Wimberley, Texas -- Although it has long been known for scenic rolling hills, deep blue artesian springs like Jacob's Hole and the chilly waters of Blue Hole on Cyprus Creek, don't be surprised if what lingers after a Hill Country getaway to Wimberley is just how enchanting and cozy this small town feels, even though it is hard up against the fastest-growing metro area in Texas.
With a population of approximately 3,500, Wimberley is located in Hays County, one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas. But on a weekday in April, when you are sauntering in and out of one-of-a-kind shops and visiting with some of the friendliest people in the Lone Star State, it is hard to imagine that booming Austin is only 35 miles away. Leave the interstate and city noise behind; pull into Wimberley and you enter a different dimension. Welcome to the solitude of the Texas Hill Country. For the time being, at least.
Sitting in Wimberley Café, waiting on huevos rancheros and listening to Tom T. Hall on the sound system while an attentive waitress hurries to refresh my coffee, a little prayer comes to me. I've enjoyed trips to the Texas coast, spent evenings on Austin's 6th Street in the '70s, strolled up and down Greenville Avenue in Dallas in the '80s, relished the San Antonio Riverwalk in the '90s, and watched McKinney and Frisco go from being sleepy little North Texas towns to blossoming into thriving dining and entertainment destinations. All of that is too busy for me now. I needed a good cup of coffee and a song about old dogs and children and watermelon wine. I thank God for a chance to unwind in this pleasant little town in the Hill Country before it changes, too.
It may be too dire to describe this quaint village as one of the last vestiges of the unique charm of the Texas Hill Country, but there will never be a better time to wander around Wimberley than the present.
Jacob's Well
The second-largest fully submerged cave in Texas, Jacob's Well has a primary cavern that extends 4,341 feet and a secondary passage that stretches 1,314 feet.
The deepest part of the cavern system is almost 140-feet deep. Swimming is allowed by online reservation only from May 1 through September 30.
Blue Hole
Cyprus trees tower along the edge of this spring-fed swimming hole on Cyprus Creek. Swimming reservations are required.
There are plenty of nearby side trips worthy of mention, as well.
Just out of town, Wimberley Glassworks is heralded as the premier hand-blown glass lighting and glass art studio in Texas. Prices are reasonable, so bring home spectacular glass art to bring back memories of a week in the Hill Country. On Saturday, June 11, 2022, Wimberley Glassworks celebrated its 30th anniversary with live glassblowing demonstrations, tropical jazz and island cocktails.
A 20-minute drive from Wimberley will have you rolling up to Rolling in Thyme & Dough, a fantastic bistro located in a 100-year-old house in Dripping Springs. Don't let the line of customers discourage you -- they are here for a very good reason. The line moves fast and then you can dine inside or grab a table out in the courtyard.
The finest ingredients are bought fresh at the local farmers market, the staff is professional and courteous and whatever happens in the kitchen is sheer magic. Even in a part of Texas famous for splendid coffee shops and exquisite bakeries, Rolling in Thyme & Dough stands out.
Wildseed Farms near Fredericksburg, the nation's largest working wildflower farm, is a gardener's dream. Butterflies and photographers are mesmerized by the walking trails skirting production fields. Savor a glass of local wine as you wander the trails and compose photographs. The vast assortment of sunflower seeds alone is worth making this an annual mecca. Healthy, young vegetable plants and a fantastic collection of culinary herb seeds will make landscapes -- and then later -- kitchens come alive. This is a unique garden center in the Southwest with a live plant nursery that can supply all your Texas natives, along with tropicals, annuals, shrubs and trees.
photos by Allen and Cindy Rich