Tag: Fall

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Blog Events Family Fun Kyle Kyle Texas Lifestyle TX

Your October Guide to Fall in Kyle, TX

October is here, and with it comes a fresh season full of color, celebration, and connection. At Crosswinds in Kyle, TX, fall is about more than just pumpkins and décor—it’s about spending time outside, enjoying community traditions, and making the most of local events with the people you call neighbors. Whether you’re new to the area or a longtime resident, here’s your go-to guide for enjoying everything October has to offer.

Local Events to Look Out For

October is a busy and festive month in Kyle. Families can enjoy a variety of seasonal events happening just minutes from Crosswinds. Start with pumpkin patches and fall festivals: local farms and community centers often host weekend events complete with hayrides, corn mazes, and plenty of photo opportunities. Be sure to check out nearby attractions like Uhland Fall Fest or the annual Pumpkin Patch at Mama Mary’s Farm.

In town, the City of Kyle events calendar is filled with community favorites. From live music and Market Days to food truck gatherings and outdoor movie nights, there’s something for everyone. And don’t forget the Kyle Founders Parade and Halloween festivities, both of which bring out the best in small-town celebration and community pride.

At-Home Fall Activities

You don’t have to leave Crosswinds to celebrate the season. Porch decorating is a favorite fall pastime here: think pumpkins, mums, and a cozy wreath on the front door. Whether you go classic or creative, adding autumn touches to your home creates a welcoming vibe for both neighbors and trick-or-treaters.

For families, a few backyard games can go a long way. Try setting up a simple ring toss, a mini pumpkin bowling lane, or a leaf scavenger hunt to keep the kids entertained after school. And when the day winds down, enjoy a few cozy fall recipes. A big pot of chili, caramel apple slices, or warm cider makes the perfect end to an October evening.

Outdoor Spots to Explore This Month

Crosswinds is surrounded by natural beauty and open space, ideal for exploring during the fall season. Take a walk or bike ride along the community trails, or visit Steeplechase Park for a picnic and some playtime.

For a change of scenery, plan a weekend outing to Lake Kyle Park or Plum Creek Preserve, where you’ll find walking paths, open water, and peaceful views. And if you’re up for a drive, the scenic routes just outside Kyle offer a relaxed way to enjoy fall foliage, rolling hills, and roadside stands with seasonal produce.

Community Connection

One of the best parts of living in Crosswinds is how easy it is to celebrate the season with others. Many families decorate their porches, share treats, or plan weekend outings together. It’s not uncommon to see kids in costumes gathering for early trick-or-treat practice or neighbors exchanging seasonal recipes and craft ideas.

If you’re looking to start your own fall tradition, consider hosting a simple outdoor movie night, organizing a pumpkin painting station in the driveway, or sharing baked goods with nearby families. Sometimes, the smallest gestures lead to the strongest community bonds.

Embrace October in a Community That Feels Like Home

At Crosswinds, fall isn’t just a season—it’s a time to slow down, connect, and enjoy the simple joys of home and neighborhood. From porch decorating to local events, October is full of opportunities to celebrate together.

Ready to find your place in a community that truly feels like home? Contact us to learn more about available homes, builder updates, and how you can make your move to Crosswinds this fall.

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Blog Kyle Kyle Texas Outdoor Living TX

Easy Outdoor Games for Fall Fun at Crosswinds

September is a wonderful time to be outside at Crosswinds. With a fresh energy in the air and plenty of sunshine throughout the day, it’s the perfect season for families to head outdoors and enjoy time together. Whether you’re looking for quick after-school fun or a way to bring neighbors together for a casual weekend gathering, these easy outdoor games are a great way to keep kids moving and smiles going strong.

Why Outdoor Play Matters

Unstructured outdoor play encourages creativity, teamwork, and physical activity. It’s more than just fun; it supports healthy development and gives kids a chance to connect with each other face-to-face. In a community like Crosswinds, where neighbors feel like extended family, outdoor games also create natural opportunities for bonding across yards and sidewalks. It’s a simple way to strengthen connections, one laugh or race at a time.

Game Ideas That Require Little Setup

Red Light, Green Light
This classic game of movement and sudden stops is perfect for groups. All you need is a little space and one caller who shouts “green light” to get everyone running—and “red light” to make them freeze.

Sack Races
Grab old pillowcases or burlap sacks and mark a starting line. Kids hop their way toward the finish with plenty of laughs (and maybe a tumble or two) along the way.

Obstacle Course
Use cones, sticks, chalk, or even toys to create a makeshift course. Add a mix of jumping, crawling, or balancing elements to keep things fun and varied.

Freeze Dance
Turn up the music and let the dancing begin! When the music stops, everyone freezes in place. It’s a simple game that works well for younger kids and burns plenty of energy.

Each of these games works with minimal equipment and can be adapted for different age groups or group sizes.

Great Spots for Play Around Crosswinds

There are plenty of ideal spaces throughout Crosswinds to set up a spontaneous game or two. The green space near the clubhouse makes a great spot for group gatherings, while front yards and sidewalks offer just enough room for smaller, family-style games. Want to make it even more fun? Take turns hosting with other families and rotate who picks the game for the day.

Tips for a Smooth and Stress-Free Game Day

When organizing a few games, simplicity is key. Try keeping playtime to around 30 minutes to match kids’ attention spans and schedules. Pack a few water bottles and snacks to help kids recharge in between rounds, and keep an eye out to make sure everyone is playing safely, especially when using shared spaces.

These games are meant to be relaxed, inclusive, and easy to enjoy. No scorekeeping required, just a focus on movement, laughter, and friendly fun!

Building Community Through Outdoor Activities

Consider making these games part of a regular tradition, like “Friday Game Night” on the green or monthly mini tournaments with neighbors. They don’t require much planning, but they go a long way in creating shared moments and building the kind of strong community that makes Crosswinds such a special place to live. Wrap up the fun with cold drinks or popsicles and a few minutes of casual conversation.

Ready to Play?

Sometimes all it takes is a few sidewalk chalk lines or a Bluetooth speaker to turn an ordinary evening into a memorable one. With just a bit of imagination, your backyard or neighborhood park can become the setting for hours of joy and connection.

Looking for a home where spontaneous fun, friendly neighbors, and outdoor play are all part of everyday life? Contact us to learn more about Crosswinds and how you can become part of this welcoming community.

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Blog Kyle Kyle Texas Tips TX

Fall Scent Guide: Best Essential Oils & Candles for September

There’s something special about fall: the shift in pace, the return of routines, and the little moments that make home feel extra comforting. One of the easiest ways to invite the season in is through scent. Whether you’re lounging on the porch, entertaining on the patio, or simply winding down after a busy day, the right fragrance can set the mood and bring a touch of seasonal magic to your space.

This month, we’re sharing our favorite essential oils and candle scents for September, perfect for Crosswinds living, whether you’re diffusing indoors or lighting up your favorite candle outside with neighbors and friends.

Why Fall Scents Matter

Fragrance has the power to transform a space. A whiff of cinnamon can bring on a sense of warmth and nostalgia. A blend of vanilla and amber can help you relax and settle in. Seasonal scents add richness and depth to your everyday routines and can make your home feel more personal, welcoming, and peaceful.

Top Scent Picks for September

  • Pumpkin-Cinnamon Spice
    A timeless favorite that instantly brings a cozy, homey feel. It’s a perfect pick for family hangouts, solo quiet time, or even a casual coffee on the porch.
  • Crisp Apple & Maple
    Sweet, fresh, and a little playful, this scent adds brightness to your space while still feeling grounded and seasonal.
  • Vanilla Amber
    Smooth and slightly sultry, this scent is a go-to for creating a calming, mellow vibe, especially in the evenings or when hosting friends.
  • Evergreen & Pine
    Clean and earthy, evergreen scents bring a sense of balance and freshness to your home. It’s a great counterpoint to the sweeter options and perfect for a nature-inspired space.

Essential Oils vs. Candles

Essential oils are a great option if you love variety and prefer something subtle and steady. Use them in diffusers around your home or patio to enjoy a gentle background aroma. They’re also a simple, flame-free choice if you have little ones or pets nearby.

Candles, on the other hand, bring more than scent; they create ambiance. The flicker of a candle can add instant charm to any corner of your home, and it’s hard to beat the ritual of lighting one as you settle in for the evening. Look for soy or natural wax candles with cotton wicks for a cleaner, longer-lasting burn.

How to Infuse Your Space

Start by placing a diffuser near your favorite hangout spot, like nearby the porch swing, a patio table, or a reading chair. Try mixing your own oil blend, like cinnamon and orange for a cozy kick, or lavender and clove for something soothing and warm.

For candles, group a few together in decorative holders or lanterns and place them where you gather most. It’s easy to create a display that looks as good as it smells.

You can also add seasonal touches like a tray of wax melts, a small bowl of dried spices and herbs, or a DIY simmer pot on the stove when entertaining indoors.

Crosswinds Community Connection

Want to turn your scent obsession into a fun community moment? Host a scent-swap with your neighbors: everyone brings a candle, oil blend, or wax melt to trade and try. It’s a simple way to discover new favorites, and it’s a great excuse to gather and catch up.

You can also share your favorite blends and porch setups in the Crosswinds community group. It’s the perfect spot to swap ideas and get inspired by your fellow residents!

Let Your Porch Smell Like Home

Scent is such a small thing, but it has a big impact. It helps define the feeling of home, adds comfort to your everyday routine, and creates memorable moments for your family and guests. Whether you’re drawn to sweet, spicy, or woodsy fragrances, September is a great time to refresh your space and fully enjoy the season.

Thinking about making Crosswinds your next chapter? Contact us to learn more!

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Blog Family Fun

Kid-Friendly Crafts for Fall Fun!

Whether you’re looking to get crafty with natural materials or simply be inspired by nature, here are some fun ways for kiddos to tap into their creativity this fall. 

 

Painted Pumpkins

 

Carving pumpkins is a lot of fun, but it can also be incredibly messy, and with small children, mom or dad generally end up doing 95% of the pumpkin carving. Painting pumpkins is a great alternative that is pumpkin gut-free and no sharp carving tools required!

 

Painting a goofy or spooky face is always a classic, but the range of pumpkin painting ideas is nearly endless. Older kids may do better with acrylic paint, but for the littles, keep things easy and opt for washable paint. 

 

Leaf Turkeys

 

Making a leaf turkey is a simple craft that children of all ages enjoy and can be done with just a few inexpensive materials. You’ll need some brown and orange construction paper for the turkey’s body and beak, a pair of googly eyes, scissors, and glue. 

 

This is a good project once the leaves start turning colors since you’ll want to head into the yard to grab around a dozen leaves for the turkey’s feathers. 

 

Thanksgiving Cards

 

Nurturing gratitude in kids is important for helping them grow into healthy adults, and everyone loves getting a hand-written card. 

 

It doesn’t have to be something elaborate. Your child could draw a festive picture, the favorite activity of the person they’re giving the card to, or simply write a message expressing gratitude for this person in their life. The important thing is helping kids to recognize and express thanks to friends and family. 

 

Leaf Rubbings

 

Leaf rubbings are a super easy craft… and one more way to make use of all those leaves that have fallen in the yard. 

 

You’ll need: 

  • Crayons
  • White paper
  • Leaves of various shapes and sizes

 

Peel the paper off your crayons and place the paper over your leaves. You can either do each leaf individually or arrange them in a pattern. 

 

Hold the crayon sideways and gently rub it over the paper area on top of the leaf to reveal the leaf’s texture underneath. 

 

Thanksgiving Table Art

 

Most people don’t have the chops or time to go all out Martha Stewart style when it comes to making a Thanksgiving table centerpiece. Getting your kids involved in the decorating is a great way to keep them busy while they’re home from school and, hopefully, free you up to focus on the meal. 

 

Here are a few easy craft ideas for kids that double as table art:

 

  • Have kids paint funny faces and glue paper feathers on gourds and baby pumpkins to create mini turkeys
  • Fill soda bottles with colorful popcorn kernels or dried beans and use them as candle holders
  • Gather up colorful leaves and have kids place them between two sticky pieces of contact paper to make placemats
  • Use some paint, construction paper, and cardboard rings to make festive napkin rings for the big meal. 

 

These craft ideas will not only keep your crew busy and having fun but give your home a festive touch of fall. 

To learn more about the Crosswinds master-planned community and available inventory of homes, contact our team today.

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Blog Homeowner Tips

Autumn Essentials: Leaf Maintenance Tips

As the leaves begin to fall from the trees, it’s important for homeowners to spend some time cleaning up for a healthy yard come spring. 

 

Here are a few autumn essentials when it comes to keeping your yard looking good. 

 

The Right Tools for the Job

 

Whether it’s spring clean-up, summer maintenance, or fall prep, having the right yard tools for the job makes all the difference. When it comes to fall yard work, there’s one tool that is an absolute must – a rake. In regards to rakes, the old adage “bigger is better” applies. A rake with a larger spread will allow you to grab more leaves with each stroke. Chances are that your local hardware store will have a variety to choose from. 

 

Another popular fall yard tool is the leaf blower. Leaf blowers tend to come in both electrical, battery-operated, and gas-powered varieties. Because they can be loud and kick up a lot of dust, it’s a good idea to wear both ear protection and a dust respirator to guard your ears and lungs. 

 

Rake Like a Pro

 

If you have a lot of trees on your property then you’re going to want to use some strategy with your leaf raking. Rather than filling up 20 or 30 giant garbage bags with leaves, consider using a Bagster or a large tarp. This will allow you to easily drag the leaves to the curb or your compost pile for fresh garden compost in the spring. Work smarter, not harder, as the saying goes. 

 

The Final Mow

 

Before you retire your mower to the shed for the winter, be sure to give your lawn one final mow. You’ll want to wait until nearly all of the leaves have fallen off the trees, you’re finished raking, and your grass goes dormant. This typically happens around late November or early December. 

 

Set your mower height a bit lower than you normally would in the summer – around 2.5–3 inches. This height won’t weaken the root system and will help the nutrients from leaf decomposition better get into the soil. 

 

Don’t Neglect the Roof

 

It’s not just the lawn that needs some leaf maintenance in the fall; your gutters and roof will probably need some attention, too. Leaves that remain on a roof can trap water and contribute to ice that leads to roof deterioration. It’s a good idea to blow the leaves off the roof (or hire somebody if you don’t like heights) once they’ve fallen from the trees. 

 

The same goes for gutters, too. They should be cleaned out of leaves and twigs to allow the water to flow out of the gutters without blockage during winter months. 

 

Prune and Trim

 

Last but not least, you may want to prune any out-of-control or dead tree branches once the leaves have fallen off. Especially if they hang over your house. Fallen tree branches due to strong storm winds can do serious damage to a roof, and the best defense against costly roof repairs is a good offense. 

A good-looking yard can make a beautiful home look that much better. If you’re in the market for a new home, reach out to us to learn more about the master-planned Crosswinds community.

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun

Fall Favorites and Family Fun

One of the best things about fall is the festivals. There is no shortage of fall festivals to be enjoyed in the Texas Hill Country, and one of them can be found right down the road from Kyle at Sweet Eats Fruit Farm in nearby Georgetown, Texas. 

 

Here’s the scoop on everything you need to know about the 2024 Central Texas Fall Festival. 

 

Where and When

 

Sweet Eats Fruit Farm is a popular attraction in Georgetown, about an hour’s drive from Kyle. The farm is more than simply a place to pick and buy fresh fruit, though; it’s also a petting zoo and adventure destination, making it a great weekend destination for families. 

 

Located at 14400 E State Hwy 29, the festival runs from September 21st – November 8th. You’ll need to plan your trip accordingly, though, because the festival and select events only happen on certain days and times. 

 

Sept | Everyday | 9am – 6pm

October | Sun – Thursday | 9am-8pm

October | Fri & Sat |  9am-10pm

 

Early bird tickets start at $12.49 for guests ages 2+, and regular sale tickets are $24.95.

 

What to Expect

 

The Central Texas Fall Festival is sure to be a hit with kids, but it’s also a great option for a date, as there’s plenty to do and see. 

 

The festival includes daily activities like a petting zoo, pony rides, wagon rides, apple cannons, and dozens more farm-related activities. There are even pig races and a fireworks show on Friday and Saturday nights in October. 

 

A major highlight and one not to be missed is the corn maze and adjacent pumpkin patch. The corn maze covers 4.5 acres and is perfect for exploring or an impromptu game of hide-and-seek. This year’s maze was designed with a prehistoric dinosaur theme, and it’s one of the largest corn mazes in the state. 

 

The pumpkin patch is also a popular spot for photo opportunities and includes over 40 varieties of pumpkins in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Kiddos will love searching for that perfect pumpkin that they can take home and carve or paint for free at the farm. 

 

More Fun

 

From falconry shows with soaring and swooping birds of prey to Zoofari, where guests can learn all about animals such as lemurs, toucans, and kangaroos, there’s no shortage of cool things to check out. 

 

Two especially popular activities guests won’t want to skip are the apple cannons and candy cannons. The apple cannon is an air-powered cannon that lets guests take aim at targets and blast apples out of a barrel at more than 50 mph. The candy cannon, on the other hand, is a massive cannon on the back of a truck that shoots out 80 pounds of candy at a time into the air. Needless to say, it’s a highlight with the kids. 

With so much to do in the Central Texas area, it’s no wonder why so many people are moving to Kyle. If you’d like to know more about all this area has to offer and find a home that fits your family’s needs, reach out to us to learn more about the Crosswinds community.

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Area Attractions Blog Kyle Texas

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice: Kyle’s Top Coffee Shops

Iced coffee is something of an essential for caffeine addicts here in Central Texas where summer temperatures can easily soar well into the 90s. But let’s face it, fall is the best season when it comes to coffee. 

 

With a return to cooler outdoor temps, so to do coffee shops return to seasonal autumn flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. From chains to local spots, these coffee shops are sure to put you in the fall spirit. 

 

Black Rock Coffee Bar

 

Black Rock Coffee Bar is mostly found west of the Mississippi River, and it’s a shame because everyone on the East Coast is missing out on some fantastic drinks. 

 

The coffee chain recently rolled out its fall menu, and by far, the standout is the Pumpkin Mexican Mocha. It combines everything great about pumpkin spice, but with a blend of chocolate and a little spice, it’s anything but basic.  

 

Dutch Bros

 

Dutch Bros’ current seasonal menu has a few drinks that seem more like summer leftovers than fall favs (looking at you, Electric Berry Dirty Rebel and Double Rainbow Dirty Rebel). There are three drinks, however, that definitely take aim at autumn – the Caramel Apple Rebel, Cookie Butter Latte, and Caramel Pumpkin Brulee Breve. 

 

If you’re craving some serious sweetness with your pumpkin spice, then go for the Caramel Pumpkin Brulee Breve, which is available hot or cold and comes topped with a salted caramel drizzle and raw sugar sprinkles. 

 

Summer Moon

 

Summer Moon Coffee Shop is a national chain that uses a wood-fired roasting process for its beans, giving each cup a warm finish that is especially welcomed on a cool October morning. 

 

The chain’s signature fall drink is the Autumn Moon Latte. This pumpkin spice latte is perfect for those coffee drinkers who enjoy a milder coffee drink that isn’t overbearing with sweetness yet doesn’t sacrifice the pumpkin flavor. 

 

Kyle’s Daily Grind

 

If you’re all about supporting your local coffee shop (and you should be), then be sure to hit up Kyle’s Daily Grind. Located at 607 West Center Street, the coffee shop offers protein shakes, smoothies, muffins, kolaches, cinnamon rolls, and, of course, delicious coffee. 

 

The cafe welcomed its fall lineup at the end of August with a Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Pie Mocha, Pumpkin Spice Frappe, S’mores Latte, and Gingerbread Chai. If you’re having a hard time choosing which one to get, don’t worry; there’s still plenty of fall left to try all of them!

 

Starbucks

 

We’d be remiss if we didn’t throw out a mention to the chain that can arguably take credit for the pumpkin spice latte craze. There are four Starbucks locations in the Kyle area, so you’re never going to be far from grabbing a classic PSL. 

 

Now, if you’re feeling adventurous, Starbucks also has on deck a Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew and the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai. Yum. 

There’s a lot to love about Kyle in the fall, and a warm pumpkin spice coffee is the perfect way to start the day. If you’d like to learn more about Kyle and finding your dream home in the master-planned Crosswinds community, reach out to us today.