Visiting Austin, Texas and looking for a fun way to spend the day exploring outside of the city? Dripping Spring is about 20 miles west of Austin and was founded in 1857, while it is rich in history this visit was mainly about the spirits (and olive oil). (Flying in and carless? Try this- Half-Day Brewery & Distillery Shuttle from Austin)

A perfect way to start off the day way is with a quick hike out to the Hamilton Pool Preserve– I am not an avid hiker but I could not miss an opportunity to get a little fresh air and see the stunning blue waters of the pool. it is only a quarter mile hike and while there are flat parts, there is a bit of steep, narrow bits so please be aware. It only takes a half hour to get to the pool and back, but you will want to stop for pictures! Reservations are required and sell out quick so make sure you book ahead.

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Up next, Texas Hill Country Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar tasting! Now I know what you are thinking, olive oil is olive oil– but it’s not. After a fascinating tour of the facility, sit down and enjoy 10 different samples–both ‘original’ as well as infused olive oil, along with balsamic vinegar options. You do get to pick so it is catered to what you like (I opted out of the jalapeno & harrisa oil and stuck with garlic & rosemary instead). There are also several yummy infused balsamic vinegars– I recommend the lemon or strawberry (they were out of the pear which also sounded delicious!) Schedule an 11am tour and then hit their Bistro for lunch– make sure to try the strawberry balsamic lemonade— soooo good!

Now that you have food in your stomach it is time to hit the distillery– Treaty Oak Distilling. They have several different tours and experiences, depending on what you like but since I am a gin girl, I went for the Behind the Scenes of Treaty Oak Whiskey and Waterloo Gin. After the tour, which includes a sample of their Treaty Oak Ghost Hill Bourbon Whiskey and Waterloo Antique Gin, hang out and enjoy a complimentary handcrafted cocktail. Want more? You can also do a whisky or Gin flight and try all they offer. I went for the gin– The award-winning Waterloo #9 gin is a dry gin, distilled with lavender, grapefruit, and pecan (yep, the nut) and is surprisingly easy to sip. The Waterloo Old Yaupon gin was sold out so I did not get to bring any home but it was my favorite– distilled with yaupon holly, markut line, anise, orris root, and sweetened with Texas wildflower honey– yum! Their Waterloo Antique gin is barrel aged like their bourbon (some may prefer the whiskey flight but I am a gin girl). I’ll be honest, I wanted to take home one of each but they would not all fit in my suitcase. If I were not limited to a day I would have stayed to hang out– they have a sprawling grassy area, with picnic tables and live music. Bring your own food or pick up something onsite from Alice’s Restaurant featuring Texas BBQ and comfort food.

Your next stop is up to you or depending on time (and how much gin/whisky you imbibed!) you might just get to hit both or neither (but you would miss out!)– Revolution Spirits and/or Jester King Brewery. Don’t let the size of Revolution fool you, while it may be small-looking from the outside, it is full of great cocktails and warm, friendly service on the inside– and some really good gin. Their Austin Reserve gin is distilled with rosemary, lavender, lemongrass, pink peppercorns, & Texas grapefruit, in addition to the traditional requirement of juniper. I took home a bottle. Jester King does tours on the weekend; no beer is provided on the tour, but you can purchase one to bring along. If you are hungry, grab a picnic table and order a snack along with your beer. Their pizza is delicious, but I stuck with the small bites (soft pretzel with cheese, can’t go wrong!) as I was planning on pizza for dinner.

As the day winds down, head on over to Family Business Beer Co. for dinner and a flight — the brewery is set on 15 acres and offers a casual, laid-back atmosphere–again with picnic tables, outdoor music, and is both family & pet friendly. Their pizza was fresh and fun, and the staff was friendly and helpful– just tell them what types of beers you like, and they are happy to recommend some to try. The Grackle and Saison were my favorites, and I must admit they were a little bigger than I expected, so we took our time and enjoyed a relaxing night outside. Now, there is an added layer to the good beer and yummy food–one of the owners, Jensen Ackles. For any Supernatural fans, they understand how the brewery got its name. While I did not see him there (I did not expect to), it was still a great night, and I am glad I stopped. I may have even left with a hooded sweatshirt and a few cans as souvenirs. Ok. I did.

Have more than a day and want to know where else you should go for more beer, gin, whiskey, or wine (yep, wine too)– click here. Have you been to Dripping Springs, Texas? What do you recommend?