Wishing you a year of happiness and success in 2013.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Floral Paradise
December 24, 2012 by
The late Lady Bird Johnson, wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s presidency, recognized the losses posed to our ecosystem and our sense of beauty should important plant species disappear. That’s why in 1982, Johnson founded the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The Wildflower Center's since become not just an educational center and preserve for wildflowers, but one of the preeminent wildflower research institutions in the country. Visitors can tour the acres of flowers and learn about their unique places in the ecosystem. They can attend some of the center’s special events like shows put on by local Texas artists and even do some holiday shopping at the winter bazaar. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center also puts on a yearly Halloween show, perfectly situated on its rustic grounds!
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse Avenue
Austin, TX 78739
(512) 232-0100
Congress: A Divine Tasting Menu
December 18, 2012 by
Congress is an intimate fine dining experience that is hard to match in its quality, imagination, and technique. The warm decor and big, comfy chairs are a welcoming sight, as is the knowledgeable and helpful service staff. The menu is prix-fixe. The chefs here create a three and seven-course tasting menu every day. These are made with the highest quality ingredients, with as much local and sustainable product as possible incorporated into the dishes. This menu changes daily, but remains in the realm of what Chef David Bull refers to as "Natural American" cuisine. Thoughtful wine-pairings can accompany your meal if you so choose, or order something from the extensive, premium wine list. Congress makes spectacular, memorable food.
Congress
200 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 827-2760
http://www.yelp.com/biz/congress-austin-6
Happy Holidays!
December 14, 2012 by
Wishing you a wonderful and safe holiday season filled with warm memories!
Most Memorable Movie Theme Songs
December 11, 2012 by
A great theme song can get you into a film right from the beginning. Some soundtracks have even transcended the movies they came from and become cultural icons in their own right. In this article, we’ll share five examples of catchy movie theme songs:
"The Pink Panther"
This legendary smooth jazz theme by Henry Mancini written for the 1963 crime caper won three Grammy awards and hit the Billboard Top 10, and for good reason – it’s ridiculously catchy and you’ll have a hard time getting it out of your head.
"As Time Goes By"
Written by Herman Hupfield in 1931, this classic became famous in 1942 when Sam, played by Dooley Wilson in the film Casablanca, made it the film’s lyrical motif. An interesting bit of trivia is that “You must remember this / A kiss is just a kiss” isn’t the song’s opening – the film cut an entire verse before the chorus.
"My Heart Will Go On"
Celine Dion’s worldwide hit was originally composed as an instrumental by James Horner, but director James Cameron did not want vocals to be added to it. Writer Will Jennings composed lyrics anyways, and when Dion was convinced to do a demo tryout (a rarity for a singer of her stature), one of the most memorable movie songs ever.
"Mrs. Robinson"
Composed by Paul Simon for The Graduate, this was a rare occurrence of a pop star putting together a new song directly influenced by the plotline of a movie. Director Mike Nichols was a huge Simon & Garfunkel fan, paying big bucks for Simon to write three new songs for the movie. He only delivered one, but it was a classic.
"Theme From Shaft"
Isaac Hayes’s soundtrack to 70s classic Shaft is probably more famous than the film itself, replete with shimmering strings, funky drums, and one of the most famous call and response vocal parts of all time.
Trail of Lights is back!
December 6, 2012 by
The City of Austin has decided to bring back the Trail of lights, no matter how old you are this is always a fun time and is great with friends, family, and loved ones alike. Here are the dates for the trail of lights:
Theme Nights
Saturday, December 15th, 6:30 pm
Trail of Lights 5k Race Presented by Humana
The Trail of Lights 5k Presented by Humana will take participants past the Zilker Tree, through the Austin Nature and Science Center, and into the Trail of Lights the night before it opens to the public. Register with your family and friends today and celebrate the return of the Trail of Lights to the Austin community! Register Here
Sunday December 16th
GRAND OPENING Night
“Light It Up!” Special Opening Ceremony Activities at the Trial Head starting at 6:00 pm, doors open at 6:30pm
Hours: 6:30 – 10:00 pm
See Performers
Monday December 17th
Military Appreciation Night
Come out to support our service men and women tonight.
Hours: 6:30 – 10:00 pm
See Performers
Tuesday December 18th
Uniquely Austin Night
Who knows what you’ll see on the Trail tonight? One thing is certain, it’s sure to be unique!
Hours: 6:30 – 10:00 pm
See Performers
Wednesday December 19th
Heritage Night
Celebrating the many different heritages found in our diverse city.
Hours: 6:30 – 10:00 pm
See Performers
Thursday December 20th
School Spirit Night
Wear your school colors and show your school spirit at the Trail tonight!
Hours: 6:30 – 10:00 pm
See Performers
Friday December 21st
Caroling Night
presented by Samsung Austin Semiconductor
Come join us as we attempt to break the world record for the most carolers singing together!
Hours: 6:30 – 10:00 pm
See Performers
Saturday December 22nd
Santa/Elf Night
Show your holiday spirit! Don your favorite set of elf ears, Santa Hat, or reindeer antlers for a stroll down the Trail.
Hours: 6:30 – 10:00 pm
See Performers
Sunday December 23rd
GRAND FINALE Night
Last chance to see the lights- pack up the family and come on down for one last look!
Hours: 6:30 – 10:00 pm
See Performers
Text ATXLIGHT to 20222 to donate $10 to the Trail of Lights Giving Fund
Giving Fund
Make a donation to the Trail of Lights Giving Fund to support the 23 Trail of Lights nonprofit partners. Each $25 donation receives the Trail of Lights official wristband, giving wearers free shuttle rides and 10% off merchandise at the Trail of Lights.
Austin Zoo: Animal Sanctuary
December 4, 2012 by
Zoos are started for a variety of reasons—usually the animals come first, and a zoo is built to house them and educate the public about their lives. The Austin Zoo, however, was founded for a very different purpose. In 1990, a former goat ranch was purchased and renamed the Good Day Ranch, dedicated to taking in injured or abandoned animals in need of rehabilitation. Over the years, the ranch’s collection of animals has expanded exponentially. Starting out with mainly domestic animals, more and more exotic creatures were added until it was officially renamed the Austin Zoo in 1994. Now it is home to over 300 animals from 100 species, all rescued from or abandoned by their former owners. One of the biggest draws is the pair of Barbary lions, believed to be extinct in the wild, who are being used as a successful breeding family and have sired two cubs.
Austin Zoo
10807 Rawhide Trail
Austin, TX 78736
(512) 288-1490
Eastside Pies: Thin and Tasty Pizza
November 27, 2012 by
With thin crust pizzas made from scratch, Eastside Pies is a great place to go for a quality pie. The folks here are very take generous portions of fresh toppings and pile them onto a paper thin crust. The ratio between crust, sauce, and toppings is absolutely perfect, giving you one perfect bite after another. The menu contains a list of great house specialties, including nontraditional choices like pizza with sauces made of things like hummus, black beans, and pesto. You of course have the option of crafting your own perfect pie, too, with loads of possible ingredients and different cheese and crust options. There are also salads available, and some stellar garlic knots that you won't want to miss. Next time you're in the mood for pizza, consider Eastside Pies!
Eastside Pies
1401 Rosewood Avenue
Suite B
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 524-0933
http://www.yelp.com/biz/east-side-pies-austin
Happy Thanksgiving!
November 22, 2012 by
We wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving filled with delicious food and warm memories!
Threadgill’s: Delicious Meals Set to Music
November 20, 2012 by
If you want to experience Austin new and old, head over to Threadgill’s at one of its two locations. Open 365 days a year at both locations, the legendary restaurant offers a Southern comfort, home cooked meals, and live music. Famous for being the place where Janis Joplin developed her sound, Threadgill’s has been home to many musicians on the road throughout the years. Check out one of many live shows and you may be witnessing music history in the making. The North Austin location, the original Threadgill’s, has bragging rights as owning the first beer license in the county.
The South Austin location, “Threadgill’s World Headquarters,” hosts a family friendly beer garden and a Sunday Gospel Brunch. Both locations have brunch on Sundays from 10 am – 1 pm and a “Howdy Hour,” Monday through Friday, from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. The North location also offers an additional happy hour Monday through Friday from 9 – 11 p.m. Can’t get enough of Threadgill’s? The restaurant has an online store for all different kinds of restaurant merchandise including t-shirts and a cookbook.
North Austin:
6416 North Lamar
Austin, TX 78752
(512) 451-5440
South Austin:
301 West Riverside Drive
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 472-9304
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