Things To Do

Gaze Upon Colorful Aircraft at the Balloons Over Horseshoe Bay Resort Event

April 11, 2017 by greystar

When you're lucky enough to spot a hot air balloon hanging in the sky, you may consider it a rare, special moment. But hot air balloons are a common sight at Balloons Over Horseshoe Bay Resort, which will host about 20 fun, colorful balloons from April 14th through the 16th.

Austin residents can enjoy this festival, which kicks off each day with early-morning hot air balloon flights and closes each evening with "Balloon Glows," during which ethereal floating objects light up the night sky. From iconic Tom and Jerry characters to striped and polka-dotted hot air balloons, there are many creative aircraft to ogle. Then there are other fun extras, such as wine tastings hosted by local vineyards and shopping courtesy of the area's artisans, so don't miss this fun event!

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr N@ncyN@nce

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Apartments in Austin, Balloons Over Horseshoe Bay Resort, Lamar Union, Things to Do in Austin

Enjoy Local and Global Art at the Austin International Poetry Festival

April 5, 2017 by greystar

Each year, the Austin International Poetry Festival brings poets from all around the world right to your neighborhood. In fact, over the past 25 years since the festival began, it has hosted artists from more than 45 countries. So don't miss your chance to meet some of the most renowned international poets at this year's Austin International Poetry Festival from April 6th to 9th.

At cafes and other local venues scattered throughout the city, Austin Poets International brings both professional and novice poets in front of audiences. You can actually sign up for one of the open mic nights and debut your own original works during the Austin International Poetry Festival. Of course, you can also just sit back and enjoy the live poetry performances, attend a workshop, or take part in the poetry symposium at the Austin International Poetry Festival.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr toakes00

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Apartments in Austin, Austin International Poetry Festival, Lamar Union, Things to Do in Austin

Mr. Natural: An Austin Haven for Healthy Eaters

April 4, 2017 by greystar

Chef Jesus Mendoza, Jr. crafts breakfast, lunch, and dinner without any meat—often without any animal products at all or even wheat or gluten—at Mr. Natural. These days, he does so with ease. After all, he's been an integral part of Mr. Natural's kitchen since it first opened in 1988.

Come in on Monday for a special dish like the mole enchiladas, or stop by on Wednesday for veggie stir-fry with black beans on the side. Crispy tacos, fried eggplant, and tamales are just a few of the other Mexican-inspired eats on the menu throughout the week at Mr. Natural. Mr. Natural has branched out into baking as well, so if you're looking for a specialty cake made with fresh, healthy ingredients, consider checking in with his team about crafting something sweet for your next event.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr avrene

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Apartments in Austin, Lamar Union, Mr. Natural, Restaurants in Austin

Don’t Miss the Urban Music Festival

March 21, 2017 by greystar

Austin is known as a hub for fresh and fun live music, but until 12 years ago, its local music scene had a noticeable gap. The Urban Music Festival filled this gap when it debuted in 2005. Now more than a decade later, the fest continues to bring the city's best performers—both big names and up-and-coming acts—right to your backyard.

This year, come out and enjoy shows by artists including Tony! Toni! Toné!, Letoya Luckett, and MC Lyte on Friday night. The roster on Saturday evening includes Keith Sweat, The Whispers, Althea René, Kyle Turner, and Michael Ward. The event will be held at Auditorium Shores at Town Lake on March 31st and April 1st, and tickets start around $40.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Keoni Cabral

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Apartments in Austin, Lamar Union, Things to Do in Austin, Urban Music Festival

Full English: Satisfy Your Craving for English Cuisine

March 16, 2017 by greystar

There are a number of comforting and delicious dishes from English cuisine that go beyond your standard tea, scones, and fish and chips, so if you’re interested in sampling some of this hearty food, come to Full English, located on Southern Oaks Drive in South Austin. The cozy atmosphere proves that you don’t need to go across the pond for an authentic English meal.

With just one visit, you'll see that Full English is worth your time. Stop by on a Friday night for fish and chips or anytime for the satisfying all-day English breakfast, which comes with pork sausage (made in-house), British-style bacon, an egg, mushrooms, tomato, and fried bread. Be sure to check out the extensive selection of teas as well for the full Full English experience!

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr Marcalz

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Apartments in Austin, Full English, Lamar Union, Restaurants in Austin

Patricia’s Table Encourages Kids to Try (and Cook) New Foods

March 1, 2017 by greystar

Patricia Tamminga grew up cooking and eating veggies fresh from the garden and pasta crafted from scratch, so it wasn't until she started going to school that she realized not everyone lived this way. She grew up nurturing her love for cooking but pursuing other careers—including teaching young kids—until she opened Patricia's Table.

The idea was born when she was teaching kindergarteners in Texas. She'd studied culinary arts, in addition to elementary education, so she decided to use her other degree to lead cooking classes for kids at her home. She found that kids were willing to try unusual foods and embraced garden-fresh ingredients when they were in charge. So she decided to open Patricia's Table and hold children's cooking classes full-time. Here, Patricia fosters a love for healthy cuisine and cooking with an eclectic schedule of cooking classes tailored specifically for youngsters.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Janitors

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Apartments in Austin, Lamar Union, Patricia's Table, Restaurants in Austin

Enjoy Drinks, Music, and More at the 90s Bar Crawl

February 17, 2017 by greystar

Throw it all the way back to the 90s during a drink-fueled bar crawl throughout Austin happening this week. On this bar crawl, guests are encouraged to wear their finest 90s clothes (overalls, ripped jeans, neon colors, windbreakers, etc.) and make their way around the Austin bar scene along this fun-filled bar crawl. General admission tickets are required for entry, and tickets will increase in price as the event gets closer. General admission tickets range from $30 to $40.

Tickets get you a welcome beer, drink specials at participating bars, and a commemorative cup. Participating bars include Parlor and Yard, Thirsty Nickel, Minibar, Burnside Tavern, and Kung Fu Saloon. Inside each bar, guests will also get to enjoy their favorite 90s tunes. The bar crawl runs from 2 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, February 18th, so scoop up tickets to this fun-filled bar crawl soon!

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Michela Simoncini

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: 90s Bar Crawl, Apartments in Austin, Lamar Union, Things to Do in Austin

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Antonelli’s Cheese Date Night

February 13, 2017 by greystar

If your significant other is a fan of cheese, surprise them with a trip to Antonelli’s Cheese House for its Valentine’s Day cheese date night. Guests of this evening event will get to feast on cheese plates, meats from charcuterie boards, chocolate, and an assortment of other treats while learning about the items from Antonelli’s expert staff. In addition to food, wine and beer will be available from the cheese shop before the class starts. Guests can also choose to bring their own wine or beer for a set-up fee of $4.

Tickets are $110 per couple and include plenty of food tastings for both people. Tickets are available online. Those interested in attending should scoop up tickets soon because cheese lovers all around are sure to flock to this event. Lucky for residents of Lamar Union, this cheese shop is only five miles away from the residences.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Michela Simoncini

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Antonelli’s Cheese Date Night, Apartments in Austin, Lamar Union, Things to Do in Austin

Black Star Co-Op: A Member-Owned Brewpub

February 7, 2017 by greystar

You may have heard of co-ops that offer fresh groceries, but did you know that the same democratic tenants could contribute to a thriving brewpub? Black Star Co-op proves that the worker-owned business model works flawlessly when it comes to brewing, as more than 3,000 worker-owners collaborate to keep it up and running.

Together, the team crafts a unique balance of "Rational" and "Irrational" beers—that is, some more expected and some more creative concoctions. When it comes to Rational beers, options range from the High Esteem brew with local wildflower honey to the Recalcitrant Dockhand, a bold brew infused with hints of chocolate and java. The Irrational beers, on the other hand, encompass everything from an ale aged in whiskey barrels (the Epsilon) to an oatmeal porter that actually steeps in SRSLY Chocolate cacao nibs (the Inveterate Dockhand). Everyone is welcome to try the inventive brews, co-op member or not.

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr Maria Eklind

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Apartments in Austin, Black Star Co-Op, Lamar Union, Things to Do in Austin

Don’t Miss the 2017 Austin Firefighters’ Ball

January 17, 2017 by greystar

The Austin African-American Firefighter's Association works hard to keep the people of your city safe, which is why you may want to donate toward or attend the 2017 Austin Firefighters' Ball. Slated for Saturday, January 21st at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, this upscale event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. and carries on well into the evening—until 1 a.m., to be exact.

Purchase your tickets for this semi-formal event, and take part in the dining and dancing that await. A portion of the proceeds from ticket purchases go to the Ed Bridges Scholarship Fund, which directly benefits your Austin community, so you can feel good about where your dollars are going. There will also be a cash bar and various vendors on-hand to fuel the fun at the 2017 Austin Firefighters' Ball.