The only thing harder than finding someone who was born and raised in Austin is finding a good restaurant that’s open past midnight on the weekends, or at all during the holidays. Over Christmas, Austin becomes much like a ghost town. If you find yourself in search of sustenance on Dec. 25, here’s a list of places where you can eat, drink, and be merry. [Read more…]
Activities, Shopping, and Dining on Christmas Eve in Austin
Spinning under the Zilker Tree is a memorable way to spend Christmas Eve in Austin (Credit: Over Austin)
While a good portion of the country is enjoying a white Christmas bundled up by the fire, sippin’ hot cocoa, some Austinites are still enjoying margaritas on patios.
While spending the holiday season this way may not put you in the Christmas spirit, it’s still the most wonderful time of the year. If you need a break from that 24-hour Christmas movie marathon or want to snag a last-minute gift, then head out on the town to partake in (mostly) family-friendly events with this ultimate guide to Christmas Eve in Austin. [Read more…]
6 Family-friendly Holiday Events at Texas State Parks
Temperatures may be mild outside, but holiday music is starting to play on local radio stations. And in just a few short days, Austin’s very own Trail of Lights will open for another glorious season. So, while it may not feel like it, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in ATX.
Unfortunately, along with this most wonderful time of the year comes added stress. Instead of letting crowded shopping malls and heavier traffic get you down, head outside for some holiday cheer.
Scattered across the great state of Texas are more than 90 state parks, 19 of which are relatively close to Austin. To help you steer clear of the crowds and spend more time with loved ones, we’ve rounded up six state parks near Austin that are featuring holiday festivities in 2017. [Read more…]
Wine, Dine and Jazz Festival at Horseshoe Bay Resort This Weekend
Fare from local restaurants and caterers pairs perfectly with wines from Texas Hill Country at Wine, Dine and Jazz Festival (Credit: Horseshoe Bay Resort Facebook)
Do you like wine, fine dining, and music? If so, you should be at the 13th annual Wine, Dine and Jazz Festival held at the luxurious Horseshoe Bay Resort.
The annual fall festival is shaping up to be an enchanting weekend of culinary and musical delight. Here’s what to expect this Friday and Saturday, Nov. 10-11, 2017. [Read more…]
One More Chance to Savor the Flavors of Mexico at Alcomar
Alcomar takes us beyond tacos and margaritas with dinner series, Flavors of Mexico (Credit: Alcomar Facebook)
Tacos, tamales, moles, and tequila— that’s just the beginning of what’s on the menu at Alcomar’s three-part dinner series, Flavors of Mexico. Chefs Jeff Martinez andAlma Alcocer’s elaborate dinners feature five courses made with local ingredients. Each course is paired with handcrafted cocktails and spirits, to complement the fare and transport you deep into the regions of Mexico.
I spent an enchanting evening at Alcomar on Halloween for the second part of the series, Mezcales & Moles. Here are the highlights to whet your appetite for the final installment on Dec. 5, 2017. [Read more…]
How to Road Trip to Round Top Any Time of Year
“90 folks can’t be wrong” about this charming Texas town (Credit: @dollarsaenz)
Up until now, Round Top, Texas, has been synonymous with one thing—antiques. That’s because twice a year for many years, is has been the go-to destination for antique buyers and sellers. However, this quaint little town, founded in 1831 and currently home to 90 people, is bustling with new establishments as townspeople have aimed to make their home a year-round destination, with upscale shopping, dining, and lodging. [Read more…]
Get Your Fall Flavor Fix at These 6 Austin Eateries and Sweet Shops
Pumpkin pancakes and French toast are back at Kerbey Lane (Credit: @dollarsaenz)
You know what they say, “At the stroke of midnight on Sept. 1, everything turns into pumpkin spice.” Although temperatures in our capital city have only gone from hot to not so hot, pumpkin everything has spread like wildfire amongst the city’s eateries. In celebration of the season, here’s a roundup of fall treats that are far from basic. In fact, these mouthwatering flavors are sure to put you in the mood for fall. You may even find yourself pulling out those sweaters and scarves, even if it is to wear them in the air conditioning of your own home. [Read more…]
How to Tailgate Like a Local in Austin
backYARD at Waller Creek is a favorite place to tailgate with Austin locals (Credit: Monika Pawlak)
In Texas, football is a way of life. If you aren’t from here or just arrived, I’m sure it’s been a culture shock. But for native Texans, the obsession typically begins before middle school and swells until it’s all-consuming in high school. Depictions on screen, like “Friday Night Lights” and “Varsity Blues,” have even been created to capture the obsessive cultural phenomenon which gave birth to game day battle cries like “Texas Forever” and “Clear Eyes. Full Hearts. Can’t Lose.”
On any given fall Saturday in Austin, you can witness the phenomenon first-hand. Observing it is how you know fall has officially arrived because, let’s face it, it’s still 90 degrees in September around here. Take note when the cooling waters of Barton Springs become less crowded, and South Congress and Lady Bird Lake become so much like a ghost town that you have to stop and ask yourself, “Where is everybody?” The answer is: watching college football. In fact, local restaurants, bars, and The University of Texas football stadium pack to capacity every Saturday to cheer on the beloved Longhorns.
So, if you are new to Texas football culture or want insider tips on how to tailgate like a local in Austin, then here’s an expert guide. [Read more…]
Warpath Puts Pizza on the Map in Round Rock
You can get your own slice of the pie at Warpath Pints and Pizza
This past May, Warpath Pints and Pizza opened its doors to the residents of Round Rock, putting specialty pizza on the map in the area. Brothers and New Mexico natives, Joel and Jason Chenoweth, were involved in the music and food truck scenes in Austin for years, before seizing the opportunity to create a gourmet pizza joint just north of Austin. [Read more…]
Lone Star Court Transports Funky Austin Vibes to The Domain
Boutique hotel Lone Star Court is a piece of Americana in the heart of The Domain
It’s often said there are two types of Austinites: those who live and play south of the river and those who do so on the north side. Though there may be a clear distinction between The Domain’s high-end sparkle and downtown Austin’s industrial/retro feel, Lone Star Court marries the two quite nicely.
The boutique hotel features 123 rooms, including three suites, and has been open since Christmas Eve 2013. Here you’ll find retro touches paired with modern amenities and convenience, in the heart of The Domain’s residential and commercial district. Recently, Lone Star Court invited me to spend a night experiencing its posh digs, for a staycation and taste of the north Austin life. [Read more…]
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