Mandy Spivey

Lake Travis Day Trip of the Month: Llano

Written by Mandy Spivey | March 2, 2015

The back story of our neighbor to the Southeast, Llano, is filled with tales of American Indians, early European settlers aided by Germans, boom periods in search of iron deposits in nearby mountains and downtown town fires so frequent, the town was denied fire insurance for a number of years by insurers.

This small Texas town boasts big Texas heritage, from their bustling antique shops downtown to their pride of the area, Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que — when you come to Llano you don’t leave empty handed (or hungry).

Just 20 miles west of another Highland Lake, Lake Buchanan, and 70 miles northwest from downtown Austin, Llano is humble on the surface. But don’t be fooled; this quiet Texas town packs a hefty historical punch.

Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que in Llano: Coming Soon to Austin

Written by Mandy Spivey | February 25, 2015

“It’s all about the meat.”

You know you’re in the mood for barbeque when you wake up from smelling it in your dreams, prompting you to drive over 60 miles out to the Texas Barbeque Belt to get your meat-loving fix before all of the brisket sells out.

Luckily, at Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que in Llano, the pits are as large as they are smoky, so the meats just seem to keep coming.

My first time to Cooper’s was on my way back from a road trip from West Texas, hungry from being on the road 7+ hours and in a literal and virtual food desert for hundreds of miles. It was already evening, and in my barbeque experience that means one thing — the good meats are probably sold out. Tired and weary from my drive, I headed in hungrily, only to be greeted by smiling faces and full pits of smoky brisket, jalapeno sausage, chicken, perfectly smoked ribs and pretty much any meat I could hope for.

Solid Rock Brewing Saturday Evening Tap Room

Written by Mandy Spivey | February 23, 2015

You’re never too far from a great place to grab a pint or two when you’re in the Lake Travis area. Lately I’ve noticed breweries expanding their tap rooms, making for some very interesting evenings at places like Jester King, Oasis Texas Brewing Company and Solid Rock Brewing.

When you’re thirsty and find yourself in the Spicewood area, take a turn down Bee Creek Road and continue on for a couple of miles. On the left just behind a few rows of mesquite trees you’ll find Solid Rock Brewing, one of the newer breweries to spring up in the Texas Hill Country.

On a typical Saturday night you can drive up to the brewery and grab yourself a parking spot on their spare land, then head up to their warehouse for a chance to grab a pint of their newest brews, straight from the brewers themselves. It’s a weekend tradition that has quickly grown in popularity, which I found out firsthand last weekend.

Hill Country Day Trip: Enchanted Rock

Written by Mandy Spivey | February 17, 2015

Pack your water bottles and grab your hiking shoes! When the weather warms up Central Texas, it’s easy to find yourself in search of outdoor activities to get yourself out of the house and into the sun.

If you haven’t had the chance, take a scenic drive through Central Texas and out to Fredericksburg to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, where you can take in a bit of Lone Star history while admiring the awe-inspiring rock formations that make up the peaks of Enchanted Rock. Natural flora and fauna make appearances throughout the trails here, and you’re welcome to take in the natural rock by way of hiking, rock climbing and camping at designated spots around the park.

Lake Travis Brewery Updates: New Taps and Tastes

Written by Mandy Spivey | February 12, 2015

Lagers. London ales. Old ales. Pumpkin pecan seasonals. Peanut butter stouts. Vanilla milk stouts. Farmhouse ales. The options for refreshing craft beer in this town are seemingly endless, as long as you have a free Saturday and an open mind.

One of the reasons you might love living in the Lake Travis area is the proximity to some of your favorite breweries, like Infamous Brewing Company, Oasis Texas Brewing Company, Jester King Brewery, Thirsty Planet Brewing Company and Solid Rock Brewing.

I’ve had the chance to roam far and wide in the pursuit of some of the Hill Country’s best beers, with a lot of learning and tasting along the way. And just like the growing and living organisms that make up our favorite drinks, these breweries take on a life of their own, so it helps to check in from time to time to see what big changes are going on and what you can expect to see in their favorite brews.

Mandy Spivey

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