February Local Spots
Celebrate Love, Friendship, and Community
Whether you’re planning a romantic Valentine’s date, a fun Galentine’s outing, or simply want to celebrate the people you love, Hays County has everything you need — from cozy restaurants to unique boutiques and local experiences that make this season extra special.
Here are our favorite places to shop, dine, drink, and celebrate around town:
Shopping:
Hays County Outfitters - San Marcos and Buda - Whether you are shopping for your man, wife, or friend, this place offers the best high end outdoorsy fashion and gear.
Mercantile Mill & Grain - Buda - Whether you are looking for kitchen gadgets, recipe books, jewelry, a candle, whiskey glasses, a cute onsie, or an outfit, Mercantile has you covered.
Ellipsis - Buda - From jewelry, shoes, perfume, hats, and the trendiest clothes, you can defintely find something for the women in your life.
Saint Montegrens - Buda - A must for flowers, plants, incense, or crystals for this day and month of celebrating love and community.
Southern Sky - Buda - Custom Hats, jewelry, outerwear, and my favorite to go jewelry box and bandana!
Buda’s Red Door - How do we have so many cute boutiques in Buda?! Main St. is your one stop shop for all things wining, dining, and shopping. And can you say Sweet Grace scents?
Siren Beauty & Wellness - Just past the RR tracks in Buda - Maybe you want to get a gift certificate for a treatment at this amazing wellness haven. But you can also find some of my favorite candles and jewelry.
Two P’s & Calli’s - San Marcos - Again, from home decor to fashion and jewelry to the best home scents, you can shop for the lady in your life and then head right next door to Hays County Outfitters.
Dining:
Water2Wine - Buda - Ladies Living Out Loud meets here monthly, not just for the great wine and charcuterie board, but the staff, service, and vibe are the best.
Mudbugs - Buda - It’s where we had our family dinner after our wedding. It will always hold a special place in my heart. So will the Soulful Seafood Jam.
Taste on Main - Buda - Oysters, pasta, yummy lobster mac n cheese, mocktails, cocktails, and a great outdoor people watching area.
Root Cellar Cafe - San Marcos - Cozy and serving home cooked comfort food with a hygge vibe.
Palmers - San Marcos - We like to go at late happy hour time and sit in the cozy bar which feels like it could have been a pub where English professors grab a pint - or a Mexican Martini if you’re my husband.
Trattoria Lisina - Driftwood - Authentic Italian dishes…and gelato. And then take a left when you leave to do a tasting or grab a bottle of wine to drink on the lawn of Duchman Winery.
Drinks:
All of the above, plus you have plenty of local wineries and breweries you can check out from Dripping Springs, to Wimberley, to Driftwood, Buda, and San Marcos. So many also have local live music. Take a game and spend the day celebrating friendship and community.
Celebrate:
✨ Make reservations early.
Many restaurants and experiences book up fast around Valentine’s weekend.
✨ Add a personal touch.
Handwritten notes, small gifts from a local boutique, or an intentional playlist (I was a sucker for a mixed tape back in the day) can make even simple outings feel special.
✨ Celebrate all kinds of love.
Whether it’s with your partner, your best friend, or yourself - make space for connection and joy.
✨ Support local businesses.
Choosing local shops and eateries not only makes your experience special - it strengthens our community.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Hays County is full of heart — and February is the perfect time to explore it. Whether you’re sharing a meal, finding a thoughtful gift, sipping local wine, or simply spending time with the people you love, there’s a place and a moment here for you.
Mark your calendars!
The Ladies Living Out Loud Event is always the THIRD Tuesday of every month!
Tuesday, February 17th
Water2 Wine in Buda
6-8pm
As we head into a new season of growth and blooming, we will gather to share how we self-care - the unsexy way.
Beyond the facial and massage (those are important too!) how do we create space, boundaries, time management, financial security, safety, healthy relationships, and coming home to ourselves daily.
The January 3rd Breathwork and Soundbath Event has been CANCELLED.
But. You can STILL Start the NEW YEAR right with a New Year Nervous System Reset with Breathwork and Soundbath and heal and restore your mind, body, and spirit
SAVE THE DATE!
Saturday, February 21st
5:30pm-7pm
Willowgardens Yoga Studio in Buda
Stay tuned for information on securing a spot!
Once posted, you can register @ www.willowgardensyoga.com