Mandy Spivey

Crystal Creek Moonshine in Spicewood: Not Your Grandpa's Moonshine

Written by Mandy Spivey | April 15, 2015

There are a lot of misconceptions out there about the distilled drink, moonshine. I, for one, thought most of it is made in bath tubs (not true … these days that is). If you avoid drinking it for fear of going blind — that would be a more popular anecdote for the drink, too. But a lot has changed in the moonshine distillation game in the last few years.

Essentially moonshine is high-proof spirits that are made at home in small quantities — sometimes illicitly. In the past and in the early 1800s many farmers made their living distilling moonshine or “white whiskey” in the Appalachian area. Corn farmers could turn their crop into a more valuable item, and cut down on shipping costs in the process. But a lot of fermenting and early distilling was done under the cover of darkness to keep their operations secret.

Exploring Lake Travis & Lake Austin: Paddle Power

Written by Mandy Spivey | April 9, 2015

When you head out for a day on Lake Travis or Lake Austin, you really have your pick of what to do.

A lot of Austinites first explore Lake Travis’ waters with a powerboat, which is a perfect way to take in the large serpentine-like reservoir any time of the year. However, some of the best ways to enjoy the finer details and coves of Lake Travis come by way of kayaks and stand up paddle boards — or SUP’s.

Modern day kayaks and stand up paddle boards are spacious and some are even pet-friendly, so if you have a swimming buddy make sure you bring them for a day out on the lake.

Dripping Springs Vodka: Let the Flavors Linger

Written by Mandy Spivey | April 7, 2015

Around Lake Travis, we have a literal collection of some of the best micro-breweries in Texas. Some Saturdays I realize how lucky I am to be able to grab a familiar pint glass and head out to the breezy Texas Hill Country to some of the newest up-and-coming brew houses, like Jester King, Solid Rock Brewing or Thirsty Planet Brewing Company.

Some days call for a nice cool beer, and others necessitate a different type of drink. Say hello to Kevin Kelleher from Dripping Springs Vodka.

While hosts of other distillers are busy filtering all of their tastes out of their vodkas and gins, Kelleher is ready to serve thirsty drinkers with a totally different approach. To let the impurities (shorthand for “flavors” in distilling terms) linger, and let your taste buds do the deciding.

Lake Travis Water Level: We Have Water, But Not Enough To Waste

Written by Mandy Spivey | March 25, 2015

It seems to have rained a boatload over Central Texas in recent weeks, so we decided to check on the water levels for Lake Travis hoping the much-needed rain helped.

As Texas faced icy, wet and sometimes frozen precipitation within the past month, Lake Travisites continued to optimistically cross their fingers for an increase in water in the thirsty Highland Lakes. But even as the creeks and waterways welcomed the recent rain, Lake Travis is still way below its fill point.

With continued efforts of everyone conserving where they can and last weeks’ rainfall, we are hovering at 37% full. The lowest historical combined storage in lakes Buchanan and Travis was 31% full, which occurred back in 1952 during the 1947-57 drought.

Laguna Gloria: History, Art and Nature on Lake Austin

Written by Mandy Spivey | March 9, 2015

There are some things in life that are just better enjoyed outside.

A slow melting ice cream cone on a warm summer afternoon. A run with your favorite pooch after a long day at work. Larger-than-life art that is not only on display in beautiful fields and walking paths but installed on historic Texas land, as well.

The Contemporary Austin Laguna Gloria is home to some of the newest and most cherished contemporary art to come about in recent decades, including works from Marianne Vitale, John Grade and Charles Long. It’s one thing to experience art itself, it’s another to experience it in naturally planned locations, surrounded by bamboo, stories-high palm trees and calming Lake Austin waters.

Mandy Spivey

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