Wimberley Zipline Adventures: An Unforgettable Experience

May 6, 2013 by · 4 Comments
Wimberley Zipline Adventures

Brittany and me during our zip lining tour, with Hill Country in the background

In the Texas Hill Country, we’re spoiled beyond measure. Few places on earth compare to the natural beauty in our area.

Most drive through Central Texas and get the perspective from the ground. But everyone does that, right?

Why not see the majesty of the Hill Country in a way that you’ll never forget? It’s time to zip line in Wimberley, Texas!

Wimberley Zipline Adventures

I’ve had a pretty adventurous life, but soaring over the Texas Hill Country on a zip line was one of the most [Read more...]

Filed Under: Austinot Loves, Day Trips, Discoveries · Tagged:

Bandana Ball Gives Hope to Children & Their Families in Central Texas

March 27, 2013 by · 4 Comments
Brooke Hester at 2013 Bandana Ball

Brooke Hester’s spirit of joy and hope was contagious at the 2013 Bandana Ball

Twirling and dancing on the lush green grass of Wild Onion Ranch, a little girl was wearing heart shaped sunglasses and sporting a smile that could melt a heart of stone. Though she was surrounded by a thousand other people, including philanthropists, press members, and even celebrities, she was clearly the star of the show.

And rightfully so.

Two years ago, five and a half year old Brooke Hester was diagnosed with Stage IV High Risk Neuroblastoma, a cancer that is common among infants and children, and difficult to treat. Upon learning the news, Brooke’s parents Beau and Jessica committed to do whatever was necessary, traveling wherever they needed to in order to find a cure. [Read more...]

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Austin Pets Alive Leads Nation, But Could Lose Everything

November 21, 2012 by · 15 Comments

Austin Pets Alive HeadquartersFour years ago in Austin, 14,000 domestic animals were being euthanized every year. Today, Austin leads the entire nation, having reached the goal of 90% no kill.

The eyes of the nation watch our local non-profit, Austin Pets Alive, as they trailblaze with innovative methods and ideas, championing for animals that were destined to die. [Read more...]

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Tempur-Pedic Partners with Soldiers to Help Austin Families in Need

November 12, 2012 by · 10 Comments
Colonel McIntire, Ronald McDonald and Ann Jerome

Colonel McIntire with Ronald McDonald and Austin COO Ann Jerome

Having served in the military for 20 years, it’s always encouraging to see young men and women in uniform making a difference. There is a mysterious mixture of humility and pride in those who have donned the uniform in service to their country that only veterans really understand. There is a brotherhood, a camaraderie that cannot easily be put into words.

Among my fondest memories of serving in the military were the times when my crew volunteered to help the local community in which we were stationed. Recently, I was honored and privileged to attend a special event at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin. On September 20, 2012, dozens of soldiers from Fort Hood’s 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade volunteered to help out Austin’s Ronald McDonald House.

One Good Turn Deserves Another

The Brigade’s commanding officer, Colonel Randall McIntire, was personally impacted by Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) when his daughter was hospitalized for heart surgery. McIntire had always heard about RMHC, but he didn’t fully understand the impact it could have until he and his wife needed to be close to their daughter. [Read more...]

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Shave It Off and Grow It Out for Men’s Health During Movember

November 1, 2012 by · 3 Comments

Movember Austin Launch PartyCancer doesn’t discriminate; we’ve all been touched in one way or another. And though generalizations have their weaknesses, it’s fair to say that men have an especially hard time seeking out advice and support when they receive a diagnosis.

Founded in Melbourne, Australia in 2003, Movember has become an explosive worldwide movement that is empowering men. The organization does this by recruiting “mo-bros” to raise funding and awareness for men’s health initiatives.

Last year, in Movember’s 8th year of existence, over 850,00 men registered to participate in Movember. Together, they raised more than $126 million dollars! In 2012, 21 countries around the world are participating in the movement. [Read more...]

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Ex-Microsofties Reinvent Work at Nerd Tribe HQ in Austin

August 13, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Cedric Dahl and Ben Hoffman founders of the Nerd Tribe

Cedric Dahl and Ben Hoffman, founders of the Nerd Tribe

Allowing society to function may not be worth the feeling you have, of being trapped in a monotonous job with little creative freedom and much frustration.

If this is you, maybe you’ve thought about what your “dream job” would be. Maybe it’s at a Fortune 500 company that provides you phenomenal benefits and covetous looks from friends.

The grass is always greener on the other side. [Read more...]

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I Can’t Believe I Didn’t Know About Corona Cafe

July 18, 2012 by · 15 Comments

Left to right: Kesley, Austin and Sunny White of Corona Cafe

When three young adults ages 19, 17 and 16 are the owners and operators of an Austin cafe, you’d probably expect mediocrity and anticipate the worst.

But you would be wrong. Very wrong.

Enter Austin (19), Kesley (17) and Sunny (16): Native Austinites and the children of Greg and Jenn White.

If you’ve been looking for that perfect gem of a coffee shop in Austin, we’ve found it. Located in the Windsor Park neighborhood, Corona Cafe is unlike any other cafe in the city. [Read more...]

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Moving Difference Sparks 6,000 Volunteer Hours Around the Globe

July 12, 2012 by · 2 Comments
Pedernales Fire Department at Willie Nelson Golf Tournament

Jeny Crouch (center) volunteering for Moving Difference at Willie Nelson’s 1st Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament

“It doesn’t matter who you are, what you are, what you want out of life. It’s not about politics. It’s not about religion. It’s about humanity.”

Jeny Crouch didn’t claim Summer 2012 as her time to kick back and relax. Instead, she decided to lead a charge that began in Austin, but has spread literally around the world.

From June 20th to September 21st, Jeny is volunteering at least one hour every week to Moving Difference, a loose movement with a profound purpose. [Read more...]

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Ronald McDonald House is a Quiet Hero for Families in Need

May 7, 2012 by · 6 Comments

Ronald McDonald House Charities of AustinIf you have ever had a loved one sick with a serious illness, you know how life is turned upside down. Your ability to work is impeded by worry, and day-to-day necessities like eating and sleeping take the back burner to the nurturing of the one you care about. Having a sick child may be the most devastating scenario of all.

What if there was an organization that cared for families with sick or injured children, and met every one of their needs? What if that organization went the extra mile to provide all kinds of comforts, as a service to suffering families?

That organization exists. It’s in your community and you can be a part of it.

A few weeks ago, Austinot Eric and I had the privilege of touring the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Austin. Although both of us had volunteered at other Ronald McDonald Houses in the past, I had an incomplete picture of how RMHC functions and how much it provides for the community. [Read more...]

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Where Is the Best Thai Food in Austin?

April 16, 2012 by · 53 Comments

Titaya's Thai Cuisine in Austin, TexasAt the Austinot, we are always searching for the next Austin gem. Just recently, we were wondering the answer to this question:

Where is the best Thai food in Austin?

I’m going to share my pick with you in this post. I know that our readers might disagree, but let me challenge you to comment if you disagree, and tell me your favorite. We’d be happy to go check out your recommendations because we love Thai food. And to say that we love exploring new restaurants in Austin would be an understatement.

Ready for my thoughts on the best Thai food in Austin? Check this…

So the other night, Brittany and I had a hankerin’ (this is Texas, you get hankerin’s ’round here) for some [Read more...]

Filed Under: Austinot Loves, Best of the Austinot, Discoveries, Food, Food & Drink, Local Business · Tagged: ,

Fair Trade Austin Coffee for Education at Dominican Joe

April 2, 2012 by · 3 Comments

Dominican Joe Coffee Shop Austin TexasFor a vast percentage of the Austin population, coffee is at least as important to life as water. Like water, the potability of coffee differs drastically.

The goal of many a college student and working professional is to find an Austin coffee shop with:

A) Good coffee.

B) Electrical outlets en masse.

C) Music playing over the speakers that isn’t so loud that you can’t hear yourself think, or so obnoxious that you feel like stabbing yourself in the eye with a spoon.

Not necessarily in that order.

For many people, the factors that go into choosing a favorite coffee shop end there. And that’s okay. But others take coffee to a deeper level. They begin to question where their coffee is coming from – who it is hurting, who it is helping. If you are one of those people, you’ll want to learn more about Dominican Joe Coffee Shop. [Read more...]

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Black Star Co-op Serves Austin Food, Beer and Democracy

March 28, 2012 by · 7 Comments

Black Star Coop Featured in Austin Blog the AustinotBlack Star Co-op is a revolutionary new Austin brewpub. So when I was told to review their food and beer, I solemnly bowed my head to the orders of Austinot Eric.

What can I say, we all must sacrifice occasionally. Neither stout nor IPA nor pilsner nor gloom of porters will stay this blogger from the swift completion of his appointed rounds.

Since its opening in 2010, Black Star Co-op has built its reputation around mixing the novel and traditional.

First, the business is a co-operative. All of its members, from top to bottom, own part of the business. All decisions are made through a democratically-controlled voting system. The first community-owned brewpub in America, one of Black Star’s tenets is to pay each employees a living wage, so they will respectfully decline if you try to tip them.

And you can become a shareholding member of Black Star as well! A hundred and fifty bucks gets you a membership. That means voting power, patronage ref [Read more...]

Filed Under: Austinot Loves, Discoveries, Drink, Food & Drink · Tagged: , , , , ,

Way South Philly Possibly The Best Philly Cheesesteak in Austin

March 15, 2012 by · 6 Comments

Way_South_Philly_Food_Truck_Austin_blogWhen it comes to filling food for the working crowd, the party crowd, and the foodies in Austin, very few places compare to Way South Philly.

Possibly the best Philly Cheesesteak in Austin has been discovered by the Austinot.

First let me just say that if you know of a better Philly Cheesesteak joint in Austin, I’d like to hear about it. Until you prove me wrong, I’m going to have to give the nod for best Philly Cheesesteak in Austin to Way South Philly.

Located in a food truck lot on East 6th and Waller, just east of I-35, is a little red food truck. This little red truck packs such an authentic Philly flavor, it will have you humming the Rocky theme and looking to ring the Liberty Bell.

What makes this little truck so unique? Well honestly the lengths that Willy and Rich have taken to bring you the authentic Philly Cheesesteak experience. Check this out… [Read more...]

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Let’s Get Ready to Rumble! – Boxing in Texas

February 10, 2012 by · Leave a Comment

HBO-Boxing-TexasBoxing, or the “Sweet Science” as it is called by lovers of the sport, is all over Texas.  Have you ever been to a professional fight?  Let me describe it for you…

The atmosphere is electric, the tension palpable and the first time you hear Lupe Contreras say, “It’s time to see who’s mas macho!” Jimmy Lennon Jr say, “It’s Showtime,” or Michael Buffer with his signature “Let’s get ready to rumble!” you’ll get immediately hooked into this world of the professional pugilist.

There is nothing like sitting ringside at a professional fight, nothing. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Austinot Loves, Culture, Day Trips, Entertainment, Events · Tagged: , ,

Austin Carriage Presents Austin Tours of Downtown

February 9, 2012 by · 7 Comments

Austin-Carriage-Brittany-Highland-Austinot

Recently we were INVITED to check out Austin Carriage, the original horse-drawn carriage company in the city of Austin.

These folks, who provide Austin tours via horse-drawn carriage, are fantastic.  And no, they haven’t paid us a penny to say this.

So read on, fellow Austinot, and learn a little more about this company and what they are all about.

First off, let us tell you about the owner Cherie Cunningham.  She’s been in the horse business since she was knee-high to a grasshopper. And given the chance she will animatedly tell you stories, with a sparkle in her eye, about her childhood growing up around horses.  It is obvious that she has a love and respect for the horses she works with and [Read more...]

Filed Under: Activities, Austinot Loves, Discoveries, Entertainment, Local Business, Nightlife · Tagged: , ,
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