Life + Culture

All Aboard Our Moving Museum

Bring a little more magic into the world alongside the Austin Steam Train Association Article by Megan Marshall | Photography by Myke Toman When you take a ride with the Austin Steam Train Association, you are stepping into the past. Think cool metal walls, the rhythm of the rails, and the views and sounds shared with passengers nearly 90 years ago. ASTA preserves the character and craftsmanship of vintage railroading while making thoughtful updates for modern comfort. Treating the train like...

Life + Culture

Engines of Expression

Experience how the Leander Trail of Trains is part of the city’s name, history, and community identity Article by Megan Marshall | Photography by Leander Chamber of Commerce Tracks were laid, land was sold, and Leander was born in 1882. Named after Leander “Catfish” Brown—a railroad official who helped complete the line—the town has always been rooted in movement and momentum. Fast forward to today, and Leander still honors that legacy, with a family-friendly twist. Their Trail of Trains...

Sports + Recreation

Stepping Up to the Plate

Share in community pride with Texas Window Store’s commitment to youth sports Article by Megan Marshall | Photography by LHYL & ATX Sports Photos The Liberty Hill Youth League is all about building character through baseball and softball, giving kids ages four to 14 an opportunity to grow, learn, and play with heart. Jesse Westphal, owner of Texas Window Store, got involved with LHYL in spring 2023. What started as a desire to be there for his son during his rookie season, Westphal stepped up...

Education

Little Learners Become Big Thinkers

Enhance your child’s educational development with lifelong skills taught at First Foundations Article by Megan Marshall | Photography by Myke Toman With 90% of cognitive development happening by age six, early years are critical. That’s why at First Foundations, students are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and use their God-given gifts. Each day is filled with open-ended play and interactive lessons that bring reading, writing, science, art, and storytelling to life. Teachers create an...

Local Services

Training Builds Trust

Empower and unleash your dog’s potential with See Spot Behave Article by Megan Marshall | Photography by Kelly Phillips With force-free, fear-free dog training rooted in modern behavioral science, See Spot Behave gives dogs a safe space to be curious, explore, and make mistakes. Their behavior consultants bridge the gap between overwhelmed owners and veterinarians, creating clear, compassionate plans forward. Owner Diane Smith was inspired to become a trainer because of her first dog and...

Local Services

Wag-Worthy Wellness

Trust the team at Petbar Cedar Park and Lakeline to treat your dogs like family with convenient, professional grooming services Article by Megan Marshall | Photography by Kelly Phillips You might know Petbar as the go-to spot for a doggy spa day. Whether you’ve got a tiny chihuahua or a towering Great Dane, every pup gets pampered. With cost-effective monthly memberships that include washing, teeth brushing, nail clipping, and ear cleaning, Petbar makes it easy (and affordable) to keep your...

Health + Wellness

Hadley’s Heart Journey at Texas Children’s North Austin

Austin baby undergoes two major heart surgeries within 5 days of birth Article and Photography by Texas Children’s Hospital When Lindsey Mansuri had a routine anatomy scan around the 23rd week of her pregnancy, she never imagined the moment would alter her world. Her unborn daughter, Hadley, had a life-threatening, rare heart defect—dextro-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA)—where the heart’s major vessels are not in the correct position, restricting the body from receiving life-giving...

Education

Where the Past Comes Alive

Pick your path and step into Texas history with Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown Article by Megan Marshall | Photography by Rachel Fore-Harlow Not too far from our town lies a time capsule that remained hidden for over 10,000 years. That is, until the Texas Highway Department stumbled upon it in 1963. In the nearly 60 years since opening to the public, Inner Space Cavern has been touted as one of Texas’s best-preserved caves. Families, schools, and adventurers alike are welcome to explore an...

Arts + Culture

Experience the Aloha Spirit

Celebrate self-expression when you embrace Hawaii Fluid Art Cedar Park’s island energy and inclusivity Article by Megan Marshall | Photography by Kelly Phillips Bringing joy and nurturing the human spirit one painting at a time—that’s what Hawaii Fluid Art stands for. Since opening, Michael Lutz and Jessica Baisley have welcomed guests of all ages and skills. A family traveled from Waco to design heartfelt Mother’s Day gifts, a man who is red-green color blind was wowed by the beauty of...

Food + Beverage

Sharing Sweet Traditions

Transform your local celebrations with treats that delight and connect from Blazin Glazin Donuts Article by Megan Marshall | Photography by Blazin Glazin Donuts Before Blazin Glazin Donuts, Scott Barasch was a project manager at Apple, overseeing major launches and collaborating across continents. But after years of high-level corporate success, he knew it was time for change. He wanted the freedom to set his schedule, tap into his creative side, and build something meaningful with his family...