SerpApi.Org
It may be renowned for barbecue, but that’s not all you’ll find here.
Key Points
- Driftwood, Texas, is a Hill Country getaway near Austin known for scenic drives, wineries, and a laid-back, small-town atmosphere.
- Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, craft beer, outdoor activities, and unique experiences like goat-filled brewery events and sotol distillery tours.
- The town is also a food destination, home to iconic spots like Salt Lick BBQ alongside Italian dining, whiskey bars, and cozy stays nearby.
The magic of Texas lies in its scale and sheer diversity of landscapes. From the bustling streets of Austin and San Antonio to quiet beach escapes like Port Aransas, the Lone Star State has something for everyone—including hidden gems in the Hill Country, where the rolling landscape, wineries, and cozy rustic getaways beckon travelers seeking a slower pace.
One of those Hill Country hidden gems is the small town of Driftwood, Texas. Barbecue aficionados may already be familiar with the name since it’s the hometown of the family-owned Texan icon, The Salt Lick BBQ. Located just 24 miles southwest of Austin, Driftwood is a road trip-worthy spot beyond the barbecue. Here, you can sip award-winning wines in the heart of the Texas Hill Country AVA, tour a sotol distillery, and rest up in some of the cutest accommodations around.
Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Driftwood, Texas.
Best Things to Do
Need a bit of the outdoors before heading to Driftwood’s wineries? Camp Ben McCulloch is a favorite for visitors looking to stretch their legs along the water, splash in picturesque creekbeds, relax in the shade of towering oak trees, or even camp overnight. The park is dog-friendly; just be sure to keep your pup on a leash while exploring the trails.
Vista Brewing has it all: craft beer, farm-to-table bites made with organically raised veggies, live music, and the cutest baby goats you’ll ever meet. Don’t miss the ticketed goat events, where you can brunch, sip, and snuggle with these tiny Texas Hill Country stars, courtesy of Goat Shenanigans.
A visit to one of Driftwood’s numerous wineries is a must, starting with Driftwood Estate Winery. Veteran-owned, it features a bistro with scenic views of the vineyards and the Texas Hill Country, and many of the wine names have a Texas spin—like the Longhorn Red or the Alamo Red.
Other local spots include Duchman Family Winery, which pairs its Texas-grown grapes with a Tuscan-style ambience, complete with house-made pizzas and buildings draped in sprawling vines.
Where to Eat and Drink
 From left: A mural at Whiskey Ridge; hot and cold appetizers served at Whiskey Ridge. Credit: Denim Koshell/Whiskey Ridge |  The tasting room at Desert Door. Credit: Desert Door |  A paloma made with Desert Door Distillery’s Texas sotol. Credit: Desert Door |  Trattoria Lisina’s exterior. Credit: Visit Austin |  The horseshoe-shaped grill at The Salt Lick BBQ. Credit: Chris Zebo/Travel Texas |
The Salt Lick BBQ is likely what many out-of-state visitors imagine when picturing Central Texas-style barbecue—and its backstory is just as flavorful as its brisket. Arguably the best food destination in Driftwood by a mile, it’s been serving up smoky meats from its open-air barbecue pit since the 1960s. There’s plenty of seating to accommodate the crowds—and yes, there’s a TARDIS in the parking lot for those who like a little Doctor Who-inspired whimsy with their ribs. You can even grab a bottle of wine or beer from Salt Lick Cellars to wash down your meal.
A new kid on the Driftwood scene, Whiskey Ridge looks almost like a farm from the outside, but step inside and you’ll find a full restaurant. If you’re looking for a break from barbecue, this is the spot: think wood-fired steaks, Gulf Coast seafood, comforting classics like burgers and fried chicken sandwiches, and plenty of whiskey.
Desert Door Distillery is a one-of-a-kind stop for spirit lovers—and it’s said to be the only major U.S. distillery exclusively focused on producing sotol. “Sotol is a wild Texas plant ...[visitors] aren’t just tasting a spirit—they’re discovering something uniquely Texan that most have never experienced before,” co-founder and CEO Brent Looby tells Travel + Leisure. Visitors can tour the ranch-to-glass operation, learn about sustainable harvesting methods, and sample the sotol in the tasting room.
Just steps from Duchman Family Winery, Trattoria Lisina brings a taste of Tuscany to Driftwood. The locally owned Italian spot has upscale pastas, wood-fired pizzas, veal scalloppini, and more. With its wine-soaked elegance and warm, inviting atmosphere, it’s a favorite for weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays.
Where to Stay
 A yurt-style guest room at Lucky Arrow Retreat. Credit: Max Otter/Lucky Arrow Retreat |  Porch houses are one of several accommodation options at Lucky Arrow Retreat. Credit: Max Otter/Lucky Arrow Retreat |  Inside one of Lucky Arrow Retreat’s breezeway cabins. Credit: Max Otter/Lucky Arrow Retreat |  A Lucky Arrow Retreat safari-style cabin. Credit: Max Otter/Lucky Arrow Retreat |  A poolside lounge area at Lucky Arrow Retreat. Credit: Lucky Arrow Retreat |
While Driftwood doesn’t have any high-end hotels, there are plenty of charming Airbnbs nearby. One standout is this midcentury-inspired A-frame cabin in Wimberley, Texas. The interior is decidedly cozy, with dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, but you’ll have plenty to do outside too, with a hot tub, fire pit, and grill.
In Driftwood proper, there’s a private barn apartment that sits on a working horse farm, providing a quintessential Hill Country escape peppered with oak trees and rolling hills. Amenities here include things like a full kitchen, a walk-in shower, Wi-Fi, a queen bed, and a sofa bed. Guests can watch dressage horses being trained during the day, so it’s a great choice for nature lovers and horse enthusiasts alike.
If you’re looking for something a little more outdoorsy (but still quite comfy and cute) Lucky Arrow Retreat might be the place for you. Ideal for solo travelers or those in a larger group, the resort has 40 accommodations ranging from cute, stand-alone cabins to safari tents.
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
