Austin Lyric Opera Concludes its 25th Anniversary Season with Turandot

Since 1987, when its sold-out production The Magic Flute by Mozart debuted to stellar reviews, the Austin Lyric Opera (ALO) has been a cultural touchstone for the fine arts community of Central Texas, from Lake Travis to Legend Oaks. “We’re closing our celebratory 25th anniversary season with Puccini’s final opera Turandot,” says Marketing Director Marc van Bree. “This lush, new production—which opened a brand new performing arts center in Kansas City …

Austin Buzz: SoZo’s CoffeeBerry Products Out-Perform the Coffee Bean

A new beverage line derived from the coffee plant and distributed by Austin-based company SoZo, claims to be better for your body than coffee, is virtually caffeine-free, and is going global. What gives? Central Austin‘s Will Steakley, Chairman of SoZo’s Advisory Board, tells the story. “If you’re like most people, you didn’t know coffee plants bear fruit. Coffee beans are actually seeds held within tiny red fruits. Natives of Mexico …

A Hill Country Paradise: Wimberley’s Old Glory Ranch

Looking for the perfect Hill Country location for a wedding or special event? Consider Old Glory Ranch in picturesque Wimberley, Texas. It’s just 50 miles from Lake Travis and 40 miles from Downtown Austin. “The facilities are gorgeous, and the staff was professional, knowledgeable, and invisible,” praises one Father of Bride, Richard Bergfeld. Old Glory Ranch had the honor of being voted by local brides as “The Knot Best of …

The Gift for Kids that Keeps on Giving: the Moonjar

Heading to Target for yet another kid’s birthday gift? Stop! Whether you’re a teacher at Eanes ISD or a soccer mom in Milwood, we’ve found the only gift for kids that actually keeps on giving—literally. Ten years ago, Eulalie Scandiuzzi wanted a visual tool to teach the money smarts she learned from her single mother to her own children. When she couldn’t find one, her company Moonjar was founded—all from …

Planting Trees in Austin

Whether you own property in Rob Roy or Olympic Heights, you probably lost a tree or two last year. In December, the Forest Service said that the drought, prolonged high winds and record-setting temperatures of 2011 may have killed some 10% , or half a billion, Texas trees! Good news?  With this mild Texas winter and the return of much-needed rain, now is a good time for replanting.  So what …

Stumped for Stocking Stuffers? Consider Austin Steam Train Gift Certificates

If you were hoping to take your family on the famous Austin steam train this weekend, you’re out of luck—tickets for the North Pole Flyer are long sold out. Good news? Tickets for 2012 go on sale January 3rd, and gift certificates never sell out! Holly Doggett directs the Austin Steam Train Association, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization located near Avery Ranch. “Gift certificates for train rides do make …