Our two girls are some of the most swimming hole loving kiddos you’re ever going to meet. If there is water, they want to get in it. Good thing we live in Texas where there is no shortage of amazing swimming holes to explore. One of the most iconic of all the swimming holes in Texas is Jacob’s Well in Wimberley. This spot had been on our Texas bucket list for a while and the summer of 2020 was when we finally got to check it off. We went for Jacob’s Well, but we found Wimberley to be so much more than what we expected. This summer we returned to find more to do and fell even more in love with the beautiful Hill Country town. Here’s what we loved so you can start planning your weekend in Wimberley.

Where We Stayed – Windmill Hill Ranch

In 2020 we found Windmill Hill Ranch on Airbnb and stayed in La Casita Tranquila, their spacious guest ranch house on the property. When we found out they built a second short term rental, The Farm House, on the property later that year we knew we had to return to check it out and I’m so happy to show it to you now! Both of these rentals are affordably priced and close to everything you’re going to want to do in Wimberley. It’s minutes from Jacob’s Well and Wimberley’s Blue Hole, as well as Wimberley’s quaint downtown area. In other words, this ranch is where you’re going to want to stay!

Both rentals are located on the ranch with a gated entrance and the driveways between the homes and the gate are perfect for a nice morning walk. Expect to see deer, jackrabbit, longhorns and (if you’re lucky) the owner’s sweet dogs. Depending on what time of year you visit, you might see the homes surrounded by beautiful Texas wildflowers. Let’s take a look at each one.

La Casita Tranquila

First things first, you need to know where to stay. When I found La Casita Tranquila I knew it would be the perfect launch pad for our Wimberley adventures. We like to be able to make most of our own meals where we’re staying when we’re visiting swimming holes. Naps are better than getting dressed to go out to eat, in my opinion. La Casita Tranquila was all we needed and more. This cute ranch house sleeps 6 and is complete with a kitchen, dining area, private outdoor space and the most fantastic hill country sunset view.  Beautifully decorated with eccentric artwork and taxidermy, this place is a feast for the eyes inside and out.

The Farm House

When we learned that Windmill Hill Ranch added a second short term rental we knew we have to check it out. The Farm House is smaller than La Casita Tranquila, so it’s going to be more ideal for a couple or a small family as it only sleeps 4. It was plenty of room for us and we loved how the home backed up to the part of the property where the ranch longhorns graze. This home is just as beautifully decorated as La Casita Tranquila and every bit as comfortable as well. The shower is absolutely amazing and was my favorite feature in this home. And in case you’re wondering, the sunset view is just as incredible.

What’s best of all is that the nightly rates for both of these homes are extremely affordable and worth every penny. You can book your stay at La Casita Tranquila or The Farm House through Airbnb.

What We Did

Jacob’s Well

1699 Mt Sharp Road, WimberleyJacob’s Well is reason why this trip happened and it did not disappoint. We had the best afternoon jumping into the spring fed crystal clear water. Reservations are required at this iconic swimming hole. And you better make them in advance because this place is popular. Your reservation will only get you 2 hours here, but that’s plenty of time in this small swimming hole. Entry is only $9 for adults and $5 for children.

Wimberley’s Blue Hole

100 Blue Hole Lane, WimberleyAnother great swimming hole in the area is Wimberley’s Blue Hole Regional Park. Reservations can and should be made in advance because this place is popular with the locals as much as the travelers. Two rope swings offer challenging thrills in this icy cold swimming hole. Admission is only $12 for adults and $6 for children.

Hill Country Lavender

8241 FM 165, BlancoWhen I heard that the “Lavender Capital of Texas” was just outside of Wimberley, I knew we would have to squeeze it into this weekend. Hill Country Lavender in Blanco is the first commercial lavender farm in the state and during the summer for small fee (2020 price was $7, 2021 isn’t listed yet) you can cut your own small bouquet. We dried the lavender that Christine and Taylor cut and I mixed the dried the buds with epson salt and essential oil for an amazing sleepy time bath soak. If you visit during a time when the fields aren’t in bloom, you can always shop their farm store for amazing lavender goodies. We found a lot of great lavender products that we loved so much we ordered more after we got home from their online store. I recommend the Bugs Be Gone spray and the Itchless oil roll on for bug bites.

Wimberley Glass Works

6469 Ranch Road 12, Wimberley

Wimberley is an artist’s haven and everywhere you turn there’s public art in every medium you could imagine. And just outside of town towards San Marcus you’ll find Wimberley Glass Works gallery and hot shop studio where you can watch the artists blow glass from 10:30-3pm Thursday through Sunday. We really enjoyed watching them make their beautiful creations and it was so remarkable seeing the teamwork and coordination it took. Watching the glass blowing demonstration is completely free and I highly suggest you go watch it if you have the chance. After the demo you can browse their gallery and maybe even purchase a piece.

Local Love

While we did have most of our meals at our rental, we definitely still checked out some local businesses. Here’s the ones we loved the most:

Wimberley Cafe in Downtown Wimberley is a great spot to grab a bite to eat. I had the pecan crusted chicken and it was so good. The chicken fried steak is pretty incredible too.

Creekside Cookers BBQ was a great BBQ and brew spot we found and they even have live music some evenings. I suggest going early because they sell out of brisket early on occasion.

Oldies Burgers & More has great burgers and fried pickles. The delicious smell alone will draw you in, but when we noticed so locals lining up we knew we had to try them out.

Monster Treats had really great ice cream and a super fun atmosphere for the kids.

Wall Street Western had a great collection of vintage clothes and boots. And the cutest shop kitty!

The Wooden Spoon has delicious fro-yo.Taste of Paradise is a walk up cocktail stand. Think sno cone stand for grown ups. And since Wimberley doesn’t have an open container law, you can walk and sip. I got the strawberry daiquiri and was pleased to learn that the mixes they use are made in Texas!

The Tribe in Action