Emily O'Shaughnessy

10 Lodging Options in the Lake Travis Area

Written by Emily O'Shaughnessy | December 10, 2013

Yes, the holidays are about family and togetherness. But sometimes, a little too much togetherness can test even the jolliest of holiday spirits. We understand that you love your extended family, but there are only so many air mattresses and hide-a-bed sofas one home can comfortably handle before the “togetherness” starts to lose its charm….

Fortunately, there are several lodging options in the Lake Travis area. There’s something for every budget and tastes, so you can make helpful suggestions and be the holiday hero once again. Or, after the relatives leave, you may be in the mood for a relaxing staycation of your own. You deserve it!

Whatever your needs, here is a list of 10 lodging options in the Lake Travis area. The list includes hotels, bed & breakfasts and high end resorts, so there’s bound to be something for everyone.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Ideas

Written by Emily O'Shaughnessy | December 6, 2013

This holiday season there’s a good chance you’ll have an excuse to don an ugly Christmas sweater. Whether you’re invited to a party or perhaps just want to celebrate National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day to humor yourself, it’s fun to break out the ugly gear. However, if “ugly” (or “tacky” – they go by both) isn’t typically your style, or you’re not sure where to start but want to be a good sport, here are some tips to get you started….

Think thrift store – Thrift stores are the perfect places to begin your search for tacky sweaters, many straight from the 80’s. They’ll be authentic, and the more obnoxious the better. Patterns, sequins, shoulder pads, cheesy phrases, whatever you can find. However, I’ve noticed that these sweaters are getting harder and harder to find at thrift and resale shops. These days ugly sweaters are all the rage, so there’s a good chance someone beat you to the punch and scooped up all the good ones. If your trip to Goodwill leaves you empty handed don’t fret – there are other options.

Borrow – Ask around and I bet one of your friends or neighbors has one lying around. Or better yet, ask a Grandma. You might want to be delicate with this, though. Don’t ask to borrow her “ugly” Christmas sweater. Maybe just mention you have a festive event coming up – then promise to have it dry-cleaned afterwards? After all, nobody wants to hurt Grandma’s feelings. Then again, your cool Grandma may be going to an ugly sweater party herself (sorry, hipsters, it’s not just you!), so she may not be willing to part with hers anyway.

5 Family Friendly Holiday Activities in the Lake Travis Area

Written by Emily O'Shaughnessy | December 2, 2013

‘Tis the season! Now that the holidays are in full swing you might be looking for festive things to do with the family. Fortunately there’s no shortage of seasonal activities in the Lake Travis area. Here are five family-friendly ways to get in the holiday spirit this year.

1). Holiday Lights & Ice at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa

The 4^th annual “Holiday Lights & Ice” is back and bigger than ever. The largest outdoor ice rink in Austin boasts over 200,000 lights and is open to local residents and hotel guests through Monday, January 6^th. Individual sessions or season passes are available. After you’ve had your fill of twirling (or, in my case, falling) warm up with a treat from the hot chocolate bar located in the Coffee Market inside the main lobby. One dollar from every skating session ticket sold will be donated to Make-A-Wish of Central & South Texas.

Gardening in the Lake Travis Area: The Natural Gardener

Written by Emily O'Shaughnessy | November 27, 2013

The Natural Gardener, located on Old Bee Caves Road, is a world-class nursery right here in the Lake Travis area. To say it’s a place to buy plants and fertilizer would, naturally, be accurate – but The Natural Gardener is so much more than just a garden store. It’s truly a destination full of educational and inspiring things.

It’s the kind of place you could easily spend hours wandering the 8-acre grounds and admiring natural beauty at every turn. There is something for everyone, and kids (and dogs!) are welcome. In fact, it’s a great place to bring children to help them gain an appreciation of nature and gardening from an early age. There are plenty of things to keep them entertained, including a butterfly garden, live animals including goats and chickens, a labyrinth made out of rocks, a teepee and several swings on the property.

7th Annual Tree Lighting & Santa’s Arrival at Hill Country Galleria

Written by Emily O'Shaughnessy | November 20, 2013

Thursday, November 21^st officially kicks off the holiday season at the Hill Country Galleria. The seventh annual tree lighting event begins at 6pm and includes festivities for the entire family. There will be face painting, holiday carolers, fireworks and a visit from Old Saint Nick himself! Santa is scheduled to arrive at 7pm.

Jazz band The Vintage 15 will set the festive mood and CW Austin star Taylor Ellison will emcee the event. It promises to be a night of celebration and a great way to get the whole family in the holiday spirit.

Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town

Also, if you don’t get a chance to tell Santa what’s on your wish list Thursday night you’re still in luck. Santa will be back for a meet and greet by the holiday tree this weekend. Bring the kids (pets are welcome, too) to visit and take a photo with the jolly old man. Just make sure to bring your own camera, as there is no photographer on site.

Emily O'Shaughnessy

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