Leah Nyfeler - The Austinot

When Was the Last Time You Worked Out at Camp Mabry?

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Leah Nyfeler

New equipment, upgrades to facilities make Camp Mabry a great fitness resource

If you haven’t paid a recent visit to Austin’s Camp Mabry, then you’re missing out on some fabulous new upgrades. If you’ve never been at all, here’s your introduction to one of the city’s best resources for free family-friendly fitness.

What Is Camp Mabry?

First, it’s pronounced “MAY-bree.” The camp, covering some 375 acres, is home to the Texas Military Forces, made up of citizen soldiers in the Texas State Guard, Texas Army National Guard and Texas Air National Guard. Established in 1892, Camp Mabry is a registered National Historic Landmark. It’s also home to the Texas Military Forces Museum (another well-kept, family fun secret).

Here’s where general fitness comes to play: Camp Mabry is home to a 1-mile paved track and assorted outdoor equipment, all open (and free) to the public for use. There are even water fountains, outdoor showers and a bathroom to keep the workout feeling good. [Read more…]

Everything You Need to Know About Texas Bluebonnets

Posted on April 3, 2015 by Leah Nyfeler

Bluebonnets in bloom Pace Bend Park Spicewood

Bluebonnets in bloom at Pace Bend Park, Spicewood, TX (Credit: Jeff Cohen, Moonshine Images)

All along Austin’s roadways, bluebonnets are making their annual splashy appearance. Thanks to Lady Bird Johnson’s efforts to beautify the state’s highways, generations of Texans have grown up with a shared rite of passage, taking the family portrait in fields full of the state flower. [Read more…]

The Wheel Is East Austin’s Newest Neighborhood Bar

Posted on April 2, 2015 by Leah Nyfeler

General Manager Ayron Vandergriff The Wheel

General Manager Ayron Vandergriff behind the bar at The Wheel (Credit: The Wheel)

At first drive-by, you might think The Wheel is a bike shop. Or, upon hearing the name, surmise that it’s a country western themed franchise.

However, when you actually stop to walk inside this new eastside neighborhood bar, what you find is a shot of “Cheers” camaraderie served in the aura of Breaking Away, with just a touch of Grateful Dead chill.

Owned and Centered in Austin

On a recent sunny afternoon, general manager Ayron Vandergriff readied The Wheel for its daily 4 PM opening while owner Max Moreland sat at the bar, his office. [Read more…]

5 Ways to Ditch Your Car During SXSW

Posted on March 19, 2015 by Leah Nyfeler

Credit: Van Sutherland via Flickr CC

Of all the things that are wonderful about Austin, traffic and parking aren’t included. Throw in some crowds (SXSW, anyone?), funnel everyone into downtown and sit back to watch the ensuing road rage.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are five savvy tips you can use to stay sane and ditch your car during SXSW.

#1 Embrace Walking

Instead of walking busy Cesar Chavez, try the trail area behind the Four Seasons Hotel

Thanks to some masterful organizing, the majority of SXSW sessions are clumped in the downtown area. It’s not that big, so challenge yourself to get those recommended daily 10,000 steps (and offset a few tacos and Mexican martinis). [Read more…]

Make Lady Bird Lake’s Eastside Loop Your Go-To Route

Posted on March 6, 2015 by Leah Nyfeler

Lady Bird Lake’s 4-mile eastside loop (Credit: Jim Innes courtesy of The Trail Foundation)

Back in the 1990s, the trail around Town Lake (now known as Lady Bird Lake) had real issues. Maintenance of the crushed granite pathway wasn’t at its finest, sections were confusing, crossing I-35 dangerous, and the eastside segment was pretty much only populated by serious souls covering the full 10-mile loop.

But as Austin has grown, trail usage exploded, and The Trail Foundation (TTF) upped its stewardship, everything has changed. When the new Boardwalk section opened in 2014, the rechristened Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail took the loop experience to 11.

If you’re looking for a taste of the new Boardwalk, beautiful scenery, bountiful bird watching, hassle-free parking, and fewer crowds, all rolled into a shorter distance loop, try the eastside loop. Here’s a step-by-step tour of what can be enjoyed when covering this 4-mile trail option in the heart of Austin. [Read more…]

What Is Camp Mabry?

Owned and Centered in Austin

#1 Embrace Walking

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