Caitlin Johnson - The Austinot

Complete Guide to Free Summer Concerts in Austin

May 14, 2018 by Caitlin Johnson Leave a Comment

Blues on the Green Free Summer Concerts in Austin

Aerial shot of Blues on the Green (Credit: Ryan Conine)

Austin takes its reputation as Live Music Capital of the World very seriously over the summer. Each year, as temperatures begin to rise, our beloved city plays host to free summer concerts at various outdoor spots around town.

As always, local radio station KGSR leads the way with no less than three concert series at some of the most popular music venues in Austin. Keep things classy with the Austin Symphony on Sunday nights through August, or the Music Under the Star series at the Bullock Museum on Friday nights in July. Austin does hump day right, and fortunately you don’t have to choose between the venerable Blues on the Green and the always unique Sound & Cinema series because of their alternating event dates.

So pack up the sunscreen and get your lawn chairs ready. This is your complete guide to enjoying free outdoor music in Austin for the rest of the summer. [Read more…]

Guide to Antiques and Vintage Clothing in South Austin

August 8, 2017 by Caitlin Johnson Leave a Comment

Small section of Flashback’s vintage cowboy boot collection in South Austin

So many incredible, unique, and beautiful treasures are hiding in antique and vintage shops all around Austin. There’s a bit more than 30 within city limits, and that number is continues to grow.

While North Austin might take the crown for the most jam-packed neighborhood for vintage shopping, South Austin has cool places of its own to brag about. From 1800’s clothing boutiques to funky vintage furniture, it’s a blast gazing into the past through the treasures at these South Austin stores. [Read more…]

13 of the Best Spots for BYOB in North Austin

July 26, 2017 by Caitlin Johnson Leave a Comment

BYOB setup on the back patio at Phara’s Mediterranean Restaurant in North Austin (Credit: Jason Babos)

One of the best policies in Austin is our BYOB policy. All over town, plenty of restaurants offer some sort of BYOB. Whether it’s bring your own beer and wine, or beer, wine, and liquor, there’s BYOB fun for every taste.

Here are my top picks for BYOB in North Austin, in alphabetical order.

[Read more…]

New Braunfels Day Trip Guide: Things to Do, Eat, and Drink

July 12, 2017 by Caitlin Johnson Leave a Comment

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…]

Available to Austinites Only, Dandy Rosé Is Made With All Texas Grapes

June 9, 2017 by Caitlin Johnson Leave a Comment

Dandy Rosé, made in Austin

Dandy Rosé is the only wine in the world made especially for Austinites. Its creator, Rae Wilson, has even more to brag about: this Austin-exclusive rosé is made from 100 percent Texas grapes.

Wilson considers her rosé, now in its fourth year of production, to be “a love letter to Austin.” The sommelier-turned-winemaker is proving to the rest of the country that authentic and complex wine can be grown and produced in Texas. [Read more…]

Guide to Manor Road’s Best Bars and Restaurants

May 15, 2017 by Caitlin Johnson 2 Comments

School House Pub

It’s a shame that more people aren’t talking about Manor Road. Located in northeast Austin, across I-35 from The University of Texas, these few blocks are packed with shops, bars, bakeries, and restaurants.

Actually, there are over a dozen spots to grab a cold local beer or unique cocktail. Some are classic Austin dive bars, while others are funky joints where you can bring the whole crew. High-end dining options are also available for extraordinary happy hours.

Starting at the 1800 block and heading east, the bars and restaurants below come one after another on Manor Road. It really is a perfect spot for a bar crawl or night out, and it’s easy to tailor your adventure to what you want to eat, drink, or do! [Read more…]

A Day in the Life of a Professional Dog Photographer in Austin

May 3, 2017 by Caitlin Johnson 4 Comments

It’s 8 a.m. and I’m in South Austin meeting Krista Allenby of Ruff Adventures for an adventure and photo session with Gary, the Brussels Griffon. I’m awake and functioning much earlier than I’m used to, but Allenby explains that mornings are when she goes on most of her adventures. It’s just one of the steps this Austin dog photographer takes to ensure her four-legged subjects are happy, comfortable, and safe.

Krista Allenby is one of the lucky few who are able to turn their passion into a business. For her, being a dog photographer in one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country is both exciting and rewarding.

Ruff Adventures’ clients come in all different shapes, sizes, and temperaments. But years of experience have taught Allenby how to capture their personalities while they adventure to their favorite spots around Austin. [Read more…]

Kick Back at These 4 Bars in the Expanding Mueller Community

April 24, 2017 by Caitlin Johnson Leave a Comment

Mueller Lake Park

Mueller in Northeast Austin started 10 years ago as a 700-acre community. It has grown into a thriving, developed neighborhood. With public parks, farmers’ markets, and some of Austin’s hottest businesses, Mueller has it all.

It’s about time someone created a bar crawl guide for the expanding Mueller neighborhood. The Austin spots on this list are nestled within a small, walkable area on the east side of I-35, in the main Mueller development. [Read more…]

Texas Sake Company Puts American Spin on Traditional Japanese Drink

March 21, 2017 by Caitlin Johnson Leave a Comment

Guest article by Caitlin Johnson

Sake isn’t actually rice wine. Yes, it’s sipped like a fine wine, but that doesn’t make it wine. Wine requires fruit for fermenting. Since there is no fruit, just rice…you get the idea.

I recently went to check out how one company in Austin is putting an American spin on this 2,000-year-old drink. I got to meet Jeff Bell, the Toji or master sake brewer at Texas Sake Company. We sipped and chatted as he cleared up common misconceptions about sake, and shared what the brewery is working on and what the sake-brewing process is all about. [Read more…]

7 Austin Spots That Make Outsiders Jealous

February 13, 2017 by Caitlin Johnson Leave a Comment

Greetings From Austin mural (Credit: Yulia Dyukova)

Guest article by Caitlin Johnson

Let’s not forget how lucky we are to live in this weird city. Breakfast tacos, city-maintained trails, high-quality street art and endless BBQ are just some of the wonderful things we never lack in Austin, Texas. But not everyone is lucky enough to live in a city as beautiful as ours.

Below is a selection of fine Austin spots that always makes visitors and friends from out of town jealous they’re not living here–yet. Check it out and make sure to save for the next time you want to brag about our cool city! [Read more…]