Lake Travis Lifestyle

Your Guide to Lake Travis, Austin TX

Lake Travis

Lake Travis Area Excursion: BBQ Heaven at Smitty's Market in Lockhart

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Virgil in the Pits

Everyone has a favorite barbecue joint. In Austin, I’ve encountered countless heated debates centered on the topic of Austin’s best smoked meats. Living in Central Texas has its fair share of perks, but I would have to include the outstanding history and heritage of the area’s BBQ restaurants to be one of the best.

If you want to talk to a barbecue purist, there are many schools of thought regarding which pits do the best job. People around these parts take their meats seriously, and when you have towns like Lockhart (officially known as the Barbecue Capital of Texas), Taylor, Luling or the tiny town of Lexington, you have your pick of smoky meats to choose from.

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Mayfield Park: A Hidden Gem in the Middle of Austin

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Mayfield Park

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.

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An Inspiring Story about Martial Arts and Autism

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Robert Roy Kung Fu

Those of us who live in the Lake Travis area know we have a very special community. Whether it’s in our exemplary schools, on our beautiful playgrounds, at our loving houses of worship, or in our neighborhoods, Lake Travis residents have built an amazing community. And this is especially evident for families with special needs children. There are many inspiring stories happening in our own backyard that are a testament to the Lake Travis community and how it helps these children grow and thrive.

When Steele Hale was first diagnosed with autism at the age of three, he was nonverbal and had minimal core body strength, so he couldn’t do simple physical activities most children his age have no problem doing. Thanks to immediate occupational and speech therapy, Steele was able to begin his elementary school journey in Lake Travis as a kindergartner. The students, parents, teachers and staff accepted Steele with open arms and he began to thrive. And thanks to a timely piece of advice from Sam Hicks, the principal at Lakeway Elementary, Steele began practicing martial arts.

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Lake Travis Neighborhood Guide: The Hills of Lakeway

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The Hills of Lakeway

People love this classic neighborhood and it’s one of the more established neighborhoods in the Lake Travis area. Weaving through the golf courses of The Hills Country Club and surrounded by the larger Lakeway community, The Hills is a beautiful and convenient place to call home. This gated community is popular with families, golf enthusiasts, vacationers and retirees.  

History

The Hills of Lakeway, now designated as The Hills (or Village of The Hills), was originally in the extra-territorial jurisdiction of the City of Austin. The Hills became an incorporated city in Texas in May 1997. New construction is ongoing, along with remodeling, because you can find homes in the neighborhood with year built dates going back to the early 1980’s.

The Hills community is in the heart of Lakeway but considered a village. As a resident, you’ll have an exclusive address of “The Hills, Texas 78738” — designated by the The United States Post Office.

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Con’ Olio Oils and Vinegars: Taste the Difference

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The first bite of a cheesy margherita pizza fresh out of the oven. The crisp taste of a cool Greek salad with homemade dressing. The spicy fried goodness of anything cooked in a wok. I savor these food moments in life.

There are certain ingredients that will always make a difference in the taste and quality of a dish, but taking the time to learn about the science of it all can be daunting on its own.

Take a look around your kitchen pantry and check your stock of olive oil.

Do you know where it was grown and harvested?

Can you tell its crush date?

Have you ever tasted its polyphenals or been able to savor its fruity undertones?

I bet you didn’t even know these things mattered when tasting and buying olive oil.

There is a fine art to understanding the vibrant complexities found in a quality olive oil, and Austin area olive aficionados Jeff and Tabatha Conarko are stepping in to help.

Taking the confusion and turning it into a delicious learning experience, the husband and wife duo have just opened their third Con’ Olio store. Visit the Austin stores or their newest Lake Travis area location in Bee Cave at the Shops at the Galleria.

Be prepared to question all you thought you knew about a good Extra Virgin Olive Oil or a Balsamic Vinegar.

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