5 of the Country’s Top Wine Regions

While many of us assume California's Napa Valley is the country's top destination for wine and vineyards, fabulous wineries exist all over the country. Next time you're planning a trip, consider a wine tour or tasting at any of these five wine regions. 

Finger Lakes, New York
Just north of New York City, you'll find some of the best wineries in America. Finger Lakes is known for beautiful state parks and award-winning sparkling wines. Take the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and check some of the 30 wineries around Seneca Lake. 

Temecula, California
Napa Valley isn't the only wine destination in California. The West Coast is filled with tons of great wine towns, including Temecula. Grapes grow in abundance in the town, thanks to a climate similar to Spain's. Over 30 wineries call the city home. Festivals are always taking place, creating a lively environment. 

Walla Walla, Washington
Travel a little further up the West Coast to hit Walla Walla, Washington. Walla Walla has recently become a popular wine destination with plenty of wineries and beautiful scenery of the Blue Mountains. Stop by Walla Walla Vintners on Fridays and Saturdays for free wine tastings of the renowned red wines. This winery was one of the first to open in Washington. 

Long Island, New York
You might not think of vineyards when you think of Long Island, but this New York town is home to plenty of small vineyards producing excellent wines. Most of the wines are unique to the area and can't be found in the grocery store. If you're looking for a rare vintage, check out the wineries on Long Island, like Sparkling Pointe. 

Palisade, Colorado
Many of the wineries here use local fruits in the wine for a light and delicate taste. Take a trip in the warmer months to enjoy a delicious glass of wine in Palisade. Make sure you stop by Plum Creek Winery. This winery has been dedicated to only using Colorado grown grapes for over 20 years. 

Reminder: Today’s Election Day

Be sure to get out and vote today!

The Backyard at Bee Cave: An Austin Music Experience

If you haven’t seen a show at The Backyard at Bee Cave, you're missing out on a quintessential Austin-area music experience. This outdoor music venue has hosted legendary artists such as Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, David Bowie, and countless others. Set in Texas’ beautiful hill country, the surroundings are just as spectacular as the music. Although there are indoor bathrooms, they are a bit small. That's the tradeoff to enjoy a relatively intimate venue, with the opportunity to get closer to the stage than other spots that welcome big name artists. Tickets tend to be reasonably priced, as well as parking. Traffic can get congested close to the entrance. The Backyard recommends carpooling – if there are four or more to a vehicle, you can park for free. Just be sure to take a friend’s SUV, the gravel lot can be rough on low profile vehicles. Regulars suggest using a car locater app on your smart phone to find your car at the end of the night. Visit the website for a schedule of shows!

The Backyard at Bee Cave
13801 Bee Cave Parkway
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 651-5033
www.thebackyard.net
www.yelp.com/biz/the-backyard-at-bee-cave-bee-cave

Happy Autumn!

With autumn upon us, we hope everyone is able to take advantage of all of the fun and festivities that the season has to offer. Happy Fall!

 

3 Simple Tips for Improving Your Gas Mileage

Since gas prices keep going up and up, it's important we get the most out of each tank of gas. Keeping your car in tip-top shape can greatly improve your gas mileage. Check out these tips for getting the most out of your gas:

  • Make sure your tires are properly inflated. If tires are not filled, it can greatly affect your car's gas mileage over the course of a year.
  • Use the correct oil for your car. Putting in oil that is a different grade for your car can lower your car's gas mileage, even if you're putting in a higher grade of oil. Your car needs the recommended oil to perform efficiently.
  • Regularly replace your air filters. A clogged air filter can affect your acceleration and fuel efficiencies for older cars. On more modern cars it won't affect the fuel economy, but it still will affect acceleration, so make sure you keep your air filters in good condition. For more information visit the website

Keeping Your Car in Shape [U.S. Department of Energy]

Crown Donut: Your Friendly Donut Place in Austin

If donuts put you in a good mood stop by Crown Donut in Austin, Texas where donuts are served with a smile. Loyal customers find the donuts to be light with a melt in your mouth quality that can’t be beat. They have a wide variety of yeast and cake donuts, as well as donut holes and kolaches. If you are in the mood for sweet, get a cinnamon sugar cake donut. Looking for savory? Try the highly recommended jalapeno kolache. Although there is a drive through, many customers prefer going into the store for the friendly service. Crown Donut might just be one of the best spots for a sweet breakfast near Sendera Barton Creek.

Crown Donut
325 Ranch Road 620 S

Austin, TX 78734
(512) 230-4247
www.crowndonut.blogspot.com
www.yelp.com/biz/crown-donut-austin

Make Leaf Your Go-To Spot for a Salad Lunch

If you work in downtown Austin, grab a healthy lunch from Leaf, a custom salad cafe. The salad bar is stocked with a wide variety of sustainable ingredients and dressings are made from scratch. You can choose from one of the "Big 12" signature salads, or create your own. Although service can be spotty, the staff builds your salad to order, and the results are always delicious. If the list of salad add-ins overwhelms you, try the Strawberry Fields signature salad with baby spinach, strawberries, goat cheese, bacon, red onion, sunflower seeds, and candied pecans tossed with a Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Prices are very reasonable at $10 for a portion that customers regularly describe as enormous. Become a "Loyal Leafer" and get a free salad after you buy five. Dine in the casual cafe or get your meal to-go.

Leaf
419 W. 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-5323
http://www.leafsalad.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/leaf-austin-2

Buenos Aires Cafe: Fresh, Local And Giving Back

Nestled in the Hill Country, Galleria Buenos Aires Café’s atmosphere is a breath of fresh air. Bright, vivid colors jump at you from the walls and you get smiles from employees and customers alike. This Argentinian spot will have you staring at the menu in a daze as every single item sounds like the perfect dinner or lunch. The vegetables are all hand-picked and come from mostly local farms. Each ingredient is of the highest quality with all of the meats and greens being organic, and all dressings are made on site daily. The die-hard locals swear by the lomi beef sandwich with the chimicurri sauce, and everyone will tell you the Mojito and Spanish martini are the best they’ve had, bar none. Not only are the food and service impeccable, but they give back to the community by donating scraps for composting and making weekly trips to the Ecology Action of Texas. You won’t be disappointed.

Buenos Aires Café
Hills Country Galleria
13500 Galleria Cir, Ste 120
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 441-9000
http://www.yelp.com/biz/buenos-aires-cafe-bee-cave-2

Yaghi’s New York Pizzeria: Budget Friendly Lunch in Austin

Looking for a quick and cheap lunch in west Austin? Try Yaghi’s New York Pizzeria. This no frills Italian-American café offers pizza by the slice or pie, as well as salads and sandwiches. The $5 lunch specials are popular and include a 12 oz drink. Be traditional and go with two slices of cheese, or try the gyro sandwich. Customers recommend the Greek salad to go with any specialty pie. Yaghi’s offers several “white” pizzas. You can double down on your East Coast cuisine with the Philly Cheesesteak Pizza topped with steak, onions, peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, garlic, and mozzarella. Yahi’s delivers to spots in the West Austin area. Check the website for current specials and coupons!

Yaghi's New York Pizzeria
12400 W Highway 71
Austin, TX 78738
(512) 402-0202
www.yaghisnewyorkpizzeria.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/yaghis-new-york-pizzeria-austin

Tony C’s Coal Fired Pizza: Casual Pizzeria in Austin

Enjoy a casual dinner date at Tony C’s Coal Fired Pizza in Bee Cave. This table service pizzeria specializes in New York style thin crust pizza. Coal-fired ovens heat to over 1000 degrees and create a perfectly crisp and chewy crusts. A favorite is the prosciutto and goat cheese pie, topped with arugula and roasted garlic. The menu also offers fresh salads and traditional pasta dishes. Reasonable prices make splitting a salad and pizza an affordable meal. Brick walls give Tony C’s a pleasant ambiance.  The second floor mezzanine is great for watching the pizza chefs at work. Conveniently located in Hill Country Galleria, just moments from Sendera Barton Creek, it's a great spot for dinner and a movie.

Tony C’s Coal Fired Pizza
12800 Hill Country Boulevard
Austin, TX 78738
(512) 263-3473
www.tonycs.com
www.yelp.com/biz/tony-cs-coal-fired-pizza-austin-2

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