We loved our visit. I didn't know anything about the art before coming here but was very pleasantly…read moresurprised. I'm drawn to classically influenced, figurative sculpture, rather than highly abstract contemporary styles. Umlauf's work was precisely that -- it focused on the human form primarily and touched upon themes of religion, war, love, beauty. There were some pieces that took my breath away, particularly the refugee mother and baby pieces. The garden itself is small (you'll likely spend an hour here, at most) but very pleasant to stroll around. The trees were bare when we visited but I can see it being even lovelier in spring/summer. Very reasonable admission fee ($8 per adult). Children 0-4 are free. Super friendly staff. The woman working the front desk was very kind to us and made our family feel so welcome (we brought our two small children). Small parking area but it wasn't crowded when we came (despite it being a weekend afternoon). If you're visiting Austin and you like classical and figurative sculptural work, make sure you add this spot to your itinerary.

A friend of mine was stabbed to death by her ex-boyfriend and he then committed suicide. Today my…read morefriend's family had a celebration of life ceremony for her. This celebration of life ceremony was a deeply moving and beautifully planned tribute to her life well-lived. The ceremony took place in UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum. The grounds are serene and peaceful with art sculptures sprinkled throughout the garden. UMLAUF is strategically hidden behind Zilker Park in Austin, TX. The garden was a perfect place for my friend's celebration of life. She would have loved the tree canopy, small ponds, and the bronze and stone works in the garden. My friends passing caused me to think about life, death and the dash in between the two. The commentary today came from her younger brother, two friends and her aunt. Their glowing remarks intertwined with snippets of humor helped to soften the moment. One of the comments from her brother is that you need to keep in touch with family and friends, tell them you love them and do not miss those very important moments. Those thoughts resonated with me. Sometimes in this microwaveable society, we do not make time to be intentional and spend uninterrupted time with family and friends. I committed today to be more intentional from this day forward. When my mom and sister passed, I was selected by our family to do the eulogy, which is one the hardest things you can possibly do in life. How can you capture one's life in 15-20 minutes? What topics are most salient to discuss? Inevitably, my mind drifted to gratitude. I am so grateful for my family who loves me unconditionally. I am grateful to all my friends and especially those friends who have been riding with me for 25+ years. "The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience." Eleanor Roosevelt

Saw my third show here this past weekend. Awesome place. Awesome shows! Reasonably priced, great…read moreentertainment. Great snacks and drinks available for purchase. Can't wait to visit them at the new facility when built.

This is one of Austin's best kept secrets, and a locally owned operation…read more Don Toner and crew have taken what was a small production company using a stage at McCallum High and evolved it into a year-round full two-stage facility with comfortable seating in an intimate atmosphere. AP relies on a cast of seasoned local talent, including the brilliant and talented Michael Stuart, to provide a broad variety of theatrical productions each season. For live theater, the prices are reasonable, with half-price student tickets and guest ticket discounts for season ticket holders. The one thing I really appreciate about this venue is (and I repeat myself) the intimacy of the seating and stage. The stage literally ends at the edge of the first row. The most distant seats are no more than twenty feet from the stage, making the production even more real and audience connected. You get the feeling you are literally part of the play; there is no significant degree of separation between the actors and the audience. The other thing that I love is that it's literally a working company. Don Toner himself will often call back to confirm seating reservations. If it's not Don, it's frequently one of the other cast members. When you have a special request, there is no "box-office" detachment. And, at the end of the play, Don's waiting at the door to shake your hand and welcomes your comments regarding the performance. If you'd asked me ten years ago if I would ever be caught dead watching five plays a year, my answer would have been an emphatic "no". Thanks to one of Don's Actor's Equity members, John Hoff, I got hooked. John's no longer connected with the group as he's living in Colorado, but I thank him for instilling the appreciation for this troup in me. P.S. One of their most acclaimed productions is "Dead Presidents' Club", which is showing for one more day (11/9/2008) at Evans Auditorium at Texas State University-San Marcos. If you have time to catch this production today, do so. If you miss, pray for a summer revival in 2009!

We had time for one museum while on our trip and so we picked Bullock Texas State History Museum…read more This was a great choice that we made and certainly something to explore. The History History and the contemporary history that is all laid out here is very well presented and in the contemporary part it felt like you were reading, observing and strolling from decade to decade. A wide range of topics and different vantage points of Texas is explored here which makes it very fascinating and was mind broadening as we progressed through the displays and artifacts. I didn't know a whole lot about Austin City Limits and all of the musicians and musical acts that played there which was very much a learning experience and perhaps one of my favorite sections of the museum. Definitely worth going to if you are in Austin and wanting to take in some history and culture that makes up the state and the city.

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is an absolute must see! From the moment you walk in,…read moreyou're immersed in the rich story of Texas from its early days to modern times. The exhibits are interactive, engaging, and thoughtfully curated, making history come alive for visitors of all ages. There is a paid parking garage available, but parking is free after 5:00 for movie showings. Highlights include the detailed artifacts, hands-on displays, and the impressive theater experiences that really bring Texas history to life. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable, happy to answer questions and guide you through the exhibits. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a fun and educational outing, this museum is a must-see. I left feeling inspired and with a deeper appreciation for my home state of Texas! I have attended numerous movie screenings at the IMAX theater on site. Most recently the EPiC Elvis Presley in Concert. The seats are comfortable and it was easy to purchase tickets from the box office and they have a bar and concessions. Was a very comfortable place to watch a film.

I was a festival photographer the past weekend at Euphoria. It's a really nice location right at…read morethe river. Not too big but big enough. But seriously who would look up a festival review on Yelp.

If you were at Carson Creek Ranch last weekend and spotted a little rainbow unicorn eating pizza,…read moredancing from stage to stage, climbing and swinging in trees, or cozying up in a hammock...well, then you might've seen yours truly. Heh. As far as Texas fests go, Euphoria is right up there with Something Wicked as being the very best of the best. The main festival grounds were spacious yet intimate with three stages that only took about five minutes to hop to and from. For lights, lasers, and music that made your senses go 'oohh, aahhh,' the Unearth Tent would've been your go-to. Euphoria's main stage hosted big names like Pretty Lights where there was open air with plenty of space to move around, dance, and play with light up balloons, beach balls, and whatever other toys were floating around. For more chill vibes, the breathtaking Dragonfly Amphitheater which sat on the bank of the Colorado River pulled in your tree hugging, hammock life hippies. Outside of stages, there were tons of local vendors, yoga and personal well being workshops, food trucks (Chi'lantro and Home Slice included), and art displays galore. The cherry on top of it all was when the main festival music ended and the campgrounds came alive with two after hours stages that went till the wee early morning hours. Thanks for the amazing memories and can't wait till next year, Euphoria Tribe! Next stop: Spring Awakening in Chicago...lesss goooo!!!!

La Dolce Vita! What's not to like?…read more Once a year, I get three blissfully gluttonous hours to shamelessly walk around with a plate and a glass to sample some of Austin's best fare on the beautiful grounds of AMOA's Laguna Gloria in West Austin! More than 50 of Austin's finest chefs line the walkways peppered with more than 20 wine tables of local and international wines. Sample everything from sushi to soup to decadent sweets and everything in-between. Notables at this year's event: Driskill Grill - I want to MARRY all of them. They had these corn dog-style Scallops & Fois Gras served with a kumquat ice cream that were succulent and perfect... and then sent me over the edge with their Chocolate Delight - which were in shot glasses and started with their signature 1886 Chocolate cake topped with caramel, banana, and chocolate sauce then sprinkled with toasted rice. It just changed my life I will be more than happy to cheat on my betrothed Driskill Grill with The Carillon - the pumpkin lobster bisque soup had my eyes rolling in the back of my head. Seriously... What do they put in that stuff? How can you go wrong with crab cakes from Truluck's or Fillet Mignon from Sullivan's? And just when I thought it was safe, Piranha Killer Sushi sent me to my own little version of heaven with these Wasabi Crusted Salmon Rolls that were panko crusted and filled with salmon, cream cheese & scallions. Don't stop there... Hey cupcake gives away full sized cupcakes... May be a bit tacky, but I now bring a container for my annual red velvet cupcake so I do not fill up on carbs.... Moving along, Word of Mouth catering... can you say simply luscious sweets???? They have a Peanut Butter Bacon cookie that will change your life. And what can I say about the wine? Every corner you turn, there is wine, white wine, red wine and my personal favorite - the bubbles... they even had Prosecco there!!!! Not a wine drinker, they had a Texas Spirits section that had lots of vodkas, rums, tequilas and more like Graham's Texas Tea and Treaty Oaks Rum sampling their famous HOT Pepper-ritas... YUM. Stogies and Scotch more your thing? They also have a Scotch & Cigar Lounge Ticket you can add on to the price of admission for an EXTRA $25 (AMOA members $20). Enjoy all of this while listening to live music and taking a visit to the Annie Ray photo booth! The price - $125 unless you are an AMOA member then it is $100 or you can volunteer and get a $25 ticket. The proceeds all go to support AMOA's education programs... so you can eat, drink, feel like a high rolling philanthropist and enjoy "The Sweet Life!" La Dolce Vita indeed!

Someone is doing something VERY right here. What a well organized, fabulous festival. It was my…read morefirst time at La Dolce Vita and I didn't really know what to expect so here's expected vs. reality in the hopes of informing some future LDV attendee: Expected: Bites Reality: A smorgasbord of incredible food. Pork belly bahn mi, short ribs with truffled polenta, ahi tuna sashimi on crispy naan, mini cupcakes with raspberry filling, beef tenderloin sliders... and that was just in the first 15 minutes. Protip: Get there RIGHT on time. You want to be there before the masses and before it gets dark. Expected: Drinks Reality: Cocktails, scotch, red wine, white wine, bubbly, big pours, hearty tastings, knowledgable local wineries and whiskeys. At the end of this event, you might as well have a fancy cab waiting for you because you'll be drrrruuuunk. Expected: Friends Reality: Friends and yelpers and celebs and industry professionals that I rarely get to see in such a fun and casual environment. There's goodwill and cheer to spare here and it's kind of like a big old group hug without that one creeper that always manages to cop a feel. So hopefully this paints a picture of what LDV is... and has been for many a year. If you've got one food event to go to, make it this one. But make sure your liver and your stomach are prepared for the best kind of assault. (Note: Since it was themed as a classy affair, perhaps next year the DJ will play some more sedate music vs. full on LMFAO)

I loved seeing the museum. I highly recommend it. My issue was with the tour guide. I came with a…read moresenior group on a bus. I am handicapped. The bus did not have a lift, so I had to hold onto the bars on the bus to climb up the steps. Because of that, I could not carry my walker up or down the steps, as I cannot walk on steps without holding onto bars or rails. So I had to wait until everyone got out before the bus driver could carry my walker down for me. The tour guide began her presentation without me, and I was fine with that because I thought I would be allowed to ask questions about anything I missed. Boy, was I wrong. I felt highly insulted by her when I tried that. I understand her to be a member of the Texas Historical Society, though I am not sure about that, but accessibility should include being given the same information. When I came in, I told her I was not able to come in with the others, so I missed the presentation. She said, "Next time, maybe you won't miss my presentation with whatever it was that you felt was more important." Not falling and seriously hurting myself is what I thought was more important. I ignored her, but she did not stop. I asked a question, and she continued in a rude, huffy tone and made it clear that she considered me separate from the group. I know this person obviously discriminates against those with mobility disabilities, and I am sure she will for the remainder of her life. But it would be good if she would hide that while doing tours, as it is a form of non-accessibility, and I do not think the City of Austin, the Texas Historical Commission, or whoever supports this museum should be supporting that discrimination.

I don't recall ever reading any O Henry story. Yet, there is a free museum, the home in which…read moreWilliam Sydney Porter and his family lived while in Austin. It's small. The folks there are happy to tell you all about the writer who wasn't always a writer. It's a pretty neat place to look around. Next door is a museum for the Lady of the Alamo, Susanna Dickinson.

You say you can't actually get in to the official SXSW showcases with your…read morelow-end-of-the-totem-pole wristband? You say the badges are too expensive and the snooty doormen are too mean to let you in? You say the venue is too crowded and you can't see the stage? How about a cool event with no-cost beverages, tons o' swag, and 4 days of music? Oh, did I mention it's all free? This "unofficial" SXSW event just had its 9th year, and I can't keep this little secret to myself any more. The Levi's FADER Fort is one of my favorite music happenings every year, like a mini-ACL Fest, except the tickets and beer don't cost a dime, there's plenty of shady resting spots, and I can get directly in front of the stage any time I feel like it. They always showcase some great acts I've never heard of from a range of up & coming pop/rock/hip-hop/Americana artists (like MIA and Amy Winehouse before anyone knew who they were), as well as a few surprise appearances by classics (Lou Reed in 2007, Kanye West in 2009, Bone Thugs N Harmony in 2010). My favorites from this year were Chico Mann (very catchy electro-afrofunk) and Yelawolf (an Alabama version of Eminem with a much more gracious stage persona). Here's the deal: you must get on the FADER e-mail list, text list, or FB fan list so that you'll get the announcement when the RSVP system is open. Respond by email immediately and get on the list. About a week before UT's Spring Break, you'll get an email telling you where & when to get wristbands (usually the Tuesday of SXSW week); show up early on the first day and get your wristbands (FYI, your +1 must be there to pick-up in person, too). Then all you have to do is show up Wed-Sat after 1pm to hang out and listen to music while soaking up free libations until the last act leaves the stage around 9 or 10pm. Then you can shuffle down the street to one of the many other venues offering free music and smile as you realize that some of the best things in life really are still free (if you are 21 or older). P.S. The weekday afternoons and early evenings are definitely the best times to come if crowds give you anxiety. By 5pm on Saturday, the place is packed and it's a chore getting through the drink or port-o-john lines. I have secrets for getting around these little snags, too, but you'll have to discover those for yourself, young grasshopper.

This year it was located at 6th and Waller in a much smaller venue than before. For Fri and Sat the…read morelines were long and moved slow. If/when you got in it was totally worth it. Jack Daniels and Budweiser were the featured drinks. It was a very laid back event with a few hundred drunk yet tame folks chatting and enjoying the great line up!

HONK!TX is a community music festival (non-profit) which occurs annually. Many other cities around…read morethe country have similar events and in fact musicians and groups will travel to and from to perform. These festivals also occur overseas. It's free and open to the public in Austin and lasts an entire weekend each year (Friday-Sunday). It's free to the public and held at various locations. For example, this year, March 2026, it took place at Jackalope South, Mueller Park, and Pan Am Park (aka Rec Center). There are a variety of genres included from West African and Brazilian music to New Orleans brass, bagpipes, and everything in between. It brings together a collaboration of community, music, and art. Family-friendly events. You can't help but have a good time. If you're not dancing and singing at a HONK!TX event then you're just not living!

This was a fabulously fun event! Community street bands playing in spots across Adams Park and…read morebehind Wheatsville. Lots of brass and drums and hilarious costumes; some really good music and some just playful, groups from Austin and across the country. What struck me was the pure joy coming from the musicians as they played and danced in these interestingly diverse groups - it was amazing. And the audience - kids and grown folks alike - really got into all the tomfoolery and rhythms. A terrific, very Austin kind of experience that, according to their web page, actually started in Massachusetts.... This was the first year of Honk! TX, and I hope it becomes a tradition!