Best of Austin 2013

I’ve decided to take a look back on all the events, restaurants and places I mentioned this past year and make an “end of the year top ten”.  He we go:

10. ACL Music Fest - The weather can be a downer but you can’t beat the band selection.

9. Driftwood Winery – Try the Starry Night.

8. Pieous – Homemade mozzarella!

7. Ester’s Follies – I mean, who doesn’t like to laugh?

6. Gourdoughs – No risk gluttonous goodness!

5. Austin Zoo and Sanctuary – Sponsor one of the animals and help support the sanctuary.

4. The Paramount Theatre – The best place to see a classic film.

3. Museum Day – One of the best times to catch up on all the art, sculptures and exhibits in town.

2. Downtown Walking Tours – Free historical tours of our city.

1. My Austin vacation home  – Just a little shameless promotion!

If you haven’t checked any of these out yet, make it your 2014 Resolution to do so! Have a safe and secure New Year!

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. 

Unique Austin Sites

One of Austin’s slogans is to “Keep Austin Weird”. We are proud to promote and encourage anything that separates our town from other cities. Here are some fun and unusual places to check out that celebrate our weirdness in the best possible way:

Peter Pan Mini Golf – The two mini putt-putt courses is a funky Austin tradition since 1946.  Cheap fun that won't bankrupt you. Cash only and BYOB.

Cathedral of Junk -  Located in the backyard of a small house in a residential area is an interesting structure made out of items that would normally be thrown out. Vince Hannemann, owner and builder of the sculpture allows visitors to come by and check it out for free. Donations of “junk” are always appreciated.

Austin Haunted Hearse Tours – This touring company takes you to 15 different Austin landmarks that are reportedly haunted or have paranormal activity. You'll drive around in style in a classic 1979 Cadillac Hearse.

Lala’s Dive Bar – Not a classy joint by any means but they do have drinks, a juke box and Christmas lights up year round.

Blue Starlite Drive-In Movie Theater  - Austin's only drive-in that features a variety of pop culture films.

Looking for a place to rent while you are in Austin? Whether it is for you or for someone else, click for more information on my vacation rental at 3207 Brass Buttons Trail, Austin, TX 78734, USA.

Stay in Austin, Tx with your kids

Are you coming to Austin, TX? Are you bringing your kids? 

No problem!

Austin, TX may be the "Live Music Capital of the World" but it is also extremely family friendly and offers many local attractions geared to kids, teenagers and the whole family.

Here is my top ten list:

Lake Austin Waterfront Vacation Home

1. Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary - A private, non-profit zoo that houses about 300 animals and 100 different species.  Be sure to bring a camera to capture the experience. 
2. Austin Children's Museum – This museum is situated in the heart of downtown conveniently located next to shops and restaurants. Their daily story time and educational exhibits are designed to entertain the curious minds of children and their grown-ups.
3. Austin Nature and Science Center - Children of all ages can explore the dino pits and the wildlife exhibits.
4. Shore Club Volente Beach – This is a perfect getaway for families on a hot summer day. There are pools designed for children with twisty slides and an adult only pool with a swim up tiki bar. There is also a sandy beachfront and 3 volleyball courts.
5. Barton Springs Pool – This 1,000 foot long natural limestone pool, fed by several underground springs is a must.
6. Zilker Zephyr Miniature Train – This is an interesting and fun way to see the Zilker Metropolitan Park.
7. Texas Memorial Museum – Go see the dinosaurs! Their exhibits focus on prehistoric life, evolution, rocks, gem stones and native Texas wildlife.
8. Inner Space Cavern – Take a short excursion just outside of Austin to Georgetown, TX to explore and tour the limestone cavern. Guides will take you back in time so you can experience the fascinating story of the cave’s history.
9. Pioneer Farms - Step back in time to the Blackland Prairie of the 1800s. Explore more than 90 beautiful, wooded acres and discover exciting, memorable ways to experience Texas' past with your family.
10. IMAX at the Bob Bullock Museum - 3 floors of Texas History and a state-of-the-art theater that uses innovative IMAX technology to create the ultimate film experience. 

And of course, don't forget to check out my Lake Austin Waterfront Vacation Home with an amazing pool, view of Lake Travis with 4 bedrooms with 3.5 baths overlooking Lake Austin. 

Click for reservations to stay at 3207 Brass Buttons Trail, Austin, TX 78734, USA.

My Vacation Rental

Are you looking for an amazing luxury vacation rental in the Lakeway - Austin, Tx area? If not, you will be after you see my beautiful and breathtaking Mediterranean Style Rental with  4 bedrooms with 3.5 baths overlooking Lake Austin. Click for reservations.

Details:

• 3 stories with elevator overlooking Lake Austin near the Mansfield Dam/Lake Travis. 
• Less than 4 minute drive around to bottom of cliff to access Lake Austin waterfront.
• The master suite is equip with spa tub and a steam shower. 
• There are 3 balconies and a rooftop deck with hot tub. 
• Infinity pool that overlooks Lake Austin. 
• Local and long distance calling plus computer/fax/printer and internet access. 
• Cable TV with movies. 
• Sleeps 10 (2 king, 1 queen, 2 full beds). 
• Macaws in the front yard. 

You can bring your boat! There are several boat launches less than five minutes away for Lake Austin and Lake Travis. Free canoe use is available plus a 26' Stingray pleasure boat available on Lake Travis for charter with captain.

 Check out the reviews and more pictures.