Search Results for: "state park"

Live Music at Zilker, Camping for Adults, Best Fish and Chips and More

May 24, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

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Live Music at Zilker Park with Blues on the Green

Annual Blues on the Green concert at Zilker Park

Click the Play button on the podcast player above to listen to this week’s episode of the Austinot Podcast or find us on iTunes.

After another short sabbatical (we’ll get back into our weekly routine – promise!), the Austinot Podcast is back.

The fabulous Austin-related questions that have continued to come in via Facebook and Twitter are much appreciated. Keep ‘em coming!

Here are the questions we’re answering today: [Read more...]

Filed Under: Austinot Podcast, Podcasts, Recent Posts ·

What’s All the Fuss About the Austin Music Awards?

March 25, 2013 by · Leave a Comment
Bill Carter and the Blame with Gary Clark Jr. at Austin Music Awards

Bill Carter and the Blame performs with Gary Clark Jr. at Austin Music Awards 2013

It may happen only one night a year, but the reverberations last all year long. In a city where music is everything, there isn’t a local band within earshot that wouldn’t love to see their name in lights at the Austin Music Awards.

The 31st annual Austin Music Awards took place at the height of SXSW 2013 at Austin Music Hall. Much-loved Austin musicians like Ben Kweller, Alejandro Escovedo, Brownout, and Gary Clark Jr. graced the stage, and there were even rumored sightings of Johnny Depp.

There are similarities between the Austin Music Awards and awards shows like the Grammys or the Country Music Awards that you might see on television. But if you’re going to give up a night in Austin during one of the most exciting times of the year – and shell out a little bit of cash in the process – I want to make sure you know what you’re in for. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Entertainment, Events, Music ·

Lorenzo de Zavala Building Houses 40,000 Cubic Feet of State Archives

March 5, 2013 by · 2 Comments
Lorenzo de Zavala State Library and Archives Building

Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building in Austin: Traditional home of the Travis letter

Through this Thursday, William Travis’ 1836 “victory or death” letter is on display at the Alamo in San Antonio. Returned for the first time to the site where it was penned, the Travis letter is protected by a $20,000 display case, black curtains and temporary AC units.

But these measures aren’t enough to protect a relic that holds this much historical significance. So not far from the letter, during every minute of public display, representatives from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission in Austin are taking turns keeping watch. Just in case.

I met two of these archivists-turned-guards recently, during a visit to the Lorenzo de Zavala State Library and Archives Building near the Capitol Building. It’s safe to say that guard duty wasn’t part of the job description when John Anderson and Laura Saegert became archivists for the State of Texas over three decades ago. Although they’re filling an unusual role now, I believe their motivation has remained constant throughout their notable careers. John, Laura and their team members are dedicated to preserving Texas history and expanding public knowledge of the treasures they preserve. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Culture, History ·

How to Have a Perfect Day in Kerrville, TX

February 28, 2013 by · 12 Comments

Earl Garrett St. in the city center of KerrvilleSituated two hours southwest of Austin, Kerrville, TX was placed toward the bottom of our day trip list because of its distance away. But after visiting Wimberley, Gruene, multiple state parks and so many Hill Country gems closer to us, we still kept hearing good things about Kerrville.

We woke up on a recent Saturday morning and spontaneously decided that our Kerrville day had arrived! I’ll jump to the end of the story and tell you that we had an amazing day and can’t wait to visit again. In hopes that you can have as stellar of a day trip as we did, here is my guide to having a perfect day in Kerrville, TX. [Read more...]

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Make Plans for Summer Days at the Austin Boat and Travel Trailer Show

January 18, 2013 by · 2 Comments

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Boating on Lake Austin

If Lake Austin is calling your name…

Click on the Play button on the podcast player above to listen to this week’s episode of the Austinot Podcast.

January is the perfect time to dream about warmer days by the water. Or, better yet, on the water. This weekend at the Austin Convention Center, the Austin Boat and Travel Trailer Show has corralled practically everything you need for outdoor fun in Central Texas. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Austinot Podcast, Podcasts ·

Immerse Yourself in Simpler Times at LBJ State Park

January 9, 2013 by · 1 Comment
LBJ State Park Visitor Center

LBJ State Park Visitor Center

While I love city life, there’s something to be said for green space and the simplicity of nature.

Just yesterday we wrote about Laguna Gloria, an outdoor paradise in the middle of Austin.

If you drive a bit further to Stonewall, TX – a little more than an hour west of Austin – you’ll find the beautiful Lyndon B. Johnson State Park. It’s a hundred percent worth the drive. No matter how old you are or who you visit with, there’s a piece of the park for you to enjoy! [Read more...]

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Top 5 Things to Do in Austin to Brighten Your New Year

December 31, 2012 by · Leave a Comment

Downtown Austin, TX PedicabHow long have you lived in Austin? I’d bet money that it’s less than two years. Maybe even less than a year.

Now, it could be that the odds are in my favor. People who have lived in Austin for more than two years are seasoned Austinites. They don’t need to read blogs to find things to do in Austin.

Or it could be that my initial hunch is right. True blooded, native born Austinites have all dissolved into thin air, displaced by the pressure of so many transplants. (Though I did live here as a young kid, and I did go to UT, I’m a transplant too. But that’s beside the point.) [Read more...]

Filed Under: Activities, Discoveries ·

5 Best Holiday Events at Texas State Parks Near Austin

December 14, 2012 by · Leave a Comment

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Inks Lake State Park

Enjoy the Jingle Bell Jaunt at beautiful Inks Lake State Park

Click the Play button on the podcast player above to listen to this week’s episode of the Austinot Podcast.

In Texas, we’re blessed to have a wealth of natural beauty, historical perspective and leisure-time entertainment contained within the boundaries of our Texas State Parks. Fortunately for us, our state parks aren’t taking a break for the holiday season! In fact, Texas State Parks all over Texas have special events and activities planned for this special time of year. [Read more...]

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Support Bastrop State Park Tomorrow After Last Year’s Devastating Fire

August 31, 2012 by · Leave a Comment

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Volunteer Firefighters fighting 2011 fires in Texas

Volunteer firefighters gathered from across the country to fight the Bastrop fires of 2011

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Back in April, we reported that Bastrop State Park had reopened most of its acreage after the devastating fire of September 2011.

Because the fire destroyed over 96%  of the park, the road to recovery has been long. But no one has given up on Bastrop State Park. There’s an exciting event tomorrow to celebrate the recovery. Park visitors will be able to learn all about what it has taken to protect the park, and why it’s worth saving!  [Read more...]

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McKinney Falls State Park: The Other Austin Swimming Hole

July 27, 2012 by · 1 Comment

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Prehistoric rock structures at McKinney Falls State Park

Historic rock structures at McKinney Falls State Park

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We’ve been on a state park kick lately. And for good reason. Texas state parks are beautiful and no two are alike. They also provide something Austinites crave in the middle of summer: water.

This past week, we finally made our first trip out to McKinney Falls State Park. I don’t know why it took us so long to go, considering that it was all of 25 minutes from where we live in North-Central Austin. [Read more...]

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3 Reasons Blanco State Park Should Be on Your Austin Summer To-Do List

June 19, 2012 by · 5 Comments

Summer is here in Austin and we’re already starting to feel the heat. For those of you new to the area, it’s only going to get hotter. But there’s good news. Early summer in Austin is one of the best times of the year to break out the picnic basket and get your outdoor time in.

At the Austinot, we love state parks. The parks within a day’s drive of Austin are some of the best in the entire country. Each state park is unique, and every time we write an article we share tips on what to bring, what not to bring and what to expect. Click here to check out related articles on state parks.

One of the parks we visited recently was Blanco State Park. Whether you’re looking for camping, swimming, hiking, [Read more...]

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Favorite Texas State Parks Near Austin – Austinot Podcast, Ep. 13

June 8, 2012 by · 8 Comments

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Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Enchanted Rock

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Texas State Parks provide a little bit of everything for everyone. Whether you enjoy tent camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, grilling out, horseback riding or relaxing beneath the shade of your RV, there is a Texas State Park for you.

In today’s Austinot Podcast episode, we barely scratch the surface with four of our Texas State Park picks. We know there are so many more amazing locations across the state, and we’d love to hear about your favorite. For now, here are ours: [Read more...]

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Celebrate Eeyore’s Birthday in the Austinot Podcast, Ep. #8

April 27, 2012 by · Leave a Comment

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Eeyores Birthday PartyIt’s time to celebrate Eeyore’s Birthday Party! This annual event at Pease Park is in its 49th year and getting bigger and better with age.

Throw on a costume for the costume contest, bring your canine friends, and get the kids ready for sack races and face painting. Non-profit vendors will provide food and drink.

These are only a few of the exciting things you’ll experience at Eeyore’s Birthday.

This year, park for FREE at the [Read more...]

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Bastrop State Park Reopens After Fire

April 10, 2012 by · 4 Comments

The fire around Bastrop State Park in September 2011 left many families and individuals homeless and confused. In the wake of so much desolation and grief, good news becomes twice as nice to hear.

Bastrop State Park will reopen most of its acreage on Friday the 13th. This is great news for nature lovers like myself. Though large sections of the park remain charred and desolate, officials are planning to open the majority of the park for you to enjoy. Hurry before the summer camping rush hits! The newly-opened areas include:

  • Copperas Creek camping area: This area was off-limits due to extreme fire damage. Nobody knew how dangerous sleeping there could be. By now, all the stong men with saws have trimmed the campground to a safe level. Time has passed, so you will see green life growing from the ashes. Spring time will be perfect for seeing the renaissance of Bastrop State Park. [Read more...]
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Reenacting the Battle of Goliad, Texas and Goliad Massacre

April 3, 2012 by · 3 Comments

Wounded Mexican Soldier in Goliad, TXThere are few Texans who don’t enjoy rubbing in the fact that Texas was once its own country. It’s one of the things that the rest of the country hates about us.

But many people, especially in my generation, don’t consider or even know about the decisive battles in the Texas War for Independence that led to victory over Mexico.

Growing up, I was lucky to have two younger brothers who were Boy Scouts. Because of them, I got to tag along on many camping trips and educational adventures. One such adventure was to Goliad, TX for the annual reenactment of the 1836 Goliad Massacre and the battles of Goliad leading up to the Massacre. Goliad was an important location during the Texas War for Independence. Though the events there were tragic for Texas and its allies, they compounded with the fall of the Alamo to galvanize Texas forces to continue the fight for freedom. [Read more...]

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