Market Days at Lions Field has over 470 booths of things you can't live without. Visit first Saturday, April through September. Saturday and Sunday, October through December. More information available at www.shopmarketdays.com.

Shopping

 

There is an intangible quality Wimberley possesses that is singular...unique. It casts an enchanting spell using the simplistic elements of crystal-clear spring-fed streams and rivers, nestled in a Tuscan terrain. The water soothes. Her surrounding hills comfort with a serenity that every soul longs to experience.

Wimberley offers rest from the modern-day pressures of our urban lifestyles. The town’s easy-going collection of quaint, eclectic shops are centered in a historic district featuring a distinctive architecture which naturally lends itself to a slow, leisurely stroll that appeals to even the most discriminating shopper.

Shopping in Wimberley is a genuine adventure. Each store offers something distinctive. 
 

Market Days

Perhaps the most diverse shopping experience found in Wimberley is Market Days, an open-air flea market held the first Saturday of every month from March through September, which is expanded to add Sunday between October and December, just in time for the holiday season.

More than 400 vendors come from all corners of the State of Texas to show their wares. Many one-of-a-kind offerings from woodworking to leather goods, clothing to home décor and all points in between are waiting to be discovered. Many of these singular items can be purchased at bargain-basement prices.

Market Days includes live music from some of the region’s most gifted musicians, and also features a variety of eat-and-go treats throughout its shaded, winding paths. Sponsored by the Wimberley Lions Club, you can find Market Days approximately a mile west of the town on FM 2325 (Blanco Hwy). The proceeds benefit many local non-profit causes and admission is free.
 

The Old Mill Store

The Old Mill Store is a Wimberley institution offering an assorted array of merchandise from hand-carved furniture and fine rugs to rare sculpture and hand-dipped ice cream cones. It is located right on the square and all harkens back to an easier time, when the world was less complicated.

Learn more by calling 512-847-3068.
 

Kiss the Cook

Foodies will fall in love with Kiss the Cook. It is filled to the brim with a large selection of kitchen gadgets and useful cooking implements — many of which cannot be found elsewhere.

Operated with loving care, Kiss the Cook is the ideal place to find that indispensable gizmo you’ve searched the world over to complete your culinary paraphernalia. You will leave Kiss the Cook feeling as if you have all the right equipment to compete with even the most skillful of Iron Chefs.

Drop by right behind the Square or get the skinny by calling them at 512-847-1553.
 

The Cedar Chest

If you are in the market for clothing, let the Cedar Chest enrapture your imagination with its stylish clothing collection, or whisk you away with its elegant accessories, including the finest Brighton has to offer.

You will be surprised by the array of offerings at the Cedar Chest — from collectible Lampe Berger lamps to premium denim designer jeans, the Cedar Chest will heighten all your senses. Learn more by calling 512-847-1100.
 

Rainstar Ranch

RainStar Ranch stands ready to clothe you in exclusive women’s western wear. This store is centered on the philosophy that women can be gorgeous, successful, romantic and Western—all at the same time.

Their mission is direct—to provide timeless, unique, elegant western wear to the strong, independent woman. Find out what RainStar Ranch is all about. Give them a call at 512-847-6846.
 

River House

A gold star stop is River House, located in the heart of the Wimberley Square. Stunning pottery, tasteful dinnerware, imported furniture, original art, and sumptuous candies are complimented with the shop’s dedication to customer service.

The River House searches the world over for the finest merchandise to offer its patrons. Discover the wonders of River House. Call River House at 512-847-7009. But the fun doesn’t stop there.
 

Brocante Boutique

Let your imagination run wild in Brocante — a posh Parisian style boutique that concentrates on the sultry feminine luxuries. If you are visiting Wimberley, we strongly suggest visiting this stylish boutique. Within seconds of entering Brocante, the shopper is instantly transported into the world of the chic and romantic. This shop is the ultimate celebration of femininity. The owner doesn’t allow emerging trends to pass unnoticed by her keen sense of style. She carefully selects only the most engaging fashions from designers around the world.

The Brocante Boutique is ideal for those in search of the right romantic gift. Call 512-847-8577 and see why this is just one of the shops that make the Wimberley experience unique. 
 

Schwalfenberg's Goldsmith Studio

Wimberley also has a genuine old world artisan making hand-made, one of a kind jewelry gems at Jorge Schwalfenberg’s Goldsmith Studio. A second-generation Master Goldsmith, Schwalfenberg pursued a traditional five-and-a-half year apprenticeship under the tutelage of his father while growing up in Germany.

Schwalfenberg remains dedicated to the highest-quality work, using fine metals and precious stones. Call 512-847-8051 or 512-934-4971 for details.
 

The Wild West Store

 They call her “The Boot Whisperer,” and one wouldn’t expect to find a woman of German-decent as arguably the foremost authority on cowboy boots in the Southwest, but Wimberley is a place where the unexpected is typical. 

Welcome to this wonderful shop, just off the Square on the right side of Ranch Road 12.

Hundreds of the finest, gently used boots line the wall of the shop, and folks from literally all over the nation frequent here when looking for the perfect western well accoutrements. The owner can tell you the size of your shoe with one look.

Don’t let the notion of “gently-used” get in your way — these boots meet only the highest standards. Some are quite affordable, and then there are those “rare” finds, handmade, one-of-a-kind works of art that cannot be found anywhere else. Many feature the finest-quality materials, rare leathers, and alternate materials. Be prepared to be amazed and completely charmed.

The Wild West Store is open Thursday-Monday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 512-847-1219.

 

Broken Arrow Rock Shop

Broken Arrow Rock Shop has been hailed as “the best little rock shop in Texas,” and who are we to disagree? Under new owner Tami Corbett and Terri Edwards, the store is thriving in its new location on RR 12 just south of the Wimberley Square. From Angel Wing Calcite to Amethyst, the Broken Arrow features a range of stones forged in the furnace of time. Onyx, Marble and Clear Quartz are among many specimens that await eager rock hounds. For the archeologically-minded, the shop has an array of difficult to find fossils — remnant traces of organisms from a past geologic age, including skeletons and leaf imprints embedded and preserved in the earth’s crust.

 

Broken Arrow also has original, one-of-a-kind jewelry by several local artists.

 

This is a must stop for families with children. Kids love the store and it is easy to see why. Broken Arrow has inexpensive bins of polished rocks of every persuasion that are sure to fire young imaginations. Learn more at 512-847-2282.

The Central Texas Bonsai Exhibit and Jade Gardens Nursery

Arguably the most unique destination in Wimberley, the Central Texas Bonsai Exhibit and Jade Gardens Nursery is Chuck Ware’s testament to balance in all things. Ware, a lifelong educator, has fashioned an array of unique, artistic experiences unlike any other Bonsai to be found.

 

“I’m working with native tree species,” Ware says, noting that his work is uniquely American. But he embraces the holistic philosophy of the Bonsai. Open most days from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., the exhibit is free to the public. There are also trees for sale, as well as a gift shop on site. If the exhibit is closed, the public can call.

 

Ware is typically on-site, and if so, it is your good fortune. A retired public school educator, he is the consummate teacher. That frame of mind is evident in his creations of art that feature native varieties like Pixie Bougainvillea, Buttonwood, Bald Cypress and Texas Ebony. He can make even make the Mesquite tree interesting, as it leans toward the viewer with its branches stretched in symbolic embrace. He is quick to remind that tress grow from the “top up,” that it is a living organism. Ware’s work speaks of philosophy, rooted in the natural world.

 

In the spring, the miniature blooming Crepe Myrtles are not to be missed. If you are in Wimberley, the Bonsai exhibit is a must-see. It is located on Ranch Road 12 just south on the outskirts of town toward San Marcos . A state road sign marks the entrance. They can be reached at 512-847-2514.

 

Old Oaks Ranch

Old Oaks Ranch is a “must see” when visiting Wimberley. This unique locale, featuring a herd of 15 alpacas (sheared annually on site) specializes in rare yarns, artisan wears, books and classes for those interested in weaving, knitting and spinning by hand. The fiber arts center offers an array of yarns and materials. Some are made using wool from its onsite herd. Visitors will often encounter locals gathered around a table in the front room drinking tea and knitting their wares. Handlooms are located in an adjacent room for the weavers.

In addition to the live stock, fiber arts and expert weaving, spinning and knitting classes, Old Oaks also features a first class sculpture garden that is not to be missed. The garden features astonishing quality from various artists, and is found on a delightful path that weaves in and out of interesting floral displays. The centerpiece of the sculpture garden is a grotto-inspired Japanese-styled goldfish pond, complete with waterfall.

Old Oaks is the home of John Harcourt and his wife Sue Ellen Stavrand. John had a heart for sculpture and Sue Ellen had a passion for artisan-inspired weaving.

It is a creative brew that is certain to inspire artists from all genres. Old Oaks always has a schedule packed with upcoming events, retreats and classes. Ranch manager Tracy Annis is considered one of the foremost experts in the humane treatment of alpacas, a shy, beautiful animal that originated in the mountains of Peru. Alpacas are gentle, inquisitive, intelligent and observant. Old Oaks Ranch is located just 5 miles north of Wimberley, 1 mile off Route 12 on Old Oaks Ranch Road (601 Old Oaks Ranch Road, Wimberley) and can be reached at 512-847-8784.

 

UP THE ROAD....Chic + Green Interiors & BeBe’s Gift Shop

Up the road in the tiny hamlet of Driftwood, a few miles away from Wimberley on F.M. 150, is a wonderful destination for those seeking the perfect living room ensemble, or even a gift to satisfy a friend or family member that appreciates a discriminating gift selection. Chic + Green Interiors is an eclectic collection of eco-friendly furnishings, fabrics, art and more - a splendid assortment of offerings with an eye toward a comfortable lifestyle.

In a word, Chic + Green embodies “taste.” It’s a mother and son business, yet both Christopher and Beth Beach bring a unique array of talents to the table. In addition to the remarkable assortment of home décor furnishings and accessories available onsite, this gifted duo offers individualized consultations, and can special order to each client’s taste.

Amazingly, Chic + Green is worth the drive in part due to the remarkable destination that is the building itself, located next to the historic Driftwood Methodist Church. The hand-hewn stone building was once the local Masonic Hall, built in the mid-1920s, when the town was scattered with working ranches and hard-scrabble farmers. While rustic, the structure brings a grace and elegance to its simplistic roots. It can’t be seen from the road but no sooner than one turns into the driveway the stone building jets out of the rocky soil with majesty that is certain to speak to one’s soul. The grounds are well manicured with interesting landscape designs.

Inside, Chic + Green will immediately captivate the senses with its plush couches, comfortable chairs and fascinating accoutrements. As you wind your way through the structure, the variety is eye-catching, complete with hand woven fabrics that are made with tender-loving care. Most fabrics here do not contain chemical dyes. Their natural silk should be seen (and touched) to be truly appreciated. Everything about the place speaks of the philosophy to “live graciously.”

Adjoining Chic + Green Interiors is BeBe’s, a cool little gift shop with tasteful, yet affordable jewelry. The graphite writing objects designed to look like quills, the handmade bath soaps, the scented candles- they all embody the good life that forms the spirit of  Chic + Green.

Chic + Green Interiors is located at 15110 F.M. 150 in Driftwood. This is a delightful up the road sojourn from Wimberley that is not to be missed. Call 512-858-1102.