Eye of the Dog Art Center is worth checking out. Today was San Marcos Art Tour and Eye of the Dog…read moreArt Center was part of the tour. The art center is worth checking out. Nice drive to get to the art center.

This is the second time I have been here and both times I felt like it might just be the 8th wonder…read moreof the world. Went to the "Dirt Dauber" festival here which was a celebration of local pottery. Artists were set up everywhere, there were workshops/demos/contests, live music, pets and kiddos running around, hot dogs, and free beer (you were simply encouraged to purchase a vessel in which to pour it in). Everyone was ridiculously talented - and so friendly. The local community (san marcos I guess) is so supportive, but folks came out from all over in support. One highlight was they had the pottery wheels set up to play! SO. MUCH. FUN. (especially after beer) I totally want a wheel now, but it's easy to see it takes quite a bit of practice along with significantly more artistry than I possess. (Oh, and that scene from Ghost? Totally realistic because it's seriously erotic for some reason.) I am fortunate enough to be friends with the niece of the owners of the property (Beverley and Billy Ray rock!), and am unbelievably grateful for the opportunity to get a tour of the whole place. This includes their personal home which is a magical maze full of treasures. I have never seen so much art and sculpture and pottery and trinkets and souvenirs and momentos...the list goes on. It's a feast for the eyes. Everywhere you look there is something to explore. The house is divided up by season as well; for example, there is a "summer room" downstairs that has A/C, or the "Spring room" which has a handmade wooden murphy bed platform ON THE BALCONY that pulls down to sleep on. There is a fishtank for a wall by the tub indoors, or one could use the outdoor shower they crafted. They even have their own giant bar attached to the home. Walking around there is surreal; it makes you want an entirely different life. We also got to see a couple studios in which the owners (and visiting artists) work. So friggin cool. They do all sorts of workshops and also host celebrations/festivals/exhibitions of sorts (like the one I went to, or a salsa competition (the kind you eat ;). I encourage you to find any reason you can to get out there. The whole experience felt hippy dippy trippy to the max; by that I mean it didn't reek of patchouli or pot, but rather of a better place and time gone past where everyone was encouraged to be whoeverthefuck they want to be and express that however they wish (in dress, through art, or the way they live, who they love, and so on) and all were accepted, and appreciated. Good music, drank, and people all mashed up. Love.

Took little Rooster over to try out the Grove. Not as nostalgic as most reviewers as I never saw a…read moreshow at the original meadows. We were over here in the area yesterday shopping and surveying the place so we went back today. Little Rooster would be giving it 5 stars. He ran and ran and ran and ran (and ran) thru the water sprinklers. Got enough footage for Youtube and 30 photos. Then we scooted on over to the playscape that is just steps away. Slide city! More running, laughing, smiling, and sliding. After about an hour with the clouds getting chased away by the sun we headed towards the car for the clothing change and to find some lunch. Thats where I have to subtract a star. There is nothing exciting foodwise over here @ the meadow. The places I won't visit Chili's - The enemy or at least thats what Tony told me Johnny Carino's - How do you say not good in Italian? TGI Fridays - You seriously thought I would? Serrano's - Not a fan Chi Chinese Buffet - Vowed to never return Cartwrights Famous BBQ - food sucks at all un original locations Waterloo Icehouse - Boring I haven't been to Jason's Deli in years; maybe Haiku has something besides sushi? Nope. Third base, maybe but then I'm pretty sure the menu is close to a carbon copy of Waterloo. Gattitown, I just did kid stuff for an hour and a half! I want serious food over here folks. Then, its 5 stars all the way.

At the Grove at Southpark Meadows, you can sit with a cold beer and watch kids frolic in…read moreessentially the same spot that at one time hosted bands such as The Police, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Pearl Jam, Metallica, Phish, Rage Against the Machine, Aerosmith, Dave Matthews Band, Sonic Youth, and many more. Obviously, the former concert venue no longer exists...well, certainly not to the extent it once did. Nope. Now it's a playground surrounded by mostly chain restaurants. And while this does kind of sadden me in a bittersweet "what happened to the good 'ole days?" sort of way, I can take solace in the fact that I'll be frequenting this spot much more than I would have otherwise. Because, as I mentioned in the first line, you can sit with a cold beer and watch the kids frolic. Or, sit with a cold beer and read a book while you ignore the kids. Or, spread out a blanket and lie on the grassy slope while drinking a cold beer. I do recommend glancing up every 5 minutes or so, though, to make sure the kids haven't been kidnapped. So, while I may have taken in two or three shows a year in the former incarnation, I'm likely to visit at least a couple times a month now. Sandwiches, wings, burgers, Mexican, Asian, coffee, ice cream, smoothies and sushi can all be had here. The selection is wide. I've tried three or four of the places, and will probably eventually review them all, since I do and will be frequenting this spot often. And as long as they have edible food and beer, they're all guaranteed a minimum of 3 stars. Cuz that's the way I roll. I gotta give props to the designers for keeping the music component alive, as there's a stage area just across from the playground. They had a summer concert series there last year, Southpark Before Dark, and I'm sure they'll do something similar this year. The playground itself is pretty large, and has plenty of fun diversions for the kids...but not quite the chaotic mess that is the playground at Barton Springs. Plenty of strategic spots from which you can keep an eye on the monkeys. They even pipe in decent (for the most part) music through speakers that surround the playground. And for the summertime, there are little water fountains around the stage area for kids to get wet and stay cool. Bottom line - if you live south of the river - or anywhere in the vicinity, really - and have kids, you should check this place out, because there's nothing comparable in BubbaLand.

Nice and quant. a must see . If you are in the area stop by!!! you'll be able to relax and just…read moreenjoy all the little things that they do offer

First and foremost let me tell you that this place is way out in the sticks, I reiterate in the…read moreboonies, wait out in the middle of nowhere. That being said the venues that this remarkable Dancehall/wedding venue/all-around party place is throwback to the past when people came together from all around and we're happy to be there.We usually attend the songwriters festivals but I'm always looking for another excuse to visit this wonderful and quaint music hall. Yeah it's a time machine.

Sights & Sounds, what can one say? It's hard to believe at times this little gem sits a mere two…read moreblocks away from the burgeoning 33,000+ student campus that is Texas State University-San Marcos. Sights & Sounds is truly about a small town, community-based gathering for the holiday season. No, it's not a 100,000 person a night extravaganza where you're confined by shuttles as the only effective means of transportation, and it's also not an overly commercialized event, either. You'll find plenty of lights in the trees and from the overhead light poles--and piped Christmas music emanating from speakers around the grounds--but it's not a thematic Trail of Lights replica by any stretch of the imagination. You really have to appreciate the simple life approach that Sights & Sounds takes to celebrating the Christmas season in order to enjoy it. The community draw is the sound stage, where school after school, group after group, choir after choir, troop across the sound stage in this city-wide Christmas pageant. I don't watch these shows as much as I once did, but I always know someone's child in them. And, honestly, this single aspect is one of the more enduring and endearing features of Sights & Sounds. I think the event's allure increases dramatically on the colder nights, when a particular mix of wintry atmosphere, Christmastide approaching, and "Wouldn't a hot chocolate be really great right now" rules. Balmy 70 degree temperatures just don't give this event the same curb appeal it has when the weather outside is frightful. I personally don't care for the expanded carnival midway atmosphere aspects of the event, but, fortunately, you can ignore that as it is isolated at the back of the fairgrounds. And, honestly, the event has to appeal to everyone. The Bethlehem exhibit seemed more disorganized than usual this year. I mean, when the angels in the manger scene announce "The real baby will be here in an hour", and it's already 6:30 (an hour after opening), it's one of those shake your head and laugh aloud moments. Since Santa arrives by a different conveyance each night of Sights & Sounds, maybe he should bring the baby with him. That is, if Mrs. Claus is okay with it. It was great fun checking out the baby goats and camel. I hadn't seen a camel drink from a soda can before, and that was really quite cool. Just in case you're wondering, they do know how to rotate the can with their tongue to get the opening right side down, and no, they don't want to give it up at the end any more than we do. The camels and goats will nibble at your hand so be sure to have food, because that's what hands are for! Last, but not not least, don't forget to check out the Arts & Crafts tent. It's at the back of the fairgrounds, between Bethlehem and the midway. There's only one solitary white tent, so there are fewer vendors than there once were when there were two plus candy-cane motif tents, but you still might find that unique Christmas gift for that special someone here. San Martian by trade, Austinite by residence, I will attest that Sights & Sounds is both a "Don't miss" and a keeper. UPDATE: Pictures added 12/5/2010.

As you can imagine, Sights and Sounds of Christmas --while festive and fun-- does not provide a…read moremeans of indoor plumbing. As such, i had to use one of the many porta-potties available to attendees. Once inside, i switched the handle to indicate that it was "in use". That is when the horror began. I heard the voices of teen delinquents on either side of my porta-potty, saying things like "Let's tip this ***** over!" and "Bet, You won't!" Before i could even pull my pants up, the Ground was rocking back and forth beneath me. I shouted for help but my cries were in vain. With one final shove, the porta-potty was tipped and i was instantly drenched with the city of san marcos' bodily waste. The Horrifying stench was like nothing i'd ever experienced and the hot, soupy texture will plague my nightmares forever. Beyond that, festival is great! lots of food n rides, i recommend the cliff hanger if youre feeling adventurous :) looking forward to next year

One of the largest and best arts & crafts fairs in Austin. Hit it if you can!…read more 2014: Saturday, Nov. 8 9am-4pm. It's an annual event in early November. Check the website for dates: http://www.blcms.org/marketplace Admission is free. Bethany Marketplace is a missions fundraiser for Bethany, and a very successful one. It has so much to offer shoppers! I'm a huge fan of their bake sale. If you have been hankering for some homemade goodness, but there is none in your life, Bethany will oblige. Talented church bakers donate their cakes, cookies, cupcakes. Each baker prices their own goods, so some are a steal, whereas others are quite pricey. In 2013, I found six chocolate-cookies and cream cupcakes that I swear are the best cupcakes I've had in my life. Priced at 75 cents each. Although the vendors do fall on the traditional side, there are so many that you're sure to find something for you or your loved one. There's crocheted/knitted items, woodworking, ceramics, cutesy home decor, handmade jewelry, art, food products, handsewn dresses, aprons, coasters, etc. Prices are reasonable! I found sturdy rustic handmade benches from reclaimed wood that were a big hit for Christmas. Vendors are both indoors and outdoors, so make sure you take a good thorough wander around the church to find them. Mark your calendar; you don't want to miss this one!

I've been to Live Fire for three years in a row. And for three years it has exceeded expectations…read more It's up there with La Dolce Vita in terms of the quality and caliber of chefs. A little smaller scale but imagine being outside at the Salt Lick on a near perfect night, sampling the best of Austin and sippin' on fantastic wines and cocktails. The tickets are a little pricey -- $80ish -- but I promise it is well worth it. Make sure you're there for every moment if you can. The best strategy is just keep moving. You'll see 100 people you know there but it's crucial to keep moving forward or you'll get full or miss something. The chefs really do a great job of making sure they've got enough for everyone though and the Live Fire organizers are good about not overselling. Definitely one of my favorite signature events. It's also great that it benefits the Austin food and wine alliance!

There is nothing more than I love but, to attend an event hosted by The Austin Food & Wine…read moreAlliance. They always serve up the tastiest, well planned and most fun events! This was my first year at the Live Fire Event and it did not disappoint. The tickets were about $85.00 but well worth the price! Think of it as a non-traditional night out that you will walk away from with the meat and booze sweats! Who doesn't love that? This is an event had every one of the best restaurants in Austin showing off their best take on meat! There was burgers, lamb skewers, tacos, pork belly, etc. coming out of all booths! The layout was perfectly planned because they had a couple food tents and then a couple drink booths. This allowed your stomach to digest while you sipped on wine, bourbon, vodka, etc. The Salt Lick Pecan Grove Pavilion was a great choice for this event and the weather was warm but, cooled off quickly! There wasn't a shortage of parking or shady trees for you to take a break under. I also liked the second level that was behind the pavilion and hosted troughs of water, iced tea and lemonade to refresh yourself before you drove home! The pavilion had a very nice sound system and I loved the string lights they had in the trees! The sunset was beautiful behind the large trees! Some of the tents were crowded but, I also feel like the event goers moved in so many directions that you always had a tent to walk right up to and get served. I wish I could say that I tried every food and beverage vendor but, my stomach couldn't handle it. Better to have more than enough though in my opinion. If you haven't been to an Austin Food & Wine Alliance Event you really should because you are missing out on the true flavor of Austin!

What a fun, relaxing, neat mid-sized display of lights. It's nothing like Zilker Park Trail of…read moreLights. It's nothing like Zilker Park Trail of Lights. Wait, I already said that...for a few reasons. 1. It's freeeeeeee! 2. Parking is a breeze (can be tricky to find out WHERE - go to the City of Lakeway Activity Center area). 3. There's no crazy lines or big crowds. 4. It's a perfect 20+ minute (slowwww) stroll on the crushed granite trail checking out the installations. Romantical and some great photo opps for the hubby and I. 5. Lights stay on until late hours - midnight 7 days a week! 6. I think any of the Lake Travis young kiddos will be just as impressed with this as much as all that makes ZPToLs great and sucky (crowds, traffic, PARKING!). Shhhh....7. I suppose if you really "wanted" to, you might be able to discretely walk the trail whilst sipping a Hot Toddy or "Adult" Coffee....just don't say I said so. ;) Note: Walk itself not Fido friendly. Actually agree with leaving fur babies home for this one so no worry of oopsy poopsy moments. Gag. Happy holidays everybody! Ho ho ho! [187 in 2015]

This is a great way to spend a Sunday. Where else can you enjoy a perfect 70 degree day in the…read moreAustin area hill country, walking around with a plate and a glass, sampling the delicious goat tacos from Judges Hill, Antelope sliders and Wild Boar Chili from Wild Bubba's Wild Game Grill, and made to order smores with champagne marshmallows and chocolate chipotle pecan bark from Delysia, all while sipping on the a fabulous Sauvignon Blanc from Casa La Postolle or a fabulous Tempranillo from Fall Creek? The Wine and Food Foundation of Texas Cowboys + Gauchos event. The Wine and Food Foundation of Texas really did this up right, complete with cowboy boots and old style country music and a Latin tango beat to boot. The music from Tango Nostalgia made me wish I was in an Argentina Tango house with a rose in my mouth channelling my inner tango goddess, but I may need lessons first. I enjoyed Cafe Jose's Pork slices topped with a mango sauce and cilantro rice and beans. Zocalo was serving up an excellent melt in your mouth pork ribs and Agua Fresca. Live Oak BBQ had a tasty skirt steak and sausage. August Escoffier had a fantastic set of sides including apple jicama slaw, corn bread, potato cakes and beans. And if that were not enough, there was fabulous pork and yucca from La Sombra. Just when you thought it was safe to be free of the meat fest, there was a rack roasting an elk, another with a goat, a roast pig and lots of ribs and sausage on the fire. Alamosa, Becker, Fall Creek, McPhereson, Llano, Duchman and Spicewood were representing the Texas wine contingent. Gauchezco, Casa LaPostolle, Terrazas brought in the Latin America wines. E&J Gallo was also represented. The best part of this event, there were no long lines. The Wine and Food Foundation of Texas only planned to sell 350 tickets, so it was a comfortable day for all, and Mother Nature blessed us with perfect weather in a perfect setting. Yelp was there with yard games, bags, chap stick and other great swag to round out the fun. This is a gem of an annual event to add to your must do activities. It comes complete with an affordable festival price tag of just $50 ($40 for Wine and Food Foundation members).

I thought this festival was a lot of fun and I can't wait to see what else they make of it next…read moreyear! You walk up to the check-in table and if your name is on the list you get to go in with your wine glass and barbecue plate in hand. It all felt very fancy considering whole animals were being roasted on pits just fet away. Also, for what it's worth, I thought the disposable plates with a slot to hold your wine glass were ingenious. I am definitely on the look out for them for my next backyard barbecue! So, head in and find several amazing local bbq joints 'cue-ing up some incredible meat, potatoes, cole slaw and other goodies. The food just never seemed to quit. And the people cooking were all to willing to chat you up and tell about their goods. And the alcohol didn't quit either! Several local wineries and some delicious local craft beer rounded out a delightful afternoon for me!