Archives for March 2014

Mount Bonnell: A Short Hike to Spectacular Lake Austin Views

Written by Emily O'Shaughnessy | March 14, 2014

Most of us in the Lake Travis area are familiar with Austin’s Mount Bonnell, well-known for the spectacular view from the top, but there are plenty of locals who have never actually made the short hike to see it for themselves. If you’re in that category, put it on your springtime bucket list!

It’s a shorter hike than you might think, and is easily accessible via a scenic drive on Mt. Bonnell Road (map). There’s no cost, the parking is free, it’s not commercialized and doesn’t take long at all. You can pop by for a brisk 20-minute walk or bring a picnic and stay for hours. If you can, plan to catch the sunset from the top. Breathtaking. Just bring a flashlight for the trip down.

Once you park, there are two ways to make your way to the top. You can climb the long, steep staircase or opt for the path on the right side. I prefer the path because you get to enjoy the lake views on the way up. Either way, it’s a surprisingly quick walk and easily doable with young kids (just make sure you stay on the path and don’t let them get too close to the edge!).

Amy's Ice Creams: The Desire to Make People’s Day

Written by Emily O'Shaughnessy | March 13, 2014

If you live in Austin, there’s a good chance you’ve been to at least one of the 13 Amy’s Ice Creams locations in the area. Although the shops are all similar, each one offers something a little bit different. There’s a uniqueness to Amy’s that you can’t find just anywhere.

Not only are their products top notch and locations fun to visit, but the employees and overall philosophy truly sets Amy’s Ice Creams (yes, it’s plural) apart.

Although Amy’s is, of course, an ice cream shop they do so much more than sell ice cream. They support the local community in countless ways. They believe strongly in entrepreneurship and have programs that encourage and assist their employees start their own small businesses. Amy’s regularly shares financial data with the workers and places a high value on service.

ShedStreet: Helping Lake Travis Neighbors Share Stuff

Written by Todd Hower | March 12, 2014

Do you have a garage filled with sporting equipment, ladders, tools, and all kinds of other items you’ve collected over the years? Or maybe you’re thinking about purchasing a kayak but would like to try one out before you buy.

What if there was a service that would bring Lake Travis area neighbors together to lend and borrow all the things that get stored up in our garages and sheds?

The platform allowing this to happen was thought up and created by two Steiner Ranch residents. It’s called ShedStreet and after launching just over a year ago, Lake Travis area residents have filled the site with a variety of items. You’ll find everything from extension ladders and kayaks to a crawfish boil pot and outdoor movie screen.

While browsing the site, I also came across a couple of other items that caught my attention. There was a wiener-beagle mix named Steve and a French accent for rent. You can borrow either one for $5 a day.

Reveille Peak Ranch: Some of the Best Mountain Biking in Texas

Written by Todd Hower | March 11, 2014

If you’re a mountain biker or trail runner, Reveille Peak Ranch is a spot you don’t want to miss. Less than an hour drive from the Lake Travis area is where you’ll find some of the best mapped trails in the area. It’s close enough to make it a quick day trip or you can bring the camping gear for a weekend or more. Once you go, it’s very likely that you will be back for more.

There are two options for getting there depending on which side of the Lake Travis area you’re coming from. One option is to travel on 183 north up to 29 and pass through Liberty Hill on your way to Burnet. The other way, and possibly a little bit more scenic, is the Hwy 71 route through Marble Falls. Reveille Peak Ranch is located just off 29 and 2341. You won’t see any large signage guiding you in, so check out a map or plug the address into a GPS.

A friend has been raving about mountain biking at this place for years and I didn’t have a chance to make it out until recently. After a Saturday spent exploring the trails, I’m kicking myself for not making it out sooner.

Chi-Town Eatery: Hot Dog Heaven in Lake Travis

Written by Cathy Hale | March 10, 2014

It doesn’t matter if you’re eight or 80, everybody loves a great hot dog. If you’ve got a craving for a delicious hot dog, there’s a place in Lake Travis that has the cure for you. Stop by Chi-Town, the Chicago Style Eatery, and get ready for a menu full of one-of-a-kind dogs! Let’s just say, there are over a dozen hot dogs and there’s a special bacon-wrapped supplemental menu. (Yes, that just happened.)

This colorful red and yellow establishment is located at 2101 Ranch Road 620, . Perhaps you’ve driven by and seen and thought, “hey, that looks good!” Well, you’d be correct. In fact, more than a few celebs have stopped by Chi-Town to get their grub on, so if you haven’t been yet, make a point to stop next time. Preferably with a grumbling, hungry stomach.

Archives for March 2014

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