hill country escapes

Hill Country oasis makes list of best vacation rentals of 2025

An extraordinary resort-style home in the Austin-area suburb of Dripping Springs is the sole Texas property to make vacation rental company Vrbo's list of 2025 Vacation Rentals of the Year.

The fourth annual awards showcase 10 top vacation rentals in popular destinations around the country at various price points. More than 2 million U.S. properties were sorted based on their high ratings, positive guest reviews, standout amenities, and more.

This isn't the first time a Hill Country vacation rental has been featured; a breathtaking Dripping Springs riverfront hideaway was highlighted in Vrbo's 2023 list. In 2024, a modern retreat in Westlake (an Austin neighborhood) was the sole Texas property to make the cut.

Dripping Springs Social is a spacious nine-bedroom property located less than 250 miles south of Dallas, featuring panoramic views of the gorgeous Hill Country. The 6,070-square-foot primary residence can accommodate up to 20 people and includes luxurious amenities like a resort-style pool and hot tub, a grill, fire pit, three full RV hookups, a fully equipped kitchen, and much more.

Dripping Springs Social, Vrbo Vacation Rentals of the Year 2025, pool Watch the sun go down by the pool.Photo courtesy of Vrbo

The property has plenty of space for guests to stretch out by the pool, on one of the multiple balconies, or on the back patios.

"Laze your days away poolside or hang out in the beach cabanas for that extra touch of luxe," Vrbo says. "Enjoy almost 360-degree views of the wild countryside from the spacious back patio or the glorious hot tub."

The most impressive feature of the property is the dedicated entertainment barn. Guests can host movie nights or play video games using the built-in projector, play pool or shuffleboard, or play a round of poker at the convertible dining table. The barn also comes with plush seating areas, arcade games, a private kitchen and bar with a keg connection, a full-size fridge, and a separate ice maker.

The barn also contains a bedroom furnished with a queen-sized bed and XL twin bunk beds.

Dripping Springs Social, Vrbo Vacation Rentals of the Year 2025, aerial

Photo courtesy of Vrbo

The spacious property has a private pool and an entertainment barn.

Dripping Springs Social, Vrbo Vacation Rentals of the Year 2025, entertainment barn The swanky entertainment barn is the go-to spot for parties.Photo courtesy of Vrbo

The property is located less than half an hour away from popular outdoor Hill Country attractions like Pedernales Falls State Park and Hamilton Pool Preserve. Dripping Springs also boasts several breweries, wineries, and other fun vacation activities.

"Travelers love that our rentals look like designer hotels but offer all of the amenities they enjoy at home — and then some!" said property owner GuestSpaces Vacation Rentals.

The average nightly cost for the rental is $2,188, making it an ideal destination for large groups or a corporate retreat.

"The vacation rentals on this year's list reflect nearly 300 10/10 guest ratings, experienced and dedicated hosts, and stunning spaces that offer the most requested amenities on Vrbo from private pools to fully equipped entertainment rooms," said Vrbo general manager Larry Plawsky in a press release.

The full list of Vrbo's 2025 Vacation Rentals of the Year are:

No. 1 – "Domus Pacis" in Seagrove Beach, Florida
No. 2 – "Deep Water Days" in Folly Beach, South Carolina
No. 3 – "Dripping Springs Social" in Dripping Springs, Texas
No. 4 – "Scottsdale Luxury Family Estate" in Paradise Valley, Arizona
No. 5 – "Under The Tram" in Jackson, Wyoming
No. 6 – "Heaven's Crown" in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
No. 7 – "Luxury A-Frame" in Bethel, Maine
No. 8 – "Woodpecker House" in Jewett, New York
No. 9 – "Lake Michigan Beach Estate" in Saugatuck, Michigan
No. 10 – "Villa Fabulosa" in Temecula, California

vacations travel vrbo dripping springs hill country

DART News

DART receives $7 million federal grant for new low-emission buses

Gillig

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Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has received a grant to update its fleet of buses. According to a release, the agency was awarded a $7.094 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration to support the purchase of new buses as the agency phases out its fleet of older model vehicles.

The grant awarded to DART is one of 165 transit projects across the U.S. funded with more than $2 billion in federal grants.

In February, DART purchased 476 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses from Gillig, a California-based manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses, to fulfill their goal to modernize their transit system over the next decade — particularly via new buses and light-rail vehicles to replace the oldest units in their aging fleet.

The phase-in of those new vehicles is expected to be executed through 2027.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses are a near-zero emission option, which was a key component in DART qualifying for the federal grant. Gillig has already delivered the first buses ahead of a Spring 2026 timeline — meaning that DART riders will get to start riding the upgraded buses on routes by the end of December 2025.

In a statement, DART President & CEO Nadine Lee says the timing is perfect.

“The timing of this grant couldn’t be better as we begin to receive early delivery of new, state-of-the-art vehicles from Gillig and as we move ahead with preparations to provide service to the massive crowds we expect next year with the FIFA World Cup," Lee says. "We are grateful to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, FTA Administrator Marcus Molinaro, and our entire congressional delegation for valuing their strong federal partnership with DART, recognizing the need to find additional funding to support transit programs in one of the fastest growing metro areas in the nation."

This new grant is in addition to $103 million initial federal grants, bringing the total federal support for DART’s purchase of new buses to more than $110 million – reducing the overall cost to DART and member cities.

U.S. Congressional delegates, representing communities across Texas, were instrumental in securing the funding for the grant. The purchase of 476 buses is one part of DART’s Transform, a $2.5 billion 10-year plan to modernize and upgrade the DART system.

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