The video above follows a full day trip through Driftwood TX, starting with a drive in from Austin and ending with a late-night gig down in Wimberley. Driftwood is a tiny unincorporated community tucked between Austin, Dripping Springs, and Wimberley in the Texas Hill Country, and it's been around since the 1890s. There's no real downtown or central strip — exploring Driftwood means driving the back roads and pulling over whenever something catches your eye. David Bridwell stopped through on his way to play a gig at Wimberley Inn and Bar, and the day turned into a solid mix of barbecue hunting, cold drinks, live music, and two-stepping.
What Is There to Do in Driftwood TX?
More than you'd expect for a place without a stoplight. The old Texaco store is one of the original buildings from the Driftwood settlement and a popular photo spot, especially for people driving out from Austin. Right next to it is a small church and cemetery where many of the area's original pioneers are buried — some of their descendants still live nearby. Beyond the history, Driftwood has become a real draw for food, craft beer, and live music. The Salt Lick BBQ had a parking lot that looked like a concert venue and an hour-and-a-half wait, which says everything about its reputation. The place traces its cooking traditions back to the wagon days, and apparently the German potato salad is something people specifically talk about. Trattoria Lisina, a popular Italian spot nearby, also had a long wait — so planning ahead is a good move for both places.
Live Music Venues and Stops Worth Checking Out
Here are the spots featured in the video, all within a short drive of each other:
- Ghost Note Brewing — A laid-back brewery with plenty of open space, good for hanging out on a weekend afternoon. During this visit they had the Texas Homegrown Market going on with baked goods, soaps, and local art. Texas String Assembly played a relaxed set, and the food options included a solid po'boy. They also carry the famous Dublin soda water.
- Mercer Dancehall — A proper Texas dance hall with old photos on the walls and a quality dance floor. Finger Pistol was the band playing, and there was a good crowd of dancers out on the floor. It's known as a couples spot — most people come with a dance partner — but there were also singles there looking for someone to two-step with.
- Wimberley Inn and Bar — A relaxed outdoor venue in Wimberley under the trees, with a fire going to keep people warm on cooler nights. David Bridwell played a set here to a mix of locals and visitors passing through.
Getting to Driftwood from Austin
Driftwood sits just southwest of Austin, roughly a 30- to 40-minute drive depending on where you're starting. You can take Ranch Road 1826 south from the Dripping Springs area, or come up from Wimberley on RR 150. The roads themselves are part of the appeal — it's classic Hill Country driving with limestone, oak trees, and open sky. Since the stops are spread out, having a car is essential, and it's easy to combine a Driftwood visit with a day in Dripping Springs or an evening in Wimberley. If you're building a full day out of it, start with barbecue (get there early to beat the wait), grab a beer at Ghost Note, and save the dancing at Mercer for the evening.