The Food!

We’ve mentioned before that Austin is one of the best places for food in the country. Our city is famous for its love of BBQ, whether you’re grilling by the pool at Juniper Springs, sharing dishes at a potluck, enjoying local restaurants and the holiday festivals to come.

Don’t forget the craft breweries and local bars, many of which offer signature drinks and live music. It’s easy to see why Austin is a favorite for food lovers everywhere.

Friendly Faces, and Family Friendly, Everywhere!

Austin sits in the heart of Central Texas and is known for its relaxed vibe and friendly people. Locals here are some of the nicest you’ll meet.

Whether you’re new to Austin or have lived here for years, you’ll find people ready to welcome you. The city is diverse, and you’ll often hear many different languages as you walk around.

Austin is a great place for families, and we’ve dedicated many of our blogs to sharing the family-friendly lifestyle you can enjoy here all year.

Some of our best advice for you has been gleaned from VisitAustin.com. Within their exceptional website, they offer some of the best ways to enjoy family time close to home or just a short scenic drive away. Here’s a quick list with links to get you on your merry way!

Kid Friendly Restaurants

Family Attractions Your Kids Will Love

Shows & Events for Families in Austin

The Music, of course!

Austin is known as the Music City of the World, so there’s always something exciting happening here. 
You can find live music all over the city, with everything from rock and blues to country and hip-hop playing every night of the week. 
With so many choices, we’ve made it easy to find your next concert. Check out the options below—we hope to see you there!

Music Venues in Austin

Concerts in Austin

Music Festivals in Austin

We hope you enjoyed our list of things to be thankful for in Austin.

From our family to yours, we wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving.

The post Top Things to Be Thankful for in Austin, Texas (Part Two) appeared first on Juniper Springs A Concierge Community Blog.

Earlier this month, we highlighted our take on Mardi Gras in Austin with events and some super-easy recipes, too. To keep the festivities moving forward, read on to see some of the freshest and most festive things to do in Austin in March – including things to do on St. Patrick’s Day in Austin!

Sunday Crawfish Boil

Texas Sake Co.

Every Sunday in March

Get ready to kick off the crawfish season a mouthwatering feast that’ll make your taste buds !  Take a look at what awaits you and yours!

When? It starts at 2:00 pm, so hurry, they sell out every week. And remember, no reservations—it's first come, first served!

Indulge in Delicious Crawfish! For just $20 per pound, enjoy fresh, perfectly seasoned crawfish paired with all the fixings—tasty potatoes, sweet corn, and savory sausage!

Sip and Savor! Elevate your Sunday experience with fantastic drink specials: $5 draft Junmai sake and $6 draft rice lager. It’s the ideal combo for a festive afternoon!

Grab a plate and dive into a delightful day of food, fun, and fantastic flavors.

Volente Beach

St. Patrick’s Day Event in Austin

Volente Beach is getting put back on the map with a ton of upgrades and events added to their schedule.

Their St Patrick’s Day Weekend Extravaganza will be full of live music, DJ's, performers, food and, of-course GREEN BEER! The Pools will be open, and prizes will be given out.

Dress festive and get ready to party at Volente Beach ALL YEAR ROUND.

Here’s the weekend schedule:

Friday night they are teaming up with Bat City Beats + Vibe and Vision Production for an awesome DJ NIGHT.

Saturday and Sunday – FREE to Everyone!

Saturday – DJ Henry the Incredible followed by the Noble Brothers. Kids activities, beer Olympics, contests and open pools!

Sunday – Vendor Market, Irish Dancing by Inish Free School of Dance, the amazing Bruce Islandmind, kids activities, contests and open pools.

Kiss Me I’m Irish – Austin Bar Crawl

March 15 & March 16, 2025

Barcrawlerz is an Austin Bar Crawl like no other with the best drink specials at the best bars in town! According to the event listing on VisitAustin.com, here are the details:

Pre-Purchase Your Bar Crawl Wristband

Check in at Happy Chick's (214 E 6th St) to get your wristband and map with participating bars, their location, and their drink specials. Registration is on Saturday, 3/15 from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm and Monday, from 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm. NOTE: You must pick up your wristbands during those hours.

Your wristband gets you into any of the participating bars with no cover, plus gets you drink specials all night.  

For questions, email [email protected] or call (310) 273-8772 Ext. 5

Rodeo Austin

March 15 – 29, 2025

Travis County Exposition Center

Get ready, rodeo fans and family fun-seekers! Rodeo Austin is back and bigger than ever at the Travis County Expo Center from March 14-29, 2025! This isn’t just any event – it’s a full-blown family extravaganza, packed with heart-pounding ProRodeo events, adorable livestock shows, toe-tapping daily concerts and a carnival bursting with attractions for all ages.

This year, the organizers “promise to blow your cowboy boots off “with acts like William Clark Green, Gary Allen, Los Huracanes Del Norte, Ashley McBryde, and 38 Special.  

Get ready to dive into the fun as the fairgrounds open their gates at 10 a.m. every day. Picture your day filled with carnival games and rides. And don’t forget the shopping and mouthwatering food options! You can sharpen your rodeo skills or learn something new with their educational activities too.

The post Food, Fun and Festivities in March in Austin, Texas appeared first on Juniper Springs A Concierge Community Blog.

Earlier this month we shared some easy and healthy lunches to pack for your kids and yourself to get you off to school and work.  The blog was so popular throughout our apartments for rent in Austin, that we clicked into another one of our favorite websites, Eating Well, to keep you ahead of schedule and on your way. 

Turkey Apple Cheddar Sandwich

Eating Well Top Review: “I love this sandwich! I have also added craisins or cranberry sauce. I really enjoy it. Made some for friends and they loved them.”

Ingredients:

• • 2 slices whole-wheat sandwich bread
• • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• • 2 ounces low- or reduced-sodium deli turkey
• • 1-ounce sliced Cheddar cheese
• • 4 to 6 thin apple slices

Directions: 

Spread mayonnaise on both slices of bread. Top with turkey, Cheddar and apple. 

(Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, June 2017)

Vege and Hummus Sandwich

A veggie and hummus sandwich makes a great fiber-rich, packable lunch. Here's the standard formula plus a few variations to jazz it up.

1) The Bread

The creators of this oh-so-healthy sandwich prefers the nutty flavor and fiber-boosting benefits of whole-grain bread for the veggie and hummus sandwich. For kids, we have found that sandwich bread, instead of a bread with a firm crust, is preferred.

2) The Spreads

They use both hummus and mashed avocado as spreads for our sandwich. They help keep the veggies in place and also form a barrier between the bread and the veggies that helps prevent the bread from getting soggy. If you don't have avocado, you can double up on the hummus or try whipped cream cheese (either plain or combined with basil or sun-dried tomato pesto). Just be sure to spread whatever you're using over both slices of the bread. You can use regular hummus or try a flavored hummus of your choice.

3) The Veggies

To keep this sandwich simple, include salad greens, shredded carrot, cucumber and red bell pepper. For other options, add spinach, sprouts, sliced red onion, sliced tomato, broccoli slaw, thinly sliced radish and tender fresh herbs like cilantro or basil. Try and keep your variations simple and pick three to four veggies instead of piling on the entire produce aisle.  

Strawberry and Cream Cheese Sandwich

Eating Well Top Review:  “Delightfully refreshing and light. I found this recipe over 4 years ago, & it’s definitely in my top 3 favorite sandwiches. It has a perfect balance of flavors with the zing of the orange and the tang of the cream cheese, which the honey really brightens & brings together; paired with the sweet strawberries & the earthy taste of the whole wheat bread, it's a match made in heaven.”

Ingredients:

• – 1 tablespoon reduced-fat cream cheese, (Neufchâtel)
• • ¼ teaspoon honey
• • ⅛ teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
• • 2 slices very thin whole-wheat sandwich bread
• • 2 medium strawberries, sliced.

Directions:

1. Combine the cream cheese, honey and orange zest in a bowl. Spread the bread with the cheese mixture. Place sliced strawberries on 1 piece of bread, top with the other.

(Originally appeared: EatingWell Magazine, September/October 2007) 

BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Eating Well Top Review:  “Absolutely delicious and so easy to make.”

Ingredients:

• • ½ cup shredded cooked chicken
• • ¼ cup shredded carrots
• • 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
• • 2 teaspoons light ranch dressing
• • 1 small whole-wheat sandwich bun
• • 1 leaf romaine lettuce

Directions:

Combine chicken, carrots and barbecue sauce in a bowl. Spread ranch dressing on the bun. Top with the chicken mixture and lettuce.

(Originally appeared: EatingWell Magazine, September/October 2007)

The post Tasty and Easy Lunch Box Recipes appeared first on Juniper Springs A Concierge Community Blog.

Earlier this month we shared our Quick and Simple BBQ Healthy Spring Recipes to enjoy at our community pool at Juniper Springs Apartments in North Austin, Texas. And we promised more ideas to bring your family together in the great outdoors to enjoy our beautiful spring weather in Austin.
 

Bon Appetit from our family to yours!

The Essentials for a Perfect Picnic

Location, location, location. Throughout the years, we have highlighted some of our favorite parks to park and enjoy the super spring and summer weather in Austin.  Here’s a link to our blog about Dog Friendly Parks in Austin.

Inasmuch as the classic wicker baskets are cute and can contain lots of essentials, we prefer to use something that will keep our food cool before, during and after (IF there are leftovers) a day at the Park. Obviously, you will want to pack utensils, napkins, cups and plates. For the ultra-easy picnic, go with those that are environmentally friendly and easy to toss after your tasty repast. 

Don’t forget some disinfectant cloths to wipe off a table, hands, and such. If you prefer to find a grassy spot to set in the shade, be sure to bring a large blanket or two.

Super Easy Vegetable and/or Turkey Sandwiches

Ingredients:

• Fresh bread or baguette
• Blend: Prepared Pesto, Mayonnaise (blend to your preference), spread on bread
• Place the following vegetables within the sandwich:

• Baby Greens (we like Arugula and Basil)
• Roasted Red Peppers
• Heirloom Tomatoes
• Marinated Artichokes Hearts (cut into small quarters)

If you want to add protein, head to your favorite deli and select your options; here are our favorites:

• Honey Ham
• Peppered Chicken
• Smoked Turkey

Oh-so-Easy Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

Prepare and combine:

Pasta ~ Our top picks for a perfect pasta salad are the larger shapes like rotini, penne and bowtie

Veggies – Roasted for sure, and for the best recipe, check our first blog for a super easy roasted vegetable recipe.  Within the list are all the options that make for a perfectly tossed spring pasta dish. And you can also add marinaded Pepperoncini peppers to add to the flavor and color.

Cheese ~ If you are serving a crowd, you might want to stay away from the heavier flavored cheeses like Blue or Goat and opt for fresh parmesan or the  like to use the small mozzarella balls – which the kiddos like, too!

Fresh Herbs ~ Basil for sure, and perhaps toss with some chopped Parsley as well.

Dressing: Mix together and toss with the Pasta:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon ground thyme
• ¼ teaspoon dried basil

The post Quick and Simple Delicious Picnic Recipes appeared first on Juniper Springs A Concierge Community Blog.

Ahh, springtime! A time when we put our winter recipes to bed and look forward to light and healthy meals to share with family and friends down by the BBQ!  

To get you in the mood, our team at Juniper Spring apartments in North Austin, Texas is sharing some of our favorite easy BBQ recipes with you!

Be sure to check our Blog later this month for Delicious and Simple Picnic Recipes

Bon Appetit!

BBQ Chicken with Springtime Herb Salsa

Ingredients:

• • ¼ Olive Oil (or Olive Oil infused with Lemon or Garlic)
• • 1 T Red Wine Vinegar
• • ¼ C Fresh Orange Juice
• • 1 Tsp Grated Lemon
• • ½ C Fresh Mint, chopped
• • 1 C Italian Parsley, chopped
• • ½ C Cilantro, chopped
• • 2 Large Garlic Cloves, mashed
• • 1 Small Serrano Pepper, quartered
• • ¾ Tsp Kosher or Regular Salt
• • 4 Skinless Chicken Breasts
• • 1 Medium to Large Onion, cut in half (use to coat the grill)

Directions:

• • Score the Chicken ¼ inch in several places on the smooth side of the Breast and set aside
• • Blend the rest of the ingredients in a blender  – processing into a Pesto-type consistency
• • Place the Chicken and 1/2 Cup of the herb mixture into a medium shallow bowl; save the rest of the herb mixture for basting
• • Coat both sides of the Chicken, place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours
• • Prepare the Grill down by the pool :0) by brushing the grates and rubbing ½ slide of the onion the grates (this helps to keep the chicken from sticking on     the grill); heat to 400°F
• • Remove the chicken from the bowl, letting the excess marinade drip off back into the bowl (discard after use)
• • Flip the chicken twice, marinading lightly with each turn
• • Cook until the middle section reaches 165°F

BBQ Garlic Shrimp 

Ingredients:

• • 1 Pound of Shrimp, cleaned
• • BBQ Skewers (if using wood, pre-soak)

For Marinade:

• • 1/3 C Olive Oil
• • 2 Tsp Fresh Lemon Juice
• • 1 T Tomato Paste
• • 4 Cloves of Garlic, mashed
• • ½ Tsp Salt
• • ½ Tsp Pepper

For Garlic Butter:

• • ¼ C Melted Butter
• • 1 Clove Garlic, mashed

Directions:

• • Clean and prepare the Shrimp
• • Soak skewers (if using wood)
• • Set aside
• • Place marinade ingredients in a blender, or whisk/ mix until combined
• • Warm Garlic Butter for basting consistency
• • Place shrimp and marinade in a deep bowl, let sit for at least 30 minutes
• • Pre-heat grill to 400°F
• • Place shrimp on skewers, threading through the tail and main body
• • Grill for 2 – 3 minutes
• • Serve with Garlic Butter

BBQ Grilled Vegetables

Ingredients:

Our favorite choice of veggies that are ideal for the Q:

• • Zucchini
• • Carrots
• • Onions
• • Asparagus
• • Bell Peppers
• • Mushrooms
• • Egg Plant 
• • Red Onion

Ingredients for Marinade 

• • ¼ Fresh Parsley, chopped
• • 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
• • 1 Tsp Pepper & Salt
• • ¼ Olive Oil (simple, or infused with lemon or garlic)
• • ¼ T each: Fresh Basil, Oregano (or ½ Tsp dried)
• • Red pepper flakes to your preference

Directions:

• • Clean the vegetables, cut into large pieces (so they don’t fall through the grates)
• • Prepare Marinade by mixing all the ingredients (in a jar or small bowl)
• • Pre-heat grill to 400°F
• • Place veggies on the grill (suggested times, will vary according to size:

• – Zucchini, Asparagus, grill 2 minutes on each side
• – Onion, mushrooms, grill 3 minutes on each side
• – Eggplant, Bell Peppers, Carrots, grill 4 minutes on each side  

• • Remove from Grill
• • Toss with marinade and serve

The post Quick and Simple BBQ Healthy Spring Recipes appeared first on Juniper Springs A Concierge Community Blog.

With spring now in full swing, and Easter just around the corner, we’ve done our research to offer you some nice options for your upcoming Easter celebration.

The restaurants listed below are promoting some nice specials for you and your family to enjoy. To make it easier for all involved, we suggest you make a reservation in advance through OpenTable.com. Bon Appétit!

And from our entire team at Juniper Springs apartments in North Austin, we wish you and yours a very blessed and beautiful Easter celebration.

True Food Kitchen

Downtown Austin

This favorite Mediterranean style restaurant always has something oh-so-tasty no matter what the occasion. Check in with them for any Easter Specials. Whether there is something specific planned or not, we just love their Seasonal Garden Scramble, Torched Avocado, Coconut & Chia Seed Flan with a choice of a seasonal cocktail, wine, or non-alcoholic drink.

Roaring Fork

Stonelake, North Austin

Downtown, Austin

Their website says it best: The Roaring Fork's Wood Fired Cooking captures the spirit of bold American cuisine, creating flavors that crackle with a rugged edge. In the Old West, the best food was prepared on a simple wood fire. This same spirit, freshness and flavor are at the heart of every dish we serve. In springtime, Roaring Fork offers an À la carte brunch menu from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Chez Zee

Austin

Serving “American Northwest” cuisine, Chez Zee is celebrating Easter throughout the weekend with Saturday and Sunday Brunch. On Easter Sunday, they will be featuring a favorite local jazz duo – the great Margaret Slovak on guitar with Chris Maresh on bass. They will be performing in The Gallery, our special events venue, from 10am until 2pm. No cover. However, reservations are required for Easter Sunday.

Nightcap

Downtown

One of the best bets for a “Contemporary American” Brunch, Nightcap promises a delicious selection of fresh Lemon Ricotta Pancakes to Fried Chicken and oh-so-much more to please every pallet!

Eddie V's – Arboretum

For a more elegant event, Eddie V’s for some of the freshest seafood in town. This Easter (and Mother’s Day) their menus will showcase some of their finest talents. Think: Main Lobster, Norwegian Smoke Salmon, Lobster Quiche Florentine, Filet Mignon and so much more. Make your reservations as they will fill up!

Siena Ristorante Toscana

Northwest Austin

With a 95% approval rate on OpenMenu.com, we recommend you make your reservation soon for Siena, which is offering an overwhelming delicious menu. From their extensive delicacies, you can choose from a variety of Antipasti, Primi Piatti (pastas), a Second Course Piatti (protein, and be sure to save room for dessert!

The post WHERE TO GO FOR EASTER BRUNCH IN AUSTIN? (Part One) appeared first on Juniper Springs A Concierge Community Blog.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s time to get your planning underway. To help you have a fun and festive celebration, our family at Juniper Springs apartment community in Austin, Texas is sharing our top tips to ensure your Thanksgiving is the best one yet.

Set Your Table First
This is the perfect way to get in the mood for the fun to come.  Start a week before the holiday to gather the goods and all the utensils you will need for the big feast.
Whether you are setting the table for a few or the whole clan, here are some perfectly simple ideas to make a statement that the holiday is underway.
If you still have a few gourds or (uncarved) pumpkins, place those first in the middle of the table. Apples and Pears work well to add more color.  
When it comes to the place settings, you have your option from formal (China), to casual (Everyday dishes) and for the easiest of all, paper plates – which come in lots of festive designs at your local craft store or Costco.

Create Your Menu, Now.
No need to stress throughout the month; now is the time to plan all the parts from ‘soup to nuts.’  Right now, grocery stores throughout Austin are starting their Thanksgiving sales. This is always the perfect time to shop and save.  
If you are planning on fixing the entire feast by yourself, you can start this week. Factor ahead make-ahead dishes that freeze well.  The Pioneer Woman website has 37 options that look delicious.  Take a peek now and get prepping!
If your schedule is already overwhelming, we suggest you head to one of the many Trader Joe shops in Austin for store-bought shortcuts for Thanksgiving Dinner. 

Engage Your Guests
Quite often, our guests and family members will ask “can I bring something?”  When planning the menu, earmark some ideas to answer, “yes!”
A simple list may include:
•    Appetizers
•    Salad
•    Dinner Rolls
•    Dessert
•    Beverages
•    Ice

Buy The Bird!
Once you have a good headcount, plan to serve ¾ to 1 pound of bird per person.  If you want leftovers (and who doesn’t!), count up to 1 to 2 pounds of Turkey per person. 
Shop for the best sale, yet do remember you get what you pay for.  You may see brands that offer a super deal, yet they don’t always have the best product.
You can freeze the bird until a few days away. Just remember, thaw it in the refrigerator, not the countertop.  

Check Cleaning Supplies
Nothing can ruin a holiday dinner more than red wine on a white tablecloth or carpet. We always have white vinegar and salt on hand and never hesitate to have a bottle of “Wine Away” close by as well.  
Here are some excellent tips to stay ahead of the spills this holiday season. This Stain Removal Chart that is posted on RealSimple.com is a super reference to have this holiday season, and year-round.  We actually printed this out and it’s hanging in a closet in our kitchen!   

Plan on “Downtime” for YOU!
We like to give ourselves a pre-dinner day off, and suggest you do too.  There’s no doubt you deserve it because of all the planning and preparation.
And from our family to yours, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season to come.

The post Top Tips for a Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner appeared first on Juniper Springs A Concierge Community Blog.

This is a must-do every year as some of the country’s top-rated purveyors prepare food, wine and festive fun at the Austin Food and Wine Festival.  Wrapped with expansive views of the astonishing Austin skyline, you can sip, savor and celebrate your way through the weekend at Auditorium Shores. 

As you work your way through these highlights from the festival’s website, plan on two full days of festivities.

Tips from the Tastemakers

Whether you like to cook or not, you can learn some of the top cooking tips from the pros to prepare for your upcoming holiday feasts. Then head over to the “Tasting Station” to experience some fine wine, premier spirits and beers from across the globe – while learning all about the distillation processes that make these bevys so darn delicious.  

Hit the Pit!

Here’s where you can enjoy exceptional BBQ and other hot-off the-grill goods prepared by some of the top Pitmasters in the USA.  It’s also where you can personally meet and greet the greats in the business and get their tips for your holiday BBQ success! 

Made In Texas

This exclusive event is worth every penny.  It’s where all the greats will gather for an up-close and personal presentation of a Lone Star Dine-around cooking “all things Texas” over a fiery hot grill. 

November 4th and 5th, 2023
The Austin Celtic Festival
Pioneer Farms

It’s “all things Celtic” being celebrated during this 27th annual event, and all are invited.  This particular weekend event is one of the very few remaining festivals of its kind so don’t miss out.  Bring the whole family as there is fun for all ages throughout each day.

According to their promoters, it is” internationally acclaimed as the number one gathering of Celts in Central Texas and one of the very few remaining in the country.”

The website notes that the Austin Celtic festival “goes beyond the gimmicks to highlight traditions and achievements in a way that reminds audiences of the extraordinary craftsmanship and study that made places like Ireland and Scotland leaders in folk music and dance.” 

Make plans now to experience:
•    Celtic Music and Dance
•    Workshops in Celtic History & Theater
•    Highland Games
•    Celtic Animals
TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE. Click in here now!
 
November 11, 2023
Michelada Festival
Kyle, Texas

Come one, come all … it’s a Pop-up Michie Fest like no other!  Bring the whole family and the whole neighborhood for nine full hours of entertainment in Kyle, Texas. 

Wear your dancing shoes as the line-up of professional DJ’s will be spinning tunes from yesterday through today in English, Latin and beyond.   And then there’s the live bands from all over the state performing their most recent compositions.

Kids love it here, too!  Think: bound house, face painting and their own Dance Party, too!

But wait, there’s more: get your holiday shopping underway as you stroll through the tents of artistic vendors from all over Texas!

Get your tickets now!  Rain or shine, all sales are final.

The post Where to Sip, Savor and Celebrate Texas Traditions in November appeared first on Juniper Springs A Concierge Community Blog.

Earlier this month, we polled our family at Juniper Springs apartments here in Austin about their plans for Father’s Day and then posted them on our blog.  There were so many great ideas that we chose to make this a two-part series.  Keep reading below for more ideas on what to do and where to go for Father’s Day in Austin!

Hit the Links

Within the concept of ‘country club membership options, Lost Creek Country Club is an ideal option for those who seek long days on the links, balanced with fine dining and other recreational opportunities.  Throughout this ‘family-focused’ development, members can participate in rounds of golf on its newly renovated 18-hole, Par-72 course complemented with everything one would expect from its first-class amenities. The facility offers a driving range, putting green, and a brand-new state of the art learning center to encourage the beginners and excel the most advanced.

Plan a Paddle

Take a paddle with pop on one of the many lakes and streams that wind in and around our city.  Or better yet, pick up a gift certificate at Austin Kayak Tours and learn how to paddle board or kayak through the waters at Lake Bird Lake.

Sip Some Whiskey!

Is he a fan of locally distilled drinks? Take a tour of the town (and be the “DD”)!  Still Austin Whiskey Company offers guided tours and tastings for the novice sipper to the most sophisticated whiskey aficionado.

Or Have a Cold One, or Two…

More of a beer guy?  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

Make it a Date – with the Family in Tow

Drive down and park it for a movie night at Blue Starlight!  Promoted as the world’s one and only mini-urban boutique drive in theaters, the Starlight is a must-do on Dad’s dad or anytime during the summer months.  It’s a classic experience that should be shared with all generations whether there’s a celebration or not!

Wander through the Wildflowers!

One of our favorite things to do is to pack up the family and head out to Texas Hill Country to soak in the sun and spectacular wildflower blooms and wellness sessions at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. 

Go ‘Birding’

For the naturalist in your life, this is an adventure you won’t want to miss.  Join birders from Travis Audubon and horticulturists from the Wildflower Center on a morning walk. Your guides will help identify migratory birds and the native plants they rely on for food and shelter. Bring binoculars to see what feathered friends are passing through.   

Book a Dinner Date 

Modeled after their family’s ranch, the family at Contigo has been entertaining Austin locals and visitors alike for over 30 years.  What we like best about Contigo is its consistently fresh, local, quality food and of course, their famous margaritas! In the evening, the Tivoli lights add to the atmosphere for a perfect place to take Dad out to dinner on Father’s Day.

Go Out For Seafood and the View

For some of the freshest fish and oysters in Austin, Perla Perla’s Seafood & Oyster Bar is the place to be.  Owners Larry and Tom ensure that the food you enjoy is fresh from the ocean (on both coasts) where they fly their favorites in for you on a DAILY basis!  Perla’s also offer their suggestions for pairing the perfect meal with the perfect blend of wines from their extensive wine list.  Known throughout the City for one of the prettiest patios in the South, it’s a top spot to spoil your pop on Father’s Day.

The post Things to do with Dad this Father’s Day in Austin (Part Two) appeared first on Juniper Springs A Concierge Community Blog.

With beautiful weather to complement a great day with Dad, the city of Austin sets the perfect backdrop for a memorable Father’s Day.  We polled our family at Juniper Springs apartments here in Austin about their plans for the big day.

Below you will find some ideas that you might want to put on your calendar for Father’s Day or any time with Dad this summer.

Perhaps we will see you out and about as well?  In the meantime, we wish all the dads at Juniper Springs a very memorable Father’s Day.

First, Grab a Gift & Get Ready for a BBQ

Here’s a perfect gift to give Dad for Father’s Day. This Taste of Texas Beer & BBQ gift basket from Hazelton’s Gift Baskets will please the whole gang.

Grill Set – Included in a fully-lined aluminum case is a complete set of BBQ tools, grilling skewers, corn holders, basting brush, and salt & pepper shakers, too!

PLUS
–    Hardbite Smokin' BBQ Chips
–    East Shore Dipping  
–    Bruges Classic Chocolate Covered Blueberries Pillow  
–    Braswell's Great On Anything BBQ sauce with Vidalia Onion  
–    Campi Verdi di Toscana Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP  
–    Campi Verdi di Toscana Extra Virgin Olive Oil  
–    Grant & Mein's Fine Spice Company Montreal Steak Spice  

Take Your Pop and Your Pup to the Doghouse

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 choose, 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.    

Meet Him at the Museum

Thanks to the Austin Museum Partnership, you and your family can enjoy a very special day at your favorite museum in Austin.  No matter which one is your favorite, or perhaps one you have never visited before, there will be free exhibitions and activities for all to enjoy. Enjoy dozens of Austin Area Museums for free in a celebration of art, culture, history, music, nature, science, and play!

Laugh, A Lot!

Just one night at ColdTowne Theater will leave you laughing for days to come.

ColdTowne Theater is Austin’s main stage for alternative comedy, featuring the funniest comedians in Central Texas. Nationally recognized acts perform here as well as the best local performers. ColdTowne Theater also runs a conservatory offering the most fun acting, improv and sketch classes Austin has to offer.

Head to the 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 found that more than 2.6 million visitors visit its 10-mile trail system 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.  

Pack a Picnic

With our beautiful weather in sight, pack a picnic and head to one of the many parks and lakes in and around the heart of Austin.  Add in a hike to complete the day. We always enjoy taking selfies at the sculpture garden at Zilker Park. Another top spot for a picnic with a view is a trek up Mount Bunnell that showcases super views of Lake Austin and beyond.

The post Things to do with Dad this Father’s Day in Austin (Part One) appeared first on Juniper Springs A Concierge Community Blog.