Bee Cave

In the past 25 years or so, Bee Cave in Texas has quickly developed from a small rural town into a suburb of the city of Austin. It lies some twelve miles west of Austin, in Central Hill Country. It was the early settlers who gave this place its name, after they found a large cave of wild bees nearby.

In the mid-1880s, Bee Cave was home to no more than 20 people but already had a store, a church, a school and a cotton gin. Up until the 1980s the population was never much larger than some 50 inhabitants, but things changed rapidly after that. There were 656 people at the turn of the century and today, almost 4000 have found a home in this town. Now, it's a full-fledged suburb with parks, schools and businesses all around.

Getting in by road is fairly straightforward, as the town lies at the intersection of State Highway 71 and Farm roads 620 and 2244.

• Hill Country Galleria. A large shopping mall, attracting visitors from the wider region. It has over 70 stores, including many of the large national chain stores but also smaller boutique shops. It markets itself as a lifestyle center, combining natural beauty with eclectic shopping, dining and other activities. 

• Baguette et Chocolat, 12101 Bee Cave Rd. This French bakery gets raving reviews and is a good place for a cheap breakfast or lunch. It also has excellent pastry. 
• Buenos Aires Cafe, 13500 Galleria Cir, Ste 120. This Argentinean restaurant in the shopping mall is the go-to place in town for a good steak. 
• 🌍 Mandola's Italian Kitchen, 12815 Shops Pkwy #400 (Gallaria), ☏ +1 512-600-8500. Referred to by some as the best Italian food in Austin. Everything on the menu is affordable and delicious. Try the bruschetta alla checca, the trenette al pesto, or any pizza. They also have fabulous coffee, dessert, and gelato selections. From 3-6PM on weekdays they have a great happy hour.