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.

Red Bud Isle
There’s water, water, everywhere at Red Bud Park – which means everything to your pooch.  Running leash-free, they can splash all around while you sit unplugged on a sunny afternoon.  Rather play in the water.  Red Bud is also a popular spot for kayaking or canoeing or taking a hike with your furry friend by your side.  

Here’s a hint: go early in the day as it’s a popular spot and parking is at a premium.

Auditorium Shores at Town Lake
This is a super spot for that the whole family can enjoy for a day, or for a get-away.  We like to pack up and plan a few days of fun at Auditorium Shores.  If you choose to campout, be sure to get your reservation way in advance.  
What to pack? Take it all!  This dog-friendly park is well-planned with volleyball and basketball courts and fields to toss the ball for Fido or just a friendly game on the turf.  And there’s plenty of water sport opportunities so take the kayak, canoe bring your boat and don’t forget the fishing gear. 
Rather take a quiet stroll?  Their trails are well marked and always nice for a morning or evening walk in the park. 

Norwood Park  
In addition to the history of this beautiful park, the views are worth the trip to Norwood Park. We prefer to go here for its hiking trails while our dogs look forward to the park’s gated area (for smaller dogs) or in the large, shaded area where they can play with their pals as we hang out and enjoy some well-deserved downtime.  
While you are there, be sure to take some time to explore the Norwood House.  Its history dates back to 1922 when it was an arts and crafts bungalow.  In 1985, the City of Austin acquired the property as part of the park. Unfortunately, funds were few and for years it was neglected. 
Fortunately, the Austin Parks Foundation (APF) has stepped up to renovate this historic building.  Here’s the good news as announced by Colin Wallis CEO of APF
“At APF we’re dedicated to partnering with our community to improve our treasured public green spaces. Norwood House and the surrounding parkland is truly a natural and cultural treasure for Austin. The restoration of this public space will be such an enriching gift to our community, and a valuable asset that everyone will be able to enjoy. We are thrilled to be able to support this project. We hope Austinites will be as enthusiastic as we are for the future of this historic estate and that the necessary funds to restore it will be quickly raised so construction can begin.”
 

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

Yard Bar
Fresh soup, salads and sandwiches await you and yours at Austin’s first restaurant, bar, and dog park. It’s the perfect place to socialize your dog while you meet and greet new friends with lots in common.

In its park-like setting, you can sit back with a cold one, classic cocktail or enjoy a glass of wine or stay for a while to enjoy a full meal under its shady trees and simple park setting.

Bring Fido to the dog-friendly Yard Bar, Austin's first restaurant, bar, and dog park. Yard  
Note from their website: For the safety of your children, our dog park is 21+ ONLY. All dogs entering the park must be spayed or neutered (regardless of age) and current on vaccinations. Minimum age for entry is 4 months old. All are welcome on our patio. 

Rudy’s Country Store & BBQ
This one-stop-shop can fill your gas tank and your tummy too!  After your vehicle is set for the road, set time aside to take your furry friends to the back of the Country Store where you can sit and savor some of the best BBQ in the city.  Serving wood-fired, slow-cooked, and dry-rubbed delights, Rudy’s complements the typical BBQ menu with a wider selection that includes jalapeno sausage and spicy pork chops, too.

Hopdoddy
This not your typical burger joint!  Put this on your spot to stop for some of the most creative cuisine.  Touting their ability to ‘raise the bar on burgers,’ the gang at HopDaddy boast:  
We pride ourselves on doing things the right way, not just the easy way. Made by hand, sourced for greatness with the highest-quality consciously grown ingredients, and ‘created to be different, you can’t find a Hopdoddy (or Doddy Mayo) anywhere else!

Bouldin Creek Cafe
This dog-friendly ‘made with love’ establishment serves everything vegan and every dish from scratch.  In addition to their delicious dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they pour their heart into the community as well. 
At the heart of our business is the belief in paying a living wage, supporting our community through fundraising, donating meals to those in need, and amplifying the voices of the marginalized. 
The menu includes fresh salads, portobello fajitas, tofu tacos and other vegan-inspired dishes.  Bring your pups as they are more than welcome to hang out at the outdoor tables. 

Where to take your dog off-leash in Austin?  
Stay tuned to next month’s feature on the “Best off-leash’ parks in Austin!
 

The post Best Dog-gone Friendly Restaurants in Austin, TX (Part Two) appeared first on Le Montreaux A Concierge Community Blog.

As the summer continues to heat-up, we’re looking for new ways for all of us to cool off in and around at our apartments in Austin. Below you will find a few ways to have fun and contribute to your community as well.

FLOATING CINEMA

Remember drive-in movies?  Been to one lately?  Here is fun thing to do in Austin with your family in tow.  Mark your calendar for September 23, 2020 as this innovative company launches the all new Floating Cinema.

According to their website, you need to pre-reserve your boat that holds up to 8 people.  The company has set aside up to two dozen so act quickly.  They expect to have a variety of family-friendly movies and when you sign-up they will let you know ahead of time as to what to expect.  Good-old fashion popcorn and beverages will be available for sale before you head out to the water.

Here’s a real fun video of what a floating cinema looks like and it was filmed in Houston; take a look now!  And be sure to get your tickets soon than later!

 AUSTIN DRIVE IN MOVIES

Moments ago, we got you excited about outdoor movies.  We could not let this news post go by without offering you details about where to see more movies in Austin within a socially distant setting.  Check out the line-up of movies at the Starlite Drive-In!

Right in the heart of Austin, and a short drive from Le Montreaux apartments, you and your date can pull up to this mini outdoor theater to take in popular indie films or some of your favorites from times gone by.

For other outdoor Drive-In movie options in Austin, TX, dive in to this list of the Top 10 Drive-In Movie Theaters in Austin, TX,

PADDLE UP TO PALLET POP

OK, so we are lovin’ this new thing to do in Austin.  It is touted as ‘the world’s first floating popsicle stand,’ and you can float your boat or kayak on Lady Bird Lake any weekend this summer to check it out! In addition to this just being a cool idea, it has a super cool background. 

The owner got laid off due to Covid-19, so he dabbled around in his yard and built a floatable pallet.  Once out on the Lake, he thought of the idea to bring popsicles to the peeps.  And today, it is a brand-new business fulfilling the income he once had before this brilliant idea was launched just weeks ago.

 SUMMER VOLUNTEERATHON

If you are half-way through the summer and have yet to give back some time to your community, this is a great “feel good” way to do so.  Now in its 2^nd 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 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 summer is over

Whether you decide to make it a date night at the drive-in, float your boat, or volunteer to help those less fortunate, our team at Le Montreaux apartments in Austin, Tx encourage you to get out and about to support our local businesses – safely – this summer!

The post Cool Things to Do in Austin, TX appeared first on Le Montreaux A Concierge Community Blog.

Looking for some good news?  Look no further.  We are dedicating this blog to YOU to help every day be a less stressful day.

All you need to do is cross-off some time for yourself each week and find time to dive into these helpful tips for a stressless tomorrow.

Start with a Soothing Cup of Java
We like to refer to this tip as “me time.”  Time to sit back and plan your day ahead with your favorite cup of coffee in hand.  Both of which can slow you down before life gets too fast.  And, did you know that an 8-oz cup of coffee has been scientifically proven to boost your mood?   

Get Outside in the Sunshine, Early!
Before things heat up too much in Texas, we like to get out of our apartment at Le Montreaux in Austin to catch some sunshine and early morning fresh air.  In addition to more ‘me time’ before your day gets too busy, you can naturally add some Vitamin D and Serotonin to your daily routine to boost your mood while you feel good, too!

Be Thankful
While you are out in the cooler morning air, take time to think about all the ‘good’ in life.  Enhancing your ‘gratitude attitude’ does wonders for your soul.   Got a little more time?  When is the last time you hand-wrote a thank you note – or just a letter to someone who might be lonely?  Taking time for others is always good for the soul.

Download Some Tunes from the Past
Remember ‘the good old days?”  Remember them again!  Our favorite source for selecting good tunes from good times past is Pandora.com.  Once you have found a perfect selection, and have stored them for fun times ahead, why wait?  Get up and dance.  There is something about dancing that will always super-charge your mood.

Hydrate
I know we hear this all time, and with good reason.  We saw yet another ‘scientific’ study and time after time, the results are still valid.  Drinking water has been proven to boost our mood and remove tension and headaches that come with dehydration.

Play Catch, or Catch-up
There is something about playing with kids that will set anyone’s mood straight.  Right now, it is the height of baseball season.  Surely there are kids in your apartment community in Austin that are just dying to get outside and toss the ball around.  No kids?  Then catch-up with some long-lost friends.  Invite them over for a (social-distancing) BBQ – there is plenty of room around the pool at Le Montreaux apartments in Austin.

Peace Out
When your day is almost complete, find some quiet time to reflect on what you have accomplished since that first cup of java.  So many times, we rush around from sun-up to sun-down we rarely take time to check in on ourselves.  Statistics continually tell us that a little meditation or just a little downtime works wonders to prepare us for a good nights’ rest.

Sleep tight!

The post Mood-Boosting Tips for A Less Stressful Day appeared first on Le Montreaux A Concierge Community Blog.

Luckily for all of us at our apartment community in Austin, Texas, our city does not lack the options for enjoying ice cream in the summer months – or year-round!  With the temperatures warming up, we thought this would be a perfect time to post some of the best ice cream spots in Austin.

As you read the list, perhaps you and your friends can safely head out to enjoy some of the best of summer in the great outdoors – with ice cream, frozen custard, sorbet, or a cool gelato in hand.

One more note:  be sure to click into each company’s website to see their hours and take-out options during our challenging times.

Michoacana Natural Ice Cream
9426 Parkfield Dr
Austin, TX 78758

Ever tried Pine Nut Ice Cream? Do you like popsicles?  The selection sometimes seems endless, and all are over-the-top natural and delicious classic Mexican ice cream options.

Sugar Pine
8578 Research Blvd
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 520-9046

This Japanese restaurant will not disappoint you, and at the same time, may surprise you with their own traditional twists on ice cream, candy, and other tasty treats!  Ever try Matcha or Taro Root flavors?  Love Coconut Chips on your sundae?  Head to Sugar Pine for ice cream, eats, and drinks this summer!

Sweet Ritual 
4631 Airport Blvd #125
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 666-8346

Vegan or not, you will love the tasty treats that Sweet Ritual offers through their curbside pick-up program.  We love their Vegan Caramel, and you will too!  

Uncle Nicky's Italian Specialties
4222 Duval St
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 650-8373

Once known as “Dolce Vita,” Uncle Nicky continues to pay tribute to the good times once had.  Serving classic Italian gelato and sorbet, choose flavors sweetened by fresh fruits of the season.  Do not leave without trying the Raspberry sorbet!

Fresa's Chicken al Carbon
915 N Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 428-5077

This is the spot where you really should have dessert first!  Known for its traditional selection of food and beverage, Fresa’s also takes our top pick for its Honeycomb Swirl and Tres Leches Cakes! 

Gemelli
1009 E 6th St
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 525-2170

Whoever thought of the idea of opening a business specializing in gelato, cocktails, and coffee should win a blue ribbon at the summer fair.  Gemelli on 6^th Street is the perfect pick for a pick-me-up in the afternoon.

Prohibition Creamery
1407 E 7th St
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 992-1449

Promoting their establishment as offering “intoxicating handcrafted delights,” the menu mirrors their marketing efforts.  How about a scoop of “Signature Bourbon, Whiskey Chocolate, or dairy-free Prickly Pear Mezcal ice cream?

Holla! Mode
1800 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 751-7866

Their Thai-Style ice cream options are always “Made to Order” so you know what is coming your way.  Using organic products and pure cane sugar, you can rest assured that your sweet summer treat is free of preservatives and prepared exclusively for you!

Cannone Gelato
1720 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78704
(737) 333-9366

From their permanent digs on Barton Springs to their festive bicycle carts, no matter where you go, the delicacies from Cannon Gelato in Austin will never disappoint!  Mango anyone?  Stracciatella?  It’s all good.

Lick Honest Ice Creams
1100 S Lamar Blvd #1135
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 363-5622

Rounding out the top ten list of ice cream spots selected by our neighbors at Le Montreaux apartments in Austin is “Lick Honest Ice Creams.”   Did you know that they deliver on a weekly basis – right to you at Juniper Springs!  Have you seen their everyday luscious list of flavors?  It is time you do!

No matter where you choose to enjoy your ice cream this summer, we always like to bring some home to enjoy pool side with our family at Le Montreaux!

The post You Scream. I Scream – Where Are the Top Ten Spots for Ice Cream in Austin? appeared first on Le Montreaux A Concierge Community Blog.

Our first blog for LeMontreaux’s apartments in Austin offered a start to the list of the numerous splash pools in and around our community – all welcoming every opportunity to keep us cool through the end of the summer months. We’ll continue with a list and at the same time, send a special thanks to

West

Clarksville Splash Pad – Opens on May 16 – September 27, 2015. Daily hours from 9am – 8pm. This splash pad has a picnic area, playground and restrooms close by. Located at 1811 W. 11 Street.

Bastrop

Fisherman’s Park – Open April – September with daily hours from 10am – 7pm. A fun interactive splash pad, guaranteed to get everyone who ventures in wet. Located at 1200 Willow Street.

Bee Cave

Hill Country Galleria – Open daily, year-round, during mall hours. Call Guest Services at (512) 263-0001 to confirm that the fountain is turned on since it may be closed for bad weather or when another event is scheduled to take place in the amphitheater. In addition to great water fun, there are also plenty of restaurant and shopping options just steps away! Located at 12700 Hill Country Blvd.

Cedar Park

Water Playscape at Brushy Creek Park – Open May 1 – September 30 from 9am-7pm. 3300 Brushy Creek Rd. There is no staying dry at this playscape! There is a covered playground and restrooms, as well as plenty of nearby picnic tables. 3300 Brushy Creek Rd.

Champion Park – Open May 17 – September 1 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10am – 7pm. Closed Monday – Thursday due to water conservation. The splash pad itself is fairly small but there are plenty of other opportunities to play and explore in the covered sand pit, castings of dinosaur bones and specially designed boulders made just for climbing. Located at 3830 Brushy Creek Road.

Georgetown

Georgetown Art Center – Open from April – September with daily hours from 9am – dusk. The city of Georgetown and Georgetown Art Works partnered in 2014 to restore the Fire Station One into the Georgetown Art Center. Not only is this a great place to come explore artwork from local artists but just outside the Art Center is also a button-activated fountain for kids to cool off in during the hot Texas months. Restrooms are located in the Grace Heritage Center. Located at 816 S. Main Street.

Hutto

Glenwood Splash Pad – Open June 1 – Labor Day weekend. Daily hours from 10am – 8 pm. To conserve water, this splash pad is activated by pressing a button. There is a shaded concrete pad for seating and portable restrooms close by. Located at 101 Fishbaugh Ln.

Leander

Water Playscape at Robin Bledsoe Park – Open May 1 – September 30. Daily hours from 9 am – 8 pm. This is a fully enclosed splash pad, with a gate. It is a zero depth water playscape with many different interactive water features. There are also restrooms and a playground close by. Located at 601 S. Bagdad Road.

Quarry Splash Pad – Open May 16th – September 7^th. Daily hours are from 10am – 7pm. Admission is $2 per person (bring cash). This HUGE splash pad is great for children of all ages with fountains, spray cannons, a small water slide, and a large sand pit to play in. The Quarry Splash Pad recorded information line: 512-943-1919. Located at 3005 County Road 175 in Williamson County Regional Park.

Pflugerville
Falcon Pointe Splash Park – Open May 1^st – October 1^st. Daily hours from 10:00am – 9:00 pm. This splash pad is button activated and a playground and restrooms are close by. Located at 1813 Tranquility Lane.

Northeast Metropolitan Park – Open May 1^st – September 30^th. Daily hours from 10am – 7pm. Located at the far end of the park, behind the skate park. There is also a shaded sand pit, rock climbing wall, swings, and plenty of picnic tables nearby. Restrooms are located next to the water play area. Located at 2703 E. Pecan Street.

Round Rock

Main Street Prete Plaza – In the heart of downtown Round Rock, across the street from the public library, this shaded fountain is the perfect place to go after story time! There are tables and chairs in the plaza and plenty of room to run! Located at 221 E Main Street

Year-round hours:

• Sunday 7:30 am to 10 pm
• Monday – Thursday 7:30 to 11 am and 2 to 10 pm
• Friday 7:30 to 11 am and 2 to 11 pm
• Saturday 7:30 am to 11 pm
• The fountain is closed Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 pm.
  • Fountain may also be closed during some holidays and special events that take place in Prete Plaza – refer to website for more information.

The post MAKE A DASH FOR A SPLASH POOL IN AUSTIN! (continued) appeared first on Le Montreaux A Concierge Community Blog.

Schools out for summer!  Which means it’s time to take in all that the season has to offer in Austin!  And that certainly includes time with friends and family for a night out cheering on the Round Rock Express!  To get you out of your apartment in Austin to have some fun times all summer long, we’ve dedicated this blog with an easy to read schedule that shows when and where our home town team in town this summer.

Before you go, click into their website here to get easy directions to Dell Diamond Ball Park and to read more about group specials, and other savings and seasonal specials. 

July 4 – 6 v/s Memphis

July 7 – 9 v/s Colorado Springs

July 17 – 20 v/s New Orleans

July 29 – Aug 1 v/s El Paso

August 3 – 6 v/s Albuquerque

August 19 – 22 v/s Omaha

August 28 – 31 v/s Colorado Springs

September 1 – 4 v/s Oklahoma City

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