210. Emma Long Park
As I said Tuesday, I can feel summer starting to wind down, especially when I see “Back to School” sales everywhere. Before we find ourselves knocking on fall’s door, I better get more “summer” activities out of my system.
Growing up, I spent summers on the lake with friends and family, so I can’t say enough about water and fun in the sun.
Emma Long Park is the first “park” I was introduced to in Austin. I’m a die-hard wakeboarder and during my freshman year of college, I ventured there for “Waketoberfest.” To this day, it’s still one of the best Saturdays of my life. Oh, Waketoberfest! How I long for you to return to the shores of Emma Long Park. It hasn’t been the same since you relocated.
Now, I find myself returning to the park to enjoy the trails, the shores of the lake, and to let my dog mingle with fellow furry friends.
Campers are welcome, but I can’t render an opinion since I don’t camp. It’s just doesn’t appeal to me.
Final thoughts for the day: This park sums up everything I love about Austin, so I’d advise anyone who has just moved to Austin or those visiting to go and explore it. The park is so beautiful and makes me realize once again, we are so lucky to live in Austin, Texas.
Photo from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/34720561@N02/4024854090/
Location:
1706 City Park Road
Austin, Texas 78730
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/emmalong.htm
Lake and Water Lovers: Are you still looking for an excuse to get out and enjoy the Lake? Save 50% from Austin Boat Tours! Enjoy the summer sun while you still can, https://365austin.fanforce.com/.
209. Bike Night at Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que
Nothing says “Happy Hump Day” like a good happy hour. Since the Tour De France just finished, I feel cycling is still on everyone’s radar. So here’s another post going out to you cyclists around town.
First, I would like to say ‘thank you’ because cycling is better on the environment. Way to do your part to help the planet! Not to mention, cycling home will help you burn off a few calories. Basically, cycling Wednesday nights is a win- win situation. It’s too bad I don’t have a bike.
Starting at 5 p.m., all you have to do is show your helmet to receive $3 pints. They brew their own beer, which gives you another reason to stop by. Their in-house brewer has quite the brewing resume. This certainly isn’t Uncle Billy’s first rodeo, so you won’t be let down. While you’re ordering up a few cold ones, I also recommend some fried okra.
Overall, it’s a very relaxed place with a great all-around vibe. They have a large outdoor patio, which is great for groups. It’s a nice little stop after spending some time at Barton Springs!
Don’t forget your helmet! Furry Friends welcome. Well done, Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que! I love the play on words in your name!
Location
1530 Barton Springs Road
Austin, Texas 78704
http://www.unclebillysaustin.com/
photo from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gimrie/4175336063/
208. Deep Eddy Pool
I honestly can’t believe we’re now closer to the end of summer than to the start. That being said, I realize there are so many great summer spots in Austin that I better get blogging on.
Deep Eddy Pool is a must for anyone that wants to call themselves an Austinite. It has been a piece of Austin history since before the Great Depression. It began as a swimming hole in the Colorado River. Cold springs rose from the river banks and people swam in the river where a large boulder formed an eddy. A concrete pool was finally built in 1915. In its heyday, the pool was a carnival-like resort with cabins, camping, concessions, a 50-foot diving platform, zip-line, slide and even a Ferris Wheel. Ah, to be an Austinite back then– sounds like heaven. I guess the liability of a zip-line and a 50-foot diving platform was a little much for the city of Austin.
That’s enough history. Let’s focus on the current-day Deep Eddy Pool. It’s a great spot for all your swimming needs. The water is constantly around 73 degrees, so be aware that it’s on the chilly side. Although, in this Texas heat, it’s very refreshing! They have a section for swimming laps and another for just swimming/playing.
Another great thing about Deep Eddy is all the grass surrounding the pool. It’s great for having a picnic or just lying around and relaxing. Don’t forget to take advantage of this great Austin activity this summer.
Price: Adults $3, Kids $1, CASH ONLY!
Final Deep Eddy Trivia/History: Deep Eddy Pool is listed as a historic landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. Texas musician, Jimmie Dale Gilmore wrote the song “Deep Eddy Blues” about the pool and the nearby bar, the Deep Eddy Cabaret.
As you can see this place is overflowing with the Austin vibe!
Location:
401 Deep Eddy Ave.
Austin, Texas 78703
As far as going out and discovering new great things about Austin, it just didn’t happen for me this weekend. I needed a few days to relax, recuperate and let my body catch up. That brings me to a Monday night favorite: Dollar Lone Stars at Barton Springs Saloon.
Apparently, most of Austin has already gotten the memo about this great deal on Monday nights, because it normally brings out a pretty decent-sized crowd. Dollar Lone Stars served in a pretty laid-back, casual atmosphere make Barton Springs Saloon the perfect end to a Monday.
This quote is on their website– I don’t know where it came from or who said it– but it pretty much sums up the vibe perfectly, “Barton Springs Saloon is an OLD bar, a throwback to a time when professionals, college students, legislators and locals met and mingled at a watering hole with unique character and Austin style.”
I think Monday nights get the most action and would be the time to check it out.
Bonus points because furry friends are welcome!
Hours: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. M-F (It opens at 3 p.m. on weekends)
Location:
424 South Lamar Boulevard
Austin, Texas 78704
206. Summer Stock Austin
The last few weekends, I’ve found that Austin Theater is the perfect addition to any summer weekend. Every year, students from across the state are able to work with local and national professionals to put on a couple one-of-a-kind musicals! Some performers even have Broadway experience.
“Cabaret” is currently playing, and starting next week, they’ll be performing “Sweet Charity.” The shows run through August 7th.
By the way, are you looking for good eats this week? How about trying Pluckers (South Lamar Location) Tuesday to help benefit Summer Stock Austin. The non-profit organization will recieve 20% of your food purchase. The Profit Share runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., so there’s plenty of time to stop by!
MAKE SURE to tell your Host/ess you’re there for Summer Stock Austin, or the program won’t get the benefits!!!
Austin is a city that loves and embraces the arts, so don’t miss this opportunity to support great local theater this summer! Plus, if you haven’t had a chance to see a show at the new Long Center, GO! I’ve been several times since it was redone and have been blown away by the one-of-a-kind views of the downtown Austin skyline.
For times and ticket information, visit: http://thelongcenter.frontgatesolutions.com/
Location:
The Long Center
701 W. Riverside Drive
Austin, Texas 78701
205. Watch the Tour de France at Mellow Johnny’s
Where better to watch the Tour De France wind down than the bike/coffee shop belonging to Austin’s own Lance Armstrong?
Some might say the shop feels more like a Lance Armstrong museum as the inside is decorated with pictures, jerseys and bikes Mr. Armstrong has collected over the years. The entire shop is extremely well-done. Those of you who’ve been to his West 4th Street bar, SIX, know he has a knack for décor.
Random Mellow Johnny’s trivia::: The name comes from Lance Armstrong’s inability to pronounce “maillot jaune,” French for “yellow jersey.” The coffee shop inside is called Juan Pelota. “Pelota” is Spanish for “ball,” and Juan sounds like “one.” You have to give the guy credit for the creative names and ability to poke fun at himself.
As a non-cyclist, I’m not sure about the shop and all the “bike” stuff it has to offer. But I do know there’s something rather cool about watching the race that made Lance Armstrong a legend, from his own shop. And from a realtor’s perspective: Way to go Lance! You certainly own some pretty, pretty nice pieces of Downtown real estate.
If you are a cyclist, I’m sure this is some sort of utopia for you. It even includes showers and lockers for commuters. I guess with Lance Armstrong as the owner, they really did think of everything.
So, cyclist or not, you’ll find this to be a great stop!
Location:
400 Nueces St.
Austin, Texas 78701
204. Gulf Coast Fundraiser
I grew up on the Texas Coast, so the situation in the gulf has affected some people who are close to me. So, I’m hoping the clouds are going to part, making it a nice little afternoon for a fitting Gulf Coast fundraiser: A shrimp and crawfish boil!
Perla’s award-winning chef, Larry McGuire, who was recently featured on Travel Channel’s “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations” will be serving up the good eats.
And what would an Austin party be without live music? Papa Mali and the Lost Bayous Ramblers will be providing some New Orleans-style entertainment.
The benefit’s proceeds will go to the Gulf Restoration Network and the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s Oil Spill Fund.
This has all the makings of a great night in Austin, Texas.
Donation: $10 a plate
Time: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Location:
Hotel San Jose & Jo’s Parking Lot
1316 S. Congress Ave
Austin, Texas 78704
In other Austin news, the rumors are true: Apparently, “Katz’s does close.” They have filed for bankruptcy, and there’s talk of another location opening outside of downtown, although nothing has been confirmed.
203. Aztex Soccer Game
For those who just didn’t get enough from the World Cup and still have a little more soccer-watching in you: How about getting out and supporting our local Austin team?
The Aztex’s are new to Austin and were founded in 2008 by Phil Rawlins. It’s already midway through the season– the last home game is September25th –so time is running out for you to get out and show some support.
I don’t know soccer at all. I’ve never played. In fact, the entire “off sides” concept has always been hard for me to follow, so I can’t comment on the quality of play. But if you ask me, it’s always fun to cheer for the home team, and most sports are pretty easy to get into with good fans. The Aztex’s have some great regular fans that always make the games exciting and fun to watch.
Fun Austin Trivia: The Aztex’s are Austin’s first major professional sports franchise. I think it’s really cool we have a professional team, and with Formula One coming in 2012, I don’t know if I am going to be able to stand the excitement!
Bonus points for playing their home games at House Park since it’s within walking distance to The Tavern, a great little spot for some after-game cocktails.
Looking to make plans for Saturday, August 7th? Here’s your opportunity to get $15 tickets to the 7:30 p.m. game for only $9, http://bit.ly/bpc2K4.
Go Aztex’s!
Location:
House Park
1301 Shoal Creek Blvd.
Austin, TX 78701
202. Sno Beach
Hot summer days make me long for Sno Beach. It’s one of those places where once I go back for the summer, I’m hooked again. I then find myself back there almost weekly, if not more.
I grew up on snow cones, so I’ve had my fair share and can say without question: These are some of the best in the city.
I don’t know how much I can elaborate on this piece of Austin heaven, but I’ll do my best to describe what makes them so good. It has to be the finely shave ice, it’s the perfect consistency – you regulars know what I mean as it’s hard to put into words. They don’t skimp on the syrup (always a plus), not to mention they are cheap! They manage to hit all the high points when it comes to snow cone-making.
This is definitely one of the best ways to cool down during the summer. Don’t be discouraged by the lines in the parking lot, that should just prove they are well worth the wait. Austin icon? No question.
Location:
34th and Guadalupe
Austin, TX 78705
&
801 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78704
201. Asleep at the Wheel Live at Waterloo Records
We are a city that loves music, when it is local Austin music that makes it even better. Now in its 40th Year Asleep at the Wheel has teamed up with Leon Rausch for their latest CD, “It’s a Good Day.”
They are having a FREE concert tonight at the CD release party at Waterloo Records. I love an opportunity to see some great music for free and Waterloo Records is an Austin institution in itself it you ask me. These two together make for a great stop on your ride home today. Plus taking the opportunity to see them at Waterloo Records is a much more intimate setting than many of their concert locations!
Word is Asleep at the Wheel left Oakland in 1974 to make Austin their permanent home at the request of Willie Nelson who is featured in one of the songs on their new album. They have won and been nominated for countless awards. If you are into the Austin Music Scene that I do not need to go on because they are definitely on your radar.
Time: 5:00pm
Location:
Waterloo Records
600A North Lamar Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78703
