Longtime Wimberley resident Beth Mitchell first fell in love with the area as a camper at Rocky River Ranch in the 1960s. After spending 10 summers here, she eventually returned with her husband and made Wimberley home full time in 1998.
Over the years, Beth has become a familiar face around town. She spent 16 years as co-owner of Hill Country Wine Shoppe on the Wimberley Square, has traveled to all 50 states and 99 countries, and today continues sharing her love of wine and the Hill Country through her work with Bluebonnet Concierge.
I first met Beth at a Women of Wimberley meetup and was immediately drawn to how welcoming she was. She has a way of making people feel included, and from the beginning, she was genuinely helpful and eager to connect me with people and resources in the community. It didn’t take long to see why she has built so many lasting friendships here.
And when Beth talks about Wimberley, what stands out most is her love for the people, the community and the place she still considers her sanctuary.
Wimberley is more than its beautiful creeks, scenic hills and familiar landmarks. What truly gives the town its character are the people who call it home. The people who preserve its stories, contribute to the community and continue the traditions that make the Wimberley Valley feel so special.
Through our “5 Questions With…” series, we’re introducing Wimberley Buzz readers to some of our local residents, business owners, artists, musicians, volunteers and community leaders who help make Wimberley the special community that it is.
5 Questions with Beth Mitchell
What brought you to Wimberley, and how long have you called it home?
I first came to Wimberley in the 1960s as a camper at Rocky River Ranch. I spent 10 summers here, with my last year in 1973 as a camp counselor.
We moved here full time in 1998. My husband had also spent summers here in his youth at his aunt and uncle’s river cabin.
What do you love most about living in Wimberley?
I love our residents and the way we come together in good times and bad. I love the lack of pretension, the diversity of backgrounds and the many activities and opportunities to participate in community events.
And, of course, the natural beauty that surrounds us. We are blessed to live on the Blanco. I find a peace and serenity there that is rare. Our backyard is my sanctuary.
What is one of your favorite Wimberley memories?
One memory that really captures what I love about this community is the day after the flood. There was so much heartbreak and devastation around us, but believe it or not, we also felt so much love.
Hot food was delivered to our door. Literally dozens of friends and strangers stopped in trying to help, and there were so many offers to assist with our needs and the cleanup. It was such a bittersweet time.
I also have so many good memories of the 16 years owning the wine shop with my BFF Jill. There was never a dull moment! There were several marriage proposals, lots of sweet moments, and lifelong friendships made along the way.
What’s your favorite way to spend a day in Wimberley?
I love meeting up with family and friends to enjoy our great restaurants and taste wine. One of my dear friends is part of a group that has a set happy hour schedule for every weekday, so I try to work in at least one visit with them each week.
I’ll stroll around the Square and stop in to visit friends and talk with people I meet along the way.
I also spend a little time every day dreaming about my next trip. This blessed travelphile has spent time in all 50 states and 99 countries. Hopefully I’ll live to see 100!
I have to admit that I’m slowing down, but I never quit dreaming of a new destination in my future.
In your off-time, what do you enjoy doing?
I really enjoy being a part of Bluebonnet Concierge and providing driving services, especially personalized wine tours to Fredericksburg.
After so many years in the wine business, I still love getting to share that experience with people and helping them enjoy everything the Hill Country has to offer.
Editor’s note
Beth’s story spans more than six decades of Wimberley memories, from summers at Rocky River Ranch to raising a family here, building a business on the Square and experiencing firsthand the extraordinary way this community responds when its neighbors need help.
Her answers also capture something we love about this series: there is no single way to experience a life in Wimberley. Sometimes it looks like quiet mornings overlooking the Blanco. Sometimes it’s a glass of wine with friends, a conversation on the Square or a community showing up at your door after a flood.
And sometimes it means dreaming about country No. 100 while still being very happy to come home to Wimberley.
We appreciate Beth taking the time to share a little of her story with us.
About “5 Questions With…”
Through this series, Wimberley Buzz will introduce you to local residents, business owners, artists, musicians, volunteers, community leaders and other interesting people who help make Wimberley such a special place.
Do you know someone that we should interview?
