Category: TX

Categories
Area Attractions Blog Family Fun TX

Weekend Getaway to San Antonio

San Antonio is one of the oldest cities in Texas and became a city nearly 60 years before the United States gained its independence. Most famously known for the Alamo and the bloody battle that took place there during the Texas Revolution, there’s plenty for modern-day visitors to discover in this historic and vibrant city that’s only an hour’s drive from Kyle. 

 

Stroll the Riverwalk

 

No weekend getaway to San Antonio is complete without a stroll along the Riverwalk. Truth be told, you could probably spend an entire weekend just in the Riverwalk area and not get bored with all there is to do. 

 

Kick things off with a Go River Cruise to see things from a floating perspective and then simply explore it on foot, stopping in at any shops or restaurants that happen to catch your eye. There are also plenty of spots along the Riverwalk, like the Red Tunnel, Grotto, and Casa Rio umbrellas that make for amazing photo opportunities. 

 

Take in the Nightlife

 

There are plenty of bars to grab a cocktail at along the Riverwalk, but if you’re looking to venture out a little bit more, San Antonio has lots of nightlife to offer. 

 

Paramour is one of the city’s premier rooftop bars and offers fantastic views of the city along with an extensive cocktail and wine menu. There’s even bottle service if you want to feel extra fancy. 

 

If you’re looking for something a bit more chill, then consider checking out El Camino in downtown SA. There’s always a collection of food trucks parked right outside and with a full beer and cocktail menu, it’s hard not to have a good time at this festive spot. 

 

San Antonio has some great live music venues, and Paper Tiger holds its own. Most shows are under $30, and with acts spanning indie, punk, hip-hop, electronica, and country, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular with music fans. 

 

Shop ‘til You Drop

 

With everything ranging from name-brand stores to local boutiques, there’s plenty of reason to work a little bit of shopping into a San Antonio weekend. 

 

If you’re a sucker for a good mall, then be sure to check out North Star Mall on busy San Pedro Avenue. You’ll find major retailers and department stores such as Louis Vuitton, Juicy Couture, H&M, Apple, Dillard’s, and JCPenny. And like any good mall, the food court has plenty to offer when hunger hits. 

 

Be sure not to sleep on the many boutique stores found throughout San Antonio as well. Historic Market Square is a three-block outdoor plaza that is home to the largest Mexican market in the United States, offering everything from clothing to art and jewelry. 

 

Eats and Drinks

 

Downtown boasts well over 100 restaurants with favorites like NONNA Osteria and Domingo Restaurante finding themselves on nearly any “must-visit” list. 

 

Venture over to the Pearl District and you’ll discover everything from mouth-watering Mediterranean at Ladino to American comfort food at Full Goods Dinner. Whatever you’re craving, you can probably find it here. 

With so much to do in San Antonio, it’s easy to see why this Texas city has been attracting visitors for over 300 years. But after a long weekend, it’s always good to come back to a home you love. If you’re looking for your dream home, reach out to our team to learn more about the master-planned Crosswinds community.

Categories
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.

Categories
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.

Categories
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. 

Categories
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.

Sign up for our Newsletter