The Austinot

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No Bad Days: Insider’s Guide to Lake Travis

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Lake Travis GuideWhen Austin’s summer temps surpass a punishing 100 degrees, it’s time to cool off in a swimming hole. Lake Travis, roughly 30 minutes from central Austin, has been a watery, refreshing respite from Austin’s heat, traffic, and citified stress since 1942. This is your detailed guide to spending a flawless day in and around Lake Travis.

Lake Travis, one of a series of manmade lakes around Texas, is a branch of the Colorado River. The Lower Colorado River Authority created Lake Travis when it built Mansfield Dam (part of the Highland Lakes project to create lakes throughout central Texas).

The lake measures approximately 63.5 miles, snaking up and around west Travis County nearly to Marble Falls. It’s our largest body of water in the area and has spawned a lifestyle centered around boating, water sports, yacht rock, and easy living.

I spent a few days out at Lake Travis in order to share these adventures with The Austinot’s readers. These tips are a good start to getting to know the area and its activities. Enjoy! [Read more…]

Virtually Tour Austin Central Library’s Impressive Six Floors

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Austin Central Library Six Floors

There are six floors to wander through and explore at Austin Central Library (Credit: Amanda Gagnon)

Even though Austin Central Library has been open for a while now, I recently visited for the first time. The building itself is stunning and I was pleasantly surprised by what the library offers to visitors.

Of course, you can check out books and other media. It’s a library. But did you know you can record a podcast from one of the shared learning rooms? Or that there are reading porches and a rooftop garden? How about the newly opened cafe?

I could have spent all day at Austin Central Library and can’t wait to return for another visit. [Read more…]

Become a DIY Crafting Master at North Loop’s Crafts & Drafts

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DIY Crafting Austin at Crafts & Drafts

Some of the crafting supplies available at North Loop’s Crafts & Drafts

Wine and paint parties took us by storm a few years ago. The simple premise has turned out to be incredibly entertaining and successful. But we aren’t all painters! I know I’m definitely lacking in the fine arts department…

Ananda Neureither, who found herself on the way to yet another wine and paint party, wondered about variations on the theme. Her crafting and DIY prowess soon manifested as Crafts & Drafts, a local workroom where you can take classes or host your own event.

[Read more…]

Guide to Austin’s Nightlife Districts for Bachelor Party Planners

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You’ve seen them. Young men roaming the city, with an eye for adventure and matching t-shirts. They touch down in Austin on Thursday or Friday, live their best lives for as long as they can, and then go back to whatever reality they came from.

Bachelor parties are everywhere in Austin, and for good reason. Our city offers the best food, drink, and outdoor activities. There’s the amazing weather, and accessibility within the city that makes it easy to navigate from place to place. If you’re planning a bachelor party in Austin, know you have options–most of all the option to keep it uncomplicated and fun. [Read more…]

6 Local Places to Practice Archery Around Austin

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Archery Training Center Austin Texas

Archery Training Center provides recreational and competitive lessons for all ages (Credit: Archery Training Center)

Austin has its fair share of activities for locals and tourists: kayaking, hiking, bar hopping, concerts. But if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, then take up a bow and arrow (a dream come true for a medieval bookworm like myself)! Keep reading to discover six places in the Austin area where you or your kids can learn archery. [Read more…]

Where to Swim in Austin: Pools, Splash Pads, Swimming Holes

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Aerial view of the Bartholomew Pool in Austin

Aerial View of Bartholomew Pool (Credit: City of Austin PARD, Aquatics Office)

Guest article by Dana Minney

Austin and the surrounding area are so full of splash opportunities, it can be hard to decide where to go for your swimming adventures. Here’s a list of local swimming spots, ranging from your friendly neighborhood splash pads to Central Texas’ biggest water parks…and everything in between.

[Read more…]

Tiptoe Into Whimsical Woodland Faerie Trail at Zilker Botanical Garden This Summer

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Zilker Botanical Garden Woodland Faerie Trail

Woodland Faerie Trail is open at Zilker Botanical Garden through Aug. 10, 2018

Whether you’re dipping your toes into Barton Springs Pool, jamming out at a Blues on the Green concert, or cycling around Lady Bird Lake, Zilker Park will keep you busy every second of the summer. There’s another adventure to add to this year’s list of things to do around this beloved park: Woodland Faerie Trail at Zilker Botanical Garden. [Read more…]

10 Entertaining Things to Do With Toddlers in Austin

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Lion Exhibit at Austin Zoo

Local lions Sango and Jelani (Credit: Austin Zoo)

Any parent of a toddler has asked this question with a sigh of soul-crushing dread: What are we going to do today? Coloring books? All scribbled on and ripped up. Watch “Moana” for the 80th time? He’s over it. Play with the dozens of toy cars he’s acquired in two short years of life? Either stuffed under the couch or tossed in the toilet.

Luckily, Austin has dozens of outings designed with little ones in mind. From splash pads, to parks, to trails lined with towering dinosaurs, here are 10 things to do with toddlers in Austin.

[Read more…]

Cyclist’s Guide to Austin’s Hike and Bike Trail Around Lady Bird Lake

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Cyclists Guide to Austin's Hike and Bike Trail

Credit: Christopher V. Sherman/Over Austin

People always say to me, “Hey Jonas, you’re always riding your bike around Lady Bird Lake. You must be an expert.” Flattering? Sure. But the truth is, anyone can do it. I’m just a normal guy. A normal guy who, after not owning a bicycle since childhood, rekindled an old love and hasn’t looked back.

What follows is my answer to the question of how to have the best cycling experience on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, a 10-mile trail of dirt paths, bridges, and boardwalk that wraps around Lady Bird Lake. Locals know it as [Read more…]

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