Austin’s Sunday brunch culture is fun and adventurous in its own right, but in most cases involves waiting among throngs of other folks with similar ideas of midmorning snacking with friends and family. Turn your Sunday Funday into a scenic drive to the gorgeous Texas hill country, only a 30 minute drive from downtown Austin! Of course, the awesome views aren’t all that’s out there. The hill country is home to some amazing wineries, distilleries and restaurants! Here is our priority list of stops for a perfect day out in the hill country:
Jester King Brewery/ Stanley’s Farmhouse Pizza
Jester King Brewery and Stanley’s Farmhouse Pizza sit side by side on the lovely Fitzhugh Road. For a small farmhouse brewery, Jester King sure knows how to dole out some flavorful and quirky beers, such as Bonnie the Rare, a Berlin-style sour wheat beer, or the Mad Meg, which features naturally occurring wild yeasts. Hop next door to Stanley’s Farmhouse Pizza to try artisan style pizza with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and adventurous flavor combinations.
Salt Lick BBQ
The crowned jewel of hill country BBQ, Salt Lick is an Austin institution, even though it’s located in Driftwood, TX. Grab your group and make a day out of the all-you-can-eat BBQ option, or try their to-go order table and take your feast on the road. However you choose to do Salt Lick, just remember that it is an experience.
Driftwood Estate Winery
Driftwood Estate Winery is tucked away deep in the hill country, and once there, you’ll never want to leave. The incredible view of the rolling Texas hills paired with great wine is enough to make you forget every worry you ever had. There is plenty of space on the grounds to wander with your glass of wine and relax. Treat yourself to a tasting, or even a bottle of wine!
Treaty Oak Distillery
Treaty Oak Ranch is 27 acres of beautiful land in which you can happily sip on Treaty Oak spirits such as Graham’s Texas Tea Vodka, Waterloo Gin, or Treaty Oak Reserve Rum. There are also plenty of Texas-inspired foods to order alongside your drink(s) of choice. Take a distillery tour, or just chill out somewhere on the ranch with your pals.
Pedernales Falls State Park
Pedernales Falls State Park is the perfect way to opt outside. Take a lovely hike along the Pedernales River and take in the limestone cliffs, serene water and beautiful trees. Pedernales offers camping, boating, fishing, biking, and even horse riding! Bring your furry friend and get ready for a hill country adventure.
Want to take a scenic drive out to the hill country, but don’t want to drive? Hop on board our Hill Country BBQ & Wine tour, which departs every Sunday from The Austin Visitor Center. Sit back, relax and enjoy the serenity of the rolling Texas hills.