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Area Attractions Education Family Fun

Spring Break in Kyle, Texas


Hays ISD spring break is right around the corner — the week of March 14 to 18! As a resident of Kyle, Texas, your family has several options of fun things to do for spring break without going too far. Here are some ideas for relaxation and renewal for everyone to enjoy during spring break this year.

Kyle Spring Break Camp

If you have a child who is interested in Kyle Spring Break Camp, be sure to register now as registration closes on March 9 or when all spots are filled. The camp is an outdoor camp at the Mary-Kyle Hartson Square Park (101 S. Burleson St., Kyle, TX 78640). 

The camp will be a week full of fun games, recreational activities, and more! Campers will need to bring a water bottle and lunch every day. The youth camp is for kids in 2nd through 5th grades while teen camp is for those in 6th through 9th grades.

Spring Break Camp with San Marcos Parks and Recreation

Need something to keep kids ages 5 to 11 busy? They might like to go to San Marcos Parks and Recreation Spring Break Camp at Dunbar Recreation Center (801 MLK Dr., San Marcos, TX 78666) where they play games, make crafts, and take field trips. View the daily schedule to see what a typical day is like at camp.

All-Star Sports Spring Break Camp

Do you know children who love sports? Then, they might like All-Star Sports Spring Break Camp. Held at SoccerZone in South Austin (9501 Menchaca Road, Austin TX 78748), it’s about a 20-minute trip from Kyle. They offer half- and full-day options for kids ages 5 to 13. Campers who attend the full-day camp will be served lunch. Camp activities include many sports, arts and crafts, bounce house, splash day, and more.

Corpus Christi

For those wanting something more than a staycation, you might want to go to the coastal city of Corpus Christi that’s just three hours south of Kyle. It’s the perfect place for families who enjoy beaches, boating, or birdwatching.

Even if you’re not into these nature activities, Corpus Christi has unique museums like the Texas State Aquarium, U.S.S. Lexington, and South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center. For more information, check out the Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors Bureau website for more ideas.

Dinosaur Valley State Park and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

Here’s a great vacation option as it’s a place that everyone who lives in Texas should visit at least once. A little over a three-hour drive from Kyle, Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose makes a memorable spring break vacation or weekend getaway. The park has dinosaur tracks where you can learn about the history of our world, and you are sure to be able to capture unforgettable photos. Visitors can hike, bike, swim, fish, camp, and picnic. Guided tours are also available.

Another option to explore while you’re in Glen Rose is Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. This is 15 minutes from the dinosaur park. This endangered species research and conservation center has more than 1,000 mammals representing 50 species. They offer guided and self-guided tours. The public guided tour is a 2-hour, 7.2-mile scenic tour where you can drive in your own car or ride in their tour vehicles.

Enjoy your spring break!

More Things to Do in Kyle

To stay on top of great resources from Kyle and nearby, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Looking to move? Meet the Kyle builders or contact our Crosswinds team.

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Homeowner Tips

What to look for when buying a new house

When you’re shopping for a new house, it can be easy to fall down the rabbit hole as you search house after house and study floor plan after floor plan. There are so many things to consider, such as location, school zones, community amenities, and home builders.

Before you even look at houses and floor plans, a good place to start is with how much home you can afford. This can help you narrow down your search and determine your priorities. 

You can work with a real estate agent to help you determine how much you can afford to pay for a home, or try a home affordability calculator that can help you estimate your monthly payments. Be sure you leave plenty of breathing room for property taxes, homeowner association (HOA) fees, and unexpected expenses. It’s also a good move to get pre-approved for a loan up to a specific amount. The lender will look at your income, debts, and credit history.

Once you have a number in mind, then you can work through these tips.

1. Determine the Top Features You Want in a Neighborhood

To help you figure out the general location, start with what you’d like in a neighborhood. Do you want to live in a walkable neighborhood? What about safety? Do you want to be in a preferred school district or near specific schools?

Does anyone regularly commute to work or extracurriculars? That could be a factor in location. What about proximity to grocery stores, services, other retailers, and leisure activities?

2. Prioritize Your Top Home Features

Every homebuyer has their own priorities for what they want in a home. Some want a giant backyard while others would rather have a front porch. You can change a lot of things about a home, but one thing you can’t change is the amount of land. 

Another thing to think about is how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need—especially if you have children or expect frequent guests. Does someone work from home? They may want a floor plan with a home office. Do you often entertain big groups? Some floor plans are more conducive to large gatherings than others. What about smart home capabilities? This could play a factor in your decision. 

To avoid spending more than you want, create a list of “must-haves” and “nice to haves” to help you with your decisions. 

3. Plan for the Future

If you may want to have children in the future, consider a home with room to grow. While a two-bedroom may be all you need now, you may not want to move when you have children. Or perhaps, a parent or other relative will be living with you. If you’re thinking about adding a furry family member, a front and backyard may be a top priority. 

  1. Think about Maintenance and Upkeep

The newer the home, the less maintenance you will have. When you’re the first owner of a new home, you don’t have to consider the home’s maintenance history, as everything is in tip-top shape. But an older home will most likely need regular repairs and updates. Yards and flower beds also need regular upkeep. Consider if you want a smaller yard that just needs to be mowed every once in a while, or if you’d rather get to enjoy seasonal flower gardens and greenery, with a bit more upkeep?

Remember, you can update and change a lot of things both on the exterior and in the interior of a home, but the costs of changes can add up quickly. It’s easy to change the paint color, but not so easy to change the floor plan. 

Looking for a new home in Kyle? Crosswinds is a new master-planned community offering family-friendly amenities with beautiful homes from the area’s top builders. Meet the Kyle home builders or contact our Crosswinds team to start the journey to finding your dream home.

To stay on top of great resources from Kyle and nearby, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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Area Attractions

Kyle Local: Buff City Soaps

A popular soap makery has arrived in Kyle! Buff City Soaps (5401 Farm to Market 1626, Suite 310 Kyle, TX 78640) has officially opened, offering their famous line of handmade soaps and products crafted with the highest quality ingredients.

What Can You Find at Buff City Soaps in Kyle?

We’re excited to welcome Buff City Soap to Kyle. They call their store a “Makery” because all their products are created in their shops by hand.

Kyle residents and visitors will be happy to have a place in the community where you can buy soaps free of harsh chemicals and detergents. Every day, local artisans craft the brand’s delightfully-scented, plant-based soaps. Guests can also customize the scent and ingredients used in the process to create their own soap.

You’ll find many other things besides soap. They have everything from bath bombs and shower fizzies to face products and body butter, all of which make great gifts for a friend or for yourself. You can explore their products by category—they also have products for men, kids, and laundry.

Scents Worth Checking out

Go to the scents page of Buff City’s website to check out their scents with creative names and descriptions! 99 Pomlems, described as “99 problems and soap ain’t one,” features notes of lemon, pomegranate, and cream. For those days when you want to conquer your day, you might like Ferocious Beast with its cedarwood and campfire beer scents, with notes of citrus, lavender, white musk, cedarwood, and amber.

You’ll even find “Love Potion,” which blends roses and young love with notes of damask rose, peach, apple blossom, and Italian bergamot. And how could you not want to try the Unicorn with scents of fruit and magic containing notes of apple mango, passionfruit, and exotic florals?

We don’t know about you, but we’re ready to relax and smell great, too! For their latest news and specials, visit the Buff City Soap — Kyle Facebook page.

To stay on top of great resources from Kyle and nearby, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Looking to move? Meet the Kyle home builders or contact our Crosswinds team.

Categories
Area Attractions

Kyle Local: Plum Creek Golf Course

Golfers love the Kyle and the Austin, Texas, area because the weather is great for golfing almost year-round. Kyle is fortunate to have a golf course with spectacular views at Plum Creek Golf Course (4301 Benner, Kyle, TX 78640). Here’s what you’ll want to know about the Kyle golf course.

About Plum Creek Golf Course

The designers created a championship golf course in which no two fairways touch. It gives you the experience of playing your own private golf course. All 18 holes take you through a setting that reflects what makes the Hill Country memorable with its rolling hills, live oaks, and sparkling lakes. Check out the images showing the golf course to see what each hole looks like.

The course underwent a major renovation in 2012 to add a practice facility that includes 3 acres of short-game scoring areas, an acre of practice tee surface, multiple chipping greens, bunkers, uneven lie practice areas, and target greens. You have a wealth of opportunities for improving your golf game. And plenty of golf instruction is available if you’d like a helping hand from a pro. 

If you need any golf supplies, accessories, or attire, the pro shop is stocked to the gills with everything you want to enjoy golfing. This facility is also the home of the Texas State Bobcat men’s and women’s golf teams.

Other Things to Do at Plum Creek Golf Course

There’s nothing like a delicious meal after playing 18 holes or practicing your swings. Just head right over to Glenn’s Bar and Grill restaurant on the course for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks. It’s named for Glenn Evans who helped open Plum Creek Golf Course.

The restaurant underwent renovations in 2018 to add multiple beers on tap, more high-definition TVs, and brand-new furniture. Do you love to watch the big game on a big screen? Glenn’s has a 100″ projector that delivers an unbeatable game-viewing experience.

Have a celebration coming up? You can host an event, banquet, or wedding, at the facilities. The Plum Creek staff will take care of all the details including dining options. The facility is also accessible and they have rooms that can support 100 or 220 people, depending on the room you choose.

Visit the Plum Creek Golf Course Facebook page for upcoming events and updates.

To stay on top of great resources from Kyle and nearby, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Looking to move? Meet the Kyle home builders or contact our Crosswinds team.

Categories
Family Fun Lifestyle

Water Safety 101: How to Stay Safe by the Pool this Summer

With summer in full swing, there’s no better way to cool off than with a dip in the pool! That being said, it’s essential to brush up on your water safety skills so your little ones can stay out of harm’s way. Get the most out of summer at our master-planned community in Kyle with these pool safety tips.

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Stay Nearby at All Times

The first and most important child water safety tip is to have someone who knows how to swim within reach at all times! Keeping a close eye on your child means that you will be able to react quickly if anything were to happen. Watching from the sidelines is never fun, so feel free to join your little ones in the pool! Being in the water together will provide plenty of fun and allow you to keep a close eye on everyone.

Fence Off Pool Area

If your young ones want to play outside, but you’re worried about them accidentally falling in the water, a great way to ease the worrying is to fence off your pool area. It’s also important to be sure the fence cannot be opened by little hands. This will not only prevent any accidents from happening, but it will also allow you to relax while the kids spend some time in the yard!

Enroll in Swim Lessons

Finally, the best way to ensure safety around water is to learn how to swim! Be sure every member of your family achieves the skills of water competency, which include being able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance then get out of the water safely. If your child knows the basics of swimming, the chance of an accident happening in the water is significantly lower. Don’t wait, be sure to sign up for swim lessons near Crosswinds today!

By practicing these pool safety tips, you and your family will be able to enjoy summertime in Kyle, TX, while staying safe around the water! If you want to learn more about the amenities offered at Crosswinds, visit our blog. Ready to spend your summer days at Crosswinds? Contact us today! You can also connect with our master-planned community in Kyle on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Image via GettyImages. Creative number 954786086.

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Area Attractions Events Family Fun

Summer Events You Can’t Miss Near Crosswinds

As we step into summer, get ready for plenty of opportunities to spend time with family and friends in Kyle, Texas! Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure or a leisurely day on the lake, these summer events near our master-planned community in Kyle are sure to be a blast.

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Movies on the Square

Nothing says summertime quite like a movie under the stars! The Kyle Parks and Recreation Department is proud to present the 18th year of Movies on the Square, a popular Kyle, TX event. For the 2019 summer, the event has been relocated to Mary Kyle Hartson City Square Park. There are four Movies on the Square scheduled between June and August, with the first taking place on Friday, June 21. The featured film will be Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation. Check out the full list of summer events by visiting the City of Kyle Parks & Recreation website. Each movie will begin at sundown, and we recommend bringing a blanket, lawn chairs and snacks.

Kyle’s Independence Day Fireworks Show

Looking for something to do on the Fourth of July that’s guaranteed fun for the whole family? Join the city of Kyle for a celebration of America’s birthday with Kyle’s Independence Day Fireworks Show! The free pre-show celebration starts at 6:00pm at the Plum Creek Golf Course Clubhouse and includes live music from local artists, hot dogs and cold drinks. The firework show will begin after sundown, around 9:30pm, so be sure to find a spot early. If you can see the tall water tower next to the Hays CISD PAC on Kohler’s Crossing, you’ll be able to see the fireworks!

Kyle Pie in the Sky Hot Air Balloon Festival

It’s almost hot air balloon time in Kyle, Texas! Join us from August 30 – September 1 in the Pie Capital of Texas™ for a pie-themed, family-friendly hot air balloon festival. The annual Kyle Pie in the Sky Hot Air Balloon Festival will feature more than 20 hot air balloons along with live music, children’s activities, pie eating contests, tethered rides and so much more. The three-day Kyle Pie in the Sky festival is a great community event that provides fun for the whole family. Make your Labor Day weekend unforgettable with this summer event!

We hope these summer events inspire you to get out and enjoy the wonderful Kyle, Texas, community! If you’re interested in learning more about our master-planned community with ready to move-in custom built homes in Kyle, then contact Crosswinds today. You can also connect with our master-planned community on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Image via GettyImages. Creative number 471216740.

Categories
Family Fun Lifestyle

Have a Sun-Sational Summer with these Sun Protection Tips

School is officially out, and summer is just around the corner, which means more time for all kinds of fun outdoor activities! To keep your family safe from the sun this summer, make sure you’re aware of a few sun protection tips and common misconceptions. At Crosswinds, we know that the sun in Kyle, TX, can get intense, so here are our best skin care tips for a safe summer!

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Apply, Apply, Apply

One of the most important, and obvious, sun protection tips is to wear sunscreen. If you want to ensure your kids are protected, you need to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before heading out in the sun. While applying, remember to cover easily forgotten spots such as the tops of feet, ears, hands and the backs of knees! An SPF, or sun protection factor, indicates a sunscreen’s effectiveness at preventing sunburn. It’s important to know when you need to re-apply sunscreen because you need to apply it more than once a day!

Sun Protection Tips Beyond Sunscreen

Sunscreen is everyone’s go-to when it comes to sun safety, and it’s a great way to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays! There are also other effective ways to protect your skin from the sun. The CDC recommends getting a shirt with tightly woven fabric to keep your loved ones safe from the dangers of skin cancer. Additionally, wearing sunglasses and a hat can protect your eyes, face, scalp, ears and neck. Another great tip is to always be on the lookout for a shady spot!

Common Misconceptions

The most damaging time to be outside is between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, or during midday. Most people spend a portion of this time outdoors, especially those with children, which means you should always be thinking about how to protect yourself from the sun. If it’s a cloudy summer day, sun safety is even more important. Indirect sunlight can often be more dangerous than direct. Don’t be fooled by these common misconceptions, and if you’re ever in doubt, apply some sunscreen!

We hope these sun protection tips help you take better care of your loved ones this summer! If you are interested in learning more about outdoor activities in Kyle, TX or our master-planned community, contact Crosswinds today. You can also connect with our master-planned community in Kyle on FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

Image via GettyImages. Creative number 1001653442.

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Area Attractions Family Fun Uncategorized

Best Public Parks in Kyle, TX

With summer in full throttle, it’s time to get out and enjoy the weather! Be sure to visit the public parks in Kyle to soak up the sun. Whether you’re spending time with family, playing with your dog, or taking time for yourself, we have the perfect Kyle park for you. Check out our guide and find your new favorite park near Crosswinds!

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  1. Steeplechase Dog Park

Does your furry friend need to socialize? Or perhaps you’re looking to socialize with animal lovers like yourself! Steeplechase Dog Park has you and your dog covered. Located near the intersection of Lehman Road and Hailey Drive, this public park in Kyle includes separate sections for large and small dogs. Don’t worry about putting on and taking off your dog’s leash, there’s a transition zone between the leashed and unleashed areas of the park. Water fountains and shaded areas are also available!

  1. Gregg-Clarke Park

Gregg-Clarke Park is a multi-use park that provides the Kyle community a great spot to host recreational and special events. Anchored by the Kyle Pool, the park includes softball and football fields, tennis and basketball courts and covered playscapes. In addition to the wide-open spaces, the walking trails are great for a morning stroll. Check out the Parks and Rec calendar of events to see all of the planned family events at this park. The ‘Movies in the Park’ summer series is sure to be a hit!

  1. Lake Kyle Park

Looking for things to do in Kyle? Lake Kyle Park is your place. If you want to get out on the water, canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing and swimming are all available here! With four different nature trails, we promise you will find your favorite path. Keep an eye out for birds, fish, turtles, beavers and more at the wildlife viewing area. Lake Kyle Park also includes picnic tables, playgrounds and a pavilion.

  1. Steeplechase Park

Family fun can be found at Steeplechase Park. Baseball and football fields, basketball and sand volleyball courts and a disc golf course are great for a little family competition. The 31-acre park also includes open spaces with trails and playscapes. Plum Creek runs through the heart of this Kyle park, providing the most picturesque views. What more could you ask for?

We hope one of these public parks in Kyle takes care of what you’re looking for! If you are interested in learning more about Kyle, TX and our master-planned community contact Crosswinds today. You can also connect with our master-planned community on FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

Image via GettyImages. Creative number 958658988.

Categories
Area Attractions

Cross Plants and Produce Celebrates 5 Years of Business in Kyle, TX

Cross Plants and Produce, an independently owned nursery in Kyle, celebrated it’s fifth anniversary this March! The large, peaceful property is located five minutes from downtown Kyle, TX, and is very well-known in the area. If you’re ready to do some gardening in Kyle, be sure to stop by Cross Plants and Produce. Today, our master-planned community in Kyle is sharing a bit more information about this independently owned nursery!

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(Image via Facebook.com)

About Cross Plants and Produce

The Cross family made their dream of owning a nursery a reality when they moved back to Texas from Washington, D.C. Cross Plants and Produce sources only the highest quality stock from the local area. The Crosses love selling and sharing local plants and produce with the community, they even call each other ‘plant coach’! If you’re passionate about shopping organic, grab your family and spend the afternoon at Cross Plants and Produce.

Locally Grown & Homemade Products

All the plants offered at Cross Plants and Produce are local, which means they come from Texas and are already acclimated to the climate! Aside from the variety of plants available year-round, Cross Plants and Produce offers locally made products, like jam, coffee, pickles, fresh meat and dairy items, and seasonal products. At Halloween, the property is cloaked in orange with varying sizes and shapes of pumpkins. After that rush, it’s time to prepare for Christmas at Cross Plants and Produce. The Crosses go beyond just selling trees, each is named for fallen soldiers or first responders. At Christmas, the nursery also hots Santa Claus and a kid’s entrepreneur market. The inventory available at Cross Plants and Produce varies depending on the season!

Plan Your Visit

As if the plants and produce weren’t enough, the nursery also features two more attractions. A mini-horse named Shorty and a mini-donkey named Spot will be greeting you upon your arrival! Cross Plants and Produce is open year-round from Monday through Saturday from 10 am – 6 pm.

What are you waiting for? Gather your family and make the short trip to Cross Plants and Produce this weekend so you can start gardening in Kyle! If you’re interested in purchasing a new house to go along with all your new plants, check out our master-planned community in Kyle, TX. Contact Crosswinds today to learn more about our available homes. You can also connect with our master-planned community on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Homebuilder

Find a New Home at Crosswinds this May

Summer is just around the corner and if you’ve been thinking about making a move to Kyle, TX, you’ll want to keep reading! Find your new home at Crosswinds this May by checking out our homes available for immediate move-in. This month, we’re featuring Kyle, TX homes available from two of our builders! We’re also sharing a bit more information about a new builder coming soon to Crosswinds.

Highland Homes

Let Highland Homes help you take the first step toward homeownership! For over 30 years, this builder has constructed award-winning homes throughout Texas. The level of quality, customer service and architectural beauty provided by Highland Homes is unmatched by most home builders. Find your new home at Crosswinds with a home from Highland Homes, offering unique plans on both our 50’ lots and 60’ lots. As of May 23, 10 homes in Kyle, Texas are available for immediate move-in.

729 Nautical Loop

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• Available now
• Ashwood plan
• 2,111 square feet
• 4 bedrooms
• 3 bathrooms
• $295,336

Pacesetter Homes

Find your new home at Crosswinds with Pacesetter Homes, offering 18 distinct floor plans. Every home offered by Pacesetter features a timeless design, rich wood trim and designer-selected interior features, like granite countertops and ceramic tile flooring. Additionally, each plan provides a design suitable for any lifestyle with open living spaces and spacious bedrooms. Pacesetter Homes has 4 new homes available at our master-planned community in Kyle, as of May 23.

544 Nautical Loop

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• May 2019
• Actris plan
• 2,124 square feet
• 3 bedrooms
• 3 bathrooms
• $282,066

Gehan Homes

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Our newest builder, Gehan Homes, will be offering a variety of new homes in Kyle, with their Premier and Landmark collections. New homes at Crosswinds from Gehan Homes will feature 1,550 – 3,270 square feet encompassing 3 – 5 bedrooms and 2 – 3 bathrooms. Currently, no homes are available but be sure to connect with the builder to be the first to learn about available homes and model openings!

Are you ready to claim a new home at Crosswinds as your own? Summer is the perfect time to move! Contact Crosswinds today or visit us in Kyle, TX. You can also learn more about other Kyle, TX homes available at our master-planned community by visiting our inventory page. Stay up to date with all things Crosswinds by connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Crosswinds is a master-planned community in Kyle, Texas located just 20 miles south of Austin right off I-35 that offers homes from the $200s.