Wrap up 2025 with these local gems

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.

SHOP: Sacred Moon Herbs

This little shop on Mercer Street has been open for 13 years now. It can be easy to miss if you aren’t looking for it, but once you see it, it draws you in.

“At first glance, Moon seems so small & almost hidden,” owner Beth Ebbing Johnson said. “Then when folks walk in, they always say, ‘I could spend days in here and still not see everything.’ That’s part of the Magick of Moon.”

Johnson started the business with her friend Tara. They met in herb school in 2000. Johnson had worked in other herb shops for 7 years, and had always wanted to have her own place.

“I wanted to create a safe space to help folks heal from traumas and be able to share both their grief and happiness. A shop where you didn’t have to worry about toxic chemicals in your body care and make up,” Johnson said.

Sacred Moon Herbs is just that. It offers many organic healing plants, and over 200 organic teas, allowing Johnson to share her passions as an herbalist. Johnson’s “must-trys” at Moon include the organic Here’s to Your Health, Earl Grey Creme & Happy Teas, their organic aromatherapy spritzers, and their Fire Cider & Rose Elixir.

Johnson said the best way to see what’s new at Sacred Moon is to follow them on Facebook or Instagram. That’s also where to learn about upcoming classes and get a chance to make some herbal goodness.

“Everyone goes home with gifts, recipes, handouts and more often than not, new friends too,” Johnson said.

DINE: Vespa Rossa Eatery & Bar

There’s a new Italian restaurant in town, brought to you by chef/owner Ryan Samson and business partner Daniel Brooks - who are also the owners of Austin favorites Vespaio Ristorante, Chapulin Cantina and Licha’s Cantina.

Vespa Rossa Eatery & Bar is located in the building that formerly housed Austin Java. They serve up Italian food with a Hill Country flair.

“We do all of our own animal butchery in here, so we get a half side of cow and we get whole pigs,” Samson said. “We make all of our own fresh pasta and pastries.”

Samson says he suggests one of the smoked meat dishes for first-time visitors.

“The brisket ravioli that we have here is delicious,” Samson said. “That’s got smoked brisket in it. We just put it on the menu.”

They also have smoked ribeye, a smoked prime rib plate and a smoked chicken as well.

“We have a very large smoker here and we’re smoking all of our own meat,” Samson said.

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, along with a play area for the kids. It’s screened from the roadway, which minimizes road noise and creates a nice, family-friendly vibe.

Samson said they have a lasagna on the menu that is very similar to the recipe used at their other restaurants, and that their pizzas and sandwiches are popular as well.

“The sandwiches that we do are served on our own bread we make here, called milk bread,” Samson said. “All of our sandwiches are great. And we’ve been selling a ton of pizzas as well.”

UNWIND: Ghost Note Brewing

Thelma and Kenny Coleman have always loved the Hill Country area, so when they were looking for a spot for their brewery, they chose the location between Dripping Springs and Wimberley as the perfect place to offer their craft beers to the community.

“Since our venue isn’t visible from RR12, first-time visitors are usually surprised to make the turn into our property and see the spacious, comfortable grounds that surround our taproom,” said Thelma Coleman. “It’s rustic, but incredibly comfortable and a relaxing place to hang out and spend time with family and friends.”

Coleman likened craft beer to ice cream, in that there are so many styles and flavors to suit all tastes.

“Our head brewer, Tyrell Elliott, does a great job of brewing many different beers that appeal to most drinkers,” Coleman said. “Our excellent staff is trained to help the guests find their perfect pour. I personally enjoy the funky, wood-aged beers and the sours.”

They also frequently have bands that play the venue.

“We love live music and we have really awesome musicians and bands that play here most every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - these shows are free to our guests,” Coleman said. “We have a food truck on site, we are kid and leashed-pet friendly, and you’ll never regret a moment of time spent here relaxing and enjoying the day with loved ones.”

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.