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THE ESCAPE ISSUE FIND THINGS TO FREE YOUR MIND

A R T S + C U LT U R E

K AN E BROWN O N LIFE, LESSO NS & MUSI C

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“ F I N D I N G A H O M E I S N ’ T A B O U T S Q UA R E F O OTAG E A N D N U M B E R O F B E D R O O M S . I T ’ S A B O U T YO U R L I F E S T Y L E A N D H OW YO U R S PAC E CA N E N H A N C E I T. ”

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Never stop exploring

April 2023 PUBLISHER

Joe Kerby | joe.kerby@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Sarah Ivens | sarah.ivens@citylifestyle.com

One of my favorite quotes is by the philosopher Susan Sontag: “I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list.” I've been thinking about it a lot lately, even making a list on my phone that I can easily add to when a dream of seeing La Traviata in a theater in Italy, or trying a trapeze class, or catching the Northern Lights in Iceland takes hold. It's not just everywhere I want to go... there are quite a few everythings, too! And this wonderful issue celebrates all those urges to explore, travel, seek, discover and try new things in new places that we all have. From trying out comedy shows, art galleries and restaurants you've never visited before, to taking the plunge in freezing water and driving at high speed around a race track for the first time, we have found so many wonderful adventures for you to enjoy! Never stop exploring. Never stop learning. Happy reading...

SARAH IVENS, EDITOR @AUSTINLIFEST YLEMAGAZINE

ACCOUNT MANAGER S

Shana Gerald | shana.gerald@citylifestyle.com David Harlan | david.harlan@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER

Jennifer Birn | jennifer.birn@citylifestyle.com

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Mary Albers LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/AUSTINT X |

Proverbs 3:5-6 ATX Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Austin area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in ATX Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

APRIL 2023

inside the issue The Explore Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

10 Baby, you can drive my car

Lifestyle Letter

If you have a need for speed, we have just the place for you to explore and escape

Local Limelight ENT ERTA I NM E N T

the grind

Auto Club AU TO + MA R I NE

Artist’s Palette A RTS + C U LT U R E

Back Stage A RTS + C U LT U R E

Financial Buzz A RTS + C U LT U R E

Must See FI T NES S

Culinary Creations FO O D + B E V E R AG E

Trend Setter ST Y LE + B EAU T Y

14 Ao5 is Turning 25

The area’s largest contemporary art gallery is celebrating a quarter century of curating art for Austin

18 Get to Know Kane Brown

Talking to the CMT Music Awards host on life, lessons & music

28 Take the Plunge!

It's hard to jump into cold waters, but the benefits make it a cool decision

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: ALEX ALVGA Kane Brown

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Austin Comics at Moontower Just for Laughs THE COMEDY FESTIVAL HITS TOWN FOR TWO WEEKS IN APRIL ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN

Comics will hit stages around the city from Paramount to Antone's for The Moontower Just for Laughs Austin Comedy Festival taking place April 12-23. There will be dozens of national favorites including Seth Meyers and Jenny Slate and a great sampling of local talent. We caught up with two Austinites in the lineup - Tyler Groce, ‘The Funniest Person in Austin’ according to the revered Cap City Comedy Club, and Vanessa Gonzalez, who opened for Fortune Feimster in Austin in February, fresh off a tour opening for Chelsea Handler.

YOU WERE VOTED CAP CITY COMEDY CLUB’S FUNNIEST PERSON IN AUSTIN. HOW DOES IT FEEL TO HOLD THAT TITLE? It feels good! I went to the contest for years and always looked up to those who won and now I get to be among them. It feels real special.

WHEN DID YOU REALIZE YOU WERE FUNNY? Maybe 2nd grade. I think I was funny before that, but 2nd grade was when it became something I tried to be. I tried to crack jokes and make people laugh, and it worked!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING STAND-UP? Going on eight years now

WHERE DO YOU FIND THE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR COMEDY? I have my heroes that I look up to. I don’t want to be them, but I want to emulate certain things that they were able to achieve artistically. And I have something in me I’m trying to get out, I just want to do it as well as they have, if possible.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PRE-SHOW RITUALS? Nah, not really. I think about my set a bit, drink some water, watch the comic before me. I wouldn’t call that a ritual though.

CAN YOU SHARE A JOKE THAT TRANSLATES TO PAPER? Lol, not really

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF? You can’t rush this, just enjoy it

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | EN T E RTAI NME NT

Tyler Groce

The year 2022 was good to Vanessa Gonzalez. She was named “Best Stand Up Comic in Austin” by The Austin Chronicle and one of “Variety’s Top 10 Comics to Watch.” She opened on tour for Fortune Feimster, Chelsea Handler and more. I caught her set at Fortune’s show - and she is Funny!

WHERE DO YOU FIND THE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR COMEDY? My family, friends, boyfriend and things that happen to me day-to-day.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PRE-SHOW RITUALS? Not really but if I’m really nervous before a show I’ll text my bestie, Micheal Foulk (who I have a podcast with called “I’m Not Busy”), and say “I don’t wanna do this!” Then they’ll encourage me to leave the show. I never leave but there’s something about having a getaway plan that makes me feel better.

WHAT WAS A HIGHLIGHT OF BEING ON TOUR WITH CHELSEA HANDLER?

Vanessa Gonzalez

“There will be dozens of national favorites including Seth Meyers and Jenny Slate and a great

It’s been so fun getting to know Chelsea and traveling around the country with her. She’s so inspiring on and off stage but the biggest highlights have been the private jets and endless amounts of edibles.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF? Don’t worry. You’ll be high on a private jet one day. Learn more about the festival and lineup at: austintheatre.org/moontower-comedy

sampling of local talent.”

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / AUST I N T X

BABY, YOU CAN DRIVE MY CAR! IF YOU HAVE A NEED FOR SPEED, WE HAVE JUST THE PLACE FOR YOU TO EXPLORE AND ESCAPE THE GRIND

ARTICLE BY SARAH IVENS

AU TO C LU B | AU TO + M A RI NE

Steve Metz, Chief Driving Instructor, at Longhorn Racing Academy, fills us in all things fast... and not so furious, and the eternal allure of supercars.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO OPEN THE RACING ACADEMY? The founders of LRA took their personal love of driving and built up our driving program from a Miata-based program to the exotic supercar experiences we offer today. We offer Driving Experiences and High-Speed Ride Alongs at both Harris Hill Raceway (San Marcos, TX) as well as Circuit of the Americas (Austin, TX).

GETTING TO DRIVE ONE OF THE VEHICLES YOU HAVE WOULD BE A DREAM COME TRUE FOR SO MANY MOTORHEADS… We offer experiences in the Lamborghini Huracan Performante, Ferrari Portofino, Porsche 718 GTS 4.0, Porsche 911 GT3, and more! These vehicles are so special because the barrier to entry is typically so high for these exotic supercars. We allow anyone to experience these incredible cars for themselves without the hassles of ownership, insurance, maintenance, storage, etc. - with a driving instructor by their side or behind the wheel!

WHAT MAKES A GOOD DRIVER? Awareness, responsiveness, and - most importantly - smoothness make a good driver.

WHY DO YOU THINK FORMULA 1 IS BECOMING SUCH A BIG SPORT IN THE US NOW? Formula 1 continues to grow in popularity internationally as the technology develops and media covers it more. For people in the US specifically, F1 took off when Circuit of the Americas (COTA) opened as a venue where fans could go to spectate at the races and, with The Longhorn Racing Academy, drive the very same track as the pros!

WHAT SHOULD PEOPLE EXPECT FROM A SESSION WITH YOUR ACADEMY? People should expect to have a blast when they book a session with The Longhorn Racing Academy! We provide everything from the track rental, supercars, helmets, friendly instructors and event staff, a classroom session and safety briefing, to add-ons like reconnaissance laps or our video and photo packages. We cater each experience to the skill level of the individual so that anyone over the age of 18 with a valid driver’s license can experience the thrill of the latest Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, and more for themselves. We also offer kid-friendly high-speed ride alongs where our drivers take guests around the track at top speeds in the passenger seat for an exhilarating family outing!

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Ao5 is Tu r n i n g 2 5 THE AREA’S LARGEST CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY IS CELEBRATING A QUARTER CENTURY OF CURATING ART FOR AUSTIN

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN

Ao5 is an 85,000 square foot contemporary art gallery in the Arboretum. It opened on 5th Street in 1998 and moved to its current home in 2022. Todd Gresley has worked at least adjacently with the gallery since the beginning and full-time as the Gallery Director since 2013. We stopped in for a chat with him about artists present in the gallery and those coming up, his secret sauce for sourcing art and what sets Ao5 apart from other galleries.

WHERE IS THE NAME AO5 FROM? We were originally on 5th, but I wanted to change the name in case we wanted to open more locations.

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CULTURE

ARE THERE PLANS TO EXPAND? I’d love to expand the empire and do Ao5 Houston, and New Orleans…but right now we’re focused on making this the destination gallery of Austin. It’s the largest contemporary gallery in Austin and I want people to know it’s worth the drive. We have artists from Israel, Australia, all over the world.

unless they’re dead. And I don’t have any artists that are jerks. It’s important because I believe the artists personality and their goodness go into their art and that energy goes into my collector’s homes.

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF ARTISTS ARE LOCAL? One-fourth of the artists are from Austin or Houston.

HOW DO YOU SOURCE THE ART? If I tell you that it’s like the KFC secret recipe.I’m really particular about how I source the art. One secret is I don’t like to go to Art Basel or big shows where it’s more of a fashion show than about the art. I go to Des Moines, Iowa, an art festival in Indianapolis and I find the artists that are undiscovered that deserve to be on a platform. Half the artists in here have never been in a gallery before and a lot of them we’re the only gallery they’re in…I’m friends with every artist in this gallery,

YOU HAVE A RANGE OF ART IN THE GALLERY, WHAT’S THE AVERAGE PRICE POINT? I would say average is $2400. I have $800 pieces and $6800 pieces, but the range is $25 to about $50,000.

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF THE BUSINESS IS FRAMING? About one-third of our business is framing. We have over 3000 moldings to choose from.

CONTINUED >

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“I don’t have any artists that are jerks. It’s important because I believe the artists personality and goodness go into their art a n d t h a t e n e r g y g o e s i n t o c o l l e c t o r ’ s h o m e s .” HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SELLING DR. SEUSS PIECES? Since 1998. It was done by his wife, pieces that he hadn’t released before his death because he didn’t want to be criticized, that’s why it’s called “The Secret Life of Dr. Seuss.” We have the largest collection and it’s always rotating.

WHAT ARTISTS DO YOU HAVE COMING UP THAT YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT? Molly Magwire. She was the official artist for American Horror Story, Season Four: Freak Show. We’re bringing in Austin folklore - the salamander of Barton Springs,

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CULTURE

the ghost boy of 360 bridge… She’s a big deal.And Craig Tracy, he’s an artist who’s been going blind his whole life. He paints on bodies because he only has two-dimensional sight. He can have three women lined up, their backsides exposed, and he’ll paint a tiger’s face and you can’t tell until you see the video and it moves they’re actually people. So, you can’t take the art that he paints home, but we do limited editions of his work with a professional photographer. When you see it, it will blow your mind. Another one in the gallery right now I’m super excited about is Salt Studio, Natalie and Kellie North from Utah. They’d never been

in a gallery before and we’re selling two pieces each month and they’re big, bold and beautiful. They’re a play on mythology verse Americana and stunning. And I’m always excited about our Salvador Dali collection. I tapped into a collector who’s been collecting since the 60s and has them piled to the moon.

WHAT SETS AO5 APART FROM OTHER GALLERIES? Twenty-five years of my learning in this industry is put into this room, we don’t have salespeople who follow you around and the music is always loud so you don’t have to whisper. We’re also open seven days a week, which most galleries don’t do, and we have incredible parties.

TELL ME ABOUT THOSE. Galleries have openings all the time, but we party. I don’t mean like crazy woohoo, but we don’t have a party to close a sale or make people buy art, it’s a party. The parties are to elevate the artists, create excitement around a new artist or honor an artist that’s been with us for a long time. We’re also doing live music every other month to correlate with the art, Live at Ao5. We want things to be fun, art collecting should be fun.

Find more at ao5gallery.com and you can check out the Ao5 playlist on Spotify.

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Get to Know Kane Brown After 21 years in Nashville, the Country Music Television Music Awards – where fans vote for the winners - are being held in Austin for the first time ever on April 2. Carrie Underwood, who announced the news during her stop in Austin last year, will be among the performers and Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini will co-host the show that will take place at the Moody Center and air live on CBS. At 29-years-old, Kane already has a career stacked with stories and accomplishments – from a challenging childhood, to auditioning for The X Factor – and turning it down

when he made it because they wanted to put him in a boy band and his gut said no (although that band now opens for him on tour!) – to finding fame when cover songs he put out on social media started going viral. Since then, he’s had several number-one hits, including “Thank God,” which he sings with his wife Katelyn Brown – and will perform with her at the awards in their first awards show performance together. Austin Lifestyle talked with the inspiring musician who says, “A lot of my background about growing up and what I’ve been through

TALKING TO THE CMT MUSIC AWARDS HOST ON LIFE, LESSONS & MUSIC

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN

B ACK STAGE | A RTS + CULTURE

ends up in my music. I think most people hear my song “Learning” and get a really good idea of who I am as a person and some of what I’ve been through. I grew up without a dad, my mom raised me and at times we moved around a lot and even lived in a car for a while. I hope that with my music no matter what you are going through you know you can achieve what you want from your life no matter where you came from or what your current situation is.” Here’s more from our conversation with Kane…

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE CMT MUSIC AWARDS MOVING TO AUSTIN? I’m excited for the show to be in Austin this year. We always love playing in Austin on tour- the crowds are great, the food is great, but it’s also a place that means a lot to me and my band. A lot of people don’t know this, but when we played Austin City Limits, it was such an exciting moment for the band. We ended up losing our drummer, Kenny, in a car accident not long after, and it’s one of the last things we have on camera with him. We’re happy to have the memory of him in his element doing what he loved, so Austin really does mean a lot to us.

a lot of songs before that when I was just starting and getting comfortable with writing. It’s part of the reason I wanted to start a publishing companyVerse2, to give writers a space to develop and own their own voice when writing.

WHAT KIND OF MUSIC INSPIRED YOU GROWING UP? “I Like It I Love it” by Tim McGraw was the first song I ever knew as a kid. I loved Randy Travis, my Nana was a huge Elvis fan, and my grandaddy was a huge Rodeo guy, so we listened to anything that was surrounding that. When I got a little older, I loved Chris Young’s voice. It was really fun to have a number one single (“Famous Friends”) with him so many years later after being a fan of his for a long time. In middle school I listened to a lot of Usher. I think everyone can bring something different and unique to the table. One of the most fun things is getting to collaborate with other artists, there’s no barrier to good music.

“I Like It I Love it” by Tim

McGraw was the first song I ever

knew as a kid.”

HAVE YOU SPENT MUCH TIME IN AUSTIN? We are going to be spending a lot more time there this year! First hosting the CMT Awards and then back in May headlining the iHeart Country Festival.

WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO WHILE YOU’RE HERE? The fans. And Torchy’s!

HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU STARTED WRITING MUSIC? I feel like I really started writing officially when I moved to Nashville, but I wrote “Used To Love You Sober” when I was in my early 20s, and there were

YOU EXPERIENCED PERIODS OF HOMELESSNESS DURING YOUR CHILDHOOD. HOW DID THAT EXPERIENCE SHAPE WHO YOU ARE NOW?

It’s been a big part of why I want to continue to work with the Boys and Girls Club and why I became involved with them several years ago. This past year at their annual gala they surprised me with their Youth Impact Award. One of the honorees mentioned she also lived in a car growing up and it was a huge moment of understanding exactly what that feels like and why it’s important to speak about the experience and do whatever we can to help those who may not have the mentors or resources in their current situation, but are capable of so much.

WHAT DID YOU BUY WITH YOUR FIRST BIG PAYCHECK? A car, for my mom.

CONTINUED >

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“It’s been amazing to see and experience places I never in a million years thought I would ever get to see.”

YOU AUDITIONED FOR THE X FACTOR AND TURNED IT DOWN BECAUSE THEY WANTED TO PUT YOU IN A BOY BAND – WERE YOU ALWAYS SET ON BEING A SOLO ARTIST? I didn’t have any connections in the music industry or know anyone that could help me figure out how to live out my dream of doing music. I grew up watching American Idol and other shows with my mom, so when they came around for auditions I went to audition as a solo artist. It

B ACK STAGE | A RTS + CULTURE

was the show’s idea to group a few solo artists together in a band and they were super talented guys, I just knew I was always meant to be a solo artist and that was more the path I knew I needed to go down. I ended up being able to sign some of them years later- as Restless Roadto my label venture with Sony and got to see how they’ve grown and built a huge audience across the globe. In the end, everyone ended up where they were meant to be by following what they knew was right for them.

ARE YOU HAPPIER ON THE ROAD TOURING OR IN THE STUDIO RECORDING? I love playing live shows and getting to be in front of fans all over the country and internationally. It’s an amazing feeling to be there, singing with them, in person. The first time I ever went out of the country was when touring, so it’s been amazing to see and experience places I never in a million years thought I would ever get to see. If you had told me I would have sold out shows in New Zealand or Australia or London, I wouldn’t have believed that I would have even visited those places, let alone played there, so that’s been amazing. But, I do love home, and we did just build a recording studio at the house so that it was a little easier to be closer to the girls when cutting new music. So, both?

YOU WERE ON THE TIME 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN THE WORLD LIST IN 2021. HOW DID THAT MAKE YOU FEEL? I knew it was a huge honor when my team first told me about it but to be honest, I didn’t realize how much of an impact it had until so many people came up to me telling me how much it meant to them that I was on the list. It’s still something I get asked about the most and I am really proud and humbled to have been a part of it. I don’t

know if I have fully wrapped my head around my name being next to some of the people on that list, it’s surreal, but it’s a huge honor.

WHAT CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENT OR AWARD ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? One of the things I am super proud of right now is that my wife Katelyn and I have a number one together at country radio with “Thank God.” It’s a song we both love and that really means a lot to us. It’s something we always wanted to do and that the fans asked us for. For it to take off and have the radio, streaming and fan support that it’s had has been an amazing feeling and I hope it means that they see and hear how much it means to us too.

WHAT’S A LESSON YOU WISH YOU KNEW GROWING UP THAT YOU HOPE TO TEACH YOUR KIDS? That no matter where you come from or what your current status is your dreams matter and are something you can achieve.

WHAT’S A LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED SO FAR FROM BEING A DAD? Being present. Being patient. And there is no such thing as too much laughter. CONTINUED >

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IF YOU COULD ASK ANYONE FOR ADVICE, WHO WOULD YOU ASK? LeBron—on how he has stayed top of the game for nearly 2 decades.

that music helps so many people overcome things in their life. So, keep doing it, and keep being who you are, because that will help somebody else without you even realizing it.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

HOW MANY TATTOOS DO YOU HAVE?

Keep going.

Too many to count.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU THINK YOUR 65-YEAR-OLD SELF WOULD GIVE YOU TODAY?

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE?

That even though this can be hard to remember at times-people are more alike than they are different and music has the power to bring people together that you never thought would or could;

B ACK STAGE | A RTS + CULTURE

The first one I got and the one I got on my neck that says, Love, my mom has a matching one. I also have Kingsley, Kodi and Katelyn’s names all tattooed in different areas and those also mean a lot to me.

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HOW TO RULE ROUND TOP Don't be put off by the too cool for school reputation... everyone can win here

Winter Show (Jan 19th-22nd), Spring Show (March 18th-April 1st), and Fall Show (Oct 14th-28th). Do note that these dates are specific to the 2023 calendar year - it changes every year. The festival is the largest antiques fair in the country stretching over 11 miles of fields filled with vendor tents, barns, and shops.

BELOW ARE MY TIPS ON NAVIGATING THE SHOW: Round Top is a magical little town located just outside of Austin, and it’s a place that everyone should experience first-hand. This tiny town with a population of only 90 people has become the go-to mecca for sourcing vintage and antiques. The Original Round Top Antiques Fair is hosted three times a year with a

1. STAY IN OR NEAR ROUND TOP: Although it’s not too far of a drive from Austin, hundreds and thousands of people come to visit this small town during the show, which makes getting in and out of Round Top a bit hectic. There is so much to see during the show that I recommend staying close by so you can hit the ground running each day! My favorite place to stay is The Glamp Inn - an adorable indoor glamping spot close to all the action.

"If you fall in love with something and choose to walk away from it, keep in mind that it may not be available later."

Round Top finds!

ARTICLE BY AUDREY SCHECK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNA MCELROY

F IN A N CIA L BU Z Z | ARTS + CULTURE

Round Top is a treasure trove for antique hunters

2. HAVE A GAME PLAN EACH DAY: There are so many different venues within the show, and it’s nearly impossible to see it all. You’ll want to prioritize which venues you visit, especially if you’re on the hunt for a specific piece. My personal favorite spots to visit during each show are Blue Hills, Excess I, Excess II, Market Hill, and The Compound. 3. IF YOU LOVE IT, ACT FAST!: Pieces go quickly during the show, and most vintage inventory is impossible to replicate. If you fall in love with something and choose to walk away from it, keep in mind that it may not be available later. 4. KNOW WHEN TO NEGOTIATE: Most vendors are open to negotiating, but some are firm on prices. This also depends on the venue and timing during the show. If it’s opening day, expect most vendors to be firm on prices. I’ve found you can get the best deals towards the end of the show, but this is also when inventory is at its lowest. Regardless of timing, remember to always be kind and fair with any offer you make. 5. PLAN AHEAD FOR LARGE PURCHASES: While there are several businesses that offer shipping for your purchases, it can get expensive quickly. I recommend splitting the cost of a van or truck with a friend ahead of time and having vendors help you load your items into your own rental vehicle as you make purchases. Having the extra space is so helpful, even if you don’t end up needing all of it. Above all else, have FUN! It’s truly the best little place on earth.

ROUND TOP ROYALTY It’s not just interior designers, influencers and home builders who love to peruse this quaint and quirky town in Texas. Celebrity fans of this antiques paradise include Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton (who wandered the markets then went to the delicious Lulu’s for dinner); favourite of this magazine and dedicated environmentalist Adrian Grenier, plus just about every HGTV star you can imagine! For more information on Audrey Scheck Design, go to audreyscheckdesign.com CONTINUED >

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / AUST I N T X

Who knows what you'll find?

F IN A N CIA L BU Z Z | ARTS + CULTURE

LIGH TS FANTASTIC

WE BRING OUR EXPERTISE, IDEAS, AND U N I Q U E P R O D U CT S TO S H O W YO U W H AT

LIGHTING CAN DO

I N WAYS T H AT YO U N E V E R I M AG I N E D CALL TO SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY DESIGN CONSULTATION

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A beautiful place to try cold water immersion for the first time

Take the Plunge! It's hard to jump into cold waters, but the benefits make it a cool decision ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH IVENS

Are you ready to take a plunge?

M UST SE E | FITN ESS

Cindy Present, the Director of Wellness at Lake Austin Spa Resort, calls out the virtues of cold-water therapy. It’s worth the initial fear and freeze – she promises!

COLD WATER IMMERSION IS THE HOTTEST WELLNESS TREND THIS YEAR. WHY IS IT SOMETHING WE SHOULD ALL BE EXPLORING? Cold water immersion has roots in cultures of high latitudes, with post-sauna dips to rinse toxins, jump-start blood flow and release endorphins, and in the first century, the Romans would plunge to cure physical ailments. It is told that even Hippocrates and Thomas Jefferson utilized the mental and physical benefits of cold-water soaks. In this area, the Comanches were known to soak in the waters of the (Texas) Colorado River in this valley. The winter water temps of Lake Austin vary between 50-65 degrees. Science Exposure to cold water temperatures can benefit immunity, digestion and circulation, while positively influencing the body’s ability to heal by activating the nervous system and hormones which change our physiology and mental capacity.

HOW HAVE YOU INCORPORATED COLD WATER THERAPIES INTO NEW EXPERIENCES AT LAKE AUSTIN? We have always “naturally” embraced the invigorating waters of Lake Austin along with the science of Blue Mind that validates the mental and physical benefits of being in, near and on the water. However, the wave of natural, simple and real remedies moving to the forefront of wellness has allowed us to truly capitalize on what we embrace - and have naturally - at Lake Austin Spa Resort. Thus, our new Water Wellness programming includes rituals and practices that are natural and organic to what we have at our doorstep at Lake Austin Spa Resort - no pools, tubs or relocating needed here! Year-round, we now offer

a Cold Water Lake Austin Plunge and a Paddle & Nature Immersion, which involved paddling out onto the Colorado River, going for a float, and meditating in the beautiful nature around us. At the moment, and every Spring, we offer something we call a Wild Water Sound Immersion - a guided floating journey on paddleboards on the lake, immersed in nature and surrounded by wild waters with native American flute sounds. Finally, in the summer we offer Wild Water Walking, which is a guided walk in the water while participants where floatation belts.

WHAT SHOULD A GUEST EXPECT WHEN THEY SIGN UP TO DO A COLD-WATER PLUNGE? IT SOUNDS HORRID! Before you plunge… Prepare - and expect to be cold. But know what your body is doing - visualize the blood moving to your organs, your lungs being stimulated through deeper, more intentional breathwork, your stress level “wanting” to increase, but your mentally and physically engaging resilience. After the plunge… Know getting out will be warmer, so use it as a transition time, let your body continue to adjust without running to a warmer place. Get your towel and try to breathe for another minute minimally. Sometimes your body will continue to get colder once you’re out, but take advantage of that time.

BE HONEST, HOW HARD IS IT TO TAKE THE PLUNGE THAT FIRST TIME? We like to utilize the “clock method”. We will introduce the experience, talk about the history and know that at 10 after we will disrobe and within 15 seconds be “in”. To some, it may be just legs, for some complete body to the neck, for others immersing the head as well. In Ironman, I learned the saying that if you expect the pain, then when it happens, it’s much easier to bear and setting your mind that it will be temporary.

"Exposure to cold water temperatures can benefit immunity, digestion and circulation, while positively influencing the body’s ability to heal by activating the nervous system and hormones which change our physiology and mental capacity," - Cindy Present, Director of Wellness at Lake Austin Spa Resort CONTINUED >

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / AUST I N T X

Post-plunge tea at the firepit

LIFE IS YIN AND YANG, SO AFTER THE COLD, WHAT LOVELY WAYS ARE THERE TO WARM UP AT LAKE AUSTIN - LOG FIRES, SAUNAS, HOT CHOCOLATE ETC. I THINK KNOWING THAT AWAITS THE OTHER SIDE IS THE ONLY WAY I’D BE ABLE TO DO IT!

going right into a stretch or yoga class afterward is also very beneficial for flexibility and mobility. The body is ready to more relaxed and pliable. Take the plunge – you won’t regret it!

A soothing spa treatment and/or body wrap, warm tea, hot chocolate, a eucalyptus steam room, crackling fireplace,

For more information on the new program at Lake Austin Spa Resort, go to lakeaustin.com

R E C O R D E D B E N E F I T S I N C LU D E :

• Improved circulation, cardiovascular health, immunity, energy, lymphatic movement, mindset, sleep, alertness. • Reduction in inflammation, muscle aches & pain, soreness, stress hormones, anxiety, heart rate, depression. • Increased metabolism, dopamine, endorphins. • Psyche: creating a stressful situation for your body teaches your mind and body how to adapt in general.

M UST SE E | FITN ESS

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AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / AUST I N T X

Feeling

hot , hot , hot ! A new downtown restaurant is keeping the Austin dining scene aflame

ARTICLE BY SARAH IVENS

Nick Meyer, Director of Operations at the new Ember Kitchen and Subterra Agave Bar in the historic Seaholm Power Plant building, explains how Austin’s latest hot opening is an ode to fire.

CELEBRATING THE FLAVOR OF FIRE IS YOUR THEME - TELL US MORE! The centerpiece of Ember Kitchen is our coal-fired Josper oven – one of very few in Texas – imported from Spain. It gives our food a serious level of depth and intensity.

YOUR VENUE IS AN ‘ODE TO FIRE’ - CAN YOU FEEL THE FLAME IN THE COCKTAILS TOO? Our mixologist, Chris San Andres, incorporates the Josper into many of his syrup and shrub preparations as well by cooking some of the ingredients over the open flame. At Subterra, his agave-forward program aims to encapsulate the many flavors of Latin America. You’ll find a range of cocktails highlighting everything from tequila and mezcal, to obscurities such as bacanora, raicilla, Peruvian pisco and

charanda, Mexico’s only rum with an official denomination of origin.

EXPLAIN INKIND TO US, AND HOW IT’S SHAPING AND SAVING THE AUSTIN RESTAURANT SCENE. Traditional funding presents many challenges for restaurant operators, so inKind set out to create a more sustainable option. The model–which allows inKind to provide non-dilutive funding by purchasing food and beverage credit in the business–actually helps restaurants grow without incurring the extra costs and debt often associated with traditional equity investments or loans.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE AUSTIN RESTAURANT SCENE? I’m an East Coast transplant who moved here during the pandemic, and over the last two years, I’ve really enjoyed getting to experience how truly relaxed the restaurant scene is in Austin. Outside of numerous taco trucks and barbecue joints, my favorites include Lenoir and Odd Duck, where both the flavors and staff are fun and memorable. My biggest takeaway from spots like these is that great food is bolstered by teams who genuinely enjoy serving it.

Ember Kitchen and Subterra Agave Bar, 800 W. Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78701 emberatx.com

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

WHAT SIGNATURE LATIN AMERICAN DISHES WILL DINERS GET THE HOTS FOR? The Salpicon de Pulpo, featuring octopus marinated in a zingy escabeche, plays so well with the charred salsa, owing its intensity to the Josper.

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / AUST I N T X

A P R I L F L O W E R S It's feminine florals time to shine

ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE COULTRESS O'NEILL

Spring florals are not necessarily groundbreaking, but as of late designers have taken a more abstract approach to showcasing these seasonal blooms. In current collections, you’ll see flowers with watercolor finishes to sketched designs and big, bold prints. This season’s florals have blossomed into a musthave for the Spring. Perfect for day to night, florals are the perfect expression of the vibrant, hopeful season. *You can find these dresses and many more pieces full of flowers at Estilo Boutique and online

T R E N D SE T T E R | STY L E + BE AUTY

M O D E RN D ES I G N. PRE M IU M PE RFO R MANC E .

Bas e d in Au s tin, Texas | www. f uegolivin g.com | 88 8 . 8 8 3. 8 346