When is the right time to sip on some wine and beer? The correct answer is ALL THE TIME! Hey, It’s 5:00 somewhere, right?

Austin is full of amazing and unique wineries and breweries. You can spend forever exploring the many options that we have in an around Austin. I’ve gathered some of my favorite spots to visit when I need a good sip. Hopefully you’ve had the pleasure of enjoying a few of these spots as well. If not, what are you waiting for?

Wimberley Valley Winery: Don't let the name fool you, this winery is located in Driftwood. Wimberley Valley Winery offers a diverse food and wine menu. For $18, you can experience their tasting which includes sampling five delicious selections. They also have a wine club that you can join which offers special perks for you to enjoy with your friends. The food menu offers everything from pizza to burgers and even tots. Yum! Get the girls together or bring your boys to this little slice of heaven.

Jester King Brewery:  Just west of town on over 160 acres, this local favorite has plenty of space to offer more than just a refreshing beverage.  In addition to serving up cold brews, they also have an inn where you can spend the night, an event center, a farm, and restaurant. Jester King prides itself on using mostly all of their own farm grown ingredients. If you visit and end up falling in love with this place, you’re in luck! Because they host many weddings and large events here. I told you, its a beautiful place. Don’t take my word for it though, go visit for yourself.​

The Austin Winery: Located in an industrial section of South Austin, this urban winery offers an adorable atmosphere to sit and sip on some delicious wines. Maybe you’re a red drinker, or maybe you’re more of a white wine person. Whatever your choice, There is surely something for you here. The tasting room serves 3 half glass pours of your choice of wine, and the staff gives you a rundown of what you’ll be tasting. They also offer snack trays to feed your appetite.

St. Elmos Brewery: Adjacent to the Austin Winery, St. Elmos offers unique beer options from Pineapple Pale Ale to Hop Water and so much more. They have a large outdoor space where you will also find their delicious food truck, Spicy Boys.  Here you can enjoy mouth watering chicken sandwiches, nugs, curry, and more. Drop by and get your drink on while you chow down!

Austin Beerworks: Located in North Austin, this brewery offers a large variety of delicious beers such as Bloodwork Orange and Megaflora. Locals know the “A” logo and the vibrant colored cans. Austin Beerworks has a very low gluten count in their beers also, which makes for a great option if you have a gluten intolerance. There is also some great food to be enjoyed while you chug down your beer. Head on over to this colorful brewery today. You won’t be sorry!

Dutchman Family Winery: Known for their saying “100% Texas grapes, 100% Texas wine”, Dutchman Family Winery is also located in Driftwood.  Shaded by large beautiful trees and embellished with gorgeous chandeliers, the aesthetic alone is a great reason to take a visit to Dutchman. They regularly feature live music and host events such as painting and movie nights. You can also become a member of their wine club and try all of the exquisite wines that your body can handle.

The Austin Beer Garden Brewery: Known as The ABGB to locals, this South Austin brewery offers a great mix of beers, wines, and ciders. You’ll find a drink to satisfy everyone of your friends. They also offer live music of all genres, and food that will make your taste buds so happy! Their food menu has pizza, sandwiches, salads, desserts, and more. Sip on some award winning beers while you dance to the live music and chow down on some food from their large menu.


Meanwhile Brewing: Located in South Austin, Meanwhile Brewing offers an experience for more than just your average beer drinker. You can also find coffees, wine, cocktails, and plenty of food trucks. This brewery often hosts live music to enjoy too. There is also a private event venue and soccer field. Sounds pretty cool, right? Well, Get your ass over there and let your fun side come out to play!

Have you been to any of these fantastic places? What are some of your favorite spots?

Happy 4th of July weekend! Need some fun and exciting ideas to celebrate this year in the ATX? We've rounded up a view great options to check out if you don't already have plans for this holiday weekend.

Live Fireworks and a Movie at Doc’s Drive in Theater:
With FIREWORKS before the movie, live music, as well as a wide variety of food and drinks, Doc's Drive in is a great option for anyone looking to have a good time!  They will have two simultaneous showings on both the 3rd and the 4th.  You can catch The Sandlot on Screen 1 or Independence Day on Screen 2. 

July 3rd and 4th
Live Music 7-9PM
Live Fireworks Show 9pm
Movies 9:30pm


1540 Satterwhite Road
Buda, TX 78610

Get more information and buy your tickets HERE

4th of July Blues, Brews, & BBQ with The Larry Harris Band:
No cover, all ages are welcome, and dog friendly.  Celebrate the 4th of July with live music, BBQ food, and some refreshing draft beers at Oakwood BBQ & Beer Garden.

July 4th from 11AM-8PM

307 E. Braker Lane
Austin, TX 78753
​
Get more information HERE.

HEB Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks:
Enjoy spectacular fireworks and some live music from the Austin Symphony at this free event.

Sunday, July 4th at 8:00 pm

900 W Riverside Drive
Austin, TX 78704

More information HERE.

​Red, White, and Boom 4th of July Festival:
​Visit Typhoon Texas for wild water rides, live music, contests, fireworks, and a hot air balloon ride.

July 2nd, 3rd and 4th 10:30 am - 7:00 pm
​
18500 Texas 130 Service Road
Pflugerville, TX 78660
​
Purchase tickets HERE.

With summer approaching, who wouldn't want to be out there by the water and enjoying life? Texas summers are no joke! Maybe you want to get out in the kayak, go paddle boarding, or take the boat out for a spin. Those all sound like a perfect summer day to me. however, it can be somewhat tricky finding a spot to get that boat unloaded and into the water. 

​I've mapped out some public boat ramps and a few homes for sale near the lakes. Let us know how we can help you find your perfect property to get you out there and living your best life.

It’s been over a year since our beautiful world shut down. We said goodbye to large weddings, parties, the nightlife, concerts, theaters, and so much more. Who’s ready to have fun again? I know I am! Let's take a look at some fun activities in Austin, TX to make you feel like you're living your best life again.

The Barton Creek Greenbelt is located in South Austin and stretches over 12 miles of land. The Barton Creek Greenbelt is known for its beautiful hiking trails, swimming spots, biking, rock climbing, and is an overall great way to spend a day in the outdoors. Read my full Insider's Guide to the Greenbelt here.

This interactive museum gives you a fun way to enjoy numerous exquisite works of art! Snap countless photos and make sure you post them on Instagram for all of your friends to see. This is a museum for all ages to enjoy. Bring your kids, bring a date, bring Bob from 2 houses down. You will enjoy the day and see many pieces that will open your mind to exploring places you never thought possible. Learn more here.

Feel like dipping your feet in the water? Head over to Rowing Dock where you can select from kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards to experience Ladybird Lake like a true Austinite. Located at 2418 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746, the Rowing Dock is open daily from 9AM-8PM. What are you waiting for? Bring your friends, come alone, or load up the family and head over now! Learn more here. ​

Enjoy the fun boutiques, eat at some delicious restaurants, view the street art, and enjoy what only Austin can bring you. Try on some crazy costumes at Lucy In Disguise With Diamonds, Have a yummy cone at Amy’s Ice Cream, stop in at Hotel San Jose for some amazing frosé, and don’t forget to snap a pic at the famous “I love you so much” mural at Jo’s Coffee.  There's also an entire new section known as Music Lane which has some great restaurants and new shops to explore too!

Lady Bird Lake or Town Lake as it was formerly known, is a dammed portion of the Colorado river situated just south of downtown Austin.  Currently the lake and its surrounding hike and bike trails serve as an attraction for locals and visitors alike. However, Lady Bird Lake was not always as beautiful as it is now. 

​The lake was created in 1960 as a cooling pond for the adjacent Holly Power Plant.  In its early days, Town Lake, as it was known at the time, was an eye-sore.  In the early seventies, the Mayor of Austin, Roy Butler, established the Town Lake Beautification Committee.  Lady Bird Johnson was appointed the honorary chairman of this committee.  In this role, she led the planting of hundreds of plants and trees and the establishment of the hike and bike trails around the lake. 


When Lady Bird Johnson died in 2007, Town Lake formally changed its name to Lady Bird Lake in her honor.  If you’re visiting Austin, I highly recommend you take a visit to Lady Bird Lake. While you are not permitted to swim in Lady Bird Lake, you can use non-motorized water boats.  As a kid, I remember renting a pedal boat for an afternoon on Town Lake, but now stand up paddle boarding is by far the most popular recreational activity on Lady Bird Lake.

If you don’t want to be on the lake, you can take advantage of the trails surrounding Lady Bird Lake.  A ten-mile loop offers the perfect landscape for one to explore Austin by bike, or if you feel like walking or running you can also make a shorter loop.  

This post originally appeared on activerain.com

This popular Texas town is where many adventurous souls come to have a good time. And, with so many documented accounts of paranormal activity, it’s no wonder that one of the favorite pastimes of residents and visitors alike is investigating the city’s most legendary haunted places.

12. The Inn at Pearl Street

Built in 1896, the Inn at Pearl Street, was once the private residence
of Judge Charles A. Wilcox and his family. Almost a century later,
after years of neglect, the home was purchased by new owners
 who restored it to its former glory and opened a boutique hotel commonly known by locals and repeat guests as “The Pearl.” What the new owners did not anticipate was the presence of a couple of friendly spirits. Reports soon surfaced of strange noises, including disembodied footsteps and music, as well as an apparition of a woman floating in the halls to a chair where she rocks her twin boys to sleep.
​
11. Austin Tavern

This tavern, believed to have once been a sporting house, is said to be haunted by a young prostitute named Emily who was killed here along with her daughter in the 1940s. Reports include people being tapped, pinched and feeling as they are being watched by something unseen. Other reports include seeing hazy apparitions, feeling cold spots, and hearing the sound of footsteps and a phantom pool game.

10. Metz Elementary School

When this century-old schoolhouse was demolished and replaced with a more modern building in 1990, the demolition process did not go smoothly. Many of the heavy machinery operators reported that their machines would unexpectedly and inexplicably turn off during operation. There were also several reports of workers falling from ladders and tools that went missing during the rebuilding process.

Frightened workers at the site demanded an exorcism be performed after several within their ranks reported seeing children's writing mysteriously appear on classroom chalkboards and the appearance of ghostly children in the old building's restrooms.

9. The Omni Downtown

The Omni Downtown is a hotel that offers a pleasant and restful experience for most people traveling through the city of Austin. However, for some unfortunate individuals, it offers up something much more sinister—encounters with the ghost of a man named Jack who committed suicide by jumping off the balcony while staying at the hotel. Numerous guests and employees of the hotel have reported hearing his ghost moving around in the vacant room.

8. The Texas Governor's Mansion

One would anticipate that there would be countless stories attached to the Texas Governor’s Mansion, which dates back to the 1850s. What one might not expect is that these stories would include hauntings by former guests and residents of the mansion.

Two of the most notorious ghosts of the mansion were both former governors. Numerous people over the years claim to have seen the ghost of Sam Houston, whose ghostly figure is said to linger in the bedroom he once occupied while governor. The ghost of Pendleton Murrah, also a former governor, has also reportedly appeared inside the mansion and on the grounds.

The mansion’s most famous ghost story, however, is the tragic account of a young man in his teens who was courting Murrah’s niece. When the girl rejected his marriage proposal, the young man killed himself in his guest room in the mansion. Since his death, there have been frequent reports of paranormal activity in that room. People living in or visiting the mansion cite the room as a constant source of unpleasant noises, including moaning and the sound of someone gasping for breath.

7. Oakwood Cemetery

When looking for haunted spots, no ghost tour or paranormal investigation would be complete without including a cemetery. Established in 1839, the Oakwood Cemetery in Austin spans 40
acres and is the final resting place for more than 23,000 souls. Many people travel here with the hopes of seeing the ghost of General Sam Houston who is buried at the cemetery. Some have captured pictures of orbs at his grave and other graves in the cemetery.

6. The Texas Capitol

The Texas Capitol has had its share of people going in and out of the building since it was first built. Today, visitors and people who work in the Capitol are not the only souls to be found in the building, which
is said to be haunted by a number of people. Some witnesses claim to have seen the ghost of Robert Marshall Love, who was killed in the building while sitting at his desk. Others report an apparition of a lady in red on the third floor who is said to visit a stairwell hoping to have a rendezvous with a man. Many people have also reporting seeing former Governor Edmund Jackson Davis stare at people from the first floor window until they move out of his line of sight.

5. The Walter Tips House

Built in 1876, this stately residence was home first to Walter Tips and his family, then later Theo P. Meyer, both successful businessmen in their own right. The house, which was moved to its current location for restoration purposes and now functions as a bank, is regarded by many as one of the top haunted sites in Texas.
The ghosts or spirits that reportedly haunt the house today seem to be very angry. It is said that when people approach the house, they get the distinct impression they are not wanted there.

4. St. Edward's University

St. Edward’s University, a center for higher learning that has educated many students over the years, has a history of spooky happenings and there are claims it is home to as many as three ghosts.
The ghost of a young man who committed suicide by hanging is said to reside in the Mary Moody Northern Theater. Witnesses report seeing his ghostly body hanging from where he perished and, despite not seeing the rope, many have heard the sounds of it creaking as it swung back and forth.
Premont Hall is said to be haunted by a former resident advisor who died in the showers. The slamming of doors and windows is one way this ghost makes his presence known. The unhappy ghost is also said to turn all the showers on simultaneously. The final ghost, found in Doyle Hall, appears to be that of a nun who also enjoys turning on the showers in the building.

3. The Driskill Hotel

Colonel Jesse Driskill built the now historic Driskill hotel in 1886. From the outside, the famous hotel is an amazing piece of architecture that has welcomed thousands of people through its doors during its 100- plus years. However, some of the people that stayed at the hotel never left, according to reports.
Feeling as though someone has brushed up against you is a common occurrence at the Driskill. There are those who state Driskill himself roams the hallways of his hotel, and occasionally employees and guests can smell the scent of his favorite cigars. A little girl also haunts the stairs and other common areas of the hotel and can often spotted holding flowers. But one of the creepiest locations in the hotel is Room 525. According to reports, two different brides committed suicide in the room, 20 years apart. The presence of the women is often felt in the unhappy room.

2. Shoal Creek Indian Massacre Site

When Gideon White decided to build a home in close proximity to Shoal Creek, many people told him it was not a good idea. Ignoring their advice, he built his log cabin in 1839.
Things were fine for roughly three years when, according to reports, White was killed by some Native Americans. People who have visited the area since his death have discovered many graves, including White’s and those of many people who died from yellow fever, cholera, and other tragedies.
With so many bodies buried in the location, it is not unusual to feel cold spots, hear strange noises, or see apparitions. Because of the high amount of paranormal activity in the area, people are not permitted to visit the creek after 10 p.m.

1. Littlefield House

Built in 1894, this beautiful, yet creepy looking home was where Major George Washington Littlefield and his wife lived without any children until they both died. Upon his wife’s death, the home was bequeathed to the University of Texas at Austin.
The house remains in the same location near the campus grounds
and the university often uses the first floor of the building as a site for university events. The staff who work in the building say you can see Alice’s ghost roaming around the grounds and in the house, and some say you can hear Alice playing the piano at all hours of the night.
 
This wonderful list of Austin’s haunted spots was thoughtfully crafted by my friends at First American Title.  

​Looking for a fun activity to spend the day with Dad this Father’s Day?  Look no further; here are 10 ideas for celebrating the day with Dad on June 17th, 2018 in Austin, Texas.
 
 
Father’s Day in the Park by Austin Symphonic Band
 Zilker Park- Hillside Theater
Austin, Texas 78704
 
 
Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden Big Band Brunch
79 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701
 
 
Father’s Day at Live Oak Brewing Company
1615 Crozier Ln, Del Valle, TX 78617
 
Father’s Day Screening:  True Grit @ Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter and Lakeline Locations
5701 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78749
14028 U.S. 183, Austin, TX 78717
 
Round Rock Express Baseball Game
3400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665
 
Marble Falls Soapbox Classic
3rd and Main St. Marble Falls, TX 78657
 
Chocolate Tastings and Whiskey Pairings at Delysia Chocolatier
2000 Windy Terrace #2c, Austin, TX 78726
 
Father’s Day Bikes and Beer Bash at Friends and Allies Brewery
979 Springdale Rd #124, Austin, TX 78702
 
Father’s Day Brunch Buffet at the Oasis
6550 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732
 
Father’s Day BrewBCruise
208 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
 

If you’re new to Austin, you may be wondering what these spurts of blue are that you keep seeing along the sides of highways.  Well, these are bluebonnets, the state flower.  However, they won’t be here for long, so if you want to get an epic bluebonnet picture you should act now.  Luckily, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite locations to get that perfect shot.

Muleshoe Bend
Ok Muleshoe Bend is a little outside of Austin in Spicewood, Texas.  However, it has some of the most beautiful, sprawling displays of bluebonnets I have ever seen. Muleshoe Bend is a 654 acre park on the banks of Lake Travis.  It has copious trails for walking and biking, beautiful campsites with water views, and of course, epic bluebonnets.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center located near Circle C in southwest Austin is a great place to visit any time of year.  However, now it is one of the best places to see the state flower in full bloom.  In fact, Lady Bird Johnson played a large role in creating all of the bluebonnets we see along highways today through her beautification efforts.  She incentivized folks to grow wildflowers by personally writing checks for winners of her Texas Highway Beautification Awards.  
 
360 Bridge
Along the edges of 360 near the loop 360 bridge, aka Pennybacker bridge there are often tons of bluebonnets.  You will also find a scattering of Indian Paintbrushes and other wildflowers here.  If you park underneath the bridge near the boat ramp, you can easily walk to a number of good photoshoot locations.  

Willow City Loop
Just northwest of Fredericksburg off Hwy 16 is the historic 13-mile Willow City Loop.  It offers one of the most picturesque displays of Texas wildflowers.  In addition to the colorful fields or wildflowers, there are rolling hills and a beautiful canyons speckled with live oaks, pecan and mesquite trees.  

The Zilker Kite Fest is an Austin tradition.  Held annually the first Sunday in March, weather-permitting, the Kite Fest is an event for all ages not to be missed.  2018 marks the 89th anniversary for the festival.  This free event features a variety of activities including kite contests, a fun run, and a children’s music concert. 
 
In 1929, the simple kite contest was designed to encourage creativity in children.  Now, ABC Home and Commercial Services sponsors the festival and proceeds from the kite fest go to Communities in Schools of Central Texas and the Moss Pieratt Foundation. 
 
The contest part of the festival is open to anyone who wants to compete, and there is no entry fee. You may only enter using a homemade single line kite.  Participants can compete to win in a number of categories including: largest kite, smallest kite, youngest kite flier, oldest kite flier, strongest pulling kite, most unusual kite, steadiest kite, highest angle kite, and the 50 yard dash. Registration for the contest opens at 11 a.m. on the fourth at the festival, and the contest starts at 1 p.m.
 
This is the first year that there will be a fun run associated with the festival.  The 2.1 mile fun run starts at 9 am.  You can purchase tickets for the fun run here. The fun run start at the Zilker Moontower, and ends inside the festival near the MossFest stage.
 
For more information on the festival, please visit the ABC Kite Festival website.
 
If you or someone you know is planning an Austin move, contact me today. I’m an Austin native with a plethora of real estate knowledge I look forward to sharing.  

If you’re looking to embrace the holiday spirit in Austin, there are a plethora of events and attractions sure to get you in the mood.  Take a look at this list of Austin area holiday events and attractions, and let me know if you have a favorite holiday happening to add to the list!
 
A Christmas Affair
November 15th-19th
 
The Junior League of Austin hosts its annual shopping extravaganza. Proceeds from the event fund various charitable endeavors of the Junior League of Austin.   A Christmas Affair hosts around 200 vendors selling unique gifts for the entire family.  Santa will be there, and a variety of special events enhance the shopping scene.  For tickets and more information visit their website.
 
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
December 14th-24th
 
The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is another Austin holiday tradition.  The eleven-day event features live music, fine art, and an assortment of other unique gift retailers.  The event is complete with a bar and food from Southside Flying Pizza. The Bazaar is open daily from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time on their website or at the door.
 
Trail of Lights and the Zilker Tree
Trail of Lights: Decmber 8th-23rd 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m
Zilker Tree:  November 26th-December 31st 6 p.m.- Midnight
 
In my opinion the Trail of Lights and the Zilker Tree are the most quintessential Austin holiday events around.  Zilker Park transforms into an unbelievable display of hundreds of thousands of lights, that to me, are the essence of the holiday season in Austin.  If you’re not up for the entire Trail of Lights, you must spin under the Zilker tree.  Twirling under the 3,309 light bulbs that create the Zilker Tree till you get dizzy and fall over is an Austin rite of passage.  Once you’ve had enough you can grab a cup of hot cocoa and meander through the full trail of lights if you’re up for it.  The tree is free, and the Trail of Lights offers many free nights.  Check their site for the full schedule.
 
Mozart’s Light Show
November 17th through January 1st (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)
 
Mozart’s Coffee is a beautiful place to enjoy a cup of coffee or cocoa any time of year with the gorgeous Lake Austin backdrop.  However, around the holidays, Mozart’s sets up an elaborate light show display with thousands of LEDs creating a holiday wonderland atmosphere.  This year, various children’s choirs will be adding to the ambiance. The light shows lasts about 15 minutes, and starts nightly at 6 p.m. running every hour on the hour until 11 p.m.
 
Ice Skating at Whole Foods
November 24th through January 15th (closed Christmas Day, limited hours Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve/Day)
 
The flagship Whole Foods in downtown Austin turns their rooftop into an ice-skating rink for the holiday season.  The rink is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and the $10 admission fee includes skate rental.  Check the Whole Food’s website before attending as they are closed for some private events during the week.
 
 
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
November 24th-December 24th (closes early Christmas Eve)
 
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar has been an Austin attraction for over fifteen years.  The Bazaar features work from over 200 artists.  If you’re looking for something truly unique for someone special in your life, this is a great place to shop! Blue Genie is open daily from 10 a.m.- 10 p.m. Visit their site for more information.
 
Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker
December 8th- 23rd
 
This iconic holiday ballet returns to Austin for its 55th year. Ballet Austin’s production of The Nutcracker features beautiful sets, gorgeous costumes, and hundreds of graceful dancers with the musical notes of the Austin Symphony Orchestra.  Gather your friends and family, and head to the Long Center for a show not to be missed this holiday season. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m.; matinees begin at 2 p.m. Visit their site for tickets and more information.
 
Have favorite holiday pastimes of your own you would like to share?  Email your recommendations.