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5th Annual Mermaid Capital of Texas Fest (Formerly titled Mermaid SPLASH SMTX) Returns to San Marcos

September 20, 2021 by Austinot Contributor 1 1 Comment

The Mermaid Fest of San Marcos, an annual festival celebrating the city’s designation (Mermaid Capital Of Texas – San Marcos), art, culture and heritage is returning this year!!!

Mermaid Fest San Marcos is back for its 2021 edition with a host of events in store for all its residents. The festival is a celebration of the city’s most important resource, the San Marcos River. There will be multiple events as a part of the festival including the two feature events: Mermaid Promenade and Downtown Street Faire.

The Mermaid Society of Texas hosts this annual family friendly event in celebration of a vibrant and creative eco-driven community united by the empowering symbol of the Mermaid.

What is the Mermaid Fest San Marcos?

The parades at the San Marcos festival are a must attend. Image via Facebook@Mermaid Society SMTX

The annual festival will see a vibrant display of culture in its parade which will feature floats, marches, music and of course, a ton of mermaids.

Among the events is the Downtown Street Faire you can encounter over 100 artisan vendors placed on the Hays County Courthouse grounds. This is the spot to enjoy local cuisine, supporting downtown eateries and pubs and swaying to live music.

There are a host of other mermaid-themed activities in store for family and friends as well. After a hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival has returned with its usual excitement but a few of the events have been dropped keeping in mind social distancing norms.

Mermaid Capital of Texas Fest 2021 – Event Details Including COVID Guidelines

When: Saturday, 25 September 2021 | 10:00 a.m. – Noon – Parade, Noon – 8:00 p.m. Downtown Street Faire

Where: Downtown San Marcos, Texas

How much: FREE to the Public

COVID-19 Guidelines: In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, certain events have been eliminated from the festival. Free mermaid-themed disposable masks and hand sanitizing stations available throughout the parade route. There will also be an on-site pop-up vaccination site available for public during the festival.

For More Information: www.mermaidsocietysmtx.com

Event Contact: July Moreno 512-825-2819

Event Sponsors:

HEB Title Sponsor of the Mermaid Capital of Texas Fest

San Marcos Lions Club – Presenting Sponsor of The Mermaid Promenade

La Cima San Marcos – Presenting Sponsor of The Downtown Street Faire

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7 Best RV Parks in Texas – Top RV Resorts & Campgrounds

August 20, 2021 by Austinot Contributor 1 Leave a Comment

Here’s your new Texas Travel Bucket List! We’ve put together the best places to see and stay- via RV, car, or trailer! Texans are ready to camp, fish, and stay waterside but there’s no reason it has to be expensive. Texas RV Parks are cheap, with plenty of amenities, and a whole bunch of nature! We’re here to help you decide where to go.

Don’t have your own RV? RVshare is a great service that lets you rent an RV directly from owners so you can enjoy camping in comfort with your whole family without the expense of owning an RV.

Editor’s Note: We are committed to bringing you the most up-to-date information about each location but details are subject to change. Please contact each park for a list of complete terms before making reservations.

7 Best RV Parks in Texas

The Vineyards of Fredericksburg RV Park

Fredericksburg should be on your Bucket List even if you aren’t RVing. This serene spot in the Texas Hill Country is waiting to show you its wonderful local wineries, floats on the Guadalupe, and all of their great amenities! They have a pool and spa, a pavilion and fire pits, playgrounds and wifi, shower and laundry facilities, a dog park, and even cabins and cottages for rental! Their spacious lots are only $45 – $60 daily with a discount for certain First Responders and other organization members.

Address: 2647 N, US-87, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Time from Austin: ~2 hours

Pedernales Falls State Park

We know this is still the Hill Country but Pedernales Falls is one of the best places in stay in all of Texas! Pedernales Falls State Park is open, by reservation only, and has Instagram-worthy swim and splash spots you and your entire family will love. They have camping, hiking, biking, plenty of picnic facilities, tubing, swimming, and wading. Their campsites are primitive; you can have a fire and get electricity {30 amp} and water. They also have restrooms and showers but no pool or laundry facilities. The river more than makes up for all of that and rates are just $10 – $20 per night!

Address: 2585 Park Rd 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636

Time from San Antonio: ~ 1 hour

Galveston Island RV Resort

Galveston Island KOA resort — Image courtesy of Galveston Island KOA Facebook Page

Close to surfside, this Texas RV park may be the most bougie of them all! Enjoy pool access, a short walk to the beach, cottages for rent, and full hookups for a great price! The cottages are a pretty penny, but they’re also pretty! Summer rates can be as high as $75 but it’s a great price for some of the best amenities on the list: a lazy river, hot tub, walk-in pool, free parking and wifi, gaming, catch-and-release crabbing and fishing, and spacious sites.

Address: 23700 Termini-San Luis Pass Rd, Galveston, TX 77554

Time from Austin: ~ 4 hours and 30 minutes

Garner State Park

If the other sites on this list aren’t your favorite, Garner State Park definitely will be. Enjoy a crystal lake, gorgeous scenery, paddle boating, swimming, floating, shelters, cabins, and campsites with full hookups. They also have picnic areas, fire rings with a grill for just $35 a night. The Frio River is shallow enough for dogs and children and there are plenty of historical areas nearby to visit.

Check out a detailed review of Things to do at Garner State Park

Address: 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838

Time from Austin: ~ 3 hours

Sandollar Resort Motel & RV Park

For a crystal-clear beach experience, head out to Rockport, Texas! This cute and comfortable RV Park has a motel with two pools, bbq pits, plenty of shady oaks, bay and beachside access, a marina and pier, plus onsite games and a bar and grill! The RV site rates are $40 – $44 per day for two guests per site; additional guests are $1 per day, per person. Be sure to make reservations in advance and budget for electricity rates plus deposits.

Address: 4021 TX-35, Rockport, TX 78382

Time from Austin: ~ 3 hours and 15 minutes

Fort Clark Springs

An underground cave is the kind of thing every person should see at least once in their lifetime. Kickapoo Cavern State Park has plenty to see and do but we recommend you stay at Fort Clark Springs. They have a pool, free wifi, 50 amp hookups, restrooms and shower facilities, plus pets are allowed. Rates are $25.50 per day with tent camping nearby.

Address: Brackettville, TX 78832

Time from Austin: ~ 3 hours & 30 minutes

Palo Duro Rim RV Campground

Palo Duro Canyon State Park – Image courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife

This primitive camping site makes the list for two amazing reasons- because the landscape is something out of a movie, and because the temps are unexpectedly cool. You won’t find much in the way of water out here near the border but because you’re “on the rim” the temps stay cool and breezy year-round. Enjoy easy access, full hookups, strong cell signal, outdoor activities including a zipline, showers, and more. Sites are around $30 a night.

Address: 5707 4th Ave, Canyon, TX 79015

Time from Austin: ~ 7 hours & 30 minutes

Looking for getaways from Austin? Check out these 6 great camping locations!

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10 Best places to take pictures in Austin

July 25, 2021 by Mirella Gonzales Leave a Comment

South Congress in Austin — Image courtesy: The Honest Shruth

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. But yours could be worth more than that – if you know the best places to take pictures in Austin. Luckily, this list has some of the top photoshoot locations for you to plan a session or grab a quick pic. Get your captions ready because these places to take pictures are worth double posting!

Where to take pictures in Austin?

Zilker Park

If you’re a hippy a heart or just like to keep it natural, check out Zilker Park. It’s over 350 acres of greenery in the heart of Downtown. Here you can snap a shot sitting on the hill with the whole city behind you. Or you can wait until sunset and get a beautiful hue in your photo.

Where: 2100 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78746

Austin Motel

It’s iconic. This swanky motel is surrounded by restaurants and shops. It makes for the perfect Austin backdrop. But what this motel is most known for is its sign, which often changes with fun sayings.

Where: 1220 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

Lady Bird Boardwalk

Boardwalk on Lady Bird Lake — Lady Bird Lake boardwalk just below South Shore District

Sometimes a photo by the water is all your feed needs. This boardwalk trails right off Lady Bird Lake and Zilker Park. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a casual picture. But try to get to this location early because it’s a favorite for locals and tourists.

Where: 2207 Lou Neff Rd, Austin, TX 78746

Tav Ceti Mural

mural in austin — Image courtesy: Do 512

Austin is known for its talented artists and weird culture. Many of its buildings have murals. Tau Ceti is the tallest mural and is located downtown. It’s truly one of the best places to take pictures in Austin, especially when the sunlight refracts from the gradient.

Where: E 2nd St &, Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701

ATX Sculpture

Another iconic piece located in Downtown Austin is the ATX sculpture in front of Whole Foods. This rainbow-striped piece will let everyone know you’re in Austin.

Where: 5th St and Lamar, Austin, TX 78703

South Congress

South Congress is one of the vibrant neighborhoods. This district is known for the restaurants, shops, and just overall good atmosphere. On this strip, you can find several places to take pictures, go see for yourself.

Where: South Congress, Austin, TX 78704

The Capitol Building

You can tour it. Or just marvel at the architecture by standing outside of it and taking a photo. The grounds around The Capitol are beautiful. If your feed is dedicated to informing people, this would be a great chance to display some Texas history!

Where: 1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Stubb’s

This Bar-B-Q joint and music venue is a great place to take pictures. Some of the best acts of music have been played here. If you’re into music, then show off that you’ve set foot on the ground of Stubb’s.

Where: 801 Red River St, Austin, TX 7870

The Domain

Domain pictures in austin — Image courtesy: The Domain Northside

This modern shopping center has tons of areas for a photo op. From decorated walls of plants or corridors with murals, you won’t even know where to start!

Where: 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX 78758

Sixth Street

Known for its nightlife, Sixth Street is full of fun photoshoots. It’s colorful and lively. With tons of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, let everyone know you’re having a good time.

Where: W 6th St., Austin, TX 78703

While the city is big, some of the best places to take pictures in Austin are pretty close. So, if a few of these has caught your eye then try to coordinate the locations out. In case you don’t, know that on almost every corner there’s usually always a place to take a photo.

Need something to fuel your photoshoot? Check out these Austin BBQ places!

Black Fret Keeps Live Music Alive With a New Festival

May 12, 2021 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

Nakia SXSW 2018 Black Fret — Nakia enlivened an amazing Black Fret showcase during SXSW 2018. (credit: Bill Tucker)

For more than eight years, Black Fret supported the Austin music community with an unstoppable sense of purpose and accomplishment. When COVID brought live music to a near standstill, many of us wondered who would step up and take a stand. Black Fret came to the table and their brand new music festival, “Keep Live Music Alive,” is the comeback party we’ve been asking for since March of 2020. And with news of the 2021 class of grant nominees around the corner, there has never been a better time to become a member and support the music.

Doing The Right Thing Since 2013

Matt and Colin Black Ball 2018 — Colin Kendrick (L) and Matt Ott (R) pose before the 2018 Black Ball (credit: Bill Tucker)

Founded by Colin Kendrick and Matt Ott in 2013, Black Fret aims to support the local music scene through member support. Members pay a flat fee that goes toward yearly grants. In return, members get access to unique, intimate listening room style performances. Every year, members nominate twenty artists to receive either a minor ($5,000) or major ($20,000) grant. The year culminates in the Black Ball, a sensational awards show and concert blowout at the Moody Theater. I’ve been to multiple Black Balls over the years, and trust me. They are experiences!

And while COVID kicked the Austin live music scene in the gut, Black Fret fought back with the Happy Hour Concert series. The program paid out over $250,000 to over 150 musicians for playing shows for companies and businesses over Zoom. It’s that sort of innovation that helped Black Fret stay helpful and relevant during the pandemic.

How’s this for numbers? To date, Black Fret has awarded $2,000,000 to local musicians and $1,500,000 to Austin-area venues and music businesses. Every artist playing a Black Fret showcase gets paid as does every venue. And for the first time, this year’s season dues is $750. While that may seem steep, it’s a hefty discount from years past. And consider the amount of live shows you get exclusive access to, along with knowing you’re supporting the art that keeps Austin the “Live Music Capital of the World. It’s a donation worth considering if you have the means to do so.

The Keep Live Music Alive Festival

Buffalo Hunt during the Black Fret SXSW 2021 showcase.

Now that COVID restrictions are relaxing enough for Austin to dip its collective toe back into live music, Black Fret is launching its first membership drive of the season in the form of a festival. The “Keep Live Music Alive” festival will take place from May 14-16th at the Long Center Terrace. While the event is listed as members only, single-day tickets are available for non-members. But that’s not the point. With an incredible lineup to offer, becoming a member is the best way to experience this three-day extravaganza.

The jam packed schedule reads like a who’s who of new Austin music. While ATX staples like Ley Line and Darkbird make me smile, I’m dying to check out Zach Person. I’ve heard nothing but good things about this local up-and-comer. The full schedule is as follows:

Day 1	Time
Eimarl Sol	4:00
Darkbird	4:45
Mike Melinoe	5:30
Miggy Milla	6:15
Zach Person	7:00
Buffalo Hunt	7:45
Nane	8:30
Day 2
Night Blooms	3:00
Motenko	4:00
Ley Line	4:45
Clarence James	5:30
Lisa Morales	6:15
Harry Edohoukwa	7:00
American Dreamer	7:45
Sam Houston & Blk Odyssy	8:30
Jake Lloyd	9:00
Day 3
Special Tribute to Bob Dylan	11:00 AM
Jon Muq	2:00
Casey McPherson	3:00
Dom Fisher	3:45
Pat Byrne	4:30
J Soulja	5:15
Matt the Electrician	6:00
The Reverent Few	6:45
Deezie Brown	7:30

Looking Forward to the Season Ahead

Austin band Motenko performing during Black Fret’s SXSW 2021 showcase.

And the festival is a jumping-off point. On June 11th via a private event at the Moody Theatre, Black Fret will announce this year’s class of artists. After months of live shows, the season will culminate in this year’s Black Ball on December 4th. As a fan of this wonderful organization, it’s great to see it up and running as intended: promoting and stewarding Austin live music. And if Black Fret’s re-emergence is the goal, the Keep Live Music Alive festival is its proof of concept.

“Black Fret is all about supporting our local music as the art that it is and we thank the Long Center for hosting our first ‘Keep Live Music Alive’ festival,” said Matt Ott, Co-founder of Black Fret. “COVID knocked our music community on our collective ass and it is time for us all to come together to support our artists, venues, and vendors that create our amazing music ecosystem in Austin. Joining Black Fret is a great way to accomplish that.”

When the music community was sucker-punched by COVID over a year ago, it hit everyone hard. From artists to venues and everyone in between, it was a time of uncertainty and anxiety. Despite it all, Black Fret continued to do what it does best—provide a lifeline to Austin’s cherished and storied music scene when it needed it most. And with this weekend’s celebration, the Austin music community hopes to turn the page on the year that was, and look forward to a great season of sounds ahead.

To become a member and attend the festival, visit https://www.blackfret.org/klma/ for everything you need to do so.

@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:

Ever been to a Black Fret event? Tell us about your experience!

Watch Fashion Change as You Walk Through History at Bullock Museum’s Newest Exhibit

February 18, 2020 by Brittany Ballard Leave a Comment

Fashion Forward Exhibition at Bullock Texas State History Museum — “Fashion Forward” guides museum visitors through the history of fashion (Credit: Chad Wadsworth/Bullock Texas State History Museum)

Walking into Bullock Texas State History Museum is always a thrill for me. I get chills just thinking about all of the history held within the walls of the building.

As a self-proclaimed fashionista, I’m extremely excited about Bullock Museum’s newest exhibition, called “Fashion Forward.” Not only does it feature pieces from renowned designers, but they are all from an annual award ceremony that put Texas on the map for fashion.

[Read more…]

All That Glitters Is Neon at Upcoming Surreal Sea Party

October 29, 2019 by Joleen Jernigan Leave a Comment

Surreal Sea Party Entrance Through Neon Fish — Enter Surreal Sea through the belly of the beast (Credit: Ion Art)

Austin, prepare to trip the lights fantastic in an awe-inspiring neon seacape. Dance the night away among dazzling creatures and festive people at Ion Art and Art Seen Alliance’s Surreal Sea 2019.

[Read more…]

Please Touch the Art During Touch Tours at Umlauf Sculpture Garden

August 30, 2019 by Camellia Falcon Leave a Comment

Touch Tours for Visually Impaired at Umlauf Sculpture Garden — Sarah Story and Sara Athans demonstrate the Touch Tours experience at “Muse II”

Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum is a place most Austinites have been at least once. This beloved art venue offers vibrant programming, which includes summer camps, family days, and yoga. The peaceful space is also a popular event venue.

But as I walked in to do research for this story, I realized I’d never taken a proper tour. That’s how I missed a key fact regarding touching the statues. I had to confirm: is it really okay to touch the art? “Yes,” Program Director Sarah Athans replied as she smiled, “at least the bronze ones.”

This fact, along with a longtime relationship with Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, set the perfect conditions for Touch Tours to become a part of the garden’s offerings.

[Read more…]

7 Outstanding Fine Artists in Austin to Know and Appreciate

August 28, 2019 by Katrina Cervantes 5 Comments

Rachel Dickson One of Austin's Fine Artists — Rachel Dickson in a studio shoot with Fotohouse (Credit: Daniel Nguyen)

You already know Austin is a hub for art and culture. In addition to world-class museums like the Blanton, smaller galleries line the streets. The city does a wonderful job of making sure art of all sorts is installed in public spaces for everyone to enjoy. And there’s no shortage of street art, if that’s your thing. Sculptural exhibits are plentiful for those who prefer a more three-dimensional realm. Sometimes, you’ll find disciplines intersect, since plenty of artists like to play in the proverbial clay and experiment with different media.

The following list focuses on seven Austin-based artists who are skilled in the fine arts—mainly abstract, portraiture, and landscapes. As you’ll see, they find ways to expand upon these categories and even transcend them.

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Austin’s Thinkery Children’s Museum Sparks Imagination for All Ages

July 8, 2019 by Krista Hager Leave a Comment

Thinkery Hands-on Children's Museum in Austin — If only all learning was this revolutionary (Credit: Thinkery)

To be perfectly blunt, I am usually not a museum person. However, there is nothing usual about Austin’s Thinkery children’s museum. A visit to Thinkery feels like the physical manifestation of wonder and inquiry from a growing mind. With so many rooms and rotating exhibits, each return visit maintains its novel appeal.

[Read more…]

Art City Austin to Delight the Senses While Celebrating Diverse Local Art

April 4, 2019 by Joleen Jernigan Leave a Comment

Art City Austin Pop Art — Pop art, fan art, and fine art come together at Art City Austin (Credit: Art City Austin)

Austin’s wonderful weirdness is due in part to our artists of every hue. Art City Austin festival, the anchor event for Art Alliance Austin, will welcome dozens of artists to Republic Square Park on April 12-14, 2019.

[Read more…]

What is the Mermaid Fest San Marcos?

Mermaid Capital of Texas Fest 2021 – Event Details Including COVID Guidelines

7 Best RV Parks in Texas

Where to take pictures in Austin?

Doing The Right Thing Since 2013

The Keep Live Music Alive Festival

Looking Forward to the Season Ahead

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