Travel

Family-friendly destination

Austin to Hot Springs makes the perfect road trip Article and Photography by Julie Royce It’s summertime, so you know what that means? It’s time to load the family up and hit the road for a classic road trip.  However, any good road warrior knows that a car ride of more than seven hours with kids is pushing their luck. You have to be strategic and figure out some cool sights to see along the way, or there has to be at least one Buc-ee’s en route to your final destination.  That’s why Hot...

Food + Beverage

Sip by sip

Explore tea and music with Teakeasy Article by Julie Royce | Photography by Teakeasy Tea When Tara and Duane Godby set out to create Teakeasy Tea, their vision wasn’t just to sell tea — it was to create an experience. As a woman-owned, veteran-owned business, their mission combines luxury, community and a shared love for music, blending the richness of tea culture with a unique speakeasy twist. Teakeasy Tea invites locals and visitors to explore the world of fine, full-leaf teas and enjoy an...

Home + Design

Exploring sustainable solutions

Why now is the time to build an ADU Article by Julie Royce As Austin’s housing policies shift toward denser and more flexible development, local builder Nick Ryza says there’s never been a better time to invest in an accessory dwelling unit — especially one built with sustainability in mind. Ryza is the founder of Build Native, a company that has been at the forefront of green building since 2007.  “We started with the goal of building net-zero energy homes,” he said, noting their early use...

Education

College campus tours

A quick guide for Austinites visiting top Texas colleges Article by Julie Royce A college road trip is more than just a tour — it’s a chance for families to explore the towns their teens may one day call home. For rising high school seniors in Austin eyeing Texas A&M, Texas Tech or Texas State, here’s a short guide to where to stay, eat and visit. Texas A&M – College Station Stay : The Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center offers upscale convenience on campus. For retro flair, Cavalry...

Finance + Legal Services

Automation on the road

Melendez Law Firm highlights hidden dangers of self-driving vehicles Article by Julie Royce As Austin welcomes autonomous vehicles from Tesla and Waymo onto its streets, the promise of safer, more efficient transportation has captured residents' attention. But experts warn that the technology’s rapid expansion may be outpacing public awareness — and, in some cases, public safety. A 2023 report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration linked Tesla’s Autopilot system to over 800...

Arts + Culture

Redefining classical music

Grammy-nominated Miró Quartet celebrates 30 years of making music together Article by Julie Royce “We’ve spent 23 years in Austin, and it’s shaped the way we create music,” shared Joshua Gindele, cellist of the Miró Quartet. "There’s something uniquely inspiring about this city that allows us to be both rooted in tradition and willing to take risks with new sounds." As one of America’s most celebrated string quartets, the Miró Quartet has carved out a prominent space in the classical music...

Sports + Recreation

"Stuuuuuuu!"

Brad Stuver's biggest saves are happening off the field Article by Zack Fogelman As Austin FC’s starting goalkeeper, Brad Stuver is best known for his sharp reflexes and commanding presence between the posts. He’s been one of the league’s leaders in saves and a steady hand since the club's inaugural season. But for many in Austin, Stuver’s true impact extends far beyond the soccer pitch. Together with his wife, Ashley, Stuver has become a leading voice for community advocacy in Central Texas...

Sports + Recreation

A game reclaimed

Sandlot baseball builds community in Austin and beyond Article by Willie Cochran | Photography by Geoff McLin, Zack Fogelman, Howard Carey In city parks and makeshift fields around Austin, a different kind of baseball is being played. It’s not a men’s league. It’s not slow-pitch softball. It’s sandlot baseball—real baseball, with wood bats, hardballs and just enough rules to keep it fun. At its heart is community. “What we should be doing is encouraging a diverse group of people to play ball...

Life + Culture

Community built on resilience

The legacy behind Austin's East End Cultural Heritage District Article by Julie Royce Albert J. Walker’s story is deeply intertwined with the history of the East End Cultural Heritage District, formerly known as "Blackland." This historic East Austin neighborhood, defined by the boundaries of North of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, South of Manor Road, East of I-35 and West of Chestnut Street, once stood as one of the few places where African Americans could own property during segregation.  ...

Auto + Marine

Get your motors runnin’…

Austin Speed Shop understands cars & community Article by Julie Royce In South Austin stands the iconic Austin Speed Shop, where car enthusiasts come from all over the United States to have their classic cars restored.  The workshop grounds are covered with Mustangs, Mercurys, Corvettes, and VW Bugs, all being restored by the talented team led by General Manager Nick Merry. “We’ve rebuilt cars as old as a 1937 Lincoln Zephyr to more recent models, like that ‘69 Bronco over there,” Merry said...