Happy Holidays Austin

The holidays are upon us! I know I'm ready. It's time to let the gratitude, festivities, and feasts begin!

I'd like to take this moment to reflect on 2013.  Thank you to everyone that has read my blog and reached out to me. It's has been fun writing about all the great things that you can do in the Austin, Texas area. I feel truly blessed to be able to share my passion for this city with this community, and for that I THANK YOU! I look forward to next year and what it has to offer all of us! 

For those that are traveling, have a safe and secure trip!

Austin, TX in the Fall

The holidays will surely keep you busy but don’t forget to invest your time in some of the upcoming festivals, fairs and events.

1. Pecan Street Festival – September 28^th-29^th on Old Pecan Street (6th street) there will be crafts, food, music and art.
2. Austin City Limits Music Fest - This year we have two weekends to choose from: October 4^th-6^th and 11^th-13^th at Zilker Park.
3. La Dolce Vita Food and Wine Festival – Held on October 24^th at Laguna Gloria.
4. Austin Beer Week- During the week of October 25^th thru November 3^rd there will be 100 plus events and activities revolving around craft beer.
5. Texas Book Festival – A free event held on October 26^th – 27^th in and around the Capitol building.
6. ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot – This “run” is a Thanksgiving day tradition for many Austinites.

Rainy Day Austin

September will be here soon, and so will more rainy days. Although Austin is a very outdoorsy city, don’t let the lack of sun keep you at home. Here’s a list of ideas that are the alternative to going to the movies or staying home:

American Bingo – This is not your typical senior center Bingo parlor. 

Pinballz Arcade – They have an impressive collection of pinball machines and arcade games for the

kid-at-heart.

Contemporary Austin – Formally called the AMOA-Arthouse, spend the day exploring the new international art museum.

iFLY Indoor Skydiving – Great for the whole family. Feel like you’re flying in their state-of-the-art wind tunnel.

The Art Garage – Sign up for one of their many art workshops and classes.

What do you do when it’s raining in Austin?

Wet Summertime Fun

It’s going to get hot soon.  I mean really, really hot. Having an air conditioned house is a necessity but so is knowing where to take a dip.  I’ve put together a list of places to cool off and escape the triple digits:

• Deep Eddy Pool – There are many municipal pools to choose from but Deep Eddy is the oldest swimming pool in Austin. This is a perfect place to bring your kids, a picnic and hike on the trails after a swim.
• Barton Springs Pool – Located in Zilker Park. This large pool is complete with diving board and wading area for small children.
  
• Hamilton Nature Preserve – Park and then take a small hike down to the swimming hole. Awaiting you will be a pebbly beach where you can lay out in the sun and then dive into the natural springs.
• Austin water bikes– Rent a water bike on Lady Bird Lake! This is an excellent way to get exercise and enjoy the lake. Other options are paddle boats and kayaks.
• Schlitterbahn Waterpark – Bring the family and enjoy the rides, pools, slides and places to float. 

Free Stuff To Do in Austin

One of the great things about Austin is that it’s hard to get bored since there is an event, activity and/or concert happening every day. But going out can get expensive. Luckily there are a lot of things to do around town that are free. Here are five ongoing free events to get you started:

    Blanton Museum of Art – Check out the largest museum in Austin for free Thursdays.

      Harry Ransom Center – Located on University of Texas campus, donations are welcome but not mandatory to see the different sculptures, photographs and exhibits.

     Downtown Historic Street walking tours – Meet at the Capital and learn about the history of Congress Ave, Sixth Street. 48 hr. advance reservations are required.

   Texas Capitol – Learn about Texas legislature and the state’s history. Daily guided tours are offered throughout the day and are about an hour.

   Independence Brewing Company – First Saturday of the month they offer brewery tours, beer samples and live music. 

 

Bluebonnet Fever

It is springtime and it is the season to go on a nature quest! The hill country is a perfect backdrop for colorful wildflowers. As you’re driving on Mopac and passing greenbelts on 360 you can catch a glimpse of the native blooms all around Austin and Central Texas. Whether you are a plant enthusiast or just interested in sightseeing, here are a few ideas of places where you can stop, wander around and take pictures with Bluebonnets, Pink Evening Primrose, Indian Paintbrush and more:

Brushy Creek Lake Park – Located in Cedar Park, the open fields are perfect to gaze at the patches of flowers while having a picnic with your kids.  

Wildflower Center

Mayfield Park – Nature abundant, you will be treated to water features, peacocks, walking trails and flowers scattered around. 

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – This is an awesome place to take family photos. Plus, there are other types of plants, cacti and roses to see that thrive in the Texas climate.

Willow City Loop – Nestled 12 miles outside of Fredericksburg. It is a bit of a commute but the drive will surely be scenic. Also, stop by the Wild Seed Farm. Not only can you buy seeds and other natives, they have a path to wander on to see the different variety of flowers up close.

Where is your favorite place to go?