beat the heat at hamilton pool

From Being Savvy Austin, May 11, 2009...

Remember those amazing Spring days we had? Unfortunately, it appears those are gone and we are starting our LONG summer. Luckily, there are plenty of ways in Austin to beat the heat, and we visited one of them last week: Hamilton Pool.

I hadn't been in ages, and certainly not since my son was born, and I wasn't sure if we'd see any impact from the construction runoff that polluted the Pool. I'm glad we made it out, as it was a great morning. Do call ahead before you go, especially after a rainfall, to make sure high bacteria levels haven't closed the Pool.

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Austin Traffic is Now on iPhone

From Austin Startup, April 17, 2009...

Round Rock-based Kerlmax has released the latest version of their Austin Traffic iPhone application. Google Maps has a map-based indicator of traffic, but this app has traffic cameras on the major highways in Austin, plus a list of exactly where incidents are happening. You just don’t get that kind of pinpoint accuracy any other way.

The data comes from the city and the Texas Department of Transportion, so if there are data glitches you’ll have to blame them. It would be cool to see some sort of crowdsourced traffic reporting for the iPhone. Perhaps they’re saving that for version 3.0!

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Kerbey Lane Café

From Impact News, March 27, 2009...

One of the few eating places in northwest Austin open 24 hours a day, Kerbey Lane Café has a culture all to itself — a place with a slow pace and food with a great taste.

The original Kerbey Lane, which opened in 1980, can still be found off the street of the same name in central Austin. The new northwest location moved farther north to Anderson Arbor at US 183 and Anderson Mill Road about eight months ago from its previous home at US 183 near Spicewood Springs Road. While many miss the homey feel of the old spot, the new restaurant still has the same food Austinites have come to know and love.

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Economists, industry insiders predict local housing shortage

From Impact News, March 20, 2009...

While the Central Texas housing market of 2009 is not necessarily booming, it is certainly better off than many comparable regions around the country. New home starts fell sharply in 2008, but compared to Las Vegas, Miami and many parts of California, the Austin market is faring pretty well.

Some economists, analysts and real estate insiders have even predicted a housing shortage in the region in three to five years. For those looking to buy a house at that time, a shortage could mean higher prices or waiting for new homes to come online.

A shortage would likely arise because of a decline in new home starts combined with a steady influx of new residents who are attracted to the region’s relative economic stability.

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The City's 119 Best Bargains

From KXAN, February 7, 2009...

Each month Austin Monthly informs, entertains and intrigues readers in the capital area in an effort to provide relevant information, enrich lives and foster enthusiasm for our unique city. The February issue has a unique section devoted to great deals around Austin. The suffering economy has prevented many from living a comfortable lifestyle that they have grown accustomed to. Austin Monthly urges those who are forced to cut back, that there are some ways to still indulge.

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Get business and residential directory information online from ReferenceUSA

From Austin City Connection, November 3, 2008...

The Austin Public Library has a new online resource you can use to locate business and residential directory information. You do need to have an Austin Public Library card to use the service, though. The good news is that, as of October 1, 2008, you no longer have to be an Austin resident to get a library card. If you live in Texas, you are good to go!

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Barnum and Bailey rolls into Austin

From KXAN, August 18, 2008...

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey production pulls into Austin Monday.

The Frank Erwin Center will host the production that is set to run Aug. 20 through Aug. 24.

Tickets for the show are priced anywhere from $15 to $80 and are on sale now at all Texas Box Office Outlets, inluding selected H-E-B stores in Austin, Bastrop, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Kyle, Leander, Pflugerville, Round Rock and San Marcos.

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Web site launches Austin in 3-D

From KXAN, August 12, 2008...

Creator of "The Real World Online," EveryScape, launched a virtual 3-D version of Austin Monday.

EveryScape is creating the first photorealistic interactive experience that lets anyone online explore Austin's interiors and exteriors by walking down streets and going inside local restaurants, hotels, landmarks and more.

Austin visitors can virtually explore the Pennybacker Bridge, stroll through the Zilker Park and the State Capitol.

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Austin Ice Cream Festival This Weekend

From News 8 Austin, August 6, 2008...

Imagine that. An entire festival devoted to the celebration of the Godly mixture of milk and cream.

The second annual Austin Ice Cream Festival will be chock full of people blanketing their palates with ice cream, polishing off anything from bite-size cups containing twirls of churned heaven to simply taking a spoon to a container of butter pecan until it's gone.

The festival is Saturday, August 9th at Waterloo Park.

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Blog Devoted to Austin Parenthood - A Great Resource

I found this blog today, and it seems to have a lot to offer for parents in the Austin area.

The welcome message on the site says:

"Being Savvy Austin is here to help you make the most of all that our city has to offer during your child's magical early years. Everyday and off-beat activities, the latest thing to do, the tried and true and so much more - everything you need to know to help your preschooler learn and thrive."

Check out the Being Savvy Blog for Parents.

--Rusty