Some things never go out of style, and Shakespeare’s work is a perfect example of one such timeless classic.  That must be why people still flock to their neighborhood parks every spring and summer to see local theatrical productions of the Bard’s greatest hits.  This spring in Austin is no exception as Something for Nothing Theater stages its own production of Two Gentlemen of Verona for this year’s Shakespeare at Ramsey Park series. Running for several weeks now, the troupe’s final two performances take place under the stars this Friday and Saturday at 8 pm. Play on!

Shakespeare at Ramsey Park, Friday and Saturday, May 17 and 18

Performances begin at 8 pm

Admission is free

Some might argue that if you haven’t yet experienced food served right out of a trailer somewhere in Austin, you haven’t experienced Austin, period. If the sheer volume of choices has you wondering where to start, worry no more: on the last Tuesday of every month, Trailer Food Tuesdays takes over the lawn at the Long Center overlooking Town Lake in what can only be described as a food truck extravaganza.  Make a meal of epic proportions by trying a few different trailers at once, and boom: you’ve officially experienced Austin.

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

 
Austin Bakes for West, Saturday, May 4, all day
All Whole Foods stores in Austin, plus 4 additional locations
Cash and checks only; all proceeds benefit AmeriCares

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

Few things are as quintessentially Austin in nature as whiling away the late afternoon hours on a patio or porch with a drink in hand, enjoying good company and good music as the sun sets in the distance.  Knowing this, the folks behind ACL Live host “The Wine Down,” a 10-week series of free events each spring, bringing together the best local live music with drink specials, tasty bites and a heaping helping of laid-back downtown atmosphere. Each Wednesday through June 5, the ACL Live music porch opens to the public for free with a midweek happy hour that’s not to be missed.

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

This is how a strawberry is made.

After picking strawberries, I took a break to eat farm made strawberry ice cream and drink strawberry lemonade.

There were many farm animals. I saw goats, donkeys and horses. I fed the goats for awhile.

There was a two day old baby goat! He looked a little like a puppy. He was playful and wagging his tail.

There were many families with children enjoying the farm. The farm is very kid friendly with train rides and trampoline. (I don’t know who these kids are but they were cute.)

Marble Falls is about an hour away from Austin and makes an easy day trip. I made my trip on Saturday and ate lunch first at Ginger and Spice before heading over to the farm. They have really good Thai food. It’s a hidden gem of Marble Falls.

Have a safe trip and don’t forget the sunscreen!

~ MJ

{Photos by Peter Tsai}

It’s no secret that, relatively speaking, there aren’t many women in the fields of math, science, technology and engineering. An Austin-based organization called GirlStart, however, is actively seeking to change that. This Saturday, the group is holding a festive, free open house event, called “SpringFest,” giving young girls a chance to experience live demonstrations and fun, hands-on activities to pique their interest in “the wonders of the natural world.” Fun for the whole family with a healthy dose of intellectual empowerment? Now, that’s a kind of girl power we can totally get behind.

GirlStart SpringFest, Saturday, April 20, 9:30 a.m. – noon
GirlStart STEM Center, 1400 W. Anderson Lane
Admission: free for kids and adults

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