'Round About Texas

by Sandra Greaney

JULY 07'

July is usually a time when family and friends come into to town for a visit and we forget all that Austin has to offer. Usually it’s because we have gone to these events and places so many times we tend to take them for granted. There is bat watching or going to the Bob Bullock museum, maybe a climb up Mount Bonnell or catching a Zilker Hillside Theater production. There is so much to do here in Central Texas - here is a little memory jogger for us all.

Blues on the Green is a great way to spend a Wed. night. These summer concerts bring in some of Austin’s finest musicians each alternate Wednesday from June through Aug.22 at the Zilker Park Rock Island (on the north side of Barton Springs Road). The other wonderful thing is that they are free except for $3.00 parking off Stratford Drive under the Mopac Bridge. Showtime’s are from 7:30pm - 9:30pm

Also at Zilker Park this summer is the musical production “My Favorite Summer”.
This family friendly event runs from July 7 through Aug. 11. It is a great way to spend a summer evening, after a relaxing afternoon next door at Barton Springs Pool. www.zilker.org

Some of the summer's best films are showing at the wonderful Paramount Theater for the classic film series. They started in May and will run through September. You can enjoy more than 80 classic films as they were meant to be seen by all. Call 512- 472-5470 for shows and times.

From April 12 to September 27 check out KGSR’s Unplugged At the Grove each Thursday at Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Road. Musicians perform acoustic sets at 8 p.m. on the restaurant’s tree-shaded patio. 512-474-9991 www.theshadygrove.com/unplug.html

Bat Watching is always fun here in Central Texas. As a matter of fact from April thru Nov. it’s one of the most popular attractions here in Austin. The 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats that live beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge take flight in a mass exodus each night at dusk. It’s an awesome sight!

Nature Nights offer an exciting and interactive opportunity for children and their families to explore the animals, plants and the ecology of Central Texas. From July 5-26 join the folks at the Lady Bird Johnson Center every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m... The cost is just $1. Per person and with each program you'll explore new topics that will also feature a habitat hike, thematic crafts, & activities galore! www.wildflower.org

There is a Splash Party every Sat. night at Deep Eddy Pool now until Aug. 4. Catch a movie and take a swim all at the same in the spring-fed pool or on the lawn. www.deepeddy.org 512- 472-0961

Just Outside of Austin

For more great family fun check out the Corral Theater in Wimberley. The Corral is an
outside theater where you can watch a great new movie under the stars. Movies coming this month are Spiderman 3, Surf’s Up and Bridge to Terabithia. Call 512-847-5994 for more information and show times.

Care for some “family style entertainment, some homespun humor, served up with true western flavor”? If so you will want to check out the Canyon Trail Chuckwagon Supper & Cowboy Music Show at the new Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Canyon Lake. As a family we have been to a similar event in Colorado a few years ago and had a blast, so I’m looking forward to going to check this one out. 877-964-3731. www.jellystonehillcountry.com

The McDade Watermelon Festival is from July 13-14 in McDade of course.
http://melbaskubiata@yahoo.com

A Night in Old Fredericksburg is July 20-21
830-997-8515

As we celebrate Independence Day let us all remember those who are fighting for our freedoms that we all get to enjoy. Not to mention that they risk their lives to save not only ours but the innocent lives of those who live in the war torn zones. May God Bless you now and always.

E-mail your event notices to sandra@countrylinemagazine.com.