Category: Family Fun

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Blog Family Fun Lifestyle Tips TX

Summer vacation – Travel hacks

If you’re like millions of other folks, you’re probably itching to head out on a summer vacation. Travel industry experts are predicting this to be a record-setting travel season – Memorial Day weekend alone saw over 42 million travelers. 

 

With busy skies and busy highways being a likelihood with so many heading out for vacation, here are a few tips to help make your trip a hassle-free one. 

 

Leave Early or Late – If you’re traveling by plane or train, consider opting for a red-eye ticket. These are often a little cheaper and may be less crowded. 

 

It’s probably not the safest idea to drive through the night, but if you can leave a few hours before morning rush hour, you’ll have less traffic to contend with on the roads. Just be sure to go to bed early the night before so you’re well rested. 

 

Use Alternative Routes – The U.S. interstate system revolutionized travel, but all those six-lane highways can get pretty crowded at times. Consider plugging an alternative route into your GPS that doesn’t take you on the interstate.

 

Often times these alternative routes aren’t that much longer and are less crowded. You may even discover some off-the-beaten-path places worth stopping at along the way.  

 

Flash Your Credentials – Many restaurants, rental car companies, hotels, and even airlines offer discounts based on affinity affiliations. Often times these discounts apply to senior citizens, Triple AAA members, first responders, active or military veterans, students, and even teachers. All you have to do is ask. 

 

Use Social Media to Your Advantage – Follow airlines and hotels on social media before your trip. This way, you’ll be privy to any important announcements or limited-time offers. 

 

The same goes for theme parks. Parks like Disney and Universal Studios also have apps that may be worth downloading to help find a bathroom or locate attractions with shorter wait times. 

 

Bring a Water Bottle – This is a simple one but can be a big money saver. By bringing a reusable water bottle with you, you’ll be able to save on constantly having to buy water bottles, a cost that can add up quickly in airports and theme parks. 

 

Pack Smart – Good organization is key for packing, and packing cubes make keeping everything organized that much easier. Not only do they help with organization, but they work like mini-compression sacks and enable you to cram more stuff in your suitcase. 

 

Block Out the Noise – If you’re going on a long flight or will be bunking with people whose sleep habits you’re unfamiliar with, do yourself a favor and buy some noise-canceling headphones. Trust us; they’re much better at blocking out snoring or loud music than simply shoving tissue in your ear. 

 

Splurge on Lunch – If you’re a foodie who loves to eat at the best restaurants on vacation (and who doesn’t?), then you know that eating out can get expensive. Check if the restaurant you’re eyeing offers a less expensive lunch menu and splurge on your mid-day meal rather than dinner. 

 

As much fun as heading out for a summer vacation is, it’s always great to come back to a home you love and sleep in your own bed. If you’re looking for the perfect home, reach out to the Crosswinds team to learn more about Kyle and our inventory of available homes. 

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Blog Events Family Fun Kyle Texas

4th of July BBQ + Party Ideas

Independence Day may be over a month away, but it’ll be here before you know it, and it’s not too early to start thinking about how you’ll celebrate America’s birthday. If you’re looking to plan the perfect 4th of July for your family and friends, here are a few ideas to make the red, white, and blue celebration a memorable one. 

 

Fireworks Spectacular

 

Independence Day fireworks shows are an American tradition, with celebrations honoring our country’s independence stretching back more than 200 years. Kyle will host its annual 4th of July fireworks show on Tuesday (July 4) at 9:30 PM. 

 

The fireworks will be firing off from Plum Creek Golf Course, so that the area will be closed that day, and residents will have a perfect view of the colorful explosions from the area surrounding the Hays Performing Arts Center. For an added touch of patriotic celebration, you can tune into 88.7 FM for music that will accompany the fireworks show. 

 

Food and Fun

 

While fireworks mark the end of any successful Independence Day, the food and festivities leading up to it are often just as fun. After all, the July 4th holiday is all about classic American recipes and lazy, carefree summer enjoyment. 

 

DIY a Red, White, and Blue Theme

 

Red, white, and blue are to the 4th of July what orange and black are to Halloween and red and green are to Christmas. 

 

Here are a few simple ideas that will help create a festive theme and won’t break the bank:

 

 

All of these DIY decorations will help to give your yard or home a festive touch, and the supplies can be picked up at pretty much any local crafts store. 

 

Good Eats

 

No 4th of July get-together will be complete without a spread of delicious food. The obvious go-to is probably going to be the grill. Whether you’re smoking a brisket and ribs or keeping it simple with just some burgers and hot dogs, you can’t go wrong with firing up the grill. 

 

Be sure to offer your guests who don’t eat meat or simply want some additional sides to snack on a few options. A potato salad made with red, gold, and purple potatoes adds a festive touch, and a strawberry salad can be a colorful and light alternative to heavier cookout offerings like baked beans. 

 

Don’t forget dessert, of course! A berry cobbler is a classic dessert that screams Americana, and red, white, and blue frosted cupcakes are sure to be a hit with the kiddos. 

 

Fun in the sun

 

Because this is Texas, it’s a safe bet that it will be hot on the 4th of July. DIY yard games like sponge darts,  water balloon pinata, or a firefighter bucket race will keep guests cool and have fun at the same time. 

From cookouts to fireworks, there’s nothing quite like celebrating the 4th of July holiday in Kyle. If you’d like to learn more about finding your home here, reach out to the Crosswinds team.

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas

Kyle Summer Camps

There’s a good chance that if you have school-aged children, they’re literally counting the days until that final school bell of the year rings and summer vacation starts. The last day of school for students in the Hays CISD is May 25, and schools don’t start back up until the middle of August. That’s a lot of downtime to fill!

 

If you’re looking for something to keep the kiddos occupied for the summer that doesn’t involve a screen, summer camp is the way to go. The City of Kyle’s Summer Camp program is a way for children to stay active and have a whole lot of fun in the process. Here’s everything you need to know.

 

Dates and Registration

 

Kyle’s Summer Camp program runs from May 30 through July 28, with a break in the middle for the July 4 holiday. That’s eight weeks of adult-supervised recreational indoor and outdoor fun, field trips, and new friendships being made. 

 

The day camp’s Voyager program is available for children who have completed Kindergarten through those entering 5th grade, while the older Adventure program is designed for students in 6th through 9th grade. 

 

Camp times for both camps run from 7:45 AM to 5:45 PM Monday through Friday, with camp taking place at Wallace Middle School. 

 

There is limited capacity for both camps, so it’s advised that parents register their children for a spot as soon as possible. Camp is $150 per week, and this fee covers a t-shirt, daily snacks, and all camp activities. The camp doesn’t supply breakfast or lunch, so children must bring a lunch and a water bottle.

 

What Campers Can Expect

 

Kids won’t find a couch or an Xbox at summer camp; instead, they will discover some truly awesome activities designed to keep them active and mentally engaged and help develop new skills. We’re talking fishing, archery, bowling, soccer, swimming, crafts, and various other fun activities. 

 

Campers will also be taking the fun on the road with weekly field trips to places such as Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio, ZDT Amusement Park in Seguin, and Animal World & Snake Farm in New Braunfels!

 

With daily activities and weekly field trips, Kyle’s Summer Camp program is not only a no-brainer for parents who have to work during the summer but also a fun alternative for kids who otherwise might be stuck at home in front of the television. 

 

Parents can learn more about the ins and outs of camp, what to bring, what not to bring, and more in the 2023 Summer Camp guide. 

The city’s summer camp is just one of the many aspects of Kyle that make it such a great city to live in. If you’re interested in finding a home in Kyle, reach out to learn more about available homes at Crosswinds. This master-planned community offers a variety of resort-style amenities and houses from the state’s top builders.

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Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle

A Guide to Creating Unforgettable Memories with Dad this Father’s Day

Father’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the fathers in our lives. Whether they’re biological fathers, adoptive fathers, grandfathers, or fatherly mentors, it’s a special chance for us to tell them and show them how much they mean to us. 

 

Here are some ideas that will surely put a smile on Dad’s face – whether they are right here in the Texas Hill Country or miles away. 

 

Keep It Simple

 

There’s nothing wrong with going all out, but often, something straightforward and from the heart is a perfect way to show Dad how much you care. While every father is unique, here are a few gifts that just about any dad is guaranteed to love. 

 

  • Thoughtful card – While Hallmark has some amazing scribes, a personal, heartfelt message is just as special.
  • Book – Ask the dad in your life about a few of his favorite literary genres and grab him one of the latest bestsellers. Who knows, maybe you’ll introduce him to his new favorite author?
  • Framed photo – Give him a framed picture of you two or even of him and his grandchildren.
  • Sports Jersey – Surprise Dad with a top-notch jersey featuring his all-time favorite player’s number. This gift will allow him to enjoy games in style, feeling like he’s part of the action.

 

Take Him Out

 

You don’t need to whisk them off to a foreign destination or even a weekend getaway to show him you care. Take him to his favorite restaurant, treat him to a movie or concert of his choice, or go out for a round of golf together. The important thing is that you find an opportunity to spend time with him doing something he’ll enjoy. 

 

There are some pretty great ways to make Father’s Day special right here in Kyle and the greater Austin area. Pack up all your dad’s favorite snacks in a picnic basket, grab a blanket, and head out to one of the local parks in Kyle for some quality time together. And if you don’t feel like doing the cooking yourself, local restaurants like Milt’s Pit BBQ and Texas Pie Company can put together a perfect takeout plate for your picnic basket. 

 

Get Creative

 

If Dad loves to try new things, consider signing him up for a subscription service. For example, does he enjoy an evening beer? Check out the Beer of the Month Club. The subscription allows you to choose from five different clubs that vary by brewery, country of origin, and beer style to suit their specific tastes. A Beer of the Month subscription is a great way to stretch out the Father’s Day celebration all year long!

 

Head Outdoors

 

There’s a good chance that the father in your life works harder than you realize. Treat him to a day outdoors, whether it be hiking, a bike ride, fishing, or even a local camping trip. No matter what he prefers, it is another great way to spend some quality time together doing something they love!

 

These are just a few of the great ways you can celebrate Father’s Day around Kyle. Prefer to keep your plans within walking distance? Get the whole family together and take in the fresh air with a walk along the trails at Crosswinds. To learn more about this wonderful city and find a home here, contact the Crosswinds team today. 

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Area Attractions Blog Education Family Fun Kyle

National Museum Day: Museums to visit near Kyle

Texas is fortunate to have over 1,000 museums open to the public. National Museum Day is May 18, and there are some fantastic museums right here in Central Texas. From the presidential to the downright weird, here are seven museums near Kyle that you should check out. 

 

Blanton Museum of Art: Since 1963, this art museum housed on the UT campus has attracted art lovers from around the state and the world. The museum boasts more than 21,000 works in its collection, spanning a range of artistic mediums and eras. If you love spending an afternoon simply wandering around and getting lost in a museum, the Blanton Museum of Art should be at the top of your list. 

 

Calaboose African American History Museum: Located about 15 minutes from Kyle in San Marcos, this small museum is housed in Hays County’s first jail – a building that dates back all the way to 1873. The museum’s collection includes over 500 items centered around the African American experience. Entry to the museum is free of charge, but it is only open on Saturdays from 10 AM to 3 PM or by appointment, so plan accordingly.

 

Memorial Mini Golf and Museum: Part mini golf course, part military museum (you read that right), this Buda golf course/museum aims to provide some fun for visitors and honor the U.S. men and women who served in World War II. With both indoor and outdoor mini golf courses to play, it promises some competitive fun paired with a little bit of military history along the way. 

 

LBJ Museum: The Lyndon Baines Johnson Museum of San Marcos commemorates our nation’s 36th president and the role Texas played in molding him to become one of the 20th century’s most regarded leaders. Exhibits include presidential memorabilia, early photographs, local news clippings, and materials from LBJ’s years as a student at Southwest Texas State Teachers College and his time as a teacher in the state before moving into the White House. 

 

McKenna Children’s Museum: Located in New Braunfels, this local children’s museum is all about providing a fun and educational atmosphere that encourages kids to see, touch, and smell the exhibits. With an environment that allows a child’s imagination to run wild, this is one museum where parents will never have to worry about their kiddos uttering that dreaded phrase, “I’m bored.”

 

Museum of Ice Cream: The honor of the “most delicious museum” on our list goes to this Austin museum that promises to help visitors “rediscover” their inner child through the “universal power of ice cream.” It’s not so much a museum dedicated to the history of the frozen treat as it is a space designed for Instagram-worthy photoshoots (think giant tubs of plastic sprinkles). But yes – you do get to eat actual ice cream! 

 

Museum of the Weird: Inspired by the capital city’s “keep Austin weird” slogan, this kooky museum houses all sorts of unusual attractions and curiosities. Once visitors pay the $13 admission, they’ll be welcomed inside to view shrunken heads, the Fiji mermaid, and other “freaks of nature.”

 

 Whether you’re looking to entertain the kids, learn about Texas state history, or simply want to broaden your appreciation for art, there’s a museum in the Kyle area for just about everyone. 

To learn more about Kyle and find your home here, reach out to the Crosswinds team.

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Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle

Getting Into Gardening

If you’re looking to spend more time outdoors this spring and aren’t afraid of getting a little dirty, gardening is a wonderful hobby to take up. Gardening not only allows you to connect with nature but provides a sense of satisfaction from watching your plants grow (and potentially even produce food)!

 

Here are a few tips to consider if you’re a newbie to gardening and are hoping to grow a green thumb in the Texas Hill Country.

 

Timing is Everything

 

May is an ideal month for gardening. There’s usually a healthy amount of rain, the possibility of a cold snap is in the rearview mirror, and it’s still not too hot out yet. While it’s a little late in the season to be planting spring flowers (those should have been planted in March), this is the ideal time for many vegetables.

 

Know Your Zone

 

Each part of the country is made up of various hardiness zones. These help gardeners know which types of plants will thrive best in their particular region, and Kyle happens to be in Zone 8. If you’ve been here for any amount of time, you know that hot summers and mild winters are the standard. It’s these conditions that make this area great for heat-loving vegetables. 

 

Prep Your Garden Area

 

Unless you aim to grow cattails, well-draining soil is going to be a must. You’ll also want to aim for a space that offers a good amount of sun.

 

Once you have your gardening spot picked out, there are a few things you’ll need to do to ensure your plants flourish.

 

  • Apply a compost layer of mulch to flower beds to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
  • Plant any bedding plants, such as shrubs, and give them ample water before the weather really heats up.
  • Water your plants deeply and infrequently to foster strong roots.
  • Loosen up the soil before planting any vegetable seeds.
  • Pull any weeds that may have popped up before they start seeding.

 

Grow What You Like

 

Some plants are going to be easier than others to grow, but regardless of difficulty, you should grow what you like. There’s no sense in growing tomatoes if nobody in your household can stand them. If you grow what you like, you’ll enjoy gardening that much more!

 

Vegetables that do well in Zone 8 and are perfect for planting in May:

 

  • Beans
  • Beets
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Eggplant
  • Peppers
  • Okra
  • Spinach
  • Cucumbers
  • Herbs
  • Summer squash

 

Because some vegetables grow faster than others, you’ll also want to stagger your plantings out rather than putting all your seeds in the ground at once.

 

Another key thing to consider is making sure those seeds get the right amount of water. A wooden chopstick or skewer is handy for gauging if the soil is too dry. If when you poke the chopstick in the ground, the top two inches are dry, you need to water it.

 

May is a wonderful month for gardening, and with so much natural beauty around Kyle, it’s a perfect outdoor hobby. If you’re looking for a home here, reach out to us to learn more about the master-planned Crosswinds community. 

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas

Community organizations + clubs to get involved in

Maybe you’re new to Kyle and looking to get out and meet some folks, or maybe you’re a longtime resident with some extra time on your hands. In either case, there are plenty of community groups in town worth checking out. 

 

In fact, there’s something happening just about every day of the week in Kyle; the only question is, what do you want to do first?

 

For the Bibliophiles

 

If you love reading a good book and are always on the hunt for the next great novel and somebody to discuss it with, then check out the Page Turners Book Club.

 

The group meets every third Thursday of the month at 6 PM at the Kyle Public Library. The book club is open to readers of all ages and has a reading list of both new and old titles. At the May 18 meeting, members will discuss The Housekeeper by Joy Fielding.

 

For the Stargazers

 

The Texas Hill Country is home to some of the best stargazing in the United States, and on a clear night, astronomy enthusiasts can spot an array of constellations in the nighttime sky.

 

Whether you’re a novice astronomer or fancy yourself as the next Galileo, the Astronomy Club is all about encouraging exploration of the night sky. The group meets on the third Saturday of each month at 2 PM to discuss the wonders of the cosmos and stargazing outings. 

 

For the Trivia Buff

 

If you have dreams of going on Jeopardy! or simply love learning new facts in a competitive setting, then Trivia Night at Centerfield Sports Bar & Grill should be on your radar. 

 

The brainy games kick off every Monday night at 6:30, participation is free, and you can either play solo or as a team of up to six people. Winners not only receive bragging rights as the smartest person in the room but will walk away with $25 in food and drink credit at Centerfield. 

 

For the Little Kids

 

Suppose you have a toddler who likes to move and loves a good story (what toddler doesn’t, right?), then be sure to swing by Lil’ Yogis. The group meets each Tuesday at 10:30 in the morning for a “half hour of pure fun.” Small children will have the chance to participate in yoga-like poses while also enjoying a story. 

 

For the Big Kids

 

On the fourth Thursday of each month, teens and tweens are encouraged to stop by the Kyle Public Library for the KPL Gamers meetup. From 4:30 to 6 PM, teens will have the chance to play both new and old video games as well as an array of board games. And snacks will be provided because no gaming experience is complete without some grub. 

 

This is really only a small sampling of the many community social groups meeting each month in Kyle. There are also opportunities to learn a new language, pick up a new hobby, work on crafts, or simply play a few games of chess. 

The Kyle community calendar is always changing, and it’s exactly this sort of variety that makes a flourishing city like Kyle such a wonderful place to live. If you’re looking for the perfect home here, reach out to the Crosswinds team today.

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Events Family Fun Kyle Texas

3.14 National Pi Day in the Pie Capital of Texas

When it comes to celebrating Pi Day (the March 14 holiday honoring mathematical constant π) you could celebrate it in the math lab working out its never-ending sequence, but where’s the fun in that? A much more enjoyable way to celebrate the day is by partaking a slice of pie!

 

It just so happens that Kyle is the pie capital of Texas, making it a perfect place to celebrate Pi Day. 

 

Pie and Pirates

 

If you’re looking for an unconventional way to celebrate Pi Day in Kyle, then consider checking out the PIErate Treasure Hunt. This kooky scavenger hunt sends participants across the city in search of eight numbered treasure chests. This year’s locations are still a mystery, but last year’s locations included Gregg-Clarke Park, city trails, Mary Kyle Hartson City Square Park, Waterleaf Park, Cool Springs Trail, and Steeplechase Park. We’re not saying those locations are going to have hidden chests this year, but it wouldn’t hurt to look. *wink*

 

Once participants do locate a chest, inside they’ll discover a clue, leading them toward the grand prize raffle of $314 (a nod to pi’s 3.14). The contest is open to all would-be treasure hunters and runs March 1 through 22. Best of luck! 

 

Pie and Pizza

 

Every great holiday involves food in the celebration and Pi Day is no different. If you’re looking to satisfy your craving for both sweet and savory pie, Kyle offers some great options. Consider grabbing lunch or dinner at Pizza Classics (118 S. Front Street). The pizzeria was voted “best pizza in Kyle” and has been around for decades. 

 

The staff makes their dough in-house each day, before topping the pies with fresh veggies and meats, whole milk mozzarella, and then sliding them in an “old school hearth oven.” The result is a truly out-of-this-world pizza that will have you reaching for another slice before you finish the first. 

 

After you’ve polished off a Pepperoni Lovers or Frito Pie Pizza, make your way over to the Texas Pie Company at 202 W. Center Street. Owner Julie Albertson has been baking pies since she was a child with her grandmother. We’re not sure if her pies officially qualify as “world famous” but they’re certainly “Texas famous” with newspaper and magazine clippings adorning the shop’s walls. Julie’s pies even got a recent shout-out on The Drew Barrymore Show!

 

Whether you choose to go with a slice of Southern Pecan, Lemon Chess, Chocolate Fudge, Peach, Dutch Apple, Blueberry, or one of the other flavors, you really can’t go wrong celebrating Pi Day at this local institution. 

 

Yes, when it comes to pie (or pi) and the city of Kyle, there are a range of fun and delicious options to choose from. It also just so happens that the mathematical holiday marks the halfway point to Kyle’s Pie in the Sky September celebration. So that’s yet another awesome event to look forward to and one of the many things that makes this city so great. 

 

If you’d like to find your own slice of paradise in Kyle, reach out to the Crosswinds team to learn more about this master-planned community. As a resident of Kyle, you’ll be close to all the best pies in the area, with family-friendly amenities, great schools, and high-quality homes from the area’s top builders. 

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Family Fun Kyle Texas

Spring Break Camps Near Kyle, TX

The temperatures are starting to warm up and it’s looking a little greener outside with each passing week. Spring is clearly in the air and spring break is just around the corner! The Hays CISD spring break runs March 13 through the 17 and is an ideal time for kids to get outside and have a little fun. 

 

If you’re sticking around for the break and are in need of something fun for the kiddos to do, check out these spring break camps in the Kyle area and everything they have to offer!

 

San Marcos Parks & Rec Spring Break Camp: This day camp is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes place March 13-17 from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The camp base is the Dunbar Recreation center and each day kids will get to participate in crafts and games, as well as go on nearby field trips. An afternoon snack is provided by the camp, but children will need to pack a lunch from home. Registration is $150 per child for San Marcos residents and $175 for non-residents. 

 

Spring Break Horseback Camp: Saddle up, campers because this spring break day camp is all about hitting the trails and literally horsing around. The day camp takes place from 10 AM to 3 PM at Sunny Fox Farms in Buda and is the perfect choice for any aspiring equestrians in your family. Kids will have the opportunity to learn bareback trail riding, jumping, and other riding skills in addition to participating in more typical camp activities such as crafts and water games.

 

The camp is open to children ages 5 to 15 of all riding skill levels, and registration is $450 per camper. Kids will need to bring a lunch, water bottle, and comfy change of clothes to change into after riding. 

 

Kyle Parks & Rec Spring Break Camp: Costing just $100 for the week and located right here in Kyle at Mary-Kyle Hartson Square Park, this camp can’t be beaten when it comes to convenience for parents. Day camp hours are 7:45 AM to 5 PM and include five days of action-packed activities for kids. During the week, children in 2nd through 9th grade will get to participate in crafts, fishing, archery, and other fun activities. Campers should bring a water bottle and pack lunch each day.

 

Gymnastics Spring Break Camp: If your child is looking to flip, tumble, and jump into some major fun, this day camp put on by Olympia Hills Gymnastics is a great choice. Located in Buda, the camp is for children ages 5 to 12 and runs from 7:30 AM to 6 PM. Registration is $57 for single days and $32 a day if your child is attending all five days. Campers are sure to burn off their energy with a range of fun gymnastics games and lessons each day.

 

There’s also no shortage of great day trips near Kyle that families can take advantage of during their spring break. With so much to explore within an hour’s drive, it’s no wonder so many people love the convenience Kyle offers. If you’d like to find a home here, reach out to the Crosswinds team.

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Family Fun

Caylor Forge Blacksmithing in Nearby Gruene

Working with metal to form a tool, otherwise known as blacksmithing, is one of the oldest trades that’s still utilized today. While there have been advances in the craft, today’s process of hammering hot iron to create a tool is not all that different from how it was done back in ancient Egypt. 

 

If you’re curious about the art of blacksmithing or simply want to learn something new, then you owe it to yourself to check out Caylor Forge & Leatherworks in nearby San Antonio and Gruene. 

 

A Family Business

 

Caylor Forge is run by the Caylor family and was founded in 2018. As told by Sabrina Caylor, the family didn’t have a lineage in the craft but discovered a passion for it as a hobby that later morphed into a family business. 

 

“We fell in love with it and trained with some of the most amazing blacksmiths I’ve ever met from all over the United States,” Sabrina said. 

 

The shop’s first location was set up in Gruene and is only “steps away” from the town’s original blacksmith shop that was in operation back in the 1800s. Surrounded by the history of Gruene, Caylor Forge is a chance for visitors to step back in time and get a glimpse of old-world craftsmanship, and even create something for themselves. 

 

Handmade Souvenirs (By You!)

 

One of the coolest things about a visit to Caylor Forge & Leatherworks is that visitors have the opportunity to try their hand at the craft and hammer out their own souvenir. A variety of pieces are available to make including copper bracelets, railroad spike bottle openers, and several types of knives. 

 

The blacksmithing process typically takes between 20 minutes and two hours depending on the piece being made, and prices start at $25. While walk-ins are accepted, making a reservation is advised.

 

Now if you’re ready to step up to something a little bit more intensive, the shop also offers one and two-day classes where participants will learn to make an heirloom-quality knife or a pipe tomahawk.

 

Shop and Sharpen

 

Even if sticking a piece of iron in hot coals and pounding it out on an anvil doesn’t sound like your typical fun afternoon activity, Caylor Forge is worth a visit. The shop offers some stunning handmade leather pieces such as briefcases, wallets, and journals, as well as beautiful housewares and jewelry. 

 

Of course, the highlight of the Caylor Forge shop is the handmade knives. With knives ranging from cleavers to medieval daggers, the shop offers blades both for function and eye-catching display. 

 

And if your knives are getting a bit dull, you can even take your old knives to the shop and they’ll sharpen them up for you. Just drop them off and they’ll let you know when they’re ready. Most knives can be sharpened and picked up the very same day. 

 

Being just a half-hour drive from Kyle, Caylor Forge is one of those small businesses that are perfect to check out on a weekend trip. 

 

To learn more about what makes Kyle such a wonderful location to live, play, and work in, and find your perfect home, contact the Crosswinds team.