Category Archives: Cool Spots

Cool Spot: Hi-Tunes Karaoke

Hi Tunes Karaoke

It doesn’t matter if you sing like a bird or croak like a frog; there’s fun to be had by all at Hi-Tunes Karaoke in north central Austin. With private rooms honoring the tradition of the form and a policy under which you can bring your own alcohol to loosen up those vocal cords (as long as everyone in the room is 21 or older), Hi-Tunes provides the perfect setting for a night of silly, sonic fun. Rooms are rentable at $20, $30 and $50 per hour depending on size and can hold up to 6, 10 or 20 people, respectively. Reservations are strongly recommended but not required.

 
Hi-Tunes Karaoke, 911 West Anderson Ln (just off of Lamar Blvd)
Tues, Weds, Thurs, Sun: 6 pm – 2 am
Fri & Sat: 6 pm – 5 am

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Filed under Cool Spots, Weekend Activity Ideas

Cool Spot: Fabi + Rosi

Fabi + RosiWith all the tex-mex, BBQ, pho and ramen dominating Austin’s food scene, there doesn’t seem to be much room for European imports.  A tiny little converted house a few blocks north of Lake Austin, though, holds one of the best local secrets in the city: Fabi + Rosi.  This intimate, artfully-appointed eatery serves German, French, Italian and Spanish cuisine in a serene, elegant yet not-too-stuffy environment.  Its schnitzel (lightly fried pork cutlet) and spaetzle (noodles made from potatoes) is one of the most delectable dishes to be found in the 512. Run by a German chef and a native Austinite, this quirky, top-notch restaurant is a fantastic choice for date nights and special occasions. Don’t forget to try the “crack pie” with “hooch cream” for dessert; it’s worth every calorie.

 
Fabi + Rosi, 509 Hearn Street
Monday – Saturday, 5 – 10 pm (closed Sunday)

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Filed under Cool Spots, Eatery

Day Trip to Sweet Berry Farm

This weekend, I made a trip to Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls, TX. The farm is open to the public from March – June and you can hand pick strawberries, blackberries, potatoes, peaches and onions. Check their website for hours of operations and picking season. Currently strawberry is in season.

Because of the recent hail storm, there were not many strawberries to be picked but I picked a handful to eat.

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Filed under Cool Spots, Family Fun

Cool Spot: Covert Park at Mt. Bonnell

Mt Bonnell

Lots of people are surprised to learn that the lone star state actually boasts a little-known natural wonder known as “Texas Hill Country.” Indeed, even Austin itself is home to a few steep cliffs and staggering views. Perhaps the most visually arresting one is seen from the vantage point atop Mt. Bonnell, in a little spot known as “Covert Park.” After parking for free at the highest point on Mt. Bonnell Road, visitors can climb a steep set of limestone stairs — Austin’s answer to Machu Picchu, you might say — and take in breathtaking vistas over Lake Austin; on a clear day, you can look to the left for a clear view of the downtown skyline. It’s one of Austin’s most popular sightseeing spots for a perfectly good reason: indeed, it’s quite a sight to see.

Covert Park at Mt. Bonnell, 3800 Mount Bonnell Road
Open to the public for free from sunup to sundown

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Filed under Cool Spots, Dog Friendly, Family Fun, Northwest Austin, Outdoors, Weekend Activity Ideas

This Weekend: Barton Springs Pool Opens to the Public

Barton Springs

{Photo Credit: Travel House UK}

Smack dab in the middle of Austin sits a three-acre body of water that maintains a near-constant temperature of 68 degrees and is steeped in history. Hollywood legend Robert Redford learned to swim at Barton Springs Pool when he was a child, or so the story goes, and the same milestone has been taking place for kids of all ages ever since; fed by underground springs, this al fresco bastion of freedom and fun has been drawing a crowd every spring, summer and fall since its opening decades ago. The pool opened back up to the public last week and is staffed by lifeguards from 8 am to 8 pm (although you can swim at your own risk starting at 5 am). So pack a towel and come on in; as per usual, the water’s just fine.

Barton Springs Pool, 2201 Barton Springs Road
Lifeguard on duty 8 am – 8 pm daily (after April 21: 8 am – 9 pm)
Admission: $3 adults, $2 juniors, $1 kids
Free parking Mon-Fri; $5 on weekends

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Filed under Cool Spots, Family Fun, Outdoors, Weekend Activity Ideas