Here’s a quick look at my top five favorite Austin events from the past year. There are lots of good memories from 2016, but like many other people, I’m glad to move on. Here’s to a happy and healthy New Year!
The Best of 2016
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Author Archives: janis
Nacimientos: 2016
Visiting Nacimientos: Traditional Nativity Scenes from Mexico at the Mexic-Arte Museum has become a Christmas tradition for me. I had enjoyed this exhibit last year and decided to visit again.
The Driskill Turns 130
Last week, Austin’s oldest and grandest hotel, The Driskill, invited the public to their 130th anniversary celebration. The hotel was built by Colonel Jesse Driskill at the corner of Sixth and Brazos Streets. The Driskill’s grand opening was on December 20, 1886. The property changed hands throughout the years and is currently owned by Hyatt Hotels.
O Toy Joy Trees: 2016
Toy Joy is always a Must-Visit stop for my Christmas shopping. Once again this year, the Second Street store was packed with merchandise. They didn’t have as many decorated trees as in previous years, but just looking at these few photos will bring a smile to your face …
O Christmas Tree: 2016
O Christmas tree, O Christmas Tree,
How lovely are thy branches!
Not only green when summer’s here
But in the coldest time of year.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
How lovely are thy branches!
Mueller Tower Lighting
Bill and I attended the 11th annual Mueller Tower Lighting on a chilly evening earlier this month. Formerly the site of the old Austin airport, the 700-acre Mueller development is now a planned community containing stores, restaurants, a hospital, a children’s museum, and various businesses. Construction continues, but eventually over 13,000 people will live in the condos, apartments, and homes here.
UT Volleyball – Final Four: 2016
For the fifth year in a row, the University of Texas Women’s Volleyball team has again reached the Final Four round. The women will play this evening against Nebraska in Columbus, Ohio. The game will be televised on ESPN at 8:30 PM CST. If they win tonight, the team will compete in the NCAA championship game on Saturday evening.
Gingerbread Village at the Four Seasons: 2016
Classic Fairy Tales is the theme of this year’s Gingerbread Village at the downtown Four Seasons. This yearly tradition is created by the hotel’s pastry chefs. The village is on display in the center of the hotel lobby through Christmas Day.
EAST: 2016
Over 500 artists opened their studios and homes to the public during Austin’s largest art event, the East Austin Studio Tour. This self-guided tour spanned two weekends in mid-November. I’ve read that a record-setting 38,000 people attended this year’s event.
Carnival O’ Pizza: 2016
Home Slice Pizza had unusually beautiful fall weather for their 11th annual Carnival O’ Pizza. This event had been delayed almost two months due to stormy weather back in September. However, last Saturday’s November weather was carnival-perfect!