Austin Blog http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin 675 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 17:32:57 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=wordpress-mu-1.0 en Austin’s Slammin’ http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/06/29/austin%e2%80%99s-slammin%e2%80%99/ http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/06/29/austin%e2%80%99s-slammin%e2%80%99/#comments Fri, 29 Jun 2007 22:37:00 +0000 Ronald Gross Bars & Clubs Entertainment Events Things To Do Austin http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/06/29/austin%e2%80%99s-slammin%e2%80%99/ The slogan reads “Anything can happen in 3 minutes” for the National Poetry Slam to be held in the second week in August. 5 days of competition with the final battle at the Paramount Theater on Congress Street. More than 300 competitors come out from cities all over North America to “express” themselves.

This Saturday, June 30th from 8PM to 2AM, kicks off the pre-slam with a benefit bash at Ruta Maya World Headquarters located at 3601 S. Congress Avenue. It’s great coffee and a great cause. It’s a night filled with Austin’s finest performers and musicians duking it out to support the National Poetry Slam.

If you can’t make the benefit show, be sure to check out http://www.nps2007.com/ and http://www.austinslam.com/ for the ultimate battle next month.

]]> http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/06/29/austin%e2%80%99s-slammin%e2%80%99/feed/ The Four Seasons Hotel in Austin Takes Relaxation To The Next Level http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/06/03/the-four-seasons-hotel-in-austin-takes-relaxation-to-the-next-level/ http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/06/03/the-four-seasons-hotel-in-austin-takes-relaxation-to-the-next-level/#comments Sun, 03 Jun 2007 07:16:36 +0000 Ronald Gross Hotels Spa & Beauty Things To Do Austin http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/06/03/the-four-seasons-hotel-in-austin-takes-relaxation-to-the-next-level/ On June 15th, The Four Seasons Hotel in Austin unveils their brand new 5,500-square foot spa to the public. The spa originally opened in 1987, and due to the growing demand, it had outgrown the old facility. The Swanky new spa features a relaxation lounge, eight treatment rooms, a nail salon and eucalyptus-infused steam rooms.

“Now with over 30 people on staff, we’re going to be able to service our guests the way they like and the way we really want to” says Travis Anderson, Spa Director who has been with The Four Seasons in Austin since May 2005.

One of the spa’s signature treatments is the Yellow Rose of Texas Body Wrap, an 80-minute body treatment with fresh petals and oils of roses, it gives new meaning to the phrase “coming out smelling like a rose”. A staff favorite is the Rosemary Body Scrub, were they actually pick sprigs of fresh rosemary on site.

And men, don’t feel left out there are treatments for you like the Aroma Sports Massage, A deep tissue and stretching massage with oils of ginger and sage specifically designed for the spa’s male clients. Men can also enjoy nail and skin care treatments and they’ll even throw in the hot towel from the old barbershop days.

Be among the first to experience the new Spa with a grand opening "Relax, it's Austin" package. For more information, go to http://www.fourseasons.com/austin/relax_its_austin_2007/. With this new luxurious facility, The Four Seasons Spa in Austin is bound to give top rated Lake Austin Spa (http://www.lakeaustin.com/) a run for its money.

]]> http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/06/03/the-four-seasons-hotel-in-austin-takes-relaxation-to-the-next-level/feed/ The Turquoise Door http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/30/the-turquoise-door/ http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/30/the-turquoise-door/#comments Thu, 31 May 2007 00:17:52 +0000 Jeremy Shopping http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/30/the-turquoise-door/ It's hard to pass up a look in this unique store. Aptly named with a turquoise door out front this little shop is filled with mexican and aztec art and jewelry. Prices range from mid to high end, but the quality is worth the price.

The owner is very knowledgable about all his items and is more than happy to help you find something that fits you perfectly. Brightly decorated you can find the Turquoise door at 1208 S Congress Ave here in Austin.

Parking is very limited on the street, but the entire street is lined with plenty of shops to browse so if you aren't right out front it will give you a chance to see other unique places along the way, including the famous San Jose Hotel.

Nearby Guero's is a favorite stop for locals to grab a bite in between shops.

Phone: (512) 480-0618

]]> http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/30/the-turquoise-door/feed/ Sunsets and the Symphony This Summer In Austin http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/24/sunsets-and-the-symphony-this-summer-in-austin/ http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/24/sunsets-and-the-symphony-this-summer-in-austin/#comments Fri, 25 May 2007 04:35:09 +0000 Ronald Gross Attractions Entertainment Things To Do Austin http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/24/sunsets-and-the-symphony-this-summer-in-austin/ The Austin Symphony kicks off its 5th summer of FREE concerts in the park on Sunday, May 27th. Head down to Woolridge Park at 9th and Guadalupe Streets and enjoy a relaxing hour of live classical music. Every Sunday till August 26th, a different ensemble will be featured under the gazebo. There is something for everyone; the music being performed will range from Mozart to Ellington to Rodgers & Hammerstein. The concerts start at 7:30 PM, so pack a picnic dinner, a blanket and lawn chairs and enjoy the sunset while listening to the true “oldies”. For more information and schedule listings, check out www.austinsymphony.org.

]]> http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/24/sunsets-and-the-symphony-this-summer-in-austin/feed/ Get Your Rear In Gear In Austin This Month http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/21/get-your-rear-in-gear-in-austin-this-month/ http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/21/get-your-rear-in-gear-in-austin-this-month/#comments Tue, 22 May 2007 05:36:49 +0000 Ronald Gross Events Things To Do Austin http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/21/get-your-rear-in-gear-in-austin-this-month/ With gas prices rising over three dollars a gallon, Austin embraces a cheaper way to get around. This month is Austin Bike Month. So, if you plan on visiting Austin this month you may want to take along your bicycle (or rent one at one of the numerous bike shops around town) and give your car and your wallet a rest.

All around town there are activities to motivate you to get yourself in gear. There is everything from bicycle drag racing down on Guadalupe Street at the “Bike to Third Thursday” street festival to the 11th annual Political Pedal (http://www.austincycling.org./art/07PoliticalPedal.pdf), where local officials cycle along with the two-wheeling public promoting a healthier mode of transportation. For the whole rundown on events, check out: http://www.austincycling.org./bike_month.html.

]]> http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/21/get-your-rear-in-gear-in-austin-this-month/feed/ Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/21/town-lake-hike-and-bike-trail/ http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/21/town-lake-hike-and-bike-trail/#comments Tue, 22 May 2007 04:44:53 +0000 austinblogger28 Attractions Things To Do http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/21/town-lake-hike-and-bike-trail/ Take a stroll around Town Lake, see the city and breath a little fresh air.

The 10 mile hike and bike trail around Town Lake in downtown Austin is the perfect place for a lunch-time walk, afternoon run or early morning bike ride. It is easy to go a distance you are comfortable with, since there is a bridge to complete your loop every few miles. Go for a short 2 mile walk, a 5 mile jog or a 10 mile adventure from Longhorn Dam in East Austin to the Mopac bridge in West Austin.

Visiting town with your canine companion? The trail is very dog-friendly, just as long as you pick up after your pooch, sections of it are even off-leash. There is a section of "beach" along Riverside Drive between S. 1st St. and Lamar that is the perfect place to toss that tennis ball in the water and watch your doggy paddle away.

Check out the link below to see mileage charts and a trail map.
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/trails.htm

]]> http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/21/town-lake-hike-and-bike-trail/feed/ Get Sauced http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/20/get-sauced/ http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/20/get-sauced/#comments Sun, 20 May 2007 23:38:13 +0000 Jeremy Entertainment Restaurants http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/20/get-sauced/ The live music capitol would not be the same with out Stubb's BBQ restaurant and amphitheatre. Located at 801 Red River smack in downtown Austin it hosts everything from gospel to good ol' rock and roll. A long time favorite for locals and visitors alike you're missing the heart of the austin live music scene if you pass this one up.

Stubb's Restaurant and Waller Creek Amphitheatre

801 Red River / Austin, Texas 78701 / 512.480.8341 / restaurantmanager@stubbsaustin.com

Hours
Closed Monday
Tue - Thu: 11 am - 10 pm
Fri - Sat: 11 am - 11 pm
Sun: 11 am - 9 pm

Catering/Parties Contact: Kate O'Connell / 512.444.2001 / catering@stubbsaustin.com

]]> http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/20/get-sauced/feed/ Austin Firemen Fight Fires As Well As Cholesterol http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/18/austin-firemen-fight-fires-as-well-as-cholesterol/ http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/18/austin-firemen-fight-fires-as-well-as-cholesterol/#comments Fri, 18 May 2007 06:58:34 +0000 Ronald Gross News Austin http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/18/austin-firemen-fight-fires-as-well-as-cholesterol/ When you think of firefighters, you probably think of big, burly men with big, meat-filled appetites hiking up ladders, wheeling out hoses and sliding down poles. . That’s pretty much true for Engine Co. #2 in Austin except for the meat devouring part. You see this local fire fighting company have gone vegetarian. That’s right, they have gone the way of the veg.

After Specialist, James Rae was diagnosed with high cholesterol; he devoted himself to eating healthier and encouraged his fellow firemen to do the same. Now this little engine company from Austin is taking healthy eating one step further by posting on their website (http://www.engine2.org/) health related articles, vegetarian recipes and helpful online tools to help people eat healthier. So, next time you’re around Austin and see a fire engine drive by, think of engine Company #2 and maybe a nice juicy flame-broiled veggie burger for lunch.

]]> http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/18/austin-firemen-fight-fires-as-well-as-cholesterol/feed/ Top 10 Vegetarian Restaurants in Austin http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/15/top-10-vegetarian-restaurants-in-austin/ http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/15/top-10-vegetarian-restaurants-in-austin/#comments Wed, 16 May 2007 02:40:58 +0000 austinblogger28 Restaurants Top Ten's Austin http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/15/top-10-vegetarian-restaurants-in-austin/ 5 a day, that's what they say! Vegetarians and non-vegetarians can find a way to satisfy their hunger at any of the places below. You will hardly notice that you in fact just ate your day's worth of veggies. Enjoy!

Bouldin Creek Coffeehouse 1501 S. 1st Street: Vegetarian menu offering breakfast all day, salads, sandwiches/light fare and hot meals such tacos and veggie plates. http://www.bouldincreek.com/

Casa de Luz 1701 Toomey Rd.: According to the website, Cas de Luz's cuisine "is 100% vegan and organic (occasional non-organic ingredients are marked on the menu) and we strive to create our meals in accordance with the principles of Macrobiotics." Check the website for the week's menus and events such as yoga and live music. http://www.casadeluz.org

Cosmic Cafe Austin 1110 W Lynn St: Don't be scared of the giant eyeball checking you out as you walk in, middle eastern influenced/Mediterranean-type everything on the menu rocks food. http://www.cosmiccafeaustin.com/

Madras Pavilion 9025 Research Blvd # 100: Delicious vegetarian Indian food. Great lunch buffet with all the saag paneer you can handle! Highly recommend the spicy Dosai (comes with the buffet) - its a paper thin rice and lentil crepe filled with potatoes, other veggies and spicy seasonings. Mmmm! http://www.madraspavilion.us/

Mother's Cafe 4215 Duval St: A recent fire destroyed the garden patio and damaged much of the interior of this vegetarian restaurant, they will be closed while they reconstruct the (in my opinion) best vegetarian restaurant in Austin. For updated information and ways to help go to: http://motherscafeaustin.com/

Mr. Natural 1901 E Cesar Chavez St and 2414 S Lamar Blvd: Veggie with Tex-Mex influence, cafeteria-style grab a tray and tell the lunch lady (or man) what you want. Try the tortilla soup - takes an extra few minutes but totally worth it! Also a health food store, bakery and yoga studio. http://www.mrnatural-austin.com/

Nu Age Cafe 2425 Exposition Blvd: Located in a vegan-products only shopping center at Exposition and Windsor in Tarrytown, their veggie burger comes highly recommended. http://www.nuagecafe.com

Spiderhouse Coffee Bar and Vegetarian Cafe 2908 Fruth St: Eclectic outdoor seating and decor, wifi, lots of coffee, beer and vegetarian fare, this is a popular hangout near the University of Texas campus.
http://www.spiderhousecafe.com/

Veggie Haven 1914 Guadalupe St.: On "the drag" on Guadalupe near the University of Texas campus, I haven't been there personally but most vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike rave about this one.

Whole Foods, Downtown location 525 N Lamar Blvd: Not a vegetarian restaurant per se, but tons of prepared veggie options as well as the best salad bar in town. Soups, salad-bar, sushi bar, pizza by the slice, cheeses galore, and sandwiches made especially for you - its hard to pick just one thing. http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/lamar/

]]> http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/15/top-10-vegetarian-restaurants-in-austin/feed/ Laptop workaday getaways http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/15/laptop-workaday-getaways/ http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/15/laptop-workaday-getaways/#comments Tue, 15 May 2007 16:08:01 +0000 austinblogger31 Restaurants http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/usa_texas_austin/2007/05/15/laptop-workaday-getaways/ Legend has it, Austin has more coffeeshops per square foot than any city in the United States. True or not, there are more places to sip a cappuccino here than you can shake a sugar pack at. Local coffeehouse empire Austin Java even has a store set up right in the copper corner of the new City Hall building on Second Street. Most of the coffeeshops offer wireless internet access and a more-or-less serene environment for those looking to mix business with pleasure, sit down and work on that spreadsheet or type the next chapter of their novel.

Like said, the options are without limit, so I will just outline three. Try 'em out...you'll be happy you skipped Starbucks.

1) Flipnotics --- located on Barton Springs Road within walking distance of the natural-springs pool, Zilker Park and the hike-and-bike trails, Flipnotics runs a vintage-clothing store on the first floor, and brews one of the best cappuccinos in town on the second (not my own observation--an Italian friend of mine makes that claim). Enjoy the greenery outside on the patio, and catch a good glimpse of the RV park across the street--it will soon be replaced by one of the city's biggest condo projects.

2) Spiderhouse --- ah, Spiderhouse. Strange, pretentious, beautiful. You never know what kind of music will be playing over the speakers--Air Supply one day, weird avant-garde punk the next--but you can always count on the strange haircuts. With its ornate ironwork, garden full of statues sans appendages, and idyllic cottages next door, it offers a stimulating environment for the creative mind. Come in the morning or early afternoon to avoid the hipsters. The coffee sucks, but who cares?
3) Caffe Medici --- Visit this gem on West Lynn Street. Nestled in the village-like enclave at the outskirts of Clarksville, once the city's greatest African-American neighborhood, this is a great place to sip some coffee, pull a book off the shelf--Foulcart and Kerouac seem to be popular--then let your mind wander as you take a walk through the heavily wooded hills of the neighborhood.

Flipnotics Coffeespace Cafe - 1601 Barton Springs Road

Spider House Patio Bar & Cafe - 2908 Fruth St.

Caffe Medici - 1101 W. Lynn St.

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