Austin is well known for the South By Southwest Music and Media Conference and Festival each spring and the Austin City Limits Music Festival each fall. But music isn't the only thing putting Austin on the map. Austin also hosts the Texas Book Festival and the Austin Film Festival and Conference every year.

Started in 1994, the Austin Film Festival is all about the creative process of screenwriting and film making. The annual film festival and conference held in October highlights local organizations and businesses that work in all elements of the film industry.

This year's festival features films starring actors like George Clooney and Meg Ryan. The conference and festival bring many big names from the film industry to Austin, but the event stays true the capital city's laid back feeling. There are no red carpets and little paparazzi at the eight day event.

The conference itself offers panels, lectures and roundtable discussion on all aspects of the film and screenwriting industry, and encourages budding film writers to take part. The festival is a series of screening of all types of films: shorts, documentaries, animation, independent and premieres. Unknowns in the film industry rub elbows with the bigwigs and many have had their work move into prominence due to this film festival.

The film festival is also a series of parties with different themes at many different downtown venues. Austin restaurants, bars, shops and hotels benefit from the festival patrons. The awards at this year's festival will go to industry greats like Ron Howard.

The Texas Book Festival, also going on this October in Austin, was started in 1995 by Laura Bush. The former first lady has always been a literacy advocate and started the ball rolling on the Texas festival to honor Texas writers and promote the love of reading.

The two-day event has the unique venue of the Texas State Capital buildings and grounds. Hopefully, the weather gods will smile down on Austin with more blue skies and sunny fall weather in the forecast for the last weekend in October. Nearly 50,000 people will fill the marbled halls and hallowed chambers of the state house to listen to lectures and panels. Other downtown venues also get involved, like the historical Paramount Theater and the Austin Children's Museum hosting special events for children's authors.

The festival not only celebrates literature, but also addresses some of the issues faced by the book industry. One of this year's lectures, "Are Books Dead?," addresses the future of books and the changing ways we will read them. This year will feature over 200 authors, like Margaret Atwood, Jane Smiley, Harold Evans, Gail Collins and Buzz Aldrin. The festival is free and open to the public, with lots of opportunites for book signings.

SXSW and ACL might bring the national camera crews and the big names in music, but they aren't the only festivals promoting the arts in this unique capital city.


Ki works, and lives, in Austin Texas. His website has thorough descriptions of Austin Texas real estate. It also has a map based search of the Austin MLS along with a blog covering news and events in Austin real estate.

The South First Street area has become a vibrant community lately, especially for pedestrians and bicyclists, since it is so densely packed with new establishments and businesses. The area is very unique and quirky; many of the businesses cater to the music industry and other artistic types.

There are a number of interesting clubs and restaurants as well, most of which offer live music on a regular basis. Two such venues are Jovita's and Freddie's Place, both delightful locations with shady trees with well known as well as new musical acts which usually perform early in the evening, to the satisfaction of families with children and the slightly older crowd that prefers to be back home at a reasonable hour.

Jovita's has had a number of very well known local acts play the spot recently, including the Marshall Ford Swing Band and the Cornell Hurd Band. The crowd is usually dancing to the catchy tunes, and it's worth the visit just to watch the boot-scooting and vintage clothing worn by many of the dancers, most of which are early to middle aged.

Freddie's has an outdoor stage under the trees, and patrons can have a full meal, while accompanied by their dogs (which are allowed on the patio area), or just sit up front with a frosty drink and listen to the musical acts, many of which are newcomers but very enjoyable and professional. Both of these fine eateries are on the east side of 1st just north of Live Oak and Mary Street. Bouldin Creek meanders through the neighborhood too, presenting a lovely and peaceful sight.

Traveling south, one gets to La Reyna and La Mexicana, a well-known tex-mex joint and Mexican food bakery, respectively, and both have great food and other products as well, including jewelry at La Mexicana as well as convenience store fare. Across the street, very interesting vintage clothing can be found at Flashback, which is currently having a clearance sale and all of the items are very reasonably priced. Amelia's and New Bohemia are also vintage and retro shops, a few blocks south on the east side of 1st. Adjacent to Amelia's, End of an Ear can be found, with various types of music on CD, record, tape, etc., and occasionally live music as well.

Just north of End of an Ear and its small strip center, Sugar Mama's offers cupcakes and other bakery items and sweets for the hungry strollers, and their confections are out of this world.Another vintage clothing and curios shop called Secret Oktober is a few doors down from Sugar Mama's too. There are also numerous coffee shops, including Bouldin, Once Over, and Somnio's, and all three have a laid back atmosphere and outdoor tables under the trees.

Farther north on 1st, but within walking distance, is an Austin legend, El Mercado, which offers a varied Mexican Food menu and has been in different locations over the years, with this site being in operation for almost ten years itself. Another great Mexican food spot, Polvo's, is a few blocks down, just south of the intersection of 1st and Mary on the west side of street, and their food is outstanding as are their drinks, especially the margaritas.

One of the most interesting locations is the South First Trailer Park Eatery, which is a large lot on which various food vendors operate out of airstream trailers and stands, with the emphasis on hand held food such as wraps, burritos, and deserts, also popcorn. This site also offers free movies on a regular basis, most of which are family oriented, and can be watched under the stars with one's own refreshments, which are allowed due to the BYOB policy. This week, the Back to the Future series has been shown, to the sure approval of the neighborhood kids and kids at heart.

There are many old yet restored homes in the area, and they are reasonably priced, many being fixer-uppers. Those near the creek are especially appealing, and many are already in perfect shape, ready to move in. But the real estate prices in the area reflect the appeal of the area and far outpace the average prices in the Austin real estate market. For new residents who prefer not to cook, the Soup Peddler offers delivery of different homemade, gourmet soups on a daily basis, and deliver on bicycle to neighborhood patrons, and has received rave reviews from diners.



Ki works in Central Austin. He maintains a website focused on Austin real estate. The site allows future owners to search for Austin homes for sale. He also writes entries on his blog covering Austin tx real estate.

During the Texas Revolution, around the year 1812, Santiago Del Valle made his way to central Texas and settled with his family on a large piece of land granted to him by the Mexican government in the area now known as Del Valle. Del Valle is 7 miles southeast of Austin and the community is currently unincorporated.

The community is near the Austin Bergstrom International Airport, and is situated near the intersection of U.S. Highway 183 and Highway 71, on which Del Valle is actually located. Del Valle is also very near the communities of Lockhart to the south and Bastrop to the east, and the terrain is gently rolling farmland with plenty of shade trees as well as rivers and creeks.

Del Valle has its own school district, the Del Valle Independent School District, a small post office, and a few other businesses, including restaurants and hotels and motels, which are numerous due to the town's proximity to the new airport as well as nearby state parks and other tourist attractions.

Del Valle also boasts many sports related activities and events, and there is a local golf course as well as a baseball complex, among other facilities. With its rural atmosphere, many local residents enjoy the outdoors, for sporting events or even eating outside and picnicking in the many local parks and greenbelts.

Del Valle is considered a growing community, and there are many inexpensive homes available, most with plenty of acreage to raise a family, livestock or pets, or even grow your own fruits and vegetables, since the town is on the southeastern side of Travis County which has good soil and lots of water.

Currently, there are many available homes in the $100,000 range in the community, and most have all the modern amenities, as well as access to U.S. 183 and 71, which makes travel to Austin, San Antonio, and even south Texas very convenient and speedy. There are also many mobile homes parks and empty lots with green grass as far as you can see on which one can build a home and eventually settle into the sunset years.

Some of the local eateries around Del Valle include a Thai restaurant called Little Thailand, a barbecue spot called Elroy Sausage Company, and an old-timey saloon called Water Hole Saloon. All offer above average food and refreshing beverages, according to visitors to the Del Valle area.

A local church that hosts many events is the Methodist Church, called Haynie Chapel United Methodist Church, and the church promotes the spiritual life as well as actively promoting social events and get-togethers for residents and their guests, with regular prayer meetings, worship services, and study groups.

Del Valle is the location of the Travis County Correctional Complex, which is a large, local employer of correctional officers, social workers, medical staff, and many other professionals, as well as the home of a youth program, a military-style boot camp, and many other facilities intended to teach and encourage healthy living and life skills for the young, old, and in between.

Del Valle is a promising location for those who want to see the stars at night without the distraction of city lights, and hear the birds chirp and the roosters crow. The lifestyle is laid-back and the cost of living is inexpensive, so consider the Del Valle area when visiting the southeastern part of Travis County, and you'll be glad you did!


Ki lives in the Austin area. He created a website for future homeowners owners to search for Austin homes. He has worked in the Austin Texas real estate market for almost 10 years. His site also has a blog with updated statistics on Austin real estate.

Clarksville, which is a historic neighborhood in central-west Austin, has a hidden jewel few people know about: the "Dog Park", as it has been known for years. Clarksville is a very eclectic community in the central Austin real estate market, in fact some would say eccentric, but very unique, and the residents love their pets.

Between 9th Street and 10th Street, and a few blocks east of West Lynn, there is a beautiful, green park, shaded by huge, old trees with green leafy canopies covering most of the park, and many of the locals regularly bring their children and dogs for a run through the park, or to chase Frisbees or sticks, or just play or relax.

The Dog Park also has a small pool with water just over waist high, and treehouses and other structures for kids as well as dogs to climb. Many a summer afternoon, moms with their young or teenage children make the trek from Clarksville to the Whole Foods Market, or even the Fresh Plus grocery store, with fresh fruit and bakery goods, and climb into the trees or lay a blanket down under the shade of the foliage and while away the day, watching other dogs and dog owners go through the ritual of the daily exercise and potty run.

The memory of a cold, crisp apple or pear, eaten with your child or pet, as one daydreams or even falls asleep, are the memories that keep families in the Clarksville area for generation after generation, since these activities seem to remind the locals of the past, when life was simpler and slower.

There is also a baseball field in the park, and other recreational equipment and facilities, including a basketball goal, and trails for hiking, or running with a partner or pet.

After a few hours of sunshine and exercise, the soda fountain at Nau's Pharmacy is the perfect place to have a frosty milkshake or home made cheeseburger, and it's a short walk from the park to Nau's, or even Cipollina's West Austin Bistro, which is an Italian Deli adjacent to Fresh Plus.

While walking to Whole Foods, which is a few blocks east at the corner of Lamar and West 6th Street, the sidewalk traverses various eclectic shops, including a liquor store and smoke shop with a wooden Indian standing guard at the door called Wiggy's, along with a card shop and gift shop, and eventually the sidewalk meanders all the way to 6th, where cold ice cream is waiting at Amy's, to cool off the kids, as well as adults and sometimes even dogs.

While in the area, a stop in at Waterloo Records and Video is sure to provide entertainment for the evening, and the entire walk between West Lynn and 6th is so well kept and brightly lit that the pedestrian feels they are in a movie set, with neon over every doorway, trees and plants on every corner, and friendly people all around.If you prefer reading to TV or movies, stop in at Book People and discover every kind of reading material as well as jewelry, snacks, and lots of other neat stuff.

So for a complete day or fun, start at the Clarksville Dog Park, take a brisk hike to Lamar for a snack or drink, and get a book, movie or some music for the evening. Later, you might consider a hearty meal or cold, refreshing libation at the many other restaurants and clubs in the area, and be sure to bring your dog, or your kids, or just go by yourself!!Donn's Depot usually has live music and little or no cover, and it's another longlasting Clarksville establishment, at 5th and West Lynn.

Ki moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas. After graduation, he stayed to work with Austin real estate. He maintains a website where buyers can search for Austin homes for sale. His site also provides a blog with news and statistics on Austin Texas real estate.

Hutto, Texas is a small community located seven miles east of Round Rock and northeast of Austin, Texas. The current population of Hutto is estimated at around 17k residents, and Hutto has been a very fast-growing city since the construction of State Highway 130, also called the Trans-Texas Corridor.

In the census of 2000, the population of Hutto was just over thousand people, but the recently built toll road has dramatically increased the population and the city is expected to continue expanding in the next few decades, as the highway nears completion.

Hutto was founded in the year 1876 when the International Great Northern Railroad passed through land owned by James Emory Hutto, for whom the city is named. Shortly thereafter, James Hutto sold fifty acres of local land to the New York Land Company for a town site. At the time, Hutto was a wealthy Williamson County landowner and cattleman, but a few years later, he relocated to Waco and entered the hardware business. At roughly the same time, numerous Swedish and German immigrants traveled to the area to begin new lives in the ranching and farming industries, which were becoming very successful in the Hutto area.

In 1915, a circus train stopped in at the Hutto train station and a hippopotamus escaped to nearby Cottonwood Creek, where it caused a commotion as local residents and railroad as well as circus employees tried to recapture the Hippo. The story caused a local legend to emerge, and eventually the Hippo became the mascot for the Hutto High School and its sports teams, as well as various other local businesses.

There are many activities in Hutto for the sports enthusiast as well as the gourmet diner, and some of the popular restaurants in Hutto include Mario's Mexican Restaurant and El Poblanito's, another Tex-Mex eatery. If the diner prefers a national chain, Chili's is sure to please, and there is a popular barbecue joint called Fat Thompson's as well.As for sports, the aptly named Hippo Stadium is home for the local Bulldogs, and there are many other sports-related facilities as well. The Hutto real estate market is also extremely affordable. It offers a much cheaper alternative than the nearby Pflugerville and Austin real estate markets.

Hutto also has a family-owned general store called Common Spirits which offers a variety of spirits and tobacco products, as well as basic amenities and grocery items at a reasonable price. The store is located on Front Street, and is a local favorite. As the city grows, there are more and more national brand stores and restaurants, but there is still plenty of local charm and family owned venues as well.

The new state toll road is expected to eventually spur the population growth to over 30k residents by 2010. The new toll road is the biggest transportation project currently underway in the entire United States, and the toll road connects the area to metropolitan Austin, and to other major thoroughfares leading to San Antonio and Houston, as well as nearby communities such as Pflugerville and Bastrop, as well as Bryan and college Station to the north.

One of the largest employers in the Hutto area is the T. Don Hutto Correctional Facility in nearby Taylor, Texas, which is just a few miles east of Hutto itself, and a family detention center that houses immigrants and their families. Hutto is also very well represented in the technology industry, with Agisca Technologies as well as Cypress Semiconductor, both of which are situated in or around Hutto.

Hutto is a very centrally located community, with access to many metropolitan areas, but a small town atmosphere and scenic rolling hillsides with parks, rivers and access to many local lakes and rivers.

Ki stayed in Austin after graduating from the University of Texas. He began working in Austin real estate. To aid buyers, he created a website escapesomewhere.com where they can search the Austin MLS. His site also provides information on neighboring communities like Pflugerville.

Austin, Texas, is widely known as the "Live Music Capitol of the World", and proudly so. But excellent live music isn't the only thing Austin has to offer. Here are just five of the many reasons to visit the coolest city in Texas.

1. Live Music
From dive bars and clubs to honky-tonks and Austin City Limits and South by Southwest (SXSW, to those in the know), this town has it all when it comes to music. Country, jazz, hip hop, rock, punk, emo, pop and everything else under the sun can be found here, and talented, up-and-coming bands are a dime a dozen. Whether attending a sold out concert at Stubbs or heading over to Auditorium Shores for the summer-long "Blues on the Green" series, you can't go wrong when it comes to good music in Austin.

2. The Capitol
Being the capitol of the great state of Texas is something we take very seriously in Austin. A walk around the beautiful capitol grounds the towering state capitol modeled after the national capitol building in Washington, D.C. will show you a glimpse of the grandeur and heritage we Texans hold so dear. You'll likely also notice our state flag flying high with the national color another thing we Texans take pride in: being the only state which can fly its flag alongside or above the national flag. From the capitol, take stroll down Congress Avenue for incredible views, great food and fun shopping.

3. Sixth Street
Being home to the University of Texas and its 60,000+ students, as well as thousands of young professionals (Austin regularly makes the top ten in national listings of the best cities for young professionals) makes Austin a great place to cut loose and have a good time. Sixth Street is Austin's famous bar district, home to college bars, restaurants, tattoo shops and other tourist-focused businesses. In recent years, the area around Second Street, also known as the Warehouse District, has become Sixth Street's high-class counterpart. Lined with bistros, wine bars, tapas bars and other establishments catering to the mid-20s to mid-40s crowd, the Warehouse District offers a slightly more "mature" place to kick back.

4. Restaurants
Austinites don't do anything halfway. They work hard, play hard, and eat well. From country fare to five star French cuisine, and bar-be-que to sushi, Austin has it all in terms of restaurant options. While many of the top restaurants are downtown near the capitol, Sixth Street and the Warehouse District, you don't have to go downtown to get a good meal. In fact, some of the best food in Austin can be found in unexpected, out-of-the-way places. Whatever you're in the mood far, you won't have to go far to find it in Austin.

5. Shopping
In addition to food, Austin takes shopping seriously. With a huge community emphasis on shopping locally, you can find everything from the freshest produce and the hippest one-of-a-kind clothes. South Congress Avenue has become one of the coolest shopping destinations in the city, and is worth checking out whether or not you're in the mood to shop. Likewise, South Austin is home to a huge community of artists, craftsman, designers and other creative types making incredibly unique pieces that scream, "Austin original!"

Whatever you're in the mood for a day in the park or a night on the town "Austin, Texas, has what you're looking for, and more.


Ki has worked with central Texas real estate market for almost 10 years. He has sold to a variety of buyers. His site offers information on Austin Texas real estate and along with a graphical Austin home search. It also contains a blog with updated statistics and analysis on Austin real estate.

The Hancock Neighborhood of North Central Austin is a historic area just north of the University of Texas Campus and downtown Austin. The Hancock Neighborhood is very close to historic Hyde Park, and some of the streets and borders of the two neighborhoods overlap or are adjacent to each other. The boundaries of the Hancock area include I.H. 35 the east, Duval to the west, 29th street to the south, and 41st street on the northern edge.

One of the earliest settlers of the Hancock area was Susanna Dickinson, who was a survivor of the Battle of the Alamo, and originally lived at 32nd Street and Duval. Another early resident was Lewis Hancock, for whom the neighborhood was named, and who was mayor of Austin from 1895 to 1897. Hancock also founded the Austin Country Club and Golf Course in the area in 1899, and after the turn of the century, formal neighborhoods were planned in the North University area, which it was called at the time.

Directly south of the country club, which was considered suburban at the time, Dr. J.R. Bailey platted the Beau Site in 1910, and in 1912, the Austin Country Club expanded to 18 holes after the land east of Red River on which it was expanded was purchased by the club and its owners. In 1928, the neighborhood was subdivided into its current configuration, and Austin's population at the time was only around 35,000 residents, so the area was still considered to be on the outskirts of town.

St. David's Hospital was built around 32nd Street in 1924, when it opened its doors, and Concordia Lutheran College was also built on twenty acres of land from the Hancock Estate in 1926. Various commercial establishments sprang up shortly thereafter, and many prominent Austinites relocated to the Hancock neighborhood around the same time, including J. Frank Dobie, a well known writer, and Edgar Perry Jr., a cotton broker, as well as Tom Miller, one of the early mayors of Austin who served two terms as mayor.

In 1946, the Austin Country Club relocated outside the city limits, and the city sold the back nine holes of the Hancock Golf Course, as it was called after the country club relocated, to the Sears Corporation to finance other recreational projects. The Sears store later became one of the flagship stores in the Hancock Center shopping Plaza, which was built in 1963 on the back nine of the golf course and was Austin's first shopping mall. The other flagship store in Hancock Center is a huge HEB Grocery Store, which offers one of the largest selections of products among grocery stores in the Austin area, among various other smaller stores, shops, and restaurants.

There are many tree-lined historic homes in the Hancock Neighborhood, and numerous apartment complexes which appeal to U.T. students, given the area's proximity to the university campus, and also numerous restaurants, coffee shops, museums, and recreational facilities, including the Hancock Golf Course, which still operates today.

Eastwood Park and Wading Pool, near the Hancock Golf Course, is another popular location for residents of the neighborhood to relax and get some outdoor quality time, and since Concordia University plans to relocate this year, a mixed-use development is being constructed on the site of the school, so many more opportunities abound for residents of the area as well as visitors in the near future.

With its proximity to downtown and the university, plus its tree-shaded streets, homes from the early 20th century, and eclectic mix of residents and businesses, the Hancock Neighborhood is one of the most inviting in the Austin area, and the yearly Christmas Trail of Lights, on 34th Street, is one of the best events to visit to see the neighborhood in all its splendor, so be sure to visit the Hancock Neighborhood, especially during the holidays, and you will see what Austin is truly all about!


Ki studied at UT. He hosts a website focused on Austin real estate. Potential owners can perform a Austin home search on his site. He also provides profiles on neighborhoods in the central Austin real estate market.

It may seem a little crazy to go hiking in the hot Texas summer, but if you can stand the heat the summer months can be a perfect time to visit an iconic Austin spot without any crowds. Even though it is 780 feet above sea level, the climb up to the top of Mount Bonnell is not a serious hike, especially with the stone steps along the way.

Mount Bonnell, like so many favorite Austin spots, is full of history as well as legends. The peak is named in honor of George W. Bonnell, a Texas publisher and Commissioner on Indian Affairs under Sam Houston. The peak and surrounding park land off FM 2222, which is actually called Covert Park, was donated to the city in 1939, one hundred years after Bonnell arrived in Austin. That's the history part; the legends and folklore are much more whimsical.

The legend goes that a young woman jumped off the peak to escape the Indians who had killed her finance, which is why Mount Bonnell is also known as "Antonette's Leap." Another legend has it that Golden Nell and her husband Beau leaped off the peak to avoid being captured and tortured.

Romance is often in the air at Mount Bonnell. It is said that if a couple climbs the long stairway to the top once they will fall in love, twice they will become engaged and if they make that climb a third time they will get married. Going at sunset or to see the stars above the city lights is a popular Austin date. It is a romantic spot that has seen many Austin couples get engaged.

A tourist attraction since the 1850s, Mount Bonnell has a pavilion at the top with picnic tables, making it a popular spot to pack a cooler and bring the camera for tourists and locals alike. The views of lakes, hills and cityscapes are amazing. The rugged Hill Country views to the west and the manicured lawns below the peak show the diversity of the Austin landscape at its best.

Hiking around the pavilion can allow visitors to take in different views, including the downtown skyline. For anyone wanting to show an out-of-towner just what Austin has to offer, this is the perfect spot.

If a someone is looking for a tougher hike, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area out towards Fredericksburg offers challenging hikes, along with a nice drive through the Hill Country. Shade is sparse on this granite dome, so hikers may want to wait until summer is over. McKinney Falls State Park is a little closer to Austin and offers climbs, as well as cool water for hikers more interested in nature than the view.



Ki worked on 6th street in college. Today he has a business focused on Austin Texas real estate in downtown Austin. He also has a website, which encourages buyers to search the Austin MLS. He also also had a blog with updates and news on Austin real estate.

Perhaps it's all those years of summer vacations from school, or maybe the heat just makes it harder to focus on work. Whatever it is, there seems to be an inherent need to have some fun during the summer months. Here are some ideas for having an entertaining Austin summer without blowing the budget:

Restaurants
There is something about a sultry summer night that makes people want to find a fun restaurant with a patio and order some chips and salsa. Fortunately, Austin is neither lacking in great restaurants or great deals on eating out. Whether it's the free nacho car offerings at Chuy's happy hours or the $2.99 meal deal at Bill Miller Bar-B-Q, cheap food and drinks abound in Austin. Some great patio spots that offer terrific food and prices is Doc's Motorworks on Congress Avenue and El Arroyo on Fifth Street.

There are also some upscale options that are budget friendly. The trendy French restaurant Aquarelle on Rio Grande offers half priced dishes off the bar menu in its wine bar or on the patio. Enjoying a nice glass of white wine and a plate of mussels makes feeling cosmopolitan a great bargain. Or, head to the up and coming Olivia on South Lamar on Sundays and Mondays for discounted food and drinks from the bar menu. McCormick & Schmick's offers incredible happy hour deals every day of the week and Sullivan's Steakhouse is the place to go on Thursdays for half-priced bar entrees and cigars along with $5 martinis.

Entertainment
The summer months also offer some cheap and interesting places for watching movies. Deep Eddy Pool has Splash Party Movie Nights on Saturdays at dusk throughout the summer. Many of the city's libraries offer free movies throughout the summer and Alamo Drafthouse has a free
Kids Camp movie every weekday at 11 a.m.

There is also the Zilker Hillside Theater, which is presenting The Music Man this summer. Shows run July 3 through August 15, Thursday through Sunday starting at dusk. Also, there is nothing as American as a beer and hot dog at a summer baseball game. The local minor league team, The Round Rock Express is a great family outing that won't break the bank.

Outdoors
The Austin area has an abundance of swimming holes that offer a chance to cool off and commune with nature on the cheap. From the centrally located Deep Eddy and Barton Springs Pool to Hamilton Pool and Blue Hole in the Hill Country, there are enough places to try a new one each week of the summer. For the kids there are free splash pads in Butler Park, The Hill Country Galleria and Brushy Creek Lake Park in Cedar Park.

Family Fun
For some fun family mini-vacations, there is Schlitterbahn Water Park in New Branfels, as well as Sea World in San Antonio. While these are not necessarily cheap outings, they do offer a vast array of entertainment for the ticket price. Consider that it is far cheaper than airline flights and hotels and probably just as much fun as a big vacation.


Escapesomewhere Real Estate is a small real estate company in Central Texas. His site has information on Austin Texas real estate. It also provides a free graphical search of the Austin MLS and a blog covering market updates for the Austin real estate market.

Austin is a big, beautiful city; there is no doubt about that. But, there are several small towns within 50 miles of Austin that are filled with charm and beauty. Whether you want to get out of the city for a weekend or move to a smaller town.

Smithville is a small town in Bastrop County, about 41 miles from Austin. Its population is just at 5,000. It is mostly famous for the 1998 movie "Hope Floats" that starred Sandra Bullock. Smithville is most proud of its recreation center. The center has a large gym, basketball court and has events for the entire community throughout the year.

Smithville also has many family owned restaurants, grills and antique shops. Visitors can always find something interesting while visiting.

Coupland is east of Austin on Highway 95, between Elgin and Taylor. This small town is most famous for its dancehall. The dancehall also has an Inn and a restaurant. There is always something going on here, and the band is always live. They have featured such acts a Kevin Fowler, Moe Bandy even George Strait's band has played there.

Coupland's last population was about 150. If you want to get out of the city, this is the place to visit.

Lexington is about 50 miles east of Austin, in Lee County. Its population is just under 1,200. This small German community was named after Lexington Massachusetts. The community has bed and breakfasts and each year, the first weekend in May, they have a "Homecoming" celebration. The celebration begins on the first Friday in May and runs through Sunday. The town holds a parade, food booths, arts and crafts and a BBQ cook off.

Lexington has a heritage center showcasing two log cabins that were built in the 1850's. They have pioneer furnishings, and are open for tours.

Lexington is also home of "Texas Monthly's" number one BBQ joint in Texas, Snows BBQ. It made the top spot in the magazine last summer and is open on the weekends.

Bastrop is a town south east of Austin. Their is a lake called lake bastrop. Over the last several years Bastrop has been slowly growing. With cheaper prices the Bastrop real estate market is becoming an alternative the sky high prices scene in Austin.

Giddings is just 18 miles south of Lexington, on highway 77 and is the county seat of Lee County. This little community's population is just under 6,000. The city has bed and breakfasts, hotels, antique shops. They also have the Lee County Junior Livestock and Rodeo each year at the fair grounds.

Dime Box is also located in Lee County, with a population of just 400. Dime Box received its name by a resident in 1877 when locals would use a wooden box to forward and receive mail. They would leave a dime in the box for payment.

This small town has a winding road through downtown, covered with trees. The community is so small, everything is within walking distance. Residents like to keep the German and Czech heritage alive with the Dime Box Heritage Museum.

There are not any hotels in the small town, but there are small towns nearby that have places to stay. Take time and visit a small town near Austin.


Ki loves to bike the Austin hill country. He has worked with Austin real estate for almost a decade. His website has a search of Austin MLS listings. Along with information about Bastrop real estate and Austin real estate.

It is hard to imagine Sixth Street as anything other than the bar-lined street which has attracted bar-hopping young people for decades. But Pecan Street, as it was originally named, got its start in the 1800s as the main thoroughfare into town for farmers and others going into the city for reasons of commerce. By the 1860s, it had its first saloon, along with livery stables and wagon yards.

The city was originally designed on a single square mile grid of 14 blocks, with Congress Avenue running through the middle. All the original north/south running streets were named for Texas rivers, like Brazos and Rio Grande. The east/west running streets were originally named after Texas trees (i.e. pecan), but were changed to numbers in 1884. Much of the original street design is still intact in downtown Austin.

It was the arrival of the railroad to Austin in 1871 that brought the heart of this booming town right to Sixth Street. Soon Victorian limestone buildings proliferated down the tree-lined street, most notably the Driskill Hotel. This luxurious hotel, complete with marble floors and stained-glass dome, was built in 1886.

The seven blocks between I-35 and Congress became known as Austin's entertainment district. The street was changed to a one-way and revitalized in the mid-1970s. Music was at the heart of this rebirth, largely thanks to artists like Wille Nelson who brought national attention to the Austin music scene.

"Today, Austin is known as much for its cultural life and high-tech innovations as it is for the senators and schoolteachers who shaped its beginnings. The same success that has gained the city a national reputation has brought with it many difficult choices, as the city expands on a scale that might shock the early residents of Waterloo," said Biruta Celmins Kearl, Curator Emerita of the Austin History Center.

There are bar-lined streets in cities all across America, but there is something unique about Sixth Street, something quintessentially Austin. Maybe it's the music that spills out into the street from nearly every doorway. Maybe it's the eclectic collection of businesses, like tattoo parlors, to entertainment like Esther's Follies. This combination of improv and satire has been enthralling audiences since 1977.

But it's not just the nightlife that attracts people to Sixth Street. Places like Paradise Bar and Grill have brought in lunch crowds for decades and Dan McKlusky's is a favorite dinner spot for steak lovers. The Pecan Street Festival, celebrating Austin arts and crafts, brings thousands to Sixth Street every year.

Other well-known events that bring thousands flocking to this famous stretch of street are Halloween and Austin Mardi Gras, for which the street is blocked off from traffic to allow revelers to roam freely. Perhaps the best known Sixth Street event is South by Southwest. SXSW is Austin's film and music extravaganza that takes place each March.

Even fire can't slow down this stalwart street full of history, music and fun. On February 6, four businesses were damaged by fire in the early morning hours. The damaged caused by a cigarette tossed under some stairs is estimated at more than $1 million. However, crews were quickly put to work repairing the fire and smoke damage and life on this iconic stretch of street will go on as it has for over 100 years.


Ki lives in Central Austin. His website has information on Austin Texas real estate. His website lets people search the Austin MLS it also has a blog with statistical information on Austin real estate.

Hidden in the midst of the hike and bike trails that lead through Zilker Park is an Austin jewel: the Austin Science and Nature Center. The nature center offers many educational and interesting features, including interactive displays, hands-on exhibits, science trails with recorded information at each stop, and a live wildlife collection.

The center also is home to the Discovery Labs, which include seven mini-labs that explore the study of mammalogy, ornithology, herpetology, and geology, and there are collections of butterflies, bats, and bones along with the labs and other displays. There is also an authentic Texas cave to explore, and eco-detective kits for children and young adults to study and make conclusions based on evidence they obtain while on the trails regarding the different sciences and ecologies in and around the center, reinforcing the participant's learning abilities and critical thought processes while having fun.

There is also a Small Wonders exhibit with different insects, reptiles, bugs, and other small creatures, and the live wildlife exhibit features over fifty different types of wild animal life native to the central Texas area, including a large collection of owls, hawks, eagles, a red fox, a wolf, an alligator, and many other species, some with their young.

In the summer, there are many different camps held at the center for kids with emphasis on marine life, biology, and other scientific disciplines, and a breakfast with the birds series for younger children too. Currently, there is an interactive exhibit called the Naturalist Workshop and Trade Counter where children and young adults can study, view, experiment and trade among themselves the different rocks, bones, shells, fossils, and other interesting flora and fauna that they find, including microscopes and reference materials for their use, and staff members to assist and monitor them while they study.

An interesting feature which was fairly recently added to the center is the dino-pit where a simulated dinosaur environment has been set up for study of fossils, and other pre-historic finds, such as ancient bones, fossilized leaves and the like. Another very educational facility at the complex is the Beverly Sheffield Education Center which is housed in the old bathhouse at Barton Springs Pool, named for one of the first lifeguards at Barton Springs who went on to become the first director of the Austin Parks and Wildlife Department years later. Mr. Sheffield remained active at the center even after retiring from the city position, and he was commemorated for his many years of service and outstanding contributions to the Science and Nature Center and the Zilker Park area as well.

One of the most educational and interactive exhibits at the center studies the Barton springs ecology system along with the Edwards Aquifer and its many distinctive features, and the exhibit is called the Splash into the Edwards Aquifer. This exhibit also includes the study of conservation and the interactive exhibits include real life phenomena, live specimens, and working models so youngsters can study ways to contribute to the environment that relates to their community and lives.

The Austin Science and Nature Center is located at 301 Nature Center Drive, and the center is open most days until shortly after sunset, so if you want to see some really creepy crawly things, and find out how they work, where they live, and many other interesting bits of nature-related information, be sure to visit the center soon!

Ki graduated from UT, and stayed in Austin to work. He has a buyer focused website on Austin Texas real estate. There is a searchable database of the Austin MLS. He also writes a blog focusing on Austin real estate with statistics and market commentary.

What makes a neighborhood walkable? Streets and roads that are accessible for everyone; and have wheelchair ramps, lots of benches with shade and sidewalks on all streets.

Walkable neighborhoods have well designed streets that everyone can use, including bicyclists, pedestrians of all ages and abilities, people getting on and off transit vehicles.

Another thing to look for in walkable neighborhoods are well connected streets that improve traffic and provide many routes to any destination.

Austin has many walkable neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are easy to get around in, and have many amenities that pedestrians can access very easily.

Downtown Austin is our number one walkable neighborhood. Downtown scored a 92 out of a possible 100. The neighborhood has grocery stores such as Whole Foods, several convenient stores. There are also many restaurants, coffee shops, entertainment and parks for citizens to enjoy.

University Of Texas and West University both came in at second, with a score of 87. The University Of Texas is walkable for the students who live on or near campus. Living here makes it easy for students and visitors to be car free and still be able to get around campus and surrounding areas easily.
West University is a neighborhood just west of UT. Students, professors and many others make their home in this small Heritage neighborhood. It is just a short walk to the university, and the streets are lined with trees. Most of the homes in this neighborhood date back to the 1910's and 1920's, making it a nice scenic walk.

North University came in with a score of 83. This neighborhood is in central Austin. Residents have many places to walk in this old neighborhood. One of the most famous places is Trudy's Restaurant, Spider House Cafe and JP's Java, along with the 37th street lighting spectacular during Christmas.

Old West Austin and Bouldin Creek also scored a walkable score of 83. Old West Austin neighborhood has lots of history and plenty of landmarks. The streets are lined with shade trees and the neighborhood has Bed and Breakfast's for visitors. Old West Austin was named one of the 10 best neighborhoods in Austin in 2007. This neighborhood is enjoyable, safe and desirable. Residents of this neighborhood participate in keeping this neighborhood strong and preserving its roots. Chain stores are basically nonexistent in Old West Austin; instead visitors can find specialty shops, restaurants and schools.

Bouldin Creek is a neighborhood that is filled with apartments, homes and mom and pop shops. Running through the heart of the neighborhood is South First Street; with a melting pot of businesses and restaurants.

Austin is full of neighborhoods with shade trees covering the streets and sidewalks, restaurants, bakeries and tattoo shops. That is what makes Austin, Austin!

Next time you are in one of these neighborhoods, find a place to park your car and take time to walk through the streets and look at the yards, trees, homes and businesses that make each neighborhood unique.


At no charge, buyers can search the Austin MLS on Ki's website. The site provides a lot of detail on Austin Texas real estate. Ki started working in real estate as a hobby, and eventually quit his advertising job in Austin, Texas, because real estate was more interesting and fulfilling. He keeps buyers updated on his blog on Austin real estate with statistics and market reports.

With spring break just a few weeks away, families are planning their vacations. Since the economy is not very stable, many families are planning their spring break close to home.

San Antonio is the number one vacation spot in Texas. The city has many things to do and see. The Alamo, river walk and Hemisfair Park are a few that are on the "must do" list.

The Alamo, it is Texas' most important historical land mark and brings around 2.5 million visitors each year. It was built in 1718 near the headwaters of San Pedro Creek and was moved twice, reaching its current location in 1724. Today, the Alamo is owned by the State of Texas and operated by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. It is open every day of the year, except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and admission is free.

Hemisfair Park was built to accommodate the 1968 World's Fair. The 15 acre park has many amenities, including cascading waterfalls, children's play grounds and one of San Antonio's most popular skyline, the 750 foot Tower of the Americas. Visitors can dine at the revolving restaurant or take a breath taking view of San Antonio from the observation deck on top of the tower.

The river walk is also a great destination for spring breakers. The river walk is located on the San Antonio River, which runs through downtown San Antonio. Visitors can ride on the river on boats or walk along the river on the walk ways on either side. The river walk is lined with restaurants, shops and historical buildings. Hotels also line the river walk and over look the San Antonio River.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas is a 200- acre theme and water park full of rides, shows and many attractions. Fiesta Texas is host to eight roller coasters and its very own water park, which is included with the parks admission price. There are also several hotels within the area of the park, all range in prices and there is something for everyone's budget!

Another popular destination in San Antonio is Sea World. Visitors can get up close and personal with sea creatures of all kind, and the park has coasters and water rides as well. The park is one of three of its kind in the United States, making it a popular destination for visitors in Texas.

Another popular destination for visitors in San Antonio is the Ripley's Believe it or Not and Plaza Wax Museum. It is located down town at Alamo Plaza and Crockett Street and has many unique displays of wax figures. The museum is open year round and a great place to visit when in the down town area.

The Buckhorn Museum & Saloon; the saloon is where Teddy Roosevelt recruited rough riders and Poncho Villa planned the Mexican revolution. The saloon has been around a long time, and still has much of the original furniture, including the back bar which is make from marble and cherry wood. A great destination for any history buff!


Ki is helping streamline the search for homes in the Austin MLS on his website. He provides a free search of available Austin real estate. His website is a resource for information and statistics on Austin real estate and Dripping Springs real estate.

Director Mike Judge, along with many of the cast members, descended on Austin this weekend for the 10th Anniversary showing of their cult-classic late nineties workplace comedy, "Office Space" Austin's own historic Paramount Theater played host to the movie mogul and his cast members including just about everyone except Ron Livingston and Jennifer Aniston. Fans lined up well in advance of the 8:00 p.m. curtain time, and the excitement was palpable.

For many, "Office Space" has become a classic the highly quotable script and oddball characters earned roars of laughter throughout the showing, as whole lines of the film were drowned out by the laughter and enthusiasm of the hundreds of fans in attendance.

John C. McGinley, perhaps best known for his long-running role as Dr. Cox on "Scrubs" was one of the many cast members in attendance. McGinley expressed amazement and appreciation for the warm reception of fans, admitting he hadn't seen the film in its entirety since the original screening he attended back when it debuted in 1999. Director Mike Judge quipped that the screaming masses in the Paramount Theater on Sunday night rivaled the film's entire opening weekend attendance.

For a film that was all but a box office failure, "Office Space" has garnered a devoted cult following in the decade since its release. A champion of the disenfranchised, disinterested world of young professionals, the relevance and occupational indifference at the heart of the film ring truer today than even a decade ago. One moviegoer asked Mike Judge, during the question and answer portion of the event, following the film, "What is your message for the young people just entering the job market?" Muffled laughter followed, as did a shouted response from somewhere in the audience: "Don't do it!"

Judge himself admitted he began his professional career in an environment similar to the one he created so humorously in the film's fictional software company, Initech. With a degree in physics, Judge found himself in a professional role most closely mirrored by that of the film's mumbling hero, Milton Waddams (interestingly enough, this character was also the focus of his first animated short). When asked how he transitioned from physics to the film industry, Judge shrugged and responded that he did some animations and sent them out, and the rest was history.

Coordinated in conjunction with Austin's own Fantastic Fest, the event was a huge success. While tickets were first made available only to Fantastic Fest and SXSW ticket holders, ticket sales were subsequently opened to the public, and sold out faster than you could say Swingline. Special VIP tickets were also available, which included entrance to an after party featuring movie themed appetizers like pizza shooters, shrimp poppers and extreme fajitas, complimentary pieces of flare, and even a red Swingline stapler an extra special addition, as the now-infamous red staplers were manufactured exclusively for the film, and never sold commercially. With SXSW fast approaching, more not-to-be-missed events are in the works at the Paramount and throughout Austin.


Ki developed a website to provide potential buyers with a searchable database of homes in the Austin MLS. The site includes comprehensive information on Austin real estate and commercial real estate in Austin.

South by Southwest; it is an Austin thing! It all started back in 1987 as "Austin Battle of the Bands, SXSW." Austin has been the home of this festival that showcases musicians, film makers and media from all over the country. SXSW is one of the largest music festivals in the United States. This festival is the highest revenue producing special event in Austin, pumping an estimated $110 million last year.

Beginning on March 13, 2009, Downtown Austin will be flooded with musicians and film makers from all over the world. There will be over eighty stages for performers to show their talents. It is estimated that there will be over 1,800 musical acts from all genres; most of the conferences will take place at the Austin Convention Center.

In 1994 South by Southwest added film and interactive conferences and since then has become one of the world's premier film festivals, focusing on new directing talent.

Although the convention center will be hosting most of the conference, there will be many venues within walking distance.

South by Southwest helps the Austin economy by bringing in such a large amount of revenue. Much of this revenue is from visitors booking hotel rooms, eating in Austin's restaurants and spending money on souvenirs and the convention itself.

For visitors who would rather not stay in hotels, Austin has several neighborhoods around the downtown area that have rental homes available for the SXSW festival.

Travis Heights is a historical neighborhood is tucked between Interstate 35 and South Congress Avenue and is one of the most sought out neighborhoods for professionals who work downtown. Most of the homes were built in the 1920's and many of these older homes have carriage houses and detached garages that have been turned into apartments. It is also ideal for renters who want easy access to the festival.

Hyde Park is a neighborhood that is located in central Austin. The neighborhood was developed in 1974. There approximately 2,000 homes in the neighborhood, which is within 38th Street, 51st Street, Guadeloupe, Duval, and Red River. This neighborhood has many amenities and is a historic neighborhood. Visitors to SXSW may be able to find families renting rooms or homes for the festival.

Austin has many neighborhoods within walking distance of downtown. Many homes are available for rent by the night or by the week. There are charming arts and crafts homes that were built in the mid 1920's that have been completely updated and are fully furnished with modern day style. Many of these homes are pet friendly too.

There are several restaurants within walking distance from these neighborhoods as well, making everything very accessible for the conference.

These neighborhoods are within walking distance from downtown. Whether you decide to take in the night life during SXSW or just decide to sit on the front porch and listen to all the music, Austin has something for everyone.

Visitors for this years South by Southwest conference can enjoy the downtown life, Austin style.


Ki created a website, which allows anyone looking for Austin real estate to search for free. They can investigate homes in the Austin MLS based on self-selected criteria. His office is located in Central Austin. His site provides updated statistics on Austin Texas real estate and Round Rock Texas real estate.

The Austin Friends of Traditional Music promise to erase our winter duldrums with this year's Mid-Winter Festival. The festival includes an impressive performance roster as well as workshops in Irish fiddle, Appalachian clogging, bluegrass vocal harmonies, jug band music, and more.

The festival kicks off with Mary Hattersly and the Blazing Bows, a children's fiddling group that applies the Suzuki method to playing Texas fiddle music. Next on the docket are the 1001 Nights Orchestra, a Middle Eastern group that plays songs ranging from Southwest Asia and the Caucuses in the East to the western shores of the Mediterranean, as well as original compositions. The group is led by Kamran Hooshmand, who brings the sounds of his native Iran with the oud, guitar, rabab, santour, and saz.

Rumbullion will be performing, a group that combines original and traditional instrumental music in a swinging, French jazz style. Jeff Moore and Heather Gilmer will be performing traditional Irish music, with their tunes ranging from jigs and reels to dance music from the Sliabh Luachra regions of Ireland.

Several bluegrass performers are included in the line-up. Brennan Leigh plays guitar and sings bluegrass, gospel, and Americana. The Electric Mountain Rotten Apple Gang bill themselves as a Texas thrash grass combo, inspired by the traditional sounds of bluegrass and mountain string bands, delivering a high energy stage act. Ranch Road 12, formed in April of last year and featuring Alan Munde on the banjo, Janice Rogers on the bass and Elliott Rogers on guitar, will play hill country bluegrass.

Rattletree Marimba play Zimbabwean style marimba, a high energy dance and trance music that they guarantee will get you on your feet. And the Big Jug band will finish the night with their eclectic American jugband music.

Food service will be available, and includes offerings for both the vegetarians and the carnivores among us, as well as drinks. Proceeds from food sales support the Austin Friends of Traditional Music (AFTM).

The festival takes places on Sunday, February 15th at the Dougherty Arts Center on Barton Springs Road, with performance and workshops running from noon to 9:30. Admission to the winter fest is $15 for regular admission, $12 for members of AFTM. Discounts exist for seniors and students. Children over 12 pay $5 and children under 12 are free. Admission not only gives you access to the great performances, but gives you entry to the wide range of workshops on offer. If the economic downturn has you pinching pennies, you can be admitted for free by volunteering to help with the festival, including setting up the auction, helping empty garbage, working as a stage hand or working in food service.

The seed for AFTM was planted in the autumn of 1974, when a group of musicians came together in an Austin living room to plan a convention for traditional music pickers and singers. By November, they held their first event, which was a huge success. Currently, AFTM presents two yearly music festivals, with an emphasis on central Texas music community and featuring both local and not-so-local talent. Check their website for more information about pre-registration or about signing up as a volunteer with the Mid-Winter Fest.



Ki serves the Austin area with his website. Interested parties can search for Austin Texas real estate. His site has a free mortgage calculator and statistics and information on Austin real estate.

Just 45 minutes from Austin, nestled in the heart of Texas, is the Horseshoe Bay Resort. The resort is a "members only" resort, but guests of Horseshoe Bay Marriott and The Waters at Horseshoe Bay receive a temporary membership allowing visitors access to all the wonderful amenities during their stay.

Horseshoe Bay is conveniently located in the center of the Texas Golden Triangle, where two-thirds of the states wealthiest people reside. The resort is on Lake LBJ, in the middle of the Texas hill country.

There are two hotels at the resort, The Marriott, which boasts 350 rooms, including 117 suites and villas which have beautiful views of the lake. The Marriott has many wonderful amenities and has something for everyone.

Another luxurious place to stay at Horseshoe Bay is The Waters at Horseshoe Bay. These luxurious condominiums have one, two or three bedroom floor plans available. The Waters at Horseshoe Bay has made sure that its visitors have everything they need; including two flat screen high-definition televisions, Apple I-pod docking stations and to top it off, fully furnished balcony and a gourmet kitchen, nothing is left out.

There are so many things to do at Horseshoe Bay. From the four swimming pools, twelve adult tennis courts; and even three USTA-sponsored kids' tennis courts, to the seven dining facilities, there is something for everyone.

If golfing is your game, Horseshoe Bay has that covered! It was named "One of America's Best Golf Resorts," by Golf Magazine. This resort has three championship Robert Trent Jones, Sr. golf courses, and to top it off, all three have been featured in "50 Best Courses in Texas." The resort even has an 18 hole miniature course, it is designed like a regulation course, but scaled down, and is complete with water hazards and bunkers.

For visitors who have kids, Horseshoe Resort has something just for them. There is a kids' facility that is called "Kids Club." Parents can enroll the kiddos in this program, complete with counselors and an action packed fun filled journey, which is sure to satisfy every kid who said they were "bored!"

Horseshoe Bay has many restaurants, grills and bars to keep its guests happy and content. From casual dinning for visitors who like hamburgers, Slick Rock Bar & Grill is the place to be. If visitors get hungry while playing a round of golf, they can stop in at the Cap Rock Grill & Bar. Its location is on the 18th hole Apple Rock Golf Course, making it easily accessible for hungry golfers.

Whether it is burgers or fine cuisine, Horseshoe Bay has everything you can imagine, all set in beautiful scenery.

Horseshoe Bay even has its own airport, for those visitors who just want to pop in for a round or two of golf. The next time you are looking for the perfect vacation, whether it is for the entire family, or just a quiet romantic weekend getaway, come discover Horseshoe Bay Resort.


Homes are searchable on Ki's website. He furnishes a free search on available homes in the Austin MLS. His site has information on Austin real estate and Horseshoe Bay real estate

Two lovely neighborhoods can be found in Austin just north of 35th Street and west of MoPac Blvd., called jointly the Highland Park-West Balcones neighborhood, as they are usually considered to be one residential area now. The other two boundaries are Mount Bonnell Road and R.R. 2222, with Bull Creek Road providing the boundary between 45th St. and Hancock Road. The neighborhood is home to about 1,750 residences, and the MoPac Expressway runs through about two miles of the eastern portion of the neighborhood.

This neighborhood, which is really a combined neighborhood made up of the residences of both Highland Park and West Balcones, boasts three well known attractions, all of which are located in the neighborhood: Bright Leaf State Natural Area, Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve, and Mount Bonnell, all of which are interesting from a historical as well as recreational standpoint.

The Bright Leaf State Natural Area is a scenic 217 acre park that was donated to the City of Austin in 1995 by Georgia Lucas, although the area was donated with the stipulation that the park remain minimally developed, as it has. Lucas' former residence can be found among the many trails, and is called the Lucas Conference Center. Two main entranced to the park exist, one on R.R. 2222 and Creek Mountain Rd., but the entrance is usually gated, as the park is officially a no-access park. The other entrance is located at Crestway and Monte Vista, and that entrance leads to the conference center.

On the second Saturday and Sunday of each month, guided tours can be arranged at Bright Leaf, and many of the trails lead to neighboring residential areas, but most are gated and all will be gated in the future.
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve is located at 3505 West 35th Street, next to Laguna Gloria Art Museum, and the park contains 35 acres of landscaped grounds, with the Mayfield-Gutsch House and Gardens at its center. The Nature Center is named for Allison Mayfield, who purchased the property in 1901, and was Texas Secretary of State from 1894-1896. The park is open to the public, and peacocks roam the grounds among picnic trees, lily ponds, streams, and trails.

Mount Bonnell, in Covert Park, is a 780 feet observation point located near Mount Bonnell Road and Balcones Drive, and from Mount Bonnell visitors can get breathtaking views of Cat Mountain, Lake Austin, and the Loop 360 Bridge. Admission the Mount Bonnell is free, but there is a curfew between the hours of 9:00pm and 4:00am.

Another attraction in the Highland Park West Balcones Area is Westfield Drive, which was Austin's first Parade of Homes in September of 1953, and the street has many lovely and historic homes. The Frisco Shop, one of the oldest restaurants in Austin, which finally recently closed its doors, opened the same year as the parade of homes near the border of the Highland Park Neighborhood on nearby Burnet Road.

The only Austin Parks and Recreation Dept. official park in the neighborhood is Perry Playground Park, which is next to Highland Park Elementary School, and behind the park is the old quarry. This park contains various playground equipment, a baseball field, a soccer field, basketball hoops, a nature area and numerous trails, and picnic tables, and the park includes a geological area with a pavilion since the park was originally a rock quarry. The park also includes the Perry Park Learning Center, a facility built in 1988 by the local eagle scouts. At one time, the quarry was a working rock quarry called Sneed's Quarry, and remnants of the quarry can be found in and around the park.

Today, this area is very accessible to downtown and large metropolitan freeways, and is replete with shops, restaurants, and places to live, so be sure to visit this area when in Austin!


Ki developed a website to serve Austin real estate investors. He lives in Central Austin. His site lets people search the Austin MLS it also has statistics on the Austin neighborhood Highland Park West.

Bastrop is a wonderful "little" city to live in. Nestled in the middle of the "Lost Pines" it makes a beautiful place to live and it is convenient to Austin- Bergstrom Airport, Austin and is growing by leaps and bounds! Since 2000, the population has jumped by more than 42% and the cost of living in Bastrop is nearly 22% lower than the rest of the country; no wonder people are flocking to Bastrop.

Since Bastrop is growing so quickly, so is the economy. Jobs have increased by nearly 3.0% and if you have noticed, there are new shopping centers and business's popping up virtually on every corner! One of those businesses is "Burleson Crossing." It is a shopping center that will span about 900,000 square feet and will include businesses such as Lowe's, Best Buy, Kohl's, Petco and IBC Bank.

Bastrop is also called the "Most historic small town in Texas." Bastrop is nestled by the Colorado River; the historic district down town has many shops and restaurants and the near by neighborhoods contain more than 130 historical sites.

Some of the more popular sites in Bastrop include The Bastrop Opera House; which was built in 1889. It is still in business and hosts a number of productions which include children's theatre, arts and crafts. If you are interested in seeing a production at the Bastrop Opera House, or for more information on what productions are scheduled, you can contact them at 512-303-6283.

Another popular site is the Bastrop County Historical Society Museum. It is located at 702 Main Street in down town Bastrop. The house was built in around 1850 and the museum was established in 1952. Inside visitors can see documents and artifacts relating to the history of the Little Colony of Stephen F. Austin, furniture and artifacts dating back to the 1800's, saddles and such. It is a very interesting tour and worth the visit. For more information on museum, you can contact them at 512-303-0057.

Along with the popular historical district, Bastrop also has two state parks near by. Bastrop State Park, which is located at 3005 Highway 21 and Buescher State Park, which is located near Bastrop in Smithville. Both parks offer fishing, camping, swimming and many other activities for the entire family to do.

Bastrop offers plenty of space for new families. The neighborhoods and newly developed communities offer residents many different choices in finding that perfect place to live; by buying an already built home or purchasing land to build your dream home on. Many of the sites offer residents up to an acre to build on, giving families plenty of room to expand.

Purchasing acreage to build on is an option in Bastrop as well. There are many outlying communities near Bastrop with open space available; some without homes and many with homes already built. The choice is unlimited.

Bastrop is a wonderful community and is growing. It has the small town atmosphere and big city amenities. Next time you're heading out that way, stop and visit, who knows, you may find your dream home!


Ki enjoys sharing his passion for Austin real estate with future homebuyers. One way he distributes information is through his website, which offers a free search of the Austin MLS. His site also has a search and statistics on the Bastrop real estate market.