Discover the Best Things to Do in Austin, Food & Drink deals and more!
Snow’s holy trinity: brisket, jalapeño sausage, and pork steak
Guest article by Cristopher Rubio
I had been craving Snow’s BBQ for a couple months, the eatery ranked number one among Texas Monthly’s “Top 50 Barbecue Joints in Texas.” So a few Saturdays ago, I convinced my in-laws, Mayra and Jorge, to join me for a visit. The following is a running diary of an excellent day spent with excellent people, eating some of the best barbecue in the state. [Read more…]
Swimming cove at Jones Brother’s Park on Lake Travis
Anyone who has lived, worked, or played in Austin in the summer can agree on one thing: it’s hot! This summer is no exception, with scorching temperatures currently over 100 degrees. To beat the heat, you’ll find many locals and visitors splashing around in the swimming holes and lakes that surround our beautiful city. [Read more…]
The Comal River in New Braunfels, TX. A huge thanks to Chevy for keeping our writers safe and comfortable this summer as we explore (Credit: Jason Babos)
New Braunfels was founded in 1845 by a German prince looking to start a colony in the Republic of Texas. Despite the fact that his dream of “New Germany” never happened, New Braunfels’ German influence has stood the test of time. Today, this small Central Texas town is one of the most authentic German-American communities in the country.
New Braunfels is a fun destination, with adventures for every type of visitor. Located between Austin and San Antonio, it’s a short drive for those coming from either city. New Braunfels is perfect whether you’re on a weekend trip, or planning your next epic summer day trip. [Read more…]
Hang out in the shallows below or swim above the dam at Blanco State Park
Road trips hold infinite promise and possibilities, and Austinites are spoiled with many easy Texas Hill Country day trip opportunities. Blanco lies less than an hour away, offering plenty of fun to fill your day. Here is my recipe for making the absolute best of a day trip to Blanco, Texas. [Read more…]
Do you have a healthy dose of curiosity when it comes to dinosaurs? Can you recite Jurassic Park in your sleep? Do you love nature? Then Dinosaur Park in Cedar Creek, Texas is for you.
There you’ll find life-sized replicas of dinosaurs, ranging from the two foot long Compsognathus to the 55 foot long Spinosaurus. You’ll be glad you made the 25-minute drive toward Bastrop from Austin. Here are a few reasons why you’ll have a ball with the dinos at Dinosaur Park. [Read more…]
Globe Theatre in nearby Bertram, Texas
Guest article by Judy Rae Merhar
The world was by no means perfect in 1935, but perhaps it was simpler. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers danced across screens, and the world was graced with the birth of two cultural icons: the Dali Lama and Elvis Presley. And lo and behold, Globe Theatre in Bertram, Texas, opened its doors for the first time.
Campfire at Pace Bend (Credit: Christopher Dawson)
True confession time: I’m not what you would call outdoorsy. I don’t own any fancy wilderness equipment. I would be hard pressed to start a fire without the aid of matches. And my survival skills all involve googling stuff. But the truth is, I love camping. I love having an excuse to get away from computer screens and just sit around a campfire chatting with friends. I love coming up with innovative ways to cook delicious things outside. And I love sleeping under the stars and waking up to the sound of chirping birds.
Camping near Austin is great for fair-weather campers like me. You don’t need a sub-zero-ready sleeping bag. Barring the hottest part of summer and occasional rainy day, the weather is on your side most of the year. Plus, there are so many great drive-up camping sites a short distance from the city. In fact, one of my favorite things about Austin is the fact that you can drive just a few miles outside the city center and feel like you’re miles from civilization. In no particular order, here’s a round-up of some great options for camping near Austin! [Read more…]
Whiskey cocktail at Andalusia Whiskey Co. in nearby Blanco, TX
Guest article by Mathis Kennington
When you think of grain to glass whiskey, what comes to mind? It took me a minute, the first time I let that phrase sink in. It’s less familiar to me than, let’s say, farm to table food. Grain to glass whiskey hints at the same kind of untouched, unmessed with allure our favorite local restaurants offer: raw fruits and vegetables that must only travel a few miles from a local urban farm until they’re in the hands of a discerning chef. Locally and humanely finished beef and pork that didn’t get mixed into a big pile of neon pink mystery meat paste. We Austinites love to know where our food comes from and what our food ate.
It’s strange we don’t demand the same of our spirits.
Enter Andalusia Whiskey Co. This Blanco-based whiskey distillery startup is committed to producing world class whiskeys with integrity. [Read more…]
Located in San Marcos, 40 miles south of Austin, stands a 10-barrel brewpub by the name of Middleton Brewing. It’s one of those places you’re grateful to stumble upon, worth a trip on its own.
Middleton Brewing has 15 styles of beer, all crafted with pride and served in the most friendly manner. Patron-friendly, dog-friendly, kid-friendly. The whole aesthetic oozes relaxation and quality chill-time. Coming in for a visit solo? No problem. Looking to learn more about how a certain type of beer is made? Check. Wanting to celebrate any event at all with friends and family? This is the place. [Read more…]
Vintage Soul captures the spirit of Dripping Springs, TX
Dripping Springs, also known as the “Gateway to the Hill Country,” is only 25 miles southwest of Austin. It’s a growing city with a bright future, sans an ego of any kind. It seems to be attracting people who truly appreciate a big Texas sky, rolling hills, a slower pace, and a healthy appetite for music and good eats.
It’s the sort of place you go to catch your breath and fall in love with Texas for the first or hundredth time. Below you’ll find a list of places that make Dripping Springs so special. It isn’t exhaustive, so make sure you comment with your favorite go-to! [Read more…]