Tim Moncrief

Tarrytown: Austin's intown place to be... (edit/delete)

It is, some say, Austin's most prestigious address and it certainly is where many of the city's movers and shakers live. Austin's Tarrytown is usually defined as the area bounded by 35th Street in the North, Enfield in the South, MoPac in the East and Lake Austin on the West. This is a mostly an area of gracious houses, many small but with hefty price tags. But there are also many Tarrytown apartments, small condo and apartment conversions, and duplexes for rent.

For our purposes, we have expanded the neighborhood boundaries just a little further South to include Lake Austin Boulevard, an area that includes many businesses serving Tarrytown. Running through the middle of Tarrytown is Exposition Boulevard where some of the small businesses serving this Austin neighborhood are located, including a large Randall's grocery store -- there is a second Randall's at the Southern end of Exposition where it meets Lake Austin Boulevard.

Tarrytown is not a headline-grabbing sort of place, so it was big news a few years ago when Jeanne Daniels, a Houston Texas resident and animal rights activist, inherited the Tarrytown Shopping Center and suggested she did not want businesses in place that served meat or sold leather. The New York Times even picked up on the story and Tarrytown residents soon found some of their favorite places were either moving on or going out of business. For decades, Tarrytown matrons had lunched at Holiday House, but no longer. These days, the menu is all vegetarian at the Nu Age Cafe in the center.

Tarrytown meat lovers can head South to Zoot on Hearn Street, just North of Lake Austin Boulevard where the five-star restaurant in a converted bungalow gets high marks for seasonal menus. Other area restaurants are the raucous Hula Hut on the water on Lake Austin Boulevard, or the longtime Austin Texas institution, Magnolia Cafe on Lake Austin Boulevard, open 24 hours a day and serving sandwiches and breakfast all day. Another popular hangout is Mozart's Coffee Roasters, also on Lake Austin Boulevard, where customers can enjoy coffee and pastries on the large lakeside deck.

While there are not an abundant number of businesses in Tarrytown, the neighborhood has easy access to downtown and other central districts via Enfield and 35th Street. This is a neighborhood of gracious homes, old churches and quiet parks. On the Western edge, on the banks of Lake Austin, is Mayfield Preserve, a 22 acre, turn-of-the-century park in Austin that is part nature preserve and part formal park with lily ponds, tame deer and even peacocks. The park is adjacent to Laguna Gloria, a Mediterranean mansion built in 1915 that is now part of the Austin Museum of Art -- classes and exhibits are held there and on the grounds.

Reed Park, in the heart of Tarrytown, is where area residents go to swim, hike and bike, relax and picnic. It is a wonderful, quiet oasis. On the Southern edge of the neighborhood is the Lions Municipal, one of Austin's excellent municipal golf courses where Austinite Ben Crenshaw occasionally drops by for a sentimental game since he played here as a young man. Another popular nearby outdoor site South of Lake Austin Boulevard is Deep Eddy Pool in Eilers Park. The swimming pool is a neighborhood gathering point for swimmers from February to October and in summertime Austin locals gather for picnics during movie nights, an activity that seems to match the mood of this Central Austin neighborhood.

ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - One of America's most fanatically unique moviegoing experiences. Dinner served while you enjoy the movie. Area Country Clubs Area Golf Courses Area Resorts & Spas Area Tennis Courts Art Galleries Austin Lyric Opera - Founded in May 1986 as Austin's first professional opera company, the Austin Lyric Opera has rapidly become a cultural touchstone for the fine arts community in the Central Texas Region and gained national-acclaim as a producer of great opera. Austin Symphony Orchestra - Founded in 1911, the Austin Symphony Orchestra is Austin's oldest performing arts group. The ASO offers a complete season of musical and educational programming. Austin Zoo Ballet Austin - As distinctive and dynamic as the city it calls home, Ballet Austin is a progressive company for a contemporary world-welcoming audiences near and far to participate in its "classically innovative" vision for the democratization of dance. Barton Springs Pool - A spring fed swimming pool, open year round 5:00am-10:00pm (except Thurs.) 68 degrees. Christian Camp and Conference Association - CCCA provides valuable resources both for those seeking a Christian camping experience and for those who are leaders at Christian camp/conference ministries. Congress Avenue Bridge Bats - Congress Avenue bridge in downtown Austin is the spring and summer home to some 750,000 bats with up to 1.5 million bats at the peak of the bat-watching season. It's the largest urban bat colony in North America. Esther's Follies - For more than a quarter century, the folks at Esther's Pool have kept Austin rolling with laughter. Hamilton Pool Preserve - A beautiful swimming hole beneath a 50 foot waterfall, surrounded by a 232 acre preserve. Inner Space Caverns - Just 24 miles North of Austin, Texas a natural cavern formed millions of years ago lies beneath one of Texas' busiest interstate highways. Inner Space Cavern is filled with history, mystery and chemistry! It's a living cave with spectacular displays of st Long Center for the Performing Arts - The Long Center for the Performing Arts will provide a state-of-the-art venue for a broad array of regional performing arts groups, Texas musicians and a permanent home to the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Austin Lyric Opera and Ballet Austin. Mount Bonnell City Park - Rising over 700 feet above sea level (775-785 depending on the source), Mount Bonnell is a natural limestone formation that stands about 200 feet above the surrounding area. Museums The University of Texas Performing Arts Center - Since its first performance in 1981, the University of Texas Performing Arts Center has evolved into one of the largest and most extraordinary university arts presenters in the country. Uniquely Austin Outdoor Recreation Zilker Metropolitan Park - Located at 2100 Barton Springs Road, Zilker Metropolitan Park is considered "Austin's most loved park." This 351 acre park is home to a variety of recreation opportunities and special events for the individual or the whole family.


CENTRAL TEXAS BUSINESS & ECONOMY Annual Economic Forecast by Jessica Vess Austin's Economy in a Nutshell City of Austin Demographic Maps City of Austin Smart Growth Initiative Economic Indicators - June 2008 Greater Austin Regional Guide Long Range Transit Plan Presentation for Institute of Luxury Home Marketing Regions Largest Employers


COMMUNITY CALENDAR & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Aids Services Austin - Volunteer where people from all walks of life give their time and talents to help Central Texans living with HIV and AIDS! Caritas of Austin - Caritas strives to use volunteers' talents and abilities in such areas as food services, client support services, fundraising operations, and event management and administration. City of Austin Volunteer Opportunities Hospice Austin - Volunteers are partners in all aspects of Hospice Austin's services. There are more than 400 volunteers who help care for terminally ill patients and their families in our community. Volunteers are critical members in the team of caregivers for patients Keep Austin Beautiful - Keep Austin Beautiful is committed to preserving and enhancing the uniqueness, health and beauty of Austins local environment. The Humane Society of Austin - The Austin Humane Society relies on volunteers to help us in many different ways. We have volunteers who help us with everything from taking care of the animals directly to assisting our staff lead members of the community through the adoption process. United Way Capital Area - As a program of United Way Capital Area, Hands On Central Texas is able to provide meaningful volunteer opportunities to over 10,000 people a year and provides more than 5,600 volunteer referrals to nonprofit organizations in Central Texas.


EDUCATION Austin Independent School District Austin Private Schools Austin's Webguide to Camps & Private Schools Leander Independent School District - Leander ISD's success is driven by an uncompromising vision and an unwavering devotion to three key elements: a continually improving world-class curriculum, a focus on teaching and modeling ethical behavior, and the encouragement of a level of parent a Texas Culinary Academy - At Texas Culinary Academy, students have the opportunity to receive Le Cordon Bleu's world-renowned culinary training in one of America's premier college towns. Top Rated Austin Public Schools


GREEN BUILDING Austin Energy Green Building Program


LOCAL HOUSING INFORMATION Austin Board of Realtors Austin Home Search Austin Real Estate Connection Austin Relocation Center Hays County Appraisal District Texas Association of REALTORS Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs - TDHCA Texas Land Title Association Texas Real Estate Center Texas Real Estate Commission Texas Secretary of State Travis County Appraisal District Williamson County Appraisal District


MISCELLANEOUS Moving Checklist - A Checklist to make your move a little easier. Packing List - Tips to make your move a little easier.


NATIONAL HOUSING NC State Family & Consumer Sciences: Housing - Excellent information and forms, such as Home Safety Checklist for the Elderly, Preventive Home Maintenance Guide, Home Energy Audits, and much more...


NEIGHBORHOODS & DEVELOPMENTS Austin Neighborhood Guide Austin Police Department - Annual Crime and Traffic Reports Chamber of Austin Newcomer's Guide City of Austin Neighborhood Houston & Community Development City of Austin Services for Neighborhoods Connecting Neighbors Future Downtown Austin Skyline - see what the downtown skyline will look like after current projects are completed. Posters available. Home Gain Neighborhood Search Tool (subscription needed)


RELIGION Baptist Churches Catholic Diocese of Austin - The Roman Catholic Diocese of Austin includes 125 parishes, or faith communities, in 25 counties in Central Texas. MyJewishLearning.com Nondenominational Churches Presbyterian Churches Synagogues in Austin United Methodist Church - Southwest Texas Conference


TRANSPORTATION Capital Metro All systems Go - Long Range Transit Plan Central Texas Turnpike Project Central Texas Turnpike Project Map


WINING, DINING & SHOPPING Amy's Ice Cream - Amy's Ice Creams is an Austin staple, known for fabulous ice cream and fun for the whole family. Aquarelle - Aquarelle Restaurant Français is one of Austin's premier gourmet restaurants offering authentically prepared French cuisine, professionally served in a warm and romantic turn of the century home located in the heart of downtown Austin Texas. Arboretum at Great Hills - A unique shopping experience, the Arboretum at Great Hills gently beckons you to casually shop the beautiful and relaxed parklike setting that is home to more than 40 fine shops and restaurants in Austin's premier retail area. Barton Creek Square Mall - If you love shopping, you'll love shopping at Barton Creek Square with its more than 180 specialty retailers and anchor stores Dillard's, macy*s, JCPenney, Nordstrom and Sears. Cafe 909 - Welcome to Café 909, a unique dining experience for Marble Falls and the Texas Hill Country. The bar opens at 5:00, dinner from 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Central Market - Central Market is a destination, fresh market for people who are passionate about food. From prep-less produce to our chef-prepared meals, we'll save you time and money every time you shop with us. Driskill Grill - Hospitality is an art form in itself, one that requires experience, attention, discretion, thoughtfulness and means. At The Driskill, a superb and well-trained staff utilizes each of these distinctive elements as they make every occasion extraordinary. Hudson's on the Bend - Esteemed Hudson's is located in a small Hill Country cottage and is famous for its use of wild game and exotic ingredients. Hut's Hamburgers - Originally opened on South Congress in 1939, Hut's moved to its present location in 1969. With cozy booths and tables surrounded by paraphernalia-decked walls, it's known for doing diner food right. Iguana Grill - Since 1995, Iguana Grill has been the place to enjoy Lake Travis without sacrificing great food and drinks. Lakeline Mall - If you love to shop, you'll love Lakeline Mall! Lakeline Mall is home to Dillard's, JCPenney, Macy's and Sears. Round Rock Premium Outlets - Round Rock Premium Outlets is conveniently located off Interstate 35 just 20 minutes north of Austin in Round Rock, TX. San Marcos Outlet Mall - Prime Outlets - San Marcos was recently ranked the 3rd Best Place to Shop in the world as seen on ABC's "The View". It is a true shoppers haven with over 130 luxury and brand names. The Domain - The Domain features 700,000 square feet of luxury fashion and restaurant space. It caters to Austin's affluent population with high-end retailers that include Barneys CO-OP, CALYPSO, Intermix, Tiffany & Co., the city's first Neiman Marcus and restaurants The Oasis - Located 450 feet above Lake Travis, The OASIS offers breathtaking views of the Texas Hill Country and spectacular sunsets! Enjoy the scenery from one of the 40 plus outdoor decks, or inside from one of the enchanting dining rooms. Threadgill's - It is a simple fact that the Threadgill's restaurants, museum and live music venues have more to do with Austin's cultural and musical heritage than most any other institution within the city limits. Vivo Cocina Mexicana - Tex Mex to dine for. Whole Foods Market - Founded in 1980 as one small store in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market® is now the world's leading retailer of natural and organic foods, with 194 stores in North America and the United Kingdom.

Northwest Austin - River Place

Photo from River Place HOA Web site.

Austin's River Place is a combination of a country club community and a waterfront community. It is located along Lake Austin, about a 20 minute drive from downtown.

Amenities for River Place residents include:

• Waterfront access for light weight watercraft at the park (canoes, kayaks, etc...)
  Recognized Leander school district
• Rare acreage waterfront homes
• Rare preserve home sites nestled along the hills overlooking Lake Austin
• Mature pecan grove runs throughout property
• Strict deed restrictions, architectural control and landscape requirements to maintain the value of your investmet
  
  Views beyond description
  
  River Place offers access to Woodlands Park, a recreational facility featuring 3 youth soccer fields, 2 tennis courts, hike and bike trails and a fishing pond. There's boating, fishing and skiing available on the River Place premise. And you're less than 2 miles away from the River Place Country Club.
  
  
  

River Place on Lake Austin

•Ø River Place on Lake Austin is a master planned community located in Northwest Austin and commands one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Central Texas´ rolling landscape. Designed as a private country club community, it is dominated by a 40,000 square foot clubhouse, with a fully staffed kitchen. In one of two dining rooms you can relax while you experience the special white tablecloth dinner service. The 18 hole golf course was designed by Tom Kite and also includes 5 lighted tennis courts (plans for additional courts and tennis facility), junior Olympic swimming pool, pool side restaurant, recently renovated clubhouse with saunas, Jacuzzis, aerobics facilities, oversized fitness facilities, summer camps for the kids including swim teams, tennis leagues, and golf programs. A true family country club.

•Ø Two neighborhood parks are available; one in the center of River Place and the other fronting Lake Austin. The parks include a soccer field, several soccer practice fields, playgrounds, basketball courts, two covered pavilions, barbecue areas, picnic tables, and jogging trails along an inlet to Lake Austin.

•Ø Nature trail along River Place´s meandering creek with numerous waterfalls before flowing into Lake Austin.

•Ø Boardwalk encircling the River Place´ Nature pond neighboring Lake Austin and attached to the Nature Trail.

•Ø Protected open space with over 700 acres of greenbelt within River Place and over 1700 acres in the neighboring Cortaña Nature Preserve between River Place and Steiner Ranch.

•Ø Existing & Proposed upscale retail development with restaurants, convenience store, gas station, and numerous retail stores.

•Ø Home values from the $300´s to the multiple millions.

Neighboring Amenities

Leander School District: Leander ISD schools will serve more than 20,000 students. Yet our district has prospered academically despite this rapid growth, earning "Recognized District" status under the Texas Education Agency's accountability ratings system.

•Ø School District: http://www.leanderisd.org/

•Ø Cedar Park High School (Recognized Rating): http://cphs.leanderisd.org/

•Ø Laura Bush Elementary School (Exemplary Rating): http://lwb.leanderisd.org/

•Ø Canyon Ridge Middle School (Recognized): http://crms.leanderisd.org/
•Ø River Place Elementary http://riverplace.leanderisd.org/ (Ratings not posted until next year)

•Ø River Place Middle School (official name to be announced this summer)

•Ø River Place High School (official name to be announced this summer)

The Cortana Nature Preserve is a 1700 acre protected habitat area between Steiner Ranch and River Place incorporated with the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (or BCP). The BCP was created to protect eight federally listed endangered species, including two songbirds and six invertebrates. In addition to protecting these especially vulnerable animals, the Preserve protects habitat for other native plants and animals of the Texas Hill Country and contributes to clean air, clean water and quality of life for all Central Texas residents. For more information visit: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/preserves/access.htm

Retail Stores: Short driving distance to grocery stores, pharmacies, pizzerias, video stores, home improvement centers, day care facilities, restaurants (including barbecue, Italian, Mexican, Fast Food and numerous other restaurants and Lakeline Mall. Only 12 miles to the Arboretum and 15 miles to downtown Austin.

Churches: Numerous churches in or around River Place with numerous denominations (Call for complete list)

Private Schools: Numerous private schools within reasonable driving distances (Call for complete list)

Lakes: Very easy access to numerous boat launching and storage facilities on Lake Austin and Lake Travis.

Lake Austin Spa Resort has been honored by the Zagat Survey as the Number Five Spa in the U.S. and by Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and Luxury Spafinder magazines as a Top U.S. Spa. Guests enjoy gracious accommodations, deliciously healthy cuisine, world-class spa services in the new Lake House Spa, unlimited fitness classes, activities and discovery programs, all in a haven of peace and tranquility. For more information, visit: http://lakeaustin.com/

Emma Long Park: The 1,147-acre park named in the honor of the first woman elected to the city council, Emma Long. Austin's largest city park offers a variety of recreation opportunities -- most notably, mountain biking. The steep, punishing trails of Emma Long Park, originally established for moto-cross motorcycle use, prove irresistible to experienced mountain bikers aching to test their technical skills and endurance. The 9.13-mile bike course, consisting of steep and rocky single-track, is accessible only to mountain bikers and moto-cross riders. Hikers and walkers can enjoy the 1.97-mile Turkey Creek Nature Trail or the 36-mile Lakeline Trail, which follows the Lake Austin shoreline.

Nearly two-dozen RV campsites are available, as well as fifty primitive (tent) campsites. Facilities include restrooms with showers, a day use picnic area, and basketball and volleyball courts. Lifeguards patrol the swimming beach on Lake Austin during weekends and holidays from May 26 through September 3 from noon to 6 PM. A one-lane boat ramp provides access to Lake Austin, and one mile of Lake Austin's shoreline is located within the park. All water recreation activities are popular on Lake Austin, including water-skiing, sailing and fishing.

Visit: http://wildtexas.com/texas-parks/emma-long-park-lake-austin

For more information, visit the links below.

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Additional Resources

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River Place HOA Laura Bush Elementary Canyon Ridge Middle School

Cedar Park High School Leander School District