Over Yonder will be tucked happily inside Oakwood Public Market, a beautiful new development in Dripping Springs, Texas.
Perched on a hilltop with views for days, Oakwood will offer a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options with plenty of room and delights for everyone. Coffee, pastries, and breakfast tacos for the early birds, burgers and shakes for family celebrations, shareable plates and cocktails for date night, hand-tossed pizzas for meetups with friends, specialty snacks and provisions for your pantry, and Over Yonder’s curated collection of goods and gifts for your home and loved ones, plus space for live music and community events for all.
When I asked Blake Rue, one of the members of the Oakwood team, why they landed on Dripping Springs for this exciting project, he said it was a natural choice.
"In many ways, Dripping Springs typifies the laid-back charm and rugged beauty that people love about Texas. Through our food, our service, the whole environment we create, we aim to reflect that charm and beauty and give our guests a truly warm, memorable Texas experience."
Dripping Springs also happens to have a very interesting history, which creates a meaningful backdrop for Oakwood. Originally home to the Tonkawa Indians, pioneering families from other Southern states "discovered" the area in the 1850s after following an old stagecoach road west from Austin into Hill Country. Captivated by its flowing streams, abundant wildlife, and beautiful views, they settled in and gave their new home a name - Dripping Springs.
The town's grown considerably since those early days but has held onto its quiet charm, pretty vistas, and welcoming nature, making it a wonderful place to live and visit - and the perfect setting for Oakwood Public Market. Eager to reflect this special setting in the Oakwood experience, the team engaged Austin's award-winning architecture firm, Chioco Design, to develop the look and feel of the space.
As Tim Petersen, the lead architect on the project, shared, "Between the colors and contours of the area's rolling hills and signature oak trees, the massive open skies, and the picturesque hilltop location, we had so much rich, natural direction to work with. We wanted to create a space that felt as warm and organic as its surroundings but also to introduce a subtle modern edge as a nod to all the exciting ways the town is evolving into the future."
But aesthetics aren’t all that matters to the Oakwood team.
“Perhaps even more important than what people see at Oakwood is how they feel when they’re here with us,” Blake explained.
Starting with the name itself, the team drew inspiration from images and memories of people gathering around big, beautiful oak trees to rest and connect in the shade of their sprawling green canopies. Then they worked closely with Chioco to translate the warm, welcoming spirit of those gatherings into the building's design and functionality. This meant lots of space and comfortable seating to accommodate guests, a smooth indoor-outdoor flow to allow for easy movement and discovery, a sweeping (pet-friendly!) porch to relax and enjoy the gorgeous views, and dedicated spots for community events, private celebrations, live music, and more.
And finally, the centerpiece of Oakwood’s offerings are its dining options. Regardless of time, occasion, or craving, you’ll find what you need at the Market. A coffee shop, an old-school soda fountain, a spot for take-out and dine-in artisanal pizzas, an indoor/outdoor bar and kitchen, and - soon - a supper club for a special dining experience.
Shoppers, too, will find lots to love at Oakwood. If you’re heading out for a wine country picnic or looking to stock your pantry with some specialty provisions, like locally sourced olive oils and cheeses, gourmet snacks, and more, the Market is your place. And, of course, you’ll find Over Yonder at Oakwood, too (in the area pictured below). We’ll have a variety of decorative items, products for your kitchen and entertaining, women’s accessories, and other unique finds, all sourced from small-scale makers and designers nearby and around the world. Pop in to find a thoughtful gift, browse while you wait for your table, or shop with friends then celebrate your new treasures with a frozen cocktail at the bar.
As a Dripping Springs resident myself, I wanted a home for Over Yonder in the community. When I discovered Oakwood, I knew I had found it. With its attention to design detail, focus on community and hospitality, and thoughtful variety of options, Over Yonder was a perfect fit.
Opening in early 2025. Visit www.exploreoakwood.com for updates and more details.