The Birds of Lake Travis

Whether out on Lake Travis for a drink at Carlos and Charlie’s, spending a day on a boat, or visiting one of the fantastic Austin luxury homes scattered along the shoreline, visitors are likely to run across a wide variety of winged friends, enjoying their afternoon in happy coexistence. Being on the water of the Highland Lakes allows for great nature observations, especially bird watching. Out of the 900 bird …

Summer Camping Near Lake Travis

Lake Travis isn’t an ordinary lake. Its smooth, stone bottom gives it an emerald sheen and keeps its temperature refreshingly cool even in the height of summer. This characteristic is also responsible for its clarity, making the areas surrounding the lake popular for scuba diving and fishing (which other lakes are far too muddled for). This summer, those seeking respite from the city needn’t drive far—myriad campgrounds are clustered around …

Luxury Cruises on Lake Travis – Exclusively Yours with a Houseboat

Imagine all the amenities of a charter cruise: days of scuba diving and nights of wine-paired dinners overlooking a sunset, crystal stemware and marble bars. Now, imagine this experience for just your family or a few close friends. Lake Travis’  river-rock bottom means clear waters, quiet coves, and dozens of waterfront restaurants with dock access—an environment that seems custom-made for luxurious vacations on yacht-style houseboats. When event planning begins with …

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 …

Lake Travis: History and Legacy

According to the Texas State Historical Association (TSHA), the lower Texas Colorado River Basin holds a long history of devastation by floodwaters. In the two decades between 1930 and 1950, six dams were authorized by the United States Department of the Interior to help handle the flooding. Lake Travis was formed by the construction of Mansfield Dam in 1936 and contracted by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA).

The Hollows Makes Every Day a Vacation

The Hollows, a picturesque community located in Lago Vista, just thirty minutes from Northwest Austin on the north shore of Lake Travis, doubles as a peaceful retreat for home owners seeking a lake view house in the hill country and as a vacation spot for city dwellers who want an escape from the stresses of work and traffic. The 1,400 acre development encompasses over 18 miles of scenic hiking trails, …