Meet a Liberty Hill Business: Thirsty Mule Winery and Vineyard

Did you know you can buy wine made locally in Liberty Hill, Texas? You’ll want to head to Thirsty Mule Winery and Vineyard (101 Co. Rd. 257 Liberty Hill, Texas 78642), just eight minutes from Northgate Ranch! They produce wines made from Texas and California grapes. You’ll find every kind of wine from light to bold, whites to reds, and soft to powerful. All the wine is made onsite.

Located inside a hillside, the original owner of the property dug in the hillside and poured a concrete structure. That’s how the tasting bar and kitchen are located four-feet underground. The winery is on eight acres with a creek flowing across.

One Yelp reviewer calls this place a “true gem.” The customer appreciated the warm welcome and relished the wood-fired pizza. And he highly recommends the cabernet.

The winery is open for tastings. Indoor and outdoor seating are available. You can also order from the pizza kitchen with more than pizza on the menu. In fact, they’re currently serving foot-long corn dogs. Perfect for what’s typically state fair season. Besides wine, you can order mimosas and sangria on Sundays.

Thirsty Mule is open Wednesday through Sunday. Hours vary, so check the website. No reservations are required.

You can tour the winery online through photos. Of course, nothing beats the experience of going to a winery in person. If you happen to head to Georgetown for a little respite, they have a location there.

Their wines have won multiple awards at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo International Wine Competition and the Lone Star International Wine Competition. Be sure to check out the list before you visit. You’ll want to try the award-winning wines. And check the Thirsty Mule’s Facebook page for the latest.

Connect with our Northgate Ranch team on Facebook and Instagram or browse new homes in Liberty Hill or custom sites.

Life in Liberty Hill: Parker’s Corner Market

A delightful thing about living in Liberty Hill, Texas, are the mom and pop shops that you won’t find anywhere else. And one of those is Parker’s Corner Market. The market has been in Liberty Hill for almost 20 years at 1017 Loop 332, Liberty Hill, TX 78642, located right in the heart of the charming, small downtown historic district.

However, the location of the grocery store has been in the neighborhood for more than 100 years! How cool is that?

You’ll find a variety of products that you’d expect from a contemporary grocery store with the ease of a convenience store at reasonable prices. You can do more than shop for groceries. They have freshly prepared foods such as burgers, grilled ribeye sandwiches, and fresh-baked cookies and homemade salsa. Be sure to check out their popular Parker’s Salsa.

The store carries a selection of wines and regional beer from local brewers. For those who love their burgers and steaks, you can count on finding 100 percent pure meat. Butchering isn’t a trade, it’s an art form at Parker’s Corner Market. It can mean all the difference between a legendary experience and a basic meal.

The meat department also stocks fresh chicken and pork. It also carries the best in deli food with its Boar’s Head specialty meats and cheeses. Tell them how much you want and how you want it sliced, and they’ll take care of you.

“Honestly, this deli/corner store is a sweet little slice of Texas,” says a customer.

We couldn’t agree more.

Let us know if you try the salsa, burgers, or steaks. Tell us what you think by connecting with our Northgate Ranch team on Facebook and Instagram or browse new homes in Liberty Hill or custom sites.

What’s Near Liberty Hill?

Liberty Hill is a quaint town on the North San Gabriel River that’s just 35 miles north of downtown Austin, Texas. Like the river, life here in the Texas Hill Country is easygoing. Surrounding Liberty Hill are rolling hills, spring-fed rivers and lakes, and plenty of picturesque scenes.

The nice thing about living in Liberty Hill is that it puts you close to big-city places while providing you with the quiet country living that you relish plus wonderful businesses and restaurants in Liberty Hill.

Big City Resources Near Liberty Hill

Austin is one of the most popular destinations for those living in Liberty Hill. It makes a great spot for a weekend getaway or you can make it a day or half-day trip to take advantage of all that Austin has to offer. Next time you plan an airplane trip, you won’t have to go far to fly. Austin’s international airport is 40 minutes away.

Fifty miles from Liberty Hill gets you to Temple and its Lion Junction Family Water Park, railroad museum, Czech heritage museum, and wineries.

Are you a fan of “Fixer Upper” with Chip and Joanna Gaines? You won’t want to miss the Magnolia Market at the Silos in Waco. It’s fewer than 90 minutes away, a perfect day trip. Of course, Waco is where you’ll find Baylor Bears sports teams. It’s also home to the Dr. Pepper Museum, Texas Sports Hall of Fame, and Texas Ranger (law enforcement, not the baseball team) Hall of Fame and Museum.

Want to explore Texas’s past and visit the Alamo? San Antonio, Sea World, and its River Walk are roughly an hour and a half away. Big fan of Texas A&M? College Station and its Aggies are also about 90 minutes from Liberty Hill. Both make great day trips.

In the mood to go a little further and explore a big city? If you’re into the beach, Houston and neighboring Galveston are under 200 miles away. Houston has the distinction of being the largest city in Texas in both size and population.

Another option is Big D and the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex that’s about a three-hour drive. That’s where you can catch the Texas Rangers baseball team, Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Stars, and Dallas Mavericks. If sports aren’t your thing, there are many fantastic museums and amusement parks to entertain you.

Smaller Towns Near Liberty Hill Worth Exploring

Only 15 to 20 miles from Liberty Hill are Cedar Park and Georgetown. Georgetown is filled with historical sites and quaint bed and breakfasts. Those living in the Northgate Ranch community can get to 1890 Shopping Center, Super Target, HEB, and Home Depot within 15 minutes.

The home of the Oatmeal Festival is about 10 minutes away in Bertram. You can check out the Historic Steam Train and Historic Globe Theater. Are you an adventurous person who would love to zipline across Lake Travis? Head to Leander for the longest zipline in Texas. Or hop on the Capital Metro Train or take a historic journey aboard the Austin and Texas Central Railroad. You’ll find Dripping Springs and its many wineries and breweries a little over 50 miles from Liberty Hill.

Not in Liberty Hill but would love to live here and be close to these great cities? Explore homes in Northgate Ranch that puts you near lots of fun things to do outdoors in Liberty Hill. This community features a variety of one- and two-story home plans as well as homesites for building a custom home. To learn more, connect with our Northgate Ranch team on Facebook and Instagram.

Shop the Market at Indian Mound Ranch in Liberty Hill

One of the most enjoyable things about living in small town Liberty Hill is the Market at Indian Mound Ranch located at 12805 TX Hwy 29. Residents in Liberty Hill’s Northgate Ranch community can pop-on over easily to take advantage of shopping local and supporting local businesses.

The entry point to the Indian Mound Ranch is off Hwy 29 in Liberty Hill, located on the south side of the highway. It’s east of the Intermediate and Junior High schools. It’s a Texas tradition and your opportunity to shop local. Here’s everything you need to know about the Market.

The Farmer’s Market in Liberty Hill

The Market at Indian Mound Ranch hosts a community of farmers, artisanal food craftsmen, and local vendors every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm (weather permitting). You can shop for produce, eggs, specialty meats, honey products, baked goods, arts and crafts, clothing and accessories, handmade décor, and much more.

Here’s a sampling of the Market vendors you can meet at the market:

Jackass Honey Farms: You can find fresh honey products at their booth. This company works to remove and relocate honey bee swarms to their farm in Liberty Hill. It’s the booth to learn about honey bees and their hives.

Salvation Salumi: This new kid on the Market block sells locally curated handmade small-batch dry-cured salumi. It’s the Italian term for making cured and dried sausages.

Blessing Ranch Designs: Visit this booth for hand-stamped jewelry that uplift and motivate people’s souls.

The Food Trucks at the Market

For times you want something different to eat, come by the Market to pick up a meal by the visiting food trucks. To see the next event, check the TruckStop at Indian Mound Ranch Facebook page. When you stop by the food trucks at the Market, you might see a few market vendors on-site too. Some of the food truck vendors include the following:

  • Ze Wurst: Ze wurst is ze best. Popular items include “lekka” currywurst, gluten-free schnitzel with fries, a classic brat on a roll, and other German food by someone who comes from Germany.
  • Waffle Love ATX: All waffles, all the time. Try the award-winning Dulce.
  • Country Creamery: Blue Bell Ice Cream. #NuffSaid
  • Bohemian Barbecue: The founders wanted to spend more time in the community, so they created Boho BBQ that uses recipes from the Bohemian pitmasters on the Texas Gulf Coast and Central Texas.

Don’t know about y’all, but we’re sure hungry now!

Indian Mound Ranch also plans to hold a vintage market on September 19, 2020. You’ll be able to scope out vintage goods, antiques, and the things you find at a flea market. Watch their Facebook page for updates.

Connect with our Northgate Ranch team on Facebook and Instagram or browse new homes in Liberty Hill or custom sites.

Fun Things to Do Outdoors in Liberty Hill

Fun Things to Do Outdoors in Liberty Hill

Located 35 miles north of downtown Austin in the Texas Hill Country, Liberty Hill offers country living and a robust community. Once a rural ranching area, this town in Williamson Country maintains a connection to its historic past. Open-air lovers will appreciate Liberty Hill’s location as it puts them near endless outdoor pursuits.

Liberty Hill Parks

You’d be surprised how many parks this small town has. Here are the parks to check out.

Veterans Memorial Park
1013 Loop 332

Newly renovated, Veterans Memorial Park is in the heart of downtown Liberty Hill. It pays tribute to those who served. The Kneeling Soldier, a 7-foot sculpture, welcomes visitors at the entrance. The park features five monument stones that surround a five-point star with the American flag in the middle. The names of veterans from Liberty Hill appear on the stones.

Surrounding the park is a wrought iron fence containing the military emblem of the service branches. The cool thing is that residents can buy bricks in the park to honor veterans.

Wetzel Park
Intersection of Loop 332 & CR 279

Named after the town’s first mayor and respected community leader, Wetzel Park has a brand new Splash Pad. It will have bike racks, water stations, a playground, and restrooms. Walk around the park and you’ll notice crepe myrtles. The community planted these in memory of long-time citizen Wendell McLeod.

City Park Pool

The community swimming pool isn’t open yet, but it should be open within a year. Keep an eye out on City Park Pool news.

Lions Foundation Park
355 Loop 332

And now for the mother of all parks, Lions Foundation Park has a pavilion with picnic areas, a soccer-football practice field, a 0.8-mile walking track, two ball fields, a volleyball court, and an onsite library. This private park is maintained by many volunteers, the Liberty Hill Youth League, and the Liberty Hill Garden Club.

What makes this park special are the sculptures. In 1976, 25 renowned sculptors came to Liberty Hill from six countries. They lived in the community for two months and created 26 works of art. Most of the International Sculpture Park art is in the Lions Foundation Park. The rest are on the adjacent Liberty Hill Intermediate School’s property.

Outdoor Activities

If you’re seeking watersports, fishing, or cycling, you have plenty of options. Large lakes, wooded areas, and wildlife habitats are nearby. Lake Buchanan is a popular stop for boating, fishing, and camping. The second largest of the Highland Lakes in Central Texas, the lake is 30 miles long at its widest point. It has RV parks, cabins for rent, and lake rental houses as well as a few cafes.

Also, a little over 30 minutes from Liberty Hill is Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System manages refuges all around the U.S. The country set aside these lands to conserve wildlife, fish, and plants.

Bird watchers will want to search for the golden-cheeked warbler and the black-capped vireo. The refuge plays a critical role in preserving these songbirds’ home. Accessible restrooms are available in the headquarters, Doeskin Ranch, and Warbler Vista. Visit the refuge’s website for directions and information.

Connect with our Northgate Ranch team on Facebook and Instagram or browse new homes in Liberty Hill or custom sites.

Why You Want Larger Lot in Liberty Hill

One of the benefits of the new normal is that many companies plan to allow remote working on a permanent basis. Because of this, many people are rethinking what kind of home they want. This is especially true for apartment and condominium renters looking to trade in their smaller square-footage units for roomy abodes, or even families needing a larger space to grow with at-home activities.

The Benefits of a Larger Home

Remote work experts advise designating a separate space as an office. It’s more effective when the space has four walls and a door. This helps separate work and home. When the family sees someone in the office, they know the person is working. As soon as remote workers step out of the office for the evening, the family knows they’re in personal life mode.

In the search for a new home, people will start to think about possibly having one or two office spaces. That’s why it’s beneficial to search for a new home on a large homesite with plenty of living space. As people spend more time at home, they’ll want to allocate space for different things.

Since many gyms have closed, people are converting a flex-space room to a gym. Movie fans would rather turn the room into a theater with a large screen and lounge seating. Sports fanatics find a bonus room is the ultimate space for watching the big game.

The owner’s suite offers a place of respite. A bigger homesite makes it possible to build a luxurious bedroom, with plenty of room for rest and relaxation. Larger primary suites offer room for sitting areas, deluxe luxury bathrooms, and a sizeable closet where it’s possible to store year-round clothes. No more toggling winter and summer clothes between the attic or other closets.

Some people prefer to exercise in the privacy of their own bedroom. A generous-sized owner’s suite has enough room for workout equipment. Imagine the possibilities. The wonderful thing about more square footage in the primary bedroom is the ability to utilize the space with personal touches, to create the bedroom you love.

Convenience is key in today’s fast-paced world. A simple walk outdoors and fresh air is essential, especially when confined to remotely working from home. What better place to do that with a large one-acre homesite, roomy enough for a pool and spacious back patio overlooking Texas Hill Country?  Find it all here at Northgate Ranch in Liberty Hill, Texas.

About Liberty Hill, Texas

Northgate Ranch is a community in Liberty Hill. Located on the North San Gabriel River, life there is laid-back just like the river. Surrounding Liberty Hill are the Texas Hill Country’s legendary rolling hills, picturesque settings, and spring-fed rivers and lakes.

Craving adventure and the sights, sounds, and tastes of Austin? Liberty Hill is a short drive away. At Northgate Ranch, you get the best of both worlds: Country living with big-city resources nearby. When you’re ready to fly, Austin’s international airport is just a 40-minute drive. The local area is filled with wineries, breweries, and shopping.

It takes less than 20 minutes to reach the modern conveniences in neighboring Georgetown and Cedar Park. Within 15 minutes from Northgate Ranch there is a Super Target, Whole Foods 360, HEB, Home Depot, and the 1890 Shopping Center in Cedar Park.

Fans of the great outdoors have limitless options with the lakes, river, wooded areas, and wildlife. You’ll want to check out Lake Georgetown and Brushy Creek with almost 7 miles worth of trails. You’re not far from Longhorn State Cavern Park and Inks Lake. They make for memorable weekend get-aways or day-trips.

Build your dream home on a sizeable custom lot in Northgate Ranch.  The community features a diversity of one- and two-story luxury home plans to choose from. Or you can request a custom home built that fits your family and lifestyle.

Connect with our Northgate Ranch team on Facebook and Instagram.

Liberty Hill: A Place for Year-Round Easy Living

Liberty Hill: A Place for Year-Round Easy Living

Rather than wait for the summertime when the livin’ is easy, you can enjoy easy living year-round in Liberty Hill, Texas. At Northgate Ranch, you’ll have scenic views that can’t be beaten. And it is in close proximity to the San Gabriel River.

Residents can take advantage of all that the Liberty Porch Community Pavilion, which is coming soon, has to offer. Most unique are the turquoise tables under the shady oak trees. The inspiration for the blue-green tables comes from the Turquoise Table by Austin native Kristin Schell. The movement encourages putting tables in front yards to welcome new and existing neighbors to the community with friendly gatherings and conversation.

What’s Near Liberty Hill?

While Liberty Hill offers a laid-back small-town lifestyle, plenty of possibilities are nearby. In just 40 minutes, you can enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of Austin. The international airport in Austin will take you wherever you want to go.

Follow the San Gabriel River from Northgate Ranch for about 20 miles and you’ll land in Georgetown. It’s a popular spot for weekend getaways. Or drive 15 minutes to Leander for its adventures. There, you can ride on the Cedar Rock Railroad, visit Waterloo Adventures, and discover Sandy Creek Park.

Liberty Hill puts you close to many of the unique small towns. You can make a day trip or a weekend of visiting places like Burnet, Pflugerville, and Salado.

What’s Available in Liberty Hill?

All the Liberty Hill businesses you want are right by Northgate Ranch. Less than 5 minutes away are a dollar, home décor, and furniture stores; ranches; markets; restaurants, and the top-ranking Liberty Hill ISD schools.

The town has plenty of outdoor activities to keep everyone occupied for hours. With wooded areas close by, nature watchers have plenty of wildlife habitats to see. Outdoor pursuits include fishing, watersports, cycling, and hiking. Come explore the Northgate Ranch community.

Connect with our Northgate Ranch team on Facebook and Instagram or browse new homes in Liberty Hill or custom sites.

Custom Homesites in Liberty Hill

Custom Homesites in Liberty Hill

With recent events, more companies are planning to make remote working permanent. The advantage of this is having a spacious workspace from your home to enjoy the ease of working remote. you can live anywhere. Maybe you’re ready for a change. Maybe you are ready to begin searching for your dream home, or a place with fresh air, stillness, country living, but not too far away from the City of Austin? That’s what awaits you on the acre homesites at Northgate Ranch in Liberty Hill.

The community offers new homes available, from a line-up of award-winning homebuilders like Drees Custom Homes, Hill Country Artisan Homes, and Giddens Homes; However, can accommodate a custom home on the homesite of your choosing.

The community contains many lots available for purchasing and building a custom home. This ‘Build on Your Lot’ option offers flexibility in building a home outside of current builder floor-plan selections.  Come home to a community where children play outside until sundown and neighbors gather at block parties. Come home to a custom-built home, just for you.

About Liberty Hill, Texas

Located on the North San Gabriel River, life in Northgate Ranch is like the river: laid-back and flowing. Outdoor enthusiasts have endless options with exploring the nearby river, large lakes, wooded areas, and wildlife habitat all around. There’s fishing, cycling, hiking, and watersports available.

Liberty Hill is surrounded by the Texas Hill Country’s famous rolling hills, picturesque settings, and flowering landscape. There is no shortage of wineries, breweries, inns, and shopping. Anytime you yearn for Austin’s sounds, tastes, and entertainment, the city is a short drive away.

In less than 20 minutes, you can take advantage of the modern conveniences in neighboring Cedar Park and Georgetown. HEB, Super Target, Home Depot and the 1890 Shopping Center in Cedar Park are all just 12 minutes from Liberty Hill. When you want to travel, Austin Bergstrom Airport is only 40 minutes away.

Outdoor lovers have plenty to explore outside their homes. Two popular spots are Lake Georgetown and Brushy Creek with almost 7 miles worth of trails waiting to be experienced. A little bit further and half-day excursions await at Longhorn State Cavern Park and Inks Lake. Northgate Ranch’s location is at the center of it all.

Life in Northgate Ranch

Northgate Ranch is a master-planned community in Liberty Hill filled with greenery and wildflowers. It’s a place for families where kids can ride their bikes and play ball. Everyone connects in this community. With some of the darkest skies in Texas, you will love being steps away from spotting shooting stars and seeing the Milky Way.

You can build the quintessential family home on a one-acre custom lot in this charming community. With a variety one- and two-story luxury home plans to choose from, built by acclaimed home builders, you can find the home that is unique to your family and lifestyle.

The community’s Liberty Porch pavilion provides neighbors with a central gathering place. Neighbors will find turquoise tables under the shady oak trees to connect, share stories of the day, or watch the kiddos play. What’s so special about blue-green tables, you ask? The inspiration comes from The Turquoise Table: Finding Community and Connection in Your Own Front Yard by Austin-native Kristin Schell.

Schell wanted to slow down and connect with members of her community. So, she painted an ordinary picnic table turquoise and put it in her front yard. She invited friends and neighbors to join her. It completely changed her community in a good way. And that’s the kind of place you’ll find at Northgate Ranch. Be prepared to fall in love with the friendly vibe of this small town when you visit Northgate Ranch.

Stay safe and connect with our Northgate Ranch team on Facebook and Instagram. Check out the custom homesites available by viewing the website https://northgateranch.com/custom-homesites/  and virtually browsing new homes in Liberty Hill.

Support Liberty Hill Restaurants and Businesses

SUPPORT LIBERTY HILL RESTAURANTS AND BUSINESSES​

The pandemic has turned lives and businesses upside down. Fortunately, you can help Liberty Hills’ small businesses. Many of the restaurants offer curbside pickup, free delivery, or both. And some Liberty Hills businesses are still open. Prepare to be hungry and ready to shop!

Dahlia Cafe

Craving American diner food? Dahlia Café (2450 RR 1869, Liberty Hill, TX 78642) offers curbside service. You can also buy gift cards for later use or treat someone to a meal. Check their website for the menu and give them a call.

Malted Grains

Serving up New American and southern food, Malted Grains Facebook page provides daily updates. You can order family-style meals and pick it up from there. People may go inside to choose items from their market. The employees at Malted Grains (1004 Loop 332, Liberty Hill, Texas 78642) are making sure that no more than 10 people enter.

Jardin Corona

This Mexican restaurant is a Liberty Hill favorite that’s been around long before the pandemic. Jardin Corona (15395 W State Highway 29, Liberty Hill, Texas 78642) offers both takeout and delivery. Craving a margarita or martini? They’re available! Updates are posted on the Jardin Corona Facebook page.

Smokey Mo’s Bar-B-Q

Get your BBQ fix with Smokey Mo’s Bar-B-Q (717 US-183, Liberty Hill, TX 78642). They accept online orders for in-store pickup. The restaurant is giving back to the community with Mo’Nation Donation. You can sponsor a meal (any amount welcome) for those on the frontlines of COVID-19.

Major’s Burger Company

Have a major craving for burgers? Major’s Burger Company (14011 W State Highway 29, Liberty Hill, Texas) has you covered with their burgers, chicken tenders, onion rings, and fries. Drive-through and curbside pickup are available.

Pep and Punch

Need creative gifts and fun apparel? Pep and Punch is open for business. They can send you photos or chat with you on FaceTime. You can either pick up your items from the shop’s porch or they will deliver. See photos of items for sale on the Pep and Punch Facebook page.

Perky Beans Coffee

Craving good coffee? Perky Beans coffee has a contactless process. You can order and pay online and then pick up your order. They also serve acai bowls, toast, bagels, and hot sandwiches.

Benny Boyd Liberty Hill

Been wanting to get a newer vehicle? Benny Boyd Liberty Hill can help. They limit the number of staff to maintain social distance. You can request they deliver the vehicle to you. Explore their inventory on their website and apply for pre-approval.

Excalibur Plumbing

No matter what’s happening in the world, things still break. Hopefully, that doesn’t happen to you. But if it does, Excalibur Plumbing will come to the rescue. They offer a variety of plumbing services and water heaters.

Didn’t find what you need? Check out the Liberty Hill Chamber list of businesses.

 

Stay safe and connect with our Northgate Ranch team on Facebook and Instagram. For an overview of the community, see the Northgate Ranch video. You can virtually browse new homes in Liberty Hill