Austin's 122-year-old Driskill Hotel is is celebrating the completion of a $4 million renovation of its 189 guest rooms with A Taste of The Driskill from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 30. The event will include:
live music
samplings from the Driskill Grill and 1886 Café & Bakery menus
wine tasting
children’s activities
ghost tours of the hotel
exhibits of “Driskill Love Stories” and of original artwork of the iconic hotel
a Texas Tailgate party at the Driskill Bar to celebrate opening game day for the UT Longhorns
the Driskill Pie Bake-off as local food journalists and chefs select a winning recipe to feature on the 1886 Café & Bakery’s menu as the restaurant’s signature pie for the next year
proclamation of “Driskill Day in Austin” at 10am
a birthday cake honoring the 100th birthday of President Lyndon Johnson, one of many celebrity guests that graced the hotel's roster through the years. LBJ and Lady Bird had their first date at The Driskill. Over the years, he awaited the returns from all his campaigns, including historic wins on the ticket with John Kennedy and then as the presidential nominee himself, at the hotel.
Austin's The Driskill Announces Pie Bake-off Contest
Bakers, start your ovens! The historic Driskill Hotel in Austin is looking for a winning pie recipe to feature on the 1886 Café & Bakery’s menu as the restaurant’s signature pie for the next year. Finalists will be presented to a panel of judges during “A Taste of The Driskill” festivities on August 30.
The Driskill’s Executive Chef Jonathan Gelman says this contest is an ideal way to showcase the award-winning desserts and food traditions long associated with the hotel. “Our Executive Pastry Chef Tony Sansalone is well-known for his incredible talent, so we thought it would be fun to involve the community in creating a signature dessert for the Café,” adds Chef Gelman.
Community involvement in The Driskill’s food outlets dates back to the days when volunteers with the Heritage Society of Austin operated a tea room at the hotel. One of the most frequently ordered desserts then was the 1886 Chocolate Cake, which still appears on the menu. The Prize: In addition to being featured on the dessert menu, the winner also receives a $500 gift certificate from The Driskill Hotel, monogrammed 1886 Café & Bakery chef’s apron, and other personalized mementoes.
Deadline: The deadline for entries is August 15, 2008.
The Rules & Application: The contest is open to any non-food professional (chef, food writer or anyone who creates recipes for pay), who is 18 years or older. Culinary students are encouraged to enter the contest. The application form and guidelines are available on the hotel’s website, www.driskillhotel.com.
With this summer's soaring gas prices, we've all heard of the staycation--vacationing in or near your own hometown--but how about a daycation? Four Seasons Hotel Austin, located on the north shore of Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake), is now offering a day package for those who can just squeeze in a day of luxury...but, oh, what luxury it is. For $150, you can pamper yourself with:
breakfast or lunch in the hotel's TRIO restaurant
your choice of a 50-minute massage, facial or body treatment
the Spa's relaxation lounge, eucalyptus steam rooms, locker and fitness facilities and heated outdoor pool
The daycation package is offered on weekdays only.
We just received word that through August 24, the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau will be inviting Texas residents to take a “one tank trip” to Austin and visit AustinTexas.org to enter to win one of eight “uniquely Austin” vacation packages.
Each week, travelers vote on which of three featured packages they’d most like to experience. At the end of each week, one winner will be selected to enjoy the most popular package. Each week's winner will receive complimentary accommodations, as well as discounts for meals and attractions. If you don't win you can still book participating hotels at a discounted rate.
Here's a sampling of the contest packages:
Foodies will sample local gourmet cuisine from Central Market and sip wines at Cork & Co.
Eco-conscious travelers can stay at Austin’s premier eco-resort, The Crossings, and experience a Texas adventure with Cypress Valley Canopy Tours.
Families can tour via land and lake with Austin Duck Adventures before staging their own musical set at the “Austin Kiddie Limits” exhibit at the Austin Children’s Museum.
Just in time for the Lyndon Baines Johnson Centennial celebration, history buffs will enjoy accommodations at the historic Driskill Hotel and free admission to the LBJ Library and Museum.
The Austin City Limits Music Festival (also called the ACL Music Festival) is one of the city's most popular annual events...and a time when hotel rooms are at a premium. The lineup for the 2008 event, scheduled for September 26-28 in Zilker Park, has been announced. This year's event (which will include about 130 bands) will include Beck, Robert Plant, Allison Krauss, The Foo Fighters, Erykah Bad, and Manu Chao.
Hotel & Pass Package: The Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau is also offering exclusive access to discounted three-day passes and a minimum of two nights hotel accommodations through an ACL travel package.
Update, Photos of Fire at Texas Governor's Mansion
There's still no word yet on if the Texas Governor's Mansion will be able to be repaired following this weekend's fire (which is now believed to have been arson). The damage is extensive, though, which you'll see in this video of still shots:
If you've watched Texas news today (or even many of the national broadcasts), you've probably seen the devastating fire suffered by the Texas Governor's Mansion in the early hours of this morning. Already suspected as arson, the fire caused substantial damage to the historic structure which dates back over 150 years. The mansion was undergoing a renovation so the historic furnishings were in storage off site.
Every year the Austin Chronicle conducts a poll to determine reader favorites (one year our book, Texas Getaways for Two, was selected Best Romantic Guidebook!) This year's poll named Kerbey Lane (with four locations in town) as home of the best American breakfast. In this TV clip, you'll see a Kerbey Lane chef preparing one of the restaurant's top breakfast dishes, migas, and learn how to make this simple dish. (OK, it's not an American breakfast dish but tacos and migas are tops in Austin!)
Gossip sites are all abuzz about the possibly new pairing of Kate Hudson and Lance Armstrong. On May 16th and 17th, People magazine online reports that the celebrated cyclist took the silver screen beauty on a gastronomic journey through the city he calls home, beginning with a visit to Eddie V's Edgewater Grille (which has recently become the place for Austin stargazing, as evidenced by the item below). The couple and a coterie of family and friends also walked past the surf board which greets patrons at the entrance of Hula Hut, which offers a view of Lake Austin along with a self-proclaimed "Mexonesian" (Mexican and Polynisian) menu.
Seafood lovers at Eddie V's Edgewater Grille were surprised to find themselves serenaded by two happily married music legends recently as Elvis Costello and Diana Krall sang four duets after dining at the award-winning establishment, the Austin American-Statesman reports. Foodies can eat to the beat of live music from a variety of local artists in the venue's V-Lounge seven nights a week.
Actress Heather Graham, who did the Frug with funnyman Mike Meyers in "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me," got the chance to check out the groovy goings-on in Austin, Texas this month. Filming on her latest flick, The Ex-Terminators, began on April 28, 2008, and on May 1st cameras were set up for a scene at Northwest Hills Pharmacy and Hardware Store on Far West Boulevard, KXAN news reports. Movie buffs may also have been lucky enough to spot Grahams' co-stars Chasing Amy star Joey Lauren Adams and country crooner Robert Earl Keen around town during the 25-day shoot.
Austin revelers were among the first to see the black diamond engagement ring that now graces Carmen Electra's left hand. The former "Baywatch" babe shimmied down Sixth Street during a parade to promote a search for an assistant to The Most Interesting Man in the World, aka the pitchman for Dos Equis beer. According to the Austin American Statesman, the femme fatale called the Four Seasons her home away from home during her stay, a hotel in which actor Sean Penn temporarily planted roots as cameras rolled on the much talked-about drama "Tree of Life".
This fountain provides a quiet backdrop just across the street from Austin's new Long Performing Arts Center. Near the fountain, you'll see a plaque for the Bicentennial Time Capsule, housing the story of how Austin celebrated the 1976 Bicentennial. The marker calls for the reopening of the capsule on July 4, 2075.
The Long Center for the Performing Arts is Austin's newest venue, located on the south shores of Lady Bird Lake across from Auditorium Shores. The center is home to a studio theater as well as the 2400-seat Michael & Susan Dell Hall, a grand concert hall.
This scenic bridge is located on Loop 360 or Capital of Texas Highway on the west side of Austin. This bridge spans Lake Austin and is made of weathered steel.
For a close look at the terrain, flora, and fauna of the Hill Country, step out of the city at Wild Basin, a wilderness preserve located just minutes from downtown Austin. The 227-acre sanctuary includes three miles of trails that wind through the brush; an easy-access trail is also available.
On Earth Day, our attention turns to eco-friendly travel so this news caught our eye. Austin's Driskill Hotel has announced its launch of “Destination Earth…Destination Driskill,” a three-stage plan that ensures operations and services positively impact the environment. Destination Hotels & Resorts (DH&R), the Denver-based hotel management company that oversees operations at The Driskill, along with some 30 other luxury hotel, resort and condominium properties, recently rolled out the “Destination Earth" program which targets all areas of the hotels’ operations.
In commemoration of Earth Day, the Driskill also introduces several special activities:
Free valet parking is being given to guests arriving in hybrid vehicles.
The 1886 Café & Bakery offers a special organic menu that includes organic breads and desserts, ice tea and lemonade, chemical- and hormone-free poultry, eggs from locally-raised free-range chickens, locally-raised venison and local farm produce.
The Driskill Bar is conducting a tasting of organic wines.
The hotel will not launder any towels or bed linens from guest rooms on Tuesday, April 22, unless specifically requested by guests. This is expected to save 7,385 gallons of water, equivalent to one month of water consumption by an average Austin household.
Packets of wildflower seeds are being placed in all guestrooms with notes encouraging guests to consider native landscaping at their homes to reduce water consumption.
Recently named the most “Pet-Friendly Hotel in the Country,” the hotel is stepping up its pet program by providing waste bags and scoopers for guests who arrive with dogs.
What the Program Includes: The complete “Destination Earth…Destination Driskill” program includes a checklist of 90 changes and improvements, which range from establishing more energy-efficient protocol for guest rooms—having only one light and the radio turned on at check in—to replacing all Styrofoam products with recycled paper and plastic products. Bottled water is provided only by request for meetings; outdated bath linens are recycled for cleaning purposes in house and bed linens are donated to charitable organizations; incandescent lighting is being replaced with energy efficient florescent bulbs. Sensors are being installed in all mechanical rooms, housekeeping closets, hallways and meeting rooms to reduce electricity usage.
The program is already garnering good marks from Austin officials. General Electric and the City of Austin performed recent electric and water audits on the hotel’s current operations. Both gave praiseworthy remarks.
Located northwest of Austin on the shores of Lake Travis, Hippie Hollow (officially McGregor/Hippie Hollow Park) is best known for one thing...or lack of one thing: clothes. This clothing-optional park is for adults only and is Texas's only public clothing-optional park. A day use fee is charged per car.
411082: Spring Plant Sale, Gardening Festival at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
This weekend marks the annual Spring Plant Sale and Gardening Festival at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin. If you've got the gardening bug, here's your chance to take a tour with an expert to learn more about habitat gardening, caring for native trees, choosing native plants, and more. Tours will take place on the hour from 11am to 2pm.
The center's Wildflower Center store will also be hosting special guests both afternoons:
Saturday:
Jackie Poole will sign her new book, "Rare Plants of Texas
visitors can sample jelly and other treats from Texas Traditions
Sunday:
L. Raywill sign the 2008 Wildflower DaysTM art print and T-shirt
Jen Ohlson will sign her book about Austin's Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail called "Every Town Needs a Trail"
George Miller will sign "Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas"
Admission: $7 adults, $6 seniors and students, $3.50 for University of Texas at Austin faculty and staff with university identification, $3 for children and free for members and children under 5.
For more information: • call 512.232.0100 • visit http://wildflower.org/plantsale
411082: Spring Plant Sale, Gardening Festival at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
This weekend marks the annual Spring Plant Sale and Gardening Festival at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin. If you've got the gardening bug, here's your chance to take a tour with an expert to learn more about habitat gardening, caring for native trees, choosing native plants, and more. Tours will take place on the hour from 11am to 2pm.
The center's Wildflower Center store will also be hosting special guests both afternoons:
Saturday:
Jackie Poole will sign her new book, "Rare Plants of Texas
visitors can sample jelly and other treats from Texas Traditions
Sunday:
L. Raywill sign the 2008 Wildflower DaysTM art print and T-shirt
Jen Ohlson will sign her book about Austin's Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail called "Every Town Needs a Trail"
George Miller will sign "Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas"
Admission: $7 adults, $6 seniors and students, $3.50 for University of Texas at Austin faculty and staff with university identification, $3 for children and free for members and children under 5.
40408: Austin Fills with Urban Music Festival, Texas Relays
This weekend will be a huge one for Austin visitors for two reasons: the Texas Relays and the Urban Music Festival. The Texas Relays, which started on April 2 and continue through April 5, is considered one of the country's top track and field events.
The Urban Music Festival, held at Auditorium Shores, will be featuring Jeffrey Osborne this year along with After 7, Trey Songz, Hope Flood, Bavu Blakes, and Phillip Martin, with a special guest appearance by former UT football player Vince Young.
Jeffrey Osborne photo courtesy Urban Music Festival
On Saturday, April 12 from 4 PM to 11 PM, the Boost Mobile Nightshift will fill the Travis County Expo Center in Austin. The event will feature hundreds of tricked out cars and bikes, high-speed drift demos, high flying Freestyle MotoX (over a semi truck!), and a live performance by hip hop artist Lloyd.
The nation’s largest touring event series of its type, Nightshift Austin will mark the first Nightshift and third stop on HIN Events’ 21-city 2008 tour. More than 10,000 auto and entertainment enthusiasts are expected for the event in Austin.
At 6pm, the festival will be recognizing Austin soldiers returning from operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as Sgt. Nick Ashby, creator of the "Citizen Soldier" Tribute Car which he designed for the Army National Guard.
The day's festivities will include more than 300 tricked out vehicles totaling over $15 million in value, ranging from Japanese to Euro and from high-end luxury to wild and exotic. Notable cars include:
o Johnny Nguyen’s Honda S2000, one of the hottest S2000s in Houston o Lindz Doringo’s Nissan 350Z, as seen on the cover of Modified magazine o Randy Rigg’s award winning Nissan G35 from Los Angeles o Street Lightz right hand drive Honda Civic Type R Tour Car, a rare treat for American fans o Topher Shively’s 1000HP Nissan 350Z, one of the most powerful 350Zs in Texas o Boost Mobile Nissan RX8 designed by famed automotive stylist RJ de Vera
Location: The event will take place at the Travis County Expo Center, located east of town at 7311 Decker Lane.
This statue, called "Philosopher's Rock," stands in Austin's Zilker Park at the entrance to Barton Springs and was sculpted by Glenna Goodacre. The three philosphers portrayed here are J. Frank Dobie, Roy Bedichek and Walter Prescott Webb, all Texas authors.
In the 1970's he touched our hearts in "The Way We Were," and in late March the Austin American-Statesman reports that 2008 cinema icon Robert Redford gave Austinites a glimpse of the way things might be as he stood at the podium at Alamo South to discuss "Unforeseen," a documentary that sheds light on the ongoing struggle to preserve Barton Springs. Acting as executive producer for the project, this thought-provoking feature, which includes appearances by such Texas treasures as Willie Nelson and Ann Richards, is currently showing at the Alamo South Lamar.
Taking a trip down memory lane, Zac, Isaac and Taylor Hanson, who were discovered in the late 1990's at Austin's annual SXSW festival, Mmmbopped into Las Manitas restaurant for a bite to eat during their recent return to the Live Music Capital of the World, People magazine reports. Another Austin landmark feeling the effects of the city's growth, only months remain to order huevos rancheros, migas con queso, chalupas and flautas prepared by the Perez sisters at their familiar 211 Congress Avenue address. Following an extended development battle, the beloved eatery will relocate one block from its current location this summer to make way for a Marriott hotel.
A familiar face around Austin during SXSW, music aficionado Elijah Wood was spotted filming Heloise & The Savoir Faire, an act signed to the "Lord of The Rings" star's budding Simian Records label, in mid-March during their set the Habana Calle 6 Annex, a Cuban-nuanced nightclub on East 6th Street.
No visit to Austin would be complete without a stroll down Sixth Street. According to People magazine, revelers dropping by the strip's bevy of bars during SXSW may have been lucky enough to spot former N'Sync stars Chris Kirkpatrick and Joey Fatone enjoying some brew before they said "Bye, Bye, Bye" to Touche', a popular watering hole located at 417 E 6th.
On March 8, 2008, A-lister Vanessa Hudgens made her way to Light Bar, one of Congress Avenue's top boites, for an after-screening soiree in celebration of the SXSW premiere of "Explicit Ills", People magazine online revealed. While sightings of the Disney darling were scarce during her stay in the capital city, a few lucky fans spotted the "High School Musical" star as she filmed scenes from her upcoming flick "Will" on the University of Texas campus.
While filming continued on beau Brad Pitt's latest cinematic venture, "Tree of Life" in Smithville, Angelina Jolie passed the time by stocking up on reading material at a Barnes & Noble. Austinites can find the latest bestsellers at five Barnes & Noble locations-- Westlake, Sunset Valley Village, The Arboretum, Hill Country Galleria and The Homestead Shopping Center at Lakeline Crossing.
At the Hartman Prehistoric Garden in Austin's Zilker Park, don't be surprised this Ornithomimus dinosaur. This bronze statue was designed by local sculptor John Maisano and cast in Bastrop.
This historic log cabin stands in Austin's Zilker Park in the Botanical Gardens. Built in 1838, this cabin was built by a Swedish settler who encouraged immigration to the region.
What's the best place to stay with your pet? According to Animal Fair, the nation’s first lifestyle magazine and website for animal lovers, it's Austin's Driskill Hotel. The historic hotel won top hotel honors in the Fourth Annual Cesar® Five Dog Bone Awards. Here's what the magazine had to say about this downtown property:
Pet-Friendly Hotel: The Driskill Hotel (Austin, Texas) There’s going to be a huge stampede of vacationing pets and their owners visiting The Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas after the word gets out that Animal Fair’s readers have honored this historic hotel with the coveted 2008 Cesar® Five Dog Bone Award for Pet-Friendliest Hotel. While staying in their Victorian decorated suites, guests will feel like royalty, and so will their pets. Celebrities such as President Clinton, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, Paul Simon and The Dixie Chicks have rested their cowboy/girl hats at this fine animal-inviting establishment. The Driskill’s Pampered Pet Program offers a comfy custom-designed, pet bed with the Driskill logo, delicious-looking food and water bowls, bottled water, gourmet pet treats and a chew toy. They also celebrate an “I Love My Dog Better” singles pet package that also includes a robe, champagne and chocolate-covered fruit for the pet’s master. Texas is known for doing everything big – and Animal Fair’s readers agree that the Driskill Hotel is large on being graciously pet-friendly.
31708: Austin Offering GPS and Sign Language Tours
We've just received word that the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau and locally-based BarZ Adventures have teamed up to offer a new GPS tour of the city as well as an American Sign Language tour.
GPS Tour: The GPS Ranger™introduces visitors to Austin’s historical and cultural attractions with a walking tour piloted by Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. The audio and video tour, which is narrated by KXAN News Anchor Michelle Valles, guides visitors to more than two dozen points of interest.
How does it work? As you approach each point of interest, the GPS Ranger™ triggers location-based content, telling the story of the site or attraction using both audio and video. Attractions highlighted on the tour include the Texas Capitol, Sixth Street, Zilker Park, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Moonlight Towers and the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, along with the city’s famed bats. Events and local flair are also featured with narration on the “Keep Austin Weird” campaign, O. Henry Pun-Off, Spamarama and more.
Price: Tour cost $11.95 each. They are available at the Austin Visitor Center at 209 E. Sixth Street. One lightweight handheld device with a 4-inch screen can be shared by several people.
Sign Language Tour: The Austin tour is also the first GPS tour to also be made available in American Sign Language. Working with Communication Service for the Deaf, Inc. (CSD), a national private nonprofit agency providing services to the deaf, hard of hearing and individuals with speech disabilities, Austin CVB and BarZ Adventures adapted the tour to make it accessible to the deaf.
For more information on the Austin GPS Ranger™ video tour: • call the Austin Visitor Center at 512-478-0098 • visit www.austintexas.org For more information on BarZ Adventures: • call 512/732-0135 • visit www.barzadventures.com
This is the view from atop Mount Bonnell, which is perched about 780 feet above sea level. (It's not nosebleed territory...although you might feel like it is after a hike up the steps from the parking lot.) The park overlooks Lake Austin and it has been a popular site with visitors since the 1800s.
Easter is just around the corner, and Austin's most historic hotel, The Driskill, is hopping with holiday plans. The hotel will host its elaborate buffet brunch on Easter Sunday, March 23, a longtime tradition. The event will also include a visit from the Easter Bunny and an Easter egg hunt in the grand Victorian Room for kids. The Brunch: Easter Brunch, complete with complimentary champagne and accompanied by live music, is served on the hotel's Mezzanine, with seatings from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
The event will include carving station with rosemary prime rib, leg of lamb and baked ham; an omelet and waffle station featuring omelets to order and Belgian waffles with whipped cream and fresh berries; a creperie station; and traditional breakfast and lunch entrees, along with a cold seafood display and raw bar. For the first time, this year's brunch will include a commal grilling station with coriander-crusted ahi tuna prepared on a flat griddle. It's all followed up by a big selection of desserts, including the hotel’s signature 1886 Chocolate Cake.
Price: Prices are $58 for adults, $24 for children ages 6-12 and complimentary for children under age 6. A special children’s buffet is available.
SXSW is just around the corner and we've received word that Bike Hugger and bikehugger.com will be hosting the first annual Bike Hugger BBQ and urban ride in Austin on Saturday.
The ride gets into gear at 1 pm at the Susanna Dickinson House in Brush Square Park and will make stops at the downtown REI, the Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art and will work its way back to the park for the barbecue.
The Bike Hugger BBQ will take place in Brush Square Park just after the first full day of panels at SXSW’s Interactive conference. The BBQ is open to SXSW badgeholders and Bike Hugger’s urban ride participants.
“Austin is a bike town and we're coming there to ride,” said DL Byron, Publisher of Bike Hugger. “The idea for Bike Hugger came from a ride in Texas Hill Country so it’s natural to be working with SXSW".
The Bike Hugger BBQ will also feature products and giveaways from Bike Hugger’s partners including IBEX, REI, Crumpler, Reynolds and SKINS. Team Bike Hugger will also be on hand sporting Bike Hugger Hincapie jerseys.
When: Saturday, March 8, 2008
Where: Susanna Dickinson House, Brush Square Park, downtown Austin
Time: 1:00 P.M. following by the Bike Hugger BBQ at 4:30pm
The kickoff for the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo in Austin is Friday and to mark the event the city will enjoy a free Cowboy Breakfast. Held at Auditorium Shores at Lake Lady Bird (formerly Town Lake), the Texas-sized breakfast will run from 6am to 9am. You'll also find live music and rodeo mascots at the family-friendly event. Free parking is available at the Palmer Special Events parking garage.
And to celebrate the rodeo coming to town, Friday will also be Dress Western Day in Austin. Austin mayor Will Wynn has made the declaration so get out those boots and jeans whether you live in Austin or are visiting for the day!
This month we enjoyed a tasty chicken fried steak lunch at The Broken Spoke in Austin, a truly traditional Texas honky tonk. Along with the dance hall, the popular South Austin spot (which has been here since 1964) includes a restaurant and small museum called "The Tourist Trap Room." We shot photos during our visit and compiled them into this video we hope you enjoy:
Well, the Valentine’s candy may be all gone but it’s not to late to enjoy some fine chocolates thanks to the upcoming 3rd Annual Austin Chocolate Festival. Scheduled for March 8 and 9, this event will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
This sweet festival will include up to 20 vendors including chocolatiers, bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, hotels, caterers, authors, and resorts… offering samples, of course! You’ll be able to participate in chocolate competitions and demonstrations.
This year’s event is featuring Andrea Levinson, the producer of "Death, Taxes... and Chocolate!" This movie will be released in April.
Location: Arthur Murray Dance Studio, 2700 West Anderson Lane #504 in Austin.
Tickets: Tickets for the Austin Chocolate Festival are $20. You can purchase tickets online or by phone at 512-637-0479. For more information: • email info@austinchocolatefestival.com • visit the ACF website
Austin's Broken Spoke is a legendary Texas honky tonk, a place that has sent toes tapping since 1964. To celebrate its 25th anniversary in 1989, the restaurant/bar/dance hall opened "The Tourist Trap Room" filled with memorabilia ranging from LBJ's hat to photos and sheet music. Through the years, this hall has hosted some of country music's biggest names including Ernest Tubbs, Roy Acuff, Hank Thompson, Tex Ritter, Ray Price, Willie Nelson, George Strait, and many others.
All aboard! The Zilker Zephyr is a pint-sized train that makes a 25-minute, three-mile loop through Austin's Zilker Park. A favorite with kids, the ride is fun for adults, too, and costs under $3 for adults. The train station is located adjacent to Barton Springs; departures are on the hour on weekdays and every half hour on weekends.
If you'll be in downtown Austin this weekend, expect plenty of company. Sunday marks the annual AT&T Marathon, an event with 10,000 runners. The event includes a full marathon as well as a half marathon. Although Saturday's weather is supposed to be rainy, the forecasters are calling for clear skies by the time the race begins on Sunday.
If this week's Westminster Dog Show (and the Best of Show winner, Uno, from Austin) has you ready to show off your own dog, here's your chance. On Saturday, March 8, the Western regional portion of the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge will be held at the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo.
The Event: Dogs from the Midwest will have the opportunity at this event to compete in a variety of “Olympic style” events. The winners ultimately earn the right to compete against top dogs from around the country at the National Championships this fall in St. Louis.
The Purina Incredible Dog Challenge includes agility, flying disc, Jack Russell hurdle races, head-to-head 60-weave pole and dog diving events. The challenge will stage an open qualifier on Friday, March 7 in the afternoon, (registration begins at
Fredericksburg
This weekend will be a huge one for Austin visitors for two reasons: the Texas Relays and the Urban Music Festival. The Texas Relays, which started on April 2 and continue through April 5, is considered one of the country's top track and field events. 
