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Day Trip From Austin – Kingsland, TX

November 1, 2017 by Kristin

While it’s easy to get caught up in all Austin has to offer, it’s also important to make time for exploring the rest of Texas. And because we don’t have an infinite amount of time {and I’m guessing that you don’t either}, we’ve made a commitment to get out there and experience things together. Even if it’s just a day trip. Because, most likely, there’s only time for a day trip.

The formula for our day trips are a pretty simple: within a few hours from Austin, must include nature, must include food. Kingsland made for a pretty perfect day trip from Austin because it was only an hour drive, is the home of Longhorn Cavern State Park, and also has a restaurant that is in the house from Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

I wasn’t expecting much from Grand Central Cafe because, from a distance, it seemed like it was going to be super touristy. But other than a few themed cocktails on the bar menu and some movie memorabilia scattered about, it felt like a cozy local spot. The menu was giant and included your typical American staples: burgers, sandwiches, salads. I ordered the chicken fried chicken and Kody ordered the reuben. And we both Leatherface lemonaded it up because… When in Rome.

And while nothing on the menu blew my mind, that wasn’t why we were there nor was that the expectation. But everything about our time at Grand Central Cafe was pleasant. The green beans that were served with the chicken fried chicken brought back happy memories of when my great grandmother would spend winters with us in Florida {big positive!}. And I can’t recall a time in Austin where a boozy lunch for two was under $35.

After lunch, we traveled about ten minutes down the road to Longhorn Cavern Sate Park. We both looked at pictures earlier in the week, but the park was immediately cooler than we were expecting. There were a few buildings/structures to gaze at before entering the cave. And the entrance to the cave itself was pretty grand.

There were quite a bit of stairs that led to the cave entrance. And sink holes created tunnels of light that illuminated rock, while allowing greens to grow. Per the website, we intended to do a self-guided tour. But when we arrived at the entrance we were greeted with a locked gate.

So heads up, the only way to enter the cave is through a guided tour which costs $16 per adult and about 90 minutes of your time. Both important things to note before making the trip.

But it was apparent as the tour began that the caves would be difficult to navigate on your own. Not only was it very dark and sometimes slippery, but there were a ton of details that we would have missed had we walked around solo.

All said and done, we were away from home for about five hours and spent under $75 – a total win in my book! Regarding kids, Kody and I both agreed that this tour might be a little long for Haven {age 4}, but we still could have managed had she been there.

What to bring?

Closed toed shoes that have a decent grip. We wore Vans and Converse and were totally fine, but I was so thankful I didn’t wear boots.
Layers, especially in cooler temps. The cave was much warmer than we expected.
Water bottle. The tour is between 60 and 90 minutes with no access to water. There’s a gift shop, but a reusable water bottle is the way to go!
A fun playlist. Fresh out of tunes? Click here for one of my go-to lists!

A Staycation With Voveti Prosecco

December 5, 2016 by Kristin

This fall has been filled to the brim with “oblications” {obligation + vacations}. And though I’m beyond delighted to whip across the country for weddings and press trips, it’s important for me to spend quality time with the town I call home. And, equally as important, making time for the people here.

And to make up for neglecting my number one {pictured above}, we planned a weekend of our favorite activities. To add something extra special, we incorporated bottles of Voveti – an upscale {yet affordable} prosecco, perfect for everyday pairing.

First on our list were tacos and hiking. I love parking at the Spyglass entrance at the Greenbelt and grabbing a few tacos at Tacodeli before hitting the trail. And since it’s been exceptionally rainy lately, the Greenbelt is extra green, super shady, and overall beautiful.

The next day, we planned for more nature, but this time at Mount Bonnell {one of the highest points in Austin}. Mount Bonnell is always on my itinerary for out-of-town visitors because it’s relatively close to downtown and has the most stunning view of the city. As a resident, the view will still get ya every time.

There are a few tables and plenty of large rocks that serve as quintessential picnic spots. We packed up a loaf of crusty bread, a charcuterie plate, and a bottle of Voveti to accompany us while we chatted and soaked up the beauty.

Kody has been wanting to learn more about photography, so we snapped a few pictures of each other while talking apertures and shutter speeds. I prefer to be behind the lens, but sometimes it’s nice to have photographic proof that you were there.

And after being out and about for a few hours, we came home and prepared a no-fuss, but still fancy, homemade meal. Verde pork tostadas served with a bottle of Voveti prosecco for the win!

To learn more about Voveti, a craft prosecco in which only 15,000 cases are produced annually, click here.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

The St. Anthony Hotel – San Antonio, TX

November 11, 2016 by Kristin

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had the biggest, baddest travel bug. Exploring new places, eating meals in different settings, and breathing in unfamiliar air – I just can’t get enough. So when I found out Haven’s third birthday {my boyfriend’s daughter} fell on an event-free weekend, I suggested we celebrate on the road.

San Antonio is a quick 90-minute drive from Austin, which is perfect for a 3 year old’s {and 33 year old’s} attention span. We planned a simple itinerary, packed up the car with presents, and headed to the St. Anthony Hotel in Downtown San Antonio.

With an unassuming exterior, the St. Anthony quickly transformed into the most beautiful, elegant space the moment you passed through the front door. Green and gray {my two favorite colors} were dominant throughout. And there were no less than fifty chairs that were so cozy, so inviting, that you longed to plant yourself and take an extended seat.

Thankfully there was also a cozy seat in our room, because Miss Haven was in the biggest hurry to open presents. After all, they had spent an entire 90 minutes looking at her during the ride. We opened a row of gray, floor-length drapes to let in some light. And then she eagerly plopped herself up on the wingback chair to see what year three was all about.

The weather had been gloomy all day, but decided to clear up just in time for an early dinner on the patio. And a very shy Haven warmed up quickly after a handful of hotel staff wished her the happiest birthday.

Following typical blogger suit, we requested menu items that were as photogenic as they were delicious and went the small plate route in order to maximize our exposure to the menu. The dishes I liked best included the watermelon salad pictured above.

We’re in the final days of watermelon season and warm weather, so I was happy to have one last hurrah of a watermelon dish. Watermelon and feta is always a winning combination. And this dish inspired me to look for ways to incorporate sumac into my cooking at home.

Next up was ricotta and broccolini pancakes. Not only do I love, love, love savory pancakes, I really liked how this dish was predominantly vegetarian topped with a meat accent.

And the octopus! Filled with texture and vibrant colors, this dish was my favorite to photograph. And when it was time to eat, I was pleased with how tender the octopus was as well as how it paired with the pesto.

We had plans to walk the Riverwalk after dinner, but since the weather wasn’t cooperating we headed back to the room to play with new toys and called it a night.

The next morning we took it easy and ordered room service. Pancakes for the birthday girl, steak and eggs for Kody, and steel cut oats for me. This steel cut oats was another dish that sparked inspiration for me at home. How fun would it be to have some girlfriends over for a breakfast get-together with an oatmeal bar?

After a leisurely breakfast, we spent the rest of the morning touring the hotel. I can’t tell you enough how perfectly each room was decorated. The hotel went through a major renovation beginning in 2013 and they did such a wonderful job preserving the historic elements of the original design.

It was too dreary to spend extended time by the pool, but the rooftop pool deck would be worth coming back for. A super crisp and clean design with gorgeous views of the surrounding historic buildings. The lounge chairs were also partially submerged in water which, if you’re familiar Texas heat, couldn’t be more perfect for summertime sunbathing.

We ended our tour with a visit to the Sky Terrace, which was BEAUTIFUL. The hotel is currently working on programming for the space, but could you imagine a sunset concert series or a cocktail hour lounging on this deck?

Overall, our quick stay at the St. Anthony Hotel was a delightful escape from our daily routine. I look forward to coming back to visit my newest favorite hotel in Texas and exploring more of San Antonio soon!

Disclosure: Although the St. Anthony Hotel kindly hosted us, the opinions in this post are completely my own and based on my experience.

Float Fest 2016 – Lineup & FREE TIX!

June 30, 2016 by Kristin

Float Fest 2016 is in a couple weeks {July 16th & 17th} and I am so excited about it! How often do you get to float the river and, when you land, be greeted to the tune of some of your favorite bands? The answer is once a year. And the place is Float Fest in San Marcos, TX {about 40 minutes from Austin, TX}!

Metric, Santigold, and Yeasayer are at the top of my list of bands to see. If these bands are new-to-you, I’ve included videos at the bottom of this post to lure you in. And, if you click on any of the pictures within this post, you’ll be taken to an Instagram contest where you can enter to win TWO FREE TICKETS!!

In addition to seeing some of my favorite bands, I’m wayyyy excited about some of the Austin food vendors that will making an appearance at the fest, as well. Like Torchy’s Tacos {pictured above} and Burro Cheese Kitchen {pictured below}. I can’t tell you how many times a grilled cheese from Burro Cheese Kitchen has been the key to my survival at a music festival.

Hope to see ya there!!