3 Cozy Ways to Enjoy the Fall in Wimberley, TX

You know that sweet moment in fall after school starts but before the holidays begin? There’s no better time of year to treat yourself to a beautiful fall escape. Situated just under an hour from both Austin and San Antonio, Wimberley, Texas is a lively Hill Country town that lures visitors in with its relaxed attitude, abundance of things to do, interesting shops, and beautiful surroundings. Breathe in the crisp fall air as you take a local hike, enjoy a picnic, tour a winery, and score one-of-a-kind finds at the largest and oldest outdoor market in Central Texas.

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Shop Market Days and More

Thousands come from miles around to attend Wimberley Market Days, the famed outdoor gathering held every first Saturday from March through December. Grab a map (yes, you’ll need one!) and visit 490 rustic booths set across 20 shaded acres. New retail items abound, including clothing, boots, hats, jewelry, art, and household items. But this is also a picker’s paradise. Explore a wide variety of antiques and vintage items, all nicely priced for bargain hunters and thrifting enthusiasts. Rumor has it that it takes about 2,500 steps to reach all the booths, but don’t worry. There are plenty of places to take a load off. Grab some barbecue and a cold beer while you catch your breath. After more shopping, head for three different stages for a live music break. The family-friendly—yep, that includes your pets—event is free to enter.

Wimberley’s unmatched shopping scene also includes vibrant Wimberley Square, home to all sorts of unique, locally owned shops filled with curated retail. Pick up Boho chic fashion, home goods and funky jewelry at The Gypsy Market and The Farmloft Bohemian Finery. Find stunning silver jewelry at The Silver Queen and Hill Country Collectibles. And for anyone understandably addicted to all things Lone Star, stop in Texaholic, the flagship store of the Texaholic brand, created right here in Wimberley.

Scenic Outdoor Experiences

Wimberley makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors without the hassle of special gear or hardcore skills. Start the day with a hike up Old Baldy, located just two miles from downtown in the heart of the action. This approximately 10-minute hike up 218 steep stone steps is a chance to get the blood pumping. Reach the top and you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular, Instagrammable view of Wimberley Valley.

Another favorite spot to enjoy Wimberley’s scenic beauty is Blue Hole Regional Park, situated on the azure waters of Cypress Creek. Spend the day on its hiking trails or bike paths and pack a lunch and enjoy one of the prettiest places around for a fall picnic. Adjacent to Blue Hole and east of Wimberley Square is beautiful Cypress Creek Nature Trail & Preserve, a 7.24-acre park along Cypress Creek. Enjoy the scenic walking trail along the creek, filled with the sights and sounds of nature.

Birders won’t want to miss the tranquil and welcoming Patsy Glen Bird Refuge, named for a local activist who pushed to have the land converted into a 1.8-acre nature park. Enjoy trails, butterfly gardens and interpretative exhibits about the many native and migratory birds that call Wimberley home.

Enjoy Local Wine

Wimberley is known for its rustic-meets-elegant wine scene. There’s no shortage of opportunities to taste Hill Country wines at numerous restaurants and wineries. Driftwood Estate Winery, which produces wines with 100% Texas grapes, is a fabulous place to sample the action. Head for the Tasting Room, open seven days a week, and purchase a glass to enjoy, or a bottle to share. Step outside on the lush grounds and raise a toast to the pristine surroundings. You can also grab dinner at the winery’s restaurant, Bistro, where hyperlocal wines complement the gourmet menu.

Located just minutes from downtown, Wimberley Valley Winery offers tastings, spacious grounds, a permanent food truck, and live music in a picturesque setting. And that’s not even bringing up their packed calendar of events that includes live symphonies, arts and crafts workshops, kids’ activities, and free movie nights, just to name a few! Wimberley Valley Winery isn’t the kind of place you visit just once for the experience; it’s the kind of place that works its way into your routine and forms a community. Oh, and did we mention their tasting room is also home to Wimberley Valley Winery’s sister company, Lone Man Mountain Brewing Co?

At Seventh Son Vineyards, experience the flavors of estate-grown varietals including Mourvedre, Montepulciano, Tempranillo, and Picpoul Blanc. Enjoy the tasting room’s rustic interior or take your glass outside and sit under Texas Live Oaks. It’s a special place to take in the fall leaf change and cool afternoon air.

Wimberley is a sumptuous place to enjoy a fall escape. Rustic cabins, charming bed-and breakfasts, well-appointed boutique hotels and glamping provide a never-boring range of accommodations. Plan your visit to Wimberley today!

Author

Maggie Heyn Richardson

A lover of all things Lone Star, Maggie is an award-winning features writer covering the Gulf South and the author of Hungry for Louisiana, An Omnivore’s Journey.

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