In the heart of Texas famous hill country is the little town of Wimberley, established as a village in 1848 which has become a tourist mecca at all times of year and a retirement community. The small downtown seems rambling and non-descript as you drive through, but oh what a great collection of unique shops you’ll find nowhere else. My favorites are the In Style shoe store and Kiss The Cook kitchen store each of which has more selections than any comparable chain store, with items you find almost nowhere else.
You’ll get a friendly greeting in these one-of-a-kind Wimberley shops and find wonderful souvenir and gift items of high quality and nominally priced, yet durable and well made to make your special items last for years and bring back wonderful memories. There are clothing stores for both new and vintage items, many with a definitely Western flair. You can even find hundreds of gently used fancy cowboy and cowgirl boots, which would cost hundreds more if new…perfect Western souvenirs to show off back home!
Wimberley is the home of many artists and craft artisans, so allow hours for perusing the art shops and galleries, where you will find beautiful pieces to preserve the local sights and flavor. Of course bluebonnets and Texas wildflowers, and cattle, cowboys and ranch scenes, and hilly landscapes with big skies and flowing streams. Some are at collector prices, and some are souvenir priced, so enjoy searching until you find just the right ones to take home. During local Art Fairs you can meet some of the craftspeople and painters. On the first Saturday of the month from April-December Market Days are fun for everyone with more artistic creations and homemade items and garden produce in season are in 450 booths. Many authors have also chosen Wimberley as their home.
No matter where you come from your eyes will drink in the scenery with green meadows, rolling hills, ancient gnarled and twisted live oaks, mesquite, willows and cottonwoods. Winding through the upscale retirement neighborhoods in the rugged hills you’ll find some impressive Western architecture of rock and stucco. The Blanco River has love cascades and cool, shady pools. Cypress Creek has sparkling waters to enjoy. It’s almost guaranteed you’ll see many white-tailed deer, roadrunners (not cartoons!), armadillos, and watch for rattlesnakes. Texans know not to put a hand or foot where you cannot see!
The area abounds with activities for all ages, from climbing and hiking, swimming, golf, tennis, arts and crafts to learn, horseback riding, biking and much more. Many RV and tent campers find this one of their favorite areas and return many times. There are many restaurants and eateries for any wallet or palate and any time of day.
Wine tasting is a favorite activity for locals and visitors alike, and vineyards abound. These are on large vineyard estates surrounding Wimberley, and some have fabulous restaurants as well.
You can also enjoy an unusual tasting room for selecting flavored olive oils and vinegars. Dipping chunks of bread into many varieties of flavors, you test your own creative combinations. It is a delicious way to find unique flavors to tempt your guests back home.
The Blue Hole (just off CR 173 east a half mile from town) is fed by Cypress Creek and is an ancient favorite place for hiking, swimming, swinging from trees, and picnicking. The scenic beauty is what your whole psyche has been searching for! You’ll come away rested and refreshed, body, mind, and spirit. (1 512 847 9217)
South of town (at 12404 R.M. 12) visit the Jade Gardens to see may beautiful bonsai exhibits. Continue on R.M. 12 about 24 miles west along Devil’s Backbone, a winding razor backed ridge, toward Blanco for one of Texas most scenic drives. The vistas overlooking the hill country are spectacular!
Real Travel Adventures
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