City Spotlight: Wimberley
Need some inspiration? Then look no further than Wimberley — an ideal getaway for outdoorsy and creative types alike located in the adventurous Hill Country. Wimberley has long attracted writers, artists, and musicians looking to get lost in its whimsical world.
Nestled along the banks of Cypress Creek and the Blanco River, surrounded by Hill Country, this scenic, historic town offers swimming at the iconic Blue Hole on Cypress Creek and hiking and biking along many trails within the city limits. From golfing to shopping, sight-seeing to theatrical events, you can bet your bottom dollar that this Central Texas town has a lil’ bit of something to offer for every Texan.
How Wimberley Got Its Name
The history of Wimberley predates written records, with evidence of Native American life found along the extinct stream beds and riverside, but the city’s current tall tale began in 1856 with the implementation of a centralized gristmill. The mill was sold in 1874 to Pleasant Wimberley, who paid $8,000 in gold for the mill and the surrounding land. Wimberley began building a community under the name Wimberleyville with a church, post office, and school, but the name was shortened in 1880 to Wimberley and has remained the same ever since.
What to Do
- Shop. The city of Wimberley comes alive every first Saturday of the month between March and December when bargainers take to Lions Field as more than 475 booths spring to life to create the Wimberley Market Days. On nonmarket days, shoppers can hit the streets around Wimberley Square to score deals on local goods and boutique items.
- Dip into the orchards. Bella Vista Ranch, a family-run olive farm home to 1,200 producing olive trees, is one of the best-kept secrets on the Texas culinary scene. When Bella Vista owner Jack Dougherty purchased the ranch in gorgeous hill country back in 1996, he realized the soil and climate were similar to that of the Mediterranean, and he decided to try his hand at growing olive trees. The plants thrived in the Texas climate and now Dougherty’s olive oils are sold throughout the state of Texas and beyond.
- Get immersed in nature. Wimberley is home to two amazing swimming spots to cool off in this summer —Jacob’s Well and the Blue Hole. Both have been rated as some of Texas’ best swimming holes and offer amazing aquatic adventures. In April, the Blue Hole hosts weekly donation-based concerts on Friday nights from 6–8 p.m., and Jacob’s Well offers tours every Saturday starting at 10 a.m. Hikers love exploring the trails around Old Baldy Mountain, where a long strand of stairs leads to a panoramic view of Wimberley.
Did you know your Texas Farm Bureau membership can help you save on travel? Check out the member benefits page to start planning your weekend in Wimberley.
© 2017 Texas Farm Bureau Insurance
