picture of a truck with the shape of texas on it, pholisha's food truck

Pho-llow the big red truck

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A Cajun-Asian food truck. Am I in heaven?

If you are looking for a trendy food truck serving up scratch kitchen fusion food, do not be fooled into thinking you have to travel across the river into the overcrowded city of Austin. While you are in Wimberley find Pho-Lisha’s iconic red truck (the Phomobile) for food you simply won’t find anywhere else.

Raised in Louisiana, Alisha Spencer, was raised on bayou food. As a free spirit she spent her early 20’s backpacking Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. Cooking has always been her passion, and when she moved to Wimberley she decided to blend her two favorite styles of food and bring happiness to all the people of the valley.

Alisha has an infectious smile and will always greet you with sincere joy. It is obvious that her and her staff truly enjoy what they do. There is always great music coming from inside the phomobile and it is always adorned with funky art that blends her two motifs seamlessly.

Serving a d’jour menu it is wise to check her instagram if you have a craving to see what she has cooking for the day. She also announces her location on social media in case she is not in her usual spot.

Pholisha is famous for her signature dish: The Pho-Rito. Pronounced “Fuh-Rito” this dish is an Asian-inspired burrito with Vietnamese ingredients such as chicken, herbs, sprouts and rice noodles. It is served with a side of spiced bone broth for dipping. This is always cooked to order and well worth a drive into beautiful Wimberley, Texas.

What I learned through blogging

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During the last five weeks of blogging, I have learned a lot. First of all thank you to Nicole Hengst for showing me how to edit my text the “classic” way. My experience over the last year using the block editor has been great, but I much prefer the old fashioned way of doing things.

I enjoyed seeing the analytics for my Twitter promotions that were linked to my blog. I started a new account recently, and although I do not have a lot of followers for the account I seemed to reach quite a few more people than I thought I would.

I enjoyed interviewing local business owners for research, I think I would like to add video content to improve the user experience of my site.

This experience has helped me navigate WordPress, and I know that I will use everything I have learned in the future. I am an electronic media major and stepping into this world has helped me gain the courage I need to promote my own content.

I am especially interested in the ins and outs of how SEO works and this project has really helped me get a grasp on simple ways to implement best practices.

I have recently started my own business and I am excited to start working on my own website to increase its reach.

It appears that I still have some work to do as far as reach, but now that I have the tools I feel I can improve. My most popular day for traffic was July, 22, 2019. My most popular post was the one I did over Verde Tacos. I had a lot of photos with captions so that may have helped with that particular post. The most surprising thing to me was that I had so many views on Twitter that I would not have known about if I did not use the analytics tool.

Wimberley Boutique Scene

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If you have ever been to Wimberley, than you have likely walked the town square. Known for its quaint small-town vibe, and its quirky little shops, Wimberley is a great place to spend an afternoon shopping for rare and funky treasures. From artisanal soap shops to vintage clothing, you can find a little bit of everything in the heart of this little town.

One of my absolute favorite shops is Gold Dust Boutique. Everything about this place is magic! Danielle Masterud creates and curates a collection of whimsical art, jewelry and home decor that really capture the essence of the town.

Anytime I am looking for a gift for somebody special to me, I make my way into her shop. Danielle makes many of the items in her shop from home. Every piece that she creates is unique and of exceptional quality. I run down to the square as soon as I see her post a picture of something that I like. I know many of her items will not be on her shelves long. I have kicked myself for not jumping on a set of earrings. Her work is so personal that you are not likely to find another just like the one she has.

Gold Dust is famous for its crystal candles, essential oils and sage sticks that are beautifully hand crafted and leave a calming aroma in the air of the shop.

carved skulls, Texas magic

smudge sticks with crystals and healing herbs

Crystal infused candles

Danielle had a mural of Stevie Nicks commissioned for the side of her shop, and it truly sets the tone for what you will encounter through the doors of the store. The powerful energy in the place coupled with Danielle’s infectious smile will keep you coming back for magical trinkets all year long.

Wimbo-Wino

Central Texas, Hill Country, Texas, Visit Wimberley

As a member of the wine community in Central Texas, I have a lot of opinions.

When it comes to my backyard, I have a big place in my heart for the viticulture pioneers who have put the Texas Hill Country on the map. Although most of the grapes from Texas are grown in the High Plains (think Lubbock), the winemaking magic happens in the heart of the state.

Texas wineries attract nearly 1.7 million tourists each year. Texas holds the record for the second-largest American Viticulture Area (AVA) and the second most visited wine regions in the United States.

Where the magic happens

It makes sense that Wimberley visitors will likely want to find a winery in this acclaimed region. With many options, Wimberley tourists will be happy to find that they do not have to travel far to enjoy signature Texas wines. For me, I have many favorites, but when it comes to locality and relaxation, Wimberley Valley Winery is a wonderful option.

A grey building with a large tree beside it that is shading a woman sitting on a deck surrounded by a water fountain and patio furniture

Relax on one of the many outdoor patio areas scattered throughout the property

Owner and winemaker, Dean Valentine, started distributing his Texas wine in 1983. In 1983 Hayes county was still dry-they were not allowed to sell alcohol on-premise. When legislation opened up, so did the tasting room to this local go-to venue.

Take home a signature glass

While some wineries in Texas are rivaling California for ‘best-in-show’, Wimberley Valley Winery is catering to the local flare that makes the little town so unique. With seasonal favorites such as wine slushies served during triple-digit heat indexes, and mulled wine for holiday nostalgia this place is proud to cater to a crowd who know how to have a little fun.

Blue Champagne on a ledge sitting against a green tree background a and blue sky

Don’t knock it ’till you try it

During my last visit, I asked for a dry sparkling wine. I received a blue drink with bubbles. I was skeptical at first, but it proved to be delicious and refreshing.

Grab a cheese basket to go with the wine

The tasting room has been constructed with limestone found on the property. Valentine has his hands in the wine and in the framework of every fixture that adorns the property.

A yellow room, a large leather couch in front of a fireplace, a wall of merchandise and light shining from glass doors in the entry way

Relax inside the tasting room

yellow room, exposed beams, a brown couch, and counters with wine behind them

Step on up to the counter and do a tasting

Bri – a woman who is a vibrant face of the tasting room- is one of the many friendly faces that greets locals and travelers alike. She says that she “loves working in the Wimberley community,” and that her “office view is better than most.”

A woman with brown hair and a purple shirt stands behind a counter with a bottle of wine in hand. A green and orange mural wiht swirls stands behind her along with empty wine glasses

Bri is usually behind the counter with a smile.

Beyond the friendly staff, the property is home to many friendly animals faces as well. A donkey named Coco Chanel, a goat named Phillip, and four mini horses, are happy to take leave from their bovine companions for a little hay from visitors who would like to feed them.

A brown and white bull stares into the camera in front of several other cows, donkeys and green trees

I always stop by and see what the animals are doing on the property. I think I interrupted this guy’s lunch.

Within the next year, the property will unveil an onsite brewery. In collaboration with Middleton Brewing, Valentine will have something even more spectacular to bring to the community.

A blue and white sign in front of construction beams that says Future Home OF LONE MAN MOUNTAIN BREWING CO. BREWMASTER DENNIS MIDDLETON CONST. DICK HENTGES

Construction has begun for the onsite brewery!

When I walk out onto the patio of this winery, I typically hear a classic Billie Holliday song floating on the breeze, and below the shade of the Cypress trees. I enjoy this space while I play a game of quintessential Texas cornhole or Jenga with my friends.

Block Jenga is a Texas must at any outdoor venue.

If you are in Wimberley and you want to visit a winery, don’t let this one fly under your radar. There is something for everyone, and you don’t have to travel far to enjoy a bit of the Texas wine scene.

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A Flowered three-pronged fork on a purple background next to white wording that says Verde At Cypress Falls

Taco Tube Day

Hill Country, Texas, Visit Wimberley, Watering Hole

The Wimberley Valley has largely been carved by the Blanco river which gives way to many creeks that flow throughout the town. Limestone banks decorated with Cypress trees make the waterways a great place to cool down on a hot summer day. While many will flock to Blue Hole and Jacobs Well- both beautiful and worth checking out-, savvy locals can be found at Cypress Falls.

A cypress tree in a creek with a wall of waterfall in the background

The far end of the falls

While the serene waterway is the perfect place to spend a day swimming, the tacos by Verde are what keep us coming back week after week. When my friends and I want to get together for a quick dinner, a group text goes out, and it isn’t long before someone suggests Verde at Cypress Falls. I am always willing to second the notion.

Stuffed blue penguin sitting in front of a water way with people in tubes and stand up paddle boards

My signature floating partner ‘Big Macaroni Joe’ Photo by: Leah Lanphear

Owners Aaron and Mellissa Nance are a local couple that has brought so much joy to Wimberley. Aaron began his restaurant career at Cypress Creek Café. He worked his way up through the business, and he was running the kitchen in 2011 when it burned down. After the iconic café was lost to the community, Aaron decided to fill a small part of the void by starting his own restaurant business.

A man standing in water with holding a fly-fishing pole with green trees in the background and a blue sky above with large puffy white clouds

There are plenty of peaceful spots that you can slip away to where the fish are not disturbed.

Triforks Food Truck, nestled outside The Tavern – pretty much the only real bar in Wimberley- quickly became a local hit. Aaron used the training he received at Culinary Institute America and Cordon Bleu, to create an eclectic array of scratch menu items.

When the Tavern decided to take over the property on the falls, the Nances were able to transition from a food truck business to a waterside brick and mortar. As local food legends, they were the obvious choice. Verde on the falls was born.

An open faced corn tortilla taco with fish, purple cabbage, cilantro, onion and corn. A lime wedge on the side.

Fishy Business – Rotating fish, pickled red cabbage, black bean corn salsa chipotle aioli and cilantro. Being from So-Cal it is hard to impress me with a fish taco, but they have done it.

Because they are serving up fresh, local and made from scratch food, tacos are the perfect food to balance high quality with the speed necessary to serve a larger crowd. Mellissa handles the front of house details including design and logistical decision making. Aaron-mostly- handles the kitchen.

Aaron Nance

The couple lives in Wimberley with their three daughters. Aaron says he would like to eventually transition into French fine dining but does not see himself leaving this town.

I asked Aaron what he loved about Wimberley the most.

He said, “I taught my oldest daughter to swim at Jacobs Well, the memories that I have made here are so special, this is our home.”

As a new member of the Wimberley Valley community, I can relate to Aaron’s sentiment. My daughter is learning to swim and the time that we have spent at the falls is impressed in my mind and heart. I will cherish these memories forever.

My daughter and her friends from our neighborhood playing in The Falls at Cypress Creek.

In the heat of the summer I find myself wanting to spend every weekend eating Verde tacos with my daughter; floating from shore to shore on the calm, cool water.

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A building with a mural of a large hand coming out of the sky touching the earth that says Wimberley, a little bit of heaven

Texas Hill Country Lovers Unite

Central Texas, Hill Country, Texas, Visit Wimberley

A woodent sign next to a miniature model water mill that says "Al little bit of Heaven, Welcome To Wimberley"

Welcome sign. A beautiful photo by: TexasHillCountry.com

For those that live in other parts of Texas, the Hill Country is considered a beautiful place to escape, but for those of us who call it home, it is a little bit of Heaven.

We consider ourselves to be the heart, and the breathing illustration of Texas beauty. I wanted to write about Wimberley, Texas specifically because it is a small drop in the large pond-or river- that runs through the central part of the lone star state.

With such a vast area and grand reputation, I wanted to narrow my scope so people could find things to do that are off of the beaten path. The Hill Country is so amazing that it seems I could never run out of things to say.

Wimberley: A Little Bit Of Heaven Photo by: Samir Ahmad

One website and blog that I draw a lot of inspiration from is Texas Hill Country.

With stunning images and captivating content, the people who make this site have fully captured the spirit of Central Texas. The publication is well organized; allowing you to search for a specific city you would like to visit, or find interesting stories from the region. Would you like to know what kind of critter you are seeing at your camp site? They likely have what you need. If you are looking for local recipes, lifestyle insights or local news they have it all – and more.

A black salamander with yellow spots in green grass

A piece written about the Texas Spotted Salamander. Photo by: Thomas Reed

The writers have taken their time to give detailed maps to each of their places of interest. The true spirit of what makes this part of the world so amazing is captured in every detail on the site. I truly appreciated their detailed dedicated page for Wimberley.

I am inspired to dive into Wimberley the way that they have with our entire region. I am hopeful that my voice will convey the kind of love that they have shown for our region in my own work. I am more excited than ever to hit the back roads of Wimberley to bring it’s magic to you the way the people at Texas Hill Country have done for the larger region.

Locals Hang with Shady Llamas

Central Texas, Hill Country, Texas, Travel Blog, Visit Wimberley

If you are looking for one of the best sunsets in the Hill Country, get out of the square and into the community. One place you will find Wimberley locals of all ages unwinding in the evenings is a little beer garden called The Shady llama. True to the lone star spirit, the bar offers a rotation of 100 percent Texas beer and wine. There is a unique wooden playscape for kids and it is extremely dog-friendly.

The people behind the bar will always greet you with a smile and answer any questions you have without hesitation.

I sat down with Lamar Sellers who co-owns the bar with his wife Karalisa.

A white male with a brown beard, brown hair, and a tan hat. He is wearing an orange shirt and blue shorts. He is sitting in a chair at a bar and smiling toward the camera.

Lamar Sellers waiting for another fun evening to begin. Photo by: Leah Lanphear

The Sellers are both from the Houston area. After attending the University of Texas at Austin, they both knew that they wanted to end up in Central Texas. Lamar was practicing as a lawyer and Karalisa was in the insurance business. The couple knew that they wanted to start a business together, and a beer garden was at the top of both of their lists.

When the Sellers found the property that is now the home of The Shady Llama, it was being sold by ranchers who raised–you guessed it– llamas. Three of the llamas stayed with the entrepreneur couple on the property, and they have become the mascots of the local watering hole. The Sellers have since adopted 2 more llamas and 2 friendly donkeys that visitors are welcome to feed vegetables to.

A white and a brown llamma eat hay out of a trough surrounded by trees.

2 of the 5 llamas that roam the property. Photo by: Leah Lanpehear

Set on top of a picturesque hill, the bar overlooks 35 acres of land. The family of animals is welcome to roam the property as they please. The llamas: Dolly, Sadie, Anna, Odin, and Barley are happy to show their faces for a bushel of cabbage. Not to be forgotten, the donkeys named Galina and Elsie, win over the children’s hearts with their big sweet eyes.

colorful chairs overlook an unlit firepit and a tree covered hill in the daytime

The fire pit seats are prime real estate on cooler nights. Photo by: Leah Lanphear

The Shady Llama opened in 2018. This scenic spot has quickly become a town favorite. With hammocks hanging between the trees, and a rotation of local food trucks, this beer garden lends itself perfectly to the Wimberley aesthetic. A slight breeze can always be found on top of the hill along with locals waiting for the Texas sun to set.

Little girl and mother lounge in a colorful hammock underneath cypress trees

My daughter and I relaxing in the shade. Photo by: Samir Ahmad

WELCOME to Wimberley Wanderlust

Central Texas, Hill Country, Texas, Travel Blog, Uncategorized, Visit Wimberley

A pink and orange sunrise coming up through the trees.

This is the view from my back porch. I watch the sun rise from the trees every morning. Photo by: Leah Lanphear

Wimberley, Texas is a Quirky, and stunning little town located in the Hill Country of Texas. Famous throughout the Lone Star State as a perfect vacation getaway, Wimberley attracts tourists from far and wide. With a population of roughly 3,000 people this little town’s visitors center brings in 25,000 people each year. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway by the water, a day of shopping or a family hiking trip this Central Texas town has something for you.

A wood carving of a woman with her hand on her face near a river. Tagged at Cypress Creek Nature Trail.

These Carvings can be found lining Cypress Creek. All done by local artists. Photo by: Leah Lanphear

My daughter and I moved to Wimberley almost 3 years ago, and we fall in love with the town more every day. Full of kind people, great food and beautiful views this town has become our happy home. I have worked at a winery in a neighboring town for several years now, and many visitors seek my advice for things to do while they stay in Wimberley. Everybody knows that when you are traveling it is best to ask a local for guidance. You can plan a trip from afar but asking a person who lives in the area will take you to places you never would have thought to look.

Local murals can be found hidden all over town. Photo by: Leah Lanphear

I am here to help. I have many cherished memories that have been made here. A day at Jacob’s Well is wonderful, but hidden creeks and tiny eateries have contributed just as much to my love of my now-home town. I would like to share with you my experiences. Wander with me. I will show you the way.

Wimberley Wanderlust

A Local's Guide

Author: Leah Starr Lanphear

Pho-llow the big red truck

A Cajun-Asian food truck. Am I in heaven?

What I learned through blogging

Wimberley Boutique Scene

Wimbo-Wino

Taco Tube Day

Texas Hill Country Lovers Unite

Locals Hang with Shady Llamas

WELCOME to Wimberley Wanderlust