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May 28, 2010

Austin: Memorial Day Weekend’s What to Do

FareCompare had me write a Guest Post on what to do for Memorial Day Weekend. Part of it is excerpted below, and I’ve got two more shindigs added to the bottom of the list:

Memorial Day weekend in Austin means one thing: the lake. Austin’s hot summers call for long days spent in and on the water, and Memorial Day is the official unofficial kickoff to boating season. Most of the revelers will take to Lake Travis, where Devil’s Cove is wall-to-wall boats and nary a shirt is in sight, because the city’s in-town lake, Lake Austin, usually bans personal watercraft.

Boat

Hop on a party barge, like the one thrown by Austin Sports & Social Club. Rent a boat from Just for Fun–make reservations in advance. Or trailer your boat down if you’re road-tripping, there are plenty of public-access boat ramps.

Eat

All that time in the sun is sure to make you hungry, and Austin has no shortage of lakefront eateries. On Lake Travis, boat in to the newly-revamped Ski Shores and grab a legendary burger, or hit the landmark Oasis, though know that you’re there for the view and margaritas, not the food. On Lake Austin, try an Austintini at Hula Hut, where wait times can be over 2 hours but it’s more than worth it, or Abel’s on the Lake (they’re neighbors). Any of these spots is worth seeing even if you’re not planning on getting your feet wet.

At Night

Wanna see the sights but not down for $2 jaegerbombs at Latitude30 with the college kids? Walk the (in)famous East Sixth Street to get to Alamo Drafthouse at the Ritz, a movie theatre-restaurant where you can get a bucket of beer–or Jack and Coke–with your giant bowl of popcorn. If you’re still up for going out, be sure to check out Austin’s Kung Fu Saloon on West Sixth Street, the kind of bar that would only make it in Austin. It offers free skee ball–naturally.

Deep in the Heart of Texas

Austin may fool you into thinking its not like the rest of Texas most of the time, but hit up the Broken Spoke to be reminded that you are, in fact, in the Republic of Texas. Don boots you snagged at Allen’s Boots on the drag or Heritage Boots downtown, button up your pearl snap, and learn the two-step. It’s easy.

More Austin faves you need to check out:

Fancy dinner: Olivia, Uchi, Wink, or TRIO
Outside: Run Lady Bird Lake, throw a frisbee in Zilker Park, or walk South Congress
Snacks: Cupcakes at SugarMama’s Bakeshop or daily special from Odd Duck Trailer

All Weekend: Wine & Music Festival at the Domain

http://www.austinwineandmusicfestival.com/tickets.html

Sunday: $15 all-you-can-eat Crawfish at Gibson

And you KNOW you can eat a LOT of crawfish.

File it under WTF: Memorial Day Weekend Saturday

I can’t do this event justice, so I’m copy-pasting the email (original colors, spelling, and formatting preserved. Literal copy-paste here). If you can figure out what it means, probably means you’re cool enough to attend?

In the BACONATOR storyline, frynet was originally installed into the U.S. military mainfryer to control the national gravy supply. Shortly afterward it gained sentience and the panicking high ranking skilets, realizing the extent of its abilities, attempted to pull the plug. Frynet perceived the attempt to deactivate it as an attack and came to the conclusion that all of the outdated household appliances would attempt to destroy it. To defend itself, it came to one conclusion: Humanity must be baconated.

Before it could be deactivated, Frynet launched The Thingamabots under its command at Russia, to which Russia responded in kind by fryering as many of its breakfast sausages as possible back at the United States and its allies. As a result of the food fight, over three billion humans were killed in just minutes. Governments around the world collapsed and anarchy descended.

1215am Built By Snow
1115pm The Seas -CD Release
1030m STEREO IS A LIE
945pm Red Falcon
900pm Wave Hands Like Clouds
8pm DJ Czech + BACONATOR – Debut on the turn tables!!!!!!!!!!!!

FOOD FIGHT to commence in the outside area of ND.

Free Bacardi Mojitos from 8pm – 10pm!!!!!!!! FREE Sweet Tea Vokda 10pm -11pm!

Special EP Listening Party for The Seas new EP!!!!

RSVP for $5 Entry at Do512: http://do512.com/event/2010/05/29/baconator-vs-the-thingamabots

and just because I love CrossFit so much:

The South Central Regional at GSX in Fort Worth will be streaming live coverage all day Saturday and Sunday at http://live.crossfit.com.

Posted in Eating, Going Out, Music, Playing, Sports/Fitness, Things to Do!, free | Leave a Comment »

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May 19, 2010

Austin/Aspen: Car2Go/CarToGo

Yep, both of these fair cities have car-sharing programs, called Car2(to)Go!

Austin Car2Go is launching their program Friday May 21 with a party from 4pm-10pm at Republic Square Park with live music from The Lemurs, The Black and White Years, and more, food vendors, and test drives.

Austin city employees have been using the SmartCars since last November, but now they’ve added 200 SmartCars for the general public to use. Membership is free, and you use the Internet, iPhone app, or telephone hotline to find the nearest Smartcar (conveniently parked on streets throughout the city), unlock with your membership card, drive, and then leave the car at any public curbside parking space. You can also reserve a car.
Rates for Austin:

Per minute $0.35 plus tax
Per hour maximum $12.99 plus tax
Per day maximum $65.99 plus tax
Per mile after 150 mile per rental 45 cents, plus tax

Aspen’s CarToGo has been alive and flourishing for awhile, but they just added four new cars and a new stop earlier this month. The latest stats have over 150 people using the program.

Rates for Aspen:
Monthly administrative fee: $10
Hourly: $4
Per Mile: $0.25 – $0.35

Although Austin’s program seems a little expensive (you can get a nice rental car for less $65/day), since I’ll be car-less for a few days, maybe I’ll check out the Car2Go program and let y’all know how it goes!

Posted in Playing, travel | 1 Comment »

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November 24, 2009

Turkey Creek = Happy Doggie

I love taking Nali to one of the nicest off-leash dog trails around, a quick 2.5-mile trail out at Emma Long Park called Turkey Creek (http://www.austinparks.org/apfweb/park.php?parkId=666). With recent rains, the creek was flowing quickly, the weather was a perfect 65 degrees, and my Vibrams were perfect water-mud-rock combo shoes.

Nali, my beloved rescue mutt pup, used to be scared of water. But bringing her to Turkey Creek where she HAD to cross the water and letting her play with other dogs at Red Bud Isle who aren’t afraid has really brought her out of her shell.

Happy dog=Happy Lyssa.

Posted in Playing, Sports/Fitness, Things to do ... all the time, free | 1 Comment »

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November 3, 2009

BLEET-UP!!

Mark your calendars for this Thursday, November 5:
BleetUp at MohawkDo your RSVPin’ (they WILL close the list when they reach Mohawk’s capacity) right here, or head to the facebook invite to scope out the other attendees and click yourself attending.

As you can see on the flier, my lovely Austin Post is an event sponsor, so be sure to check it out for coverage–perhaps even in real time (the newest feature introduced over there)–from the event.

The dirty details:

$7 to get in w/ RSVP, Doors are 8:30pm at the 10th St. entrance! The party begins upstairs on the balcony.

THE GREEN ROOM:

8:30: Learning Secrets DJ’s (www.learningsecretsmusic.com)

LINEUP (OUTSIDE):

9:45: The Lennings (www.myspace.com/heynicevest)
10:30: Built By Snow (www.myspace.com/builtbysnow)
11:15: Corto Maltese (www.myspace.com/thecortomaltese)

LINEUP (INSIDE):

9:45: Politics (www.myspace.com/ilovepolitics)
10:45: Sad Accordions (www.myspace.com/thesadaccordions)
11:45: The Great Nostalgic (www.myspace.com/thegreatnostalgic)
ON THE BALCONY:

-Free eats by Mama Fu’s (www.mamafus.com)
-Free cocktails by Sweet Leaf Tea and Tito’s Handmade Vodka (www.sweetleaftea.com & www.titos-vodka.com)
-Pop-up shops by Prototype Vintage and Rene Geneva Designs (www.prototypevintagedesign.com & www.mycorset.com)
-A silent guitar auction benefiting Girls Rock Camp, for a guitar signed by Debbie Harry!! (www.girlsrockcampaustin.org)

Get there early and enjoy free Lonestar beers, generously provided by Birds Barbershop. (www.birdsbarbershop.com)

And commemorate your fabulousness in the Cory Ryan photo booth!! (www.coryryan.com)

First 50 arrivals will receive swag bags, filled with music and goodies ($50 Four Seasons Spa Gift Certificate, anyone?)

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October 5, 2009

ACL Recaps: by day, with photos, and beer

Over at Austin Post, we Real Time Reported on the whole fest–live updates throughout. Check out the new features, and my full-length article recaps:

Day 3

Day 2

Day 1

Strategy Session

Facebook Album

And I will not lie, every single morning (lie: afternoon) I got dropped off at Barton Springs & Lamar, and every single early afternoon I walked past Uncle Billy’s and snagged a To-Go Beer. The Agave Wit was delicious and far more worth $5 than a LoneStar inside ACL.

I’d heard great things about Uncle Billy’s beer, but never stopped in. Until now. And I will be going back, as they brew a bunch of signatures from scratch AND offer cheap flights of their brews. At last weekend’s Great American Beer Festival, head brewer Brian Peters’ Uncle Billy’s “Hell In Keller” kellerbier bested 26 other entrants in the “Kellerbier/Zwickelbier” category to WIN! With nearly 500 breweries and 3,300-plus beers represented in 78 categories, The Great American Beer Festival Gold is quite the honor, and “Hell in Keller” was one of only four Texas beers to earn medals (2 golds) at the GABF.

Follow Uncle Billy’s on twitter.com/UncleBillys and be the first to learn about awesome things like To Go Beers during ACL.

Posted in Going Out, Good people/services, Music, Playing | 1 Comment »

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August 14, 2009

What to do this Weekend: Testosterone Fest, Summer Jam

Texas Testosterone Festival

I’ve already riffed on how sweet I think the Texas Testosterone Festival is gonna be this weekend: bball skills, Spartan 300, MMA fighting, poker tourneys, choppa customization, bikini and fit model contests … yeah, pretty freakin’ sweet. There’s also an actually-really-cool-if-you’re-not-into-pure-debauchery event too: a Central Texas Pro Sports Round Table with reps from all the local teams: Toros, Turfcats (now defunct?), Express, Aztex, Stars (Cedar Park) … so definitely worth checking out. Now here’s the official sched:

Saturday:

Purchase Tickets here. All times are subject to change.
Sames Red Barn Motors Classic Car Show, Cash Bar by DWIDude.com, and our event MC’s, Rally Crashers, will be available throughout The Texas Testosterone Festival.

Stage 10:00-10:30 Nicolet of the Southern Sirens Sings the National Anthem in a Bikini
Stage 10:30-11:30 Home Brewing Demonstration by Austin Homebrew Supply
Floor 10:30-12:30 Basketball Skills Competition Managed by The Austin Toros
Stage 11:30-12:30 King of Kombat Presents Amir Sadollah Live Interview and Q&A with Steve Sievert of MMAJunkie.com and formerly The Houston Chronicle
Floor 12:30-2:30 King of Kombat Presents UFC Ultimate Fighter Amir Sadollah Mixed Martial Arts Seminar
Stage 12:30-2:30 Buffalo Billiards Presents Fantasy Football Mock Draft hosted by Ladd Biro of the Dallas Morning News / Sporting News Radio and featuring a panel of media personalities, published authors, and other Fantasy Football experts.
Stage 2:30-3:30 Chopper Customization Demo by Southern Metal Choppers
Floor 2:30-4:30 AT&T Presents Relson Gracie Jiu Jitsu Seminar
Stage 3:30-4:30 Central Texas Pro Sports Roundtable
Floor 4:30-6:00 Zhen Mei Natural Supplements Presents Spartan 300 Challenge by Crossfit Central
Stage 5:00-6:00 Cindie’s Lingerie and Gifts Presents The Greatest Bikini Contest in the History of the Great State of Texas
Stage 7:00-10:30 Picture Perfect Spa Presents The INBF / WNBF Texas Fit Model Search
(Purchase Fit Model Search Tickets Here)

Sunday:

Purchase Tickets here. All times are subject to change.
Sames Red Barn Motors Classic Car Show, Cash Bar by DWIDude.com (opens at noon on Sunday), and our event MC’s, Rally Crashers, will be available throughout The Texas Testosterone Festival.

Floor 10:00-5:00 The Relson Gracie Texas Jiu Jitsu Tournament
Floor 5:00-6:00 The Relson Gracie Texas Jiu Jitsu Team Challenge
Stage 10:00-6:00 Video Game Tournaments by Gamerz
Tables 10:00-6:00 Texas Hold ‘em Tournaments by The Fantasy Poker League

Buy your tix for a mere $6 and hustle on over to the Convention Center for some man-action. Maction?

Hot Summer Jam

THEN, once you’ve had your testosterone fill, head over to the Travis County Expo center for Hot 93′s Hot Summer Jam. Starting at 6pm Saturday, this concert is host to some of the biggest rap stars across the country, most of whom happen to call Central Texas home. Performers include Bun B, Slim Thug, Trae the Tuth, Rob G, Lil Keke, Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Tum Tum, DJ Michael “5000” Watts, OG Ron C, and Pimpin’ Pen.

On the heels of 2005’s break-out single “Still Tippin’” by Slim Thug, Mike Jones, and Paul Wall, Houston rap went on quite of run of heightened popularity. Thanks to subsequent hits including “Back Then” by Mike Jones, “Sittin’ Sidewayz” by Paul Wall, and “Draped Up” by Bun B, the world began to take notice of not just a small handful of Lone Star rappers but an entire state filled to the brim with hip-hop talent.

Bun B, originally a member of Port Arthur’s UGK, continues to persevere beyond the passing of his longtime collaborator Pimp C. Bun’s recent appearance on the song “Grey Cassette” along with Trae the Truth and Lil Keke has graced Austin radio airwaves the past few months with the exact sort of DJ Screw-inspired music that Texans have come to worship.

Meanwhile, Slim Thug sports a current radio staple titled “Smile” that is as charming as could be expected from 6’6” of gruff monotone. And fellow Houston compatriots Paul Wall and Rob G refuse to be left out of the fray with their current singles “Bizzy Body” and “Always Be Down.”

All tickets will be general admission through http://www.showclix.com (1-888-718-4253). Tickets start at $15 while supplies last.

FINALLY, for some quickie downtown news on Piranha sushi (everyone’s wondering when it opens–Aug 19) and The Dress Shop, check out TheRebeccammendations.

Posted in Going Out, Good people/services, Music, One-time event, Playing, Sports/Fitness | 2 Comments »

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June 23, 2009

101X Summer Film Series

Summer in Austin features tons of free concerts, movies, and other events in the great outdoors. Really, this doesn’t quite make sense since it’s hot, hot, hot in the summer, but hey, I guess we give balmy summer nights a chance to work their magic. First stop on the balmy summer night tour? 101x & Amplify Credit Union’s free summer cinema series at Central Market.

Entry is free, so bring a blanket to the Central Market at 40th & N. Lamar and enjoy the following movies every other Wednesday. Plus, $2 16 oz. Blue Moon drafts are a steal of a deal and easy way to keep you cool.

Check out the lineup:
June 24th Serentiy
July 8th Gremlins
July 22nd Iron Man
August 5th The Goonies

This week’s cult sci-fi hit SERENITY from Joss Whedon, based on the popular Firefly series, is sure to bring the nerds and sci-fi freaks out, so get in on the fun.

Summer Cinema supported by Gold’s Gym, Post West Austin Apartment Homes, Central Texas Harley Davidson & Emmi Caffe Latte. Get an amplify’d summer cinema XIP package by playing Break the Pin at 101X.com

Posted in Going Out, Playing, Things to Do!, free | 2 Comments »

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June 12, 2009

Friday night madness with ROT Rally and Jack Ingram Filming

This weekend is ROT Rally. Republic of Texas Biker Rally for Austin rookies. Best entertainment you’ll ever find down Congress Avenue for all. Friday night (starts at 7:30), the Bikers all line up their bikes and ride up and down Congress Avenue in a loop. The bikes are sweet, but the people riding them and what they’re wearing is even sweeter. [I once stumbled upon this majestic parade by accident, when my car was parked on the OTHER side of Congress from where I was. I had no choice but to abandon ship and come back later. So I went to Brown Bar to see Jack--who is now the GM at Lanai. In workout clothes. I digress.]

Little did I know until I went into some investigatory research (Ben Stiller voice) that there is an OFFICIAL ROT Congress Party Friday Night. It says:

Over 200,000 people pack the downtown streets of Austin during Friday Night of the ROT Rally to party biker style. This is the largest biker party you will ever see in a downtown district of any city and it simply cannot be missed! We’ll party in style in plain view of the capitol and 6th Street. Congress Avenue will literally be shut down for biker parking only. The Rally Committee is excited to present a FREE concert featuring headliner bands that will surely be a highlight of the 2009 ROT Rally.

There is of course also the much-talked-about Robbie Kinevel jump in front of the Capitol at 11:30pm. The daredevil will jump four Budweiser trucks in front of the Capitol on his motorcycle.

OR If bikers tend to wig you out, you can hit the other side of the spectrum and head out to Lakeway Spa & Resort, where country (alt-country? Texas-country-even-though-he’s-not-from-Texas?) star Jack Ingram is recording his latest music video. Already in the Top 20 before even shooting the video,”Barefoot & Crazy,” is also the title track from his latest album. Show up before 7pm in a swimsuit and you can be in the video, plus stay for a free concert afterward. Not a bad gig.

UPDATE: For updates on free booze tonight (yes), check this site out.

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June 9, 2009

Fastball + Black and White Years in the park

The last of the Solar-Powered Concert Series in Republic Square Park is tomorrow night, and the TBA closer is Fastball–yep, middle school/high school hotties Fastball, of You’re an Ocean, Out of My Head, and other gems, will be playing. With the Black & White Years, an Austin-based band that has tons of local acumen and rabid fans. So it’s probably going to be awesome weather (if you like the heat) for an awesome show.

Stop by the Farmer’s Market at the Triangle and pick up food, or do a Whole Foods run and bring a picnic to the park at 4th & Guadalupe. Gates (?!) open at 5 pm, music runs 5:30–10pm.

Solar Powered Concerts mean audiences experience “pollution free” music. In other words – no stage hum. Solar powered production is not only the better for the environment but also provides a sonically clean sound. The concerts benefit Blue Dog Rescue, an Austin area foster organization dedicated to rescuing dogs from our local shelters and adopting them into new homes. Blue Dog Rescue and their four legged friends will be on site.

Bicycle “Valet Parking” is provided by Mellow Johnny’s bike shop. Scooter and motorcycle parking will be provided on 5th Street by Wood’s Fun Center. For those of you who can’t walk or bike, please try to be pollution-free by checking out Capitol Metro, including the popular Dillos which service downtown, at www.capitolmetro.com.

Parking is available all day at the Laz Parking Lots located on 4th & Nueces and 5th & Rio Grande. Parking is available at the State of Texas Garage located at 4th & San Antonio after 5 pm.

Coming soon to This is Life in Austin: a free summer concert/film series calendar–keep an eye out.

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June 3, 2009

It’s all about the volleyball

Last summer I spent 3-4 days a week playing sand volleyball. While this summer my schedule hasn’t looked like that, there is some good volleyball to be had. Three things on the agenda:

  • Weekly, the ATXVB Meetup Group plays at the Krieg Complex, known before as the softball fields off Pleasant Valley and Riverside. Wednesdays from 5pm-dark and Saturday mornings from 10am-??
  • Coming up not this weekend but next, Aussie’s hosts their popular El Sol tournament. From their website:

In 1999, Eric “El Sol” Solie tore his Achilles tendon playing indoor volleyball at ARC. The surgery had gone well but a couple weeks later, Eric died from a blood clot. He was 30 years old and taken away from us too early. Eric was extremely friendly to everyone he met. He could put a smile on your face just by being around him.

The Eric Solie Foundation was created in 1999 in honor of Eric and his love for volleyball, beer & boiled shrimp. This year will be the 10th Annual “El Sol” Blind Draw 4′s Tournament being held at Aussie’s Volleybar & Grill on Saturday, June 13th. Money raised from the El Sol Tournaments and from the Gemini & Halloween Poker Rides & Raffles goes to the Eric Solie Foundation. The foundation will benefit a selected junior volleyball player each year once the fund has reached its maintenance level.

Register by phone or at Aussie’s: 512.480.0952 or 306 Barton Springs Rd., 78704

Then I’ll just crib notes from an email a friend of mine sent detailing how much fun the tourney is:

“This is the biggest tournament they have each year, and it is followed by a shrimp boil.

Last year they had over 100 people, which is why they will have to spread out the games between Aussie’s and Krieg Field.

Since the tournament is so huge, it should take all day.

I don’t know if they have a lot of spots left, so I wanted to remind you guys to sign up since as we all know these tournaments are a lot fun, and even more so when you get to spike a ball at your friend’s face J

I just signed up yesterday, and the fee is the standard $25, or you can pay $35 (which is what I did) which includes the ticket to the shrimp boil right after the tournament. I think the boil also includes beer.”

  • Don’t forget about the awesome Adult Volleyball Camps I told you about put on by Misty May’s dad. It’s a conflict with the El Sol tournament, but if you need to pick up some more skills, you should definitely look into this camp. It runs Friday after-workish through Sunday, June 12 – 14, at Austin Beach Volleyball Club in Manor. Their website is here.

So it looks like my summer calendar is filling up all volleyball-style again …

Posted in Good people/services, Playing, Sports/Fitness, Things to do ... all the time | 2 Comments »

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