Arts + Culture

Picture This

Thankful for the Photographers Who Bring Our Pages to Life Article by Whitnie Strauss | Photography by Kimber Brown and Alexandra Davis Every issue of Dripping Springs City Lifestyle begins with words on a page. Ideas are pitched, stories are written, and layouts start to take shape. But it’s when our editorial photographers step in that the stories truly come to life. Their artistry transforms concepts into connection and gives our readers the chance to not only read about our community but ...

Finance + Legal Services

All In Planning

One Woman’s Story of Finding Peace, Support, and Clarity Article by Chris Kilmer ​​ Client Testimony Losing a loved one is more painful than some can imagine. Adding to that pain are all of the administrative responsibilities we take on at our loved one’s passing. From making funeral arrangements to closing bank accounts, it seems like the list of to do’s will never end. Thankfully, there is help for those of us who have lost a loved one. My name is Irina. I am a nurse and mother of two...

Food + Beverage

Chocolate Banana Manhattan

A Sweet and Sophisticated Sip Article by Drink to Remember | Photography by Isabella Aldrete Gratitude often lingers when we gather around a table, swapping stories and raising a glass with those we love. This Chocolate Banana Manhattan is a perfect way to toast the season of thankfulness. With smooth banana whiskey, a touch of sweet vermouth, and a whisper of chocolate bitters, it’s both comforting and sophisticated. Topped with a brûléed banana garnish, it feels indulgent—the kind of...

Shopping

Gratitude, Hill Country Style

Article by Shannon Shea | Photography by Nicholas Vedros Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pie make for a classic Thanksgiving spread. But at Hog Heaven Sporting Club, our version of abundance looks a little different: shotgun shells, fishing lures, brass casings, and the satisfaction of a perfect day outdoors.  Here, gratitude takes on a special form—being thankful for the chance to test yourself on a sporting clays course, the opportunity to cast a line near your neighborhood, and...

Food + Beverage

Heart of the Table

From Family Roots to Fruitful Gatherings, Nectarine Offers a Place to Belong Article by Kate Smith | Photography by Isabella Aldrete Some of my most treasured memories are of the gatherings my grandmother hosted—family dinners infused with her signature style of hospitality, each one an event in itself.  Thanksgiving always stood out: She went over the top with elaborate decorations and gourmet dishes made entirely from scratch. For days, she prepared tirelessly, ensuring everything was just...

Life + Culture

A Beer Built on Gratitude

McConauhaze and the Making of Twisted X Article by Micah Wiener | Photography by Isabella Aldrete Founded in 2011, Twisted X Brewing had carved out its place in the Hill Country craft beer scene. But in 2015, president and CEO Hunter Stewart knew they needed a game-changer. “We had seven beers in the market at the time,” Stewart recalls. “We knew we needed a big hit to take the business to the next level.” So he gathered Twisted X’s extended family—distributors, salespeople, brewers, and...

Education

Faith on the Field

Fellowship of Christian Athletes: Finding Purpose Beyond the Game Article by Melissa Svoboda | Photography by Alexandra Davis In 2019, Nate Thurlow and his wife, Taylor, flew from their home in Colorado to Austin for a job interview. Afterward, when Nate asked how they should spend their Friday night, his interviewer didn’t hesitate: “This is Texas, baby. Go to a high school football game.” Thus, the couple found themselves under the Friday night lights in Tiger Stadium, dazzled by the field...

Education

Leading with Gratitude

Principal Steve Novickas Brings Heart to Wildwood Springs Article by Sarah Lambie | Photography by Isabella Aldrete Steve Novickas starts each morning the same way: scanning his calendar. He’s not checking for meetings or deadlines, but searching for moments—moments to spread encouragement, to connect, to make someone’s day a little brighter. It’s this perspective that shapes Steve's approach to leading Dripping Springs’ newest elementary school, Wildwood Springs. But for Steve, gratitude...

Entertainment

Turn It Up

Above the Law: House Band, Hometown Heart Article by Michael Lawsage | Photography by Stacy Berg The Hill Country has become a hub for live music, and I feel blessed every day to be part of that story here in Dripping Springs. As the founder of Above the Law and someone who has played rhythm and acoustic guitar for this group since the very beginning, I can honestly say that what makes this band special isn’t just the music. It's the people and community that surround it. Over the past...

Life + Culture

Rising Together

Stories of Service and Gratitude Article by Melissa Svoboda | Photography by Georges Schemagin When devastating floods swept through the Texas Hill Country on July 4, the Dripping Springs community did what it does best: showed up. Some who answered the call were seasoned first responders; others were serving in this way for the first time. Young and old, volunteers from all walks of life offered their time and skills however they could. Whether hauling supplies, organizing donations, or...