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Throughout this holiday season, consider supporting your local small businesses to contribute to the vibrancy of our community! Here are a few recommendations to get you started.
Photo courtesy of Dripping Diamonds
SHOP: Dripping Diamonds
Just a stone’s throw from Mercer Street are some brand new places to shop, dine and unwind. One of the newest stores in town is Dripping Diamonds, created by owner Molly Phillips.
“My passion for design and all things sparkly inspired us to start our own jewelry business,” Phillips said. “We are excited to be the go-to jewelry store for Dripping Springs. Such a beautiful and charming town deserves a remarkable jewelry store!”
Phillips said the store has a very unique vibe to it - think Dolly Parton meets Cyndi Lauper. She hopes community members will stop by to visit and check out the latest promotions. Now through Christmas, shoppers can spin the holiday wheel for fun prizes and festive surprises.
Also, every purchase helps a child in need - Dripping Diamonds will buy a Foster Village Holiday Wish List gift for each item sold.
Photo courtesy of Nectarine Cafe
DINE: Nectarine Cafe & Bake House
Health-conscious residents of Dripping Springs have a new restaurant in town that caters to a variety of diets and lifestyles - Nectarine Cafe & Bake House, which opened in January of 2025.
“We started Nectarine because we wanted everyone to have the option for clean organic ingredients and gluten-free foods for their families,” owner Kate Smith said.
In the same shopping center, visitors can also find Kate and Charles Smith’s other business, Scout & Honor Creamery.
“We are a 100% gluten-free creamery and use only organic milks, with many non-dairy options every week,” Smith said.
She recommends adding the marshmallow cream or a toasted marshmallow to any item for a fireside feel perfect for the holidays.
Photo by Rising Oaks Images
UNWIND: Winehouse
On Old Fitzhugh Road, Kristine Clark and business partners Jerry Gray and Julio Llop have come together to create Winehouse - a place that combines their love of hospitality, community, and great wine. It opened in the spring of 2025, and it’s a great place to relax at the end of a long day.
They are also a full-service bottle shop, curated by wine expert Jerry Gray.
“His carefully selected wines are not only affordable but drink far beyond their price point,” Clark said. “Plus, we offer case discounts for guests who want to stock up or build their own home collection.”
If you’re a little hungry, they also have a food trailer, led by Executive Chef Julio Llop, who brings more than 30 years of culinary expertise to the table.
“The empanadas are definitely a must-try - they’re authentically Argentinian and pair beautifully with a glass of Malbec,” Clark said. “If you prefer something lighter, the Faire La Fête sparkling wine is always a crowd-pleaser. We offer a variety of wines to suit every palate, so whether you’re a red lover, a fan of bubbles, or somewhere in between, there’s always something to discover.”
Small Business Saturday, founded by American Express in 2010, is dedicated to promoting small businesses across the country. For every $1 spent locally, $0.67 stays within the community. The Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce proudly serves as a Neighborhood Champion for the American Express Shop Small movement. Visit the Chamber’s website at dstxchamber.com to find hundreds of small businesses to support and to discover special deals for Small Business Season.
