This Hill Country Hideaway Is Just 23 Miles From Austin—But Feels A World Away
Just 23 miles from downtown Austin, Driftwood feels worlds away from the city’s buzz and Austin’s “Keep Austin Weird” identity. This unincorporated community trades quirkiness for a slower pace that screams “weekend escape.” Being a short jump from the big city makes Driftwood an easy choice for a day trip or weekend from Austin, but it is decidedly un-Austin, and that’s exactly the charm.
Settled in the 1850s, Driftwood sits in Hays County and is considered part of the Austin Metro Area, hugging its close neighbor, Dripping Springs, and parts of Southwest Austin that feel more Hill Country than urban. It’s an especially good fit for couples or friend groups thanks to its focus on wine, beer, and spirits, along with upscale yet country-cozy places to stay. Texas-grown wines, legendary barbecue, and plenty of open space to walk it all off make Driftwood an ideal 21+ escape.
Driftwood is also an easy weekend trip from Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio.
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Vista Brewing is a 21-acre farm that includes eight acres of wildflowers and a full restaurant with a wood-fired grill serving farm-to-table fare. Visitors will find 16 rotating taps. Vista’s barrel program is unique and tied to the local community, which meshes with their commitment to being involved in Driftwood and the surrounding communities of Buda, Dripping Springs, Kyle, and Wimberley. The barrels Vista uses for their beer are freshly emptied wine and spirits barrels sourced from other operations in Central Texas. You’ll find a wide variety of beer styles represented here, from American IPA to stouts and more.
According to co-founder Karen Killough, the most popular brews are Dark Skies Black Pilsner and their award-winning French-style Saison. Driftwood is one of 24 spots in Texas officially recognized as a Dark Sky Place. The light-bodied black lager was named in honor of the International Dark Sky Association, which works to combat light pollution by educating people on responsible lighting practices.