, vanilla rum, and a single-barrel-aged rum.

The distillery features a cool tree house deck and cocktail patio where you can relax with friends and family while enjoying an afternoon and outdoor games like washers and horseshoes. Their hours are Tuesday – Thursday: 11:30 am to 5:30 pm and Friday and Saturday: 11 am to 6 pm. Closed Sunday & Monday.

ESCAPE THE HUSTLE

Wimberley is packed with things to do from swimming and outdoor activities at the Blue Hole Reginal Park and Jacob’s Well to dining and shopping or exploring art galleries, wineries, and breweries. There are also plenty of local events to enjoy throughout the year each season. This charming, small-town is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

VISIT US!

Need a place to stay while you’re visiting? Our rustic, custom-built, two-bedroom cabins are grouped in blocks of three on 5 wooded acres full of nature and wildlife to pique your interest and encourage family time, rest, and relaxation.

Ask owners, Mike and Nicole, for group cabin pricing to book your vacation with your extended family, a multi-couple getaway, or even your corporate retreat! Visit RusTx Ranch Vacation Cabins for availability and details.

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Texas Hill Country Wineries Near Wimberley & RusTx Ranch

April 26, 2022May 21, 2024Romantic Wimberley, Things To Do In Wimberley, Wineries Near Wimberley

If you’re looking for beautiful places to relax and soak in all that the Texas Hill Country has to offer, look no further than the many wineries near Wimberley located minutes to just over an hour from RusTx Ranch. So many wineries, so little time! This is a shortlist of our favorites – there are many to choose from, which means you’ll have to come back to Wimberley often to see them all!

Wimberley Valley Winery

Wimberley Valley Winery is the perfect spot for a romantic outing or a fun day with friends. The winery is located off the beaten path on Lone Man Mountain Road, and as a result, rewards you with pure serenity! Wimberley Valley Winery has a large yard with a spacious, multi-level deck in addition to a couple’s swing, all under a beautiful canopy of oaks.

The wine selection is impressive and the staff is knowledgeable and passionate about their product. Whether you are looking for a quiet afternoon in nature or an evening of good conversation and great wine, Wimberley Valley Winery is the perfect place for you. Wimberley Valley Winery is just a 2-minute (0.7 miles) drive from RusTx Ranch. They are open Sunday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm. With happy hour every Friday, 3 pm – 5 pm.

A unique wine bar located at Wimberley Valley Winery

Bella Vista Olive Ranch and Winery

Although this hidden gem’s tasting room and tours are currently closed due to Covid, we are keeping it on our list in anticipation that it will reopen as soon as possible! Bella Vista Ranch is home to one of the handfuls of olive groves in the Wimberley area. Their online store offers locally made soaps, vinegar, and of course, olive oils; you can visit by appointment only to pick up or purchase products.

Bella Vista Ranch is tucked away on Mt. Sharp Road and is just a 13-minute drive (7.3 miles) northwest of RusTx Ranch. Visit their website to stay up-to-date on when they will reopen.

Driftwood Estate Winery

Located just a short drive from RusTx Ranch, Driftwood Estate Winery offers a variety of delicious wines to enjoy as you watch the sunset over the rolling hills. Situated atop a bluff on Elder Hill Road, enjoy stunning views while sipping on a glass of wine.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening or just a chance to unwind and enjoy nature’s beauty, Driftwood Estate Winery is the place to do it. Brunch, live music, and sunset dinners are on their schedule of events, so check their website for details and reservation information. Driftwood Estate Winery is just a short 13-minute drive (7.1 miles) from RusTx Ranch.

Duchman Family Winery

There’s no doubt that the Texas Hill Country landscape is stunningly beautiful and at the Duchman Family Winery, you can experience all that this unique region has to offer. This winery has been featured on HGTV as one of the 20 most picturesque wineries in the US, and it’s easy to see why!

The vineyards and grounds are simply gorgeous, and the wines are made exclusively from Texas grapes. Whether you’re looking for a romantic spot to enjoy a glass of wine or a family-friendly place to spend the day, the Duchman Family Winery is sure to please.

Take your time walking around their beautiful estate. Enjoy tasting their Montepulciano, their Aglianico, and their Vermentino, among others. Take a bottle outside to their grounds to appreciate this beautiful feel of Tuscany in the Texas Hill Country! This winery is located 9 miles (13-minutes) northeast of RusTx Ranch.

Fall Creek Vineyard

Located across the street from The Salt Lick on FM 1826 is Fall Creek Vineyard. This Driftwood winery offers a nice selection of wines with a fabulous, multi-tiered patio with a waterfall and abundant seating for all to enjoy! They also offer a “Wine Bites” menu (chocolates, a cheese plate, a fresh baguette with pate, or grilled cheese with Havarti, cheddar, and onion). Yum!

Try their flagship wine, the Meritus, which is a collector’s piece and a full-bodied red, or their Cabernet-Sauvignon-Sangiovese-Merlot, which is a full-bodied, super Tuscan wine with a slightly smoky taste from grapes grown at The Salt Lick.

Just 12.3 miles (19-minutes) from RusTx Ranch, create your own wine trail and visit Wimberley Valley Winery first, Driftwood Estate Winery second, Fall Creek Vineyards third, and end your day out with fabulous Texas BBQ at The Salt Lick for a unique wine trail experience!

Limestone Terrace Winery

Producing white, rosé, and red wines, Limestone Terrace Winery has become known as a new beginning for a former fire-destroyed property and is beaming with new growth as a premier winery near Wimberley. Located just 8-miles north of town at 101 Rocky Meadows Lane, this fairly new winery sits atop a limestone rock shelf and features amazing sunset views from its terrace.

Hosting tastings and events, and offering charcuterie boards and snacks for sale, Limestone Terrace Winery is for the whole family and welcomes children and fur babies. Indoor or outdoor wine tastings are Thursdays, 3 pm – 6 pm, and Friday through Sunday, 11 am – 6 pm. Just 1 mile from RusTx Ranch or a short 4-minute drive makes this winery a must-see!

Wineries 1 to 1.5 Hours Away

Luckily, Wimberley is just a short drive from many other Texas Hill Country wineries. Enjoy a scenic drive through the hill country to Stonewall (just under 1 hour from RusTx Ranch) and Fredericksburg (1 hour 15 minutes from RusTx Ranch) to explore several more winery choices. If you can’t find a designated driver for your trip, you can book a wine tour with Taste of the Hills located in Wimberley.

Becker Vineyards

Becker Vineyards, in Stonewall, will entice any wine AND history lover with its elaborate estate and 46-acre vineyard. Bring a picnic lunch, and be sure to stop in The Lavender Haus, which is a replica of a barn from Lyndon B. Johnson’s settlement. Wine tasting is available and there is also “The Verandah”, with its outdoor bar to enjoy.

This is a beautiful estate; their Becker Viognier and Tempranillo are two favorites. Enjoy a scenic hill country drive from RusTx Ranch to Becker Vineyards and arrive in just over an hour.

Pedernales Cellars

This winery near Wimberley, Pedernales Cellars, is also located in Stonewall and shares its popularity with Tempranillo and Viognier wines. They offer 145 picturesque acres of oak-shaded land with a breathtaking view of the Pedernales River Valley.

Pedernales Cellars follows environmentally sustainable practices, and visitors often enjoy touring their geothermal barrel cellar before enjoying the grounds. Plan a drive straight through Blanco, Texas, and arrive at Pedernales Cellars in just under an hour from RusTx Ranch – unless you make a pitstop in Blanco.

Event Venues

It’s worth mentioning that most of these wineries near Wimberley have the facilities for private parties and are the perfect elegant venue for an unforgettably romantic, hill country wedding (or engagement proposal!), or other milestone events. Check their websites or inquire in person for venue information and policies. Also, check out things to do in Wimberley for other ideas to add to your vacation itinerary.

The Cypress Creek runs straight through downtown Wimberley

Where to Stay?

RusTx Ranch, just a few miles outside of Wimberley, is the perfect location and glamping spot for couples and families! Rustic, custom-built, two-bedroom cabins are grouped in blocks of three on 5 wooded acres full of nature and wildlife to pique your interest and encourage family time, rest, and relaxation.

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