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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.
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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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
Valentine’s Day in Austin at a glance (“i love you so much” credit: ms.akr via Flickr CC)
With Valentine’s Day swiftly approaching, you may be feeling one of several things. Bliss that you and your one true love will be spending the day together fulfilling the awesome, romantic plans you’ve already made. Excitement that you’re happily single (that’s a thing, right?). Or maybe sheer panic that you don’t have any ideas yet and how is it already February? If the latter sounds most familiar, fear not! I’ve got you covered with a few ideas for Valentine’s Day in Austin on any budget–sure to make your Valentine swoon. [Read more…]