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It’s no secret that Austin is one of the most desirable places to live in the US. For more than ten years, it topped the list of fastest growing cities in America, and it’s regularly voted as one of the best places to live in the country—U.S. News & World Report just ranked it the ninth best overall.
But part of what makes Austin so great isn’t just what’s in Austin—it’s also what’s around Austin. From the beautiful natural environment to unique cultural attractions, there’s no shortage of things to do when you’re living in this vibrant Central Texas city.
For students at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and other Austin residents looking to sample what the area surrounding the city has to offer, we created this list of road trip destinations that aspiring culinarians are sure to love. Just hop in your car and head north, south, or west for one of these memorable excursions within an hour’s drive from Escoffier’s Austin campus.
North
Austin lies at the eastern edge of Texas’ Hill Country, a vast, rugged region that marks the boundary to the deserts of the Southwest. In addition to its unique natural beauty, the area is also renowned for the wine produced there, with more than 100 wineries nestled among its rolling hills.
Escoffier students looking to experience a taste of the Hill Country’s wine culture might venture to the northwest, where they’ll find a handful of excellent wineries within easy driving distance of our Austin campus.
Perissos Vineyard & Winery
Taking its name from an ancient Greek word meaning “exceeding abundantly, beyond what is expected, imagined, or hoped for,” Perissos Vineyard & Winery in Burnet certainly lives up to that description; since 2003, they have been producing award-winning wines crafted from 100% Texas-grown grapes. The winery’s tasting room provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for exploring their diverse wine portfolio.
Torr Na Lochs Vineyard & Winery
From there, you might take a short, fifteen minute drive along the winding banks of Inks Lake to the nearby Torr Na Lochs Vineyard & Winery, which offers a wine tasting experience like no other. Its Gaelic name, meaning “Hill Over Lakes,” reflects its stunning panoramic views of nearby Inks Lake, Buchanan Lake, and the surrounding hills and valleys. Visitors can enjoy handcrafted, sustainably produced wines made from estate-grown grapes while relaxing on a spacious patio, soaking in the gorgeous natural environment and exceptional wines at the same time.
Visitors to Torr Na Lochs Vineyard & Winery can enjoy breathtaking views along with their wine.
Flat Creek Estate
Tracing the Colorado River back toward Austin, you’ll find Flat Creek Estate, an expansive, 80-acre estate in Marble Falls featuring a vineyard, a state-of-the-art winery, and a beautiful tasting room. Aside from exploring a wide selection of meticulously crafted wines, guests can also take guided tours of the grounds, indulge in multi-course wine-paired menu at the on-site bistro, or even enjoy a round of disc golf among the vines.
Blue Bonnet Cafe
If you’ve soaked up enough wine culture for one trip, consider stopping by Blue Bonnet Cafe in downtown Marble Falls for a change of pace. A true Texas institution, Blue Bonnet Cafe has been serving up classic comfort food since 1929. Whether you’re craving a traditional Southern breakfast, a juicy burger, or a slice of one of their famous mile-high pies, Blue Bonnet Cafe is the place for a satisfying and memorable dining experience that embodies the spirit of small-town Texas.
South
Starting in the 1830s, a stream of German emigrants settled in central and southern Texas, where they introduced culinary, musical, and other cultural influences that have become deeply wedded with the character of the region.
Escoffier students looking to experience this unique cultural legacy might head south from Austin toward the city of New Braunfels, where the German Texan heritage has left its mark.
Krause’s Cafe
Since 1938, New Braunfels’ Krause’s Cafe has been serving up authentic German cuisine. Known for its menu of traditional dishes like schnitzel, bratwurst, and pretzels (along with other Texas favorites), Krause’s also boasts more than 80 beers on tap that guests can enjoy in their family-friendly beer garden featuring live music on a regular basis. This iconic restaurant’s blend of German heritage and Texan hospitality creates a unique dining experience that celebrates the cultural fusion of the New Braunfels area.
Gruene Hall
Gruene Hall, situated in the historic town of Gruene (pronounced “green”, and now a historic district within New Braunfels) is the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas. Established in 1878, this venue has hosted countless legendary musicians and remains a beloved place for live music and dancing to this day. With its weathered wooden floors, vintage decor, and open-air layout, Gruene Hall exudes old-world charm that attracts music lovers from far and wide.
Gruene Hall hasn’t changed much in its almost 150-year history, and it remains a popular venue to this day. (Photo Credit: Robert Fletcher)
Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar
When you’re worn out from dancing, head next door to the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, one of the more unique and beautiful settings you’ll find in the area. Housed in the ruins of a nineteenth-century cotton mill, the restaurant serves an upscale-causal menu featuring steaks, fresh seafood, and hearty Texas favorites overlooking the wild Guadalupe River. Along with the rest of the Gruene Historic District, Gristmill is part of the National Register of Historic Places—and its historic appeal is clear to anyone visiting this unforgettable restaurant.
Son’s Island
For a real change of pace after all that history, head a few miles down the Guadalupe River to Son’s Island, a bona fide tropical oasis in the heart of Central Texas. Cross over a 100-foot wooden bridge (the only access to the island), and you’ll find yourself in the midst of thatched cabanas, shady hammocks, and relaxing water activities like kayaking and fishing. You’ll never believe you’re more than a hundred miles from the Gulf Coast—and just an hour away from Escoffier’s Austin campus.
West
While Austin’s dining scene speaks for itself, it’s far from the only food hub in Central Texas. The area around Dripping Springs, a small town about an hour away from downtown Austin, is one place carving out a reputation for itself as a destination that’s worth the trip for local food lovers.
Escoffier students looking for a food adventure should head West toward Dripping Springs (and the neighboring town of Driftwood) to get a taste of what this blossoming area has to offer.
Abby Jane Bakeshop
If you’re passionate about baking and pastry arts, Dripping Springs’ Abby Jane Bakeshop should absolutely be on your list for this trip. Specializing in delicious baked goods made from locally sourced, high-quality ingredients, this charming bakery is a paradise for pastry lovers and artisanal bread enthusiasts. Try their spectacularly flaky croissants or fresh sourdough when you stop by for brunch or lunch.
Barton Springs Mill
While you’re there, you could head next door to Barton Springs Mill, an artisan mill that supplies flour to Abby Jane and to many other restaurants and businesses in the area. The mill produces high-quality flours from heirloom and landrace grains for bakers, chefs, and home cooks across Texas. Though the mill is not open to walk-in visitors, you can make a reservation ahead of time to take a bread- or pasta-making class, or to tour the mill and explore the milling process while learning more about heritage grains.
Barton Springs Mill produces high-quality flours from a variety of heritage grains. (Photo Credit: Barton Springs Mill)
Barton Springs Mill’s dedication to preserving agricultural biodiversity and promoting local food systems makes it a unique and valuable resource in the Texas culinary landscape—and a worthwhile stop for any aspiring culinarian.
The Salt Lick
No rundown of Texas cuisine would be complete without mentioning barbecue. While you’re in Dripping Springs, you might want to head up the road to nearby Driftwood and visit one of the most legendary barbecue destinations in Central Texas—The Salt Lick. This family-owned restaurant has been serving up brisket, ribs, sausage, and more from their open pit for nearly 60 years. In the early 2000s, The Salt Lick added another dimension to their offering, planting some 35 acres of grapevines to produce their own wines, which visitors can enjoy at a picturesque tasting room next to the restaurant.
Hays City Store
Another essential stop in Driftwood is Hays City Store, a former gas station and convenience store that’s been transformed into a lively restaurant and bar. Opened in 2015, it has quickly become a mainstay of the local dining scene, serving up a variety of Texas-inspired dishes alongside margarita flights, creative cocktails, and more than 40 beers on draft. With a large, shady outdoor patio and live music most nights of the week, this unique restaurant is the perfect spot for a relaxed, enjoyable meal.
Jester King Brewery
On your way back to campus, take a detour to Jester King Brewery. One of the most celebrated of the 80-plus craft breweries in the Austin area, Jester King is dedicated to producing farmhouse ales and mixed culture fermentations and is known for its innovative brewing techniques and use of local ingredients.
Though they’re technically within Austin city limits, the brewery’s rural location—featuring a taproom, beer garden, wood-fired pizza oven, and a farm that’s home to many photogenic goats—is a perfect place to unwind with a pint and take in the country air.
Could You See Yourself Here?
Texas is a big state, and this article just scratches the surface of the fun and flavorful adventures that await just beyond Austin’s doorstep. And, of course, we didn’t even mention all the exciting things to do in Austin—but rest assured, there are plenty of those, too.
With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder Austin is such a popular place to live.
This is the dynamic culinary and cultural landscape that surrounds students in the Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts programs at Escoffier’s Austin Campus as they pursue their culinary passions.
If you think you could see yourself here, check out our Austin Campus to learn more about what Austin—and Escoffier—could have to offer you!
