3 Days in Texas Hill Country

We arrived in Fredericksburg in the late afternoon and our first stop was Augusta Vin Winery. As we drove through endless rows of grapevines, we knew this was the perfect start to our weekend. Augusta Vin features both a public tasting room and a private, members-only lounge, each offering great views of the vineyard. We indulged in their mixed and reserve tastings, with five exquisite wines to savor in each.

Afterward, we took a scenic drive to Signor Vineyards. Named ‘Most Beautiful Vineyard’ by Austin Monthly, it’s easy to see why. Set on 200 acres, this estate boasts a tasting room, wine barn, Frosé Airstream, members lounge, patio, private event venue and a marketplace. Sipping wine at Signor feels like a getaway to the French countryside. We cooled off with Frosé and a bottle of ‘Mama Said There’d Be Days Like This,’ the perfect remedy for the Texas summer heat.

Later, we checked in at Walden Retreats in Johnson City and then headed to Carter Creek Vineyards for dinner. We enjoyed live music and stunning views from their patio and lawn, ending our first day with a big Texas sunset.

Pro tip: Make reservations for wine tastings! We watched multiple groups get turned away at both Augusta Vin and Signor.

We started our morning at The Jittery Biscuit in Johnson City, a locally-owned coffee shop with some of the best flavors around. I savored a campsite delight (think toasted marshmallows in a cup!) while my husband opted for the Turkish delight.

After fueling up, we embarked on an hour-long drive through the scenic hillside to Enchanted Rock State Park. Pictures simply don't do justice to this massive pink granite dome! Enchanted Rock offers several trails, with AllTrails rating the summit hike as 'intermediate.' We decided to tackle the dome summit, which the State Park classifies as 'challenging.' It took us about 30 minutes to reach the top, but we spent a few hours at the park, most of it searching for the dome's secret cave and navigating its tight, dimly lit walkways — a 20-minute descent that was quite the adventure. We finally made our way down after running out of water. Thankfully, the park offers Kona Ice on weekends and has plenty of water refill stations at the base camp.

Pro tip: If you dare to explore the secret cave at Enchanted Rock, be prepared! You will want shoes that are equipped for rock climbing and slippery surfaces. You will also want a headlamp, as using your phone light can be quite difficult. Make sure you have a plan for danger— make sure someone knows you’re down there! Finally, I would not recommend this adventure for those with claustrophobia or a fear of spiders.

After our hike, we headed to Main Street in Fredericksburg. Many local vineyards have tasting rooms here, and the town's German heritage is reflected in the architecture and restaurants. We dined at The Auslander, indulging in German schnitzels and Oktoberfest beer.

Later, we returned to our retreat for a refreshing shower and a well-deserved nap before heading to our dinner reservation at Tillie’s in Dripping Springs. Recently named one of the 50 most beautiful restaurants in America, Tillie’s offers a luxurious dining experience that’s not to be missed. We were welcomed in the hotel lobby of Camp Lucy, where two giant teal doors concealed the magic within. Upon entering, we were captivated by the Moroccan tiles, grand chandeliers, large wooden beams and relics adorning the walls. We learned that this cavernous space was once a Vietnamese town hall, imported by the resort’s designer. The food was just as extraordinary as the décor. I highly recommend starting with the beef tartare and following it with the smoked pork chop. The Abbey House Garden was my favorite cocktail of the night, a drink that truly captures the essence of a light garden. And of course, you can't leave without trying the old-fashioned crème brûlée and a scoop of gelato.

After checking out of Walden Retreats, we made our way to Johnson City Coffee Company. The rustic farmhouse vibes of the coffee house set the perfect tone for the morning, and we grabbed a bite from one of the food trucks outside. Once we were fueled up, we headed to our final wine tasting of the weekend at Crowson Wines.

Crowson Wines is truly one-of-a-kind. The winemaker takes a non-interventionist approach, meaning nothing is added and nothing is taken away. We enjoyed our tasting in the charming room, with its whitewashed walls and coastal vibe, while chatting with the winemaker. Each glass had a distinct, cocktail-like character, making for a truly unique experience.

Our last stop of the weekend was downtown Wimberley for some shopping. This town is brimming with boutique stores and small-town charm. Some of our favorite shops include Ceremony Botanical Studio, Annie James, Shelter Goods and Society by Jackson Vaughn. Before heading home, we dined at Creek House Kitchen & Bar, enjoying one final meal creekside under giant oaks adorned with twinkle lights.

Pro tip: Be sure to pick up the 'Texas Hill Country' candle from Society as the perfect memento of your weekend getaway.