Southeast Trail

Stop off for a tasting at Twisted X Brewery on your way to a hike at Charro Ranch Park. After your hike, relax at Fall Creek Vineyards for some award-winning wines. Finish off your tour with some great barbecue at The Salt Lick BBQ.

A flight of 6 different kinds of beer on a wooden paddle

1. TWISTED X BREWING

Visit Twisted X Brewing Company and sample the flavors and finesse of the Twisted X Collection on specially-made flight paddles featuring 4.5 oz. tasters. Try their selection of beers including Kolsch, Lagers, and their several varieties of IPAs including Whoa-Mango. The passion for combining quality hops, grains and yeast along with some of the purest water from the Texas Hill Country is evident in their selection of brews. Grab an ice-cold beer and head out to the covered patio, listen to some live music, and enjoy a taco from the food truck; Twisted X brewery keeps the good times coming.

A metal art installation surround by rocks laid on the ground in a centric formation

2. CHARRO RANCH PARK

Charro Ranch is the perfect place to reflect and take in the beauty of the Hill Country. The city of Dripping Springs has taken great steps to preserve the natural beauty of this region and one of the glowing examples is Charro Ranch Park. Donated to the City by Lucy Reed Hibberd, the park had been in her family's hands for 50 years and the trails and the signs are her personal touches. Visiting the 64-acre park, you will find a covered bird watching station, hiking and biking trails, as well as areas designed for peaceful reflection. Pack a picnic and camera and get lost in the scenic beauty of Charro Ranch Park.

3. FALL CREEK VINEYARDS

Located in Driftwood, TX, Fall Creek Vineyards was the first Texas Hill Country winery and has been celebrating the art of wine making since 1975. They use grapes from several vineyards around the state, including grapes grown at the Salt Lick Vineyard, which perhaps is the only vineyard in the world that can claim BBQ pit ash and smoke as part of its terroir. They offer two tasting options: a seasonal tasting costing $15 and a Winemaker’s Choice Tasting for $20. They also serve up specially selected “wine bites” that complement the tasting and the wines. Fall Creek is a short drive from Austin and would make a perfect day trip for anyone looking to get out of Austin but not have to go too far.

An old truck with a flat bed with a blue sky in the background

4. SALT LICK BARBECUE

There's no other BBQ joint in the state of Texas, or perhaps the world, that is as famous as Salt Lick Barbecue. Known for its mouthwatering beef brisket, sausage, and pork ribs, the Roberts family has been cookin' high quality meat over the same pit since 1967. The Roberts family recipes have roots dating back to the wagon trains in the mid-1800’s. Grab a seat outdoors beneath the oaks, or a table inside, but make sure to bring cash because the Salt Lick is a cash only establishment. The Salt Lick is also BYOB, so pack a cooler and the family and head out to Driftwood for some unbelievably tasty BBQ.

Driftwood Hours: Open every day 11am to 10pm.