Tag Archives: Austin

Great Memorial Day Getaways in the U.S.

Still trying to figure out what to do for Memorial Day? Here’s an excerpt from my story for Budget Travel that just came out about where to go for the holiday weekend. Here’s one of nine great Memorial Day getaways:
Mayhill Winery Columbia Gorge, Ore.Columbia Gorge, Ore.: For wine tasting along the river

WHY GO THIS WEEKEND Over Memorial Day weekend, more than 30 wineries and tasting rooms in the scenic Columbia Gorge area of Oregon, which borders Washington State to the north, will be holding open houses featuring such events as barrel tastings and special releases. Maryhill Winery toasts its 10th anniversary with live music, tasting specials, and more. Outdoors, there are tournament-quality bocce ball courts, an amphitheater, and an ivy-covered arbor, all with sweeping views of Mt. Hood and the river. Visit Cascade Cliffs Vineyard & Winery all weekend for live folk music, complimentary local cheeses, tastings, and vineyard tours.

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This Man Will Not be Throwing Stones

After researching the post about the new Kimber Modern hotel in Austin, I got curious about architect Burton Baldridge’s other work. Turns out he caused a stir in a one of Austin’s historic bungalow neighborhoods when he built this amazing glass house (below) for himself.

burton

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Mid-Week Escape: Far Out Stay in Austin

kimber

The South by Southwest festival is upon us, do you know where you’re staying? The first (and only) time I was in Austin we stayed at the super-funky (in a good way) Austin Motel, with its irresistible slogan: “So close yet so far out.” I remember we shared some pooltime with a band named Estradasphere who played a gig nearby. Although that felt like the quintessential Austin experience, this time, I’d like to bump it up a notch and stay at the five-month-old KimberModern.

Built by two women who love to travel and had hospitality in their blood. Partners Kimber Cavendish and Vicki Faust spent $1 million to build the modernist five-room hotel in the South Congress neighborhood. With rates at $250 to $320 a night it\’s a tad steep, but take a look at some of the cool features. Continue reading