BLOG by the Virgin Innkeeper

A Heartwarming Reunion Story Shortly after the devastating floods that struck Hunt, TX, and other picturesque towns along the Guadalupe River on July 4th, we received an urgent call. A gentleman was in search of a new venue for his family reunion. The original venue in Hunt was no longer operational. With family members flying in from California, the East Coast, and various places in between, they needed a solution fast. Their reunion was just two weeks away! Luckily, our pro

Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Dripping Springs is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts, offering many hiking opportunities that showcase the region's natural beauty. From winding trails to serene landscapes, this charming town provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable hiking experience. Hill Country Casitas is the ultimate lodging for all your hiking adventures! Join us as we embark on a journey through the scenic trails in and around Dripping Spri

Prepare to be awed by the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024 in Dripping Springs, TX, set to last an impressive 3 minutes and 11 seconds. As the Moon gradually positions itself between the Earth and the Sun, daylight will give way to an almost surreal darkness. As this happens, onlookers will be able to witness the Sun's radiant Corona on display around the Moon's silhouette. This rare event is guaranteed to attract both seasoned stargazers (sungazers? ha!) and cu

Many people see a getaway to the Texas Hill Country as a perfect option for couples and romance or adult friends and good times. YES! They are correct. Dripping Springs is also known as Drinking Springs! Dozens of wineries, breweries and distilleries. We could write books about all those good times. But what about families with younger children? When we opened The Casitas, we did have some anxiety wondering what kids were going to do all weekend at our new property. Well, I c

After years of diligent work to help people protect birds and their habitat, Dripping Springs has been certified as an official “Bird City” by the Texas Audubon Texas and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). With only seven other designations throughout the state, this is an honor for our city and its partnering organizations! This designation is exciting news for the nearly 2.2 million Texas enthusiasts looking for their next bird watching destination. At Hill Country

Texas Music in the Hill Country - innkeepers honor their favorites!

Elopements during Covid 19 - Love Cannot Be Quarantined!

Corporate meetings can be fun in the right spot - the Texas Hill Country with views and stars and space built for relation and productivity!

WEDDING SHOWCASE AND TOURS - Sunday, January 26, 2020 It's Wedding Central here in Dripping Springs, and has been for years! So much so, that the Texas Legislature resolved to name Dripping Springs, The Wedding Capital of Texas years ago. No wonder couples come from all over the nation and the world, to get married in our picturesque town. We not only have amazing venues (more than 40!), from casual to fancy, but we are loaded with wedding experts from planning to floral to

Here's my advice: compare and consider booking directly through a hotel’s website.

I just returned from a 2 week girls’ trip to Europe. Yes, I am a lucky, and grateful, girl! While staying near my beloved Pienza (my chosen Italian hometown), we made gnocchi and enjoyed a 7 course meal at the Andreucci Winery just outside of Pienza in southern Tuscany. We were with a big group and had so much fun! The winemaker, Flavio, and his family have been making wine for more than 300 years on that particular land. His wife Laura is a gem and was a gracious host.

My husband, Ron, and I just returned from our 10th Wedding Anniversary trip to the Florida Keys. We love the Keys. I first discovered them back in March 1991. I was almost 24 years old and was on a trip with an old college buddy and his friends. I fit in there and the laid back easy way of life. Flip flops and a cold beer. It’s like the Keys are on an eternal vacation. I loved the water…on both sides of the land! And I found the Keys, its reef, its sunsets, its little towns,

FAMILY fam·i·ly (fam(ə)lē) noun a group consisting of parents and children living together in a household. all the descendants of a common ancestor. That’s all Mr. Webster? I’d like to add number 3. 3. a group of friends who choose to behave in positive, familial ways of unconditional love and support (often lifesaving) I’ve often written and spoken about our friends. They are the best. Time and time again, they choose to be there for us. My father died last week. He was

I am not a cat person. I’ve always had dogs. My husband, Ron, and I have three big dogs. My 85 year old father that lives with us often comments, after my 3 big dogs take over the entire sectional in the living room, ”everyone needs three big dogs!” Furthermore, I don’t understand people who don’t like dogs. It is beyond me. Likewise I’ve never truly understood cat people. Until now. A few weeks ago, we had a bunch of good friends at the Casitas to work on the grounds. Yes,

In 2017, we learned how to manage 10 small houses and will host almost 300 reservations before the years end. WOW! .... So, after just over

My husband, Ron, and I basically jumped off a cliff with a thin rope in the summer of 2015 when we bought 13 acres of raw land in the Texas Hill Country. We then borrowed a crap load of money and built a village, or 10 Casitas, that are now a retreat destination called Hill Country Casitas. We opened our first Casita to a paying guest (key = paying guest), on October 15, 2016. We just passed our one year anniversary of serving guests. And we are still standing. What did we d

Recently, Hill Country Casitas has become Party Central. And since we built it with a big party in mind, we could not be more thrilled. My Uncle Chuck passed away recently at the solid age of 91. He was a character, a quintessential "East Texas Land Man”. Highly opinionated with no filter…and a huge heart. He kept my brothers and me entertained all our lives with his humor, smart comments and colorful language. We simply loved him. His wife, my sweet Aunt Mary Lou, asked if

Friends ask me what my day looks like as The Virgin Innkeeper, or what I do all day. Well, I work every day, not 5 or 6 days a week, but 7.

When my husband, Ron, and I lost our minds and decided to borrow tons of money, buy land and build ten small houses that would become Hill C

We had our first celebrity stay at the Casitas! Well, actually our first celebrity guest was really the most talented and amazing singer-songwriter Drew Womack back in October. But just the other weekend, we had Hollywood. Yes siree! Now, he wasn’t Brad Pitt. He wasn’t Harry Connick, Jr – love Harry! In fact, most folks won’t recognize his name. I didn’t for sure, but that’s not saying much because I get an F in pop culture. My low grade is due in part to my advanced age, but