Wine Trails and Tastings

Wine, wine and more wine. Austin, TX and the surrounding areas offer up a lot of choices of places to sniff, swirl and sip wine. You have options, whether you’re looking to tour many wineries in one day or you are just looking to sit back, drink and relax.  Here is a list of five places to check out:

Red Room – This lounge is dedicated to all things wine related. They keep the vibe relaxed and mellow.

Bluebonnet Wine Tours – Be escorted and driven around in style for a half day or full day to several nearby wineries.

Driftwood Winery – Go for the 5 for $5 wine tastings, have a picnic and enjoy the beautiful view.

Solaro Estate Winery – Take a day trip out to Dripping Springs and sample their variety of Texas wines.

Water 2 Wine – This wine bar and winery offers wine tastings and music events. You can even take classes on how to make your own wine and create customized labels for gifts and special occasions.

This is just a small sampling of what is out there. Don't be afraid to look into and explore the wide variety of bars, restaurants, clubs and classes that are offered throughout Austin.

Date Night in Austin

Are you trying to plan a fun, low key date night that is more than just dinner and a movie? I've put together a list of five fun ideas that won’t break the bank but are sure to impress with your creativity.

1. Ballet Austin – Take in a classic, modern and/or avant-garde style ballet performance in the heart of Austin.
2. Faradays Kitchen Store – Watch a cooking demonstration while having a glass of wine and then sample the meal after the class.
3. Elephant Room – This dark and moody basement bar is a cool place to listen to live jazz.
4. Trivia Nights – There are several places around town that offer game nights like Darwin’s Pub, the Grackle and Gourmands.
5. The Goodnight – Located in North Austin this funky-vintage themed hangout offers bowling, pool, shuffleboard and table tennis.

Tours in Austin

Want to discover more about Austin’s history, sites and scenery? One of the best ways to do this is by taking a tour. There are many fun ways to learn more about Austin. You can go by van, boat, bike, segway and even by foot. Here is a list of some of your options:

Austin Overtures Sightseeing  -  A 90 minute van tour of the heart of the city and the surrounding scenic areas.

Austin Duck Adventures - The tour starts out driving around downtown and ends up floating in Lake Austin. This is enjoyable for the whole family.

Downtown Walking Tours - Meet the guide at the capitol to take a free historical tour of Congress Avenue and Sixth Street. This is a great resource, be sure and give them the credit and kudos they deserve. You can also venture on your own and tour the Bremond Block Historic District and the Texas State Cemetery.  

Rocket Electric Bike tours – Self-guided and guided bike tours of the lake, food and music scene. 

Get out there and explore! Even if you are a native you can still learn something new.

Artsy Austin

Austin, Tx has art and lots of it! Austin’s art scene is filled with a variety of museums, galleries, schools and outdoor sculptures. Here are just some of the places you can go that will appeal to your creative side.

Blanton Museum of Art – This museum and art center is located next to the University of Texas campus. They feature contemporary paintings and prints, Greek statues, tours and events.

Russell Collection Fine Art – This 6^th street gallery features a range of works from Matisse to Rembrandt.

Umlauf Sculpture Garden

Art School at Laguna Gloria – There are classes for kids and adults whether you are a beginner or a pro. The grounds are beautiful; this is also a perfect place to have a wedding. 

Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum – The sculpture gardens are beautifully designed and scenic. This a great place to wander around and relax. Your soul will be indebted to you for taking the time.

Austin Museum Day - Once a year participating Austin museums offer free admission for their exhibitions and events.

Fests of Austin

With SXSW coming up hard and fast, I figured this would be a great time to put together a list of some of Austin’s amazing festivals. Whether you’re into music, film, food and everything in between there is an event for it.

SXSW – A huge two week festival with a mix of interactive, movies, music and comedy events and parties throughout Austin.

Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival – Sample a huge variety of hot sauces and salsas. Picking your favorite is harder than you think.

Zilker Kite Festival – Every year around March, people gather to Zilker Park to fly kites.  It’s a perfect place to set up a picnic and enjoy the festivities.

Pecan Street Festival – Two times a year 6^th street turns into an arts and craft haven.

Fusebox Festival - This unique festival presents a variety of performance art, dance, film and music showcases. 

Don’t break the bank staying downtown, check out my lake house in Austin (near Lakeway). Click to inquire about 3207 Brass Buttons Trail, Austin, TX 78734, USA.