Life + Culture

Trade Pixels for Blocks This Summer

How Bricks & Minifigs Bee Cave inspires creativity through hands-on play. Article by Steven Valentin | Photography by Courtesy of Bricks & Minifigs Bee Cave Children's playtime today is increasingly shaped by screens, streaming content, and digital entertainment. While technology has its place, growing minds still benefit from opportunities to create, experiment, and explore through hands-on play. At Bricks & Minifigs Bee Cave, families can step away from screens and into a world of...

Finance + Legal Services

Building Peace of Mind Together

Protecting children, pets, and the legacy your family is building. Article by Michelle Wood Between school drop-offs, sports practices, family vacations, and packed calendars, estate planning is rarely something parents are excited to tackle. For many West Austin families, it gets pushed aside as a task for "someday." Dana Rieder, estate planning attorney and founder of Rieder Law, PC in Bee Cave, is helping families rethink that mindset. Rather than viewing estate planning as a collection of...

Arts + Culture

Start the School Year on a High Note

Music lessons help students build confidence, focus, creativity, and connection before school begins. Article by Michelle Wood | Photography by Courtesy of Sky Zito Music As summer winds down and backpacks come out for a new school year, many parents look for activities that help their children grow with confidence and creativity. For Austin multi-instrumentalist Sky Zito, the answer is simple: music. "I honestly play music because it's my favorite thing in the world," Sky says. "I'm just...

Life + Culture

Community Starts at Frontyard

How one local destination is giving kids room to play while bringing neighbors together. Article by Michelle Wood | Photography by Courtesy of Frontyard Brewing Some of the best memories are not made at scheduled events or carefully planned outings. They happen in driveways, front yards, and cul-de-sacs where neighbors pull up lawn chairs, children invent games, and conversations continue long after the sun begins to set. That feeling inspired Frontyard Brewing in Spicewood. Before opening...

Health + Wellness

Healthy Smiles Start Early

A proactive approach to healthy smiles, bites, and growth. Article by Steven Valentin | Photography by Courtesy of Lake Travis Orthodontics For many families, orthodontics is something associated with the teenage years, a milestone marked by braces and the anticipation of a straighter smile. At Lake Travis Orthodontics in Bee Cave, orthodontic care begins with a long-term view. It is not simply about appearance. It is about supporting a child's overall growth and development. That perspective...

Entertainment

Family Fun, Your Way

Activities for every age, all under one roof. Article by Michelle Wood | Photography by Courtesy of High 5 Exchange There comes a point in family life when the neighborhood playground loses its appeal. The trampoline park suddenly feels too young, and movie nights can become a negotiation when younger siblings, teenagers, and parents all want something different. Kids are old enough to crave independence but still young enough to enjoy spending time together. That is where High 5 Exchange has...

Life + Culture

Comfort of a Wagging Tail

Austin therapy dogs bring comfort, connection, and encouragement to children facing challenges. Article by Michelle Wood Walk into a hospital, school, rehabilitation center, or senior living community in Central Texas and you may find a therapy dog quietly brightening someone's day. Since 2004, Divine Canines has connected trained dog-and-handler teams with children and adults across the region, providing free therapy dog visits that offer comfort, support, and meaningful connection while...

Shopping

Classroom Ready

Back-to-School Styles, Curated by Harry Styles, the Pup Star of Shop Anderson. Article by Michelle Wood | Photography by Courtesy of Anderson Parker Meet Harry Styles, Anderson Parker's four-legged style director. He's sniffed out the looks, approved the backpacks, and insists everyone starts the school year looking their best. Back to School From backpacks and lunchboxes to first-day outfits, Harry has rounded up his favorite back-to-school picks for every grade. 1. TRVL Backpacker |...

Travel

Summer by the Water

Discover lakeside adventures, scenic cruises, and refreshing ways to experience West Austin this summer. Article by Steven Valentin Summer in West Austin is best spent near the water. From relaxing Lake Austin boat tours to paddleboarding and wake surfing under the Texas sun, West Austin offers endless ways to cool off outdoors. Planning a full lake day with friends or enjoying a peaceful morning paddle both capture the outdoor lifestyle that makes summers around Lake Austin so special. There...

Food + Beverage

Lakeside Dining Destinations

Where sunset views, fresh flavors, and waterfront patios create some of West Austin’s most scenic dining experiences. Article by Steven Valentin Austin’s waterfront dining scene offers more than just beautiful views. It creates an atmosphere where long lunches turn into sunset dinners and every table feels connected to the lake beside it. Guests can enjoy elevated Mexican cuisine at Quince Lakehouse or panoramic Lake Travis views at The Oasis on Lake Travis while experiencing the food...