With temperatures dropping and spectacular seasonal colors popping, there's no question that the glorious fall season has arrived in Austin.
To help you ease into the Autumn season, our family at Juniper Springs apartments in Austin is sharing some of their top ideas on what to do during the fall months in Texas. 
Want to know how to pick out the perfect pumpkin and where the best spots are for leaf peeping this fall? Read on!

How To Pick Out A Perfect Pumpkin
Throughout our colorful city, you don't have to drive far to find a pumpkin patch when you live in Austin, you will find plenty of places to pile the kids in the car to go on a road trip for the day to hunt for the perfect pumpkin!  

Sweet Berry Farm
1801 FM 1980, Marble Falls
The Jersey Barnyard
3117 TX-159, La Grange
Sweet Eats Fruit Farm
14400 E State Hwy 29, Georgetown
Robinson Family Farm
2651 Bob White Rd
Crowe’s Nest Farm
10300 Taylor Lane, Manor
Indian Springs Ranch Pumpkin Patch
403 Elm View Way, Manchaca
Texas Humane Heroes Pumpkin Fest 
8760 FM 2243, Leander

So, how do you pick out the perfect pumpkin? It depends on the purpose. If you have plans to host a pumpkin carving party, focus on the large, uniform shapes; they are best for carving creative creatures. And here's an excellent tip to keep your artistry looking healthy well into the fall season: wipe the fruit off with bleach and water.
Here's the general rule for the perfect pumpkin pie: the smaller and heavier, the better. While picking out pumpkins, be sure to get a few squashes to make one of the richest and most delicious recipes for  Squash Soup from HowSweetEats.com.
Speaking of yummy and fun ideas, why not throw a party? It's a perfect time to get the neighbors together before the snow flies. No need to spend time doing it yourself. Make it a potluck by the pool for a perfect way to start the season.

Go Leaf Peeping in Austin!
Fall is the perfect time to take a road trip to see the changing of the colors. From the north at Windy Peak to the south of McKinney Falls State Park, you will find fairy-tale landscapes for all to enjoy.  
Speaking of which, did you know that those vivid leaf colors are actually hidden from us throughout the summer months? As the sunlight decreases and the colder temps arrive, chlorophyll production in the leaves begins to slow down and reveal the true brilliant reds, golds, and classic deep orange colors of fall.

Now, get out and get leaf pepping!

•    Windy Peak
•    River Place Nature Trail
•    McKinney Falls State Park
•    Zilker Botanical Gardens
•    Mayfield Park
•    Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
•    Commons Ford Ranch Metro Park
•    Veterans Park
•    Violet Crown Trail
•    Zilker Park
•    Lake Travis

To end our blog, here's an appropriate rhyme created by Charles G. Eastman. He was the first Native American to be certified in Western Medicine and one of the most prolific authors and speakers on Sioux ethnohistory and American Indian affairs in the early 20th century.
The mellow moon, the changing leaves,
The earlier setting sun,
Proclaim at last, my merry boys,
The harvest time begun. –Charles G. Eastman (1816–1860)

The post Pumpkins, Parties and Leaf Pepping in Austin appeared first on Juniper Springs A Concierge Community Blog.

Where does the time go? It seemed like just last week when we shared our ideas on how to enjoy the holidays in Austin, TX!  And here we are talking about springtime in Austin.

As we all look forward to getting out of our apartments in Austin, we thought we would jump-start the spring season and share some of our favorite things to do in and around Juniper Springs apartments in Austin, Tx.

Lovin’ the Wildflowers, and SO Much More

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. 

According to their website, “they use native plants to restore and create sustainable, beautiful landscapes.”
We appreciate their year-round conservation efforts and always enjoy reading and participating in their education and outreach programs.  Right now, they are requiring a reservation for all events.  

Below you will find some highlights of the events that we always enjoy.  We hope you do too!

Slow Down and Smell the Roses!

Yoga & Singing Bowls Classes in Austin, TX

Take some time out for yourself this spring and sign up for this series. Offered virtually or in person, the Yoga and Singing Bowls session promise you will ‘achieve a deeper state of relaxation and aid in reducing stress and restoring energy flow.’

Parent and Toddler Yoga in the Garden

We love this one, too.  As do our kids!  Their website notes the description best: 

“This playful, lighthearted class delights little ones and adults alike! Families find fun, laughter, and calm practicing yoga poses, and breathing exercises together.”

To register for their online or on-site classes, click on the Lady Bird Center website for complete information about dates, times, and pricing. 

Edible Native Plants, and Where to Find them in Austin, TX

With all the home cooking we have done from our apartment community in Austin, TX, we are ready to put a little more excitement into our dinner plans.  This virtual course about Edible Native Plants has us completely charged up to do so.  Here’s their overview of this virtual class.

“This class will help you reconnect with the land by learning foraging skills and how to ID native plants that are safe for your plates, such as prickly pear and Texas persimmon. Not only will you be primed to dress your salad and fill your snack bag with local native plants, but learning to forage will make your forays into nature richer as you tune in to the land around you.”

Where to Go ‘Birding’ in Austin, TX

In our continued quest to get out of the house this spring, here’s an adventure you won’t want to miss.  The Lady Bird Wildflower Center also offers a beautiful trek outdoors to identify migratory birds in the region.  Here’s a profile of what will be a fanastic way to enjoy the great outdoors this spring:

“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. This is an on-site program, so space is limited to eight participants and registration is required. Please read our safety guidelines regarding face coverings, distancing and more.”

Be sure to check out the entire class schedule for more ideas on how to enjoy springtime in Austin, TX at the Lady Bird Wildflower Center.   Check in again to this Blog brought to you from your staff at Juniper Springs apartments in Austin for addition things to do in and around your own backyard!

The post Fun Things to Do and See in the Spring in Austin, TX appeared first on Juniper Springs A Concierge Community Blog.