TexasTripper Travel Blog

The Driskill Hotel Plans Thanksgiving Brunch

Still making plans for Thanksgiving? If you want to skip the holiday hassles and you'll be in Austin, check out the Thanksgiving Day Brunch as well as a five-course dinner menu at the Driskill Grill, located in the historic Driskill Hotel.

Thanksgiving Brunch

The Thanksgiving Day feast is served on the hotel’s elegant Mezzanine; offerings range from herb-crusted turkey and brown sugar pineapple ham with such staple side dishes as stuffing, cranberry sauce and Maytag blue whipped potatoes to freshly made crepes filled with an assortment of fruits, cheeses and even lobster. Breakfast classics such as Belgian waffles and made-to- order omelets are also available as well as children's favorites. Desserts from Executive Pastry Chef Tony Sansalone include classics like pecan and pumpkin pies, carrot cake, and the Driskill’s famous 1886 Chocolate Cake—plus a new Pumpkin Mascarpone Cheesecake.

Time: Brunch is served from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Price: Prices are $58 for adults, $29 for children ages 5-12 and complimentary for children under age 5 (taxes and 21% service charge are additional).

Reservations: call 512-391-7121

Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving dinner in the Driskill Grill is a grand affair with a five-course chef’s tasting menu. Beginning courses include a truffled pumpkin soup with Dungeness crab, star anise braised beef short rib and diver scallops. For the fourth course, diners select from three entrees: Dijon-crusted lamb chops, maple-roasted turkey, tenderloin of Beef Wellington or roasted monkfish, along with traditional sides served family style.

Time: The Grill opens for dinner on Thanksgiving at 5 p.m.

Price: The five-course menu is $85 per person.

Reservations: call 512-391-7121

Labels: Austin, holidays

posted by Paris & John @ 2:40 PM 0 comments links to this post

POTD: Bastrop's River of Lights

Bastrop, located east of Austin, celebrates the season with its River of Lights, a walkway along the banks of the Colorado River. You'll find entrances at Ferry Park and Fisherman's Park.

Labels: holidays, Photo of the Day

posted by Paris & John @ 2:07 PM 0 comments links to this post

Outdoor Ice Skating...in Austin

If you'll be visiting Austin over the holidays, don't miss the chance to ice skate...outdoors! The only outdoor, public rink in Austin is found on the rooftop of Whole Foods Market at 525 North Lamar Boulevard (at the southeast corner of Lamar and Sixth Street).

This is the third year Whole Foods has offered the skating experience that's pretty unique in Texas.

The cost is $10 per person, per session (that includes your skate rental).

For more information, call guest services at 512.476.1206.

Labels: Austin, holidays

posted by Paris & John @ 4:35 PM 0 comments links to this post

Last Minute Shopping, Austin Style

The countdown is now underway as the clock ticks down to Christmas...and the traffic gets heavier on the roads to the mall. We just returned from a last minute shopping excursion at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, held this year at the Austin Convention Center.

The event, which started in the Armadillo World Headquarters, features unique arts and crafts, jewelry, ironwork (the neatest piece we saw featured an iron bat, a reminder of the Mexican free-tailed bats that will return to Austin this March), yarnwork, and more.

But one of the most distinctive features of the show is the live music stage. Jimmy LaFave, Marcia Ball, W.C. Clark, Sara Hickman, and others are all on this year's lineup. And, although Christmas is just around the corner, there's still a full weekend of music on the way: The Eggmen (a great Beatles tribute band) and The Derailers will be playing tomorrow. The music continues up until 11pm Monday, Christmas Eve.

For More Information:
• visit www.armadillobazaar.com

Labels: Austin, holidays

posted by Paris & John @ 4:17 PM 0 comments links to this post

Celebrate New Year's Eve at The Driskill

The Driskill, the historic downtown Austin hotel, is reviving a longstanding tradition after a long absence: the formal New Year's Eve Gala. Formally dressed revelers can ring in 2008 in high style.

The Event: “An Evening of Elegance” features a five-course seated dinner, complete with wine pairings, on the Mezzanine. Mr. Fabulous entertains throughout the night with his distinctive Big Band music. As the clock strikes midnight, the party goes into high gear with champagne toasts and a balloon drop. With the gala in full swing on the Mezzanine, a bar serving signature martinis, single malt scotches and small batch bourbons is set up in the magnificent Maximilian Room. Hand-rolled cigars are also available on the Mezzanine Balcony. Jazz vocalist Suzi Stern performs in the Driskill Bar for another party in progress.

Price: The $225 per person cost includes party favors and souvenir photos.

Reservations: For reservations, call 512-391-7041.

Another Option: If you'd like to ring in the New Year in a quieter fashion, you can opt to dine at the Driskill Grill, which serves a special five-course prix fixe dinner, with seating at 5:30 p.m., and a seven-course dinner with late seating at 8:30 p.m. Reservations are required; call 512-391-7162.

Labels: Austin, holidays

posted by Paris & John @ 12:22 PM 0 comments links to this post

Austin's Driskill Plans Christmas Dinner

The Driskill, built as the showplace of cattle baron Jesse Driskill in 1886, is almost a symbol of Austin and a fitting place for a holiday dinner if you'll be in the Capital City on Christmas. The hotel is filled with Christmas spirit with a majestic Noble fir illuminated by 10,000 lights in the Grande Lobby.

The Driskill is offering two Christmas dining options:

Christmas Brunch: Christmas dinner at The Driskill has become an Austin tradition. Brunch is served on the columned and marble-floored Mezzanine level on Christmas Day from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Along with a spread of assorted salads, pastas and cheeses, the brunch also includes a cold seafood display, hot buffet of breakfast and lunch entrees, carving station with prime rib and honey-bourbon glazed ham, an omelet and waffle station and decadent desserts.

The brunch, $58 per person, includes complimentary champagne. Children ages 6-12 can enjoy their own kid-friendly buffet, with a cost of $24 per person. Reservations for Christmas Day Brunch are available at 512-391-7041.

Prix Fix Dinner: In addition, the five-star Driskill Grill serves a gourmet four-course prix fix Christmas dinner on the nights of December 24 and 25. The menu includes apple salad with mascarpone cheese, a white root vegetable soup, anise-crusted bluefin tuna, squab with foie gras and Snake River Farms ribeye. Reservations are available at 512-391-7162.

Labels: Austin, holidays

posted by Paris & John @ 11:40 AM 0 comments links to this post

POTD: Decorations at the Austin Airport

Decorations created by the Del Valle Elementary School put the baggage claim area of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in the holiday mood.

Labels: holidays, Photo of the Day

posted by Paris & John @ 11:44 AM 0 comments links to this post

POTD: Luling's Cowboy Themed Christmas Tree

Luling's Central Texas Oil Patch Museum celebrates the season with a Texas-themed Christmas tree topped with a cowboy hat!

Labels: holidays, Photo of the Day

posted by Paris & John @ 10:12 AM 0 comments links to this post

POTD: Luminarias Line the San Antonio River Walk

Weighted with sand, white paper bags lit with small candles line the San Antonio River Walk during Fiesta de las Luminarias. This special event takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights through December 16.

Labels: holidays, Photo of the Day

posted by Paris & John @ 9:57 AM 0 comments links to this post

New Year's Eve Party Planned for Messina Hof Winery

It' not too early to start thinking about New Year's Even plans; word of a special event at Bryan's Messina Hof Winery & Resort just came into our offices. On December 31, Messina Hof will host a New Year's Celebration. Adorn your favorite pirate costume on New Year’s Eve for a “Pirates of the Caribbean” adventure guaranteed to be a treasure. The event includes a feast fit for the Captain and crew of Messina Hof Winery & Resort; you'll ring in the New Year at their lagoon with music and dancing as well as casino games.

For More Information:
• visit Messina Hof Winery & Resort

Labels: holidays, Prairies and Lakes

posted by Paris & John @ 6:03 PM 0 comments links to this post

POTD: Trail of Lights, Austin

Next week marks the opening of the Trail of Lights, the walking trail in Austin's Zilker Park that's open primarily to pedestrians (you'll find special bicycle hours on some days). Be sure to bring along your camera for the trail which also includes food booths and, of course, a Santa stop along the way.

Labels: holidays, Photo of the Day

posted by Paris & John @ 5:07 PM 0 comments links to this post

Texas Parks Schedule Holiday Events

The countdown is on to Christmas but there are still weeks of activities left at facilities in the Texas Parks system. We've received word of these fun events scheduled primarily for the coming weekends:

Through Dec. 24 -- Candlelight Christmas Dinners -- Starr Family State Historic Site -- Marshall, Harrison County -- Pineywoods
By advance reservation, Starr Family State Historic Site will again offer their annual catered Candlelight Christmas Dinners for group and individual bookings. Vocalists serenade guests with beautiful Christmas melodies while costumed hosts/hostesses serve dinner at the beautifully restored Blake Home.

Following dinner and music, guests will follow a beautifully lit pathway through the grounds to tour the magnificent Starr Mansion. Tickets are $28 per person, including dinner, entertainment and the tour. Reservations for small groups and couples can be accommodated through the evening of Dec. 24. Proceeds go towards preserving the rich heritage of the park for future generations. Phone the site for available dates and details at (903) 935-3044.

Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15 -- Trail of Lights -- Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery SHS -- LaGrange, Fayette County -- Prairies and Lakes
Enjoy a fantastic quarter-mile trail illuminated with thousands of lights that decorate the Monument Hill and Kreische House portions of our park. Walk a trail overlooking the town of La Grange. Experience the more traditionally decorated 1850s-era German home of H.L. Kreische, bedecked in Christmas splendor, in a Texas-German style. Bring your children to tell secrets to Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and enjoy the genuine seasonal hospitality of the Friends of Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery, who sponsor the event. Get into the season's spirit with us! 6-8 p.m.; fees $3 adults, $1 children 3-12; reservations required (979) 968-5658

Dec. 8 -- Christmas Caroling Hayride -- Stephen F. Austin SP -- San Felipe, Austin County, Prairies and Lakes
Enjoy caroling through the park on a hayride, then share cookies and hot chocolate afterwards. 6-8 p.m.; admission is one canned good per person (979) 885-3613

Dec. 8 -- Pancake Breakfast with Santa -- Stephen F. Austin SP -- San Felipe, Austin County -- Prairies and Lakes
Join Santa for a breakfast of pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee and let him know all your dreams for this Christmas. 8-10 a.m.; fee $4 per person (979) 885-3613

Dec. 8 -- Candlelight Christmas -- Barrington Living History Farm-Washington-on-the-Brazos SHS -- Washington, Washington County -- Prairies and Lakes
Come share a traditional Christmas with the Jones family at their annual gathering of friends and neighbors. Enjoy a festive atmosphere with a sampling of 1850s crafts, games, music and dancing. Wassail and cookies will be served. 1-8 p.m.; fees: $2 Texas State Parks Pass members, $6 non-members, $4 students, free for children 6 and under. (936) 878-2213

Dec. 8 -- Caroling Through Penn Farm -- Cedar Hill SP -- Cedar Hill, Dallas County -- Prairies and Lakes
We will begin the evening with a lantern lit tour of Penn Farm then have a Christmas carol sing-along around the campfire. Afterwards we will enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. 6-7:30 p.m.; call to confirm program (972) 291-3900, ext. 232

Dec. 15 -- Holiday Celebration -- Martin Dies, Jr. SP -- Jasper, Jasper County -- Pineywoods
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of activities and music. At 2 p.m. we will hold our Annual Gingerbread House Design and Construction Marathon, with the Friends of Martin Dies, Jr. State Park supplying all supplies to create truly unique creations. At 4 p.m. we will have a festive sing-along live-band concert of seasonal songs and hymns. All activities held in the Dining Hall. 2-5 p.m.; call for more information (409) 384-5231

Dec. 15 -- Holidays with Nature -- Sheldon Lake SP -- Houston, Harris County -- Gulf Coast
Celebrate the holidays the wild(life) way! Join us in creating wildlife tree ornaments that can be taken home or put in a tree at park. Along with hot cocoa and apple cider, children can enjoy coloring and writing letters to Santa to receive a post card from Ole Saint Nick himself! 1-4 p.m. (281) 456-2800

Dec. 15 Estero Llano Grande State Park near Weslaco
One of the newest additions to the state park system, will be celebrating the Christmas season with Breakfast with the Birds and Santa Dec. 15. Texans of all ages are encouraged to enjoy breakfast on a magnificent covered deck situated right on one of their lakes and take some time to visit with Santa. Afterwards, Santa's elves -- knowledgeable park naturalists -- will be conducting a guided nature walk through the park. Breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m. and reservations are required. For additional information call (956) 565-3919 or visit http://www.worldbirdingcenter.org.

Dec. 16 38th Annual Tree Lighting at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site
A longstanding Christmas tradition continues in the Hill Country region with the 38th Annual Tree Lighting at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site. Throughout the evening refreshments will be served and the public is welcome to enjoy a live nativity, carolers and Santa Claus, as well as the tree lighting. Later, get a taste of history as the Sauer-Beckman Living History Farm will provide cookies amid glowing lanterns and a traditional German Christmas tree. The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. on Dec. 16. (830) 644-2252

Dec. 22 -- Christmas Carols -- Lake Texana SP -- Edna, Jackson County -- Gulf Coast
Celebrate Christmas as we sing carols around the campfire. 6-7 p.m. (361) 782-5718

Dec. 22 -- Santa Swingin' 40s Christmas -- Battleship TEXAS SHS -- LaPorte, Harris County -- Gulf Coast
Visit the Battleship TEXAS and enjoy the spirit of the holidays. Write and mail letters to Santa, see dancing to swing music performed live onboard, enjoy hot wassail, meet and have your picture taken with Santa and much, much more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; fees free for Texas State Parks Pass members, $10 non-members, $5 senior citizens, free for children 12 and under (281) 479-2431

Dec. 22 -- Christmas Crafts -- Lake Texana SP -- Edna, Jackson County -- Gulf Coast
Make your own Christmas crafts to give or decorate your home. Held at the Nature Center. 2-3 p.m. (361) 782-5718

Dec. 22 -- Campfire Program -- Goose Island SP -- Rockport, Aransas County -- Gulf Coast Join us at the Recreation Hall for an evening of food and fun as we get ready for Christmas with an old-fashioned campfire gathering. Bring your s'mores fixin's and enjoy hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows as we share our favorite Goose Island holiday stories. 7-8 p.m. (361) 729-2858

Dec. 29 -- Holiday Dinner -- Landmark Inn SHS -- Castroville, Medina County -- Hill Country
A special candle-lit dinner served in a festive holiday atmosphere, catered by one of Castroville's gourmet dining establishments. Seating is limited to 40 for this fundraising event, proceeds benefiting Friends of the Landmark Inn. 6:30-8:30 p.m.; fee $25 per person; reservations required, deadline December 22, 2007 (830) 931-2133

Labels: holidays, State Parks

posted by Paris & John @ 2:01 PM 0 comments links to this post

POTD: Leander Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 1 marked the fifth annual Leander Christmas parade, held just a few blocks off US 183. One entry in the parade was this John Deere tractor and hay wagon, all decked out in holiday lights. It just doesn't get much more Texan than this.

Labels: holidays, Photo of the Day

posted by Paris & John @ 1:31 PM 0 comments links to this post

POTD: Trail of Lights, Austin

The Trail of Lights kicks off in Austin this year on December 9. Winding along the south shore of Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake) in Austin, the pedestrian trail is a favorite family activity for Austinites and visitors. The trail is located in Zilker Park and is just a short walk from the Zilker Tree, another holiday symbol of Austin.

Labels: Austin, holidays, Photo of the Day

posted by Paris & John @ 9:16 AM 0 comments links to this post

Amarillo Plans Holiday Events

Amarillo has a full calendar of holiday events during the coming weeks. We've just received an email from the Amarillo Convention & Visitor Council with a rundown of the events sure to put you in a holiday mood:

• The Amarillo Little Theatre presents A Christmas Carol weekends from Nov. 29 through Dec. 16. For more information, call 806-355-9991 or visit www.amarillolittletheatre.org.
• Center City of Amarillo presents “Holidays in the City – Electric Light Parade” on November 30 at 6:00 p.m. For more information, call 806-372-6744 or visit www.centercity.org.
• Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum Holiday Open House is December 7 and 8. No admission charge. For more information ,call 806-651-2244 or visit www.panhandleplains.org.
• The Lone Star Ballet presents its annual production of The Nutcracker December 7-9. All new this year. For information, call 806-372-2463 or visit www.lonestarballet.org.
• Stroll and shop along Historic Route 66 during the 2007 Holiday Festival on December 8 from 4-9 p.m. For more information, visit www.amarillo66.com.
• Enjoy the 42nd Annual Winter Night Ceremonials as the Kwahadi Indian Dancers perform on Dec. 28 & 29 at 7:30 p.m. (there’s a 4 p.m. matinee on Dec. 29). For information,, call 806-335-3175 or visit www.kwahadi.com.
• Amarillo Symphony Uncorked returns with a bang featuring pianist John Bayless. After the concert, dance until midnight and join in a champagne toast to the New Year. For information or tickets, call 806-376-8782 or visit www.amarillosymphony.org.
• Check the complete December arts calendar in Amarillo at www.artsinamarillo.com.

For More Information on Amarillo, contact the Amarillo Convention & Visitor Council:

• Call 800-692-1338
• Visit www.visitamarillotx.com

Labels: holidays, Panhandle Plains

posted by Paris & John @ 8:54 AM 0 comments links to this post

POTD: Zilker Tree at Dusk

This Sunday night marks the lighting of the Zilker Tree in Austin's Zilker Park. This photo was taken at dusk last Christmas season. The tree will remain lit through December 31.

Labels: a, holidays, Photo of the Day

posted by Paris & John @ 5:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

Hotel ZaZa Houston Offers Shop Til You Drop Package

Still have big plans for lots of holiday shopping? We've received word of a package at Houston's new Hotel ZaZa that's great for shoppers. The hotel's "Magic Carpet" shuttle service will keep you out of the holiday traffic, providing door-to-door service to Houston retail hot-spots Rice Village, Highland Village and The Galleria for guests who book the “Shop 'Til You Drop” overnight package

The Package: The “Shop ‘Til You Drop” package includes:

• Shopping bag
• Transportation to Rice Village, Highland Village and The Galleria
• Complimentary gift wrap for all items purchased during stay
• Special ZaZa holiday turn down service each night of stay

Rate: $265 (+ tax) per night. Maximum 2 people. A fee of $50 per night will be added for additional guests.

Dates: The package is available until December 22.

For Reservations:
• call Hotel ZaZa Houston at 713.526.1991

Labels: holidays, Houston

posted by Paris & John @ 4:46 PM 0 comments links to this post

Austin Music Office Releases “Happy Holidays from Austin, TX”

The Austin Music Office is releasing a new CD: “Happy Holidays from Austin, TX.” The event is kicking off with a public release party on Tuesday, Nov. 27, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Austin Visitor Center, 209 E. Sixth Street.

The 11-song album serves to promote the city’s live music scene and features Austin artists; it includes:

"Happy Holidays from Austin, TX" CD Song Titles
1. All I Want for Christmas Is To See Another Year – No Show Ponies
2. Kwanzaatime – Chandra Washington/Circle of Light
3. Santa Baby – Kelly Willis
4. Christmas Fais Do Do – Marcia Ball
5. Hanukia – Tish Hinojosa
6. What Child Is This – Will Taylor and Strings Attached featuring Eliza Gilkyson
7. Feliz Navidad – Vallejo
8. Give You My Gift – Asleep at the Wheel
9. I Had A Little Dreidel (Austin Style) – The Hay Seeds
10. You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch – Asylum Street Spankers
11. Silent Night – Willie Nelson

You'll find a limited number of the CDs are available for sale for $9.99 at the Visitor Center, or at Waterloo Records.

Labels: Austin, holidays

posted by Paris & John @ 7:57 PM 0 comments links to this post

Enchanted Springs Ranch to Celebrate Cowboy Christmas

If you're looking for a Christmas activity with a real Texas theme, don't miss the annual "Cowboy Christmas" at Enchanted Springs Ranch near Boerne.

Dates: December 22 and 23, 10am-5pm

Activities: The holiday event will include tractor wagon rides, a saddled Longhorn steer, decorated Old West town, horseback rides for kids, photos with Cowboy Santa, and more.

Admission: $10 for adults, $5 ages 3-12, under 3 free

For More Information:
• visit http://www.enchantedspringsranch.com

Labels: Hill Country, holidays

posted by Paris & John @ 12:25 PM 0 comments links to this post

POTD: Christmas Lights, Burnet, Texas

Christmas lights are just around the corner (and already lit in some locations like Marble Falls). Here's a shot from last year on the courthouse square in Burnet. Burnet's big Christmas event, Main St. Bethlehem, will take place December 7, 8, 9 & 14, 15, 16 as Washington Street is transformed into the old town of Bethlehem, complete with costumed townspeople. TexasTripper tip: Get here early for this very popular event scheduled from 6pm-9pm nightly; lines can stretch for blocks.

Labels: Hill Country, holidays, Photo of the Day

posted by Paris & John @ 2:47 PM 0 comments links to this post

Thanksgiving at Austin's Driskill Hotel a Texas Tradition

Once again, the longtime holiday tradition of dining at the Driskill Hotel in Austin on Thanksgiving Day will take place this year. The historic hotel will offer both a lavish buffet brunch during mid day and a three-course prix fixe fine dining experience in The Driskill Grill for the evening meal.

Thanksgiving Brunch: Thanksgiving Brunch, complete with complimentary champagne, is served on the elegant Mezzanine level, with seatings from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Prices for brunch are $58 for adults, $24 for children ages 6-12 and complimentary for children under age 6. A special children’s buffet is available. For reservations, call 512-391-7041.

Thanksgiving Dinner: The Driskill Grill offers a special four-course prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner that features Buttermilk Sous Vide Turkey Breast with sourdough sage stuffing, dried cranberries and Madeira reduction. The $75 prix fixe menu also includes Heirloom Potato Salad, Butternut Squash Ravioli and a trio of fall desserts. (See attached menu) Guests may also select from The Grill’s regular menu. Reservations for the 6:30 or 8:30 p.m. seatings can be made by calling 512-391-7162.

Labels: Austin, holidays

posted by Paris & John @ 4:40 PM 0 comments links to this post