Here’s A Destination Shaped By Texas History & Global Soul

Photography courtesy of Camp Lucy and Cynthia Smoot

Only thirty minutes from Austin, in the charming town of Dripping Springs, lies Camp Lucy, a 282-acre resort that blends Texas Hill Country charm with global inspiration. Founded by Kim and Whit Hanks, Camp Lucy reflects the couple’s adventurous spirit and Whit’s dedication to preserving his family’s land. Lovingly named in honor of Whit’s mother, Camp Lucy has evolved into a full-scale resort complete with on-property activities, a unique fine-dining restaurant inside a historic Vietnamese town hall, and luxury accommodations, according to our inveterate traveler, Cynthia Smoot.

A Resort For Every Kind Of Traveler

At Camp Lucy, guests can tailor their experience to match their mood. Adventure seekers might spend the day feeding resident alpacas, practicing archery or hatchet throwing, or fishing along the property’s serene waters. Wine enthusiasts can explore the on-site four-acre vineyard with guided tastings, while food lovers can indulge in olive oil samplings or private chef experiences.

For those craving stillness, yoga and meditation sessions offer a mindful pause, or guests can simply lounge by the pool with a signature cocktail in hand. Beyond the resort, Dripping Springs serves as a gateway to Texas Hill Country’s wineries, breweries, and natural wonders, making Camp Lucy the perfect base for exploration.

Tillie’s: A Culinary Destination

No stay at Camp Lucy is complete without a meal at Tillie’s, the resort’s acclaimed fine-dining restaurant housed in a reimagined 19th-century Vietnamese town hall. Named for Hanks’ great-grandmother, Attila “Tillie” Hancock, the restaurant is as much about storytelling as it is about flavor. The restaurant showcases chef-driven dishes that marry international techniques with the bounty of Texas Hill Country, using primarily seasonal and locally sourced ingredients prepared fresh in one of six on-site kitchens.

The result is a menu that feels both refined and inviting, with offerings that shift throughout the day. Standout plates include charred grapefruit and burrata with chili crunch and fried mint, as well as cumin-crusted cauliflower with butternut sage purée and confit fennel. Other timeless classics include a bone-in New York strip with chimichurri.

Global Treasures In Texas Hill Country

Whit and his wife, Kim are avid travelers, and their journeys are woven into the very fabric of Camp Lucy. Antique pieces and artifacts sourced from around the world adorn the property’s 41 artistically detailed rooms, suites, and cottages. Many of the spaces themselves are architectural marvels, restored temples and churches from Vietnam that were carefully transported to Texas and reassembled piece by piece, using an intricate system of grooves and locks reminiscent of childhood “Lincoln logs.” The result is a resort that feels at once worldly and rooted, where history meets modern hospitality.

The Heart Of Camp Lucy

Perhaps the most charming detail is Camp Lucy’s signature “heart” logo. While sourcing antiques in Vietnam, Whit discovered hand-crafted clay tiles imprinted with a heart-shaped design. The motif resonated deeply, inspiring the brand’s emblem. Today, the heart can be found throughout the resort, on clay exterior tiles, in subtle architectural details, and even on merchandise, making it a whimsical treasure hunt for guests.

Looking Ahead: Folklore Spa

Later this year, Camp Lucy will unveil Folklore Spa, a wellness and social spa experience designed to elevate relaxation. Guests can enjoy cocktails at a new heated pool and expansive deck overlooking the Hill Country, complete with a bar, covered dining area, outdoor showers, co-ed sauna, drench buckets, hot tub, and private cabanas. Custom ergonomic wooden seating will line the walls, creating a serene, temperature-controlled sanctuary that invites guests to linger.

Plan Your Stay:

📍 Camp Lucy | 3509 Creek Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
🔗 https://www.camplucy.com/
🍽️ Tillie’s reservations at OpenTable
📷 Follow on Instagram: @CampLucyOnCreek Facebook: /CampLucy