Susan Meyer - The Austinot

Immerse Yourself in the Past at Bullock Texas State History Museum

July 25, 2017 by Susan Meyer Leave a Comment

Under the star at Bullock Texas State History Museum (Credit: Van Sutherland via Flickr CC)

The perfect way to beat the summer heat or enjoy a rainy day in Austin is to visit one of our city’s fine museums. And if you’re looking for an opportunity to brush up on your Texas history, look no further than Bullock Texas State History Museum, located just south of The University of Texas.

Having grown up in Texas and taken the obligatory two years of Texas history, going to the Bullock was a refresher course. The visit reminded me of all the crazy stories from the Lone Star State’s past that I’d forgotten, and introduced me to many I hadn’t heard before.

It was also fun to take my New Jersey-bred husband with me. He was able to trace the history of his newly adopted homeland from its prehistoric inhabitants, through the frontier years, and into modern times. I think he was at least mildly impressed by my ability to recall random characters from the fabric of history, like Erastus “Deaf” Smith.

If you haven’t been to Bullock Texas State History Museum yet, here are a few of the highlights waiting for you. [Read more…]

Minis and Friends Celebrates Little Horses With Big Hearts

July 11, 2017 by Susan Meyer Leave a Comment

Minis and Friends Nonprofit in Austin, TX

Credit: Minis and Friends

A little over a month ago, I stumbled upon what might be the cutest nonprofit in Austin. Minis and Friends Austin is a group that loves miniature horses and wants to share their love with the Austin community.

Founded in 2007, the organization brings trained miniature horses, no taller than 32 inches, to visit facilities like children’s hospitals, retirement communities, and centers for at-risk youth or individuals in transition.

I’m excited to share a little about Minis and Friends because its volunteers are doing great work. Besides, who doesn’t want to see photos of adorable mini horses at work? [Read more…]

5 Austin Mocktails for Bar Crawl Without the Booze

June 27, 2017 by Susan Meyer Leave a Comment

Bruleed Pineapple, like all Launderette mocktails, is served with a color-changing straw
(Credit: Jaclyn Hubersberger)

I love happy hour. Who wouldn’t want to kick back with friends after a long day at work? But sometimes you want the social fun without the actual alcohol. If someone in your cohort is sober, pregnant, or avoiding alcohol for any reason, it’s nice to hit up a place with more interesting non-alcoholic beverages than just Topo Chico.

A good mocktail isn’t just a fancy soda, but a complex beverage in its own right. It should have the proper blend of ingredients to keep from being overbearingly sweet. Done properly, it can be a refreshing treat you enjoy cheers-ing with, while your friends imbibe. Not every bar caters to non-drinkers, but Austin has a number of reliable options to turn to for a drink when you don’t feel like drinking. [Read more…]

PS35 Serves New York City Thin Crust Pizza in Round Rock

June 13, 2017 by Susan Meyer Leave a Comment

Hot Honey pizza at PS35, with pepperoni, sausage, ricotta, and Mike’s Hot Honey (Credit: Sam Zavieh)

Editor’s Note: PS35’s final day of service was Nov. 4, 2017.

I spent a few years in New York City, and some days I find myself craving an NYC-style slice of pizza. The kind that has a perfectly hand-tossed crust so thin that you have no choice but to fold it in half before taking that first bite. If you live north, you now have a solid option that’s a bit closer than Brooklyn: Ps35 in Round Rock. [Read more…]

These 5 Austin Salads Will Blow Your Mind

May 30, 2017 by Susan Meyer 1 Comment

There’s no shortage of delicious eats in Austin, but some are healthier than others. I’m all about donut crawls and trying every taco in the city, until my body demands healthier fuel. At those times, a plate of mixed greens can sound every bit as delicious as a bowl of queso. Nothing compares to the raw crunch of something straight from the earth. [Read more…]

All of Austin’s a Stage: Free Shakespeare in Zilker Park Runs Through May

May 18, 2017 by Susan Meyer Leave a Comment

Scene from The Comedy of Errors at Zilker Hillside Theater (Credit: Sam Zavieh)

Free Shakespeare in Zilker Park is an experience I look forward to every year. It combines three of my favorite things: Shakespeare, being outside under the stars on an early summer evening, and free stuff. That’s right! Shakespeare in the Park is completely free theater, although they gladly accept donations.

This is a great place to take a special someone or your group of friends, and let the Bard’s words wrap around you while the fireflies dance. [Read more…]

5 Lady Bird Lake Activities for Pleasant Austin Days

April 18, 2017 by Susan Meyer 1 Comment

Lady Bird Lake alongside downtown Austin (Credit: Cesar Garza via Flickr CC)

On any of the more than 300 days of sunshine in Austin each year, there’s no better place to go than Lady Bird Lake. Whether hiking or biking the trails, doing stand-up paddle board yoga, or taking a river cruise, you’ll find no shortage of outdoor fun to be had in the heart of beautiful downtown Austin. [Read more…]

Embrace Local Agriculture at East Austin Urban Farm Tour

April 4, 2017 by Susan Meyer Leave a Comment

Visitors to the 2016 East Austin Urban Farm Tour (Photo: East Austin Urban Farm Tour)

In Austin, “locally-grown” means right inside the city limits. Possibly even in your neighborhood. Each year, East Austin Urban Farm Tour celebrates some of the wonderful working farms in the heart of East Austin. The event gives visitors the opportunity to tour four working farms, all within walking distance of each other. [Read more…]

It’s Time to Visit the Renewed and Reimagined Blanton Museum of Art

March 17, 2017 by Susan Meyer Leave a Comment

Images from the newly remodeled Blanton Museum of Art in Austin (Credit: Sam Zavieh)

If you’re an art fan in Austin, you’ve probably visited Blanton Museum of Art. But have you been there lately? If not, you’ll find there have been changes far beyond the rotating exhibits. In fact, the museum did a revamp of its permanent galleries that just opened this spring. In addition to the new design of the upstairs galleries, there are more than twice as many pieces on display. It’s definitely worthy of a second look. [Read more…]

Parallelogramophonograph Gives a Mouthful of Improv to Austin

February 22, 2017 by Susan Meyer Leave a Comment

The cast of Parallelogramophonograph, L-R: Roy Janik, Valerie Ward, Kaci Beeler, Kareem Badr
(Credit: Steve Rogers)

Not all improv groups are created equal. I’m a fan of improv theater in general, but I have to admit, I’ve been to some painful shows in the past. When done badly, improv theater can be downright uncomfortable to witness. But when a troupe has chemistry, energy and talent, and everything falls into place just right, you’re in for an incredible live theater experience. Austin local quartet Parallelogramophonograph (PGraph, for short) is improv done well. Very well. [Read more…]