D'Ann Faught

Well, as some of you may know (or may discover after reading my bio), I am a Texas native. I spent 9 years in Austin, Texas, attending The University of Texas at Austin (hook 'em!) and starting my real estate career. I went back this weekend for a visit and just wanted to share my love for this great city. If you live in Austin, cosider yourself lucky..very lucky. There is no other place like it on earth. And if you are considering a vacation spot - especially in this depressed economy - Austin is a wonderful option that can easily be done on a budget. I was in Austin for 3 days and barely scratched the surface of things I love to do there! Here are a few of my favorite things that we got to experience on this trip:

*SoCo (South Congress) & South Lamar - I honestly did not spend a lot of time on these two streets when I lived there, but I am amazed at how much both areas have changed, but still managed to maintain that eclectic hippie vibe for which they are famous. I love Guero's Taco Bar for Mexican food and margaritas on South Congress and we did hit up Old Alligator Grill Saturday night for some Cajun cooking. We also strolled amongst some shops Saturday and I picked up a new pair of boots at Allen's Boots (also on SoCo)...brown goat skin 1883 by Lucchese...they are SO comfortable!!

*Hula Hut - Although this place ALWAYS has a forever long wait, it's our go-to location for meeting up to head downtown. While the food is nothing to scoff at, it's really all about the atmosphere. On Lake Austin, the pier and deck bars are always hopping..even when it's chilly out (they have plastic panels to enclose the pier and heaters)! I do love the Montego Bay shrimp tacos.

*The University Co-op & Tyler's - Both on the Drag (Guadalupe Street) across from campus. Great places to shop for anything burnt orange or Longhorn related. Tyler's also has a ton of shoes and is a great place to pick up bathing suits and other surf-inspired clothing & accessories.

*Third Base - Have to include a plug for my friend's sports bar on West 6th. We met up there for Happy Hour on Friday and I was amazed by the televisions!! They even have them in the bathrooms..so as not to miss a minute of your favorite game. The Philly Cheesesteak Rolls are pretty good too...not for those on a diet.

*Town Lake or Lady Bird Lake as it is now called - Running with this view in the morning is nice. This 10-mile loop also includes an off-leash section for your favorite canine companion.

*Red Fez - If you head to Austin anytime soon, you'll probably be told to check out the bar scene on West 6th where all the newest hangouts are...however, Red Fez on West 5th is a great alternative. This hookah bar/dance club always has great music (especially when my friend Chemise's husband Mark is on the turntables)! I have NEVER not had a good time here.

*Amy's Ice Cream - Not only is their ice cream fantastic, it is an experience just to watch these guys add the mixin's. While we were sitting outside enjoying our ice cream, we saw a guy win free ice cream because he caught a scoop in a bowl after the guy lobbed it across a car and 6th Street traffic. Amazing.

Last Friday I received an email from the developer of a large condo/loft project in Tysons announcing that The Lofts at Park Crest are now renting from $2213 a month...what? This was supposed to be Tysons premier property FOR SALE. Looks like another victim of the down market - another condo sale project converting to rentals.

I inquired as to the status of the entire project and was told that only the Lofts are converting to apartments, the Towers are still for sale. So, if you are looking for a GREAT rental in the Tysons area, look no further! You can check out the website here at www.parkcrestapt.com/

Right now they are also offering a rental special - one month FREE or a $2500 gift card to Golfdom or Williams-Sonoma when you rent - available for a July 2008 move-in. The architectural design of the lofts was inspired by authentic urban neighborhoods such as Soho and Battery Park and offers an amazing array of unique designer finishes, including EcoFinishes® hardwood flooring, Wood-Mode® cabinetry, KitchenAid® appliances, Grohe® fixtures and Lualdiporte doors. The brand-new loft apartments are located within a pedestrian-friendly urban community with tree-filled spaces and resort-style amenities. This extraordinary community is served by a Starbucks coffee shop to help you start your day and a Harris Teeter market to nourish your love for cooking. The neighborhood grocer's flagship store will offer traditional goods as well as a tremendous selection of gourmet prepared foods, fresh meats and cheeses, and specialty wines from around the globe.

With innovative amenities and five-star services, The Lofts at Park Crest offers an apartment living experience without equal. Need tickets to a game or a picnic for Wolftrap? Let our concierge do the legwork. Car washes, tee times and personal shopping can all be arranged with a click of your mouse. Even maid service, dog walking and dry-cleaning pickup are available through the professional concierge staff.

Boutique setting with 24-hour concierge service
Harris Teeter food and pharmacy on-site
Starbucks coffee on-site
Resort-class rooftop pool and sun terrace
3,000 square foot athletic club featuring cardio and strength training equipment
Personal training available
Extraordinary entry lobby with chic furnishings and 24-hour front desk staff
Internationally inspired architectural details and finishes
Controlled access garage parking
Cats and large dogs welcome

Come join us this Saturday as we close out our final model at Martin's Chase in Leesburg with a Model Home furniture sale! Items are priced to sell - couches from $300, lots of finishing touches & fine quality pieces at bargain prices.

Times for the sale are still TBA, but it is looking like 5-7 pm on Saturday, May 10th. Check back here for details or contact me via email.

Address for the sale is 21883 Knob Hill Place; Leesburg VA. Since the neighborhood is new, you probably will NOT be able to MapQuest, so here are directions:

Take 267/Toll Road to Loudoun County Parkway and turn Left. Turn right on Ryan Road and follow it around past the new movie theater/Harris Teeter shopping center. Once you pass Brambleton Golf Course, turn right on Beaverdam. Then turn right into the community, pass the sales offices, left on Bristow Manor and right on Knob Hill Place...The home is the second one on the left.