A Perfect Day in Wimberley

Wimberley is one of those towns whose considerable charms keep unfolding, and taking the time to uncover those charms makes for the perfect weekend or day trip. In fact, the town has been featured in this column before, but further exploration has only caused us to fall more under its spell. Here are a few of our favorite stops, arranged as a proposed itinerary for the final not-so-lazy days of summer.
 
A particularly bracing way to start the day would be with Wimberley Zipline Adventures. Ziplines, increasingly popular in more exotic tourist destinations but now available quite close to home, aren’t for the acrophobic and don’t come cheaply, but for those who want to live a bit on the edge and see the hill country from a new angle, this may be just the ticket. Starting in the morning, before peak heat time, is probably wise since the tour lasts up to two hours. 
 
As an alternative, consider visiting Bella Vista Ranch, home of the First Texas Olive Oil Company. Only recently have olive orchards taken root in Texas, despite its Mediterranean-like climate. The Ranch offers $10.00 tours of the olive pressing room, orchard, winery and gardens on the weekends, but during the week you can drop by during business hours, as we did, and one of the friendly family members may treat you to a tasting in the frantoio and an informative chat about the history and science of olive cultivation. I dare you to leave without a bottle of their pungent cold-pressed olive oil.
 
If all that oil-tasting whets your appetite, The Leaning Pear restaurant in town offers healthy gourmet fare – or if your family’s taste tends more toward downhome cooking, eating establishments in the town center can satisfy your appetite as well. Of course, the virtues of the candy shop and its ice cream counter are not to be overlooked as treat for small sweet-eaters. Perhaps you will even be spared a jaunt through the neighboring Blue Bacon Toys. Or perhaps not.
 
The afternoon, by all rights, should belong to Blue Hole. Although this spot has been voted one of the top swimming holes by Texas Monthly magazine, the response I consistently get when recommending this place is, “Huh? Where is that exactly?” Local folks may not appreciate additional crowds (and I imagine there’s stiff competition for shady spots on the weekend), but the beauty of the creek, and the sweeping trees which hug its banks, will lure you in. Bring inner tubes for those who like to float; the more daring will want to give one of the rope swings a try.
 
Later, you could head out of town toward San Marcos and stop to ogle the glass-blowers and their work at Wimberley Glass Works (Air-conditioning! An observation gallery!). Or, you could return to Austin by way of Driftwood, where I recommend a stop at Duchman Family Winery (formerly Mandola Estate) on FM 150. It’s perfect for a picnic on the grounds or dinner at the on-site restaurant, possibly followed by a tasting for the older crowd. Bon Appétit!