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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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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle Tips

Beat the Heat: Indoor Activities for Hot Summer Days

Between sunset concerts, movies in the park, family vacations, and Fourth of July fireworks, there’s plenty to love about summer. As much fun as it can be, however, it can also be brutally hot, and that heat can quickly drain enthusiasm. 

 

On those days when it’s just too hot to venture outside, here are some fun activities to keep the kiddos entertained indoors. 

 

Get Crafty

 

Crafts and art projects are hands down one of the best ways to keep kids entertained during a hot summer day. Supplies are often not too expensive, and kids get to engage their creative side while having fun. 

 

The list of indoor crafts for children is nearly endless, but a few classics your kiddos may want to try include: 

 

  • Dreamcatchers
  • Sponge water bombs
  • Seashell, button, or macaroni picture frames
  • Paper mache balloons
  • Water gun painting
  • Watermelon lip scrub
  • Oil and glitter sensory bottles

 

Cook Up Some Fun

 

Cooking is another great activity that engages kids, and creating new recipes can be especially fun for children who like to help out in the kitchen. Summer recipes like making homemade pizza yogurt parfaits, or rainbow fruit skewers (with the occasional mini marshmallow) are great for smaller children, as it allows them to get hands-on without too much mess. 

 

If cooking isn’t really your child’s passion, they may still love indoor activities like setting up a blanket picnic or creating a sundae ice cream bar. 

 

Board Games

 

Board games will always be a classic indoor activity that families can enjoy. Boardgames not only offer a much-needed way for kids to have unplugged fun but also provide an avenue for families to bond and spend time together. 

 

Not only are classic board games like Sorry, Life, Candy Land, Settlers of Catan, and Monopoly fun to play, but can help to lengthen a children’s attention span and even soothe anxiety. 

 

Learn Something

 

A hot (or rainy) summer day can be a great opportunity for kids to get some mental stimulation while on summer break. The Kyle Public Library has a summer reading program with a great selection of books for all age levels. Why not swing by to pick up a few and then set up a reading nook in your home for your child to dive into their book selection?

 

Simple science experiments like making elephant toothpaste or color-changing invisible ink can also be a fun activity for kids. Some of these can get messy though, and best suited to the garage or a space that’s easy to clean up. 

 

Get Active

 

One of the biggest challenges on a hot summer day is finding ways for kids to burn up energy and stay active while indoors. Not to worry, there are several fun ways you can engage your kiddos inside without leaving your home like it was hit by a tornado. 

 

Dance parties are a simple yet fun way to get kids moving. Turn the lights down low, put on a strobe or disco light, and crank up the jams. Indoor obstacle courses can also be a fun way for gets to stay active. An army crawl through a pillow fort, funky feet tape trail, or headstand station against a wall are all fun obstacles for any aspiring ninja warriors. 

Crosswinds residents can beat the heat at our community-exclusive Swimming Pool and Splash Park! Each home within the Crosswinds community is constructed to suit today’s family living needs. If you’d like to learn more, contact our team today.

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Area Attractions Blog Events Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle

July Events + Activities in Kyle, Texas

With summer in full swing, July is packed full of activities for the entire family. Mark your calendar because there’s something for everyone happening this month in Kyle. 

 

Happenings and Events

 

Grab the sunscreen and a bottle of water, and get outside because there are events happening around Kyle you won’t want to miss! If you haven’t made it down to Kyle Market Days yet, then be sure to stop by the July 13 date. From 8 AM to 1 PM, vendors at Mary Kyle Hartson Park will be selling food, arts and crafts, and farm-to-market items. There will also be live music to go along with a patriotic theme. 

 

If you’re looking for some relief from the Texas heat (and who isn’t?), then Kyle’s Dive-In Movie Night is not not be missed. Families are invited to the James Adkins Pool on July 19 for a 7:30 PM showing of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Along with swimming, there will be raffles, prizes, and outdoor games to round out the fun. 

 

Hobbies 

 

Kyle’s community calendar is full of opportunities to enjoy a variety of hobbies (all in the comfort of air conditioning). Community hobby night happens every Monday at 5 PM and offers visitors to the library a chance to enjoy models, miniatures, board games, card games, and fiber arts. Be sure to stay after for weekly trivia, kicking off at 6:30 PM. 

 

Summer is one of the best times to pick up a new hobby, and teens can take a free juggling workshop on Saturday, July 6, at 1 PM. 

 

Ways to Stay Fit

 

If you’re looking to get active this summer, there are several events happening around Kyle  – all of them free and open to the public! On Tuesday, July 2 and 16, at 6:30 PM, there’s a free Hatha-style yoga class that is open to all ages and skill levels. 

 

If you can’t make one of the yoga classes, then be sure to stop in for the July edition of Kyle’s free nutrition class and walking club. The event takes place July 16 at 10 AM and will cover both tips for healthy eating as well as a walking session. 

 

Something for the Kiddos

 

It’s important that kids stay active both mentally and physically on summer break, and from babies up through teens, there is plenty happening around Kyle for children. 

 

On July 8 at 10:30 AM, parents can enjoy stories and sensory play with their toddlers at the Kyle Public Library, and on July 11, babies can get in on the action with nursery rhymes at the Baby Lapsit event. Older kids and teens will want to check out events like Lego Mania, Pokémon Trainers, and a reptile show happening on July 10 at 2 PM. 

 

Arts

 

Looking to get crafty this summer? From art shows to DIY art classes, a variety of artsy events are happening around Kyle this July:

 

Needless to say, there’s a lot going on and a lot to love about living in Kyle. If you’d like to find your dream home here, reach out to us to learn more about the Crosswinds master-planned community.

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle

Rise and Dine: Exploring Kyle’s Top Breakfast Destinations

A bowl of cold cereal may be fine on a weekday before rushing off to work, but on days with time to spare, breakfast deserves a bit more attention. After all, it is the most important meal of the day. 

 

When it comes to breakfast options, Kyle has something for every appetite, from sweet to savory and everything in between. 

 

Try Something New

 

Snooze: Located at 5140 S FM 1626, Snooze is a relatively new concept on the classic diner, that is quickly building a loyal following of breakfast fans. Playing off the motto “breakfast but different,” patrons can enjoy everything from sweet dishes like bread pudding French toast to more adventurous fare like the garlic avocado miso rice bowl. 

 

Tacos Al Patron – If you’re on the go, then swing by the Tacos Al Patron food truck at 1701 Bebee Road. Hungry morning customers regularly line up to enjoy items like breakfast tacos, empanadas, and gorditas – all cooked fresh with toppings like cheese, sour cream, and hot sauce. 

 

Something Light 

 

Tropical Smoothie Cafe: Many people don’t want a heavy meal first thing in the morning. If you’re craving something lighter that is delicious and nutritious, then Tropical Smoothie Cafe is calling your name. The national chain offers a near-endless variety of smoothie combinations, as well as breakfast flatbreads and berry bowls. 

 

Summer Moon: If a strong cup of coffee is all you need to start the day, then this coffee shop located at 4217 Benner Road is a must-visit. The Texas-based coffee chain is known for using wood as part of its bean roasting process, and the result is a lineup of light, medium, and dark coffees that pack a mean caffeinated punch. 

 

Pastries and Donuts

 

New World Bakery: For almost 30 years, this local bakery has been providing Kyle residents with a selection of freshly baked artisan breads. Located at 310 Edwards Drive, New World Bakery serves up a range of delicious breakfast goodies like bagels, danishes, croissants, and English muffins. 

 

Shipley Donuts: The donut game is fierce, but Texas-based Shipley Donuts regularly takes top honors, beating out other national chains. If it’s been a while since you sank your teeth into a perfectly soft Shipley donut, then swing by the 4520 Farm to Market location for a classic glazed, chocolate, strawberry, vanilla iced, or one of the many other flavors of donuts. 

 

The Classics

 

Denny’s  – For over 60 years, Denny’s has been America’s diner. If you happen to like your breakfast during the early AM hours, then be sure to stop by the Kyle location at 19020 IH35. The diner serves up the classic Grand Slam breakfast platter, among other dishes, 24/7. 

 

IHOP: When it comes to a stack of flapjacks, you really can’t go wrong with the International House of Pancakes. The Kyle location offers longstanding IHOP favorites like French toast and buttermilk pancakes 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Not feeling pancakes? Not to worry, IHOP has a full burger/sandwich menu as well. 

From breakfast to lunch and dinner, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from in Kyle’s ever-expanding restaurant scene. If you’d like to learn more about Kyle and find a home in the master-planned Crosswinds community, reach out to our team today.

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Amenities Blog Homebuilder Kyle Texas

Meet Our Builders

From the amenities to the community’s carefully designed layout, everything about the master-planned Crosswinds community was executed with a purpose. This, of course, includes the award-winning builders behind the spacious floorplans of each move-in-ready home. 

 

Careful consideration went into choosing each of the six homebuilders below. 

 

Brightland Homes  – In just over three decades, Brightland Homes has emerged as one of the country’s premier home builders, crafting homes in every major metro area in Texas, as well as Phoenix, Nashville, Denver, and Jacksonville. In 2023, the firm earned industry awards in a variety of categories, including “best product design,” “best kitchen,” “best great room,” and “best bathroom.” Brightland currently has 9 homes available in Crosswinds. 

 

Highland Homes – Texans have been enjoying the craftsmanship of Highland Homes for over 40 years, and that continues with the constructed homes in Crosswinds today. The employee-owned company utilizes the best in home design and construction down to the very last detail. The results speak for themselves with 11 Best Architectural Design Awards. Highland currently has 11 homes available in Crosswinds. 

 

MileStone – Once you step into a MileStone-constructed home, it’s easy to see why the firm is now Austin’s largest home builder. The home design outfit offers a wide variety of floorplans, all designed for comfortable living with the amenities and designs that today’s homebuyers are looking for. Crosswinds currently has 4 MileStone-designed homes ready for move-in, all of them with at least 4 bedrooms and a 2-car garage. 

 

Pacesetter – Not to sound like a cliche, but Pacesetter truly does set the pace when it comes to elevated home construction. The brand has roots reaching back over 70 years and continues today to create homes with open and inviting spaces that appeal to both first-time homebuyers, growing families, and active adults. Check out Crosswinds’ available inventory to view floorplans of the six ready-for-move-in Pacesetter homes, ranging from 1,500 to 2,327 square feet. 

 

Pulte Homes – The history of Pulte Homes dates back over 70 years to a single home constructed by founder Bill Pulte. Today, the home builder has homes in over 40 major cities, each one of them designed with the homeowner in mind. Step into a Pulte-designed home, and you’ll find innovative floor plans that incorporate smart technology, versatile living, and thoughtful storage space. Crosswinds currently has 3 Pulte homes ready for move-in, starting in the low $300s. 

 

Perry Homes – Homebuyers will instantly appreciate the planning that was put into the home design by Perry Homes. All of the firm’s homes utilize smart home technology and are designed with open floor plans in a variety of styles. Perry Homes is also committed to being environmentally responsible throughout the building process and using sustainable or recycled materials whenever possible. There are currently 27 Perry Homes available within Crosswinds, ranging from 1,593 to 2,999 square feet. 

If you’re interested in finding the dream home that aligns with your lifestyle, reach out to us today to learn more about our home builders and the available homes in the Crosswinds community.

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Amenities Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle Tips

Pet Pals: Teaching Kids Pet Responsibility

The old saying that a dog is man’s best friend rings true for children as well. In fact, you could probably apply it to cats, parakeets, hamsters, and maybe even a frog. A pet can bring joy to a child that rivals even the most sought-after toy, and pet ownership can be a wonderful way to teach children responsibility and empathy. 

 

Before you head out to find your child’s new best friend, here are a few things to keep in mind. 

 

Start in Summer

 

There’s really no wrong time of year to get a pet, but summer does have an advantage when it comes to helping children learn to care for their pets. Because children are out of school for the summer, they’ll have more free time to develop good habits of pet responsibility habits, such as cleaning up and feeding pets. 

 

Pet tip* Entering into a new home only to have its owners leave can create separation anxiety for pets. If your family has a vacation on the calendar, consider waiting until after you’ve returned before getting a new furry friend. 

 

Pick the Right Pet

 

Allowing your child to choose their own pet gives them a sense of power, but it’s important that 

parents use good judgment based on the type of pet and the child’s age. A 4-year-old child may love the idea of getting a golden retriever, but they won’t be able to handle that level of responsibility. Something along the lines of a gerbil or goldfish may be a better fit. 

 

Whichever pet wins out, your child must understand the new pet is not a toy. A daily pet responsibility schedule should be addressed before the pet is brought home. Your child needs to understand that just because they’re tired or not in the mood, their pet can’t be ignored but needs to be loved and cared for. 

 

Daily Duties

 

Unless you’ve opted for a pet rock, your pet is going to have some daily needs that will need to be addressed. Whether your family chooses a dog, a cat, or another type of pet, be sure to assign your child responsibilities suitable for their age. 

 

Young children will love scooping dog food into their pet’s bowl or sprinkling fish food in the water, but they shouldn’t be allowed to clean the cat’s litter box. Small children are constantly putting their fingers inside their mouths and rubbing their eyes, so save that job for older kids. 

 

Older children will be able to handle more pet responsibilities, such as taking the dog for a walk, but even then, parents should use their best judgment. Some dogs can pull on a limb with incredible force, so it’s crucial that parents make sure the type of dog they get is a good match with their child. 

One of the things that makes the master-planned Crosswinds community so appealing to pet owners is the amenities available. In addition to the dog park, the community has an expansive trail system that weaves through the community and is perfect for walks with a four-legged friend. To learn more, contact us today.

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Amenities Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Tips

Packing Tips and Must-Have Items for Your Summer Trip

Is there really any vacation that embodies the summer experience more than a trip to the beach? Families have been loading up their cars, spreading out on the sand, and soaking up the sunshine amid dashes into the water for generations. 

While there’s not a lot of complexity to enjoying a few days at the beach, a little bit of planning can go a long way. 

Sun Protection Essentials

No matter what beach you visit, packing the right sun protection is key – especially if you have young children in tow. Don’t head to the beach without these essentials. 

  • Waterproof sunscreen (dermatologists recommend SPF 40 or higher for kids)\
  • Sunglasses
  • Hats
  • UV shirts or UV suits
  • Lip balm with sunscreen
  • Sunburn relief cream

When it comes to applying sunscreen, it’s good to apply it at least 10 minutes before heading outside and reapply every two hours, especially if your child is doing a lot of swimming. Pay special attention when applying sunblock to areas more prone to sunburn, like the shoulders, back, nose, neck, and ears. 

Keep Cool

Small children can’t stay out in the sun as long as adults, and providing some relief from the sun’s rays will help to keep everyone more comfortable. Consider bringing a beach canopy that you can set up or renting an umbrella if you’re at a beach that provides them. 

Be sure to also bring along plenty of snacks and drinks to keep everyone happy. Soda or sugary drinks may be popular, but water is your best bet when it comes to preventing dehydration. 

Fun in the Sun

It’s easy to have a good time simply splashing in the surf, but beach toys will take the fun to a whole other level. Just don’t make the mistake of taking more toys than you can carry. A good rule of thumb for the kiddos is to remind them that if they want to play with it, then they can help carry it. 

A few classic toys to consider bringing:

  • Sandcastle buckets and shovels
  • Frisbee
  • Kite
  • Skimboard
  • Water guns
  • Floats
  • A mask, snorkel, and flippers

If your beach crew is all about some friendly competition, beach games like volleyball, tidal-ball, spike ball, or a portable cornhole set can provide plenty of fun. 

Keep Things Easy

A relaxing day at the beach should be a simple affair, but that doesn’t mean that items of convenience should be ignored. One of the great things about stopping at those giant beach stores every touristy beach town has is that they’re full of items you don’t think you need until you need them. 

These items may not be essentials, but they’re nice to have:

  • Cooler bags
  • Mesh or waterproof bags
  • Sunglass straps
  • Aloe vera gel
  • Sand remover wipes
  • Insulated water bottles
  • Bug repellant
  • Trash bags
  • Rash guards
  • Beach chairs

The awesome thing about Kyle is that it’s only about 3 and a half hours to Gavelston, and if you’re simply looking for a beach day at the lake, well, that’s only a 10-minute car ride away. Kyle’s easy access to so much that Texas has to offer is one of the things that makes it such a wonderful place to live. 

Until you can get to the beach, you could enjoy a stay at home Sunday at Windy Point Amenity Center, which features a large pool with beach access, shade structures, and a spray park! If you’re looking for a home here, reach out to the Crosswinds team to learn more about this master-planned community.

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Area Attractions Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle Tips

Healthy Living in Kyle

With the days getting longer and the temperatures on the rise, now is the perfect time to get outside and make the most of the many opportunities for adopting a healthy lifestyle in Kyle. 

From outdoor exercise routines to healthy eating habits and even some mental fitness, here are a few ways to do just that. 

Eat Smart

Everyone knows that healthy eating is good for you, but developing a meal plan that allows for smart eating day in and day out can be tricky. 

The best approach is to tackle this week by week. Start by looking at what ingredients you already have in your kitchen, and then write down the meals you’d like to make for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day for the following week:

Write down any new recipes you’d like to try in advance of a grocery trip, as well as the meals you need to cover where you won’t be doing much cooking. Plan to incorporate leftovers on those days that are especially busy, and you may not have time to cook. 

When it comes time to grocery shop, aim for a mix of fresh, frozen, and shelf-stable (or non-perishable) foods for your meals. Eat the fresh stuff first and fill up your pantry or freezer with foods that you can eat at a later time. 

If you want to shop local as part of your healthy eating plan, consider checking out Kyle Market Days. The event runs from April through November and includes vendors selling a variety of fresh foods. 

Soak in the Sunshine

One of the best things about living in the Texas Hill Country is the number of outdoor activities available. 

The Plum Creek Trail, Lake Kyle, or the Spring Lake Preserve are all great spots to get outside, stretch your legs, and soak in some sun. The parks are easily accessible and offer well-maintained paths for walking, running, or biking. 

Now, if you’re looking for something that promises a bit more of an adrenaline rush, then consider heading out to Reimers Ranch. Located in nearby Dripping Springs, the park spans over 2,400 acres and includes plenty of rocky limestone cliffs for rock climbing and winding trails for mountain biking. 

One of the benefits of the Crosswinds Community is that residents have access to a trail system of both crushed granite and paved walking/biking trails that weaves through the community. This allows easy access to other outdoor amenities such as the basketball and tennis courts, open play fields, and pool. 

Stay Mentally Sharp

Physical exercise isn’t the only important thing in healthy living. Exercising your brain through meditation, prayer, or even something as simple as doing a jigsaw puzzle can have enormous benefits. 

Things like mindfulness breathing, journaling, or reading a daily devotional can help to calm the body and reduce stress, while activities like crossword puzzles, learning a new skill like a musical instrument, or drawing can help with memory and concentration. 

Whatever mental fitness or relaxation routine you choose, the important thing is finding what works for you and doing it consistently. 

There are plenty of ways to practice healthy living in Kyle. If you’d like to learn more about finding a home in the Crosswinds community, contact us today.

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Kyle Texas TX

Exploring Kyle’s Hidden Gems: Must-Visit Spots Near Crosswinds

Keeping it local and exploring the places within your city, though, can make you appreciate where you live that much more. Here are a few gems right here in Kyle worth checking out. 

 

Texas Pie Company 

 

If you’ve spent any amount of time in Kyle, then you know it’s the pie capital of Texas. For your money, you won’t find a better slice of pie in town than what Texas Pie Company is serving at 202 W Center Street. 

 

The bakery offers way too many pies to rattle off every flavor, but whether you prefer fruity pies like peach, apple, or blueberry, or you’re more of a chocolate fudge or coconut kinda person, Texas Pie company has it! We’d be remiss not to mention its other baked goods like cookies and brownies, as well as the savory casseroles. Yum, yum, and yum. 

 

Get Your Caffeine Fix

 

If you prefer to start your weekend with a strong cup of coffee, then you’ll want to swing by the Summer Moon coffee shop. The cafe, located at 4217 Benner Road, uses a wood-fired roasting process for its beans that gives the coffee a warm finish that gets better with every sip. 

 

Kyle’s Daily Grind is another cafe that’s popular with local residents. Located at 607 West Center Street, the coffee shop offers protein shakes, smoothies, muffins, kolaches, cinnamon rolls, and, of course, delicious coffee. 

 

Visit the Kyle Public Library

 

Whether you need to borrow a Chromebook, kill some time with the kiddos on a rainy Saturday, or want to plant a vegetable garden, the Kyle Public Library at 550 Scott Street can help. This place truly is a hub of resources for city residents. 

 

Yes, it has books to check out, but that is only scratching the surface. There are programs like storytime for the littles, anime meetups for teens, yoga classes for adults, and a whole host of other events almost every day of the week. 

 

Shop Local

 

In an age where nearly everything seems to be available on Amazon, a local store like Lionheart Hobby is even more special. The shop located at 5500 FM2770 not only offers an amazing selection of models and tabletop games but is committed to providing top-notch customer service from experienced staff who love models and games just as much as their customers. 

 

Whether you’re 50 and have been building model airplanes your entire life or are completely new to the world of models, this is a shop for anyone who is a kid at heart. 

 

Good Eats

 

Nothing ends a day exploring Kyle quite like noshing down on some tasty grub. Ilario’s at 5401 FM 1626 has been serving up made-from-scratch Italian since 2011 and offers a range of classic dishes like toasted cheese ravioli, chicken florentine, and shrimp scampi over pasta. The restaurant also makes a mean pizza that can be customized to your liking. 

 

If you’re more in the mood for a greasy burger, then head on over to Big Rob’s Burgers at 130 Kirkham Circle. The burgers here are anything but tiny (triple patties, anyone?), and with sides like fries and tots and desserts like funnel cakes and fried Oreos, you’re guaranteed not to leave hungry. 

With so much to explore, it’s no surprise people love living in Kyle. If you’d like to find your dream home here, reach out to the team at the master-planned Crosswinds community.

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas

Glamping vs. Camping: Which Outdoor Experience is Right for You?

Most of us are familiar with the concept of camping. Whether in a tent or under the stars, forgoing the comforts of home to spend the night in the great outdoors has been an American pastime for decades. 

 

While some folks love roughing it in the woods and everything that goes along with it, other outdoor enthusiasts are less than enthusiastic about the idea of sleeping on the ground. Here’s the scoop on glamping vs. camping and where to do both. 

 

What is Glamping?

 

The word “glamping” is a blend of the words “glamourous” and “camping.” People have been bringing the comforts of home to the woods as far back as the early 1900s when rich Europeans would set up lavish tents while on African safari hunts. These tents often had furniture, kitchenettes, and, in some cases, even chandeliers.

 

Glamping entered the American lexicon in the mid-2000s when the popularity of luxury tents and yurts with beds, electricity, running water, and even bathrooms began to take off. 

 

Camping vs. Glamping

 

Camping and glamping have both similarities and differences in the outdoor experience offered. 

Camping: 

 

  • Sleeping in a tent or even on the ground without a tent
  • You’ll probably be in a sleeping bag
  • Most likely no electricity
  • You’ll either have to use the bathroom outside or walk to a campsite restroom
  • Greater exposure to the elements

 

Glamping:

 

  • Less exposure to the elements
  • You may have a private bathroom
  • Larger sleeping space
  • More comforts of home such as electricity/running water
  • It may be better for small children

 

Which One is Right for You?

 

Whether you choose camping or glamping is really all about what you want from your outdoor overnight experience. If you prefer a bed with sheets over a sleeping bag and are looking for creature comforts like wifi, mood lighting, and perhaps restaurant-quality meals after a day of hiking, glamping is more your speed. 

 

However, suppose you’re looking to get back to nature and ditch the luxuries of 21st-century society for a bit. In that case, camping is probably more appealing. 

 

Where to Glamp Near Kyle

 

There’s no shortage of fantastic glamping spots near Kyle that offer a unique and cozy outdoor experience. A quick look at GlampingHub reveals over 300 listings in the area! The options range from retro campers and tipis to safari tents and tree houses with amenities like hot tubs and king-size beds. 

 

Where to Camp Near Kyle

 

If you’re looking to break out your pup tent and throw a sleeping bag on the ground, you can find some great camping spots near Kyle that offer both primitive and less-primitive experiences. Pedernales Falls State Park has campsites that offer community showers and fire and electricity hookups for as low as $20 a night. 

 

If you prefer more privacy, consider one of the park’s $ 10-a-night hike-in primitive sites, or consider rolling out your sleeping bag at Walnut Springs or Sawyer Park in Georgetown. 

Whether you’re camping or glamping, there’s nothing better than returning from a weekend in the outdoors to a home you love. If you’d like to find your dream home, reach out to the Crosswinds team today.