Tag: Shop Local

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Area Attractions Blog Kyle Texas

Bite into Bliss: Best Burgers in Kyle, Texas

When it comes to a good bite, it’s hard to beat a solid burger. If you’re in the mood for a burger that won’t disappoint, check out these local burger joints. 

 

Big Rob’s (15 min drive) – Some folks like sliders, while others want a burger that challenges the limits of the human jaw. If you’re in the latter camp, then this is the burger joint to visit. Big Rob’s does not skimp on the “big” part of the name and serves up burgers that customers often need a knife and fork to tackle. 

 

The restaurant offers a range of burgers with names like El Jefe (a triple cheeseburger) and Rise N Shine (a half-pounder topped with a fried egg and bacon), along with patty melts, chicken sandwiches, and of course, baskets of tots and fries. 

 

Sharks Burger (6 min drive) – We can’t confirm if Sharks Burger is in a battle with Big Rob’s for the biggest burgers in Kyle, but it wouldn’t surprise us. With burgers like the Great White (two patties and white cheddar cheese) and the Beyond Burger (Beyond Meat patty, cheese, lettuce, tomato, on a brioche bun), this is a restaurant ready to take a bite out of any appetite. 

 

While the burger joint is housed in the Valero gas station, don’t be put off by the location. Sharks Burger uses only high-quality ingredients, and based on customer reviews, it’s quickly becoming a local favorite. 

 

Willies Grill & Ice House (7 min drive) This local spot is the perfect place to grab a few drinks with friends after work or swing by for some good grub on game day. It also has a menu that offers something for everyone with customer favorites like chicken fried steak, nachos, strawberry pecan salad – even gumbo. 

 

Of course, we’d be remiss, not to mention the burgers. Willies has six different burgers on the menu, each weighing in at a hefty half-pound. Whether you opt for a turkey patty or beef, cheddar or Monterey jack cheese, bacon, or mushrooms, be sure to also order up the perfect sidekick – hand-breaded onion rings or fried pickles. 

 

Mighty Fine Burgers (7 min drive) – Mighty Fine Burgers puts its money where its mouth is, using 100% fresh, all-natural Angus beef that is ground on-site and hand-formed right in front of the customer. The result is a burger that is everything a classic American burger should be – simple and delicious. 

 

Mighty Fine Burgers come in two sizes, half and quarter pounds, and are served with lettuce, diced onion, tomatoes, and pickles. If you’re not in a burger mood (or are just super hungry), the menu also offers hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and a fried avocado BLT! Finish the meal off with a hand-dipped milkshake and thank us later. 

 

Flamin Burger (15 min drive) – This local burger joint keeps things simple, but that’s a good thing. Customers have three burger sizes to choose from: Inferno (single patty), Blazin (double patty), and Scorchin (triple patty). Customers say the burgers are “charred to perfection,” and an order of the zesty firecracker fries dipped in the Magic Sauce is the perfect way to round out the meal. 

 

In a day and age where eating out is getting more and more expensive, kudos are due to Flamin Burger for keeping the single patty Inferno incredibly affordable at just $5. With such a cheap burger, don’t be surprised if you still have money left in your wallet to splurge on one of the shakes for dessert. 

One of the best things about the Crosswinds community is its convenient access to so many great restaurants. If you’re looking for a new home, reach out to our team today.

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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.

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Area Attractions Blog Kyle Texas

Craft Breweries Near Kyle, Texas

The Texas Hill Country is the epicenter of craft brewing in Texas. In total, Craft Beer Austin counts 132 craft breweries in the area. Needless to say, a beer lover has no shortage of options when it comes to finding a local pint of beer. 

 

Kyle residents are fortunate enough to have several craft breweries just a stone’s throw away. 

 

Loan Man Mountain Brewing Company

 

Just 20 minutes from Kyle, beer fans will find Loan Man Mountain Brewing Company in nearby Driftwood. The brewery specializes in Belgian brewing traditions and is located on the property of Wimberley Valley Winery.

 

Thirsty patrons can swing by the tap room and pull up a seat at the bar Monday through Sunday from 10 to 6 PM. During warm weather, it’s also especially enjoyable to sit on the patio under the shade of the large oak trees. 

 

The brewery offers a number of pilsners, ales, and porters on tap to sip on while enjoying one of the live music events or a bite from the food truck. 

 

Vista Brewing

 

Also located in Driftwood, Vista Brewing is a self-described “destination brewery.” What does that mean exactly? More than simply a brewery crafting delicious beer, Vista aims to cultivate an environment of hospitality that spans 24 acres and includes an event space, a treehouse play area for the kiddos, and a restaurant. There are even plans to put in place a few cottages for lodging. 

 

As for the beer, the brewery prides itself on using water from the limestone-filtered well on site to create pale ales, dark pilsners, and French-style saisons, all with a crisp, authentically Texas taste. 

 

In addition to live music, Vista also has special events like pasta-making and painting classes.

 

Roughhouse Brewing

 

Kyle residents who head down the road 15 minutes to San Marcos will find Roughhouse Brewing housed in the towering barn. Inside what they’ll discover are some of the tastiest beers being made in Texas today. Since 2019, co-founders Alex and Davy Pasternak have been making a name for their brewery and racking up accolades like the Texas Craft Brewers Cup Gold Medal Winner, Best New Brewery, and a Brewery of the Year nomination. 

 

Roughhouse specializes in ales, lagers, and cave-aged beers (yes, beer made in an actual cave) using yeast harvested from the nearby Pasternak Ranch. The brewery is open Thursday through Saturday from 11 to 9 PM and Sunday from 11 to 7 PM.  

 

And because food always goes well with beer, the brewery, of course, offers a menu with chips and queso, nachos, and several sandwiches. 

 

Middleton Brewing

 

Middleton Brewing, located in San Marcos, is a brewery that never gives off a vibe of taking itself too seriously. That’s not to say it doesn’t craft delicious beer – it certainly does – but it places equal importance on “building community, one beer at a time.” 

 

Open Monday through Sunday, guests are treated to IPAs, kolschs, amber ales, porters, and special monthly releases. There are also plenty of picnic tables to chill at and enjoy a smash burger or play a game of giant Jenga. 

 

Like any good brewery, Middleton Brewing also keeps a stacked calendar with trivia, live music, and open mics where anyone can take the stage. 

This is only a small sampling of the breweries located less than a half-hour’s drive from Kyle. To learn more about Kyle and finding a home in the Crosswinds community, reach out to us today.

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Tips

Recipe Revolution: Spice up Your Dinner Routine

Every home cook has tried-and-true recipes; however, after years of preparing these dishes, it can be easy to get burned out and find yourself in a recipe rut. Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to expand one’s prowess in the kitchen, and finding a recipe for nearly any dish is often just a click away. 

 

If your dinner routine needs some spicing up, consider incorporating these tips into meal planning. 

 

Try a Cooking Class

 

Cooking classes are one of the best ways to learn new skills in the kitchen. Not only do you get hands-on experience from a trained instructor, but a class offers the opportunity to ask questions versus simply trying to follow along with Martha Stewart on television. 

 

Online cooking classes via sites like MasterClass offer instruction from world-renowned chefs, but nothing beats an in-person class. Austin area classes from Kitchen Underground and Central Market offer instruction to a range of skill levels with a focus on everything from vegan cooking to desserts and barbecues. 

 

Head to the Library

 

Cookbooks offer recipes and tips for nearly every type of diet and cuisine imaginable. Buying all those cookbooks can also be incredibly expensive – and then there’s the risk of only liking one or two recipes. 

 

An easy way to offset this cost is to head to the Kyle Public Library. You’ll be able to let your inner foodie run wild, picking and choosing different cookbooks to try without having to pay bookstore prices. 

 

Cook Up a Culinary Tour Around the World

 

If you’re bored in the kitchen and looking to expand your culinary palate, why not incorporate more recipes from different cultures into your meal planning? 

 

Start with maybe one or two new meals a week from each continent and work in different countries as you discover new cuisines you like. Not only is it a guaranteed way to keep mealtime interesting, but you’ll likely discover ingredients you would have never used otherwise. 

 

Experiment With a New Ingredient

 

Speaking of new ingredients, adding a new ingredient to your repertoire can open up a world of new flavors. Most chefs would advise, though, that you start small when trying a new ingredient, as too much of a strong herb or spice can easily overpower a dish. 

 

Another technique worth exploring is finding unconventional ways of using everyday ingredients – like mayo – that you may not have otherwise considered. 

 

Farmers Market Finds

 

Nothing amps up the flavor in a new recipe quite like using fresh ingredients, and one of the best places to grab fresh ingredients is the farmers market. 

 

For fresh local food items, check out Kyle Market Days running the second Saturday of each month from spring through early fall at Mary Kyle Hartson Park from 8 AM until 1 PM. BudaFul Farmers Market up the road in Buda is also a great place to buy locally grown produce and happens every Sunday from 10 to 2. 

Of course, making a new recipe in a kitchen that you enjoy cooking in makes all the difference. Crosswinds residents love preparing meals in the modern and stylish kitchens of the homes in this master-planned community. To learn more about available homes, contact us today.

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle

Rise and Dine: Exploring Kyle’s Top Breakfast Destinations

A bowl of cold cereal may be fine on a weekday before rushing off to work, but on days with time to spare, breakfast deserves a bit more attention. After all, it is the most important meal of the day. 

 

When it comes to breakfast options, Kyle has something for every appetite, from sweet to savory and everything in between. 

 

Try Something New

 

Snooze: Located at 5140 S FM 1626, Snooze is a relatively new concept on the classic diner, that is quickly building a loyal following of breakfast fans. Playing off the motto “breakfast but different,” patrons can enjoy everything from sweet dishes like bread pudding French toast to more adventurous fare like the garlic avocado miso rice bowl. 

 

Tacos Al Patron – If you’re on the go, then swing by the Tacos Al Patron food truck at 1701 Bebee Road. Hungry morning customers regularly line up to enjoy items like breakfast tacos, empanadas, and gorditas – all cooked fresh with toppings like cheese, sour cream, and hot sauce. 

 

Something Light 

 

Tropical Smoothie Cafe: Many people don’t want a heavy meal first thing in the morning. If you’re craving something lighter that is delicious and nutritious, then Tropical Smoothie Cafe is calling your name. The national chain offers a near-endless variety of smoothie combinations, as well as breakfast flatbreads and berry bowls. 

 

Summer Moon: If a strong cup of coffee is all you need to start the day, then this coffee shop located at 4217 Benner Road is a must-visit. The Texas-based coffee chain is known for using wood as part of its bean roasting process, and the result is a lineup of light, medium, and dark coffees that pack a mean caffeinated punch. 

 

Pastries and Donuts

 

New World Bakery: For almost 30 years, this local bakery has been providing Kyle residents with a selection of freshly baked artisan breads. Located at 310 Edwards Drive, New World Bakery serves up a range of delicious breakfast goodies like bagels, danishes, croissants, and English muffins. 

 

Shipley Donuts: The donut game is fierce, but Texas-based Shipley Donuts regularly takes top honors, beating out other national chains. If it’s been a while since you sank your teeth into a perfectly soft Shipley donut, then swing by the 4520 Farm to Market location for a classic glazed, chocolate, strawberry, vanilla iced, or one of the many other flavors of donuts. 

 

The Classics

 

Denny’s  – For over 60 years, Denny’s has been America’s diner. If you happen to like your breakfast during the early AM hours, then be sure to stop by the Kyle location at 19020 IH35. The diner serves up the classic Grand Slam breakfast platter, among other dishes, 24/7. 

 

IHOP: When it comes to a stack of flapjacks, you really can’t go wrong with the International House of Pancakes. The Kyle location offers longstanding IHOP favorites like French toast and buttermilk pancakes 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Not feeling pancakes? Not to worry, IHOP has a full burger/sandwich menu as well. 

From breakfast to lunch and dinner, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from in Kyle’s ever-expanding restaurant scene. If you’d like to learn more about Kyle and find a home in the master-planned Crosswinds community, reach out to our team today.

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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.

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