HUGE thanks to Yelp and the Love Beer Fundraiser folks! We couldn't have asked for a more fun time…read moreon a Summer afternoon! The brewers were AWESOME- not sure if this is just a brewer trait in general or specific to Texas brewers, but they were SO fun, knowledgeable, and really made the whole experience a great one. We loved going to every brewery stand and trying both beers- I now have such a bigger respect for craft beers and have expanded my beer tasting palate beyond frat water haha! The place wasn't crowded at all too- I think the longest we ever waited in a line was under a minute! Our absolute favorite beer was the summer pils from St. Arnold's, but one of the 512 beers (can't remember the name, but it was aged in cabernet barrels) was a close second. This was an excellent date-type-activity, but it would be just as fun doing this with a group of friends too! We would definitely love to do this again next year- so Shiner had better show up next time ;) Oh and be careful and make sure to pace yourself- it's easy to get "white girl wasted" at this sort of thing! ALSO Mueller Park- wkjelebfhdfhiudfihuwrjnwfjn BEAUTIFUL!!!! This is probably the prettiest park/pond place in Austin! And right off of airport, say what???

Do you like beer? Yes? Continue reading. No? I don't like you…read more This was a wonderfully organized event and a total blast. They had great polka music, some alternative (?) basement rockers and a country man. They had all of the most bestest breweries EVER. Seriously. And all of them were primed and ready with cold beer flowing, stickers, friendly faces and answers to all of my questions like, "where are you from?", "what's with the name?", "I like your boots, where did you get them?" I learned a lot about beer... but more importantly, I put names to faces of breweries I've never been that close to because they seemed sort of big and intimidating. Now, I realize, they are not so big and intimidating just a bunch of local, loving brewers who have a passion for hops and all things beer. I'm so on board with this it's not even funny. Best of all, no stupid tasting tickets. Do you know how annoying tasting tickets are? You get a thimble of beer and you wait in line and then you have to get in the next line, and then the next and after 7 exhausting lines you've only actually had a quarter of a pint and you're pissed and you have to go buy one from a vender that is warm and overpriced and your mouth is dry and you hate the whole thing. These guys did it right. Awesome pours that allowed you to meander around, say hi to friends, pet dogs, oogle your next brewers and have conversations besides, "damn, it's so hot" or "cripes, did you fart? who was that? GROSS. We can't get out of line because we've been in it for 15 minutes and we'll miss our thimble of beer!" I actually drank less at the Love Beer Fundraiser because I could pace myself, enjoy the atmosphere and I think I only waited in ONE line. We met the guy who runs the fundraiser and he is one slick dude. Classy, polite, knowledgable, passionate and man, he has the coolest story ever. Except, you're just going to have to get your own tickets next year to find him and hear it.

The Kindness is Always Fashionable mural is on Burnet Road on the side of the Thrift House…read more Wholeheartedly agree, kindness is always fashionable! Enough said. I'm was feeling like a Austin evangelist. My friends were digging Austin murals.

Absolutely loved this show! It was so fun! There isn't a bad seat in the theater…read more The cast was fabulous! Get your tickets fast before they're all sold out! Ample parking available if you get there early. I will put this on my list to check out again next year too.

Perfect sized theater. All seats are pretty clear to see the stage well. This event was such a…read moretreat and we're so grateful to experience it. Definitely nice to kick off the holidays since this musical plays throughout December. The play is so fun- mixing a classic Christmas story with more upbeat and modern music is a nice twist! We got to go upstairs to the donor lounge upstairs, a quaint area with a patio that has a bit of Austin's skyline. Loooove this experience. Thank you!!

Wine and Swine. Where have you been all of my life? I'm calling it -- best food and wine festival…read moreI've been to all year. Gorgeous weather, fabulous food, a great crowd from all over and the perfect backdrop makes for a perfect sunday funday. Food: I dove in. Starting with what was one of my favorites, Swifts Attics deconstructed taco. It was spicy and savory and delicious. Then I proceeded to piggy my way through cubanos and ribs and pulled pork and pork belly and chili cheese ramen (you read that right!) and deviled ham sammies and smores and so much more. Thank god I wore a stretchy dress. Drinks: Every kind of wine -- Texas and beyond -- graced my lips this day. Usually more than once. The folks serving bubbles, crisp whites, therich reds, sake, cider, craft beer (hops n grain, jester king, etc) were generous and informed. Honest Tea helped me out mid rampage when I needed something more than a sample of wine to wash down the goodness. Setting: Ceres Park. I've been here once but I didn't know how perfect it could be. It's just beautiful with a huge barn like structure set up to host the hundreds of folks. Dangling lights, strings of pretty paper ruffling in the breeze and the band. Oh the band! Not to loud, perfect for dancing, funny and fun. The Austin Food and Wine Alliance put on one hell of an event. Well worth your price and get them early next year y'all. And bring a DD so you can get realllllll friendly with the wineries.

Do yourself a favor, pay the big bucks and get the most incredible experience of your life. Just…read moredon't get white girl wasted like I.....I mean my friend did. Amazing chefs, bartenders, wineologists? Band, and just ppl in general. If I'm taking time to write this when I could be watching Hulu, you know it's good.

I had seriously high hopes for the Taste of Austin. I looked over the list of merchants that would…read morebe there and literally drooled on my keyboard. I got two reserved tickets since they were only $5 more than the GA due to a special early bird purchaser rate. The concept of this was much better than it turned out to be unfortunately. Now, I won't lie - I ate a lot of food. Some of it was great, some was ok and some I didn't bother to stand in line for. Mostly, I was disappointed because it didn't feel it was the event I had signed up for. First of all, I assumed the merchants were there to cater to foodies like myself who wanted to explore Austin eateries in one night with one bite. It really felt more like they were catering toward those who needed...well, caterers. In fact, a few of the people working the booths actually asked me if I worked at a hotel or was hosting an event. No sir, I'm just a girl that likes to snack? Secondly, it just did not feel like the "local" even that it had been marketed as. TGI Fridays, Outback Steakhouse, Coca Cola, Omni Hotel, and HOOTERS! each had a booth. If those booths weren't there my memory of this event would be completely different I think. Now I'll stop complaining and mention that those vendors that came out with the local Austin flavor in tow totally won me over. Nothing Bundt Cakes (OMG yum!), Satellite Bistro & Bar (asian lettuce wrap and fresh made crab cakes), Kellie's Kandies & Cookies and Lakeway Cafe (great cupcakes) were among my favorites. I'm not sure I'll attend next year but overall, I had a great time. There was plenty to eat and everyone was happy to talk to you about their food.

I love this festival, and while the ticket price seems a little high ($20), it is well worth it. I…read morewent with my sister (my usual festival partner in crime), and we ate ourselves silly. Taste of Austin showcases local restaurants (and a few chains here and there) with flair. There are rows, and row, and rows, of vendors serving treats from burritos to cookies to sushi to bacon wrapped grilled quail. I could go on and on about the food, but let's just say that this year, I'm wearing my super stretchy pants. I'm also going to skate about 15 miles and lift weights right before. And I'm going to bring a rolling cart for all the leftovers. Lines for certain vendors do get really long, but if you're a festival veteran, you can work the lines. I won't give out my secrets here, but let's just say that my sister and I are pros. Also, please see pics posted. A picture is worth 1000 words. More Pics to come March 31st. P.S. I have about 30 "I love Hooters" stickers on my fridge from this festival last year. They are always a conversation starter when I have company over.

This secret trail will take you to an isolated spot on the lake which is great for little dance…read moreparties if you bring your own generator :)

This will be the place me and my husband escape to get some sun and get some nice swimming in. Love…read morethis spot it's not super crowed and its relaxing. Highly recommend!

I never realized there was a listing on Yelp for Sunken Garden Springs!…read moreIt's one of my favorite areas to visit when spending days over at Zilker &/or Barton Springs. It's man-made and has been around since the late 1930s. This water feature is a sanctuary to the endangered Barton Springs salamander among others. It runs along Barton Creek from Barton Springs Pool. The walls are concrete and limestone. It's a peaceful area and it is protected with fencing for the safety of the endangered species. If you want to check it out, it's best viewed when hiking the trails that lead up to and around it. Absolutely worth a visit.

Running or cycling on the Butler Hike & Bike Trail (aka Town Lake Trail), you're often moving too…read morefast to take in all the little scenic joys to be had along the 10+ miles of pathway. When I had a couple of hours to spare this morning, with a nagging injury keeping me from my typical Saturday AM long run, I took it as an opportunity take a leisurely stroll with a few turns off my regular loop, which led me to discover the hidden jewel of Sunken Gardens Springs. This home to a couple of endangered local salamander species has a long and interesting history as a public venue in Austin. The short version: it was developed in 1937 as one of FDR's public infrastructure initiatives, and generations of Austinites recall swimming, sunbathing, and even attending performing arts performances here. Like so many things in our ever growing city, the structures were not well maintained and began to crumble, creating a safety hazard. As with Eliza Springs on the other side of the creek, it was also found to contain some precious creatures with federal Endangered Species Act protections. For these reasons, public access would no longer be allowed until remediations could be completed. For the long version, see the City's master plan for restoring the spot https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Parks/Barton_Springs_Master_Plan/BSPMP-08of16.pdf and the most recent report on efforts through 2013 https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Prelim_Engineering_Report_Sunken_Garden_Improvements_Phase_1_2013-10-29.pdf. These days, you can stop on the bridge over the rushing springs to listen to the water flow or turn north to watch dogs play in creek. If you're curious like me, you can walk up the overgrown path behind the fenced enclosure to take a peek at the clear pool down below and imagine what it must have been like to take a dip in the olden days. To access, just come down the part of the trail on the south side of Barton Springs Blvd towards Barton Springs Pool, staying to the south of the creek. As you approach the dam (aka the free swimming/dog play area), the Sunken Gardens will be on your left. Alternatively, park behind the softball field off Robert E. Lee Road and drop into the trail there. GPS 30°15'48.8"N 97°46'05.1"W

Stevie Ray and I grew up in and around Oak Cliff Texas. I took a photo of this Memorial years ago…read more Austin was still a small laid back city and the tallest building wasn't very tall. You couldn't see any of this new construction behind Stevie. I wonder what he would think of the Austin he loved so much today. I know what he'd say," cool". Laid back attitude prevailed with him. It seems surreal when I see this statue and get caught up in memories of the last time I saw him before he dropped out of High School. Kimball highschool,first week of class, 11 th grade history. Stevie had dropped out before, gone to Austin for awhile but,for some reason was inclined to go back to school. That's really surprising because he was making headway in music. I guess we'll never know why he came back . But it wasn't for long and I think we all agree,he made the right choice . What I do know, is that I was there his last day,hour...minute of school. This is exactly how it went down as I sat in the row of desk to his right and one seat up. The bell rang just as SRV strolled into class and took the seat behind and left of me. I looked back and nodded,he flashed that patented smirk. About then the teacher started making a few announcements and added Mr Vaughan,please take your hat off. Yes,he was wearing his trademark black hat even into class. You just knew he was of a different place and time. He had gained a certain aura by this time. He just sat there gazing down. Again the teacher," Mr Vaughan,will you please remove your hat as they aren't allowed in class"! Still nothing. At this point I was getting nervous for him. Finally from the front of class," Mr. Vaughan,either remove your hat or go to the office". I guess he liked the choice because he stood up and strolled out of the history classroom,out of the school and into the history books. RIP Stevie Ray

It's weird that no one has ever reviewed this iconic sculpture (myself included)…read more This beautiful piece of artwork is a fitting tribute to the incredible talent that Stevie Ray was. Located along Lady Bird Lake (Auditorium) right at the water and walking/bike path (Ann & Roy Butler trail). It makes a long trail walk better when coming up on a familiar face, no matter how many times we've passed it. My most recent visit was to take my dog for his first visit. What a great way to spend an early #sundayfunday A great area to take out-of-town visitors too.