Month: November 2017

Local Gems Series: Fredericksburg

Situated less than two hours west of Downtown Austin, Fredericksburg offers a small town feel with plenty of attractions. Fredericksburg may be best known for its wineries that have helped put Central Texas on the map for exceptional wine tasting. The little city is also rich in history and maintains its German roots with places like the Marketplatz, the Verins Kirche, and the Pioneer Museum. Lots of local shops and restaurants also pay homage to the German immigrants who once founded the city. When you add on tons of great museums, fun festivals and events, and one of the best spots for Hill Country outdoor adventures, this place really does seem to have it all! One day is not enough to explore all that Fredericksburg has to offer, you’ll definitely want to take a weekend getaway to this quaint little city! While you’re visiting, here are six areas and attractions you won’t want to miss out on!

Downtown Fredericksburg

Downtown Fredericksburg is rich in culture and German history, but is probably best known for the shopping! The central shopping district located along Main Street is known as “The Magic Mile” and begins just east of the Admiral Nimitz Museum and continues west to the Marketplatz. Shops offer anything from furniture and decor at the Auer Haus, children’s clothing at Beaulah’s Children’s Boutique, and cookware and bakeware at Der Kuchen Laden, to beautiful natural jewelry at Earth Treasures. The Marketplatz at the end of the shopping district is considered the heart and soul of Fredericksburg and hosts many of the town’s most famous festivals and events. Here you can also stroll through native gardens filled with heirloom roses and the kiddos can enjoy the playscape, a storytelling Maibaum, and a water wheel. And of course, don’t miss out on authentic German cuisine! The Auslander Restaurant and Biergarten has long been one of the most popular restaurants in Fredericksburg with hand-cut steaks, seafood, sandwiches, and homemade desserts, while the charming and unique Der Lindenbaum Restaurant offers truly authentic German dishes you won’t find anywhere else this side of the Atlantic!

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

Located just outside of Fredericksburg along the Pedernales River, The LBJ Ranch is rich in Texas history. The 36th President, Lyndon B. Johnson, was born and raised in the area that now serves as the park. The ranch was known as the “Texas White House” during his presidency because he spent so much time there. It was also his final resting place. You can spend hours exploring the park and visiting historical landmarks like LBJ’s birthplace; the Junction School where four-year old Johnson learned to read and where, 53 years later as President, he signed the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Both the ranch where Johnson lived and the nearby farmhouse that his grandparents called home are open for touring as well. The park also hosts many fun events including stargazing and a Christmas tree lighting. Admission to the park is free, but donations are appreciated. A tour of the Texas White House is just $3, with free tours given on Veteran’s Day, President Johnson’s Birthday, and on First Lady Lady Bird Johnson’s birthday, which is coming up on December 22!

Wine Tasting

Fredericksburg is the heart and soul of the Hill Country wine region, with more than two dozen wineries and tasting rooms. Becker Vineyards is a local favorite and award winner and has even been served in The White House.The vineyard offers wine tasting and cellar tours, a wine club, picnicking, and even hosts an annual Lavender Festival. Another top rated Fredericksburg winery is the Grape Creek Vineyards and Trattoria, which features an Italian Villa tasting room and event center that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Tuscany. 4.0 Cellars is another must visit, featuring a collaboration of three of Texas’ internationally recognized wineries – McPherson Cellars, Lost Oak Winery, and Brennan Vineyards. Tastings are typically well priced and can be enjoyed with delicious food and stunning hill country views! The area also offers plenty of great packages for the perfect weekend wine tasting excursion! The 290 Wine Shuttle brings you to more than ten incredible wineries along Highway 290E and the Texas Wine Trail offers tons of fantastic events throughout the year, including their Holiday Wine Trail in December!

National Museum of the Pacific War

The only institution in the country dedicated exclusively to telling the story of the fight in the pacific against Japan during World War II, this museum is located at the childhood home of Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz. Originally the museum was built to honor Nimitz, but it was his wish that the museum honor all the the Americans who served in the war against Japan, not just him. The museum is open 9am – 5pm every day and features numerous exhibits including the original Admiral Nimitz Museum located in the restored Nimitz Hotel, along with the Japanese Garden of Peace, the Memorial Courtyard, the Plaza of the Presidents, the George Bush Gallery of the Pacific War, and the Pacific Combat Zone. Tickets to the museum are valid for a full 48 hours and cost $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for military, $7 for kids 6+ and students, and free for kids 5 and under.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Located just north of Fredericksburg, Enchanted Rock offers some of the most breathtaking views in the Hill Country. Hike along 11 miles of trails or rock climb up the cliffs of the giant pink granite dome to enjoy a picnic at the summit, look for local wildlife and bird watch, or camp out for the weekend and enjoy the breathtaking sights and stargazing! Read up on local legends before you go to really understand the history behind the area and why they call it “Enchanted” rock! Entrance to the park is $7 and all trails except the loop trail close 30 minutes after sunset. For camping, the park offers both primitive backpack campsites that you must hike up to three miles to get to, or walk-in campsites that offer picnic tables, outdoor grilling, a tent pad, water, and nearby restrooms and showers. Primitive sites are $14 per night and walk-in sites are $18 per night. You can also get in on the Texas State Parks Geocache Challenge, for a fun “treasure hunt” that the whole family can enjoy!

Eisbahn

Eisbahn is a can’t miss annual holiday event sponsored by the Heritage School. A real ice rink is installed every year under a pavilion in the Marketplatz on West Main Street and locals and visitors alike enjoy skating, sipping cocoa, and singing along to Christmas music. Eisbahn was started in 2005 by the Fredericksburg Lifeline Foundation to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis and in 2008 the Heritage School stepped up to take over the event when the Lifeline Foundation could no longer manage and run Eisbahn. Today, the event is run by volunteers from the Heritage School and a portion of the proceeds continue to go to the Lifeline Foundation as well as the Boys and Girls Club of Fredericksburg and the needs-based tuition assistance program for qualifying families at the Heritage School. Eisbahn kicks off the Friday after Thanksgiving and continues through the weekend of New Year’s Day. Come-and-go day passes are $15 and include skate rentals.

Austin American Statesman Names REMAX 1 a Top Workplace for Fourth Year in a Row!

THE AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN NAMES RE/MAX 1 A WINNER OF THE GREATER AUSTIN AREA 2017 TOP WORKPLACES AWARD

Cedar Park, TX November 7, 2017  – RE/MAX 1 has been awarded a 2017 Top Workplaces honor by The Austin American-Statesman. The Top Workplaces lists are based solely on the results of an employee feedback survey administered by Energage, LLC (formerly WorkplaceDynamics), a leading research firm that specializes in organizational health and workplace improvement. Several aspects of workplace culture were measured, including Alignment, Execution, and Connection, just to name a few.

“The Top Workplaces award is not a popularity contest. And oftentimes, people assume it’s all about fancy perks and benefits.” says Doug Claffey, CEO of Energage. “But to be a Top Workplace, organizations must meet our strict standards for organizational health. And who better to ask about work life than the people who live the culture every day—the employees. Time and time again, our research has proven that what’s most important to them is a strong belief in where the organization is headed, how it’s going to get there, and the feeling that everyone is in it together. Claffey adds, “Without this sense of connection, an organization doesn’t have a shot at being named a Top Workplace.”

This is our fourth year in a row to be named a Top Workplace in Austin! We are honored to be ranked among the many wonderful small businesses that help our great city thrive. We are incredibly grateful to our agents and staff members who make our office a home and keep the brokerage alive and buzzing with collaborative energy. This amazing group of people is the reason RE/MAX 1 has been able to remain one of the best places to work in Austin for so many years!

About RE/MAX 1

RE/MAX 1 is a real estate brokerage devoted to helping its agents have an abundant life through exceptional training and support services. RE/MAX 1 agents are learning-based and committed to mastering their craft. The RE/MAX 1 team values integrity, commitment, discipline, mastery, and cooperation.

If you are interested in joining the RE/MAX 1 team visit www.jointopagents.com or call Molly McKenna, Director of Opportunity at 512.915.3244.

About Energage, LLC

Headquartered in Exton, PA, Energage specializes in employee feedback surveys and workplace improvement. This year alone, more than two million employees in over 6,000 organizations will participate in the Top Workplaces™ campaign—a program it conducts in partnership with more than 40 prestigious media partners across the United States. Energage also provides consulting services to improve employee engagement and organizational health. Energage is a founding B Corporation member, a coalition of organizations that are leading a global movement to redefine success in business by offering a positive vision of a better way to do business.

Top 10 Spots for Hiking in the Hill Country

With the weather cooling down and an extremely mild Texas winter ahead, it’s the perfect time of year to get out and enjoy the fresh air! There are many parks and natural areas throughout the hill country, but few offer great hiking opportunities and mountain views like those of our distant neighbors to the west. There are a few little gems scattered throughout Central Texas though, and only the best made this list! In no particular order, here are some of the best parks and natural areas for great hiking and even better views of our beautiful hill country. They may not have towering mountain peaks and soaring cliffs, but these spots all offer both challenging and tranquil trails to satisfy your itch for some outdoor adventure, no matter your skill level! Lace up your boots and hit the trail!

1. Barton Creek Greenbelt

Located right in the heart of Austin, the Barton Creek Greenbelt has a range of trails to fit any skill level, from flat walking trails to fairly elevated terrain. Plus there are some great cliffs for climbing in some areas along the greenbelt. Several swimming holes are available for hot, sunny days when the creek is full. There are multiple locations to enter the greenbelt from, but the most convenient spot is at the south end of the Barton Springs Pool parking lot. This is considered the trailhead to the greenbelt and is a great place for beginners or anyone looking for a low-impact, relaxing hike. You can also access the trails from different spots  a little further down the street or just off of Loop 360 and Mopac, where you’ll find a little more diversity in the terrain, along with some great swimming holes and climbing spots. Austin being one of the most dog friendly cities in the world, your furry friends are of course welcome, just keep them on the leash at all times!

2. McKinney Falls State Park

The only state park located within the Austin city limits, Mckinney Falls is located less than thirty minutes from Downtown in southeast Austin, along Onion Creek. The park suffered a lot of damage after the Halloween floods of 2013 and the Memorial Day floods of 2015, and the visitor center is still closed due to the flooding. However, the majority of the park is still accessible, and they’re still open daily from 8am – 10pm! When it hasn’t rained and the water isn’t too high, Onion Creek is great for swimming and you don’t need a license to fish from the shore in a Texas state park! The park also features 81 campsites and six newly remodeled cabins. For hiking and biking, the nearly nine miles of trails range from easy and flat like the 2.8 mile Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail, to moderately difficult hikes with rocky terrain, creek crossings, and beautiful views of Onion and Williamson Creeks. The Homestead Trail is the longest at 3.1 miles, while most other trails are between 1 mile and 1 ½ miles.

3. Garner State Park

Garner State Park is about three hours southwest of Downtown Austin and two hours west of San Antonio. Located along the Frio River, the park has about three miles of river frontage. On warm days, the park is of course a great spot for swimming, floating, and boating on the river, but the beautiful scenery and 11 miles of trails make it worth the journey even on cooler fall and winter days! Explore the 30-foot deep crystal cave or check out the mysterious old rock fence. From Painted Rock Overlook you can see views of the distant summit while you rest on top of the ridge, or catch hill country views from the Campos Trail Overlook. Adventurous and skilled hikers can take the short but steep trek up to the “Old Baldy” summit for amazing panoramic views. The park also has some great camping facilities from simple campsites for pitching your tent to cabins and screened in shelters. In the summertime the park’s concession building hosts a jukebox dance in the evenings, a tradition they’ve carried on since the 1940’s!

 4. Lost Maples State Natural Area

Many people believe you have to travel to New England to experience the breathtaking transformation of the fall foliage, but if you head about three hours southwest of Austin to Vanderpool, Texas, you can find the colorful leaves of the Uvalde bigtooth maples in mid October – mid November. Of course this is the best time to check out the park, but it’s a beautiful place no matter what time of year you go! Over ten miles of trails take you past steep canyon walls and across the top of a 2,200 foot cliff along the scenic Sabinal River. An abundance of wildlife and wildflowers add to the already beautiful landscape. The park is also great for bird watching and fishing along the river or in Can Creek. For camping the park offers 30 campsites with water and electricity available, or you can be a true outdoorsman and backpack to one of six primitive campsites. In addition the park hosts numerous events throughout the year, including stargazing with astronomers – without big city lights, the night sky is absolutely mesmerizing!

5. Pace Bend Park

Nestled within a bend of the Colorado River, Pace Bend Park is less than an hour from downtown Austin and offers some of the best views of Lake Travis, with nine miles of shoreline. Hike along the cliffs and if it’s a hot day, take a leap into the cool blue waters of Lake Travis below! On the eastern side of the park you will find sandy beaches perfect for camping along the water, while the cliffs rise to the west. There are also Mountain biking trails and trails that wind through the interior of the park, where you might spot a whitetail deer, fox, or dozens of different species of birds within the wildlife preserve. The park is open for day use from sunrise until twilight and open 24 hours a day for overnight camping. Entry fees are per vehicle, so load up your car with the whole family or a group of friends for a fun day or weekend of outdoor adventures!

6. Colorado Bend State Park

Colorado Bend State Park is further up the Colorado river, another hour northwest past Pace Bend Park. The park is 5,328 acres and offers 32 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Trails along the river showcase stunning views of the surrounding cliffs, while the Spicewood Springs trail winds across pools and waterfalls fed by the springs up to the canyon where you will be met with more beautiful views. The park’s most popular hike leads up to the 70 foot Gorman Falls along rocky terrain. Park Rangers also offer guided tours of the falls and wild caves. Being along the Colorado river also makes the park the perfect spot for fishing, canoeing, or taking a dip after a long hike.

7. Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center

With plenty of hiking trails, a cave to explore, a serene waterfall, and a fully staffed education center, Westcave is more than just your average park. The preserve offers guided canyon and cave tours, night time tours, bird walks, and “star parties” where visitors can tour the sky through telescopes with the help of local astronomers. For no frills hiking you can head to the Uplands, 45-acres of unimproved hiking trails that wind through the savanna full of Live Oaks and Ashe Juniper trees. Spring and fall are the perfect time to go, when the savanna wildflowers are in full bloom. You can access the Upland trails Tuesday – Friday from 10am – 2pm and Saturday & Sunday from 9:30am – 4pm for just $7 per person. All guided tours are $15 per person.

8. Enchanted Rock Natural Area

Located 18 miles north of Fredericksburg and just under two hours northwest of Downtown Austin, Enchanted Rock is worth the trek outside the city. Climbing the pink granite dome for some of the most amazing views of the surrounding hill country will definitely be the highlight of your visit, but the rock formations and wildlife surrounding the dome are just as breathtaking! Explore the area and learn of the many legends and folktales that have long been told about the magical rock. While the 11 miles of hiking trails will surely keep you busy, the area has much more to offer including camping, rock climbing, bird watching, stargazing, and more. The park is open daily from 8am to 10pm and all trails close to hikers 30 minutes before sunset. October – January the park is closed Sunday – Friday once per month for hunting and it’s also their busiest time of year so plan your trip accordingly!

9. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

Originally built to protect the habitats of Golden-Cheeked Warblers, Black-Capped Vireos, and many other native bird species, the Balcones Canyonlands Refuge has transformed over the years into the perfect, peaceful getaway spot for a weekend excursion. The park offers nearly seven miles of trails that wind through rough terrain and open meadows, and an abundance of wildlife including the birds the refuge protects along with migrating monarchs, gray fox, white-tailed deer, feral hogs, turkey, and doves. Seasonal hunting opportunities are available to hunters through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Drawn Hunts program. The park also offers numerous special events throughout the year, including a Christmas Bird Count coming up in December!

10. Wolf Mountain Trail in Pedernales Falls State Park

Located just an hour west of Downtown Austin in Johnson City, Pedernales Falls State Park is a tranquil spot, surrounded by trees and shrubbery and rolling hills with rocky terrain, where the Pedernales River flows over and around limestone slabs. It’s the perfect spot for a day or weekend camping trip, with swimming, fishing, bird watching, horseback riding, mountain biking, and of course hiking. The park offers miles and miles of great hiking, but is most famous for the Wolf Mountain Trail. Home to the “prairie wolf,”  this is a challenging six mile trail that wraps around Tobacco and Wolf Mountains. Along the way hikers cross over Bee Creek and hike alongside the creeks steep canyon walls. About halfway up the trail, hikers will come across the Jones Spring and the ruins of an old stone settler’s house. This is the perfect spot to stop and rest, since the trail gets a lot more steep as it goes on! The trail doesn’t make it all the way up to the summit of Wolf Mountain, so for some of the best views follow the Pedernales River waypoint to the falls once you get to the end of the Wolf Mountain Trail.

Top 5 Italian Restaurants in Austin

Load up on those carbs to prepare for winter weather!

Vespaio 
1610 South Congress Avenue

Vespaio has been a staple on South Congress since it first opened in 1998. The name ‘Vespaio‘ means ‘buzzing’ in Italian and was inspired by the beehive that was found within the walls during the original demolition project on the building. The name fits, Vespaio is always ‘buzzing’ with excitement as guests enjoy some of the city’s best Italian cuisine. The restaurant offers a rotating menu full of delicious pasta dishes and everything is made in house. One constant that they keep on the menu that seems to be everyone’s favorite is the Pansotti Di Zucca – half moon pasta filled with butternut squash and amaretti and topped with sage brown butter, walnuts, crispy sage, and parmigiano reggiano. Vespaio opens at 5:30pm Sunday – Friday and at 5:00pm on Saturdays. If you’re craving italian on your lunch break, next door is Enoteca Vespaio, an extension of the original Vespaio that is open for both lunch and dinner as well as for Sunday brunch!

Patrizi’s 
2307 Manor Road

Originally a family run restaurant in Beaumont, Patrizi brothers Matt and Nic reopened the family business in 2013, this time as a trendy Austin food truck! This little italian gem is hidden behind The Vortex and Butterfly Bar and offers up some of the most delicious fresh pasta with homemade sauces. Their red sauce, an old family recipe, is heavenly and will transport you right to Italy. Other fan favorites include the Cacio E Pepe, Pomodoro, and The Great Leopold. What makes Patrizi’s truly special is their Dinner Night, hosted on Wednesday Nights. A special menu is prepared and guests can sit at the outdoor tables and relax while enjoying a full 3-5 course meal while sipping wine from the Butterfly Bar. The inviting and lively atmosphere, delicious food, and exceptional service will make you feel like part of the Patrizi family!

Andiamo Ristorante 
2521 Rutland Drive

Andiamo is truly authentic Italian cuisine – the owner Daniela Marcone hails from Naples, Italy and uses many old family recipes in her restaurant! Marcone often travels back to Italy to keep up to date on Italian cuisine and culture and then brings her knowledge back to Austin to make sure the restaurant is serving every course, dish, and bite as it would be in Italy. Every dish is made with fresh ingredients found at local farmers markets and the wine list features many wines from small Italian producers. The Linguine Cozze e Calamari, linguini pasta, sauteed calamari, black mussels, and fresh tomato in a light spicy white wine sauce, is absolutely mouth watering, and the Orecchiette and Gnocchi dishes are some of the Marcone family’s best work! Andiamo is open for both lunch and dinner Monday – Friday and for dinner on Saturdays.

La Traviata 
314 Congress Avenue

La Traviata has been one of the most popular restaurants in Austin ever since its opening in July of 2000. Their specialty, the homemade ravioli is made fresh and prepared differently everyday, so while your favorite version might be gone tomorrow, you can bet the new dish will be just as delicious! The Rigatoni with Spicy Lamb Meatballs and the Spaghetti a la Carbonara are also cooked to perfection. For lunch they offer some awesome daily specials and don’t even get us started on the mouth watering dessert menu! Perhaps even better than the food is the restaurants amazing staff and service. Chef Marion Gillcrist is exceptional, putting love and care into every dish from the ingredients he uses to the plate’s presentation, and the level of hospitality is unmatched. La Traviata is open Monday – Friday for lunch and Monday – Saturday for dinner.

Italic 
123 West Sixth Street

Italic is a part of the ELM Restaurant Group family which includes Austin staples 24 Diner, Easy Tiger Bake Shop & Beer Garden, and Irene’s. With a delicious selection of pizzas and pasta dishes and an authentic Italian wine menu, Italic is a combination of a classic Italian restaurant and a trendy Austin wine bar. The menu is updated and printed daily with locally sourced dishes that might include a butternut squash agnolotti, roasted mushroom and pumpkin gnocchi, or a classic linguine or fettucine dish. Italic also offers an impressive happy hour with half price pizza and bottles of wine available every weekday from 2:30 – 6:30pm. Their weekend specials are also worth checking out, with a late night pizza menu with drink specials including half priced wine on Friday and Saturday nights from 10:30 – 12:30 and a Sunday dinner special for $30 that includes an appetizer, pasta or pizza, and homemade gelato or sorbet for dessert!