Local ATX Living!

Blue on the Green Postponed Today Wednesday June 9th

The summer concert series "Blues on the Green" - hosted by local radio station 93.3 KGSR - was suppose to kick off this evening at Zilker Park.  However, due to the rain, it has been postponed to next Wednesday June 16.  The Texas Tornados will start playing at 7:30 pm.

If you have never attended Blues on the Green, it is one of the best summer events in Austin.  This is the 20th year of the event.  Last summer it was moved to Waterloo Park while the new irrigation system was installed in Zilker Park.  It has now returned to its proper home in Zilker.  The musicians play a free concert, and acts have included Carolyn Wonderland, Jimmie Vaughin, Gary Clark Jr., and many more.  It is not uncommon to see thousands of Austinites flock to Zilker for this event.  It's a great way to spend a week night with friends and family.  You can even bring your pets!

Blues on the Green is held every other Wednesday night.  While tonight's performance is moved to next week, the regular schedule will continue.  For more information, visit KGSR's event website!  I hope to see you out there this summer.

Formula 1 Racing Heading to Austin, TX

A friend of mine emailed me an interesting article this morning.  It appears that Austin, TX will be the new home for Formula 1's United States Grand Prix.  It is the first time in nearly thirty years that the event will be held in the U.S. at a "purpose-built" track.  The race will be hosted starting in 2011 to 2021.  While the event has been held in many cities across the U.S. over the years, the construction of a new raceway shows huge steps for the racing entity and the city of Austin.

Executives from Formula 1 chose Austin and the state of Texas for a variety of reasons.  The cited Texas as having one of the strongest economies in the world.  It is home to more Fortune 500 companies than any other state.  It hosts 4 of the top 15 largest cities in the U.S. (Austin is #15).  The city itself has maintained a stable economy of the last few years.  Formula 1 also likes the location for access of international fans to visit the raceway.

I myself am not the biggest Formula 1 fan, but I certainly plan to check it out next year.  It is an opportunity for attract more visitors to Central Texas, and the construction and operation will create more jobs.  The article did not specify the location of the raceway.  However, with the first race starting next year, I imagine that construction will begin soon (if not already).

Find more information about Formula 1 in Austin, and the many great statistics about the city and the state of Texas!

Photo Credit #1

Photo Credit #2

Barton Hills Neighborhood - Eclectic Central Austin Community - Austin, TX 78704

As a follow up to last week's post a great south central Austin community, I wanted to describe a very popular 78704 neighborhood - Barton Hills.  It is a unique community found in Central Austin west of South Lamar Boulevard between Barton Springs Road to Ben White (Hwy 71/290).  The first thing that comes to mind when discussing Barton Hills is the lush green landscapes.  Drive any of the rolling hilled streets and you'll notice the large, mature streets through the neighborhood.  Owners take a lot of pride in the curb appeal of their homes.  You'll be surprised as you drive up a hill to be met with a clearing in the trees and see a breath-taking view of downtown Austin. 

The access to green spaces, parks and trails is nearly limitless.  Barton Hills is wedged between the Barton Creek Greenbelt and Zilker Park.  There are loads of trails that lead to these local hot spots.  During the spring and summer, Austinites flock to these locations to get a taste of the great outdoors.  Perhaps the best spot to spend a hot summer afternoon is Barton Springs Pool, literally right down the street in Zilker Park.  For those who want to enjoy a jog around Lady Bird Lake, they can access one of the many nearby entrances in the neighborhood.  The trail encircles the lake and provides over 10 miles of trails, and it filled with people year round.  Green thumbs enjoy afternoons at Umlauf Sculpture Gardens and the Zilker Botanical Garden.

The second great features of Barton Hills are diverse home styles throughout the community.  This is where the eclectic nature of the area really comes out.  Most of the traditional homes are small bungalows, colonials, and ranch-style.  However, much of the Austin funky taste are seen in newer, more modern and contemporary styles.  Some residents have remodeled or torn down older structures to create a more updated feel.  It's not uncommon to see a hip bungalow next door to a small modern condominium.  Accompanied with the rich landscape, it really makes this neighborhood one of a kind.

The prices on homes for sale certainly reflect the popularity and great location of Barton Hills.  Most start out in the low $300's and rise well into the half a million to over a million range.  Most homes tie in with great schools like Barton Hills and Zilker Elementary, Fullmore and O. Henry Middle, and Austin High School.  The location cannot be underestimated.  Few neighborhoods in Austin offer the great access to parks and recreation while being minutes for the downtown area.    If you like to learn more about Barton Hills, and homes for sale in the neighborhood, I would be happy to discuss it with you.  I encourage anyone looking for an area loaded with amenities and unique qualities to consider this area.  Drive through one sunny afternoon and you'll understand what I mean.

Spring Forward - Day Light Savings Reminder!

I just wanted to send a quick reminder to everyone to set your clocks an hour forward this evening.  I personally love Day Light Savings.  My overall outlook on life soars to an even higher level!  Nothing better than long sunny days to welcome the coming of Spring.  It's also great for us Realtors because we now hav more time to show great homes to our great clients.  Have a great day!

Will's Weekly's: Live Music from the Capitol City - Feb. 15-21

I hope everyone had a great weekend and happy Valentine's Day.  For all you Mardi Gras fans, you better get our for Fat Tuesday.  There is sure to be plenty going on around Austin.  Here are this week's picks:

Monday:  MiLkDrive @ Elephant Room

Tuesday:  Mudphonic & The Greyhounds @ Continental Club - 10 pm

Wednesday:  Dale Watson @ The Broken Spoke

Thursday:  Uncle Lucius, Dertybird, & Deadman @ Antone's (Southern rock extravaganza!) 

Friday:  Gov't Mule @ Stubb's (first outdoor show of the year - hooray!)

Saturday:  Kenny Wayne Shepherd @ Antone's (Amazing blues guitar player - well worth seeing!)

Sunday:  Mike Flanigan Trio @ Continental Club (no cover)

Les Se Bon Ton Roule! 

Photo credit:  http://www.supertalk1340.com/Portals/2/Stories/MardiGrasJester.jpg

Capital MetroRail Set to open March 2010 - Austin, TX

I wrote a blog post yesterday about a great condo we just listed for sale in North Austin.  It is right down the street from the new Howard Station for the Capital MetroRail.  It being one of the many great features of the area, I did some research about the rail system and when it will begin runnning.  It's been a target for harsh criticism over the last year or so.  The Capital MetroRail initially set to launch in the spring of 2009.  However, there were design flaws - the biggest had to do with warning gates for areas called "quiet zone".  As you can probably guess, these are areas near residential neighborhoods. 

According to the Capital MetroRail website, operations are set to begin next month (March 2010).  It will provide transportation from Leander thru north and east Austin into downtown.  The final station is located off 4th Street near the Austin Convention Center.  Each train can carry up to 200 passengers, and the travel time from end to end is just under an hour.  It'll be interesting to see what impact it has on commuter traffic and how well received it will be.  My best guess is that many people along the railway will want to use it. 

Initially, the Capital MetroRail will only run during the morning and afternoons.  Since it uses the same rail lines as freight trains, they cannot operate midday or evenings/weekends.  I would like to see city officials (and whoever controls railroad shipping) to work out an agreement to have more frequent shuttles and on the weekends.  There will be a high demand for citizens who want to use the trains on the weekends day and night.  Hopefully they will look to expand into south and west Austin over time.  But I guess I shouldn't get ahead of myself.  Many Austinites are for efficiency, and love the idea of implementing a widespread rail system.   I guess Stage 1 will need to get up running smoothly before a legitimate request for expansion spearheaded.

Photo credit:  http://allsystemsgo.capmetro.org/capital-metrorail-vehicles.shtml

Will's Weekly's:  An Assortment of Entertainment in the Austin Area - Feb. 1-7

This week is great for live music.  These first days of February are sure to be eventful.  I'm pretty tired of the winter weather.  If you're like me, you are ready for cool breezes and shorts.  Basically, being outside with a minimal amount of clothing.  Here are my pick's for this week.  I am having a hard time myself deciding which I will attend... ha, maybe I will go to all of them (probably not)!!!

Monday:  Trout Fishing in America @ Cactus Cafe

Tuesday:  Marcia Ball @ The Paramount Theater

Wednesday:  David Carroll @ Donn's Depot

Thursday:  Justin Townes Earle @ Stubb's - the son of legend Steve Earle.  JTE has his own style and is sure to entertain.  Definitely worth checking out!

Friday:  BoomBox @ Ace's Lounge - great guitar/DJ combo.  I have not seen them before, so this is definitely on my list!

Saturday:  This is a hard one - there are two that are worthy of mention:  1) Keller Williams @ Antone's and 2) The Dirty Dozen Brass Band @ Stubb's - a New Orleans institution; it is a toss up and you can't go wrong with either (I'm leaning toward Dirty Dozen as it will prep me for the Saints game on Sunday!)

 Sunday:  It's the Super Bowl, which is a legitimate excuse to forgo music (unless you find a place that offers both!).  Go Saints!  Who dat!!!

As always, be sure to have fun responsibly!  Now go soak it up!

Will’s Weekly’s: An Assortment of Entertainment in Austin This Week – Jan. 19-24

I have a perfectly good reason for posting this a day late.  The (then) #1 Texas Longhorns took on conference rival #9 Kansas State Wildcats.  It was a close game and I was too nervous to concentrate on this week's post.  The Longhorns rallied in the second half, but fell short.  I congradulate the Wildcats for a great win - we'll see you in the Big 12 tournament!  Here are this week's selections:

Monday:  see above :(

Tuesday:  The Barfield Tyrant @ Continental Club (10:30 pm - $5)

Wednesday:  Blues Mafia @ Antone's

Thursday:  Nelo with Chris Hawkes @ Antone's (9 pm - $10)

Friday:  Perpetual Groove @ Stubb's BBQ (this is a real treat! - indoors - $12)

Saturday:  The Scabs @ Antone's (Show at 10 - $18-22)

Sunday:  Em Cravens Band @ One 2 One ($5 - Show at 8 pm)

Have fun out there and as always, be safe.  Make it a great week!

Will’s Weekly’s: An Assortment of Entertainment in Austin This Week – Jan. 11-17

This looks to be an awesome week for live music.  The funk is coming to Austin in a big, big way.  I hope many of you were able to take advantage of "Free Week".  The cold front has been keeping many folks at home(for good reason).  What's great is all these venues are indoors.  Great tunes will also help keep you warm on these chilly winter nights.  I'm not a fan of the cold weather, but I know I'll miss it a bit in about 6 months.  Without further adue...

Monday:  Bob Schneider @ Saxon Pub - 8:30 pm ($10 cover)

Tuesday:  Willie "Big Eye" Smith and Pinetop Perkins @ Antone's - 9 pm (Pinetop is 97 years old and still brings it... truly amazing showman!)

Wednesday:  Funk Dirty @ Red Eyed Fly (12 pm)

Thursday:  Rebirth Brass Band @ Ace's Lounge (a New Orleans institution through and through)

Friday:  Papa Mali @ Lambert's (upstairs at 9:30 pm, $10 - well worth it; fantastic guitar player)

Saturday:  Papa Grows Funk @ Momo's (doors at 8 pm, $12 adv/$15 door - an New Orleans gem)

Sunday:  Mike Flanigin Trio @ Continental Club (10 pm, no cover)

Go have fun out there and stay warm!

Photo Credit:  http://www.mossstreetgallery.com/Algiers%20Brass%20Band1.jpg

Will’s Weekly’s: An Assortment of Entertainment in Austin This Week – Jan. 4-10

Happy New Year everybody!  I am really pumped for 2010!  I can already tell that is going to be an amazing year!  I'm not a psychic but I just have that feeling in my gut.  While we all settle in after the holidays and make our list of resolutions, it's never to early to feed your guilty pleasure for live music!  Forget about all those things you "forgot" to do in 2009.  You have to keep moving forward!  Here are this week's selections:

Monday:  Dale Watson @ Continental Club - 10 pm (if you missed his Christmas show, go see him tonight!)

Tueday:  DEADMAN @ Saxon Pub - 10 pm ($5 cover - great deal)

Wednesday:  James McMurtry @ Continental Club - Midnight (it's a later show but always worth missing some extra sleep)

Thursday:  You can't go see live music tonight as the Texas LONGHORNS will be WINNING the BCS National Championship - HOOK 'EM!!! 

Friday:  Jesse Woods @ Stubb's Indoor - 9 pm (FREE show - Jesse is great, come check it out!)

Saturday: Topaz & Mudphonic and Soulhat @ Antone's - 9 pm (CD release party for Soulhat)

Sunday:   Lincoln Durham and Resentments @ Saxon Pub - LD @ 6 pm; Resentments @ 7:30 pm

Make it a great first week of the year!