Amanda Gagnon - 2/2 - The Austinot

Insider’s Guide to Austin’s Trail of Lights, 2017 Edition

November 14, 2017 by Amanda Gagnon Leave a Comment

Trail of Lights is an Austin tradition, marking 52 years this Christmas season (Credit: Trail of Lights)

The first time I visited Trail of Lights, I was mesmerized by the beauty of it all, especially the tunnel at the entrance. I spun around inside the Zilker Tree until I was dizzy, and fell even more in love with the Austin skyline. This holiday magic is something I want to experience every year.

Visiting Trail of Lights is a yearly tradition for most Austin residents. If you’ve never been before, watch the short video below for more information on this year’s event, which will run from Dec. 9 to Dec. 23. And keep reading for this year’s pro tips!

[Read more…]

Preview the New Fall Flavors at Lick Honest Ice Creams

November 13, 2017 by Amanda Gagnon Leave a Comment

Head to Lick Honest Ice Creams for fall-inspired flavors (Photo Credit: Annie Ray)

Lick Honest Ice Creams is known for scratch-made ice cream and use of local ingredients. The change in season calls for a change in seasonal flavors. The fall 2017 lineup has finally arrived!

Lick is happy to let you try any and all of the flavors before making the difficult decision of which scoop to choose. Here is a preview of the fall flavors that were just released. They’re only available for a limited time, so don’t miss out. Lick Honest Ice Creams now has three locations in its hometown of Austin: South Lamar, Burnet, and Mueller. [Read more…]

Weekend Full of Free Family Fun at Upcoming 2017 Texas Book Festival

October 27, 2017 by Amanda Gagnon Leave a Comment

Stroll around the beautiful grounds of the State Capitol where Texas Book Festival is held each year
(Credit: Bob Daemmrich)

Calling all avid readers; it’s that time of year again. The 2017 Texas Book Festival will be taking over the grounds of the Texas State Capitol on Nov. 4-5, 2017. This event is free and fun for the entire family. [Read more…]

Cafe Creme Pairs Crepes and Coffee in South Austin

October 12, 2017 by Amanda Gagnon Leave a Comment

Crepe and coffee at Cafe Creme on Oltorf

The first time I ate a crepe, it was love at first bite. Add to that a cup of delicious coffee, and I’m completely smitten. So when I tried Cafe Creme, I knew I had found something special in the Austin community.

Cafe Creme has put a lot of love into their family-run bakery over the last four years. This is evident in their delicious food offerings, but also in the community they’ve created. The atmosphere is lively, yet relaxed. People can go to Cafe Creme to socialize, eat tasty food, or even work. [Read more…]

Sway Reinvents Traditional Thai Food With Modern Twist

September 29, 2017 by Amanda Gagnon Leave a Comment

Communal dining is a unique experience at Sway (Credit: Jody Horton)

Sweet, spicy, and aromatic–only a few words that come to mind when I think about dining at Sway.
Before I left the restaurant for the first time, I was already picking out what I wanted to try
next. It was that good.

Starting with Thai favorites, the chefs at Sway enhance the menu by incorporating locally-sourced ingredients and Western techniques into their cooking. Sway stands out to those who favor tradition, as well as those who crave something unique. Since opening its doors in 2012, Sway’s ingenuity has made the restaurant a staple in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood. [Read more…]

Little-known Foxhole Culinary Tavern Serves Up Texas Flair in North Austin

September 15, 2017 by Amanda Gagnon Leave a Comment

Menu items at Foxhole Culinary Tavern in north Austin

There are several hidden food gems waiting in north Austin for those who take the time to find them. Foxhole Culinary Tavern is no exception. The restaurant’s unassuming façade is often overlooked by passing drivers, who might think it’s just another chain restaurant. Don’t let appearances fool you. The cozy atmosphere inside and the creative, Texas-inspired menu turn first-timers into regulars.

The owners of Foxhole, Trey and Ryan Wolslager, recognized the northern part of Austin was lacking in quality restaurants. They were tired of driving into central Austin to find good dining. [Read more…]

Eat Your Way Down Walkable East Sixth Street With 7 Eclectic Restaurants

August 24, 2017 by Amanda Gagnon Leave a Comment

The east side of Austin has a dining spot for every meal of the day

The East Sixth business district has grown over the years. It’s still authentically rough around the edges, but new buildings and businesses are popping up all the time. If you’re a self-proclaimed foodie like me, East Sixth Street should be added to your list of areas to explore. It’s quite walkable, and the ever-changing lineup of eateries will keep you busy all year long.

For a fun-filled foodie adventure that begins first thing in the morning and lasts all day long, follow this itinerary of seven East Sixth Street restaurants and cafes.

[Read more…]

Spend a Day Cooling Off at Jones Brother’s Park on Lake Travis

August 4, 2017 by Amanda Gagnon Leave a Comment

Jones Brother's Park Swimming Lake Travis

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…]