Four Short Day Trips From Austin
October 31, 2023
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Austin is home to a seemingly endless amount of things to do, places to eat, and adventures to be had. But just outside of city limits, there’s even more to explore. We consider ourselves lucky to be surrounded by so many towns that offer a refreshing day trip getaway, even if just for a few hours.
For guests of the Heywood Hotel, a day trip is easy with our complimentary onsite parking and central location. Guests can easily hop in the car after a night of rest and make the scenic drive to one of these nearby destinations for a day of exploring.
Here are some of our favorite day trips that are a short 30 miles away from Austin and the Heywood.
Georgetown and Walburg
Just under 30 miles away from the Heywood, Georgetown is a quaint suburb that will offer a quick reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Austin.
Your first stop should be at Monument Cafe. One of Georgetown’s most well-known restaurants, the classic diner has been a staple in the community for its comforting breakfast platters, burgers, and homemade pies. Or, make a visit to Monument Cafe’s sister restaurant, El Monumento, which serves scratch-made Mexican cuisine from a modern and design-forward space.
Bibliophiles will appreciate Lark & Owl Booksellers, a new bookstore in town that was founded by a team of ten women. There’s also a bistro located at the shop that was developed with the team behind Better Half Coffee and Wright Bros Brew & Brew. The store is located in Georgetown’s town square area, which has been revitalized over the years and is home to boutique shops, historic buildings, and the nearby Blue Hole park.
To make the most of your drive up I-35, end the day in Walburg, Texas. An unincorporated area just 15 miles north of Georgetown, Walburg is heavily influenced by its German heritage and is a one-of-a-kind experience. Enjoy dinner at Walburg German Restaurant for authentic German cuisine (the schnitzel is a must-try), a lively biergarten, and endless entertainment. The restaurant also hosts an annual Oktoberfest which runs from September 20-November 9 and will feature live music and performances every Friday and Saturday.
Dripping Springs
Around 25 miles away from Heywood Hotel, Dripping Springs is home to numerous wineries, distilleries, and breweries. Jester King is one of our favorites for enjoying a crisp beer surrounded by sweeping Hill Country views on spacious grounds. The tasting room at Deep Eddy Vodka is also a must-see during your road trip. Try the different varieties of the spirit with a flight or one of their specialty cocktails.
Treaty Oak Distilling is another great day-trip destination. Their 28-acre property is lined with live oak and mesquite trees, great for taking in the Hill Country scenery. Alice’s Restaurant, open Thursday through Sunday, features barbecue and pub grub, as well as a full bar serving the spirits Treaty Oak is most famous for — whiskey and gin! Tours of the distillery are extremely informative and include several free samples and a mixed cocktail. We were impressed to learn that Treaty Oak was the first distillery in Texas to offer “grain to glass” whiskey, meaning all parts of the process are completed on site. All ingredients, excepting only barley, are sourced in Texas. Even the water used in the distilling process is sourced from the local aquifer. The ranch is open to visitors Tuesday through Sunday, with a small bar and mercantile shop serving drinks. Tours are available Friday through Sunday. Check the Treaty Oak website for more details.
For swimming or hiking, depending on the season, Hamilton Pool Preserve should be at the top of your list. The unique swimming hole features a 50-foot waterfall and is surrounded by a collapsed grotto, creating a hidden oasis in the heart of the hill country. Summer is a popular time for swimming at Hamilton Pool, but if you are visiting during the off-season, the preserve is also a good hiking spot.
Driftwood
Less than an hour away from Austin, Driftwood offers scenic Hill Country views, plentiful outdoor activities, and several wineries.
Duchman Family Winery is a little slice of Italy tucked into the Texas Hill Country. The spacious Tuscan-style grounds provide a picture-perfect backdrop for a day of wine tasting. There’s even an Italian restaurant, Trattoria Lisina, located next door.
Another stop on your visit must be at the Driftwood Estates Winery. The family-owned winery is a quaint and welcoming space that overlooks a small meadow, where you just might catch sheep and lambs grazing. A stop at Driftwood Estates Winery is a peaceful way to wind down your wine tour and take in all that the Hill Country has to offer.
As far as food goes, no trip to Driftwood is complete without a stop at The Salt Lick BBQ. The family-run restaurant serves up mouth-watering brisket, classic sides, and is BYOB. You can’t go wrong with anything you order at this Austin institution.
When you book through the Heywood Hotel, our concierge staff can direct you to a number of options for hitting the best wineries in the Texas Hill Country, whether in Driftwood, Johnson City or Fredericksburg. Options include public and private tours, renting a car, or hiring a private driver and designing your own adventure. The Heywood Hotel concierge team is glad to help.
Lockhart and Luling
Considered the “Barbecue Capital of Texas,” Lockhart is home to several barbecue staples including Kreuz Market, Smitty’s, and Black’s. These are classic, old-school barbecue joints and should be on any brisket lover’s itinerary. Plan to arrive earlier in the day for better selections, particularly at Black’s and Smitty’s which are smaller locations.
Lockhart is also home to a growing art community. There are two galleries in the historic downtown area, Masur Gallery and Main St. Gallery, both operated by Spellerberg Projects. The galleries present exhibitions by local, national, and international artists, and are open by appointment only.
About 15 miles down the road from Lockhart is the small town of Luling, which is home to one of our favorite barbecue spots. Located on the main street, City Market has been a barbecue staple since 1958. It’s smoky pit room will immediately draw you in, and the tender meats will have you coming back for more.
Featured image courtesy of Duchman Family Winery in Driftwood, Texas