Style + Beauty

The Boot Whisperer

Explore the Perfect Pair and the Magic Behind the Best Fit Article by Whitnie Strauss | Photography by Kimber Brown In the heart of Wimberley, tucked inside a charming old building that feels like it belongs in a Western film, lives a legend. Known far and wide as “The Boot Whisperer,” Ulli Johnston has spent the last 30 years crafting an experience that defies explanation. She doesn’t just sell boots. She matches them. Johnston’s talent is connecting one-of-a-kind vintage, custom, and...

Food + Beverage

A Taste for Discovery

Chef Marissa Fisk’s Vibrant Dishes Mix Modern Flavors with the Essence of Tradition Article by Melissa Svoboda | Photography by Kimber Brown For personal chef and caterer Marissa Fisk, food is an experience, an art, and a fusion of past and present. Exploring food through memory, tradition, and innovation, Fisk invites others to get out of their comfort zone and embrace unexpected flavors. Growing up, Fisk was enchanted by her Argentinian grandmother’s way of cooking from scratch. She savored...

Shopping

Texas Gadget Company

Building a Legacy, One Adventure at a Time Article by Micah Weiner | Photography by Carrin Lewis A stone-accented log cabin on the edge of Dripping Springs stands out from the highway.  Inside is a store that stands out from anything you’ve ever seen. You won’t find fluorescent lights or crowded aisles. Instead, there’s leather that smells like campfire memories, gear that lasts for generations, and a welcome as warm as an old friend’s handshake. This is Texas Gadget Company, a family-owned...

Travel

Hawaii: Your Perfect Texas Summer Escape 

Article by Katie Pecaro July is the perfect time to escape the long, hot summer days of Texas. What better place to unwind than a sunny, breezy beach sipping mai tais and dipping your toes in turquoise-blue water? Hawaii is a wonderful option for both beach and mountain lovers, and summer break provides an excellent opportunity to explore this paradise. The Hawaiian islands form an archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean. There are eight major islands, five of which tend to attract tourists...

Food + Beverage

Bring on the Beef

Facing Fertility Challenges, Ryan and Merissa Hayes Explore an Unconventional Path, Transforming Their Lives and Inspiring a Mission-Driven Meat Snack Brand Article by Ryan Hayes | Photography by Kimber Brown It might surprise you to hear that my wife Merissa—co-founder of our meat-based snack company Stoke Provisions—used to be a vegan. Clean eating was more than just a diet for Merissa; it was a philosophy. Then a doctor’s unusual suggestion changed everything. Our story started out like so...

Life + Culture

Coolin’ It in a Cave

Exploring Local Caverns to Beat the Summer Heat Article by Carolann Magnani | Photography by Summer Miles When triple-digit temps hit the Hill Country, you can escape to the coolest place—underground. Hidden beneath our scenic region lies a wonderland of caves and caverns with naturally maintained year-round temperatures in the 60s and 70s. Formed over millions of years, these subterranean treasures not only showcase awe-inspiring natural beauty, but they also provide a glimpse into the...

Food + Beverage

Pig Pen BBQ 

From Dripping Springs to Johnson City: Local BBQ Favorite Expands its Reach Out West Article by Micah Wiener | Photography by Carrin Lewis Pig Pen BBQ, the beloved Hill Country smokehouse founded by William “Bill” Warren and Michelle Matthews, is expanding westward with a brand-new destination in Johnson City. The 3,000-square-foot space has transformed into a full-service barbecue and community gathering spot with a barnyard cantina, shaded patio, live music stage, ample TV screens, and...

Food + Beverage

Patio Picks and Pours

Shanny’s Shoutouts: Spots Worth the Heat Article by Shannon Holzwarth | Photography by Stacy Berg When the Texas sun is high and the breeze is just right, there’s nothing better than relaxing on a shaded patio with a tasty bite and something cold to sip. Whether you’re escaping the summer heat or simply soaking up the season, the Hill Country offers plenty of spots where the drinks are chilled to perfection, the dishes are mouthwatering, and the views are worth lingering over. Here are three...

Arts + Culture

Moments that Matter

A Roundup of Some of Our Favorite Local Photographers  Article by Whitnie Strauss From the first steps of a toddler to the final steps across the graduation stage, life’s big moments deserve to be captured. Whether you’re updating a business headshot, snapping family portraits, capturing senior milestones, or saying “I do,” the right photographer can make all the difference. Here’s a roundup of some of our local favorites!    1. Lorelei Murphy I always say I started photography because my...

Life + Culture

Where Heritage Flows

Stroll Through Historical Downtown Dripping Springs, Where Time Lingers and New Ideas Bloom Article by Courtney Deavers | Photography by Stacy Berg 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...