Earlier this month we offered a list of things to do with your kids and family in Austin.  As there are so many great things to do and see, we are continuing this list of favorites of our family at LeMontreaux Apartments in Austin.

Pack a Picnic, Head to a Park

There is not enough time in one month to visit all the beautiful parks in Austin.  However, there are plenty of days ahead as you ease into Autumn to pack a picnic, pick some parks, and park it – unplugged.

The City has more than 220 parks located throughout the region. Most of these parks have a paved pathway within the park which can be used for walking, jogging, rollerblading and bicycling, or just hanging out in the shade.

Here are two of our favorites.

Pease Park – This outdoor oasis is always on our list – especially when the temperatures are a little steamy!  The kids love the Spray Ground and Jungle Jim. We love the setting that makes one unplug, unwind, and savor the last days of summer under the shady trees.

Lady Bird Lake – ALWAYS a favorite for local and visitors alike, Lady Bird Lake is a must-do for our family every summer. With more than 2.6 million visits a year, the 10-mile trail is Austin’s most recognized and popular recreational area. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, named for a former Austin mayor and his wife, is ideal for a long and lazy stroll with the kids by your side.

Paramount Summer Classic Film Series

Everyone loves a good movie – and now is the time to see some of the best of the past during the Paramount Summer Classic Film Series.

Coming up, it’s Batman, the Movie.   If you have yet to see Batman, the Movie, you can at the Paramount Summer Classic Film Series on August 18 at the Paramount Theater. After its first successful season on television, this deliriously campy take on the Caped Crusader made its way to cinemas with bad gadgets and larger-than-life villains in tow. As the Theater’s description best notes: “If you yearn for a time when Batman wasn’t so moody, grab your Bat Shark Repellant and head down to the theater where this zany movie was introduced to the world.”

Looking for more entertainment? Here is a list of other flicks on the schedule during the month of August

· Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

· Animal House

· The Birds

· Psycho

· Ghost Files Live!

Baby Bloomers

Baby Bloomers is a special program at the Thinkery when the museum is open exclusively for visitors ages 0–3 years and their families. It is currently being offered on Saturday mornings from 8 to 10 am only. Baby Bloomers provides caregivers and early learners the chance to experience Thinkery together in an environment focused solely on them.

The post Top Things to Do with Your Kids In August in Austin (Part Two) appeared first on Le Montreaux A Concierge Community Blog.

Earlier this month we showcased the beginning of our favorite things to do in July within a short drive from our apartment community at LeMontreaux in Austin, Texas.  With so much to do and see, we just had to continue our list for you!

July 8, 2023
Long Center
National Geographic Speakers Series

If you have yet to attend one of the National Geographic Speaker Series events in the Long Center, you should put this one, or more, on your Google Calendar for 2023.  Coming up this month, the Center presents Fillipe DeAndrade.  Here’s an excerpt from their website that tells his story best:

Fillipe believes animals saved his life – and he wants to return the favor. He was raised in poverty, surrounded by addiction and abuse, where he felt voiceless.  Fillipe related to animals because they were voiceless too, and he fell in love with photography as a way to tell their stories. Today, he is a star of the National Geographic’s digital series “Untamed Works.” Through this passionate presentation, Fillipe will bring you face to face with lions, sharks, and one of the rarest animals in the world. 

July 18 & 19, 2023 
Blues on the Green – Show 1
Zilker Park

Blues on the Green is Austin’s favorite summer tradition! Be a part of the annual FREE concert series and join ACL Radio at Zilker Park to catch performances by your favorite artists. Grab your blankets, sunscreen and friends and we’ll see you there!

July 20 – 23, 2023
Hot Summer Nights
Red River Cultural District

There are many reasons why Austin is referred to as the Live Music Capital of the World, and this is one of them.  Every summer, the Red River Cultural District hosts four days of hot summer fun with a full line up of music showcasing some of Austin’s favorite bands, fabulous “Texas-style” food and beverages and lots more.  There are 20 venues, so be sure to enjoy each evening filled with entertainment during Hot Summer Nights this year.

July 20, 2023
Boz Scaggs’ Summer ’23 Tour
Paramont Theatre

Born William Royce Scaggs in Canton, Ohio on June 8, 1944, he grew up in Oklahoma and Texas, where he spent his teenage years immersed in the blues, R&B and early rock 'n' roll. While attending school in Dallas, he played in local combos. After several years as a journeyman musician around Madison, WI and Austin, TX, Scaggs spent time traveling in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, eventually settling in Stockholm where he recorded the album Boz – and the rest is history.  

July 26, 2023
Keb’ Mo 
Paramont Theatre

With five GRAMMYs, 14 Blues Foundation Awards, and a groundbreaking career spanning nearly 50 years under his belt, Keb’ Mo’s got nothing left to prove. Just don’t tell him that. “I may be turning 70,” Keb ’reflects, “but I’m still breathing and I’m still hungry. I’m still out there going for it every single day."

For more ideas to keep you and your friends out and about this summer, visit AustinTexas.org! 

The post How to Celebrate July 4th and more in Austin, Texas (Part Two) appeared first on Le Montreaux A Concierge Community Blog.

Earlier this month we polled our family at Le Montreaux apartments here in Austin about their plans for Father’s Day and then posted them on our blog. There were so many great ideas that we chose to make this a two-part series. Keep reading below for more ideas on what to do and where to go for Father’s Day in Austin!
 

Hit the Links

Within the concept of country club membership options, Lost Creek Country Club is an ideal option for those who seek long days on the links, balanced with fine dining and other recreational opportunities. Throughout this ‘family-focused’ development, members can participate in rounds of golf on its newly renovated 18-hole, Par-72 course complemented with everything one would expect from its first-class amenities. The facility offers a driving range, putting green, and a brand-new state-of-the-art learning center to encourage the beginners and excel the most advanced.
 

Plan a Paddle

Take a paddle with pop on one of the many lakes and streams that wind in and around our city. Or better yet, pick up a gift certificate at Austin Kayak Tours and learn how to paddle board or kayak through the waters at Lake Bird Lake.
 

Sip Some Whiskey!

Is he a fan of locally distilled drinks? Take a tour of the town (and be the “DD”)! Still Austin Whiskey Company offers guided tours and tastings for the novice sipper to the most sophisticated whiskey aficionado.
 

Or Have a Cold One, or Two…
More of a beer guy? There are so many breweries in Austin that you will need more than just one day to experience the local establishments that pour award-winning pints. Our team’s top picks include …

• Austin Beerworks
• Hold Out Brewing
• Independence Brewing Company
• Jester King Brewery
• Live Oak Brewing Company

Make it a Date – with the Family in Tow

Drive down and park it for a movie night at Blue Starlight! Promoted as the world’s one and only mini-urban boutique drive in theaters, the Starlight is a must-do on Dad’s dad or anytime during the summer months. It’s a classic experience that should be shared with all generations whether there’s a celebration or not!
 

Wander through the Wildflowers!
One of our favorite things to do is to pack up the family and head out to Texas Hill Country to soak in the sun and spectacular wildflower blooms and wellness sessions at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Go ‘Birding’
For the naturalist in your life, this is an adventure you won’t want to miss. Join birders from Travis Audubon and horticulturists from the Wildflower Center on a morning walk. Your guides will help identify migratory birds and the native plants they rely on for food and shelter. Bring binoculars to see what feathered friends are passing through.
 

Book a Dinner Date
Modeled after their family’s ranch, the family at Contigo has been entertaining Austin locals and visitors alike for over 30 years. What we like best about Contigo is its consistently fresh, local, quality food and of course, their famous margaritas! In the evening, the Tivoli lights add to the atmosphere for a perfect place to take Dad out to dinner on Father’s Day

Go Out For Seafood and the View
For some of the freshest fish and oysters in Austin, Perla Perla’s Seafood & Oyster Bar is the place to be. Owners Larry and Tom ensure that the food you enjoy is fresh from the ocean (on both coasts) where they fly their favorites in for you on a DAILY basis! Perla’s also offer their suggestions for pairing the perfect meal with the perfect blend of wines from their extensive wine list. Known throughout the City for one of the prettiest patios in the South, it’s a top spot to spoil your pop on Father’s Day.

The post Things to do with Dad this Father’s Day in Austin (Part Two) appeared first on Le Montreaux A Concierge Community Blog.

With beautiful weather to complement a wonderful day with Dad, the city of Austin sets the perfect backdrop for a memorable Father’s Day. We polled our family at LeMontreaux apartments here in Austin as to what their plans were for the big day.

Below you will find some ideas that you might want to put on your calendar for Father’s Day or for any time with Dad this summer.

Perhaps we will see you out and about as well? In the meantime, we wish all the dads at Le Montreaux a very memorable Father’s Day.

First, Grab a Gift & Get Ready for a BBQ

Here’s a perfect gift to give Dad for Father’s Day. This Taste of Texas Beer & BBQ gift basket from Hazelton’s Gift Baskets will please the whole gang.

Grill Set – Included in a fully-lined aluminum case is a complete set of BBQ tools, grilling skewers, corn holders, basting brush, and salt & pepper shakers, too!

PLUS
– Hardbite Smokin' BBQ Chips
– East Shore Dipping
– Bruges Classic Chocolate Covered Blueberries Pillow
– Braswell's Great On Anything BBQ sauce with Vidalia Onion
– Campi Verdi di Toscana Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP
– Campi Verdi di Toscana Extra Virgin Olive Oil
– Grant & Mein's Fine Spice Company Montreal Steak Spice

Take Your Pop and Your Pup to the Doghouse
Here's a perfect place for those with or without a four-legged friend to have a cold one on a hot day. The Dog House Drinkery has a bar with lots of local brews from which to choose, and a nice wine selection as well. TV screens wrap throughout the establishment for your sports-minded friends. Outdoors, the 10 sf off-leash area is not just a place for your pup to play, it has a ‘dog park monitor’ so you can have the best of all worlds on your next day off.
 

Meet Him at the Museum
Thanks to the Austin Museum Partnership, you and your family can enjoy a very special day at your favorite museum in Austin. No matter which one is your favorite, or perhaps one you have never visited before, there will be free exhibitions and activities for all to enjoy. Enjoy dozens of Austin Area Museums for free in a celebration of art, culture, history, music, nature, science, and play!

Laugh, A Lot!
Just one night at ColdTowne Theater will leave you laughing for days to come.

ColdTowne Theater is Austin’s main stage for alternative comedy, featuring the funniest comedians in Central Texas. Nationally recognized acts perform here as well as the best local performers. ColdTowne Theater also runs a conservatory offering the most fun acting, improv and sketch classes Austin has to offer.

Head to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
Located in the heart of our city is one of the community’s favorite hike and bike paths to enjoy year-round. Our research found that more than 2.6 million visitors visit its 10-mile trail system a year, and with good reason. The lush and well-maintained path meanders along the water’s edge where one will pass by the city’s skyscrapers, ball fields, neighborhoods, and other cultural attractions.
 

Pack a Picnic

With our beautiful weather in sight, pack a picnic and head to one of the many parks and lakes in and around the heart of Austin. Add in a hike to complete the day. We always enjoy taking selfies at the sculpture garden at Zilker Park. Another top spot for a picnic with a view is a trek up Mount Bunnell that displays super views of Lake Austin and beyond.

The post Things to do with Dad this Father’s Day in Austin (Part One) appeared first on Le Montreaux A Concierge Community Blog.

With May all about “moms,” we are continuing our list of things to do with your mom this month, and throughout Austin, Texas.
It’s the perfect weather right now for a bike ride, stroll or hike within some of Austin’s most magnificent parks.  Here are some of our top-picks:

Onion Creek 
If your family and friends enjoyed the McKinney Falls Trail, they will like this one too.  It is twice as long (6.5 mile loop) that offers a variety of things to see along the way. Our favorite, the rushing waterfall, as well as the opportunity to ride our bikes if we choose not to walk this popular trail.  In the park, there are over nine miles of pavement, so perhaps you will want to visit the Park earlier in the day.

Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge 
With over eight miles of hiking trails, there is certainly a perfect one to suit your preference.  We found this list on-line that provides the details of the options that await you and yours for a perfect hike this year.

Mount Bonnell
Research will tell you something that may surprise you like it did for our team at Le Montreaux apartments in Austin:  did you know that Mount Bonnell is considered to be the highest point in Austin … at 775 feet?  That is what we read while doing our own research about the best spots to hike with mom and the family in tow in Austin.  
According to our local hiking enthusiasts, this is one of the best spots in the city to soak-up spectacular sights.  One important tip:  this may be a good spot to enjoy a picnic at the top, yet you should be ready to climb 102 stairs to get there – yet it is worth it!
But WAIT, there's more!

Go GeoCashing!
Ever tested your tenacity in the art of GeoCashing? Maybe this year is the year for you and Mom, and the whole family to check it out. First, read about Geocaching in Austin to get up to speed on the very trendy sport.  Then, pack a picnic for Mom and take her on a trek into a whole new world of hiking for a reason and a reward, too!

Happy Trails to all of you, and please give your Mom our best!
 

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Earlier this month we started to list all the reasons why Austin is such a perfect place to play and call home.  The list is so long that we are continuing to share our insight now.
The Ultimate Playground
A few years ago, Austin picked up another award as one of the fittest cities in the country.  Besides the great sunshine and an average temperature of 68 degrees throughout the seasons, there may be more reasons to get fit and stay that way in Austin than most cities on the planet.   
Water enthusiasts in particular have found Lady Bird Lake  (among so many other lakes) to be a Texas paradise that overflows with great ways to stay wet and have a wonderful time year-round. 
For those who love to hike and bike, Austin offers miles of options for the novice to the most advanced.
Golf enthusiasts LOVE Austin for their award-winning golf courses.  With spring (almost) around the corner, golf enthusiasts like myself are anxious to get out on the bright green grasses of the top golf courses in and around Austin, Texas!
Whether you enjoy the sport, or not, every course offers beginner options or private lessons from the Pross right on site.  Within two of our blogs last year, we posted our list of the best golf courses in Austin, which  are a short drive from our apartment community at Le Montreaux.
As we all continue to “grow-up” in our apartments that we rent in Austin, TX, let us all remember to get out and enjoy everything that our burgeoning city has to offer all year-round.
No matter what the weather, there’s also a place to escape and unwind or push your limits in the great outdoors.  
Austin Has a BIG Heart
Throughout the city, there are so many opportunities to give back some time to your community, this is a great “feel good” way to do so.  Now in its 3rd year, Generation SERVE continues to offer ways for you and your friends to volunteer in and around Austin through the end of August.
Here is more information from their website about how you and your family can get involved:
HOW TO GET STARTED
•    View their Activity Calendar
•    Sign up for something to do
•    Show up to the occasion for full directions from one of their staff members
•    Celebrate your service – you deserve it!
•    Do it again before the winter is over
As we all continue to “grow-up” in our apartments that we rent in Austin, TX, let us all remember to get out and enjoy everything that our burgeoning city has to offer all year-round.
When you are ready to make the move, our family at Le Montreaux is here to make you feel right at home!

The post Top Reasons to Move to Austin, Texas (Part Two) appeared first on Le Montreaux A Concierge Community Blog.

Considered "Austin's most-loved park, this 351-acre metropolitan park is by far a favorite for all who live in our apartment community in Austin. 

Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
Located in the heart of our city is one of the community’s favorite hike and bike paths to enjoy year-round.  Our research fond that its 10-mile trail system is visited by more than 2.6 million visits a year, and with good reason. The lush and well-maintained path meanders along the water’s edge where one will pass by the city’s skyscrapers, ball fields, neighborhoods, and other cultural attractions.  

Cedar Park
Although this park isn’t really big, it’s still super pet friendly.  Located in Veterans Memorial Park, its five acres offers a dog pond for cooling off on those hot summer days, a dog park, showers and well-used and maintained pet waste stations.  
Which reminds us, no matter where you roam throughout our oh-so-pet-friendly city, be sure to pick up after your pup. 

Dog House Drinkery
OK, so here’s a perfect place for those with or without a four-legged friend to have a cold one on a hot day.  The Dog House Drinkery has a bar with lots of local brews from which to chose, and a nice wine selection as well. TV screens wrap throughout the establishment for your sports-minded friends.  Outdoors, the 10 sf off-leash area is not just a place for your pup to play, it has a ‘dog park monitor’ so you can have the best of all worlds on your next day off.
As its one of the largest fenced areas for dogs in the region, it’s well used as a training ground, “yappy hours,” birthday parties and often the site of local adoption events. 
According to their website:
The off-leash dog park area is the only area that is membership only, but day passes can be purchased for $8.00 per dog.  Yearly membership is $150.00 a year.  If you have more than one dog, the cost of the yearly membership is an additional $30.00 per dog.

The post Best Off-Leash Parks for Dogs in Austin (Part Two) appeared first on Le Montreaux A Concierge Community Blog.

Earlier this month we provided details about some of our favorite golf courses in Austin.  As promised, we are continuing our list to help you get out and about on some of the region’s finest courses within a short drive from Le Montreaux apartments in North Austin.

Roy Kizer Golf Course
For those who have yet to experience a classic “links-style” golf course, put this one on your list. Within its 22 acres of wetlands and 35 acres of lakes and waterholes, this area is a magnet for golf balls … and migratory waterfowl as well. 
Named after an advocate for junior golf throughout our city, the Roy Kizer Golf Course is one to be enjoyed by youth in particular (in his Kizer’s honor) and golf enthusiasts throughout America. If there area any youth in your family, or around the neighborhood, who have expressed interest in the sport, click in to learn more about their preeminent Junior Golf Program.

Barton Creek – Palmer Lakeside Golf Course
For those who get a thrill out of launching a ball for yards on end with their favorite Wood, this is the course for you. Sitting on a secluded hilltop overlooking Lake Travis, this Arnold Palmer designed golf course in Austin, Texas is a ‘big-hitters’ paradise. Throughout the 18-hole, par-71 design is every opportunity to test every club in your bag. 

Our favorite hole is #11 … where the sounds of the cascading waterfall and native flora offer one of the most peaceful settings on this spectacularly designed course.

Austin Country Club
For those who genuinely love the sport, the Austin Country Club is the ideal option for membership to one of the oldest clubs in the great state of Texas. It was founded in 1899 and is home to “one one of the greatest golf instructors who ever lived, Harvey Penick.”  Located along the shore of the Colorado River, and shadowed by Austin’s iconic Pennybacker Bridge, the Austin Country Club golf course promises spectacular views throughout its 180 acres.
It is a private, family-orientated club rich in tradition and known for the quality of its membership and amenities.

Its history is worth the read … all about one of the sport’s founding fathers of golf education.

Lost Creek Country Club
Within the concept of ‘country club membership options, Lost Creek is yet another option for those who seek long days on the links, balanced with fine dining and other recreational opportunities. 
Throughout this ‘family focused’ development, members can participate in rounds of golf on its newly renovated 18-hole, Par-72 course complemented with everything one would expect from its first-class amenities. The facility offers a driving range, putting green, and a brand-new state of the art learning center to encourage the beginners and excel the most advanced.
Not a fan of the sport? The resort environment includes an impressive work-out center, tennis courts, and al fresco dining overlooking the course. 

But wait, there’s more!

For those who enjoy the game, there are so many more options to enjoy a round of golf throughout Austin and beyond. Take some time to click into GolfPass.com for more options to test your talent on the links throughout the year. 
 

The post Top Golf Courses Around Austin, Texas (Part Two) appeared first on Le Montreaux A Concierge Community Blog.

As they say in the biz, “tee it high and let it fly!”

Fazio Canyons Golf Course
Located at the Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa, this 7,153-yard, par-72 golf course is one of Tom Fazio’s finest designs. Surrounded by stately Red Oaks and Sycamore trees, with vistas of Austin’s Hill Country, the views are as enjoyable as this award-winning golf course in Austin, Texas. Adding to the scenery is the ‘Audubon International Signature Sanctuary” which is a classic touch by Fazio that is common among his finest designs.

Fazio’s Foothills
Host of the forthcoming 2022 PGA Professional National Championship, this is yet another classically designed golf course by famed designer Tom Fazio. It was recently tapped as one of Golfweek’s Top Texas Golf Courses and has a full list of former awards that include:
Golfweek's Best Courses by State (2021), Golf Digest Best Golf Courses in Texas (2021), Dallas Morning News Texas' Most Beautiful, Fazio Foothills (Hole #16, Par 4) (2019), Dallas Morning News Top 100 Texas Golf Courses (2019).
We like this course in particular as it is designed for every level of golf enthusiast with FIVE tee boxes – making it ideal for a family outing to encourage the beginner and challenge the most advanced. 

Falconhead Golf Course
Nestled throughout the famous Hill Country of Texas, Falconhead Golf Club and its sprawling terrain is yet another fine option for a day on the links. 
As noted on its website:
“The vision of our architects was to fit Falconhead lovingly into the gentle ups and downs of its site west of Austin. They kept all the flavor of this unique land shaded by gnarled trees and crisscrossed by meandering streams and creeks. The Tour's seal of approval means that we offer you the kind of excitement you would expect to find at a tournament-level course, combined with a chance to succeed no matter what your skill level. 
For more options to test your talent, watch for our next blog this month as we present Part Two of “The Top Golf Courses Around Austin, Texas!”
 

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Whether you are looking for a special spot to take your loved-one, or just a fun day out with the kids, here’s a list of some new things to do and some of our top picks from over the years of sharing our love of Austin. 

All of which document why we have such a love affair with all that surrounds Le Montreaux, year-round!

Top Spots for a “Date Day” with your Valentine, and Kids, too!
McKinney Falls State Park's Homestead Trail 

We love this trail – as do our kids. You can find this trailhead just behind the Lower Falls. You might want to bring some water shoes as you must cross to get started on this fun and colorful hike. It is an easy and oh-so-scenic 3.1-mile loop along the falls and through the forest. On the way, or on the way back, be sure to save time to see the historic homestead, which is a perfect location for a romantic picnic. Keep your eyes open for wildlife as we have heard there are plenty of bird sightings as you make your way through the McKinney Fall’s Homestead Trail. 

Onion Creek 
If your Valentine enjoyed the McKinney Falls Trail, she/he would like this one too. It is twice as long (6.5 miles loop) that offers a variety of things to see along the way. Our favorite is the rushing waterfall as is the opportunity to ride our bikes if we choose not to walk this popular trail. Within the park there are over nine miles of pavement so perhaps you will want to visit the Park throughout the spring and into the summer months as well.

Austin’s Best BBQ, Your Valentine, and You!
Franklin BBQ
You are probably not surprised that this famed spot is part of the top spots to take your Valentine out for one of the best BBQ dinners in Austin. Its Pitmaster, Aaron Franklin, is a recipient of the honored James Beard Award for which he was tapped for his secretly smoked meats and rubs. Here is another tip:  order ahead. Franklins is always a favorite for dining in or out … and for all the right reasons.

Micklethwait Craft Meats
Tapped as one of the “Top 10 BBQ Joints in Texas,” Micklethwait is throughout the city for its ‘scratch-focused’ vintage “Comet” (food) trailer and menu that Pitmaster Tom Micklethwait has redefined dining on the fly. From his perfectly seasoned Pulled Lamb to his BBQ Beef Brisket and classic sides, grabbing grub to go from this top spot is worth the wait. 

Stiles Switch BBQ and Brew
For Valentines who are fond of Prime Rib, look no further. Stiles Switch wins our vote for the finest smoked prime rib in the city. Looking for something a little different? Order the Chicken with their exclusive “Alabama White Sauce” and other spicy selections from their Cajun influenced recipes.
Looking for more ideas? Click into our next blog this month to see some of the best of “the arts and oysters” to enjoy with your Valentine, friends, and family by your side.

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