Austin Celebrating Labor Day With List of Activities
It's hard to believe Labor Day is just around the corner; in the capital city, you'll find a whole list of activities this weekend:
Sept. 1-2: Austin Bat Fest This event on Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge honors Austin's famous Congress Avenue bats, the country's largest urban bat colony, with music, food, and fun.
Sept. 1: UT Longhorn Football. The season kicks off with this game between UT and Arkansas State at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
Sept. 1: Bruce Robison. The Broken Spoke dancehall shakes to the sound of singer/songwriter Bruce Robison.
Sept. 1: The new "Bills, Bills, Bills: Lyndon Johnson as Senate Majority Leader" will open at the LBJ Library and Museum.
Labels: Austin, Festivals
posted by Paris & John @ 1:27 PM
Texas Celebrity Travel, August 2007
As those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer draw to an end, find out which stars sizzled in the Lone State state during the past scorching season.
AthensCongratulations to Dallas Stars hockey player Mike Modano and singer Willa Ford, who chose the end of summer to begin their new life together as husband and wife. The twosome tied the knot on August 25, 2007 at a ranch in Athens, a small East Texas town that has been dubbed the "Original Home of the Hamburger." Located 75 miles from the Dallas/Fort Worth area, the quiet community is home to the Athens Scuba Park, the East Texas Arboretum and the Henderson County Fairgrounds.
GrapevineA true Tinseltown giant was spotted in Grapevine recently, as John Travolta walked through the indigo blue-painted front doors of Uncle Julio's restaurant. According to the Dallas Morning News, the perennial superstar, in the area this past August to attend Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport's training center, sampled the south of the border-style fare before returning to his suite at the Four Seasons in Las Colinas.
DallasA phalanx of famous faces checked into the Hotel ZaZa this summer. According to the Dallas Morning News, Grammy Award winner John Mayer was "Waiting on The World to Change" from the comfort of the boutique retreat's Dragonfly restaurant during his stay in June..... During his July jaunt to the Big D, crooner Robin Thicke unpacked his luggage in the 700-square ft. West Indies Suite..... The warm glow of candlelight welcomed back rocker Pat Benatar as the "Love Is A Battlefield" singer walked through the lobby after her July gig at the House of Blues..... It's hotter than hell in the Lone Star state during the month of August, so Ozzy Osbourne, rock's perennial prince of darkness, beat the heat after his performance at Smirnoff Music Centre in his suite.....Just like the title of his band's latest hit, Nickelback's lead singer Chad Kroeger was treated like a "Rockstar" during his stay in the Notorious suite, one of the hotel's 16 concept accommodations.
KISS bassist Gene Simmons may still want to rock and roll all night, but nowadays the star of A&E's "Family Jewels" tends to business every day. The Dallas Morning News reported that the god of glam rock dined with business associates recently at the Promenade, one of the palate-pleasing restaurants at The Mansion on Turtle Creek, a AAA Five-Diamond merited elite retreat.
Austin"Lord ofthe Rings" star Elijah Wood, who struck up a friendship with Ain't It Cool News webmaster Harry Knowles while filming the Austin-lensed Robert Rodriguez-directed sci-fi flick "The Faculty" back in 1998, returned to the Live Music Capital of the World in July 2007 to witness the wedding of the red-headed movie critic at one of the capital city's most elegant eateries, Green Pastures restaurant. The Victorian-era mansion, situated amid a live oak-covered oasis, is noted both for its fine French fare and for the peacocks which promenade among the estate's grounds.
HempsteadLiendo Plantation, the former sanctuary of renowned sculptor Elizabet Ney, welcomed artists from the silver and small screens this summer as "Titanic" star Billy Zane and Eric Braeden, better known to fans of daytime drama as Victor Newman on the long-running soap "The Young and The Restless," filmed scenes for the upcoming period drama, "The Man Who Came Back," on the venue's grounds. Tourists traveling to the small Texas community can take a trip back in time as the plantation opens its doors for tours on the first Saturday on each month.
San AntonioLone Star soap opera fans had the chance to get up close and personal with some of the actors that steam up the small screen each weekday afternoon as the multi-city promotional tour "I Wanna Be A Soap Star Live!" rolled into the Alamo City on August 5, 2007. Antonio Vega, better known as Kamar de los Reyes to viewers of "One Life To Live," and Brandon Beemer from "Days of Our lives" signed autographs and read scenes with audience members during their four-hour stay at Sunset Pier.
--by Grace Sydney
Labels: Texas celebrity travel
posted by Paris & John @ 1:31 PM
Reader Question: Fredericksburg for Non-Shoppers?
Dear TexasTripper:
I am planning a weekend in Fredericksburg for my husband and myself; I'm really looking forward to shopping at least part of the time. My husband's OK about doing some things on his own while I'm shopping (he's definitely not going to shop!) and I wondered if you had some suggestions? Many thanks, June D., La GrangeDear June,
Thanks for your email. We think you'll both find plenty (actually more than enough) to keep you busy during your Fredericksburg stay. While you're shopping, here are some suggestions for your husband, depending on his interests and the weather:
•
golfing at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Course (it's just minutes from town)
•
visiting local wineries. There are now numerous wineries that offer tastings and and tours. There's also a downtown brewery plus plenty of local biergartens.
•
fly fishing. The
Fredericksburg CVB can hook him up with a local outfitter for an afternoon of casting.
• visiting the
National Museum of the Pacific War. This newly-renovated museum will keep even casual visitors busy for several hours; the museum includes both indoor and outdoor exhibits.
•
Climbing Enchated Rock. Located northwest of town, the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is the second largest stone formation outside Georgia's Stone Mountain.
Happy travels!
Labels: Hill Country
posted by Paris & John @ 12:00 PM
Texas Parks & Wildlife Expo Set for October
Outdoor lovers can't miss the Texas Parks and Wildlife Expo, the country's largest free, family-oriented festival of the outdoors. This year's event is scheduled for October 6-7 at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department headquarters in Austin. Now in its 16th year, this event draws over 35,000 visitors.
“Texas Parks and Wildlife Expo is like the world’s fair for the great outdoors,” said Ernie Gammage with TPWD’s Urban Outdoors Program. “If you’ve never tried these activities, it’s a great chance to see and do it all in a safe setting with expert guidance. In everything, you’ll find a message of stewardship, the idea that we all have role to play in the conservation of the natural world.”
Activities: One new offering this year is the Personal Watercraft Simulator, an interactive and educational device which employs technology similar to arcade video games. Visitors will strap on a life jacket, climb on, rev 'er up and head out on the water, threading obstacles as they zip along the coastline. It’s fun and challenging, and participants will learn a thing or two about boating rules and water safety.
Country rock music star Kevin Fowler comes to Expo for the first time this year, signing autographed posters in the popular Wet Zone kayaking area on Sunday. Kevin is the new celebrity spokesperson for the Nobody’s Waterproof™ boating safety initiative.
Experienced boaters and anglers can take part in the Anglers’ Legacy program at the Expo for the first time this year. Launched in 2006 by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), this program encourages avid anglers to share their passion by visiting
AnglersLegacy.org. There participants are asked to "Take the Pledge" and promise to take one new person fishing each year. In its first year, the program garnered nearly 10,000 pledges.
Another new activity at the Expo is geocaching. After a brief orientation, participants will be loaned Global Positioning Systems (GPS) units and will head out on the grounds to find cached items. This increasingly popular activity comes to Expo courtesy of Central Texas Geocachers.
For Spanish-speaking visitors, a new series of Outdoors 101 brochures translated into Spanish will be available at the International Pavilion, ones covering topics such as how to get started in freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, camping and hunting.
Longtime favorite activities such as the Birds of Prey Show will draw crowds noon and 3 p.m. daily in the Birds of Prey Arena. SeaWorld’s Chris Bellows will also bring the popular “Amazing Animals” show to the Main Tent twice a day, with shows at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Kids' Activities: For kids, the Casting Kids activity in the Fishing and Aquatic area invites young people ages 7-to-14 to test their flipping, pitching and casting skills, learn about fishing, conservation and protection of the great outdoors and win prizes. Participants will also have a chance at competing for a quarter of a million dollars in scholarships and prizes to be given away nationwide.
Price: All events on Saturday and Sunday are free, as are water and air-conditioned shuttle bus service and parking. Although food may be brought in, coolers are discouraged because of the long walk to the grounds. Special shuttles on site will serve people with disabilities. Sorry, no pets allowed.
Parking and Shuttle: There is limited free parking near the grounds, but the best way to get to the Expo is to catch a free shuttle bus at Highland Mall (Macy’s side) near I-35 and Highway 290. If rain shuts down on-site parking, all visitors must catch shuttle buses, which run from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
For more information:• visit
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/expo/• call (800) 792-1112
Labels: Austin, Festivals
posted by Paris & John @ 8:14 PM
The Stoneleigh to Open in Dallas in Late Fall
Dallas has many excellent hotel from which to choose and starting this fall, there will be one more: The Stoneleigh Hotel and Spa Dallas. This is presently one of the largest historical renovations underway in Texas, a project designed to bring the property back to its 1930s-era art deco splendor.
About the Building: First opened in October 1923, The Stoneleigh is listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's "Historic Hotels of America." Today $30 million worth of restoration is being undertaken in consultation with The Texas Historical Society and the National Register of Historic Places. First built for $1.5 million, The Stoneleigh was once the tallest hotel west of the Mississippi, hosting stars from Judy Garland to Tom Cruise as well as noted playwrights.
The Stoneleigh's revival is taking place under the talented eye of hotelier Jeff Trigger, whose talent has transformed such notable hotels as downtown Austin's The Driskill Hotel and Dallas‚ The Mansion on Turtle Creek and The Adolphus Hotel.
The RenovationThe renovation includes extensive exterior work as well as the construction of an adjacent lavish 21-floor luxury high rise with one-, two- and three-bedroom custom homes and penthouse suites surrounded by elegantly landscaped gardens, a courtyard and pool.
Many of the hotel's original materials are being retained with the goal of staying true to the hotel's original facade and interiors (including renowned designer Dorothy Draper's art deco touches; Draper was recruited from New York City in the 1930s and helped turn the hotel into a coveted showplace.)
As a nod to the 30s, two Historic Suites are being recreated and brought to modern standards including kitchenettes with leaded glass, restored porcelain fixtures and furnished with period electric lights, fans, and telephones. Tribute Suites are also being created to memorialize some of the celebrities and luminaries who stayed there.
The legendary Stoneleigh bar, known as the watering hole for some of Dallas's most influential people, is being expanded and repositioned along the Maple Avenue side of the hotel lobby. The bar will offer guests the choice of a relaxed indoor atmosphere or an outdoor terrace experience.
The hotel's new signature restaurant will feature the cuisine of Chef David Bull, an Iron Chef Challenger and 2007 James Beard nominee for "Best Chef in the Southwest."
Also to be unveiled in the fall will be plans for the lavishly revamped Stoneleigh Spa, a 5,200-square-foot sanctuary offering private and couple's treatment rooms, wet treatment rooms, salon, and a fully equipped fitness center.
Labels: Dallas
posted by Paris & John @ 3:26 PM
San Antonio Adding Hotel Indigo
San Antonio is home to so many great hotels it's tough to choose...and soon the choice will get that much harder! Hotel Indigo, the first branded boutique hotel by InterContinental Hotels Group, will open in April 2008.
Located in the historic Gibbs Building (at the corner of Houston and Alamo Streets) that dates back to 1909, this 91-room hotel will transform into a sleek and trendy hotel offering top of the line amenities. Being careful to maintain the historic feel, the restoration of hardwood and marble floors, walls and accents will bring a unique feel and experience to guests seeking affordable luxury.
Unlike traditional hotels, various elements of the hotel's décor such as rugs, murals, duvet covers will be changed out periodically to create a sense of renewal offering guests a fresh new experience seasonally.
Hotel Indigo will feature a gourmet menu and offer a lively atmosphere in its Phi Restaurant and Lounge.
Labels: San Antonio
posted by Paris & John @ 8:26 PM
New Photo Gallery of 30th Annual Taylor International Barbecue Cook-Off
This weekend we served as judges for the 30th Annual Taylor International Barbecue Cook-Off, judging in the beef category. We've just posted a new seven-page
photo gallery covering the event.
Labels: Festivals
posted by Paris & John @ 12:56 PM
Houston Zoo Expanding exhibit
If you love elephants, you'll love the changes that will be taking place at the Houston Zoo with the expansion of its McNair Asian Elephant Habitat. Presently a half-acre exhibit, the elephants will have plenty of elbow room in the new three-acre facility, making this one of the premier elephant conservation centers in the country.
The elephant area will expand with three large yards, the addition of a second pool, and a new barn that offers guests a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of our elephants. The new yards will be able to accommodate additional elephants, creating a true breeding herd. Two of the three yards will accommodate bull elephants.
The expansion will be built in two phases. Phase One, a $5 million project, includes an improved viewing area, a new 9,000-square-foot elephant barn and additional outdoor holding areas. Completion of the first phase is expected in spring of 2008.
The $3 million Phase Two consists of renovating the existing barns and adding much larger exhibit space – nearly an acre and a half – for future family groups in a bull yard and a female/family group yard. Completion of this second phase of the expansion is expected in 2009-2010.
Labels: Houston
posted by Paris & John @ 8:20 AM
Tropical Storm Erin Comes Ashore
This morning Tropical Storm Erin came ashore just north of Corpus Christi. Although the winds were fairly minimal as far as tropical storms go, the rain associated with the storm will play a big part in Texas weather this week. Be sure to check weather forecasts before heading out for travel anywhere from Houston to Austin through the Hill Country and even as far west as Del Rio as the bands of rain continue to work their way across the state.
posted by Paris & John @ 4:06 PM
TexasTripper Editors Judging Taylor International Barbecue Cookoff
It's almost the third weekend in August again and that means it's time for the Taylor International Barbecue Cookoff! This year, we'll be judging several barbecue categories in the competition so keep an eye out for us at the event on Saturday, August 18 and come by and say hi if you see us!
The cookoff takes place in Murphy Park; gates open at 9am with judging at noon. Along with the 'que, there will also be pony rides, a petting zoo, arts and crafts, and more.
For more information:• visit
http://www.taylorjaycees.org/cookoff/Labels: Barbecue, TexasTripper News
posted by Paris & John @ 2:27 PM
Movie Filming at Enchanted Springs Ranch
We've just received word that Enchanted Springs Ranch, located outside Boerne, will be the setting for a movie production titled "Palo Pinto Gold." Written by Anthony Henslee, production of the movie will begin in the fall and wrap up in early February. They're inviting anyone with period clothing who would like to be considered for a part as an extra to email becky@enchantedspringsranch.com.
Labels: Hill Country
posted by Paris & John @ 4:56 PM
San Antonio Named Top Art, Family City
August must be the month for surveys! The results are out in two new surveys which show San Antonio named as one of the country's top 10 family destinations (not surprising with its theme parks, walkable River Walk, and great weather). A survey of the readers of American Style magazine is also naming San Antonio one of the top 25 cities in the country for arts, ranking 17th among the top communities.
Labels: San Antonio
posted by Paris & John @ 2:51 PM
Austin Reports Rise in Tourism
If you've visited Austin recently, it's no surprise that the capital city is more popular than ever. The Austin CVB has released the results of a tourism analysis that shows the number of travelers who visit Austin for business or pleasure was up to 19 million in 2006, a 12% increase since 2003 when the last tourism study was conducted.
And although the city draws a lot of business (and government) travelers, the study found that leisure travelers account for 55% of the market.
Labels: Austin
posted by Paris & John @ 2:43 PM
Mineola Plans Quilt Celebration, Seeks Participants
Every October, the Mineola League of the Arts presents its annual Quilt Celebration, providing an opportunity for artists to display their work and to encourage growth and development of the arts. All quilt artists in the East Texas area are invited to participate.
A reception and award ceremony for participants, guests, and members will be held on Thursday evening. Exhibition of the quilts will be on Friday and Saturday, October 12-13, from 10:00am-5:00pm.
Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors, and $1 for students. This event is supported by Texas Commission on the Arts.
For More Information:• Quilt Celebration 2007
Mineola League of the Arts
200 W. Blair St.
Mineola, TX 75773
• call 903-569-8877
• visit www.mlota.org
Labels: East TX Piney Woods, Festivals
posted by Paris & John @ 2:26 PM
Georgetown Celebrates Courthouse Renovation with Tours, Play
Georgetown, the county seat of Williamson County just north of Austin, is celebrating the grand re-dedication of the Williamson County Courthouse. The building, which has been renovated to its original state includes the courtroom where the nation's the first successful prosecution of the Ku Klux Klan was held.
Tours: Courthouse tours will be available through the Williamson County Historical Museum across the street from the Courthouse at 716 S. Austin Avenue beginning in September twice daily on Thursday, Friday and Saturday Self-guided tour brochures will also be available at the Museum
Trial Reenactment: From September 14 through October 14, the first successful trial against the KKK in the U.S. will be reenacted. Texas Governor Dan Moody's little known victory of the rule of law over vigilantism will be recreated in the Williamson County Courthouse with a five-week run, September 14 to October 14. The two-act play,
You Can't Do That, Dan Moody will be presented in the 26th District Courtroom where the trial against the KKK took place.
Location: Williamson County Courthouse, on Georgetown's Historic Downtown Square
Price: General admission $20; Seniors (55+) $18 Seniors; Children (under 18) and Students $8
Starting time: 7:30 pm Friday & Saturday, 2 pm on Sunday. Opens Sept. 14 and closes Oct. 14.
Reservations: 512-869-7469
For More Information: • visit
www.thegeorgetownpalace.org• email georgetownpalace@verizon.net
Labels: Festivals
posted by Paris & John @ 4:24 PM
Fredericksburg
