Erin Ashby – Crystal Horton

Austin’s Don’t Miss Events in June

School is almost out and the first official month of summer is just around the corner! June is full of events Austinites wait for year round. Whether you want to dive in to the best swimming holes in Texas or you’re looking for some fun to kick off the summer season, Austin is the place to be!

6/3/17

Bubblepalooza!

The Long Center

One of Austin’s most favored family fun events is returning for its sixth year! The free annual celebration of open play is fun for everyone with live music, trailer food, and of course TONS of bubbles!

6/8/17 – 6/11/17

Republic of Texas Biker Rally

Travis County Exposition Center and Sixth Street

Bikers from all over will land in downtown Austin for the biggest motorcycle gathering in Texas for rides, parades, and music.

6/17/17

Central Texas Juneteenth 2K Parade & Celebration

MLK Blvd. and Rosewood Park

Also known as “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day,” Austin celebrates Juneteenth with a 2K walk/run, parade floats, entertainment, and a celebration at Rosewood Park.

6/18/17

FATHER’S DAY!

6/24/17

Keep Austin Weird Fest & 5K

Downtown Austin

Austin’s decade-old extravaganza calls on the wackiest of Austinites to dress-up and run, skip, or dance through the streets of downtown Austin to run what is known as the slowest 5K ever. It’s all about fun and entertainment at this “race.”

6/22/17 – 6/25/17

Luling Watermelon Thump

Downtown Luling, Texas

Each year thousands enjoy this timeless Texas tradition. Bring the whole family to enjoy the carnival with kiddie rides, a beer garden, over 15 food booths, arts and crafts competitions, children’s entertainment, live music, a seed spitting contest, classic car show, and much more!

Austin venues and events to make Mother’s Day special!

It’s that time of year to show the moms in our lives how much we care — the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, mentors and friends who love us with a mom’s heart.

Make Some Memories

Punch Bowl Social will have complimentary mimosas, an over-the-top buffet, karaoke rooms, games and fun for the whole family. Kids under the age of 5 are free, but call first to make reservations.

Enjoy the day outdoors at Umlauf Sculpture Gardens for their Family Day on Mother’s Day with a Kimono Fashion Show, family yoga and live music. This event is free and open to the public.

Try something a little different and take a ride on the Austin’s steam train with a surprise for all the moms on board and a layover at HOPE farmer’s market to enjoy live music with lunch.

Does your mom love the arts? Ballet Austin will present Alice in Wonderland at the Long Center all weekend May 12-14.

Chez Zee is celebrating all weekend long with face painters, magicians, balloon artists and live music.

Mother’s Day Brunch

The Driskill

Ruth’s Chris

Flemings Steakhouse

Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa

Stubb’s

Brunch at Eddie V’s

There are so many restaurants in Austin with Mother’s Day specials and brunch buffets. You can make reservations for many local restaurants at sites like opentable.com.

Homebuyers need a real estate agent more than ever

Expert Guidance is Key

The country as a whole has been experiencing a shortage of inventory in the real estate industry.

In February, there were 1.5 months of inventory available in the city of Austin. That’s 5 months shy of a balanced market.

If you’re looking to buy or sell a home in central Austin, you may need to be prepared for multiple offers within days of it being listed. In such a tight market, you need the advantage of a capable REALTOR® on your side.

Negotiating Power

Realtors can help save money, or make more money on the sale of a home, with expert negotiating skills.

Multiple Offers

Buyers need a professional who knows the tricks of the trade in a seller’s market. On the other hand, home sellers can trust they have the necessary help to manage multiple offers on the table.

Fast, Reliable Knowledge

In a market this fast, you want a professional with an inside line—someone who knows where to find the latest and greatest listings, and has the networking power to get you in front of the right house, or get your home sold for the right price.

Spring Cleaning for Austin Homeowners and Sellers

Refresh and Revive

Spring-cleaning is that time of year we’re reminded of all the maintenance that’s gone unfinished like that loose hinge or broken windowpane…and have the baseboards always been that color? It’s time to repaint.

And while the temperatures are still below 100-degrees, it can be a peak time for house hunters with sunny, longer days ahead.

Clean it up outside

Landscaping can be a low cost upgrade with high returns. Trim the trees and add some greenery or a few pretty planters. See the rules and requirements for Yard Trimming Collection through the City of Austin here.

Fix it up inside

If you find something around the house that needs repair like a loose hinge or squeaky door — fix it! Does it need to be replaced? Toss it!

Do you need help and don’t know where to find it? Check out Austin’s First Workers program to find contractors and day laborers skilled in a variety of trades.

If you or someone you know is preparing to sell this summer, I would love to share some tips on how to get the most for their home with minimal days on the market.

What’s Happening in Austin this April

SXSW is officially over but that doesn’t mean Austin has any plans to slow down. With some of the most popular events during the prettiest month of year, April is a great time to be an Austinite. Here are a few events you won’t want to miss.

Art City Austin Festival | 3/31 – 4/2 | Palmer Event Center

Nearly 200 national artists, top local restaurants, two music stages and hands-on art activities make this one of the city’s favorite festivals.

Austin Reggae Fest | 4/14 – 4/16 | Auditorium Shoes

The Reggae Fest features three days of reggae with more than 50 vendors selling food, arts and crafts. The festival doubles as a fundraiser and is a great way to support the Capital Area Food Bank.

MOTOGP Grand Prix of The Americas

4/21 – 4/23 | Circuit of The Americas

The MotoGP is the pinnacle of motorcycle World Championships and has joined the roster of racing events during the three-day series of events at the Circuit of The Americas.

Capitol 10K | 4/23 | Congress Ave.

This is the largest 10K race in Texas and draws nearly 18,000 runners, also making it the seventh largest race in the nation.

Eeyore’s Annual Birthday Party | 4/29 | Pease Park

A true Austin tradition, the celebration of Eeyore’s birthday serves as a fundraiser to benefit many local non-profits. Live music, local beer, food, acrobats and costume contests surround the 54th annual gathering that brings eclectic locals and families far and wide.

Do you know how Eeyore’s Birthday Party started?

Gardening Trends in 2017 for Urban or Country Living

Mesquite trees have started to bloom, and according to farmer folklore that means spring has officially begun. It’s the perfect time to take advantage of the warming weather and make plans for this year’s garden. Whether you live in a rural area or in the middle of town, there are plenty of ways to put that green thumb to work.

Community Gardens

Community gardens are experiencing a rise in popularity and gaining momentum in the Austin area. Take a look at all of the community gardens in Austin or read about how you can help start a garden on city land in your neighborhood.

Above Ground Gardening

If traditional gardening isn’t your idea of a good time, but you still love the idea of growing your own vegetables and herbs, urban gardening ideas like a Garden Tower or Growroom may be just for you.

Xeriscape and Native Plants

Landscape design can dramatically increase the curb appeal of your home. Recent trends show a return to indigenous plants and xeriscaping that requires less maintenance. Learn which plants are native to the area and help preserve water resources with this guide to Native and Adapted Landscape Plants for Central Texas.

How to attend or avoid SXSW in Austin

From March 10 to March 19, Austin will be inundated to host the internationally acclaimed SXSW Festival. The interactive, film, and music facets of the festival bring upwards of $317 Million to the Austin Economy, and along with it, tens-of-thousands of people to our quaint little town.

With all of the chaos centered downtown, the effects of the festival can be felt throughout the city, from restaurants, to customer service times, and yes, you guessed it – traffic.

Know where to park with this handy app.

Know what routes to take and which streets are closed.

Fasten is the official rideshare service for SXSW.

Go for free

You don’t have to pay premium prices for a wristband to see great bands. There are a variety of unofficial events scheduled and free shows to attend. The Austin Chronicle is a great source for staying up-to-date on the best venues and bands playing in the Austin area.

Get away from it all

Take a trip to Padre Island for a rejuvenating beach vacation.

Go camping at Krause Springs and explore the natural springs.

Head down to San Antonio and take a stroll along the Riverwalk.

Valentine’s Day ideas Austin locals love

Don’t Forget the Chocolate

Time is running out! It’s that one day you can’t forget.

That’s right, it’s almost Valentine’s Day.

If you’re scrambling to think of ideas for plans you were told you don’t need to make, look no further.

Liven things up a little this year with a trip to one of Austin’s escape rooms where you and your spouse have to work together to crack the clues to the code.

Rent a boat for a relaxing evening watching the sunset on Lady Bird Lake.

Tour Austin’s street art for the perfect photo ops at the Baylor Street Art Wall, in front of “You’re My Butter Half” or Austin’s iconic “I Love You So Much” mural.

Take in a movie at Austin’s drive-in theater, the Blue Starlite Urban Drive-in, and see The Princess Bride, Casablanca or Bride of Frankenstein.

Go all out for a romantic staycation at one of Austin’s esteemed hotels and ask about any special Valentine’s Day Packages.

And last but not least, don’t forget the chocolate covered strawberries.