Category: Kyle

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Area Attractions Kyle Kyle Texas

Local Business Highlight: Silo Glass Studio

Less than a half hour’s drive from Kyle, you’ll find Silo Glass Studio in San Marcos. Here you’ll discover a community of artists creating some truly stunning pieces of work. Glass is the prominent material of choice, but the artists here also work in both wood and metal. Whether you’re looking to add some locally-created art to your home, or you’re looking to test your skills in glasswork, Silo Glass Studio is the place! 

 

 

Over 30 Years of Creativity

 

Today, the studio is spacious enough to showcase the 3D works of more than two dozen artists, but way back in 1985, the studio founded by Ralph and Jean Petley was much smaller. It specialized in stained glass and for a few years even sold antiques. Chester John and Elissa Beach would eventually buy it in 2014 and with that purchase came a complete overhaul of the space.

 

The old studio was torn down and a new studio was built with upgrades to the property such as a koi pond and two waterfalls outside. The new Silo Glass was also able to expand in size, adding more than 2,000 square feet – making it the largest glass studio in Central Texas. 

 

Not only is the larger studio able to accommodate more visitors, but it allows its artists to spread out and create some incredible works of art. 

 

The Showroom and Exhibits

 

To simply describe the pieces here as “beautiful” or to try to put them into a one-size-fits-all category wouldn’t do them justice. Some pieces are realistic and look like they could come to life, while others are more abstract and serve as an interesting focal point to add to any room. The studio has some pieces that are only for display, but if you’re on the hunt for a glass piece to add to your home or business, some pieces are available to purchase. 

 

Many of the artists also work with customers on specially commissioned products that can bring a truly unique and customized touch to your office space or home. Ranging from small to big and bold, each piece of art is a one-of-a-kind creation that you won’t find anywhere else.

 

Classes

 

One of our favorite things about Silo Glass Studio is that it’s not just a place to admire the works of local artists, but it offers visitors a chance to get in touch with their inner artists. 

 

The studio offers a range of classes focused on a variety of projects for both beginner, intermediate, and advanced skill levels. In one of the two-hour beginner classes, for example, participants will learn to make a glass coaster dish. More advanced and intermediate classes focus on skills such as fusing and open-faced casting that can be used in jewelry making and creating hand-crafted ornaments. 

 

Whether you want to embrace your artistic spirit, shop for a special gift, or simply check out some local art, a visit to Silo Glass Studio is an opportunity to see some of the area’s most talented artists at work. 

 

Silo Glass Studio in nearby San Marcos is one of the many places that make for a fun afternoon day trip for Kyle residents. To learn more about Kyle and finding a home here, contact the Crosswinds team. 

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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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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. 

Categories
Events Family Fun Kyle

Holiday Events in Kyle

The Christmas season is truly a magical time of year in Kyle, TX. The city is known to go all out with 25 days of celebration from December 1 all the way through Christmas Day, and this year is no different.

 

From sightings of the jolly elf in red to twinkling holiday lights and live musical performances, here’s everything you need to know about 25 Days of Christmas in Kyle.

 

December 1 Kickoff

 

Go ahead and get out your December calendar because you’re definitely going to want to make note of everything that’s happening throughout the month. The merry fun begins on Thursday, December 1st when the city hosts a welcome party for St. Nick at Mary Kyle Hartson Park (101 S. Burleson Street). 

 

Santa Clause has been visiting Kyle here during Christmas time since 1999 and will make a return this year on Thursday, December 1st from 4 to 9 PM. During the celebration, children will have a chance to take a photo with the man himself and share any special items they may have on their wish list. 

 

The event will also include a tree lighting ceremony at 5:45 and there will be food, drinks, and holiday craft vendors. Throughout the event, area elementary school choirs will perform a medley of Christmas songs to keep the festive mood going. The event concludes when Santa makes his return to the North Pole (for a few days) at around 9 PM, but as we mentioned, Christmas cheer does not end there.

 

Weekly Holiday Events You Won’t Want to Miss

 

Families can enjoy a free photo with Santa on the first two Mondays (December 5th and 12th) from 5 to 9 PM, and the city will be collecting toys for children in need on the first three Tuesdays of the month. Both events will take place at Mary Kyle Hartson Park (101 S Burleson St.).

 

If you can’t make it to the park for a photo with Santa, don’t worry, Santa will come to you! On December 13-15 (Tuesday to Thursday) from 6 to 9 PM Santa will be riding through the streets of Kyle. While Santa won’t be able to ride down every street in the city—he does have to get back to work at his toy shop at some point—families will have the opportunity to wave to him along a designated route. You can even track where he’ll be via the Santa tracker. 

 

A holiday market will also be open each day at Mary Kyle Park so residents will have plenty of opportunities to shop for a special gift from local vendors. Each Saturday prior to Christmas Eve, there will also be live holiday music performances happening in the park to spread a little extra seasonal cheer. You can view more details of each day’s festivities on the City of Kyle’s website. 

 

The Christmas season is one of the best times of the year in Kyle and the 25 Days of Christmas celebration is just one of the many fun events happening in the city throughout the year. If you’d like to find a home near all the fun in Kyle, contact the Crosswinds team today!

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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.