Travel

Coastal Cheer at Cinnamon Shore

Celebrate Christmas seaside at Port Aransas’ festive village Article by Julie Royce | Photography by Courtesy of Cinnamon Shore If you’re in Austin and dreaming of a warm-weather holiday escape, Cinnamon Shore in Port Aransas offers the perfect seaside celebration. Just a few hours’ drive from the city, this charming coastal community transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with twinkling lights, coastal décor, and cheerful events for the whole family. The highlight of the season is...

Home + Design

Timeless Elegance in Holiday Home Design

Austin designer Janna Paulson blends classic architecture with modern sophistication for a festive retreat Article by Janna Paulson | Photography by Zion Bliss Holiday decorating is more than a seasonal ritual — it’s an art form that balances proportion, color, and emotion. In this Barton Creek residence overlooking the Fazio Foothills, every garland, candle, and flourish feels intentional. The result is a symphony of texture and light that shows how refined design can transform a space from...

Arts + Culture

The Art of Austin’s Holiday Spirit

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar celebrates 50 years of artistry and community Article by Julie Royce | Photography by Jennifer Ramos For half a century, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar has been more than a market — it’s been a movement.  “The Armadillo was born from Austin’s creative rebellion: artists, musicians and dreamers who wanted to do things differently,” said Anne Johnson, producer and general manager. “Fifty years later, that spirit is still the backbone of what we do.” What began as a...

Professional Services

Creating with Intention

Eva Wolf brings strategy, creativity and community to Austin Article by Julie Royce | Photography by Altynay When Eva Wolf planned a neighbor’s birthday party years ago, she didn’t expect it to ignite a career in brand building. That single event led to helping small businesses craft community-driven experiences and, eventually, to producing large-scale events in Rouen, Normandy. When the pandemic hit, her clients came to her for guidance on how to “show up online,” and ASK WOLF was born from...

Shopping

The Scent of Joy

Pink Flamingo Candle founder Paola Vargas turns everyday scents into joyful expressions of faith, artistry and holiday warmth Article by Julie Royce | Photography by Courtesy of Pink Flamingo When Paola Vargas left her role as general manager at a Chicago candle company, she realized she was pouring her time into someone else’s dream.  Determined to create her own, she began experimenting with soy wax and fragrance oils from her kitchen table, testing wicks, adjusting scents and perfecting...

Life + Culture

Toast the Season

Festive pop-ups bring Austin’s bars to life Article by Julie Royce Get into the spirit at one or all of these pop-up holiday-themed bars happening around Austin this winter. Gibson Street Bar Head to Gibson Street Bar for festive drinks and an over-the-top holiday display. This South Lamar hotspot is known for celebrating the season in style, and this year is no exception. Guests can step into a dazzling Winter Wonderglam wonderland featuring larger-than-life décor, photo opportunities...

Food + Beverage

Holiday Spirits, Reimagined

Celebrate the season with La Caza’s creative cocktail pairings Article by Julie Royce | Photography by Courtesy of La Caza Spirits Shake up your season with two festive cocktails from La Caza Tequila. Each recipe showcases the brand’s smooth, oak-aged Reposado, demonstrating that tequila can be both elegant and unexpected — whether you’re in the mood for a bold espresso or a cozy holiday cream. These inventive recipes bring warmth and a touch of Texas spirit to every glass. Reposado Espresso...

Home + Design

Winterizing Your Central Texas Home

Helpful tips to stay warm and protected Article by Julie Royce As Austin braces for cold snaps, homeowners are urged to take preventive measures now to guard against damage and higher utility bills. While winters here tend to be mild, experts warn that severe freezes, such as Winter Storm Uri, can hit unexpectedly, catching residents unprepared. Inspect and maintain your home’s shell Start with the exterior: trim branches hanging over the roof and clear gutters to prevent ice dams or...

Entertainment

Keeping Austin Laughing

For nearly five decades, Esther’s Follies has kept Austin laughing while shaping the city’s comedy identity Article by Julie Royce | Photography by Esther's Follies A neon-lit corner of Sixth Street has pulsed with satire, magic and music for almost half a century. Esther’s Follies, the sketch-comedy revue launched on April Fool’s Day in 1977, has become an Austin institution — one that has survived fires, cultural shifts and even a global pandemic. Today, its cast and founders reflect not...

Local Services

Driving positive change

Celebrity power couples join forces to raise millions for Texas youth charities Article by Julie Royce | Photography by Courtesy of Experience Camps Masters champion Sergio Garcia and his wife, Angela, have partnered with television hosts Chris Harrison and Lauren Zima for the fourth annual FORE Kids ATX fundraising gala and golf tournament, set for Nov. 6-7 at Omni Barton Creek. The Garcias founded the million-dollar event in 2022, raising more than $7 million for Texas children’s charities...