People love discovering new places to visit, and this can pertain to everything from shopping to recreation. But when it comes to dining, few places have exploded in popularity than the restaurants in Dripping Springs. Something about them has earned them accolades across the food and beverage industry, and this popularity doesn’t look like it’s going to wane anytime soon.

When a city becomes popular, a particular question always arises: why now and here? This certainly isn’t to say that Dripping Springs isn’t ready and worthy of its “discovery,” but it really makes one wonder why this small town has made such a huge mark on the restaurant industry.

First it is important to know a little about the city. For starters, the city is located in Hay County, Texas, about 20 miles southwest of Austin. It’s even more surprising to learn that the entire city only occupies a little over three square miles. Due to its geographic location, Dripping Springs is labeled the “Gateway to the Hill Country”, although other small towns in the same area feel they are entitled to this title, too.

Given the city’s small size and its seemingly interchangeable features with surrounding cities, why have the restaurants in Dripping Springs had such a big impact? Here are some reasons:

The Austin explosion – Austin is the capital of Texas and is home to the University of Texas. It has a large population, but this population is very diverse. As more people find themselves wanting more out of life, it’s no wonder they have begun to look beyond the city’s borders. Enter Dripping Springs. Even if one can explain the popularity of Dripping Springs as a byproduct of neighboring Austin’s popularity, the city is blazing its own trail. Even more important, they are part of the Sustainable Places Project, an ambitious multi-city initiative that seeks to maintain livable places and community goals even as growth occurs. Dripping Springs seeks the future of its residents and the region as a whole.

Love for the Texas Hill Country – As the area becomes a haven for distillers, wineries and other artisans, the restaurants at Drippings Springs view them as quality local ingredients.

Big city life without big city hassles – It can be easy to get lost in the crowd when you are in the big city, even when preparing quality food. By having the space to make a mark, restaurants can stand out as beacons in the community.

The popularity of craft work – Not only are the ingredients local and of great quality, but restaurant owners can take the time to prepare their food for customers who want the best.

Rise of outdoor enthusiasts – Geographically, those who venture to explore the Texas Hill Country can see that the wild landscapes have also made for great places to enjoy great food and recharge for the next adventure.

Farm-to-table approach – Restaurants in Dripping Springs know that their customers want transparency in their meals and restaurant owners want the same. When everyone is on the same page, it is a wonderful experience.

Dripping Springs restaurants don’t try to do anything fancy to attract diners. What they do do, however, is take the time to prepare quality meals at great prices for a clientele who understand that good food is an art, that it deserves to be appreciated.