Monday, February 1, 2010

Austin Guide to Dog Friendly Spots

Austin is a great town for dog lovers since there are so many attractions and events that are completely dog-friendly. Your four legged friend doesn’t need to feel left out in this town. As long as you follow proper dog etiquette, your pooch will be welcome at any of these restaurants, parks or hotels.

What is proper dog etiquette? It’s taking care of your dog and its needs so that it can behave while out in public. For example, you should keep your dog on a leash at all times unless you are at a leash free facility. If your dog is aggressive, you may want to leave it at home until you have time to work on some basic obedience skills. Always keep your dog and the ground around it clean by being armed with poop clean up bags and a hand towel if your dog likes to drool. Don’t allow your dog to eat the food of others and if you’re going to be out for a while, bring a travel food and water dish. By being a responsible pet owner, you can keep Austin safe for dogs and people alike.

Now that those ground rules are established, here are the best places to enjoy Austin Texas realtor with your dog.

Restaurants: There are over three dozen restaurants in the city that allow dogs to either come in the restaurant or sit with you on the patio. These are two of the most popular chains.

Austin Java –

There are five different locations for this popular coffee and food spot, and all are dog friendly as long as your dog is on a leash. The original is at 12 & Lamar. There are also locations at Barton Springs Road, West 2nd Street (nearly City Hall), Victory Drive (near Victory Medical Center) and one location at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport.

Freebirds World Burritos –

Choose from four different locations to eat a stuffed burrito and chill out with your canine companion. The Hancock store is at 1000 E. 41st street. The Brodie Oaks location is at 4032 Lamar Suite and the Tech Ridge location is at 1100 Center Ridge Drive. Finally, there is a location at South Congress avenue.

Off-leash Parks: Letting your dog run free is normally a no-no in the city of Austin, except in these special areas. Overall, there are twelve different parks and free runs where dogs can legally be off leash. For more information about Lakeway Realtor.

* The soccer field area of Zilker Park.

* Red Bud Isle

* Onion Creek District Park

* Auditorium Shores from South First to Bouldin Avenue

* Surplus airport property between Old Manor Road, Manor Road, Lovell Drive and the airport fence.

* Northeast District Park between Crystal Brook Drive, the railroad right of way and Decker Lake Road.

* Walnut Creek District Park between Cedar Bend Drive, Walnut Creek and the east and west park fences.

* Emma Long Metro Park between City Park Drive, the west park boundary fences, Turkey Creek and the top ridge of the bluff line.

With these locations, and several others, you’ll be able to enjoy Austin with your dog.

Posted by realtorInaustin in 11:54:22 | Permalink | No Comments »

Austin Tex Mex: Seven Restaurants that Can not be Missed

Tex Mex cuisine is something that can’t be missed if you’re visiting Austin. If you live in this diverse and exciting city, you’ve probably found some great spots to enjoy this unique form of cuisine. For those not in the know, Tex Mex food takes the best of Mexican food with the best of Southern-American food for a tasty blend of flavors.

If you need to find some new spots in Austin homes to get your Tex Mex fix, try these restaurants on for size.

1. Baby Acapulco

This restaurant located in the Barton Springs district is well known for its margaritas and authentic dishes. There’s a patio where you can enjoy your food as well as indoor seating. Baby Acapulco often features live music performances that enhance the mood of the restaurant and increase the enjoyable atmosphere.

2. Chuy’s

Chuy’s has a laid back atmosphere that is popular with locals and tourists alike. Chuy’s has become so popular that it’s become franchised through many different cities around the nation. Chuy’s décor is funky and eclectic and their food can’t be beat. Try the stuffed avocado or the macho burrito to get the best of Chuy’s. Like Baby Acapulco, it’s located in the Barton Springs district.

3. Cisco’s

Cisco’s has been part of Austin’s Tex Mex landscape since the 1950s.This family owned and operated restaurant serves breakfast and lunch. Homemade biscuits, egg dishes, salsa, fajitas and enchiladas make up the bulk of the menu. The décor and atmosphere are straight out of the restaurant’s 50s origins. It is located at 1511 E. 6th Street.

4. Maudie’s Café

This restaurant is the self-proclaimed “Tex Mex Heaven” and is located at 2608 W. 7th Street. The restaurant is laid back but very popular. Most nights it is packed full of Tex Mex enthusiasts. There are several different types of nachos to try as well as other traditional Tex Mex dishes and vegetarian fare. Their margaritas have been described as “to die for.”

5. Antonio’s Mexican Restaurant

Antonio’s offers signature lunch specials and San Antonio tacos, in addition to many American dishes. Chili, burritos, tacos and vegetarian dishes make up the diverse menu. It is located at 16912 I-35 N.

6. Trudy’s South Star

Located at 4141 S. Capital of Texas Highway in the Brodie Oaks Shopping Center, Trudy’s South Star is the perfect place to stop by after a day of shopping. Trudy’s is well known for it’s award-winning hot sauce which complements any of their dishes. Another one of their unique creations is Migas enchiladas which are stuffed with jalepenos, chicken or veggies. The restaurant is open for breakfast through late night.For more information about Austin Texas real estate.

7. Texican Café

The fajitas and Texas nachos make this place famous. There are so many items on the menu that you’ll need to come back again and again just to try everything. Queso dips, grilled rib eye and orange roughy filet are just a few of the unique items on their menu. The Texican Café is located at 11066 Pecan Park Blvd.
As can be expected, Austin is home to some wonderful Tex Mex. Use this list to start exploring what the city has to offer and try out some new favorites.

Posted by realtorInaustin in 10:48:26 | Permalink | No Comments »

Austin Parks: Where to picnic, bike and run

Austin isn’t short of open green spaces to explore and play in. The parks of Austin, Texas are a great way to enjoy milder weather days and take in a piece of the great outdoors. In addition to grassy areas, many of Austin’s parks feature swimming pools, amusement rides and museums. Here are a few that shouldn’t be missed.

McKinney Falls State Park located at 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway

This State park is a popular spot for residents to enjoy nature in South Austin. During the hot summer months, residents can enjoy the swimming pool located under McKinney Falls. For those who like to “rough it”, there are camping facilities available for nightly rentals. There are also plenty of hiking trails to explore and opportunities to fish. If you go, be sure to check out the ruins of a 1800s homestead that is preserved in the park.

Pease District Park located at 1100 Kingsbury Street

This park is easily accessible from many parts of Austin real estate , so it tends to be very popular with residents – especially University of Texas students. It’s centrally located so it is used to host to many different city events. In addition to the wide open spaces, it has two barbecue pits, over thirty picnic tables, a children’s play area and several basketball and volleyball courts.

Shoal Creek Hike and Bike Trail at 2600 N. Lamar Blvd.

This trail starts at Pease Park and winds its way along the Shoal Creek for a beautiful four miles. It’s safe for those who are on foot as well those who choose to use a bike to get around. During the spring it provides a wonderful survey of local spring flowers and plants.

Wild Basin Preserve at 805 N. Capitol of Texas Hwy

There are over 200 acres of wilderness in Wild Basin Preserve for residents to enjoy, as well as 3 miles of hiking trails through different natural habitats. Because this is a natural preserve, bikes, pets and picnics are prohibited. Wild Basin hosts a variety of family events, children’s workshops and school programs.

Waterloo Park

This park is located in the Red River district and it’s a nice way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It features 10 acres of grass areas and trees. It’s a very popular oasis to have a picnic or take a jog. During the weekdays, it’s virtually empty although it may get crowded on weekends due to ongoing festivals and events that are held here. For more information about West Austin real estate.

Zilker Metropolitan Park

This park has more than your standard grass and trees. Zilker Metropolitan Park could be considered a family fun center with all of the amenities that are there. The park includes 350 acres which includes a swimming pool, a train ride, a playground and lots of trails for joggers and bikers to explore. It’s also home of the Zilker Botanical Garden, the Austin Nature and Science Center, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and the Zilker Hillside Theater. It’s not to be missed!

Posted by realtorInaustin in 08:54:52 | Permalink | No Comments »