Category: Kyle Texas

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Family Fun Kyle Kyle Texas Lifestyle

Get Outside in Kyle, TX

Image from The City of Kyle - Local Government Facebook

Although winter has technically just begun, many parts of Texas are already feeling like spring with crisp mornings and warm afternoons. Whether you are looking for more ways to spend days outside or you have more free time on your schedule this time of year, whatever the case may be, here are just a few ways to get outside and discover (or rediscover) all that Kyle has going on.

 

County Line Polo Club – Did you know that Kyle has its polo club? That’s right, you can try your hand at the sport of British aristocrats without having to jump aboard a flight to England. The County Line Polo Club is a local polo club open to the public that specializes in teaching aspiring and skilled equestrians the sport of polo. The club’s instructors offer both individual classes as well as team training to individuals of all ages. The club even has matches for riders to show off their mallet-swinging skills. 

 

If you’re looking to try a new sport this year, you just found it. Giddy up!

 

Sports and Rec Leagues – Perhaps you prefer sports that don’t require you to climb aboard another animal… we get it. The Kyle Parks and Rec Department has options aimed at more traditional sports with winter and spring leagues. 

 

Adult sports leagues include roller hockey as well as kickball, which kicks off at the end of this month. If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, there’s also the adult spring fishing tournament happening in April – with a cash jackpot!

 

Kids aren’t left out of the fun as they have their youth fishing tournament, as well as leagues for basketball, swimming, and hockey in the winter and spring months. 

 

City Parks – Sometimes making the most of the great outdoors can be as simple as going for a walk. Two of our favorite places to take in some natural beauty are Lake Kyle and Mary Kyle Hartson City Park. 

 

Lake Kyle is a wonderful spot for a morning or evening walk and is a popular destination for fishing. Birding enthusiasts will also enjoy visiting this park, with herons, ducks, egrets, and other species of waterfowl calling the lake home. Starting in early spring, Lake Kyle is a great place to enjoy some beautiful wildflowers, including a large population of Bluebonnets, the Texas state flower. 

 

Mary Kyle Hartson City Park is a small but charming park and has been part of the city since the early 1900s. It’s a great place for enjoying your lunch break outside or killing some time with the kiddos. In 2020, the city made several improvements including a playground, picnic tables, a rain garden, and a 20-foot-wide promenade. 

 

Plum Creek Golf Course – Kyle is in close proximity to some of the best golfing in Texas and if you’re looking to hit the links in the new year, then you’ll want to check out Plum Creek Golf Course. The 18-hole public course is surrounded by the “natural beauty of Texas live oaks, limestone, rolling hills, and Texas wildflowers,” making each drive down the fairway all the more impressive. 

 

The course also offers private lessons, a pro shop, and bar and grill for guests to enjoy a meal or cocktail before tee time. 

 

There’s plenty more Kyle has to offer when it comes to outdoor recreation. If you’d like to learn more about finding a home in this wonderful city, contact the Crosswinds team today. 

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Kyle Texas

Hays City Store in Nearby Driftwood

Image from Hays City Store

A good problem to have in the restaurant industry is the need to expand due to a high volume of customers from neighboring communities. That’s exactly the sort of good problem that Hays City Store & Ice House has found through its success. 

 

Located in nearby Driftwood, this sports bar and diner is the perfect place to check out the next time you need a tasty bite and cold beer (they have over 50 on tap). 

 

Hays City History

 

Although Hays City had a rough start in 1908, Hays City Store & Ice House wears the name proudly, and has proven successful. Fast forward about 80 years and Hays City Store opened as a gas station/mini-mart in the 1980s in what is now Driftwood, Texas. A decade later a luncheonette was added, and in 2015, the cafe expanded into a full-service breakfast, lunch, and dinner restaurant. Not only was Texas comfort food on the table, but the menu now featured local beers and wine, as well as craft cocktails. 

 

Business was so good for owners Tamra and Travis Tindol that they needed to expand their space in 2017. This also led to a tweak in the name, tagging on “Ice House” to go with the extra seating (both indoor and outdoor), draft bar, and wood-fire pizza oven. 

 

Irresistible Eats and Drinks

 

Today, the restaurant is open seven days a week. The restaurant attracts hungry patrons from both Kyle and Wimberly, as well as Buda and Dripping Springs, so planning ahead and making a reservation isn’t a bad idea. 

 

Once seated though, you’ll find no shortage of irresistible offerings on the menu like smoked wings with both sauces and dry rubs, chili cheese fries, fresh soups and salads, and mouth-watering entrée items. Prime rib is offered Thursday through Saturday and a variety of burgers with toppings such as bacon jam, goat cheese, and fried onions are sure to satisfy taste buds. 

 

A great meal needs a great drink and patrons will find no shortage of libations to wash down their meal. As mentioned, there are over 50 beers on tap, but you can also choose from local wines and specialty small-batch bourbons. Swing by during the week and you’ll be treated to drink specials like discounted Mexican martinis, frozen hurricanes, and boozed-up milkshakes. 

 

Nothing goes better with a good meal and tasty beverage than some live music and Hays City Store has a full music calendar that finds local artists taking the stage six out of seven nights a week.

 

Being less than 10 miles from Kyle, it’s easy to see why Hays City Store & Ice House is such a draw for residents in search of a great meal. It’s one of those local spots that really makes you appreciate all Kyle has to offer. If you’d like to find a home here, contact the Crosswinds team to learn more about our master-planned community.

Image from Hays City Store.

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Kyle Texas TX

Kyle’s Neighboring Cities

The greater Austin-San Antonio area has grown rapidly in the last decade and is well on its way to approaching a “metroplex that rivals DFW,” according to Astonia. The Greater Austin-San Antonio Corridor Council reports that around 4.5 million people currently call the area home and by 2030, that number could hit 7 million. 

 

With Kyle being part of that expansive growth, it’s only appropriate that we’re familiar with our neighbors to the east, west, north, south, and all points in between. From New Braunfels to Georgetown, let’s explore Kyle’s neighboring cities. 

 

Buda – This Texas town of 7,300 residents is only about 8 miles from Kyle. Head north on I-35 and you should be there in less than 15 minutes. While it may be small, the town has grown 103% since the 2000 Census, with a growth in economic development and community events to match. Pay a visit during one of their several events such as Arts in the Park, Boo-Da Halloween, or the Buda Trail of Lights!

 

San Marcos – Known for the San Marcos and Blanco rivers that run through it, this city of 45,000 residents is less than 10 miles from Kyle. San Marcos is experiencing some of the same economic growth as the other cities in the area, even if at a slower pace, reports San Antonio Express-News. This city is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors, such as river activities, camping trips, hiking, and the world’s first commercial show cave. 

 

New Braunfels – Located in Comal County off the I-35, New Braunfels is the closest suburb of San Antonio and is around 30 minutes from Kyle. It’s home to around 58,000 residents and its largest employers are the Comal ISD and Schlitterbahn Water Park. Visitors can see New Braunfels’ Old World, German heritage throughout the town, from open-air beer gardens, the annual world-famous Wurstfest, and the city’s historic district, Gruene—home to some of the state’s oldest running establishments.

 

Lockhart – The seat of Caldwell County, this community of around 13,000 residents is about a half hour’s drive from Kyle. Lockhart State Park is a popular attraction for golfing, camping, and fishing, and fans of BBQ flock to this Texas town to eat at the iconic Kreuz Market, which has been in business for well over 100 years.

 

Georgetown – According to Community Impact, Georgetown isn’t just the fastest growing city in the Texas Hill Country, but one of the most rapidly growing in the United States. With a population now of around 75,000, Georgetown has a tight-knit community to enjoy its charming downtown area with a variety of local shops and restaurants. This city is around an hour’s drive from Kyle and is a day trip destination for its swimming holes and the popular Inner Space Cavern.

 

These are just a few of the communities worth exploring in the Austin and San Antonio area. As a resident of Kyle, you are not only located in a wonderful city with appeal for all lifestyles but you’re located in a whole corridor of growing cities with unique attractions. If you’d like to learn more about all Kyle has to offer and find a home here, contact the Crosswinds team. 

Image from City of Buda, TX.

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Events Kyle Kyle Texas

Kyle Go Resolution Run & Polar Bear Splash

If you’re looking for a way to kick off the new year that’s guaranteed to plunge you straight into 2023, then look no further than the Go Resolution Run and Polar Bear Splash.  

 

Whether it’s your first New Year’s plunge or your 99th, here’s everything you need to know about this chilly and invigorating way to start 2023 in Kyle!

 

The Go Resolution Run

 

Whether exercising more is one of your New Year’s resolutions or not, participating in this 5K run is a great way to welcome the start of a new year. The run begins at 9 AM on January 1 with runners gathering at Gregg-Clarke Park, 1231-1301 W. Center St. Registering for the run costs $15 and all runners must register by December 28. You’ll want to register by December 11 to secure an event t-shirt for yourself. (Hey, it’s gonna be chilly, so every layer of clothing counts!)

 

No judgment if a 5K is more than you can handle after a night of New Year’s Eve revelry, there’s also a 1K run that is free to participate in.

 

The run is open to participants (and dogs) of all ages. Last year’s run was broken up into select age groups with awards going to the top finishers in their selected categories. While there is parking available, a big turnout is expected, so if you have friends who are also participating, carpooling is suggested. Now for the main event…

 

The Polar Bear Splash

 

This annual New Year’s Day tradition is believed to have originated in Boston but has since spread worldwide. Many polar bear splashes take place with participants charging into the ocean or an icy lake, but since nobody wants to be plunging into Lake Kyle in January, this splash will take place at James Adkins Pool, 1100 W. Center St, at 10 AM. 

 

Early registration for the event began in November and is $20 through December 12. Participants can still register from December 13 through the end of the year, but registration will be $25 and you’re not guaranteed an event hoodie because of limited supply. And trust us, you’re going to want that hoodie waiting for you when you get out of the pool!

 

Participating polar bears will gather for the splash and take the plunge together at 10:30 AM, swimming across the pool. For those brave participants who want to run and take the plunge, you’ll receive a commemorative item in addition to your free T-shirt and hoodie. 

 

And after a winter run and swim in a freezing pool, you’re probably going to want to warm up with a hot meal from a place like Aviator Pizza or Milt’s Pit BBQ, both nearby in Kyle.

 

The Resolution Run and Polar Bear Splash are just a few examples of the many fun community events that happen each year in Kyle. If you’d like to find the perfect home in this wonderful city reach out to the Crosswinds team to learn more about our home builders. 

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Kyle Kyle Texas

The Railhouse in Kyle

Musicians who play on the stage at the Railhouse (107 E. Center Street) stand and perform with a mural of Willie Nelson and the title to his iconic song “On The Road Again” behind them. It’s a fitting backdrop for this beloved bar in Kyle that has seen some rough spots on the road, but like Willie, it keeps on truckin’ to the delight of locals.

If you’ve never stepped foot in the Railhouse but you’re a fan of cold beer, tasty grub, and live music, then you need to check out this local joint asap!

The Railhouse is Alive and Kicking

The local establishment has been serving up tasty drinks and good times in Kyle for years, but like so many small businesses around the United States, it was hit hard by the pandemic. The bar had to close in 2020 because of Covid and related factors and the building sat empty for 18 months.  

The Railhouse got a second chance, however, in September 2021 when Flip Lockhoof and Trevor Fletcher, two bar owners from Austin, bought the building and reopened it. The reopening was a success from the get-go, with the business owners telling the Hays Free-Press that they “fell in love with Kyle” and that the residents were incredibly welcoming to the new and improved version of the popular bar and music venue.

A Perfect Hangout Spot

Trevor and Flip said that with the new version, they wanted to create “the “best place to find delicious food, fantastic drinks, and great live entertainment in Kyle.” While it’s still very much a bar, they also set out to make it a family-friendly sort of place where parents could feel comfortable bringing their children during the day and early evening.

Stop in at the Railhouse and you can watch sporting events on several large televisions as well as enjoy shuffleboard and pool tables. If guests feel like simply enjoying some fresh air and good conversation, there’s also a fire pit in the back for those perfect fall nights.

Of course, a major draw is the venue’s live entertainment and events calendar. Most concerts are billed to accommodate around 500 people, but the owners told the Hays Free-Press they’ll occasionally book larger acts that can draw up to 2,000 people.

Customers can truly find a good time here seven days a week. Sunday through Thursday it’s open from 4 until midnight, and on Friday and Saturday nights the Railhouse stays hoppin’ until 2 AM. You’ll find something happening here just about every night too. Events span the entertainment gamut from trivia nights to DJs and Tejano dance nights, as well as both ticketed and free heavy metal, country, and rock concerts.

Grab Some Grub

Two food trucks can be found permanently parked just outside the bar and venue, so you’re never going to go hungry while enjoying a cold drink. Courson’s BBQ serves up ribs, smoked brisket, and Texas-made sausage, and if a burger or sandwich is what you’re after, then you can’t go wrong with strolling up to the Badass Foods truck.

The Railhouse is one of many top-notch, locally-owned restaurants that can be found right here in Kyle. If you’re looking for a new home near all the fun and entertainment, contact us to learn more about available homes in the Crosswinds community. 

Image from The Railhouse.

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Events Kyle Texas

Veterans Day in Kyle, TX

This Friday is Veterans Day, a day of remembrance and honor for those who have served in the military during war or peace. This is a national opportunity to say thank you to all those who served in the military, both living and those who have passed. 

 

A History of Veterans Day

 

The earliest beginnings of Veterans Day go back more than 100 years. When World War I officially ended with the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, it was a sigh of relief for the entire world. The fighting that claimed 20 million lives had ended seven months earlier when an armistice went into effect on “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.” 

 

A year later, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson made November 11 Armistice Day, declaring it a national opportunity for the country to “be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service…”

 

The day would take on even greater importance following the tragic loss of life and displays of heroism in World War II and the Korean War. Following the end of the Korean War in 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed Armistice Day to Veterans Day to acknowledge the sacrifice made by veterans of all U.S. wars. 

 

Celebrate Veterans Day in Kyle

 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are over 2,800 veterans who call Kyle home, and this Veterans Day is a particularly special one. It’s the city’s first Veterans Day to celebrate Heroes Memorial Park. The park has been open since its official ribbon cutting on September 11th and it’s a truly beautiful place for residents to come together and reflect upon the sacrifices made by veterans, first responders, and other heroes in the community. The park features a Heroes Walk, Memorial Garden, Activity Lawn, Arrival Portal, and other elements for learning more about our heroes. 

 

Just as parades were a part of those first celebrations of Armistice Day, the tradition of the Veterans Day Parade continues this year in Kyle. The parade will happen on November 12 this year at Gregg-Clarke Park and travel along Center Street, before coming to a conclusion at Front Street on the City Square. The parade itself will begin at noon, but there will be lots of festivities happening earlier in the day. 

 

Residents are invited to come out to Mary Kyle Hartson Park before the parade to enjoy live music and family-friendly activities from 9 AM until 2 PM.

 

The Veterans Day Parade is one of the many community events that make Kyle such a wonderful place to call home. If you’re looking for a place to raise your family or find the perfect balance of peace and convenience, Crosswinds is a great place to settle down. Crosswinds is a master-planned community in Kyle that offers residents a variety of family-friendly amenities and beautiful homes from the area’s top builders. To learn more about finding your home here, reach out to the Crosswinds team.

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Kyle Texas

Tiny House Coffee Roasters

If you’re looking for a good cup of coffee that not only has the power to perk you up in the morning but to change the lives of people for the better, consider filling your mug with a brew from Tiny House Coffee Roasters. Jump on the I-35 S for about 15 minutes and you’ll find a coffee-roasting company that is built on the foundation of delivering a sustainable product and lifting those who make it all possible. 

 

Texas Coffee with Origins in Nicaragua

 

Tiny House Coffee Roasters was started by Blake Thomas and Helen Schafer, who met while working as Peace Corps volunteers in Nicaragua in 2012. Blake and Helen got to know the coffee farmers in Nicaragua, and as they learned more about how difficult it was for the farmers to make a decent living, they felt committed to improving the situation. 

 

As Blake told Austin Business Journal, the best way to do so was by streamlining the process of getting the coffee from Nicaragua to U.S. consumers. 

 

“By eliminating middlemen, we were able to pay our farmers three times the market rate for their coffee,” Blake explained. “With increased returns and economic security, these farmers then invested back into their farms, families, and communities.”

 

A Mission of Sustainability 

 

Not only are Blake and Helen committed to treating their employees right and helping them to earn a fair wage, but Tiny House Roasters is built on the idea of making “attainable change.” One of the ways it’s doing that is by working with farmers who take a sustainable approach to coffee farming. So what’s that mean exactly? 

 

In the simplest terms, it means that Tiny House Coffee Roasters only buys and sells coffee beans that are in season. As the brand’s website explains, sometimes this means that “your favorite beans might be gone for a bit, [but] they’ll be back and better next year!”

 

From Bean to Keg

 

While you can’t simply swing by Tiny House Coffee Roasters and grab a latte to go (it’s a roasting company, not a coffee shop), there are numerous ways for you to enjoy this fine product. 

 

The roasting company’s coffee can be found in local grocery stores like H-E-B and Whole Foods, as well as businesses such as The Driskill Hotel, Planet Fitness, and Auberge Resorts. 

 

Of course, you can also order flavors like Moontower Dark Blend and La Casita directly from the website. Sign up for the Roaster’s Club, and Tiny House will ship you a new bag of coffee to try each month. 

 

Perhaps the coolest way to enjoy a cup of Tiny House Coffee though is through its cold brew delivery platform. Hit them up and they’ll deliver their bag-in-box cold brew to your home or office in the greater Austin area. And if you drink a lot of coffee (like, a lot, a lot) you can even have a full keg of nitro cold brew delivered to your door. 

 

Tiny House Coffee Roasters is one of many small businesses in the Kyle area that is carving out a name for itself for all the best reasons. If you’d like to find a home in Kyle, contact the Crosswinds team today. 

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