Austin Texas MLS Statistics For August
September 22, 2008 | Leave a Comment
What Does This Mean?
- Active Listings 2008: 10,348
- Active Listings 2007: 9,819
- Homes Sold 2008: 1,992
- Homes Sold 2007: 2,497
- Median Sales Price 2008: $195,000
- Median Sales Price 2007: $191,250
- Average Sales Price 2008: $261,799
- Average Sales Price 2007: $259,686
Let’s start with “Active Listings.” These are all the houses on the market for the Austin MLS in the month of August. The number has increased over the last year and the competition among sellers in some areas is tighter. This is good news for buyers because not only is there a greater variety of options, negotiation power is greater when supply is up.
I know that all sounds like bad news for sellers and good news for buyers but sellers are getting more for their homes as seen in the median price and average price increase over the last 12 months.
The number of homes sold has decreased but housing experts in Austin are not panicked because according to Austin Board of Realtors Chairman Socar Chatmon-Thomas, “our city’s job market receives high marks for its consistency, which in turn drives more people to move here. A robust labor pool and an expanding population are key to maintaining a healthy housing industry.”
Austin Real Estate Market
If you want to follow the Austin Real Estate market trends and conditions in more detail, check out the UNZipped section on the sidebar (here are the past few months):
- Austin MLS Stats UNZipped- August
- Austin MLS Stats UNZipped- July
- Austin MLS Stats UNZipped- June
- Austin MLS Stats UNZipped- May
Hunger in Austin- Take Action!
August 28, 2008 | 1 Comment
slides designed by Lani Anglin-Rosales
Hunger is a Problem
After watching the above slideshow, it’s hard not to feel called to action and it’s not hard to do. September is Hunger Action Month and Austinites are reaching out in a big way by participating in the first annual HAM-up (short for Hunger Action Month twitter user’s meet up) on September 13th. With so many thousands of people in Austin living in hunger every day, we can take simple steps to help, starting with the HAM-up- everyone’s welcome, will you be joining us?
Starbucks Closings in Austin
July 19, 2008 | 1 Comment
Starbucks’ National Closings
The recent news of Starbucks’ announcement of shutting the lights off in 600 of their stores across America has spooked many and buzz about it has echoed across the Internet. For years, many real estate speculators have looked to the deep pockets of companies like Starbucks’ research divisions for selecting store sites as indications of viable economic growth. Economists have watched their coffee prices as indicators of local economic success much commodities like gas, metals and others. With these store closings, people even locally are saying that it’s the armageddon. False.
Starbucks’ Texas Closings
According to Starbucks, Texas will be experiencing 57 store closures, two of which are in Austin (1007 South Congress and 5000 W. Slaughter) both nearby newly constructed Starbucks locations. To put that in perspective in the national scope, Texas only accounts for 9.5% of all closings and Austin only accounts for 0.3% of the closings nationally.
The Impact on Austin
How does this impact Austin? It doesn’t… that’s a tiny little blip; businesses open and close here every day, so for those measuring Austin’s economy based on coffee houses and prices, we’re still lookin’ pretty good (not to mention that within a mile of my personal home, two new Starbucks have had their grand openings in the past months).
original image courtesy of ak37
Austin Real Estate Investment Seminar
December 13, 2007 | Leave a Comment
For many years, Single Pointe has rubbed the successful Austin real estate market in our friends’ noses on the coasts and after many many non-Texan investors have found great success in investing here through us, we’ve finally brought in the big guns to teach Austinites how to wisely invest in real estate. In the current climate of an unsure stock market, more and more people are switching to the real estate investment market.
This weekend, we’ve brought on board one of the nation’s premiere investment brokers with nearly 40 years of experience to help get you started. Come pick the panel’s brains at this informal Saturday brunch in Cedar Park. There are under 10 seats remaining, so RSVP today by calling 512.797.8830 or emailing homes@singlepointerealty.com.
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Saturday, December 15, 11am
Gracy Title, 1905 Cypress Creek Blvd #102, Cedar Park, TX 78613
CLICK HERE FOR THE INVITATION AND INVESTING INFORMATION
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Investing Austin Real Estate- Investing In Yourself
October 31, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Real Estate Investing in Austin is one of the smartest moves you’ll ever make. So how could you possibly top a move like that? You top it by investing for your retirement- your future.
No matter your age, investing in Austin Real Estate can move you vertically in so many ways, but often our clients come to us unsure if they’re investing or just throwing darts at the wind. I would venture to say if you’ve simply called a real estate guy and said “buy me a house”- you’re probably a professional dart thrower.
Now, if you’ve taken the time, as our clients have, ask these questions:
- Will it cash flow?
- What is the potential for growth?
- Will I retire with enough money to take care of myself and my loved ones?
You may be doing ok if the answers are:
- Absolutely
- GREAT
- BIG Time
If you’re not able to really answer those questions in a way that makes you feel warm & fuzzy, never fear, we’re about to change all of that. Single Pointe is proud to announce that we’re bringing Jeff Brown of Brown & Brown to town for two Austin investment seminars, only.
Who is Jeff Brown? Jeff Brown is well known in many states across the country. With over 38 years of residential real estate investment experience in his pocket, you had better believe his experience has put millions into his clients’ wallets. Brown & Brown is no joke and neither are your retirement goals- but that doesn’t mean Jeff (the “bawld guy” pictured above) is some stiff suit, in fact, he’s a great friend to us Single Pointe.
One thing we can honestly say about Jeff is that he is down to earth, approachable, and his advice just makes sense- even to those who’ve never even considered investing in Austin Real Estate. Anyone can grow their wealth through real estate investments, especially with Jeff leading the way.
Remember those times you kicked yourself for mising opportunities? Well, opportunity is beating down your door… call 512-879-3741 Seats are limited for this event and we are taking advanced reservations- attendance is absolutely free. Simply give us a call and get on Jeff’s short list… or check out Jeff’s site here
Four Hands Home Warehouse Sales Rock
August 24, 2007 | 1 Comment
Austin is chock full of great places to pimp out your pad, but there is one event that tops them all- the Four Hands Warehouse Sale. They always keep it hush hush and you will be lucky to know about it, but on the corner of Airport and 290 and if you don’t catch the Statesman excerpt on page 50, you’ll miss what is possibly the hottest furniture event in the city.
Four Hands specializes in imported furniture that focuses on their trademarked “Ethnic Chic” design standards. The have an amazingly beautiful showroom where you can dream about selling your organs to buy that new sleek white leather sofa, but if you’re willing to chance that it won’t be available until the Warehouse Sale, we might just think it’s worth the risk. If you miss out on your dream piece, you’ll surely find something that will make up for it like a zebra rug, a giant exotic solid mahogany hutch or a round ottoman made of hide.
For those who have budgeted properly, the showroom is the best way to shop, but for the penny pinchers in our midst, when you’re ready to shop, call Four Hands at 512.225.0333 to find out when their next Super Secret Sale is! Oh, and don’t forget to come back and tell the other readers about your shopping experience!
FREE Fun This Saturday
August 10, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Tomorrow, August 11th, head out to Lake Travis to witness the Hot Air Balloon Expo at the Mansfield Dam Park at sunrise!
The Central Texas Ballooning Association takes off over LT annually with over a dozen balloons soaring the sky at once! They take off at Mansfield Dam Road at sunrise and there are so many great places to park to witness this event. You can head over to the dam, you can park at St. Luke’s Episcopal church up on the hill at 620 or you can park at the campgrounds at Mansfield Dam Rd.
We suggest taking the kids and a picnic basket while watching the Hot Air Balloon operators sail the Lake Travis skies! There will be a tailgating party afterwards in the Mansfield Dam Park.
SUNRISE: is projected to be at 6:55am.
WEATHER FORECAST: for Saturday is mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming southeast between 5 and 10 mph.
DIRECTIONS: from 2222, go west (left) on RR 620 for 5 miles, pass by the dam and take a right on Mansfield Dam Rd, follow the signs. From 183 North, head west (left) on RR 620 for about 9 miles, pass the dam and go right on Mansfield Dam Rd.
To learn more, head over to centraltexasballooning.com, or call the information line at 479-9421.
First Austin Library Named After Laura Bush
August 3, 2007 | Leave a Comment
According to the Austin Business Journal, First Lady Laura Bush will visit Austin on August 14th for a special ceremony regarding a new library planned in our city bearing her name. The Laura Bush Community Library is in recognition of Laura Bush’s efforts regarding promoting literacy and library programs, most notably on a local level.
Construction begins in 2008 on this West Austin library which will be the first public library to bear her name. She has long been a proponent for funding the public libraries and our city owes her many thanks.
I remember in 1995 when the Texas Library Association (where a family member of mine worked) began the Texas Book Festival which Laura Bush was heavily involved in. This festival is a wonderful conference style event that is held each year in a different host city and I remember hearing about famous authors that spoke and about different booths that promoted literacy. Money raised from the annual event goes toward local libraries and Laura Bush still makes appearances at the conference.
We will bring you coverage next spring of the construction project, but in the meantime wish to congratulate the First Lady and thank her for her persistent dedication to education and reading, especially in the Lone Star State.
Austin Thanksgiving In July
July 12, 2007 | Leave a Comment
So if you’re anything like me, you’re already planning for the upcoming holidays. “Upcoming?” you ask… YES, upcoming!
Let’s start with Thanksgiving. Some of you study Martha Stewart dilligently as I do, and others want to make reservations to ensure no kitchen fires this year. Either way, Austin is a great place for Thanksgiving- UT Football, great mild fall temperatures and an array of grocers specializing in your needs.
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Making Reservations? The following restaurants traditionally accept reservations on Thanksgiving Day and Eve:
Threadgill’s- head on down to a Texas favorite and plump up until 10pm! We normally order Chicken Fried Steak, but we’ll make an exception on this special day! (6416 North Lamar Blvd, 78752, call 512.451.5440)
Hudson’s on the Bend- I grew up in the Lake Travis area and called the owner’s daughter my best friend for many years. We had 13th birthdays there and were probably laughed at by the more sophisticated patrons. I had the pleasure of watching Hudson’s grow into this legacy, and Jeff Blank is an amazing chef (especially off the clock!). Bring your wallet and your appetite- you’ll need both! Make your reservations early- like now. (3509 RR 620 North, 78734, call 512.266.1369)
Four Seasons Cafe- the ballroom is gorgeous and your entire family will enjoy a holiday buffet. If your family will be joining you from out of town, why don’t you have them stay at the hotel and make a reservation for yourself to stay the night after you stuff your face? (98 San Jacinto Blvd, 78701, call 512.478.3117)
Driskill Grill- visit this historical setting and make reservations for the scrumptious Thanksgiving brunch buffet. (604 Brazos St, 78701, call 512.474.5911)
Main Street Grill- this is the upscale gem of Round Rock- get some Turkey made perfectly! If you’re up north, you don’t have to drive downtown, just head over to Round Rock! (118 E. Main Ave, 78664, call 512.244.7525)
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What? You can’t cook AND you don’t want to wear pants? Make the turkey come to you- catering can be an easy and often inexpensive options!
Slab Shack- Order your cajun-fried turkey, a big fat smoked turkey, or a Turducken (not related to turd, rather related to a stuffed chicken inside a duck inside a turkey- mmm). (11501 Manchaca, 78748, call 512.282.0614)
EatOutIn- normally we use EatOutIn when I’m too lazy or busy to cook, or we can’t stop a meeting to leave the office. Any day of the year, EatOutIn picks up food from any restaurant on their roll for a small delivery fee… even for your Thanksgiving fiesta!!! (eatoutin.com or call 512.346.9990)
Portabla-I hear they have great tapas (and Turkey) and will prepare an awesome spread for your Thanksgiving meal, just give them 2 days’ notice! (1200 W Sixth St, 78703, call 512.481.8646)
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Shopping for that special ingredient? Aiming for a healthy feast? Impressing your friends with an alternative meal?
Whole Foods- get your tofurkey here or your umm… sugar-free guava juice? I am not even a health food nut, but even the kids love walking around this multi-story palace! (525 North Lamar Blvd, 78703, 512.476.1206)
HEB- can you say Combo Loco? Just walk into any HEB store and look up front for the “buy a turkey, get all the sides and a kitten for free” Combo Loco coupon in beautiful yellow paper. Last year, Thanksgiving was nearly free thanks to the good folks at H-E-B! (go to heb.com to find the location nearest your home)
Central Market- if you don’t have the Food Network, don’t worry- Central Market provides classes above the restaurant, you can search for your gourmet ingredients and catch some live music on Fridays and Sundays! Get a map up front- this giganto place is a maze. (4001 North Lamar Blvd, 78756, call 512.206.1000)
Fiesta Mart- everyone knows that a cayenne-rubbed Turkey makes everyone say, “gracias”! Many cultures move to Austin and seek spices or ingredients that are usually found only online, but click “buy” no more- just head over to IH35! (3909 N IH 35, 78722, 512.406.3900)
Wheatsville Co-Op- if you carry your own recycled cotton bags to your grocer and you focus on local labels, bulk material (of course to save on packaging), and wear recycled hemp sandals, you’ll love it here! Go green! (3101 Guadalupe St, 78705, 512.478.2667)
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Deserts can be the most difficult part of preparing for Thanksgiving, so just cut out the hassle and order your cakes or pies in advance- they’ll probably taste better, they’ll save you hours AND they’ll be gorgeous!
Sweetish Hill Bakery-head over to this sexy part of town and experience the luscious tastes of Sweetish Hill! (1120 W. 6th St, 78703, 512.472.1347)
Upper Crust Bakery-mmm- Gateau Maria is the BEST! Yellow cake with cream cheese frosting topped with fresh picked strawberries? You can’t go wrong. Call well in advance because Upper Crust is a gorgeous addition to any feast! (4508 Burnet Rd, 78756, call 512.467.0102)
Tiff’s Treats-you will NOT get a better chocolate chip cookie anywhere in town than this UT original! If you’re out of their delivery area, demand to pick a few dozen up! In college, I survived on Tiff’s Treats many nights! (order at cookiedelivery.com or call 512.473.2600)
1886 Bakery-this is the cafe inside the Driskill and it is absolutely beautiful! I’m pretty sure the devil is waiting outside their doors for when you bite into their decadent chocolate cake… beware! (604 Brazos St., 78701, call 512.474.5911)
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Now, if you don’t live in Austin, you have time before the Thanksgiving season starts to get here. If our specialty grocers and award-winning bakeries haven’t convinced you, let’s try something else…
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Thanksgiving is a time of sharing and it is always a great kickoff to the Christmaka (yes, that’s Christmas+Hanukkah) season. Austin has always had a great sense of camaraderie- you name the month and there are countless charity events. You would think in Austin that we all have great calves, given all of our 5k runs that are never short of runners. So here are our picks for the Thanksgiving season:
Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade- 11/24 at 11am-noon, starting at 11th and Congress (the Capitol grounds). Bring a toy- Santa’s Helpers will help spectators donate their toy which will be distributed by Operation Blue Santa to a child in need! You’ll love the floats, bands, cars and inflatable balloons! OH, don’t forget Santa- he’ll be there! (chuysparade.com for more details)
Thundercloud Turkey Trot- 11/22 all day! This is the largest 5k in Texas! This year marks the 17th Annual Trot and features a Kid’s Walk, a Weelchair 5k, a traditional 5k, and for my taste- the 1k! There’s a K for everyone on Thanksgiving day- what an awesome way to work off the Turkey fat! (thundercloud.com for more info)
Austin MS Walk-11/11 from 7:30am- 2pm. Raising money for Multiple Sclerosis is great motivation for this Walk held at the Dell Diamond for all ages. Not a runner? I can relate- they need volunteers too! (wlktxh.nationalmssociety.org for all upcoming walks)
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Okay everyone, your November calendar is officially full with food, fun and 5Ks! ENJOY!
First Tee Austin at Harvey Pennick Golf Course Campus
July 1, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Harvey Penick said, “if you play golf, you’re my friend.” Penick’s legacy of teaching is what makes the Harvey Penick golf campus the perfect location for the First Tee program matching children with mentors to “help keep a kid on course” as their tagline notes.
Golf enthusiasts of all ages have the opportunity to get involved- kids can get their golf on, volunteers can teach kids how to play golf and life skills, sponsors can keep the program running, and partners also support the program’s efforts. First Tee mentors children that “might not typically have the opportunity to learn golf.”
We applaud this program and hope you will find some way to get involved! I happen to be Texas’ worst golfer, but I encourage our agents and readers to learn more about First Tee and how you can get involved! First Tee also coordinates camps and tournaments- buy your tickets today!
First Tee Golf Calendar of Events:
Don’t forget the PGA Take Your Daughter To The Course Week July 9-12
July 14th- 2nd annual Parent/Child Tournament
July 16th-18th- Young Guns 2 introduction to golfing
July 24th-27th- I Want To Improve 2 for beginners
July 31st- August 3rd- Champions 2 for Birdie or Eagle level
August 6th-10th- Tournament Players for tournament prep and training
August 15th-17th- Fun-damentals 3 introducing golf and etiquette
August 21st-24th- I Want To Improve 3 for beginners
November 4th- “Only In Austin” Celebrity Gala
November 5th- “Captain’s Cup” Celebrity Tournament
Don’t forget to check the weather before heading out to the course!
Happy Golfing,
LA
Art Classes at Austin Blue Moon Studio
June 28, 2007 | Leave a Comment
For those with an artistic side, Austin offers endless means to fine tune your skills and infinite opportunity to develop new skills. If you’ve ever wondered about making glass beads, working with precious metals, creating stained glass or creating a mosaic, Austin Blue Moon is the perfect place! Glass Bead Making classes start Saturday, June 30th! Reserve your class today and find your muse!
With classes for all skill levels, a store providing tools for those developing skills or the already established, Austin Blue Moon is an amazing Austin resource! Classes start all the time, but don’t miss reserving your spot!
If you enroll, we’d love to hear about your experiences. Come back and comment (who knows, you may become the feature of a future article!)
Happy Artsy Time,
LA
Spotlight on Austin Symphony’s Summer Events
June 25, 2007 | Leave a Comment
From the Austin Symphony Website:
The Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park
Sundays - 7:30 p.m.
June 3 - August 26 (except July 1st)
Wooldridge Park, 9th and Guadalupe
Admission- Free
SCHEDULE
June 3 - Large String Ensemble (Classical)
June 10 - Big Band (Swing)
June 17 - Brass Ensemble (Father’s Day Theme)
June 24 - Woodwind Ensemble (Classical)
July 8 - Big Band (Audience Requests)
July 15 - Brass Quintet (Patriotic Theme)
July 22 - Mixed Woodwind Ensemble (Light Classical)
July 29 - Large String Ensemble (Light Classical)
August 5 - Big Band (Count Basie; Duke Ellington)
August 12 - Woodwinds/Brass Ensemble (Pops)
August 19 - Brass Ensemble (Pops)
August 26 - Season Finale (Mixed; Variety) .
The Austin Symphony returns with the 5th summer of presenting free ensemble concerts running June 3 - August 26, 2007 in the early evening. These concerts are a gift from the Hartman Foundation and are presented to the Austin Community as a thank you for its generous support. Each Sunday, a different ensemble will be featured under the gazebo, performing arrangements by composers from Mozart to Ellington to Rodgers & Hammerstein. Concert goers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner and blanket and make it a family affair. (Sorry, alcohol and glass containers are not permitted in the park)
The music and atmosphere will reflect a simpler time when performances of familiar classics in town centers were commonplace. It is the hope of the Hartman Family that these free and very informal outdoor events will provide an opportunity for Austinites to become acquainted or reacquainted with the classical music experience. As the sun begins to set, music will fill Wooldridge Park and will last about an hour. These delightful outdoor park concerts are a perfect opportunity for Austinites to enjoy some of the Capitol City’s greatest pleasures - the Austin Symphony’s fine music and one of Austin’s beautiful historic parks.
Children’s Day Art Park
Every Wednesday morning in June and July (except July 4)
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Symphony Square - 1101 Red River St. (corner of 11th St. and Red River)
Admission
50¢ a child
Adults free when accompanied by a child
Children can experience the magic of the arts at Children’s Day Art Park. This exciting summer program features local musicians, dancers, storytellers, magicians, mimes and crafts people. Youngsters can visit the Instrument Petting Zoo (where they can see, touch and try to play the instruments), talk to symphony musicians and hear them play their instruments, see a Ballet Folklorico, hear a Latin jazz band, follow a real Pied Piper along the Lemonade Trail to the Magic Oak Tree and try their hands at different art projects under the Art Tent.
SCHEDULE
June 6 - Roy Lozano’s Ballet Folklorico
June 13 - Beto y los Fairlanes
June 20 - CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
June 27 - Joe McDermott
July 4 - No Children’s Day (Hope you have a happy July 4th!)
July 11 - Jon Emery
July 18 - Bill Oliver and the Teddy Bear Picnic (Bring Your Bear!)
July 25 - The Biscuit Brothers
July 4th Concert & Fireworks
Peter Bay, conductor
Wednesday, July 4, 2007 - 8:30 pm
Northeast Triangle of Zilker Park (Lou Neff Point)
Admission
Free
On July 4th, well over 100,000 people will gather at Zilker Park for the largest Independence Day celebration in Austin ever. The Austin Symphony will be under the apt baton of ASO Music Director Peter Bay. The H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks will feature patriotic music and the ever-popular 1812 Overture–the latter punctuated by 75-millimeter Howitzer cannons, courtesy of Texas National Guard Salute Battery, and spectacular fireworks over Town Lake.
The H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks — planned and produced entirely by the ASO — is free and open to the public. The stage for this celebration will be the northeast triangle of Zilker Park Lou Neff Point. The Austin Symphony Orchestra will begin performing at 8:30 pm and the fireworks will begin at 9:30 pm, ending at 10:00 pm Come early, bring a picnic, claim a grassy spot and enjoy the patriotic music of the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Concessions will be available on site. (Sorry, alcohol and glass containers are not permitted in the park.)
Media Sponsors News 8 Austin and Majic 95.5 will be onsite for concert day information, complete with updates from the News 8 Austin Storm Cruiser about weather conditions. Emcee for this year’s show is News 8 Austin anchor Paul Brown. Additionally, Majic 95.5 will broadcast the concert beginning at 8:30 p.m., with News 8 Austin joining in at 9:30 p.m. for the fireworks show in its entirety.
Street Closings
1900 block of Barton Springs @ Robert E. Lee Rd. and the 2200 block of Stratford will be closed beginning at 3 pm and reopening at 10 pm. The hike and bike trail will be closed between Lamar and MoPac. Town Lake will be closed to water traffic from 7:00 pm until 11:00 pm between Lamar Street Bridge and MoPac Bridge.
If you haven’t ever heard the Austin Symphony, get to it! You’ll love it!!!
Happy Listening,
LA
It’s Circus Time Again
June 23, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey has extraordinary things in store for the 136th Edition of The Greatest Show On Earth! You’ll have to check all realities at the door, because the 136th Edition of Ringling Bros. will take you on a journey filled with imagination, dreams come true and circus-sized spectacles. Packed full of surprises, this all-new Ringling Bros. breaks circus tradition with high-speed action, cutting-edge technology, and an interactive adventure that is sure to keep you talking for generations.
Show Times & Events
Wed, 6/27 @ 7:30pm
Thu, 6/28 @ 7:30pm
Fri, 6/29 @ 7:30pm
Sat, 6/30 @ 11:30am
Sat, 6/30 @ 3:30pm
Sat, 6/30 @ 7:30pm
Sun, 7/01 @ 1:30pm
Sun, 7/01 @ 5:30pm
As always, the Circus will be held at the Frank Erwin Center near the UT Campus. Buy Tickets online by clicking HERE!
Happy Clown Watching,
LA
Source: Barnum & Bailey Website
How Not To Be Bored This Weekend In Austin
June 22, 2007 | Leave a Comment
If you’re sitting around looking for something to do this weekend, this is just the tip of the iceburg:
BURNET, TX- Texas Hill Country Railfair & Festival
Central Texas’ train show that features everything from model trains to real trains!
Railroadiana and model railroad vendors
Railroad memorabilia museum
Displays of rail cars and equipment
Transportation, historical and preservation exhibits
Train rides twice daily at 10 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. on the Bertram Local with a photo run-by of the Hill Country Flyer at the restored Bertram depot
FREE railroad motorcar rides
LULING, TX- Luling Watermelon Thump
Seed Spitting Contests
Melon Eating Contests
Carnival
Kiddie Rides
Midway
Exhibitor’s Market
Arts & Crafts
Children’s Entertainment
Car Show
LIVE MUSIC (Kevin Fowler plays June 23!)
AUSTIN, TX- Cool Homes Tour
You will see homes ranging from the affordable to high-end luxury, featuring:
Green building materials and concepts
Pleasing landscapes that save water
Rainwater collection systems
Solar electric (PV)
Climate responsive design, for comfort and energy efficiency
AUSTIN, TX- Celebrando 2007
An ALL-STAR cast of Puerto Rican Masters who have continuously trained us over the last 10 years is coming to Austin to celebrate our 10th Anniversary in CELEBRANDO 2007 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY MAESTROS REUNION, June 23 (8pm) & 24 (2pm), 2007 in Austin.
In this once in a lifetime performance PUERTO RICAN FOLKLORIC DANCE merges with Puerto Rican Folklore Masters Modesto Cepeda, Margarita “Tata” Cepeda, Nelie Lebron and Emmanuel Dufrasne (Paracumbe), Victor “Tico” Fuentes (Loiza). Joaquin Nieves (Guateque) and their company members for a lively performance that brings the rich traditional music and dance of Puerto Rico to Austin.
AUSTIN, TX- PollyAnna Theatre Production for Kids
JESSE AND GRACE: A BEST FRIEND’S STORY
June 22 - 27, 2007
Best for young people ages 4 - 10 and their families
Jesse and Grace have been very best friends since they were babies. After all, their mom’s are best friends. And it never seemed to matter that Jesse is a boy and Grace is a girl! Until kids at school start to mess everything up. Follow along as Jesse and Grace work to save their friendship, even though boys have cooties and girls have germs. This production is filled with lively visual art and will have audiences both laughing and crying.
Dougherty Arts Center- 1110 Barton Springs Rd, 78704
AUSTIN, TX- Six Degrees Improv
Every Saturday at 8:00pm, six elite Austin improvisers take one audience suggestion and foolishly attempt to generate a full-length improvised play.
From the single suggestion the Heroes of Comedy create characters, settings and plots – an absolutely unique story – every Saturday night. Most people spend more than 90 minutes writing a play, but after years of training and lots of practice, the Heroes get it done in the moment, tripping from one brilliant plot point to the next, populating the stage with engaging characters and rich environments, and dragging it all back from the brink when it goes off the rails. Six Degrees is theatre on the edge of disaster.
AUSTIN, TX- SPCA Wine Tasting Fundraiser
Sunday, June 24, 2007 from 6-8 p.m.
Cork & Co. 308 Congress Ave
Sharpen those pencils and plan on joining us for the CTSPCA’s annual Silent Auction and Wine Tasting event. As our 5th annual silent auction event, we hope this will be our most successful to date. Cork & Co. in downtown Austin has been kind enough to host our event for the second year in a row and if last year was any indicator, this is going to be one party you don’t want to miss!
Have A Great Weekend!
LA
Silent Silver Screen Series (OOH FREE)
June 22, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The Harry Ransom Center screens The General (1927) as part of the Silent Silver Screen Series on Thursday, June 28, at 7 p.m. Directed by and starring Buster Keaton, the film follows an engineer’s comic attempts to recover a stolen Union train during the Civil War.
The screening features live music by Graham Reynolds and friends. Seating is free but limited. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
The film series is in conjunction with the Ransom Center’s exhibition The American Twenties, on display through July 29. Mark your calendar for the final screening in the series: The Big Parade on July 19.
Note from author: Read more about the movie by clicking HERE!
Oh, and don’t be intimidated by parking at UT- it can actually be a ghost town after 5 in the summertime! Either take quarters in case you find a good spot in the street, or (even better) read the signs along 21st Street (in most areas, parking is a free for all after business hours), or park in the Dobie Mall parking lot which does charge for parking (find the “skyscraper” across the street from the Harry Ransom Center).
SHHHH! Happy Silence,
LA
Source: UT Harry Ransom Website
Kid’s Movie Nights
June 21, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Since our Kid’s Activities article has been so popular, we decided to add to it!Take the kids to Deep Eddy to float around and watch movies on the big screen!
For the price of regular admission ($3.00 ages 18-62, $2.00 ages 12-17, $1.00 under 11 or over 62), your kids can float around at the Splash Party (while you lay down for an open-eyed poolside nap) and watch movies on the Deep Eddy Bigscreen!
Splash Party Schedule:
June 23rd Open Season
June 30th Gremlins
July 7th Over the hedge (PG)
July 14th We are Marshall
July 21st Charlotte’s Web
July 28th Happy Feet
The Deep Eddy Pool was renovated this year and is finally back open! It is the oldest swimming pool in Texas- jump in! After you’ve Splash Partied, come back and give a review to let others know what to bring, how the movie was, or what your kids thought! For directions or more information, click here!
Happy Floating,
LA
The Last Night At The Alamo Drafthouse
June 21, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Event Date: June 27, 2007
The Original Alamo Drafthouse will be closing their doors after many years at their Downtown location. Help celebrate by making it to the “Last Night At The Alamo” celebration! Tickets are selling out quickly, so order them in advance at http://www.originalalamo.com! Don’t be sad, y’all- they’re moving this location to the old Ritz downtown; you’ll love the new digs! Ticket sales proceeds for the “Last Night” will go toward the Ritz construction fund, so take your friends so we don’t end up having to go to a cruddy Alamo!
From The Alamo Drafthouse Website:
If we have to go, you know we’re going to go out in style. The first ten years of the Alamo have been absolutely amazing for all of us involved, and we can only hope that they’ve been at least half that great for all of you. There are so many people who have so many memories wrapped up inside this building that June 27th is sure to be an emotional night for us all. But before we get all weepy about it, we’re going to throw one last party and when all’s said and done, we’ll even let you take your seat home with you so you can have a piece of Alamo history with you forever and ever. Tickets for “Last Night at the Alamo” go on sale on May 27.
Happy Viewing,
LA
Elgin Western Days Festival
June 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The 38th Annual Western Days Festival hits historic Elgin Texas the week of June 18th - June 23, 2007. The week is packed full with activities all culminating on the grand finale day of Saturday June 23rd.
Events include a Rodeo, Mini Miss Western Days Pageant, Golf Tournament, Carnival, a Dance and the Grand Finale Day with crafts and tournaments! Don’t miss out on the fun- Elgin is just a short drive outside of Austin.
Kick Up Some Dust,
LA
NFL Alumni Golf Classic Benefiting Center for Child Protection
June 19, 2007 | Leave a Comment
NFL Alumni Golf Classic
VENUE: The Hills Country Club
ORGANIZATION: Center for Child Protection
TIMES: Sun, June 24 4:30 p.m.
COST: $2,500 or $3,000 for a golf team, Sponsoships start at $250, Banquet tables $500 (10 people), Individual banquet tickets $50
DESCRIPTION: Famous sports legends of NFL football will gather in Austin to dine and golf during the Fifth Annual NFL Alumni Golf Classic, presented by KB Home. All proceeds will benefit the Center for Child Protection. The 2006 event raised more than $82K for the Center.
This year’s pre-game Caring for Kids Banquet sponsored by Lexus of Austin will offer attendees plenty of time to rub shoulders with their NFL heroes. During the banquet, a “draft” will be held where each four-person golf team will select its NFL captain for the following day’s tournament.
NFL Alumni members who participated last year included Raul Allegre, Kerry Cash, Peter Gardere, Walt Garrison, Britt Hager, Roosevelt Leaks, Don Maynard, Glyn Milburn, Dan Neil, Tommy Nobis, Jerry Sisemore, Winfred Tubbs and many others.
The NFL Alumni Golf Classic raises funds to support the mission of the Center for Child Protection and sustain the Austin chapter of the NFL Alumni. KB Home, the event’s title sponsor, believes in giving back to the communities in which they build and is active philanthropically in those communities. The NFL Alumni’s shared mission is ‘Caring for Kids,’ and the Center proudly partners with these two outstanding organizations to raise the awareness and the resources to fight child abuse and neglect in Travis County.
If you go to the classic, let us know in the comments- we’d love to hear about how it goes!
Happy Golfing,
LA
-From News8Austin.com
Salvador Dali & The Surrealists On Show at the Russell Collection
June 18, 2007 | Leave a Comment
I remember this gigantic book about Dali’s paintings and sketches floating around our home as I grew up. My father (who happens to be my favorite artist- seriously) instilled a sense of love for art in my heart (yes! I rhymed!), especially art that isn’t seen as beautiful in the mainstream. Once upon a time, Dali was in that group. This week, my father and I will be visiting the Russell Collection on West 6th Street to see some of these works in person and I can’t wait!
This exhibit is perfect for lovers of art, or those newly infatuated. Dali is an amazing artist (and ooh- Kandinsky is on show also!); this exhibit is a MUST! Take your friends or out of town visitors and impress them with how much you know about art (and you can brush up on your Dali trivia by visiting http://www.russell-collection.com before you take your buddies).
So, thank you Dad for teaching me about the beauty of Dali- see you at Russell for lunch this week?
-LA
Dancing With The Stars Comes To Austin
June 17, 2007 | Leave a Comment
You’ve seen them on the Tube and you’ve watched them compete for our affection! Dancing with the Stars heavyweights will be prancing into town this week- don’t miss it!
From the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau website:
Dancing with the Stars- The Tour
Phone: 512.477.6060
URL: http://uterwincenter.com
Date: June 20, 2007
Location: Frank Erwin Center
Local “Dancing with the Stars” fans will soon have the opportunity to experience the excitement of the show in person when the tour waltzes its way into the Frank Erwin Center on Wednesday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m. Celebrity dancing partners headlining the tour include Joey Fatone and Kym Johnson; Drew Lachey and Cheryl Burke; Joey McIntyre and Julianne Hough; and Joey Lawrence and Edyta Sliwinska. The tour will also feature Louis Van Amstel, Alec Mazo and more favorites from the show. Talent subject to change. Tickets available online, click here!
ENJOY!!!
LA
The Live Music Capital of the World (Austin) Is A Great Place To Start
June 15, 2007 | Leave a Comment
A lot of people move to Austin with dreams of “making it big” in the music industry but often don’t know where to start. Whether you play in your garage or you have producers hounding you, start networking!!! Austin is full of talent but has much much room for more!
From Austin Music Foundation’s Website:
Austin Music Mixer
June 19
6:30 to 8:30 pm
It’s all about networking. Everyone knows that relationship-building is important in creating business opportunities–especially in the music industry. Austin Music Mixer provides the opportunity for musicians and industry folks to get to know each other in an informal environment, share experiences, and learn from each other. It’s also a great place for new Austin artists to get plugged into the music community. Please join us!
Shoal Creek Saloon
Creek Side Patio
North Lamar & 9th St
Keep Austin Weird Fest
June 12, 2007 | Leave a Comment
It’s that time of year folks- the Keep Austin Weird Fest & 5k! The heart of the fest is the 5K run which is so much fun that the organizers have added music (you MUST go see Soulhat), a costume contest, the Best of Austin Biz-AAR, a Kid’s Zone, bicycle crit through downtown (click here for a definition of “crit”), and they’ve thrown in a dog walk to boot!
Keeping Austin Weird is a difficult task, but this event is a culmination of the greatest oddities the city has to offer! Don’t miss it- this Saturday, June 16th; gates open at noon. If you go, give us a report on YOUR weird experience!!!
Have FUN,
LA
Time To Indulge The Kiddos- For FREE!!!
June 4, 2007 | Leave a Comment
If you find this information useful or helpful, leave a comment letting us know- we’ll add more activities if we know you’re out lookin’ for them!
We Austinites talk a lot of game about how incredible the bar/lounge/club scene is and we all rave about where to get the best Margarita or how to find the hottest lake hangout. But today, our attention turns to the little folk better known as The Kiddos. Austin is rich in entertainment for the kids and we want to share with you our favorite FREE entertainment for the whole family!
We all know FOOD is the best fun of all, so take your kids under 5 to Double Dave’s for awesome free pizza every day! Hit Hang Town Grill where kids eat free on Monday nights or try taking the gang to La Salsa for free kid food every Monday through Thursday after 4pm. On Wednesdays, Luby’s feeds your kids under 10 all day at no charge! On Mondays, get over to El Arroyo in Round Rock for free food for the kids or enjoy (our favorite) Texas Land and Cattle Company where kids eat free from 11am-4pm; what a big ol’ treat!
The whole family will enjoy KGSR’s Movies in the Park in Round Rock, Hutto, Taylor, Lockhart, Buda, Kyle, San Marcos and Bastrop. Time Warner Cable sells concessions to benefit the parks that host them- great idea!
So, we said free, but this one is almost free… Cinemark Movies 8 in Round Rock has the Summer Movie Showhouse for Kids with this year’s hottest kiddo films ($5 for 10 movies or $1 each). Shows start at 10:00 am- Fuddrucker’s is in the same parking lot and they have awesome tummy-filling shakes (better than having to finance popcorn for five).
Free movies are showing at Regal Cinemas (Lakeline Mall and Westage/S. Lamar) at 10:00am Tuesdays and Wednesdays- check it out by simply selecting Texas on their site!
Try joining the Central Market Cafe Kids Club and get free fruit, enjoy activities, free kids meals at select times and contests! While you’re there, hit up Book People, one of the largest independent bookstores around (take that Wal-Mart & BN)!
Bring the kids to Summer Movie Camp at the Alamo Drafthouse on Lamar- they are featuring free movies at 11am every weekday and show a different movie every week! They sell full meals if you want (and guess what? They have our favorite burgers in all of Austin!!!).
For your 8-12 year old crowd, Apple has free workshops at their Barton Creek and Domain locations- two and a half hours of interactive fun and the kids can take home a CD or DVD? What’s better than that??? Call for availability and make sure to bring a signed permission form.
If you haven’t taken the family to see the State Capitol, free tours occur every day- it’s gorgeous and there is much to learn about our great Capitol! For Austin newbies, you better get over to the Congress bridge at dusk to see the infinite number of bats take flight. You can’t say you’re an Austinite until you’ve seen the 1.5 MILLION bats start their nightly hunting trip! Parking is free under the bridge at the Austin American Statesman lot- take a little blanket to sit on below the bridge or walk the steps (our suggestion) to watch from the sidewalk.
Maybe you’re the coffe-drinking-yoga type? Take the kids to some free yoga every Saturday from 10am-11am at Ruta Maya Coffehouse where yoga is always free with a coffee purchase!
Take everyone in the house over age six to try a free ice skating lesson at Chaparral Ice Rinks; public admission still applies but skates and classes are free (get there early and dress warmly)!
Take your creative ones to free admission Thursdays at Blanton Art Museum on MLK and Congress at the edge of the UT campus. See if you can find my personal favorite print (Albrecht Durer’s Martyrdom of Saint Catherine)!
If it’s time to hit the great outdoors and you’re all the way up north, hit the free Williamson County Regional Park featuring 800 acres comprising of a 400-meter track, eight tennis courts, six basketball courts, a football field, 11 soccer fields, a massive playscape and a long hike and bike trail; parking is free and abundant- get out of the house!!! Take a few dollars for the Cedar Rock Railroad train!
Some of my fondest memories growing up were made at the Zilker Hillside theater which features free musicals in the later summer months- take a blanket and stake out your seat early!
June 9th is National Learn to Row Day and Rowing Dock members will be giving free lessons for all ages! If you want to be like the zippy thin boats that zip backwards on Town Lake, jump on in!
Single Pointe Realty is active in the Austin community, so we know you’ll see your Realtor out and about. If you have a suggestion of one of the billion other free activities we missed, let us know in the comments!!! Have a great summer!
Sincerely,
EVERYONE (and their kids) at Single Pointe Realty
Memorial Day Weekend in Austin, Texas
May 23, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Memorial Day weekend is coming up and it’s time to start planning where you’ll be sweatin’ and swimming! Single Pointe Realty is proud to be based in Austin and we want to share with you OUR favorite things to do on Memorial Day:
LAKE TRAVIS:
*Take the family to enjoy one of the parks- we recommend Mary Quinlan Park (free), Windy Point (aka Bob Wentz), and advise that if you’re going to Hippie Hollow to beware of nudity (yikes).
*Rent a boat or jet skis and hit Devil’s Cove where EVERYONE gathers
*Enjoy drinks and food at Carlos ‘N’ Charlies, The Oasis, or Johnny Fin’s.
*Take the kids to the Volente Beach Waterpark.
LAKE AUSTIN:
*Hike on the Endless Trail, take the family to Zilker Park and buy a cheap ticket to ride the Zephyr (mini-train), and go to the Rowing Dock to canoe, row, or kayak!
*After playing, take a dip in spring-fed Barton Springs- it may be chilly, so work up a sweat first! Or, just take a stroll down to the lake and feed the ducks.
*For drinks and good food, hit the Hula Hut for a relaxing dinner, or go to TGI Friday’s on the Lake to watch the Congress Bridge Bats come out at sundown.
MUSIC:
*Take a mini-trip this weekend to enjoy the Kerrville Music Festival!
GARDENS:
*Take a stroll in the famous Zilker Gardens- perfect for your family photos!
*View the Charles Umlauf Sculpture Garden and find peace!
Whatever you do, have FUN this Memorial Day and be safe!
-The Entire Staff at Single Pointe Realty
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