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It’s no secret that Austin is growing. But that growth, from the tech boom to the real estate explosion, can sometimes overshadow the qualities that made Austin a reticent and tourist darling in the first place.
Fortunately, there are smaller towns all over our city that are happy to embrace the old Austin way of life. From live music and quirky characters to swimming holes and delicious Tex-Mex and BBQ eateries, here are five places to enjoy the things you love about Austin while getting away from the crowds.
Bastrop
Located 30 miles southeast of Austin with a population of approximately 9,000, Bastrop has grown into a microcosm of many of the things people have always loved about Austin in recent years. Take the film scene, for example – there are already several film studios in operation, and another 546 hectare film studio and production facility recently received the go-ahead from the city.
Bastrop also counts a few celebrities among its residents, including actor Adrian Grenier, who moved from Hollywood during the pandemic. In terms of food, there is a wide range of options, including a new restaurant from Austin Chef Sonya Cote, who opened Store House Market + Eatery there late last year. Thanks to the city’s location on the Colorado River, you will find a quaint yet bustling downtown area filled with boutiques, galleries, restaurants and bars, and a variety of outdoor activities.
“I am always honored when a new resident tells me that they have decided to move here after a great first visit,” said Bastrop’s Mayor Connie Schroeder. “I promise you won’t be disappointed if you take a break from driving and check out Bastrop.
Dripping feathers
Sure, Austin has Barton Springs and the Greenbelt, but Dripping Springs has Hamilton Pool Preserve and Reimers Ranch, two destinations known for offering activities like swimming, mountain biking, hiking, and climbing in an idyllic hill country setting .
Located about 25 miles west of Austin with a population of approximately 7,500, Dripping Springs is also a center for unique craft beverages and is home to more than 35 wineries, breweries, and distilleries including Treaty Oak Distilling, Desert Door, Ghost Note Brewing, and Driftwood Estate Winery. It has also become a destination for brides looking for an alternative to Austin – it has even been named the wedding capital of Texas by the Texas legislature.
“It’s a city full of artisans, innovators and really great people,” said Hope Boatright of Destination Dripping Springs, “who make some really cool and delicious things.”
Green
We may love our live music in Austin, but Gruene can rival our concert schedule thanks to the star cast who play regularly at Gruene Hall, from Gary P. Nunn to Bob Schneider. But Gruene (pronounced green) has more to offer than just its famous dancehall, which was built in 1878 and which also happens to be the oldest in Texas.
Like Austin, Gruene sits on the water – the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers to be precise – so it’s an excellent spot for a swim, wade, or tube (spelled toob if you’re a local) in the summer. There is also artisanal ice cream (Rhea’s), antiques (Gruene Antique Company) and required cowboy hats (Gruene Hat Company). Green’s population is supposed to be technically 20, but it’s located in New Braunfels, where the county-wide population is closer to 78,000.
“It’s impossible to have a bad time in Gruene, whether you’re a visitor looking for your first Stetson to wear to Two-Steppin in Gruene Hall or a local looking for a good meal at the Gristmill looking, “said Cody. from the Gruene Hat Company Courtney. “It’s a look back at the past in a small town that does everyone justice.”
Buda
Buda (pronounced byoo-da) is in Hays County with a population of 15,000 and is a small town that, like Austin, has a great love of art. From concerts and theater performances in the Buda Amphitheater and City Park to the Inspired Minds Art Center, a haven and gallery space for artists of different origins, there is something for every artist.
The new Buck’s Backyard features a full line-up of big-name musical acts, and Louie’s Craft BBQ, which was formerly based in Austin, is now consistently one of the best grills in the state. A sip and stroll on Main Street (aka drink wine and shop) and a weekly farmers market only add to Buda’s laid-back vibe.
“Buda is a beautiful little town that is unique – it’s not entirely rural and not entirely suburban either,” said Buda City Manager Kenneth Williams. “We are ideally located near Austin and close to San Marcos and San Antonio and at the foot of the Hill Country. We enjoy our quaint, small-town atmosphere.”
Taylor
With a population of around 17,000, the town of Taylor in Williamson County offers great Austin-style fun in a small space. Whether you’re strolling the nine blocks of downtown full of boutiques and antique shops, or visiting one of the many local BBQ eateries – including the famous Louie Mueller Barbecue – it’s easy to discover something new and unexpected.
Since 2009, according to the Taylor Chamber of Commerce, more than 20 companies have expanded or moved to Taylor. The city also made headlines last month when it hosted its first official Pride event in support of the LGBTQ community.
“Taylor is known for crickets, but there’s so much more to it,” said Addie Broyles, who attended Taylor Pride and wrote about it on her website. She recommends a visit to Old Taylor High, a mixed-use facility on the former high school campus with a bar, vintage shop, and arcade games, and called the Pride event “the ultimate celebration of what makes Taylor so special.”
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