Hey Dripping Springs! Happy Tuesday! It is absolutely gorgeous outside today! We are looking at those perfect 75 degree weather days that make you want to grab a piña colada by the pool and just soak it all in… as long as there aren’t any scorpions around! If you caught the latest episode of the Weekly Drip, you know exactly why I’m talking about specific temperatures and stingy critters!
I just wrapped up Season 7, Episode 13 with my girl Amber Pierce and we had the best time talking about “Special Interests!” I am inspired by that show Love on the Spectrum… you know how they introduce everyone with their likes and dislikes? It’s so sweet! So, if I were being introduced, it would be: “This is Ashley. She likes 75 degree weather and wind chimes from one specific maker in Austin. She can’t stand scorpions!”
Amber and I went down a total rabbit hole looking for all the amazing specialty stores right here in our backyard! Sometimes it is hard to find these niche spots unless you already know they exist… but that’s what I’m here for! Whether you are into birds, tactical training, knitting, or vintage records, Dripping Springs has a “special interest” spot for you!
And hey, speaking of interests… if your special interest is finding the perfect home, you are in the right place! In 2025, I officially sold more houses than anyone else in the Dripping Springs Independent School District! I love being your number one realtor and helping our community grow one front door at a time! Check out some of my recent listings and buyer resources here!
For the Nature Lovers and Bird Watchers
We started off strong with a community favorite… Wild Birds Unlimited! Amanda is a dear friend of mine, and she and her family are just the sweetest! They are so involved in everything happening in Dripping Springs! If you want to attract a specific bird to your yard, they have the expertise to help you out!
They also have bat boxes… which I actually built one of those in elementary school! Bats are great for eating all those pesky mosquitoes… and we know those mosquitoes can really put a hurt on ’em during a Texas summer!
And here is a pro-tip… if you love wind chimes but hate that “clinky-tingy” sound… you know what I mean… that cheap metallic noise? Wild Birds carries the high-quality ones from a specific maker in Austin that have that deep, round, beautiful sound! It’s such a vibe!
Tactical Training and Outdoor Gear
Then we went in a totally different direction! Have you guys heard of Mercury Human Performance? It just opened recently off of Fitzhugh! It is basically where firearms meet high-tech laser tag! It’s the only civilian training center of its kind in the US! They use real scenarios to help with stress adaptation and tactical skills, but you aren’t shooting actual bullets! It’s incredible for building those reflexes!
If you are looking for more traditional gear, we have some fantastic local options:
- Tactical Integrations: They are brand new right by Wild Birds Unlimited! They offer gear, accessories, and education!
- Duke Arms: Located over off Holder Lane! They specialize in those firearms you just can’t find at the big box stores!
- Reimer’s Precision Outfitters: Found over by Frog Pond! They have ammo, gear, knives, and all your outdoor needs!
Getting Crafty in the Hill Country
Happy Tuesday to all my fellow crafters out there! Amber showed off the most beautiful Mother’s Day gift her son Philip made for her… it was this amazing felted piece with little pockets for real wildflowers! It looked like a Dr. Seuss tree!
If you want to get into fiber arts, you have to check out The Stated Sheet! They have yarn supplies and offer workshops for knitting and crocheting! There is also Living Felt, which is based right here in Dripping! They have a huge online presence but also do local workshops!
And don’t forget Laudry Rose! They are technically a boutique, but they have the coolest “craft swap” area! You can bring a supply and take a supply! They even have days where everyone just comes down to craft together! It is such a great way to meet people if you are new to the area!
Books, Beads, and Beats
For my fellow introverts… the Sunday Bookshop is calling your name! It’s the perfect spot to find a new adventure without having to “people” too much!
If you like a more eclectic vibe, 2 Moons Art Gallery and Mars Beads are now located on Ranch Road 12! They even have 4th Rock Records inside! A bead store, an art gallery, and a vinyl shop all in one? Sign me up! Amber thinks they need some incense to complete the vibe… and I totally agree!
And for the audio files, Tweek Geek over on 290 near the Chamber offices is a must-visit!
Neighborhood Spotlight: Arrowhead Ranch
Since we are talking about finding your place in the community, I have to give a huge shoutout to Arrowhead Ranch! This is one of the premier neighborhoods in the Dripping Springs High School zone, and it is just stunning!
Arrowhead Ranch is located right off of 290, making it super convenient for commuting but still tucked away enough to feel like a Hill Country escape! The homes here are modern but have that classic Texas feel… lots of limestone and big windows to take in the views!
The community amenities are top-notch! We are talking about miles of hiking and biking trails… which would be perfect for a bike from Canyon Cycles (another great local specialty shop!)! There is a beautiful community pool and plenty of green space for the kids to run around!
Families love it here because it is zoned for the award-winning Dripping Springs ISD! If you want to see what is currently available in this neighborhood, you can check out my Arrowhead Ranch page here! It really is a special place to call home!
Gaming and Hobbies
We couldn’t finish the show without talking about Wylder Gaming! If you are into Dungeons & Dragons, Pokemon, or trading card games, this is your spot! They have tables set up where you can play with other people and a great membership program!
There is also Lionheart Hobby and Games, which is a destination for model builders and tabletop gamers! If you find yourself over in Buda, Fellowship Hobby and Games is another fantastic choice! And for the comic book lovers, Bat City Comics in Southwest Austin is just a short drive away!
Giving Back While You Shop
Lastly, I have to mention the Senior Thrift shop! Not only can you find some amazing treasures there, but the proceeds go to support the Dripping Springs Senior Center! They do so much to feed and care for our local seniors, so it is a win-win for everyone!
Let’s Chat!
Wow… that was a lot of ground to cover! We have over 200 episodes of the Weekly Drip now, and I am always looking for new topics! Is there a specialty shop we missed? A hobby we haven’t talked about? Please hit me up! You can text me… don’t call, I’m a millennial and I probably won’t answer… but definitely text me your ideas!
If you are thinking about moving to Dripping Springs or need a valuation for your current home, I would love to help! Remember, I’m the #1 realtor in the district for a reason… I live, breathe, and love this community!
Have a fantastic week, Dripping Springs! Happy Tuesday! See you next time!
Note: Always check with local businesses for their most current hours and workshop schedules! Things change fast in the Hill Country!
