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Urbanspace Favs | Top 5 Day Trips from Austin

July 27, 2022 by Paris Procter

Top 5 Day Trips from Austin

As much as we love spending time in Austin, here are a few day trip ideas for when you want to get out of the city. The hill country has so much to offer, from wineries, to caves, to rivers, and hiking there are endless opportunities for fun activities.

Fredericksburg: Located only an hour away from Austin, Fredericksburg is a German town in central Texas that is known for its wineries and specialty shops. Some popular wineries include Barons Creek Vineyards, Signor Vineyards, Texas Wine Collective, and Messina Hof Winery which are known for their excellent wine tastings and stunning views. After spending a fun day at the vineyard, make sure to stop by Mainstreet for shopping and great German food! Located just north of Fredericksburg is Enchanted Rock, a granite mountain that covers 640 acres of land and is 425 feet high. With over 11 miles of hiking trails, Enchanted Rock is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Hill Country.

Dripping Springs: Dripping Springs is the perfect place to visit for a fun hill country getaway, only a half hour outside of Austin. Make a reservation at Hamilton pool to escape the summer heat and enjoy the picturesque watering preserve. Don’t forget to stop by one of the many breweries and distilleries that Dripping Springs has to offer – our favorites include the infamous Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery, Dripping Springs Vodka Distillery, Twisted X Brewing Company, and the Bell Springs Winery. For the outdoor-activity enthusiasts, Reimar’s Ranch offers a variety of unique hill country experiences including over 18 miles of beautiful trails to hike or bike along, and 3 miles of Pedernales River frontage to take a dip in. Above the trails, there is horse-back riding, fishing, and a separate area for climbing the big, limestone rock walls that encompass the Ranch. Another quick 30 minute drive out of Dripping Springs and you’ll find yourself at Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood if you’re looking for a delicious taste of Texas cuisine.

New Braunfels: Floating the river is the perfect way to cool off from the hot summer heat. The Comal River is located in New Braunfels,Texas which is approximately 50 minutes from Austin. It takes around 2 hours to float the river but there are multiple spots to stop and get out along the way. Bring your own tubes or rent tubes from Corner Tubes, Texas Tubes, or Comal Rockin R tube rental. While in New Braunfels you must make a stop at Gruene, which is a historic district located inside the city. The area is known for its rustic Texas vibe and is the perfect getaway from the city. Make sure to stop at Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas, known to host popular country musicians, such as Willie Nelson. Next door to Gruene Hall is the famous Gristmill Restaurant which is known for their amazing chicken fried steak and their outside patio that looks over the Guadalupe River. After eating dinner at The Gristmill, head across the street to the Gruene General Store for souvenirs, homemade fudge, and ice cream!

Lockhart: Located between Austin and San Antonio is the small town of Lockhart and is considered the Barbecue Capital of Texas. No trip would be complete to Lockhart without BBQ and we suggest trying Black’s BBQ, Kreuz Market, Smitty’s Market, and Chisholm Trail BBQ. Lockhart is also home to the unique Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches, located right in the town’s square. It’s completely free to visit, but only opens on Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, or by appointment. The charm of this small town continues with the Lockhart State Park, a spot popular for its 9-hole golfing range, swimming pool, and fishing holes (no fishing license required). So much history resides in this state park as it came to fruition during the Great Depression by Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC). Explore Lockhart and all it has to offer – you might even find a few scenic places showcased in many Hollywood films and TV shows … like What’s Eating Gilbert Grape!

Wimberley: Less than an hour away from Austin is the beautiful town of Wimberley, TX. If you are an adventurous person and love the water, this is the perfect place for you, with one of the largest underwater caves in Texas. Jacob’s Well is only available via reservation in which guests are granted a 2 hour time slot. Just like Jacob’s Well, the Blue Hole is a naturally-occuring and incredibly popular swimming hole. You also need reservations in advance for the Blue Hole. After plunging into the well, swimming in the surrounding spring, or hiking around the park, take a stop in Wimberley’s town center for boutique shopping and delicious restaurants!

Urbanspace Favs | Top 5 Places to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in Austin

June 30, 2022 by Paris Procter

Top 5 Places to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in Austin

The 4th of July is around the corner and we have a list of some of the top places to watch fireworks in Austin, Texas. We hope everyone has a fun and safe holiday weekend!

HEB Austin Symphony July 4th Fireworks: One of Austin’s most popular traditions for the 4th of July is Austin Symphony Orchestra’s annual performance at the Long Center for the Performing Arts. Live music, great vibes, and an accompaniment of fireworks overlooking the downtown Austin skyline serves for the perfect July 4th celebration. It is free and open to the public and only a 5-minute walk away from Lady Bird Lake, a great place to walk to enjoy the lake views. The festivities begin at 8 p.m., followed by “mile-high” fireworks. The event is free and open to the public.

Lady Bird Lake: Watch firework displays on a boat, kayak, or lakefront restaurant on Lady Bird Lake. Rent a boat with rentals like Capital Cruises, one of our favorites, that offer private charter boats for a more reserved party, or a public cruise (on a first come first serve basis) to watch the fireworks show from the lake. Typically, kayak and paddle board rentals close at sunset, however, many will be open later on the 4th so the firework views can be enjoyed.

Mount Bonnell: Being Austin’s peak natural overlook, there is no better seat in the city than the top of Mount Bonnell for panoramic views of the fireworks across Austin. Bring a lawn chair, a few blankets, and some good company to celebrate the 4th of July in the Austin outdoors. Mount Bonnell is definitely a hotspot for watching fireworks, so plan to get there early to set up camp and get a prime parking spot.

Zilker Park: With 350 acres of sprawling fields and landscape, Zilker is a great spot to enjoy the 4th of July during the day and into the night. Hundreds of people gather to celebrate the holiday in the huge park. Don’t forget to bring your picnic basket! This park is free to all and has plenty of space to celebrate.

Fairmont Rooftop Bar – Rules and Regs: Located on the 7th floor of the Fairmont Hotel, Rules and Regs bar offers one of the best views of downtown Austin at night. It is conveniently close to Rainey St., home to part of Austin’s best nightlife. Make sure to call ahead to beat the crowd, but walk-ins are also available.

Urbanspace Favs | Top 5 ATX Labor Day Events 2021

December 10, 2021August 27, 2021 by Paris Procter

Top 5 ATX Labor Day Events 2021

Looking to mix up your Labor Day plans? Check out these weekend plans you won’t want to miss.

Free Yoga at Waterloo Greenway: Castle Hill Fitness is hosting free yoga classes in the park at Waterloo Greenway on Monday September 6, 2021. The classes are open to members and non-members but you must bring your own mat and water bottle. Located at Moody Amphitheater the classes are 9:00am-10:00am, 10:00am-10:30am, and 6:30pm-7:30pm CDT. Registration is required for capacity purposes. You can sign up here. (1401 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701)

Austin Live Music Revival: Austin Live Music Revival is a multi-genre event featuring 50+ performances across five venues and three days! The event is taking place on Labor day Weekend starting on Friday September 3rd at 3:00 pm through Sunday September 5th at 11:00 pm CDT. A few of the venues include Antone’s, Swan Dive, Barbarella, Cedar Street Courtyard, and more. Check out the lineup and more information on the event here. (Multiple Venues)

Bob Schneider’s Labor of Love Fest: Bob Schneider is a family friendly event open to all ages. There will be a full bar and food available at the venue. The Labor of Love Fest will be on September 4, 2021 at 6:00pm at Nutty Brown Amphitheater. No outside chairs, food, drinks, containers, or blankets allowed. All minors will be charged an additional $5 at the door. (12225 Hwy 290 W, Austin, TX 78738)

Drive Thru Labor Day Weekend Fish Fry: Hosted by Austin Central Labor Council is the Labor Day Fish Fry. This year’s fish fry has been moved to a drive-thru only event. The event is scheduled for Friday, September 3rd at the NALC Hall (601 Williams Street, Austin, TX 78752).

Rooftop Night Party Labor Day Weekend: Enjoy some good music by Jamie Dred at a Rooftop Party hosted by Encore. Located at Speakeasy, the event will be held from September 5, 2021 from 9:00pm – 2:00am. Tickets are $10 and you can purchase them here. (412 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701)

Urbanspace Favs | Top 5 Ways To Wind Down Your Summer

July 20, 2021 by Paris Procter

Top 5 Ways To Wind Down Your Summer

With the end of summer approaching, we have a list of must-do ATX activities for August. Check out our Urbanspace Top 5 Ways to Wind Down Your Summer below!

Austin FC Home Games: Go cheer on Austin’s first professional soccer team, Austin FC! The team has four home games in August where they will play at the new Q2 Stadium. August 4th at 8:00pm the team will play Houston. August 18th at 8:00pm they will host Vancouver. Then on August 21st at 8:00pm they will play Portland. On August 29th at 7:00pm the team will play Dallas. You can purchase single-match tickets here. (10414 McKalla Pl, Austin, TX 78758)

16th Annual Bat Fest: The biggest bat-viewing party of the year will be held on the Congress Avenue Bridge on August 28, 2021. Enjoy live music, local food and drink, a bat costume contest, children activities, and more than 50 arts and crafts vendors. The event will run from 4:00pm to 11:59pm. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 cash at the gate. Kids 8 and under are free with an adult. You can purchase tickets here. (100 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704)

Blues on the Green: Blues on the Green is back and will take place on August 10th and 11th at Zilker Park. Gather friends and family, pack a blanket, and enjoy the free concert series with performances by local artists. (2207 Lou Neff Rd, Austin, TX 78746)

Donut Boat Rentals: Donut Boat rentals is exclusive to Lady Bird Lake and provides small groups an electric boat adventure. The Donut Boat’s unique design allows up to ten people to sit around a center table with a center post umbrella for shade. Never driven a boat? No problem, you’ll receive an orientation. Feel free to bring your own food and snacks, or choose from one of the plated options Capital Cruises offers from the Hyatt Regency Austin. Rental pricing is $100/hour with a 2 hour minimum for all reservations. (208 Barton Springs Road Austin, TX 78704)

Lake Travis Zipline Adventures: Enjoy the Austin Hill country with five thrilling Ziplines over Lake Travis! Includes all needed equipment, boat transportation, and bottled water. You can also enjoy access to their private lakefront property where you are able to swim, picnic, play beach games, or relax in hammocks. Reservations are required and can be made here. (14529 Pocohontas Trail, Leander, TX 78641)

Urbanspace Favs | Top 5 ATX 4th of July Events This Year

December 10, 2021June 22, 2021 by Emily Johnson

Top 5 ATX 4th of July Events This Year

Whether you’re looking to go all out on 4th of July weekend or just watch the fireworks, here are some great ways to spend the holiday weekend in Austin and the Texas Hill Country.

HEB Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks: H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks is back! Spend this Independence Day with your family and friends, decked out in red, white and blue. Head down to Vic Mathias Shores (formerly Auditorium Shores) this July 4th for an amazing event complete with a fireworks display over the city skyline backed by symphonic patriotic classics. This event is planned, produced, and performed entirely by the Austin Symphony Orchestra, with the help of its generous sponsors. The festivities begin at 8 p.m., followed by “mile-high” fireworks. The event is free and open to the public. (Auditorium Shores and Long Center)

Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Festival: Head to the Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Festival on July 4, 2021 from 4-10 p.m., for live music, shopping, dining and fireworks. Bring the whole family to enjoy backyard games and local live music, then finish out the evening with a spectacular firework show. (Hill Country Galleria)

Bob Schneider’s Independence Day Celebration: Another fan favorite is Austin musician Bob Schneider’s Independence Day Celebration. Bring the family out on Saturday, July 3, 2021 and join the local legend at the Nutty Brown Amphitheater, followed by (you guessed it) a firework show! (Nutty Brown Amphitheater)

July 4th Weekend at Geraldine’s Austin: Geraldine’s, the 4^th floor rooftop bar and live music venue inside the Hotel Van Zandt is hosting live blues performances all weekend long, from July 1-4, 2021, including performances by Jo James, Blake Whitmire, Vin Mott and Paul Val. On Sunday, July 4, the bar will welcome blues musician Paul Val from 8-9:30 p.m., then view the fireworks display across the lake from 9:30-10 p.m.(Hotel Van Zandt)

Lakeway 4th Of July Parade & Events: Independence Day is the largest annual event in Lakeway, Texas, which is about a half-hour drive from Austin. This festive parade starts at 8:30 am and marches from the Live Oak Golf Course to the Lakeway Activity Center. The procession is followed by a hot-dog lunch, fun activities, and the Pageantry of Flags program. Live music and other entertainment spice up the day. Families would enjoy the celebration at Lakeway Swim Center that lasts from noon to 8 pm. (Lakeway, TX)

Urbanspace Favs | Top 5 ATX Hotel Pool Passes

June 1, 2021 by Emily Johnson

Top 5 ATX Hotel Pool Passes

Treat yourself with a day in the sun sipping your favorite cocktail and lounging poolside at some of the top hotels across the city. While you’d like to enjoy the luxury hotel pools offer without having to book a hotel room, plenty of Austin hotels allow non-guests to make a splash just for the day. Check out our Urbanspace Top 5 Hotel Pool Passes below!

Fairmont Austin: This spacious rooftop pool at The Fairmont offers resort-style amenities with a sophisticated city center backdrop. The expansive pool and whirlpool, situated on the 7th floor of the luxury hotel, present the perfect summer retreat. Day passes are available for outside guests to purchase Monday through Thursday. Adult passes are $40, and children are $25. (101 red river st, 78701)

The LINE Austin: Enjoy a cocktail and a swim with the best vista in town at the LINE Austin’s lakeside salt water infinity pool. Overlooking the Congress Avenue Bridge, Lady Bird Lake and the lush Austin skyline, it’s a spot that will make you forget you’re in the heart of the city. The pool is reserved for hotel guest use only on weekends, with guest passes available for purchase on weekdays. Adult passes are $40, and children are $25. (111 e cesar chavez st, 78701)

Austin Motel: Austin Motel’s iconic kidney-shaped pool is now open for reservations Friday through Sunday from 12 – 8 p.m. Reservations are $40 a person for a two hour block and are available for parties up to 5. (1220 s congress ave, 78704)

South Congress Hotel: The pool at South Congress Hotel is the perfect combo of chic and simple. Snack on the fresh, farm-to-table fare of Café No Sé while you lounge. Non-hotel guests can access the pool with daily passes for $40, Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. To book your pool day, call 512-920-6405 or email concierge@southcongresshotel.com your name and requested date and time. (1603 s congress ave, 78704)

Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt: Soak up the sun or breathtaking views of Lady Bird lake while relaxing poolside at Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt. With a refined design, luxurious lounge chairs, and premium cabanas, the Kimpton is an ideal daytime retreat. Day passes start at $38 for adults and $15 for children. (605 davis st, 78701)

Urbanspace Favs | Top 5 ATX Swimming Spots

May 24, 2021April 27, 2021 by Emily Johnson

Top 5 ATX Swimming Spots

*Photo from: RoschetzkyIstockPhoto/Getty Images*

With Summer approaching fast and furious, you’ll definitely need a place to shake the Texas heat. But luckily, Mother Nature blessed Austin with a number of splashy swimming spots that offer a fun way to cool off. Check out our Urbanspace Top 5 Swimming Spots below!

Barton Springs Pool: Combine great swimming with people watching at the historic Barton Springs Pool, just minutes from downtown Austin. Located in the heart of the 360-acre Zilker Park, this swimmer’s paradise features clear water fed from underground springs that stays a refreshing 68 degrees year ‘round, along with grassy hills for sunbathing. (2131 william barton dr, 78746)

Deep Eddy Pool: The huge Deep Eddy Pool is the state’s oldest pool, and offers a traditional public pool experience in the center of Austin. (401 deep eddy drive, 78703)

Hamilton Pool Preserve: Located a 40-minute drive from Austin in Texas Hill Country, Hamilton Pool Preserve is a geological wonder. This historic swimming hole was formed by the Hamilton Creek spilling out over limestone outcroppings, creating a dramatic 50-foot waterfall that plunges into a canyon. (24300 hamilton road, TX 78620)

Jacob’s Well: Swim in an artesian spring just 40 minutes outside of Austin at Jacob’s Well Natural Area. The cool, clear water is surrounded by rocky ledges and shady trees, creating a picture-perfect swimming hole. Jacob’s Well is the second largest fully submerged cave in Texas and the spring releases thousands of gallons of water a day, eventually feeding into the Blanco River. (1699 Mt Sharp Rd., TX 78676)

Blue Hole: Drive 45 minutes south of Austin to reach the glorious Blue Hole, located just outside of Wimberley. The crystal-clear waters of Blue Hole stay an ideal 75 degrees all year round, and are shaded by towering cypress trees. Manicured waterside lawns are the perfect place to spread out a blanket and crack open your cooler. Rope swings hanging from the trees complete the quintessential water hole experience. Admittance is limited and reservations are required for swimming, so make your reservation online here. (blue hole ln, 78676)