The post Look No Further for a List of Where to See the Best Holiday Lights in Austin appeared first on Le Montreaux A Concierge Community Blog.
]]>
If you’re anything like us and love to look at beautiful Christmas lights around Austin, we’ve got you covered.
With help from Austin Monthly and Southern Living, we’ve compiled a list with some of our favorites.
Come out and see one of the largest light events in the city. With over 40 displays and 2 million lights, be sure not to miss this one. There are holiday activities for everyone, nightly entertainment, and many different food trucks to choose from.
Zilker Park
Free or $3 – check the calendar before you go
If you’re in the mood for a light, half-mile stroll, this light show is for you. Enjoy the light displays and purchase a small snack from the many non-profits and civic groups that come out and sell treats.
927 Main Street
Bastrop, TX 78602
Every night 6-9pm
Straight from the site itself, “Bring your friends and family and enjoy one of the best holiday light exhibits in the state! You’ll take a drive through over a mile of winding country roads while taking in the beautiful lights, animated Christmas displays, and enjoying homemade hot cocoa, kettle corn, and snacks.”
Just look for the 50′ Christmas tree!
9561 I-35 NORTH
NEW BRAUNFELS, TX 78130
Sun-Thurs 6-10pm
Fri-Sat 6-11pm
The Domain offers lots of options when it comes to holiday fun. Watch the light show offering more than 200,000 lights synchronized to Christmas music at 6, 7, and 8 pm. Get your photo with Santa. Take a free horse-drawn carriage. Listen to Christmas carolers. Or, come to a live music show.
11410 Century Oaks Terrace
Luminations at the Wildflower Center
This holiday favorite is a great tradition. Listen to live music while luminarias and lights fill the garden. Food trucks and snack bars provide your favorite holiday treats and different activities are provided.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse Ave.
Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy this famous light show. One million LED lights formed into various shapes such as guitars and a Christmas tree with presents twinkle to Christmas music. As a special treat, more than 20 different choirs signed up to sing along. You won’t want to miss this.
Oyster Landing, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd
Enjoy nightly from 6 – 11 pm, FREE
Rock N’ Lights Holiday Tour
You may be familiar with the mile-long lights tour that is normally found in Old Settlers Park. This year however, it will be held in Downtown Round Rock. Thousands of lights will be on display for your viewing pleasure. Make sure to bring the hot cocoa.
This bar provides a Christmas escape year-round with Santa and his reindeer on the rooftop and lots of Christmas nostalgia. Stop in and try their Boozy Eggnog while being surrounded with lights, Christmas trees, and even Santa!
2207 Justin Ln
Year-round Christmas Cheer
The post Look No Further for a List of Where to See the Best Holiday Lights in Austin appeared first on Le Montreaux A Concierge Community Blog.
]]>The post HOW TO TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF THE SEASON appeared first on Le Montreaux A Concierge Community Blog.
]]>
With the holiday season in full swing, we thought we would dedicate this last blog of the year to some good advice on how to enjoy the last few weeks of 2016. We found (and credit) Health.com for the following ideas that we hope will leave you merry and bright well into 2017.
Hike your mood with sunlight
It stimulates the production of feel-good serotonin and helps relieve seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which impacts millions of Americans every year. To ease SAD symptoms, spend time outdoors or near a window on sunny days, or ask your doc about phototherapy (a treatment using a box that emits full-spectrum light).
Take a whiff of citrus
Researchers studying depression have found that certain citrus fragrances boost feelings of well-being and alleviate stress by upping levels of norepinephrine, a hormone that affects mood. For an all-day pick-me-up, dab a little lemon or orange essential oil on a handkerchief to tuck in your pocket.
Savor a spicy meal
Hot foods trigger the release of endorphins—the natural chemicals that trigger feelings of euphoria and well-being.
Walk away from worries
The rhythm and repetition of walking has a tranquilizing effect on your brain, and it decreases anxiety and improves sleep.
Squeeze here
The fleshy place between your index finger and thumb is called the hoku spot in traditional Chinese medicine. Applying firm pressure there for just 30 seconds can reduce stress and tension in your upper body. So if you start to feel overwhelmed by the holiday chaos, give your hand a squeeze and take a deep breathe.
Do less, enjoy more
We go overboard to please others during the holidays: shopping, cooking, sending cards, and attending every event. Instead, take care of yourself by saying no at least once—and maybe more.
Stick with your daily routine
Prioritize your workouts, book club, etc., and don't try to squeeze in more holiday than you can handle
Don't neglect whatever cracks you up
Laughing like crazy reduces stress hormones. That, in turn, helps immune cells function better, says psychologist Steve Wilson, founder of the World Laughter Tour, an organization that offers therapeutic-laughter training.
Forget perfection
Stop obsessing over doing it all. The world is not going to end if the house is a little cluttered or dinner is on the table a few minutes late. Focus your energy on enjoying the people in your life. Don't sweat the small stuff and your holiday will be much more enjoyable!
Get out of the house
If your family members often pick on one another at the holiday table, taking the fun out of meals, consider eating family brunches or dinners in restaurants. Being in public discourages loud voices and bad behavior.
And our favorite … Go tech-free
Constant cell phone buzzes and email alerts keep us in a perpetual fight-or-flight mode due to bursts of adrenaline. Not only is this exhausting, but it contributes to mounting stress levels, especially in women. What better time to turn your gadgets off than during a holiday get-together? Enjoy spending time with your family and friends without worry.
The post HOW TO TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF THE SEASON appeared first on Le Montreaux A Concierge Community Blog.
]]>The post What to Do and See in Austin This Thanksgiving Season, and Then Some appeared first on Le Montreaux A Concierge Community Blog.
]]>
As we all continue to hope for a safe and memorable holiday, the local businesses throughout Austin, Texas, are finalizing their plans for what is always a spectacular time of the year.
For this month’s blog, we have reviewed a variety of on-line resources to find you some fun things to do with family and friends that may be visiting you at your own cozy apartment home at LeMontreaux.
November 24, 2016 / 25th Annual Turkey Trot
Whether you want to run or walk to find room for your upcoming delicious Turkey Dinner, this 26th annual event that is sponsored by Thundercloud Subs is a great way to get outside for some fresh air for a good cause that benefits the Caritas of Austin. For complete details, visit Thundercloud Sub’s website by clicking here.
November 24, 2016 / Operation Turkey
Some say this day is the best day to get out and about to help others give thanks for your generous time and support to good causes. And the annual Operation Turkey is a great way to do so. There are plenty of opportunities to help no matter what your age or ability. For more information, visit Operation Turkey by clicking here.
November 23 – December 31 / A Christmas Carol
We can’t think of a better way to get into the mood about the holiday season. If you have never seen the classic Broadway Show “A Christmas Carol”, this is the year to do so. And there’s no better place than Austin to see this magnificent recreation that promises to keep you rockin’ throughout the holiday. It’s a ‘fresh and inspired’ version of the classic production with a modern score that spans all genres and generations. Get your tickets now by clicking here.
November 25 – 26 / “Annie” – Live on Stage
Forget the football for just a few hours and get the family out to enjoy a true holiday event as the Long Center presents one of the best-loved musicals, “Annie”. Ticket are now available and can be purchased at the Center or through their website. ANNIE is a Broadway classic featuring book and score by Tony Award®-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. Get ready to experience such unforgettable songs as “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” plus the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.”
November 25 / Texas v/s TCU
OK, so if you do have those in the household that just HAVE to get their fill of football, there’s a great game in town. The contest starts at 2:30 pm and tickets will certainly go fast. Here’s the link to get the gang to a live game this Thanksgiving!
December 6 / Dolly Parton On Stage!
Here’s a very special opportunity to see one of the finest performers ever to hit the stage. Dolly Parton is coming to Austin to share all that has made this Grammy Super Star what she has been … and continues to be .. throughout her incredible life. For ticket and time details, visit the Frank Erwin Center website by clicking here.
In closing, we do hope you all find the time for some very special quality time this Thanksgiving, and throughout the holidays to come.
The post What to Do and See in Austin This Thanksgiving Season, and Then Some appeared first on Le Montreaux A Concierge Community Blog.
]]>The post BLUES, BREWS AND ART BAZZAR BRING THE BEST OF ALL WORLDS TO AUSTIN appeared first on Le Montreaux A Concierge Community Blog.
]]>
No matter how you celebrate the season, don’t miss out on what has to be one of the nation’s best collections of music and gifts galore at the 40th Annual Armadillo Christmas Bazaar December 15 – 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (daily) at the Palmer Events Center.
It’s known as the state’s longest running art and music festival that appeals to every edge of our vibrant community in Austin. From hand-made collectible art to modestly priced stocking stuffers and from the smart to the weird, there are 160 artists on tap to solve any shopping challenge one may have.
And if shopping is not on your list, no problem. This year’s line-up for musical talent touches genres for the young, the old and in between.
According to the media who annually cover this holiday festival, at least three bands per day will perform on the Armadillo stage … with a star-studded music lineup that reads like a who’s who of Texas music. The 31 performances range from new and emerging stars to local legends, as well as Grammy winners.
“Armadillo’s intimate stage allows you to experience big Texas musicians in a cozy holiday setting. This year features new musicians such as John Fullbright and Gina Chavez as well as returning local icons Ray Wylie Hubbard, Asleep at the Wheel and Marcia Ball.”
Want to know more about the talent? Follow the Armadillo Blog for some super insight about the super star line-up.
Tickets are $8 for a single-day pass which is available at the door or in advance online. For the best value, purchase a season pass which allows for entry throughout the duration of the show. Children 12 and under are free. For all the specifics, visit armadillobazaar.com.
The post BLUES, BREWS AND ART BAZZAR BRING THE BEST OF ALL WORLDS TO AUSTIN appeared first on Le Montreaux A Concierge Community Blog.
]]>