Author: bdowdy

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun

Fall Favorites and Family Fun

One of the best things about fall is the festivals. There is no shortage of fall festivals to be enjoyed in the Texas Hill Country, and one of them can be found right down the road from Kyle at Sweet Eats Fruit Farm in nearby Georgetown, Texas. 

 

Here’s the scoop on everything you need to know about the 2024 Central Texas Fall Festival. 

 

Where and When

 

Sweet Eats Fruit Farm is a popular attraction in Georgetown, about an hour’s drive from Kyle. The farm is more than simply a place to pick and buy fresh fruit, though; it’s also a petting zoo and adventure destination, making it a great weekend destination for families. 

 

Located at 14400 E State Hwy 29, the festival runs from September 21st – November 8th. You’ll need to plan your trip accordingly, though, because the festival and select events only happen on certain days and times. 

 

Sept | Everyday | 9am – 6pm

October | Sun – Thursday | 9am-8pm

October | Fri & Sat |  9am-10pm

 

Early bird tickets start at $12.49 for guests ages 2+, and regular sale tickets are $24.95.

 

What to Expect

 

The Central Texas Fall Festival is sure to be a hit with kids, but it’s also a great option for a date, as there’s plenty to do and see. 

 

The festival includes daily activities like a petting zoo, pony rides, wagon rides, apple cannons, and dozens more farm-related activities. There are even pig races and a fireworks show on Friday and Saturday nights in October. 

 

A major highlight and one not to be missed is the corn maze and adjacent pumpkin patch. The corn maze covers 4.5 acres and is perfect for exploring or an impromptu game of hide-and-seek. This year’s maze was designed with a prehistoric dinosaur theme, and it’s one of the largest corn mazes in the state. 

 

The pumpkin patch is also a popular spot for photo opportunities and includes over 40 varieties of pumpkins in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Kiddos will love searching for that perfect pumpkin that they can take home and carve or paint for free at the farm. 

 

More Fun

 

From falconry shows with soaring and swooping birds of prey to Zoofari, where guests can learn all about animals such as lemurs, toucans, and kangaroos, there’s no shortage of cool things to check out. 

 

Two especially popular activities guests won’t want to skip are the apple cannons and candy cannons. The apple cannon is an air-powered cannon that lets guests take aim at targets and blast apples out of a barrel at more than 50 mph. The candy cannon, on the other hand, is a massive cannon on the back of a truck that shoots out 80 pounds of candy at a time into the air. Needless to say, it’s a highlight with the kids. 

With so much to do in the Central Texas area, it’s no wonder why so many people are moving to Kyle. If you’d like to know more about all this area has to offer and find a home that fits your family’s needs, reach out to us to learn more about the Crosswinds community.

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Area Attractions Blog Kyle Texas

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice: Kyle’s Top Coffee Shops

Iced coffee is something of an essential for caffeine addicts here in Central Texas where summer temperatures can easily soar well into the 90s. But let’s face it, fall is the best season when it comes to coffee. 

 

With a return to cooler outdoor temps, so to do coffee shops return to seasonal autumn flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. From chains to local spots, these coffee shops are sure to put you in the fall spirit. 

 

Black Rock Coffee Bar

 

Black Rock Coffee Bar is mostly found west of the Mississippi River, and it’s a shame because everyone on the East Coast is missing out on some fantastic drinks. 

 

The coffee chain recently rolled out its fall menu, and by far, the standout is the Pumpkin Mexican Mocha. It combines everything great about pumpkin spice, but with a blend of chocolate and a little spice, it’s anything but basic.  

 

Dutch Bros

 

Dutch Bros’ current seasonal menu has a few drinks that seem more like summer leftovers than fall favs (looking at you, Electric Berry Dirty Rebel and Double Rainbow Dirty Rebel). There are three drinks, however, that definitely take aim at autumn – the Caramel Apple Rebel, Cookie Butter Latte, and Caramel Pumpkin Brulee Breve. 

 

If you’re craving some serious sweetness with your pumpkin spice, then go for the Caramel Pumpkin Brulee Breve, which is available hot or cold and comes topped with a salted caramel drizzle and raw sugar sprinkles. 

 

Summer Moon

 

Summer Moon Coffee Shop is a national chain that uses a wood-fired roasting process for its beans, giving each cup a warm finish that is especially welcomed on a cool October morning. 

 

The chain’s signature fall drink is the Autumn Moon Latte. This pumpkin spice latte is perfect for those coffee drinkers who enjoy a milder coffee drink that isn’t overbearing with sweetness yet doesn’t sacrifice the pumpkin flavor. 

 

Kyle’s Daily Grind

 

If you’re all about supporting your local coffee shop (and you should be), then be sure to hit up Kyle’s Daily Grind. Located at 607 West Center Street, the coffee shop offers protein shakes, smoothies, muffins, kolaches, cinnamon rolls, and, of course, delicious coffee. 

 

The cafe welcomed its fall lineup at the end of August with a Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Pie Mocha, Pumpkin Spice Frappe, S’mores Latte, and Gingerbread Chai. If you’re having a hard time choosing which one to get, don’t worry; there’s still plenty of fall left to try all of them!

 

Starbucks

 

We’d be remiss if we didn’t throw out a mention to the chain that can arguably take credit for the pumpkin spice latte craze. There are four Starbucks locations in the Kyle area, so you’re never going to be far from grabbing a classic PSL. 

 

Now, if you’re feeling adventurous, Starbucks also has on deck a Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew and the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai. Yum. 

There’s a lot to love about Kyle in the fall, and a warm pumpkin spice coffee is the perfect way to start the day. If you’d like to learn more about Kyle and finding your dream home in the master-planned Crosswinds community, reach out to us today.

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Blog Events Family Fun Tips

Headstart on the Holidays

It may still be plenty hot in Texas, but make no mistake about it… fall is on the way! From Halloween all the way up through the Christmas season, here are a few pointers to help you get a head start on the holidays. 

 

Get Your Home Prepped Inside and Out

 

From Halloween parties to Thanksgiving meals and New Year’s soirees, a home can see a lot of foot traffic during the holiday season. In order you save yourself some time (and stress), a little bit of prep work in advance can go a long way. 

 

  • Prep your lawn with the final fertilization of the season and give it a one-last mow once you’ve raked and bagged the last of the leaves. 

 

  • Seal up any air leaks around draft doors or windows. 

 

  • Repair any damaged walkways and add adequate lighting since the days will be getting shorter. 

 

  • Add some curb appeal to your front door with a festive wreath. 

 

  • Give your carpets and drapes a thorough cleaning.

 

  • Take some time to dust the interior light fixtures in your home, as well as ceiling fans. 

 

  • Clean your baseboards and touch up any interior/exterior paint blemishes. 

 

Holiday Budgeting 

 

The holiday season is a lot of fun, but all of that fun can also take a heavy toll on your bank account. There’s still plenty of time, however, to work out a game plan for your holiday budget so you’re not looking at a stack of unpaid bills come January. 

 

  1. List out your holiday expenses. Write out a detailed list of what you can afford to spend for holiday travel, decorations, food, gifts, etc. It’s best to break this up per holiday and give yourself some flex room. 

 

  1. Resist using credit cards as much as possible. Yes, they’re convenient, but making gifts or any sort of frivolous purchase will only leave you with a bigger bill to pay once the holiday season has passed. Unless you’re disciplined to pay your credit card down in full at the end of each month, opt for cash as much as possible. 

 

  1. Don’t be afraid to set financial boundaries. If you have more expenses this year than the previous, then be upfront with your family that you’re working with a tighter budget and may have to cut back on travel or gift spending.

 

Recruit Some Help

 

Setting up a killer haunted house for the neighborhood kids or hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for 15 people is a lot of work – so don’t be afraid to ask for help! If you have a friend or family member who is especially good at decorating, then ask if they’d be willing to help out for an afternoon. Are your pie-making skills lacking but your aunt is a baking champion? Then, be sure to tell her how much you admire her pies and ask if she’d be willing to handle dessert duty at Christmas dinner. 

 

Nearly everyone is busy during the holidays, but people also tend to be especially open to helping out and spreading a little holiday cheer, so reach out and ask for a helping hand. 

Looking for the perfect home to settle into this fall? Go ahead and contact the Crosswinds team to learn more about this master-planned community.

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun TX

Weekend Getaway to San Antonio

San Antonio is one of the oldest cities in Texas and became a city nearly 60 years before the United States gained its independence. Most famously known for the Alamo and the bloody battle that took place there during the Texas Revolution, there’s plenty for modern-day visitors to discover in this historic and vibrant city that’s only an hour’s drive from Kyle. 

 

Stroll the Riverwalk

 

No weekend getaway to San Antonio is complete without a stroll along the Riverwalk. Truth be told, you could probably spend an entire weekend just in the Riverwalk area and not get bored with all there is to do. 

 

Kick things off with a Go River Cruise to see things from a floating perspective and then simply explore it on foot, stopping in at any shops or restaurants that happen to catch your eye. There are also plenty of spots along the Riverwalk, like the Red Tunnel, Grotto, and Casa Rio umbrellas that make for amazing photo opportunities. 

 

Take in the Nightlife

 

There are plenty of bars to grab a cocktail at along the Riverwalk, but if you’re looking to venture out a little bit more, San Antonio has lots of nightlife to offer. 

 

Paramour is one of the city’s premier rooftop bars and offers fantastic views of the city along with an extensive cocktail and wine menu. There’s even bottle service if you want to feel extra fancy. 

 

If you’re looking for something a bit more chill, then consider checking out El Camino in downtown SA. There’s always a collection of food trucks parked right outside and with a full beer and cocktail menu, it’s hard not to have a good time at this festive spot. 

 

San Antonio has some great live music venues, and Paper Tiger holds its own. Most shows are under $30, and with acts spanning indie, punk, hip-hop, electronica, and country, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular with music fans. 

 

Shop ‘til You Drop

 

With everything ranging from name-brand stores to local boutiques, there’s plenty of reason to work a little bit of shopping into a San Antonio weekend. 

 

If you’re a sucker for a good mall, then be sure to check out North Star Mall on busy San Pedro Avenue. You’ll find major retailers and department stores such as Louis Vuitton, Juicy Couture, H&M, Apple, Dillard’s, and JCPenny. And like any good mall, the food court has plenty to offer when hunger hits. 

 

Be sure not to sleep on the many boutique stores found throughout San Antonio as well. Historic Market Square is a three-block outdoor plaza that is home to the largest Mexican market in the United States, offering everything from clothing to art and jewelry. 

 

Eats and Drinks

 

Downtown boasts well over 100 restaurants with favorites like NONNA Osteria and Domingo Restaurante finding themselves on nearly any “must-visit” list. 

 

Venture over to the Pearl District and you’ll discover everything from mouth-watering Mediterranean at Ladino to American comfort food at Full Goods Dinner. Whatever you’re craving, you can probably find it here. 

With so much to do in San Antonio, it’s easy to see why this Texas city has been attracting visitors for over 300 years. But after a long weekend, it’s always good to come back to a home you love. If you’re looking for your dream home, reach out to our team to learn more about the master-planned Crosswinds community.

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Design Homeowner Tips Lifestyle

Small Details, Stunning Spaces: Easy Ways to Revamp Your Home

Revamping your living space or even a single room can be a great way to refresh the interior of your home. If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few ideas that will never go out of style. 

 

Get Green

 

There’s a certain something that is naturally rejuvenating about having plants and flowers in your home (even the fake ones). Plants can fit any room, big or small, but choosing the right plant for the right part of the room makes all the difference. For example, a potted tree can work great in a large living area but would likely be out of place in a small home office. 

 

Play around with different heights and sizes of the plants you’re considering, and try arranging them in different clusters for balance. 

 

If you’re apprehensive about having to remember to water a plant long-term, consider the occasional bouquet of flowers. The Kyle Flower Shop offers a range of floral bouquets that will add a splash of color to any room. 

 

Get Artsy

 

Every home should have art in it. Art makes for a unique talking point with guests and provides you, the homeowner, a way to express yourself. 

 

If you’re unsure how to go about finding what you like, consider visiting a few local art galleries to get an idea of what grabs your attention. The Inspired Minds Art Center in Buda is a great place to start, as it has rotating exhibits, community art events, and even classes if you’d prefer to make your own artwork!

 

By checking out different art galleries and festivals, you’ll discover an endless world of painting styles, unique sculptures, glasswork, and art mediums that defy convention. Who knows, you may just find that perfect painting from a local artist that gives your space a whole new vibe. 

 

What’s Old Becomes New

 

If you’re looking to give your space a new look, why not consider something old? Antiques have been having a moment for about the last 50 years, and that popularity doesn’t appear to be fading anytime soon. 

 

Of course, a common misconception is that antiques can’t be mixed with modern style. That’s not true; it’s all about finding a balance. Check out the Kyle Flea Market on a Saturday or Sunday, and you’re bound to see numerous antiques that have been refurbished and repurposed with new upholstery, paint, or stain to give them a look that’s both vintage and fresh. 

 

Candles

 

A good candle can find a home in just about any room. Whether you opt for small or large, single candles or a grouping, scented or unscented, the warm glow of candles adds an extra bit of coziness to any interior space.

 

If you’re looking for that next perfect candle for your home or to give as a gift, consider checking out local candle shop Ava & Addi for a selection of premium hand-poured soy wax candles. 

 

Show Off the Family

 

A wall dedicated to photos of loved ones and family memories is a wonderful way to make use of hallways and stairwells inside the home. A large family portrait can also make for a striking visual centerpiece for living rooms and dining rooms. 

 

If you’re looking for a professional-quality portrait of your family, consider contacting local photographer Amanda Lynn, who specializes in family photos of all types. 

The homes within the Crosswinds community were designed with comfort and style in mind, making the interiors the perfect palette for each homeowner’s unique style. Contact our team to learn more.

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Area Attractions Blog Kyle Texas

Craft Breweries Near Kyle, Texas

The Texas Hill Country is the epicenter of craft brewing in Texas. In total, Craft Beer Austin counts 132 craft breweries in the area. Needless to say, a beer lover has no shortage of options when it comes to finding a local pint of beer. 

 

Kyle residents are fortunate enough to have several craft breweries just a stone’s throw away. 

 

Loan Man Mountain Brewing Company

 

Just 20 minutes from Kyle, beer fans will find Loan Man Mountain Brewing Company in nearby Driftwood. The brewery specializes in Belgian brewing traditions and is located on the property of Wimberley Valley Winery.

 

Thirsty patrons can swing by the tap room and pull up a seat at the bar Monday through Sunday from 10 to 6 PM. During warm weather, it’s also especially enjoyable to sit on the patio under the shade of the large oak trees. 

 

The brewery offers a number of pilsners, ales, and porters on tap to sip on while enjoying one of the live music events or a bite from the food truck. 

 

Vista Brewing

 

Also located in Driftwood, Vista Brewing is a self-described “destination brewery.” What does that mean exactly? More than simply a brewery crafting delicious beer, Vista aims to cultivate an environment of hospitality that spans 24 acres and includes an event space, a treehouse play area for the kiddos, and a restaurant. There are even plans to put in place a few cottages for lodging. 

 

As for the beer, the brewery prides itself on using water from the limestone-filtered well on site to create pale ales, dark pilsners, and French-style saisons, all with a crisp, authentically Texas taste. 

 

In addition to live music, Vista also has special events like pasta-making and painting classes.

 

Roughhouse Brewing

 

Kyle residents who head down the road 15 minutes to San Marcos will find Roughhouse Brewing housed in the towering barn. Inside what they’ll discover are some of the tastiest beers being made in Texas today. Since 2019, co-founders Alex and Davy Pasternak have been making a name for their brewery and racking up accolades like the Texas Craft Brewers Cup Gold Medal Winner, Best New Brewery, and a Brewery of the Year nomination. 

 

Roughhouse specializes in ales, lagers, and cave-aged beers (yes, beer made in an actual cave) using yeast harvested from the nearby Pasternak Ranch. The brewery is open Thursday through Saturday from 11 to 9 PM and Sunday from 11 to 7 PM.  

 

And because food always goes well with beer, the brewery, of course, offers a menu with chips and queso, nachos, and several sandwiches. 

 

Middleton Brewing

 

Middleton Brewing, located in San Marcos, is a brewery that never gives off a vibe of taking itself too seriously. That’s not to say it doesn’t craft delicious beer – it certainly does – but it places equal importance on “building community, one beer at a time.” 

 

Open Monday through Sunday, guests are treated to IPAs, kolschs, amber ales, porters, and special monthly releases. There are also plenty of picnic tables to chill at and enjoy a smash burger or play a game of giant Jenga. 

 

Like any good brewery, Middleton Brewing also keeps a stacked calendar with trivia, live music, and open mics where anyone can take the stage. 

This is only a small sampling of the breweries located less than a half-hour’s drive from Kyle. To learn more about Kyle and finding a home in the Crosswinds community, reach out to us today.

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Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle

Flicks & Fun: Unforgettable Movie Night Ideas

A bowl of popcorn, a comfy blanket, and maybe a box of candy or soda are all you need for a classic movie night. While we can’t offer any advice for helping everyone agree on the same movie, we do have a few suggestions for creating an unforgettable movie night the entire family will enjoy. 

 

Movie Night in the Park 

 

There’s just something about watching a movie in the park with a huge group of people that adds something special. The city of Kyle has been showing movies in the park once a month all summer. If you’ve missed previous movie nights, you’re in luck because there’s still one more on September 20. 

 

Grab the family and head over to the Gregg-Clarke Park basketball courts, 1231 W. Center Street, for a 7 PM movie. Blankets, chairs, food, and coolers are allowed, and you may even win a raffle prize. The September 20 movie will be the animated comedy Migration, rated G.

 

Drive-in Movies

 

If you’ve never been to a drive-in movie, it’s a retro blast from the past that is completely different than the standard movie theater experience. It’s the quintessential throwback date night and is equally fun for a family outing as well. 

 

Austin’s Doc’s Drive-in Theatre shows both classic and new releases and has a full snack bar to satisfy any movie night cravings that are sure to pop up. Doc’s is also a bit cheaper than the standard movie theater ticket. Tickets are $10 for guests 12 and up and $6 for children ages 4 to 11. Kids 3 and under are free. 

 

Set up a Projector

 

Taking movie night from the small screen to the big screen in your own home is easier than ever. Movie projectors are both better and more affordable than they’ve ever been and allow you to turn an entire wall into a screen for movie night. 

 

For an added dose of fun, consider setting the projector up outside in the yard or driveway and use a bedsheet as a screen for a movie night under the stars.

 

Pillow Fort Fun

 

This one’s for the little kids or just the young at heart. Why not take the cushions off the couch, grab a few sheets from the linen closet, or maybe a sleeping bag, and build a classic pillow fort on the living room floor for movie night? 

 

This activity adds a bit of whimsy to movie night and kids will love cozying up to mom and dad while watching their favorite movie. If you really want to get creative, consider decorating your pillow fort with some Christmas lights for extra ambiance. 

 

Don’t Forget the Snacks

 

You really can’t have a movie night without snacks (and why would you want to?). Popcorn is a classic go-to, but instead of opting for just an easy bag of microwave popcorn, consider making it the old-fashioned way on the stove and topping it with any number of tasty toppings like cinnamon and sugar, chocolate drizzle, or parmesan cheese. 

 

Candy and soda are movie night standards, but if you’re looking for something on the healthier side, consider chips and guac, peanut butter and apples, baked mozzarella sticks, and fruit smoothies. 

A comfy living room where the entire crew and spread out and relax is key to any successful movie night. To learn more about the available homes in the Crosswinds community, contact our team today.

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle

Power Hour: Fitness for Busy Professionals

Factor in busy work routines, family time, and other activities, and it can be difficult to squeeze fitness into the schedule. According to one study, nearly half of Americans want to exercise but say they don’t have the time. 

 

There’s an old saying, however, that “if it’s important, you’ll find a way.” Here are a few ways busy professionals can squeeze fitness into an already crammed schedule. 

 

Meal Prep

 

Planning out and preparing even one meal a day in advance can save a lot of time. The key is working that meal prep around when you have the most energy/ time available to exercise. 

 

For example, if you have more wiggle room in the morning for a quick workout before heading to the office, put together some overnight oats the night before. That way, you still get some fuel for the workout but don’t have to spend valuable time making breakfast. 

 

If your lunch hour is the only time when you can hit the gym, then be sure to pack a light (but still nutritious lunch). This will cut down on the time you might otherwise eat up if you spent your lunch out going out to a restaurant. 

 

Try Online Classes 

 

If finding time to go to the gym just isn’t in the cards, you may want to try online exercise classes. Phone apps like 8fit, Centr, and Nike Training Club offer customized fitness routines led by top trainers. 

 

Many gyms such as 24 Hour Fitness, Orange Therapy, and the YMCA also offer online classes for members who can’t make it to in-person workouts as often as they would like. 

 

Deskercise 

 

Despite the goofy name, it is actually possible to get some decent fitness in without stepping too far away from your desk. Considering the risk of sitting behind a desk for too long, incorporating some desk exercises into your workday is a smart move. 

 

If at all possible, try to alternate between working at a sitting desk and a standing desk. You should also be doing oblique twists to strengthen the muscles that run along either side of your abdomen.

 

Desk planks or pushups can also be a good way of building core and upper body strength. Put your hands on the edge of your desk as a support system, and for a plank, tighten your core while holding up your weight position for 30 seconds. For a pushup, lower your body 90 degrees, then push back up with your arms. 

 

Consistency is Key

 

No matter which workout routine you find works best for you, the key is being consistent with it. The reason this is so important is that it maintains all of the positive benefits of exercise, such as mental health, a strong immune system, better sleep, and muscle strength. 

 

When you exercise in a consistent pattern, it targets certain muscles, developing them in a healthy way that reduces the chance of injury. Finally, doing something consistently is how healthy habits are developed, and research shows that it takes an average of 66 days to develop a habit – so keep at it!

One of the best things you can do for exercise is a brisk walk and the trails and paved walking paths around the master-planned Crosswinds community are perfect for getting in some exercise before or at the end of a busy day. Contact our team to learn more.

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Tips

Recipe Revolution: Spice up Your Dinner Routine

Every home cook has tried-and-true recipes; however, after years of preparing these dishes, it can be easy to get burned out and find yourself in a recipe rut. Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to expand one’s prowess in the kitchen, and finding a recipe for nearly any dish is often just a click away. 

 

If your dinner routine needs some spicing up, consider incorporating these tips into meal planning. 

 

Try a Cooking Class

 

Cooking classes are one of the best ways to learn new skills in the kitchen. Not only do you get hands-on experience from a trained instructor, but a class offers the opportunity to ask questions versus simply trying to follow along with Martha Stewart on television. 

 

Online cooking classes via sites like MasterClass offer instruction from world-renowned chefs, but nothing beats an in-person class. Austin area classes from Kitchen Underground and Central Market offer instruction to a range of skill levels with a focus on everything from vegan cooking to desserts and barbecues. 

 

Head to the Library

 

Cookbooks offer recipes and tips for nearly every type of diet and cuisine imaginable. Buying all those cookbooks can also be incredibly expensive – and then there’s the risk of only liking one or two recipes. 

 

An easy way to offset this cost is to head to the Kyle Public Library. You’ll be able to let your inner foodie run wild, picking and choosing different cookbooks to try without having to pay bookstore prices. 

 

Cook Up a Culinary Tour Around the World

 

If you’re bored in the kitchen and looking to expand your culinary palate, why not incorporate more recipes from different cultures into your meal planning? 

 

Start with maybe one or two new meals a week from each continent and work in different countries as you discover new cuisines you like. Not only is it a guaranteed way to keep mealtime interesting, but you’ll likely discover ingredients you would have never used otherwise. 

 

Experiment With a New Ingredient

 

Speaking of new ingredients, adding a new ingredient to your repertoire can open up a world of new flavors. Most chefs would advise, though, that you start small when trying a new ingredient, as too much of a strong herb or spice can easily overpower a dish. 

 

Another technique worth exploring is finding unconventional ways of using everyday ingredients – like mayo – that you may not have otherwise considered. 

 

Farmers Market Finds

 

Nothing amps up the flavor in a new recipe quite like using fresh ingredients, and one of the best places to grab fresh ingredients is the farmers market. 

 

For fresh local food items, check out Kyle Market Days running the second Saturday of each month from spring through early fall at Mary Kyle Hartson Park from 8 AM until 1 PM. BudaFul Farmers Market up the road in Buda is also a great place to buy locally grown produce and happens every Sunday from 10 to 2. 

Of course, making a new recipe in a kitchen that you enjoy cooking in makes all the difference. Crosswinds residents love preparing meals in the modern and stylish kitchens of the homes in this master-planned community. To learn more about available homes, contact us today.

Categories
Blog Kyle Texas

History of Kyle Texas

To modern-day Texans, Kyle is best known as the Pie Capital of Texas. And with a festival dedicated to that very distinction, it’s a badge of honor the town wears proudly. To Kyle’s earliest residents, however, the town was known less for pie and more for its proximity to the railroad. 

 

Kyle’s Early Beginnings

 

The founding of Kyle dates back to 1880 when David E. Moore and Fergus Kyle (who would inspire the town’s name) set aside 200 acres for a new townsite along the International and Great Northern Railroad’s newly built line from Austin to San Antonio. Sitting square between Mountain City and Blanco to the west and San Marcos to the south, made Kyle an ideal location for new residents and businesses. 

 

Within two years, the new town had a population of 500 residents – though it would take 80 years for Kyle to double its population to 1,000 residents. During that time, Kyle was home to Pulitzer Prize-winning author Katherine Anne Porter, and many of her short stories would take place in Kyle. 

 

Kyle in the 20th Century

 

As Kyle grew, it was home to businesses such as a meat market, hotel, saloon, and other establishments aimed at providing for the needs of travelers. The epicenter of activity for many decades was the Kyle Railroad Depot, which caught fire in 1916 and burned to the ground. A new depot was built the following year and continued operating until 1965. 

 

Another unique aspect of Kyle’s early days is that in the 1940s Kyle was noted as the only Texas town with an all-woman government. This even caught the attention of Life magazine, which named mayor Mary Kyle Hartson, the great-granddaughter of founder Fergus Kyle, the only female mayor in the state; she was in her 70s at the time. 

 

Up through the rest of the 20th Century, Kyle remained a relatively small Texas town with a population of just over 5,000 residents in the year 2000.

 

Kyle Today

 

Whereas Kyle was a sleepy railroad town a hundred years ago, today it’s one of the fastest growing cities in Texas with a population of over 57,000. 

 

This exponential growth has been a spillover from overall growth in Central Texas, and with it, many jobs and new businesses have come to Kyle. Both Lowe’s and Amazon have built a major distribution center here just in the last few years. 

 

The city has also seen its landscape change with more business and retail centers, neighborhood developments, and the newly created Vybe Trail. When completed, the 80-mile paved path will connect to all neighborhoods in Kyle and open up the city like never before. 

 

From its earliest beginnings through today, Kyle continues to draw people who come for a visit and find themselves planting down roots as residents. 

If you’d like to find a home in Kyle, reach out to the Crosswinds team to learn more about our available inventory of homes.

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