Emily O'Shaughnessy

Amplify Austin: A Festival of Giving

Written by Emily O'Shaughnessy | March 19, 2014

Austin has plenty of great festivals, but there’s one this week that is unique and much different from your typical fest. Amplify Austin is a 24-hour “festival of giving” that encourages locals to give to participating non-profit organizations during a specified 24 hour time period. The “I Live Here, I Give Here” campaign promotes a sense of community pride and philanthropy.

Of course, giving is encouraged year round, but this campaign strives to make a huge impact over a one-day period. It works. Last year, in its debut year, Amplify Austin raised over $2.8 million going to over 320 nonprofits of all sizes. This year, there are nearly 400 nonprofits participating, with a total goal to reach $4 million.

This year’s Amplify Austin runs from 6pm March 20 to 6pm March 21

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.

Capital City Running: Shoes and Water for Lake Travis Runners

Written by Emily O'Shaughnessy | March 7, 2014

Capital City Running is a family-owned running specialty store located in the Lake Travis area. Not only do they have everything you need for running including shoes, apparel and gear, but they are the nice folks responsible for the water stations that faithfully appear on running routes each weekend.

If you’re a runner in the Steiner Ranch neighborhood, there’s a good chance that you’ve stopped for a break at one of the two stations in the neighborhood. They leave a jug of water, paper cups, a trash bag for disposal and another thoughtful addition—a water bowl for the furry runners as well. My dog Nugget and I both take advantage of the water, and would like to say a huge thanks!

The water is just one of the things they do to support the Lake Travis area running community. The experienced staff has tons of product knowledge, industry news and training tips. They cater to all levels, from beginners lacing up their first pair of shoes to experienced runners competing in major competitions. They take the time to get to know and understand each customer’s fitness goals so they can help him or her achieve them safely.

Mayfield Park: A Hidden Gem in the Middle of Austin

Written by Emily O'Shaughnessy | March 3, 2014

Mayfield Park, widely known for the vibrant peacocks that roam the grounds, is a historic, public park in the city. It’s free to visit, easily accessible from the Lake Travis area and a fun place to take children or out-of-towners.

The first time we went with the family I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d heard of the peacocks, but have to admit I was skeptical as to whether we’d actually see one. I didn’t know if they were out all the time, how many we were talking (2 peacocks? 100?) or if you could even get close.

So I prepared the kids, telling them we might see a few at this park as we pulled up. As if they’d heard me, a peacock greeting crew met us in the parking lot. In fact, there were tons roaming the grounds. We even saw several in trees and a couple hanging out on the roof of a cottage. I didn’t even know they could climb. Clearly I have a lot to learn about peacocks.

Emily O'Shaughnessy

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