Category: Area Attractions

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Lifestyle TX

February Day Trip: Discover the Charm of Gruene, TX

As the heart of winter graces Central Texas, there’s no better time to indulge in the quaint charm of a nearby destination that feels worlds away. For the residents of Crosswinds in Kyle, TX, the picturesque town of Gruene (pronounced “green”) offers an unforgettable day trip. Less than an hour’s drive away, Gruene is a treasure trove of history, culture, and entertainment, making it the perfect escape for a serene yet exciting winter outing.

The Allure of Gruene, TX

Nestled along the Guadalupe River, Gruene is renowned for its rich history and small-town charm. Founded in the 19th century, the town boasts a beautifully preserved historic district that feels like stepping back in time. In the crisp February air, you can explore the area’s charming streets lined with antique shops, artisanal boutiques, and cozy cafés. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, even in the cooler months, making it an ideal destination to relax and recharge.

Start Your Day with History and Shopping

Begin your journey by visiting the iconic Gruene General Store, where you’ll find an array of unique souvenirs, old-fashioned candies, and locally crafted goods. Just a short stroll away, antique lovers will delight in exploring the Gruene Antique Company. With its wide selection of vintage treasures, you might discover the perfect piece to add character to your home.

Savor Local Flavors

No trip to Gruene would be complete without indulging in its culinary delights. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at The Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, one of Texas’ most iconic dining destinations. Housed in a restored cotton gin overlooking the Guadalupe River, The Gristmill serves hearty Southern dishes that are perfect for warming up on a cool winter day. From chicken-fried steak to pecan pie, the menu offers something for everyone.

Sip and Relax at Local Wineries

After lunch, take advantage of Gruene’s proximity to some of Texas’ finest wineries. The Winery on the Gruene offers a delightful tasting experience with handcrafted wines that cater to a variety of palates. Whether you prefer a robust red or a crisp white, the winery’s intimate setting and knowledgeable staff make it a memorable stop.

Catch a Concert at Gruene Hall

Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest dance hall, is a must-visit for music lovers. Known for its rustic charm and legendary live performances, this venue has hosted some of the biggest names in music. Check the schedule for February’s lineup, and you may find yourself dancing the evening away to the sounds of local and national artists. Even if you’re not a dancer, the vibrant energy and rich history of Gruene Hall make it an unforgettable experience.

Stroll Along the Guadalupe River

For those who prefer a quieter end to the day, take a peaceful stroll along the Guadalupe River. The scenic views and soothing sounds of the water provide a perfect opportunity to reflect on the day’s adventures. The winter months bring a serene beauty to the riverbanks, offering a moment of tranquility to cap off your visit.

Why Gruene is Perfect in February & March

Winter in Texas is often mild, and February’s cooler temperatures make it an ideal time to explore Gruene without the crowds of summer tourists. The town’s charm is enhanced by the season, with cozy settings, heartwarming food, and a relaxed pace that invites you to savor each moment.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a fun family outing, or a solo adventure, Gruene has something to offer everyone. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, a day trip to Gruene is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and inspired. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and discover why Gruene is the perfect winter escape for the Crosswinds community. Contact us today to learn why Crosswinds is the perfect place to call home.

 

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Amenities Area Attractions Blog Kyle Texas

Fitness Goals: Fun Ways to Stay Active in January

It’s no secret that the start of the new year is a popular time for folks to set fitness goals. January happens to be the busiest time of the year for gyms (which is very apparent in the shortage of treadmills the first week after New Year’s), with the month accounting for 12% of new gym memberships. 

 

If you’re looking to stay active in January, here are a few ways besides simply signing up for a membership at the local gym. 

 

Try Online Fitness Classes

 

The January gym scene isn’t everybody’s bag. We get it. If you still want the class fitness setting but don’t want to battle the crowds for a spot on the floor, consider signing up for a virtual fitness class. 

 

Virtual fitness classes don’t carry the same pressure that some might feel with an in-person class and the varieties available are nearly endless. From pilates and yoga to kickboxing, Zumba, and dance, there’s something for everyone. And if you don’t want to work out completely solo, you can always invite a few friends over to participate in the virtual fitness class with you. 

 

Join an Adult Sports League

 

The best way to get fit and stay fit is to find an exercise that you enjoy. If you enjoyed playing sports in your youth, joining an adult sports league might be the perfect fit. Basketball, hockey, and indoor soccer all have fall/winter season leagues for adults and can be a great way to burn some calories and scratch the itch for some friendly competition. 

 

Not only is joining an adult sports league a fantastic way to stay active in the colder months, but it’s also a great way to make new friends in the process. 

 

Hit the Skating Rink

 

Skating (whether it be ice or roller) can be a great way to work in some exercise during the colder weather months. If it’s been a while since you put on a pair of roller skates and the idea of hitting the rink under glowing disco lights leaves you in a cold sweat, don’t worry. The Austin Roller Rink offers group, private, and even trick classes for anyone looking for some extra instruction. 

 

If cutting figure 8s on the ice is more your thing, there are a number of ice skating rinks in the Austin area, many of them offering instructional classes. 

 

Trail Running

 

There are hundreds of hiking trails throughout the Texas Hill Country, and lacing up your trail sneakers is a great way to stay in shape. Texas’ trails are always popular during the fall, spring, and summer months, but January… not so much. Many people tend to shy away from hiking in the colder months, but their loss equals your gain because the trails are a lot less crowded. 

 

You’ll want to dress and plan accordingly, though. Check the weather forecast before you head out to be sure you’re dressed warm enough. Opting for layers is a good idea, too, as your body will naturally heat up the longer you run. It’s also smart to let somebody know when and where you’ll be running before you hit the trail. 

 

Enjoying a jog or brisk walk on the trail system within the Crosswinds community is a convenient way to get in some cardio at the start or end of the day. 

To learn more about the Crosswinds community, reach out to our team today.

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Area Attractions Blog Kyle Texas

Bite into Bliss: Best Burgers in Kyle, Texas

When it comes to a good bite, it’s hard to beat a solid burger. If you’re in the mood for a burger that won’t disappoint, check out these local burger joints. 

 

Big Rob’s (15 min drive) – Some folks like sliders, while others want a burger that challenges the limits of the human jaw. If you’re in the latter camp, then this is the burger joint to visit. Big Rob’s does not skimp on the “big” part of the name and serves up burgers that customers often need a knife and fork to tackle. 

 

The restaurant offers a range of burgers with names like El Jefe (a triple cheeseburger) and Rise N Shine (a half-pounder topped with a fried egg and bacon), along with patty melts, chicken sandwiches, and of course, baskets of tots and fries. 

 

Sharks Burger (6 min drive) – We can’t confirm if Sharks Burger is in a battle with Big Rob’s for the biggest burgers in Kyle, but it wouldn’t surprise us. With burgers like the Great White (two patties and white cheddar cheese) and the Beyond Burger (Beyond Meat patty, cheese, lettuce, tomato, on a brioche bun), this is a restaurant ready to take a bite out of any appetite. 

 

While the burger joint is housed in the Valero gas station, don’t be put off by the location. Sharks Burger uses only high-quality ingredients, and based on customer reviews, it’s quickly becoming a local favorite. 

 

Willies Grill & Ice House (7 min drive) This local spot is the perfect place to grab a few drinks with friends after work or swing by for some good grub on game day. It also has a menu that offers something for everyone with customer favorites like chicken fried steak, nachos, strawberry pecan salad – even gumbo. 

 

Of course, we’d be remiss, not to mention the burgers. Willies has six different burgers on the menu, each weighing in at a hefty half-pound. Whether you opt for a turkey patty or beef, cheddar or Monterey jack cheese, bacon, or mushrooms, be sure to also order up the perfect sidekick – hand-breaded onion rings or fried pickles. 

 

Mighty Fine Burgers (7 min drive) – Mighty Fine Burgers puts its money where its mouth is, using 100% fresh, all-natural Angus beef that is ground on-site and hand-formed right in front of the customer. The result is a burger that is everything a classic American burger should be – simple and delicious. 

 

Mighty Fine Burgers come in two sizes, half and quarter pounds, and are served with lettuce, diced onion, tomatoes, and pickles. If you’re not in a burger mood (or are just super hungry), the menu also offers hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and a fried avocado BLT! Finish the meal off with a hand-dipped milkshake and thank us later. 

 

Flamin Burger (15 min drive) – This local burger joint keeps things simple, but that’s a good thing. Customers have three burger sizes to choose from: Inferno (single patty), Blazin (double patty), and Scorchin (triple patty). Customers say the burgers are “charred to perfection,” and an order of the zesty firecracker fries dipped in the Magic Sauce is the perfect way to round out the meal. 

 

In a day and age where eating out is getting more and more expensive, kudos are due to Flamin Burger for keeping the single patty Inferno incredibly affordable at just $5. With such a cheap burger, don’t be surprised if you still have money left in your wallet to splurge on one of the shakes for dessert. 

One of the best things about the Crosswinds community is its convenient access to so many great restaurants. If you’re looking for a new home, reach out to our team today.

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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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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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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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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.

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas TX

Slide into Summer: Water Parks Near Austin

Nothing provides relief from the scorching summer heat quite like a dip in the pool or blast down a waterslide with a near 90-degree drop! Texas residents have no shortage of water parks to cool down in this summer – each of them offering landscape slides, pools, and lazy rivers that promise a wet and wild good time. 

 

Schlitterbahn (New Braunfels)

 

It wouldn’t be an understatement to call Schlitterbahn the grandaddy of waterparks. The park rivals every water park in the country when it comes to the staggering number of slides, pools, and other attractions visitors can cool down in. 

 

Guests have over 50 water rides to explore, with everything from adrenaline-rushing slides like Dragon’s Revenge to relaxing zero-entry pools like Kristal Cove. One day really isn’t enough to soak up all Schlitterbahn has to offer and the park has several overnight accommodations guests can reserve. 

 

Kalahari Resorts (Round Rock)

 

Nothing can zap the fun out of a day at the water park like a bad sunburn. Move the water park indoors, however, and that chance of sunburn shrinks down to zero! At over 223,000 sq ft, Kalahari is America’s largest indoor water park. 

 

Twisting indoor slides like the Kenya Korkscrew and Stingray are two of the most popular attractions, but there’s plenty of variety to enjoy, like the FlowRider surfing simulator, Grotto swim-up bar, and Splashdown Safari kid’s area. 

 

Volente Beach Water Park (Leander) 

 

With water park passes easily climbing upwards of 50 bucks, Volente offers some welcomed relief for families on a budget. Weekday passes are only $15 a person, and season passes are only $40!

 

While Volente isn’t as large as some of the other parks, there’s still plenty of cool-down fun to be enjoyed. Fans of thrill rides will enjoy slides like Flash Flood and Sidewinder, and kids will love playing at the Gators Crossing obstacle course and floating pirate ship. 

 

Typhoon Texas (Pflugerville)

 

There’s something for everyone at Typhoon Texas, with slides that nearly defy the limits of gravity, as well as colossal water playscapes and relaxing tidal pools. Slides like Duelin’ Daltons promise thrill-seekers a 7-story free fall, and guests in search of something more relaxing are sure to enjoy a float down the Lazy River. 

 

The park also offers private cabana rentals for guests who are looking for a bit more relaxation and privacy with their visit. 

 

Crosswinds Splash Park

There’s no doubt that a day at the water park provides great family fun, but sometimes skipping the parking and locker rental and opting for a staycation can be the more appealing choice. 

 

Whether you’re looking to work on your tan and enjoy a good book, splash around with the kids, or perfect your cannonball, the pool and splash park is the ideal place for Crosswinds residents to cool down on a hot summer day. 

If you’d like to learn more about all the amenities Crosswinds has to offer and find your dream home, contact our team today.

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