Mandy Spivey

Lake Travis SpringFest: The Biggest Time in the Smallest Town

Written by Mandy Spivey | April 21, 2014

Where in the world can you find the combination of kid-friendly activities, live music, wine tastings from local vineyards, craft beers, the Lake Travis Rib King BBQ cook-off, a boat expo, and shopping from over 75 artisan vendors all in one place?

It’s Lake Travis SpringFest! This annual event is officially happening at The Backyard in Bee Cave this Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26.

The big kick-off starts on Friday night at 6pm with the WineStomp and wine tastings from local wineries including Spicewood Vineyard, Stone House Vineyard and several others.

Lake Travis Pizza: The Top Ten

Written by Mandy Spivey | April 17, 2014

Where do you find the best pizza in Lake Travis?

With so many delicious pizza options around Lake Travis, a girl really has her work cut out for her. Between decisions of where to grab a slice of ‘za around the lake, whether that pizzeria is in Austin, Spicewood, Bee Cave or Lakeway, there was only one way to settle the question — I had to taste my way out of this one.

What I found (and tasted) was nothing short of a delectable dilemma; to tailor down this list was to judge each slice among each other, considering their varying styles, dough thickness, and options for toppings.

Lucky for us, there’s no shortage of awesome pizza in Lake Travis and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a fancy sit down meal or a quick slice during your lunch break, LT Lifestyle brings you some of the best pizza in Lake Travis.

Jester King Brewery: The Farmhouse Style of Brewing Beer

Written by Mandy Spivey | April 8, 2014

In the past five years in Central Texas, the craft beer scene has experienced unexpected growth in a number of ways. More than a dozen breweries have opened within a short driving distance of Lake Travis, giving you a reason to take a picturesque day trip out to the hills.

And with the new change in state law in 2013, breweries are now able to file for the proper permits and licenses to become a brewpub, which essentially allows them to sell their creative concoctions directly to you to consume on site and to take home. This is good news for many breweries that already hosted tasting rooms and tours.

Just on the edge of Hays County, on a small section of unincorporated farmland in Austin sits Jester King Brewery. Brewing out of an old machine shop that was transported to the 220-acre farm that it sits on today, and sharing five of those acres with neighbor Stanley’s Farmhouse Pizza, is one of Texas’ most creative artisanal brewpubs in the state.

Spend a Day in Blanco: The Lavender Capital of Texas

Written by Mandy Spivey | March 31, 2014

Blanco, the little Texas Hill Country Town that sits about 45 miles West of Lake Travis and 45 miles North of San Antonio, is a quaint community that aims to give Texas a good name.

“Texas Friendly Spoken Here” is one of the town’s official mottos, and after a day spent wandering the Square, you’ll start to realize just what makes this tiny town so special.

It’s not just the lovely rolling hills that the region is best known for, or the laid-back vibe the locals try to keep. It’s the Texas pride each person carries; from the farmers to the artists, from beer brewers to ranch hands — everyone has a story to tell.

Where are the Best Places for Texas Bluebonnets?

Written by Mandy Spivey | March 27, 2014

Springtime is a little bit like magic here in Central Texas. Starting around mid-March, Texas native plants begin their beautiful blooms in the fields around the Hill Country of Central Texas.

As the weather warms and local plant life begin their cycles, the Lake Travis area is home to some of the best and brightest places for wildflowers. Some of the more popular Texas wildflowers like bluebonnets, Indian blankets, winecups and Texas paintbrush all seem to magically appear overnight and blanket the hillsides and fields in spectacular colors.

It won’t be long before cars are pulled over along any road within walking distance of a patch of bluebonnets. Families unload and head into the wildflowers for a photo op. Your Facebook feed will also be covered in bluebonnets as friends and families share pics and continue the annual Springtime tradition.

The bluebonnet is to Texas what the shamrock is to Ireland, the cherry blossom to Japan, the lily to France, the rose to England and the tulip to Holland. — Historian Jack Maguire

Knowing the best locations for these moments is key for a priceless picture. Every year is a bit of a surprise which fields and locations will have the best blooms of the season. A fertile field one year will lay barren the next, so it’s always kind of an adventure to try to hunt down these prime spots for wildflower photo taking.

Mandy Spivey

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