May this autumn bring you a harvest of fun times and laughter with family and friends!
Mingle with Peacocks at Mayfield Park
September 22, 2016 by
It may be tucked away in the heart of a major city, but Mayfield Park still manages to retain an atmosphere of calm. That's despite its particularly flashy residents, about two dozen peacocks. The promise of seeing them sunbathing, tree-climbing, or just meandering around draws many locals to Mayfield Park time and time again. After all, they look a little bit different depending on the season, so it's a new experience each time. Perhaps the best time to visit is late winter or early spring, when the male peacocks fan out their colorful feathers in an attempt to attract the ladies.
Even if you don't spot one of the majestic birds, though, your trip to Mayfield Park will still be well worth the time. Its 21-acre nature preserve contains snaking trails, perfect for a hike or a stroll through the trees. After your hike, stop by the picturesque Mayfield Cottage and Gardens for a glimpse inside the way Austin's elite lived in the early 20th century.
Mayfield Park
3505 W. 35th Street
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 974-6797
www.mayfieldpark.org
www.yelp.com/biz/mayfield-park-austin
Highland Lanes: Join a Bowling League at This Old-Fashioned Alley
September 15, 2016 by
If you’re looking for an old-fashioned bowling alley where you can enjoy an affordable game with your friends, Highland Lanes might be just the place near 95twenty. This well-maintained facility contains numerous lanes complete with electronic scoreboards and high-tech flatscreen televisions displaying your score. There is ample seating for your entire team at the end of your lane, and on weekends, you can even play in the dark using glow-in-the-dark equipment during Electric Bowl.
There are optional bumpers on each lane for the little ones, as well as a well-stocked pro shop where you can rent shoes and balls if you don’t have your own. Grab a juicy, grilled hamburger or a hot dog from the attached Lebowski’s Grill to make a day (or night) out of your bowling experience.
Highland Lanes is open 9:30 a.m. to midnight Sundays through Thursdays and 9:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Highland Lanes
8909 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 458-1215
www.highlandlanes.com
www.yelp.com/biz/jumpoline-park-austin?sort_by=date_desc
Handy Storage and Organization Tips for Renters
September 15, 2016 by
There are a number of smart and design-savvy ways to clear the clutter from your space and add storage, and it just takes a few clever tricks (and maybe a weekend) to get it together.
- Add under-bed storage. Whether you use store-bought shoe boxes or even wood palettes, adding storage underneath the bed is a great way to get shoes, clothes, and even books out of sight.
- Tackle the closet. Don't feel limited to the two or three clothing bars in your closet. Add your own temporary shelving, shoe racks, and other storage items from the local home goods store.
- Add additional bathroom storage. Create your own storage by hanging shelves or even investing in an affordable over-the-toilet storage system.
- Use double-duty living room furniture. Instead of letting clutter take over your living room, use furniture that doubles as storage. Try an antique chest as a coffee table or a sofa with hidden storage inside.
- Add a kitchen island. Adding a simple kitchen island is an affordable way to create more room for cooking.
7 Storage Ideas Worth Considering [PopSugar]
12 Big Ideas for Creating More Storage Space in Small Apartments [Rental Living]
8 Decorating Tips for Renters [Lowe’s]
Chow Down on Farm-to-Table Fare at Café Josie
September 9, 2016 by
Cafe Josie is a standout restaurant in Austin’s culinary scene, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxing business meeting or an intimate dinner with friends. White tablecloths cover the antique wooden tables throughout the dining room, while the bar is comfortable and the outdoor patio area is decorated with string lights perfect for a dinner al fresco.
Cafe Josie's menu includes farm-to-table dishes made with ingredients sourced from the Austin area, including small plates, entrées, and desserts for both lunch and dinner. Try a Wagyu burger and fresh green salad, or if you’re feeling especially hungry, opt for the Tagliatelle Primavera or goat ribs with tamarind mole. Desserts include both homemade crème brulee and a Mexican Coke float, and the beer and wine list equally impressive.
Cafe Josie
1200B W. Sixth Street
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 322-9226
www.cafejosie.com
www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-josie-austin-3
The Roaring Fork: Comfort Food With A View
September 1, 2016 by
The Roaring Fork puts a modern spin on American cuisine classics. The lengthy menu offers plenty of options, but crowd favorites include the bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin, the rainbow trout, the Mexican street corn, and the green chili mac and cheese.
The interior of The Roaring Fork is pleasant and comfortable, with plush booths and chairs and mood lighting surrounding the dining area. An island bar sits in the center of one side of the restaurant, while a beautiful view is visible out of the windows on the adjacent walls. Behind the establishment is a pond that catches the light in the evenings as the sun sinks beyond the water. Outdoor patio seating is also available, weather permitting, so grab the opportunity to take in a view when you go.
See what everyone has been buzzing about at this upscale place with a down-home feel.
The Roaring Fork
10850 Stonelake Blvd
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 342-2700
www.roaringfork.com
Experience More Than Just A Meal At Wink in Austin
August 25, 2016 by
“Dining at Wink is more than just a meal, it’s an experience.” That’s how a guest describes her time at this intimate, cordial dining venue in Austin. When you walk through the door at Wink, you instantly feel welcome. Wink only uses the freshest food and ingredients from local and national farms and purveyors. Therefore, the menu at Wink is updated on a daily basis.
The employees at Wink know their stuff, and they're very knowledgeable about the food they prepare and the wines that go with them. There's no pretense here, however. Instead, the staff wants every guest to explore and try new things and ask questions so they can have the best experience possible.
Wink is open Mondays through Saturdays. Because of the restaurant's attentive staff and popular, fresh menus, it is strongly recommended that you reserve a table in advance.
Wink
1014 North Lamar Blvd
Austin, Texas 78703
(512) 482-8868
www.winkrestaurant.com
How to Make Your Childhood Favorite Wall Art Look Chic and Grown-Up
August 18, 2016 by
From band posters to ticket stubs, you likely had quite a few things hanging on your wall as a child or teen. While these items hold a lot of nostalgic charm, they don't exactly translate into stylish decor — or do they? Here are a few ways to give your (or even your child's) favorite wall hangings a chic flair.
- Band or movie posters. Show off your favorite pop culture interests without giving your home a dorm room feel by framing them in high quality, neutral frames. Choose ones in natural wood, white, or black to coordinate with any decor style.
- Personal photographs. Easily update your favorite photographs by thinking outside of their usual sizing. Instead, send them to a professional printer to have them printed in a variety of sizes, and then use them to create an eclectic gallery wall.
- Polaroids. If you still have a few Polaroids hanging around (or if you own a modern instant camera), invest in some wire hanging systems. These wires come equipped with clips designed especially for hanging photos.
- Ticket stubs and other memorabilia. If you're partial to holding on to keepsakes from concerts, plays and vacations, display them in a shadow box. Create your own unique collage, and then frame it in one of these gallery-style frames.
Enjoy the Art and the View at HOPE Outdoor Gallery
August 11, 2016 by
HOPE is a collection of artists dedicated to making the world a more beautiful place, and they've made great strides in Austin. A previously desolate part of the city now exudes color and personality thanks to both local and international talents who've covered crumbling walls in bright, colorful panoramas.
Graffiti artists and muralists collaborate to create a masterpiece on the concrete walls that were once a blank canvas. According to those who've visited, the portraits are "mesmerizing" and "awe-inspiring." Each piece presents a different inspirational or educational message, and the collaborative piece is growing all the time. It doesn't hurt that HOPE Outdoor Gallery overlooks Austin's skyline, another breathtaking masterpiece in its own right. So if you have an afternoon to spare and you're looking for a photo op, head to this fresh-air gallery in downtown Austin.
HOPE Outdoor Gallery
1101 Baylor Street
Austin, TX 78703
www.hopecampaign.org/hopeprojects/hope-outdoor-gallery
www.yelp.com/biz/hope-outdoor-gallery-austin
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