Downtown Dripping Springs isn’t just a destination—it’s a story etched in limestone and time. The roots of its charming main street trace back to 1881, when W.T. Chapman proposed a 12-block city layout that would become the beloved Mercer Street we frequent today.
Even the city’s name carries a sense of place and poetry. At the western end of Mercer, water gently drips from limestone ledges into the springs below; this quiet, natural detail inspired the name Dripping Springs. It’s these authentic slices of history and nature that give downtown its timeless soul. Every corner of this town tells a story, creating an experience that invites visitors to slow down, connect, and feel at home.
Step Into the Past, Shop in the Present
As you walk along Mercer Street, it’s easy to feel time slow down. The architecture surrounding today’s thriving businesses dates back to 1870 to 1940.
Take, for example, the historic Patterson Mercantile Store built in 1906. At times a grocery, post office, feed store, lumber yard, and even a theater, this versatile space now houses Vintage Soul, a thoughtfully curated boutique offering clothing, jewelry, gifts, and more.
Just across the street, Mazama Coffee Co. invites visitors to linger with an artisan pour in hand. Housed in the original A.L. Davis Mercantile store established in 1891, the cafe blends heritage with warmth in every detail. Just next door, Juniper Tree Market invites you to wander and browse its beautifully sourced houseplants, art supplies, books, and creative gifts in a fresh, modern shop.
The charm doesn’t stop there. Mercer Street is also home to beloved local spots like Hudson's on Mercer, The Barber Shop, The Palm Social Collection, Sicara, Grawlix, Revel Wilde, Starrs on Mercer, The Rural Home, Sacred Moon Herbs, The Great British Baking Company, and more, each adding its unique signature to this walkable, welcoming district.
Balancing Growth with Preservation
Dripping Springs is home to three historic districts—Mercer Street, Hays Street, and Old Fitzhugh—nestled near the crossroads of Highway 290 and Ranch Road 12. This charming downtown area serves as the cultural, historic, and tourism heart of the community. In a continued effort to preserve its character and legacy, the city has established a Historic Preservation Ordinance and a dedicated Historic Preservation Commission, whose goals include preserving property with historical, architectural, archeological, and cultural significance.
The City of Dripping Springs released a draft of its updated Reimagine Dripping Springs, a comprehensive plan for the city that will represent the collective vision of the future of our community. The most recent version is designed to guide the city’s growth and development up to the year 2040, ensuring that Dripping Springs continues to evolve and remain a place where residents can work, live, and play.
When the people of Dripping Springs were asked to envision the town’s future, a few words consistently rose to the top: small-town charm, history, rural roots, family, friendly, quaint. As part of the city’s comprehensive planning process, residents voiced a clear desire to preserve the character of the Hill Country while embracing thoughtful, sustainable growth. The vision outlined in the Reimagine Dripping Springs city plan is one of balance: maintaining the warmth and authenticity of the historic downtown while evolving into a vibrant destination for dining, entertainment, festivals, and community connection.
What is on the Horizon for Dripping Springs?
Big plans are unfolding along historic Old Fitzhugh. With the project concept originating back in 2017, The Old Fitzhugh Road Improvement Project is finally taking shape. At the heart of the plan is a shift in pace: the two-lane road will be realigned to make room for an inviting, 8-foot-wide walking trail on the west side of the street. Designed for leisurely strolls and neighborhood connection, the path will be framed by curated landscaping, pedestrian-friendly features, and timeless touches like historic-style lampposts.This enhanced walkability is set to breathe new life into the area, encouraging revitalization and responsible growth of the Old Fitzhugh district.
It’s this harmony between progress and preservation that makes Dripping Springs so special—a place where history and innovation flow together seamlessly. The future is bright.
CityOfDrippingSprings.com | facebook.com/cityofdrippingsprings/
251 Old Fitzhugh: Rehabbing a 1940s Historical Property
251 Old Fitzhugh was originally built in 1940. It was purchased in 2024 by Courtney Deavers, who has a dream to restore the property to its original charm. “This project will hopefully spark the first of many historically appropriate renovations to occur downtown, ensuring that we can continue to preserve history while growing sustainably,” says Deavers. “This downtown area has so much potential. I’m looking forward to seeing the transformation over the next few years. It’s an exciting time to live, work, and play in our beautiful city of Dripping Springs.”