The post What We LOVE about Austin, Texas! (Part Two) appeared first on Juniper Springs A Concierge Community Blog.
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Earlier this month, we shared a list of some of the reasons why we LOVE Austin, Texas. As there are sooo many reasons we love living here at Juniper Springs apartments in Austin and our community that surrounds us, we decided to continue the trend. See our top picks below and we will see you out and about!
It’s All About the Brews, Blues and Beethoven, Too!
We’ll take this one at a time. First, whether you are a fan of IPAs or traditional Pilsners or prefer to just pass around a pint, you gotta LOVE Austin. There are so many breweries in Austin that you will need more than just one day to experience the local establishments that pour award-winning pints. Our team’s top picks include …
• Austin Beerworks
• Hold Out Brewing
• Independence Brewing Company
• Jester King Brewery
• Live Oak Brewing Company
Next the music! No matter what time of day it is or what day of the week it may be, there’s always live music available. Summertime certainly is when it (music and the temps) are indeed hot. That’s why our calendars are always marked out early in the year to attend the FREE, read FREE, Cool Summer Nights. Bring your blanket or low-back chair, and don’t forget to bring Fido to the show – as dogs are welcome on a leash. Put The Long Center on your list as well. To see the full line-up of free concerts in Austin, visit TheLongCenter.org. And for date night out or no reason at all, there’s always something to see on stage at the Moody Theater or Zilker Hillside Theater.
Love Wildflowers? So Does Austin.
Lucky for all of us, Texas Hill County overflows with all things nature. From spring wildflower season at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to the wineries and some of the best bird watching in the USA, Austin is a base camp to some of the most beautiful sights and settings on the planet. If you have yet to sign up for Travis Audubon’s morning walk, now is the time to do so. You will be guided by the pros who will help you identify migratory birds and the native plants, year-round.
Pups Love Austin, Too
We love our furry friends as much as our family, as we are sure the rest of the world does too. However, those of us who live in Austin have our favorite parks that not only welcome dogs to roam free, they are also perfect spots for a picnic in the shade or morning stroll. All of which are just a short drive from our apartments in Austin. Our list of our pups’ favorites includes Red Bud Park, Auditorium Shores and Norwalk Park.
For a complete list of all the Parks throughout Austin, click into this list now.
Family-Friendly Adventure
Lucky for locals and visitors alike, Austin is a family-filled playground, year-round. So much so that we have dedicated many of our Blogs to the lifestyle that awaits you and yours throughout our colorful seasons. Here are highlights of the adventures that we just LOVE to attend:
- • Watching Fish at the Austin Aquarium
- • Learning at Pioneer Farms
- • Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake
- • Hiking at Mount Bonnell
- • Enjoying Dessert at Amy’s Ice Creams
- • Exploring Inner Space Cavern
And … watching bats. What, what? Bats! Yep, they LOVE Austin too. In fact, our charming city is known by bat fanatics all over the world. Ya gotta love that.
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Ziker Metropolitan Park
Here’s another ideal option for getting you and your dogs wet, too! If you are into a long walk, the 10-mile Lady Bird Hike and Bike Trail is a good start to a great day in the great outdoors. To cool off after the trek, slip your kayak or canoe into Lady Bird Lake and let your pup splash in the waters downstream of Barton Springs Pool.
For something different to do, and especially if you have guests in town, bring the whole gang to the park for a train ride – that welcomes your four-legged friends!
Considered "Austin's most-loved park, this 351-acre metropolitan park is by far a favorite for all who live in our apartment community in Austin.
Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
Located in the heart of our city is one of the community’s favorite hike and bike paths to enjoy year-round. Our research fond that its 10-mile trail system is visited by more than 2.6 million visits a year, and with good reason. The lush and well-maintained path meanders along the water’s edge where one will pass by the city’s skyscrapers, ball fields, neighborhoods, and other cultural attractions.
Cedar Park
Although this park isn’t really big, it’s still super pet friendly. Located in Veterans Memorial Park, its five acres offers a dog pond for cooling off on those hot summer days, a dog park, showers and well-used and maintained pet waste stations.
Which reminds us, no matter where you roam throughout our oh-so-pet-friendly city, be sure to pick up after your pup.
Dog House Drinkery
OK, so here’s a perfect place for those with or without a four-legged friend to have a cold one on a hot day. The Dog House Drinkery has a bar with lots of local brews from which to chose, and a nice wine selection as well. TV screens wrap throughout the establishment for your sports-minded friends. Outdoors, the 10 sf off-leash area is not just a place for your pup to play, it has a ‘dog park monitor’ so you can have the best of all worlds on your next day off.
As its one of the largest fenced areas for dogs in the region, it’s well used as a training ground, “yappy hours,” birthday parties and often the site of local adoption events.
According to their website:
The off-leash dog park area is the only area that is membership only, but day passes can be purchased for $8.00 per dog. Yearly membership is $150.00 a year. If you have more than one dog the cost of the yearly membership is an additional $30.00 per dog.
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\Whether you have a dog or not, you will find that the following parks offer plenty of escape from everyday life. This month, we are showcasing some of our favorite parks that not only welcome dogs to roam free they are also perfect spots for a picnic in the shade or morning stroll. All of which are just a short drive from our apartments in Austin.
Red Bud Isle
There’s water, water, everywhere at Red Bud Park – which means everything to your pooch. Running leash-free, they can splash all around while you sit unplugged on a sunny afternoon. Rather play in the water. Red Bud is also a popular spot for kayaking or canoeing or taking a hike with your furry friend by your side.
Here’s a hint: go early in the day as it’s a popular spot and parking is at a premium.
Auditorium Shores at Town Lake
This is a super spot for that the whole family can enjoy for a day, or for a get-away. We like to pack up and plan a few days of fun at Auditorium Shores. If you choose to campout, be sure to get your reservation way in advance.
What to pack? Take it all! This dog-friendly park is well-planned with volleyball and basketball courts and fields to toss the ball for Fido or just a friendly game on the turf. And there’s plenty of water sport opportunities so take the kayak, canoe bring your boat and don’t forget the fishing gear.
Rather take a quiet stroll? Their trails are well marked and always nice for a morning or evening walk in the park.
Norwood Park
In addition to the history of this beautiful park, the views are worth the trip to Norwood Park. We prefer to go here for its hiking trails while our dogs look forward to the park’s gated area (for smaller dogs) or in the large, shaded area where they can play with their pals as we hang out and enjoy some well-deserved downtime.
While you are there, be sure to take some time to explore the Norwood House. Its history dates back to 1922 when it was an arts and crafts bungalow. In 1985, the City of Austin acquired the property as part of the park. Unfortunately, funds were few and it was neglected for years.
Fortunately, the Austin Parks Foundation (APF) has stepped up to renovate this historic building. Here’s the good news as announced by Colin Wallis CEO of APF
“At APF we’re dedicated to partnering with our community to improve our treasured public green spaces. Norwood House and the surrounding parkland is truly a natural and cultural treasure for Austin. The restoration of this public space will be such an enriching gift to our community, and a valuable asset that everyone will be able to enjoy. We are thrilled to be able to support this project. We hope Austinites will be as enthusiastic as we are for the future of this historic estate and that the necessary funds to restore it will be quickly raised so construction can begin.”
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Earlier this month, we showed you some of the top spots to take your pup to breakfast, lunch or dinner. The blog was so popular we decided to stick to a good thing. Below you will find more options to enjoy a summer meal with your entire family and friends by your side.
Yard Bar
Fresh soup, salads and sandwiches await you and yours at Austin’s first restaurant, bar, and dog park. It’s the perfect place to socialize your dog while you meet and greet new friends with lots in common.
In its park-like setting, you can sit back with a cold one, classic cocktail or enjoy a glass of wine or stay for a while to enjoy a full meal under its shady trees and simple park setting.
Bring Fido to the dog-friendly Yard Bar, Austin's first restaurant, bar, and dog park. Yard
Note from their website: For the safety of your children, our dog park is 21+ ONLY. All dogs entering the park must be spayed or neutered (regardless of age) and current on vaccinations. Minimum age for entry is 4 months old. All are welcome on our patio.
Rudy’s Country Store & BBQ
This one-stop-shop can fill your gas tank and your tummy too! After your vehicle is set for the road, set time aside to take your furry friends to the back of the Country Store where you can sit and savor some of the best BBQ in the city. Serving wood-fired, slow-cooked, and dry-rubbed delights, Rudy’s complements the typical BBQ menu with a wider selection that includes jalapeno sausage and spicy pork chops, too.
Hopdoddy
This not your typical burger joint! Put this on your spot to stop for some of the most creative cuisine. Touting their ability to ‘raise the bar on burgers,’ the gang at HopDaddy boast:
We pride ourselves on doing things the right way, not just the easy way. Made by hand, sourced for greatness with the highest-quality consciously grown ingredients, and ‘created to be different, you can’t find a Hopdoddy (or Doddy Mayo) anywhere else!
Bouldin Creek Cafe
This dog-friendly ‘made with love’ establishment serves everything vegan and every dish from scratch. In addition to their delicious dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they pour their heart into the community as well.
At the heart of our business is the belief in paying a living wage, supporting our community through fundraising, donating meals to those in need, and amplifying the voices of the marginalized.
The menu includes fresh salads, portobello fajitas, tofu tacos and other vegan-inspired dishes. Bring your pups as they are more than welcome to hang out at the outdoor tables.
Where to take your dog off-leash in Austin?
Stay tuned to next month’s feature on the “Best off-leash’ parks in Austin!
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