Your Guide to Lake Travis, Austin TX
It’s the last weekend of 2018! There’s a lot to do in and around the Lake Travis area, and that includes New Year’s Eve celebrations.
It’s hard to believe another year has passed. Next week, we’ll take a look back at the top stories of 2018 and glimpse into the future to see what’s in store for the year ahead.
All of us here at LTL wish you health, happiness, and a few lazy days on the lake in 2019.
When you’re too busy eating Christmas cookies …
There’s no time for cooking a Christmas Eve meal, doing the dishes, and opening presents. These Lake Travis area restaurants will take care of you.
When you have foodie friends …
They gave you all the homemade cookies, but you forgot to get them a gift. Here are last minute gift ideas with a few local stores in the mix.
When you go retro …
It’s time to put away your Ugly Christmas Sweater and ring in the New Year at The Oasis with a Lake Travis area favorite, Dysfunkshun Junkshun. You can also end 2018 at the annual year-end event, Willie Nelson & Family New Year. Here are more choices to celebrate the New Year.
When you haven’t seen numbers like these since the ’90s …
This does not smell like teen spirit. If you’re feeling sneeze-y, here’s why. The cedar pollen count in the Texas Hill Country is already off the charts.
When you connect two dots on a map …
You can draw a straight line from Lakeway to Lago Vista. So how about ferries or bridges that take you across Lake Travis? It’s just a concept.
When Urban Meyer doesn’t change your mind …
Lake Travis’ Garrett Wilson is going to OSU.
When you want your Elf on the Shelf to leave …
On Wednesday, LTL’s Cathy Hale shared the Ode to Moms: ‘Twas Days Before Christmas in Lake Travis.
When’s there’s no sense of urgency …
And then there’s no water. An “after action” report was delivered by Austin Water. The response to conserve water back on October 21 — when severe flooding overwhelmed the city’s water-treatment systems — was not well received. The reduction in water usage only came after the boil water notice was issued. And then the run on bottled water began. Austin Water is looking at ways to prevent the need to issue a future water-boil order.
When you want to get connected …
Give me sidewalks with that. Done. This approved roadway — with sidewalks — will connect Bee Cave Parkway to Ladera Boulevard and help to reduce traffic in the area. We could all use a little traffic reduction.
When you do NOT want to get connected …
WTF is route F? Steiner Ranch residents are feeling like “bait and switch” after Travis County proposed a permanent road for an evacuation route. There’s only one way out of the Steiner Ranch neighborhood, and that dumps you on 620. Not a good plan when you’re trying to outrun a wildfire (like in 2011). Travis County has been working on an evacuation route for years. Progress is now slowing down, and an effort to get questions answered and people on the same page is underway.
When you win at the Alamodome …
Next up, NRG Stadium in Houston. Lake Travis faces the unbeaten Northshore in the Class 6A Division I state semifinal on Saturday. Go Cavs!
When you need serenity now …
When you’re short on time to be festive…
When you have plenty of time to be festive…
In case you missed it, we gave you a rundown of some of the best places in the nearby Texas Hill Country to enjoy a stroll under twinkly holiday lights.
When you want someone else to cook …
On Wednesday, LTL’s Cathy Hale gave you a glimpse of new dining options headed your way and a quick look at the restaurants newly opened — and opening — in and around the Lake Travis area.
When you’re a real hero …
Many heroes of today are found online pulling off extreme sports in search of sponsors on YouTube and social media shares. They don’t have anything on our 41st President of the United States. George H.W. Bush became one of the youngest aviators in the U.S. Navy. During the attack of Pearl Harbor, he piloted a plane directly into Japanese antiaircraft fire. After taking on heavy fire, he and crew members were forced to exit the aircraft as it was going down. They popped open the door and jumped. George H.W. Bush hit his head on the tail of the plane. His parachute snagged the plane’s tail for a brief moment but managed to open only to set him down in an ocean full of enemy ships (and most likely a few sharks). He inflated a raft — puked his guts out — and paddled his ass off for a distant island hoping to avoid being captured by the enemy. A submarine was in the area and received the Mayday call when his plane went down. When the submarine surfaced nearby, Geroge H.W. Bush was relieved to see it was a U.S. submarine and climbed aboard. You’re a real hero George H.W. Bush (June 12, 1924 – November 30, 2018). CAVU
When you’re paid to win …
This is high school football in Texas. And when you’re the top paid high school football coach in Texas, you better win. Coach Hank Carter and the Lake Travis Cavaliers are 12-1 this season, 45-6 the past four seasons, ranked No. 10 in the state, and hoping to reach the state title game for a fourth consecutive year. Next up is the state quarterfinals and the battle against Converse Judson.
When you can’t get together …
We’ll see you at the Alamodome on Saturday. Westlake and Lake Travis will be part of a playoff tripleheader at the Alamodome in San Antonio, but can’t meet in the playoffs. Sad face.
When you’re about to get hangry …
Head to Bee Cave for dinner and dessert. Get your meat and potatoes — along with homemade beer bread — at the now open Saltgrass Steak House, Bee Cave location. The folks at Bahama Buck’s are hoping to make it a white Christmas when they open a Bee Cave location on December 11.
When everything is bigger in Texas …
And that includes holiday traditions. On Wednesday, LTL’s Cathy Hale gave you 8 Ways to Celebrate Christmas like a Real (Lake Travis Area) Texan. It’s time to get festive in the Texas Hill Country.
When Thanksgiving is over …
You won’t believe your eyes when you visit Santa’s Wonderland at the Hill Country Galleria. Jaw-dropping amazing! The queen of Christmas, LT’s Gina Provopulos, worked her festive magic. If you want to get in the Christmas spirit, head over to Hill Country Galleria for photo ops galore, extended shopping hours, a family fun run, a nightly tree show and more.
When you can’t find or keep good help …
Lake Travis business owners, we’re feeling your pain. The Lake Travis area is not served by mass transit, and it’s difficult for working locals to find a decent priced rental. This $30 million affordable housing community is set for the Lakeway area and a step in the right direction. Affordable housing is nonexistent in the western portion of Travis County.
When you need to review and revise …
You are now suspended without pay. Lakeway has some work to do on its ordinances, policies and procedures, and training regarding employees and officials entering private property. It all started when a Lakeway code enforcement officer entered a home without permission.
When you’re penalized for a gesture …
OU still sucks. And you can’t unhook ’em at this sold-out game.
When you get an erroneous Gatorade bath …
It was like football in a space-time continuum last weekend when Texas A&M and LSU played on Saturday night for 4 hours and 53 minutes making it the highest scoring game in FBS history.
When the game against Westlake is a holiday …
Friday Night Lights in Texas. The Lake Travis school district 2019-2020 instructional calendar is out for approval. Next year, the first day of school is August 14 and students will have October 11 off for the Westlake football game.
When you’re craving a steak buffet …
Have some salad with that. You can get it all at this churrascaria that is now open in Lakeway.
When you’re the most-googled recipe …
Guess what, Texas? Here’s that recipe you were looking for.