Archives for March 2014

Spend a Day in Blanco: The Lavender Capital of Texas

Written by Mandy Spivey | March 31, 2014

Blanco, the little Texas Hill Country Town that sits about 45 miles West of Lake Travis and 45 miles North of San Antonio, is a quaint community that aims to give Texas a good name.

“Texas Friendly Spoken Here” is one of the town’s official mottos, and after a day spent wandering the Square, you’ll start to realize just what makes this tiny town so special.

It’s not just the lovely rolling hills that the region is best known for, or the laid-back vibe the locals try to keep. It’s the Texas pride each person carries; from the farmers to the artists, from beer brewers to ranch hands — everyone has a story to tell.

Sail and Ski Center: Final Days for Spring Break Snow Sports Sale

Written by Todd Hower | March 28, 2014

Spring break for the Lake Travis area is over and let’s hope this long cold winter is over too!

You may be returning from a recent ski trip in the mountains and buying snow sports gear is the last thing on your mind. It’s kind of like buying Christmas decorations the day after Christmas. You know there are some great deals, but it’s really hard to buy something knowing that when you get home, you’re going to store it in the attic or a closet for a year before using it for the first time.

But just like after Christmas sales, now is the time for the best deals as the Lake Travis area sporting good stores get rid of their winter inventory. You won’t have to worry about scrambling before next years ski vacation to find a new jacket — and you won’t have to pay top dollar either!

One of the best sales in the area has been happening at Sail and Ski Center. They have a location in Lakeway but the spring break snow sports sale is at the Austin location only. They carry everything you need for a ski vacation in the mountains including skis, snowboards, boots, jackets, pants, helmets, gloves, long underwear and more — is this starting to remind you of how much gear you need for a ski vacation?

Where are the Best Places for Texas Bluebonnets?

Written by Mandy Spivey | March 27, 2014

Springtime is a little bit like magic here in Central Texas. Starting around mid-March, Texas native plants begin their beautiful blooms in the fields around the Hill Country of Central Texas.

As the weather warms and local plant life begin their cycles, the Lake Travis area is home to some of the best and brightest places for wildflowers. Some of the more popular Texas wildflowers like bluebonnets, Indian blankets, winecups and Texas paintbrush all seem to magically appear overnight and blanket the hillsides and fields in spectacular colors.

It won’t be long before cars are pulled over along any road within walking distance of a patch of bluebonnets. Families unload and head into the wildflowers for a photo op. Your Facebook feed will also be covered in bluebonnets as friends and families share pics and continue the annual Springtime tradition.

The bluebonnet is to Texas what the shamrock is to Ireland, the cherry blossom to Japan, the lily to France, the rose to England and the tulip to Holland. — Historian Jack Maguire

Knowing the best locations for these moments is key for a priceless picture. Every year is a bit of a surprise which fields and locations will have the best blooms of the season. A fertile field one year will lay barren the next, so it’s always kind of an adventure to try to hunt down these prime spots for wildflower photo taking.

Run the Ranch: 5K and Kids Fun Run in Steiner Ranch

Written by Emily O'Shaughnessy | March 26, 2014

If you’re looking for something active and fun to do as a family this weekend it’s not too late to sign up to Run the Ranch on Sunday, March 30^th.

Run the Ranch, hosted by Hill Country Bible Church, is a 5K and Kids Fun Run that takes place at the Towne Square Community Center in Steiner Ranch.

The Kids Fun Run starts at 10am, with the 5K beginning right afterwards.

This is a wonderful run right here in the Lake Travis area. As far as road races go, Run the Ranch is convenient with minimal hassle. No crazy early alarm clocks and no driving to downtown Austin at the crack of dawn. But there’s plenty of excitement in the air and generous sponsors to ensure the event is a success.

Real Ale Brewing Company: Some of the Best Craft Beers in Texas

Written by Mandy Spivey | March 25, 2014

Some days you just have to feel so lucky to be living in the Lake Travis area. The Texas Hill Country, which is so close it might as well be considered in your own backyard, is home to some of the newest and also some of the most established beer breweries in the state.

One of the local favorites among these is Real Ale Brewing Company, which is just a short one hour drive to Blanco, out in the beautiful Hill Country. It’s hard to imagine that just 45 miles West of Austin, RABC is making and supplying Texans with some of their favorite beers, such as Fireman’s 4, Lost Gold IPA and Devil’s Backbone.

Take the picturesque drive down Hamilton Pool Rd. and out to 290 West as you venture on your quest for fresh brews and get a taste of the true beauty the Hill Country has to offer. Texas wildflowers bloom roadside as you pass miles of private ranch land on a trip out to RABC.

Archives for March 2014

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