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Category: Area Attractions

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Area Attractions Events Family Fun

A Tuna Christmas: The Comedy You Didn’t Know You Needed

“A Tuna Christmas” is not a can of tuna with a Christmas-themed label. Not even close. It’s what you get when you add a heaping dose of season’s greetings with Greater Tuna. Jaston Williams and Joe Sears are the people behind all the Tuna productions.

What Is Greater Tuna?

And they’re back with another hilarious show. The two actors take on the roles of all citizens of Tuna, the third smallest town in Texas. Apparently, Tuna is the place where the Lion’s Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline lives on forever.

“A Tuna Christmas” takes place 24 hours before Christmas. Clearly, it’s Christmas Eve. The eccentric characters are trying to cope with the traumas of the season. Apparently, their little theater production of “A Christmas Carol” was a disaster. And a mysterious Christmas phantom sabotaged their yard-decorating contest.

What to Expect When Attending the Show

Nothing normal ever happens where Greater Tuna is involved. So, masks are required even while sitting in your seat. And no concessions will be available. Fill up before you go to the show. There will be empty seats to separate groups and empty rows every other row. What did we say? Nothing is normal when it comes to Greater Tuna.

There will be temperature checks at the door. The theater has hand sanitizer for every attendee. Employees frequently sanitize surfaces. The show is less than an hour from Kyle in Georgetown at The Georgetown Palace Theater (810 South Austin Ave., Georgetown, TX 78626).

The show runs through December 20. If you’re craving another live show, check out Tidings and Tinsel: Holiday Hits from Broadway at the same theater. Information and tickets for both shows are available at the Georgetown Palace Theater ticketing page.

To stay on top of great resources from Kyle and nearby, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Looking to move? Explore the inventory of new homes in Kyle or contact our Crosswinds team.

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Area Attractions Education Family Fun

Central Texas Food Bank and Volunteering

It’s a challenge these days to volunteer. Fortunately, nonprofits like Central Texas Food Bank have found ways to allow people to volunteer safely. In working with the food bank, you’ll be helping Texans affected by COVID-19.

Established in 1982, the Central Texas Food Bank’s mission is to help those in the community in need of food. While Central Texas is among the fastest-growing regions in the U.S., many members of the community are struggling. They have to make difficult choices due to the increasing costs of housing, transportation, healthcare, and utilities.

About the Central Texas Food Bank

Two-thirds of the people the food bank serves have to decide between food and paying for housing. And 80 percent have to choose between food and medicine. Hunger affects working families, retirees on fixed incomes, non-traditional guardians of children, people with disabilities, and the chronically ill. Almost 25 percent of children in Central Texas live with food insecurity.

Working with Partner Agencies in 21 counties in Central Texas, the food bank has delivered almost 40 million pounds of food to a family in need in the 2017 to 2018 fiscal year. This is an average of 200,000 individuals every month!

They have a 4,200-square-foot kitchen to prepare meals from scratch for multiple programs, offer culinary job training, and create volunteering opportunities. The kitchen combines meal preparation and job training to improve people’s employment options and reduce the problems that lead to hunger.

They also have a garden with 36 different crops. Adults can sign up for gardening classes and learn how to grow and harvest their own food. The nonprofit also does advocacy and supports other programs such as Fresh Food for Families, Healthy Options Program for the Elderly (HOPE), Commodity Supplemental Food Program, and more.

How to Volunteer

One of the easiest and safest ways to help the food bank is to donate. Every $1 provides eight meals! Some companies can match your donation. So, check with yours to see if they’ll do it. You can also shop to give. Here, a percentage of your purchases will go to the food bank. It’s possible you may already shop at some of these businesses.

When you volunteer with Central Texas Food Bank, you have a few options. Be aware that the minimum age to participate varies based on activity. All minors must be accompanied by an adult from their household who is at least 21 years old. The first thing to do is to register with the system. Every volunteer, including minors, needs an account.

You can volunteer at a Mobile Food Pantry. This involves distributing food and providing service to clients. Volunteers assist with setup and teardown at the distribution site. Warehouse volunteers inspect, sort, clean, box, and prepare donations for distribution.

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Area Attractions

Ready for Holiday Shopping? Support Local Kyle Businesses

Kyle and its surrounding areas are filled with many amazing local businesses. You won’t have to go far to find unique and memorable gifts.

Ready to shop and support local businesses? Crosswinds and residents in nearby areas have these great options.

Gifts

What to get the person who has everything? One of these shops is bound to have something you have yet to consider.

Milagros Religious Gifts and More
114 S. Front St.
Kyle, TX 78640
Milagros Facebook page

This family-owned evening business offers a variety of inspirational gifts, Christian jewelry, fishermen bracelets, ACTS bracelets, and more. This is a perfect shop for those who appreciate such gifts. ¿Tienes preguntas? Hablan español.

Hands On Healing
147 Elmhurst Ste. 600
Kyle, TX 78640
handsonhealingspa.com

This family-owned and operated spa and boutique offers a variety of services and products to help you relax and feel rejuvenated. People love a massage but may not treat themselves to one. And many folks appreciate a gift of an experience. They pamper feet and do facials. See the full menu on their website.

Shaggy Dog Market
22510 IH 35 Suite 106
Kyle, TX 78640
shaggydogmarket.com

Know people who love their fur baby? Kyle is known for being a dog-friendly place, so it’s no surprise it has a store that has everything a dog could need or want. They also have a self-serve dog wash. Give it a try as it promises to be a better experience than a bathtub.

Mercantile at Mill + Grain
304 S. Main St. #101
Buda, TX 78610
themercantileatmillandgrain.com

Just down the road in the South Historic Main Street in the heart of Buda is a modern mercantile located under the Silos in a little modern white farmhouse. It’s a general store with a highly curated and classic collection of home and kitchen goods, apothecary lines, apparel, and accessories. You can shop online if you prefer that.

Ellipsis Boutique …
306 S. Main St. #105
Buda, TX 78610
ellipsisboutique.com

If you go to Mercantile at Mill + Grain, you might as well as visit nearby Ellipsis Boutique. Here, you can find trendy women’s clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, and gifts.

Baking

Not in the mood to bake for holiday gatherings? Here are a couple of bakeries that will make you look good.

The New World Bakery, Inc.
310 Edwards Dr.
Kyle, TX 78640
thenewworldbakery.com

Specializing in artisan bread, the New World Bakery bakes fresh pies, cookies, croissants, muffins, and more. German Reinhard Haltermann honed his craft in San Francisco and brought that knowledge to Texas when founded the bakery in 1995. It has grown to serve more than 200 restaurants.

Texas Pie Company
202 W Center St, Kyle, TX 78640
texaspiecompany.com

There’s a reason Kyle is the Pie Capital of Texas and Texas Pie Company helps reinforce that. The menu also includes quiches, casseroles, sandwiches, and salads. Many of the recipes come from Chef Julie Albertson’s grandmother that have been handed down through generations of her Texas family. Of course, like the name, they’re best known for handmade pies.

Want to live in a community near all these great shopping spots? Check out Connect with Crosswinds on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

 

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Area Attractions Education Events Family Fun

Access City Services with the New City of Kyle Mobile App

When you’re not at your laptop or desktop, where do you get your City of Kyle information? Go to the website on your mobile phone? Great news! There’s an easier way to do it. Now you can do a lot of things from your iOS or Android phone with the City of Kyle App!

Kyle Chief of Staff Jerry Hendrix says the growing preference for accessing information on smart phones compelled the City to create the mobile app.

The app features include the following:

  • News & Information: Obtain the latest City of Kyle news and updates.
  • COVID-19 Information: Review the latest COVID-19 statistics for Kyle and Hays County as well as updated information on State and County Orders, City Operations, and COVID-19 resources.
  • Bill Pay: Pay City Utility bills, tickets, court fines and for City permits and inspections.
  • Calendar & Meetings: Stay on top of important City meetings and events.
  • City Directory: Look up contact information for City Departments and Leaders.
  • Voting Information: Remain current on upcoming elections, important deadlines as well as propositions and seats that are on the ballot.
  • Kyle Public Library: Browse the Kyle Public Library’s catalog, hold and renew books, and borrow e-books.
  • Kyle10 Live Stream: Watch the City of Kyle channel 10 live stream.
  • Parks & Facilities: Find information on City Parks, Trails and Facilities.
  • Join TeamKYLE: Check out current City job postings.

The City of Kyle and Uber rideshare platform have a formed partnership called Uber Kyle. It provides transportation options to residents and visitors with transportation. They partnership currently has a promo in the app’s recently added Uber Kyle feature.

Sold on the app? Download the City of Kyle App from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

To stay on top of great resources from Kyle and nearby, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Looking to move? Explore the inventory of new homes in Kyle or contact our Crosswinds team.

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Area Attractions

Lowe’s Comes to Kyle

First ENF Technology announced an investment of $45 million in its new U.S. headquarters in Kyle, Texas. Now, another company plans to come to Kyle. Home improvement retailer Lowe’s Company Inc. plans to open a distribution center in Kyle Crossing Business Park, which is just 10 minutes away from our Crosswinds master-planned community!

Lowe’s Kyle Is in Good Company

The distribution center will be in the same community as Austin Community College Hays Campus and Amazon’s sortation facility. Amazon will add at least 200 employees. It’s unknown how many jobs Lowe’s will have, but it has signed a lease for 120,000 square feet.

This community is working to become a shop, work, place spot in Kyle. It’s minutes from HEB Plus, Target, and Starbucks. Austin Regional Clinic has opened a location in the same neighborhood. They provide medical services for families.

Other medical practices include dialogistic imaging, chiropractic, dental, massage, and veterinary services. You’ll find Sonic, Walgreens, a bank, and salon in the area. Plum Creek Golf Course is also nearby as well as Hays County Performing Arts Center.

Companies Coming to Kyle

Expansion is hot in Central Texas. Tesla has chosen Austin for its Gigafactory. Why the heavy interest in the area? For the last 18 years, Texas has been the top exporting state in the U.S. Moreover, it leads the nation in high-tech exports.

Adriana Cruz, executive director of Economic Development and Tourism for Gov. Greg Abbott’s office, tells Austin Business Journal that the office has almost 200 relocation or expansion projects in the works. Apparently, TikTok is considering Austin for its U.S. headquarters.

It looks like Austin may set a record in 2020 for the number of jobs brought to the area according to Austin Business Journal. The article estates 28 companies relocating to the area will bring almost 10,000 new jobs. In 2019, it was only 58 companies and under 5,000 jobs.

Now is a great time to move to Kyle. You can find a variety of new homes in Kyle, TX at Crosswinds. To learn more, contact our Crosswinds team and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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Area Attractions Family Fun

Keep It Kyle: Pizza Classics Kyle

Many things make small-town living a wonderful lifestyle, especially with the locally-owned businesses. Pizza Classics Kyle is one of them. The restaurant is located at 118 S. Front St Kyle, TX 78640. Owners Billy and Mariah Bonham share their story on the website.

Pizza Classics Kyle Story

Billy Bonham moved to Kyle, Texas, in the 1990s. At the time, the population stood at 3,000! Now, it’s up to more than 40,000. After high school, Bonham started at Pizza Classics as a driver. Eventually, he took over ownership of the business.

The business does things old-school, the hard way. The owners believe it ensures they produce a better product. Every day, they make fresh dough and cut the vegetables by hand. The mozzarella uses 100 percent whole milk and it’s shredded in-house. They also make the sauce from scratch using EVOO and bake it on a stone in an old-school hearth oven.

The owners support recycling. Pizza Classics Kyle recycles all the cardboard, tin, aluminum cans, plastic, and paper that contain their ingredients. They do it because it’s easy and the right thing to do.

What’s on the Menu at Pizza Classics Kyle?

The restaurant offers limited-time menu items. And the latest is pumpkin cheesecake! Of course, pizza is the dominant item on the menu with many options. You can pick your toppings or try the many options they have available. You’ll find vegetarian, chicken BBQ, Frito pie, and Pizza Zen that’s made with local Texas honey.

Appetizers include breadsticks, pepperoni rolls, and wings. For times when you want something other than pizza, they have a whole page of subs and calzones from which to choose. Salads are on hand. And now for the cherry on top: desserts! Count us in for Strawberry Banana Nutella Pie! Cinnamon sticks and cheesecakes are also available.

For the latest news and special, visit the Pizza Classics Kyle Facebook page. Is it dinner time yet?

To stay on top of great resources from Kyle and nearby, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Looking to move? Explore the inventory of new homes in Kyle or contact our Crosswinds team.

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Cities Near Kyle, Texas

TV shows that take place in small towns have folks yearning for the small-town lifestyle where everyone knows each other. There was Mayberry in “The Andy Griffith Show.” Stars Hollow in “The Gilmore Girls.” Dillon, Texas in “Friday Night Lights.”

You’ll find that small-town Texas charm you’re looking for in Kyle, Texas. And it’s just big enough to have all the resources you need for everyday living. Nature, small businesses, and quiet all make great reasons to live in Kyle. The town stands out in another way — it’s close to many places you’ll want to explore.

Where’s Kyle, Texas?

Just drive south of Austin for 15 miles and you’ll reach Kyle. The town sits on the I-35 corridor to connect you to retail, dining, educational hubs, entertainment, and more. Its perfect location puts you near to everything you need.

Does it have an airport? Indeed. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) is 40 minutes from Kyle. Because it’s an international airport, you’ll be able to reach many U.S. cities and countries like Canada, Germany, and London with ease.

What Cities Are Near Kyle, Texas?

Of course, Austin is the No. 1 destination for Kyle residents. It’s close enough to go out for the evening without having to stay overnight. If you want to catch big music acts or college sports at Frank Erwin Center, it’s only 30 minutes away from Kyle.

Love history, waterparks, or the Germany culture? You can get all that in fewer than 20 minutes in New Braunfels. You can visit Gruene Historic District, float on the Comal river, or splash up a storm at Schlitterbahn Waterpark. In fact, you don’t have to leave Kyle to time travel to the past as Kyle is home to many historical sites.

If you ask around about the best place to go for outlet shopping, most people will give you one answer: San Marcos. Its two giant outlet centers sit next to each other. When you live in Kyle, you can go there anytime you want because it’s a scant 15 minutes away.

Want to learn? Texas State University is in San Marcos. It probably needs no mention, but the University of Texas at Austin is one of the top universities in the U.S. Austin Community College has an ACC Hays Campus. ACC has a co-enrollment program with Texas State University.

And you can explore other nearby small towns like Driftwood, Wimberley, and Lockhart with its amazing BBQ options. That small-town setting you see on fictional TV is a reality in Kyle, Texas.

To stay on top of great resources from Kyle, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Looking to move? Explore the inventory of new homes in Kyle or contact our Crosswinds team.

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Area Attractions Family Fun

Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing

Have you heard of the Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing (CAF)? Not many people know about this cool place that’s 15 minutes from Kyle in San Marcos. The CAF has a long and illustrious history that you can read about on the CAF Central Texas Wing website.

What Is the CAF Central Texas Wing?

It’s the home of six CAF aircraft including a C-47 “That’s All Brother,” P-39 “Big D”, and C-45 “Lone Star Lady.” Their B-25 “Yellow Rose” is a replica of Kate #310 from the movies “Tora! Tora! Tora” and “Pearl Harbor.”  The Central Texas Wing takes responsibility for the maintenance and restoration of these aircraft. It also has several helicopters in its hangar.

What started as a hobby turned into a mission to preserve history. Its four objectives are as follows:

  1. Restore and preserve combat aircraft.
  2. Provide a home for a permanent display of the aircraft.
  3. Remind Americans about these great planes that flew to defend our nation.
  4. Create an organization dedicated to preserve these aircraft.

A great way to appreciate the historical aircraft is to book a ride for a flight to remember. You can view the rates and reserve a flight.

Where to Find CAF Updates

The CAF Central Texas Wing Facebook page occasionally broadcasts live events such as aircraft departures and flyovers. Watch that page for the next one or check out the recordings of past events. To stay updated on CAF Central Texas Wing activities, you can subscribe to its official High Flight newsletter.

They also have #TriviaTuesday. Here’s one. True or false: During the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo, the B-25s’ machine guns were removed to save weight, but so they would not look totally defenseless, broomstick handles were painted black and installed to look like machine gun barrels. Get the answer here.

Take a trip to the past by checking out photos of these mesmerizing planes on their website and Facebook page. They also have a gift shop filled with awesome gift ideas.

To stay on top of great resources from Kyle, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Looking to move? Explore the inventory of new homes in Kyle or contact our Crosswinds team.

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Area Attractions Events Family Fun

City of Kyle Founders Day Parade

The first lots in Kyle sold around October 15, 1880. It inspired the city and its residents to start a tradition of holding parades through downtown in mid-October. That parade became known as the Founders Day Parade. This tradition recognizes this great town’s founders.

The City of Kyle is still holding the Founders Day Parade in 2020! They won’t let this unusual year stop them!

About the 2020 Founders Day Parade

This won’t be a typical Founders Day Parade. But then again nothing in 2020 has been typical. This year’s parade is going virtual and its theme is “Life in Kyle.”

The way it will work is that groups and organizations will submit a photo and a description. The photo and description will be placed in a video that will air on the City Live Feed and the City Facebook page. Watch the City of Kyle website for the link. This web page also has photos from past Founders Day Parades.

You can also check the City of Kyle Parks and Recreation Department Facebook page for updates.

A Little Kyle History

Settlers from nearby Blanco and Mountain City founded the town of Kyle in 1880. Sometime between 1870 and 1880, the International and Great Northern Railroad planned to build a line between Austin and San Antonio. The planners saw there were no towns on the route between Austin and San Marcus. They decided to establish a station on that route.

Captain Fergus Kyle and David Moore’s family donated 200 acres for this site. The Texas Land Company deeded the land to develop the town. Within a week, someone surveyed the town and filed it with the county clerk. Officially designated as Kyle, Texas, in honor of one of the people who donated the land.

The town held an auction in October of 1880 beneath Kyle’s famed Oak tree. This is where all the business and residential lots were auctioned off. To encourage more bids, the railroad offered free train rides to those who participated in the sale. The railroad donated the land surrounding this tree. And it became the home of Kyle’s first school, Kyle Seminary.

Want to explore more? Check out these Kyle historical markers.

To stay on top of what’s happening in Kyle, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Looking to move? Explore the inventory of new homes in Kyle or contact our Crosswinds team.

Categories
Area Attractions Family Fun

What’s Happening in Kyle

Residents of Kyle’s Crosswinds community love living here because the city has much to offer. Kyle Library offers regularly scheduled events in the City of Kyle calendar. It’s a great way to meet fellow residents who share the same interest as you do.

Note that some events in the calendar are temporarily suspended. For example, Lego Club meets in the library monthly. Currently, the library isn’t holding events. They’re still open as they provide curbside pickup. You can still enjoy your books!

Some groups have adapted by going online. Be sure to follow up with the group you’re interested in to find out the current status.

Younger Ages

Kyle Library has many options for the little ones who aren’t yet elementary school age. Here are the activities they might enjoy.

Baby Lapsit (ages 0 to 18 months): Baby Lapsit storytime features short stories, simple concepts, and fun songs introduced with fingerplays that emphasize specific motor skills. It closes with a sensory experience.

Toddler Time (18 to 36 months): This is the time for toddlers to enjoy interactive stories, songs, and activities that encourage their emerging language skills.

!Los Cuentos¡ (ages 0-5): This is dual-language storytime for the younger set.

Sensory Fun Storytime (ages 2-5): This is designed to engage children through movement, music, preschool stories, and sensory activity play. It’s ideal for kids with special needs including sensory challenges, social integration, and developmental delays.

Little Yogis (ages 3-6): This is yoga storytime that focuses on early literacy and physical activity through yoga-like poses and movement.

Preschool Express Storytime (ages 2-5): This is an opportunity for parents and caregivers to introduce children to reading and language in a fun, creative way. There will be activities that promote the development and learning through stories, music, fingerplays, and activities.

Older Children

These activities tend to occur after school hours or on weekends making it possible for school-aged children to attend.

Art Hour (ages 8-12): Budding artists meet to do a short studio experience covering a variety of media.

Magic: The Gathering (ages 10+): Trading card game. This is currently held online.

Pajama Storytime: Children can enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays, and a craft.

Lego Club (all ages): Brick-by-brick, attendees build something with Lego in accordance with the monthly theme. The library provides the Lego.

Teen Chat and Chill (ages 12-17): Teens have a safe place to gather and chat.

Teen Anime (ages 12-17): Teens who are fans of anime gather to talk about Japanese and various animation.

Teen Gamers (ages 12-17): This is the time for gamers to gather and talk gaming.

Adults

Love to read? Write? Play games? Or need help to find a job? You have great options here.

Dungeons and Dragons: Dungeons and Dragons still goes strong after many decades of entertainment. It’s so popular that Kyle Library has two online biweekly D&D groups available. D&D Group 1 meets on the first and third Wednesdays. Group 2 meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays. To ask questions and sign up, please contact mlynch@cityofkyle.com.

Page Turners Book Club: The book club meets online on the third Thursday at 6 pm. Visit the book club page to see the current year’s lineup of books. Jesus Hernandez, KPL’s Adult Services Librarian, leads the book club.

Kyle Writers Group: The group meets monthly on the first and third Wednesdays from 6 to 7:45 pm. They welcome everyone including latecomers. Visit the group page to learn more about the group.

Job Search Help: Kyle Public Library cardholders can request personalized job searches, industry information, and job skills training and video. To get started, fill out this form.

There’s truly something for everyone and every interest. Learn more about Kyle Library Offerings.

To stay on top of what’s happening in Kyle, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Looking to move? Explore the inventory of new homes in Kyle or contact our Crosswinds team.

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