EXPLORE LAKESIDE ADVENTURES, SCENIC CRUISES, AND REFRESHING WAYS TO ENJOY THIS SUMMER.
Embracing the Unexpected
We spend so much of our lives focused on productivity and efficiency. Every calendar slot is filled, every task has a deadline, and every moment seems to need a purpose. I’ll admit, I fall into that mindset often myself. But life becomes a little smaller when there’s no room left for curiosity or exploration.
Some of the best parts of summer remind us of that.
The memories that stay with us are rarely the perfectly planned ones. They’re the spontaneous road trips, the afternoons that stretch longer than expected, the conversations that happen while wandering through a new place, or the simple joy of trying something unfamiliar.
Summer has a way of encouraging us to slow down, reconnect, and make room for moments we never saw coming. Sometimes the most meaningful experiences begin with no agenda at all.
Let this season be one of curiosity, connection, and a little more space for the unexpected.
MICHELLE WOOD, EDITOR @WESTAUSTINCITYLIFESTYLE
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Bryan Stone | Bryan.Stone@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Michelle Wood | Michelle.Wood@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Steven Valentin | Steven.Valentin@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS
Alissa Cordoba | Alissa@alissacordobabrands.com
Claire Smith | Claire@littleacornsphoto.com
Kim Ortiz | Kim@kimortiz.com
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Your Success as the Destination.
Your success is our mission. Using our comprehensive knowledge of the everevolving markets, we fine-tune our strategies to reflect your needs. Whether you are moving in, moving out, or moving up, we’re your unwavering partner along the way. In every real estate venture, we stand by you, making your ambitions our own.
Your success, our shared journey.
West Austin By Water
Dining Destinations
Community
city scene
WHERE
1: Frontyard Brewing serves burgers, craft beer, and relaxed summer patio dining in Spicewood. 2: Spicewood Vineyards brings together wine, live music, and Hill Country summer evenings. 3: Refresh your summer routine with smoothies and wellness drinks from SunLife Organics in Bee Cave. 4: Relax and recharge this summer with luxurious spa treatments at Mokara Spa Austin. 5: Kayak adventures at Miraval Austin offer a refreshing way to experience summer outdoors. 6: Cool off this summer at Lakeway Swim Center’s family-friendly pools and waterslides. 7: Spend summer on the water with lake days and scenic cruises from Stevens Charter.
CAFÉ BLUE
CLASSIC SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR
Available Saturday and Sunday 9a-3p Café Blue brings a coastal inspired brunch with fresh seafood classics, island style cocktails, and a relaxed, upscale vibe. It’s the perfect spot to unwind over bold flavors, breezy plates, and a weekend atmosphere that feels like a getaway.
THE LEAGUE
KITCHEN & TAVERN
Available Saturday and Sunday 10a-2p Brunch at The League is all about scratch made comfort and bold, weekend worthy flavors. From stacked plates to standout cocktails, it’s the kind of brunch that turns your morning into a celebration. Perfect for families, friend groups, or anyone who believes brunch should feel like a celebration
NOW OPEN FOR SUMMER! DAILY FROM 10AM-6PM A splash pad is a fun, zero depth water play area designed for all ages to cool off and enjoy It’s a safe, family friendly spot that brings refreshing excitement to any warm weather day
business monthly
ROUNDUP OF
Bricks & Minifigs Bee Cave
Bricks & Minifigs Bee Cave invites you to explore a world built on creativity, discovery, and a little nostalgia. Inside, shelves are filled with ever-changing LEGO® sets, rare finds, and minifigures waiting to complete your collection. From longtime collectors to first-time visitors, there’s something exciting waiting around every corner. Start exploring at BricksandMinifigs. com/BeeCave-TX.
High 5 Exchange
High 5 Exchange invites you to discover a new kind of play, where classic games meet a lively social atmosphere. From late-night bowling and arcade favorites to axe throwing and all-day play on Mondays, there is always something to discover. It is an easy go-to for birthdays, group outings, or spontaneous nights out. Every visit feels a little different, and just as fun. Plan your next outing at High5Exchange.com
Tumbleweed Studio & Arts Collective
Tumbleweed Clay invites you to explore creativity through hands-on ceramic art in a relaxed, welcoming studio setting. With 24/7 access, professional equipment, and a range of classes and workshops, it is a space designed for both beginners and experienced artists to create freely. From wheel throwing to collaborative learning, every visit offers something new to discover. Schedule a tour or learn more at TumbleweedClay.com.
Photography by Bricks & Minifigs Bee Cave
Photography by High 5 Exchange
Photography by Tumbleweed Studio & Arts Collective
Hawaii Fluid Art
Hawaii Fluid Art Bee Cave offers a vibrant space to explore creativity without pressure or expectations. Tucked inside Hill Country Galleria, it is a place to try something new, from fluid painting to resin art, whether you come solo or with friends. Each session is hands-on, immersive, and a little unexpected. Perfect for date nights, celebrations, or spontaneous outings. Find your next creative escape at HawaiiFluidArt.com
Hill Country Galleria
Celebrate Independence Day with us at Hill Country Galleria on Saturday, July 4th, from 4PM to 10PM for the annual Independence Day Festival! Explore over 40 unique vendors lining the streets of Hill Country Galleria and be sure to arrive early to shop the boutiques and merchants that make this place special. Enjoy a lively lineup of performances in the Central Plaza. View the full music lineup at HillCountryGalleria.com
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
Mayfield Park invites you to explore a quieter side of West Austin, where winding trails, lily-covered ponds, and roaming peacocks create a setting that feels almost untouched by time. Tucked behind stone walls, it is a place to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with nature. Whether you are seeking inspiration or a peaceful escape, the atmosphere encourages you to linger a little longer. Learn more at AustinTexas.gov
Photography by Hawaii Fluid Art
Photography by Hill Country Galleria
Photography by Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
OU R P I CKS
CITY LIST
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Best Ice Cream Parlor
Zeds Real Fruit Ice Cream www.zedsicecream.com | 512.269.3944
Dumont Creamery & Cafe www.dumont.us | 512.215.2864
Amy's Ice Creams - Galleria www.amysicecreams.com | 737.277.4266
Grateful Custard www.gratefulcustard.com | 512.300.7007
Marble Slab Creamery www.marbleslab.com | 512.876.0398
Best Coffee Shop
Trianon Coffee www.trianoncoffee.com | 512.328.4033
Lola Savannah Coffee Lounge www.lolacoffee.com | 512.327.8822
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters www.mozartscoffee.com | 512.477.2900
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Civil Goat Coffee www.civilgoat.com | 512.792.9929
Summer Moon Coffee - Bee Cave www.summermooncoffee.com | 512.215.9003
Best Summer Camp
Fantastic Magic Camp www.magiccamp.com | 512.988.3045
Westlake Athletic & Community Center www.wacctexas.com | 512.852.8358
Kidventure www.kidventure.com/austin-summer-camps/ | 512.263.8992
Wet & Wild Adventure Camp www.wetwildcamp.com | 512.771.3188
Bee Cave Arts Foundation www.beecavearts.foundation/classes-and-camps | 512.522.9467
Best Pool Builder
Cody Pools www.codypools.com | 877.474.7665
Denali Pools www.denalipools.com | 210.934.6132
Cascade Custom Pools www.cascadecustompools.com | 512.264.2453
Gary Pools www.garypools.com | 210.880.9773
Cutters Pools www.cutterspools.com | 512.750.9522
Best Deck Builder
Austin Deck Company www.austindeck.com | 512.472.1639
Roadrunner Decks www.roadrunnerdecks.com | 512.745.6111
Ace Deck Builders www.acedeckbuilders.com | 512.566.7519
Atlas Deck Builders www.atlasdeckbuilders.com | 512.566.7518
Green Hill Remodling www.greenhillremodeling.com | 737.529.4322
DIS COVER LAKESIDE ADVENTURES, SCENIC CRUISES, AND REFRESHING WAYS TO EXPERIENCE WEST AUSTIN THIS SUMMER.
ARTICLE BY STEVEN VALENTIN
THE WATER SUMMER BY
Summer in West Austin is best spent near the water. From relaxing Lake Austin boat tours to paddleboarding and wake surfing under the Texas sun, West Austin offers endless ways to cool off outdoors. Planning a full lake day with friends or enjoying a peaceful morning paddle both capture the outdoor lifestyle that makes summers around Lake Austin so special.
Courtesy of Lake Austin Calm
There is something about being out on Lake Austin that instantly makes summer feel better. The warm weather, the breeze off the water, and the scenic shoreline create the perfect setting for a day outside, and West Austin business Austin Boat Adventures offers one of the easiest ways to experience it all. Their guided boat tours take guests through some of the most beautiful stretches of Lake Austin while offering a closer look at the waterfront homes, iconic scenery, and relaxed lifestyle that define lake living.
The experience feels laid-back from the moment the boat leaves the dock. Guests can sit back, enjoy the sunshine, take photos, and spend time with family or friends while cruising through calm water surrounded by lush greenery. Sunset tours are especially memorable, turning the lake into one of the most scenic spots in West Austin as the sky reflects across the water. It is the kind of experience that encourages people to slow down and fully enjoy being outside.
For visitors wanting something a little more fast-paced, ATX Wake Adventures brings energy and excitement to the lake through wake surfing and wakeboarding experiences designed for all skill levels. Guests stepping onto a board for the first time and experienced riders alike are welcomed into an atmosphere filled with instruction, music, sunshine, and plenty of laughter, making it an ideal group activity during the summer months.
Wake surfing has become one of West Austin’s favorite lake activities because it blends adrenaline with the laid-back culture that surrounds life on the water. Between the boat rides, lake views, and excitement of learning something new, it often becomes the highlight of the weekend.
Families, friend groups, and visitors alike continue to gravitate toward these experiences because they offer more than just time outdoors. They create moments that feel uniquely connected to summer and the lifestyle that comes with time spent on the lake.
Courtesy of Austin Boat Adventures
Colton Longden, Owner of ATX Wake Adventures
Courtesy of ATX Wake Adventures
Not every lake day in West Austin needs to be high energy. Sometimes the best moments happen early in the morning when the water is still calm, the air feels cooler, and the only sound is the paddle cutting through the lake. That slower pace comes to life through Lake Austin Calm, a paddleboarding experience focused on relaxation, movement, and enjoying the natural beauty surrounding the water.
Paddleboarding has become one of West Austin’s favorite outdoor activities because it allows people to experience Lake Austin at their own pace. Some guests arrive looking for a peaceful workout, while others simply want an excuse to spend time outside away from busy schedules and screens. The calm waters create a welcoming environment for beginners, making the experience approachable even for first-time paddleboarders.
Lake Austin Calm emphasizes mindfulness and connection just as much as recreation. Guests are encouraged to slow down, take in the scenery, and enjoy being fully present on the water. Morning sessions are often calm and uncrowded, while evening paddles provide a relaxing way to end the day.
Beyond the paddleboards themselves, the experience captures something people love most about summers in West Austin. Life here often revolves around the outdoors, and the lake becomes a place where recreation, wellness, and connection naturally come together. Spending time on the water feels less like an activity and more like part of the West Austin lifestyle.
Together, Austin Boat Adventures, ATX Wake Adventures, and Lake Austin Calm highlight the many ways to enjoy West Austin on the water. From adventure-filled afternoons to quiet mornings on the water, these local businesses continue to showcase why our lakes remain a favorite destination year after year.
Learn more or book an experience, visit AustinBoatAdventures.com, call (512) 3873069, visit AustinTexasWake.com, call (512) 656-0808, or visit LakeAustinCalm.com for additional details and reservations.
Courtesy of Lake Austin Calm
Courtesy of Lake Austin Calm
The Oasis
Where sunset views, fresh flavors, and waterfront patios create some of West Austin’s most scenic dining experiences.
LAKESIDE DINING DESTINATIONS
ARTICLE BY STEVEN VALENTIN
Austin’s waterfront dining scene offers more than just beautiful views. It creates an atmosphere where long lunches turn into sunset dinners and every table feels connected to the lake beside it. Guests can enjoy elevated Mexican cuisine at Quince Lakehouse or panoramic waterfront views at The Oasis while experiencing the food, scenery, and relaxed energy that define summer in Central Texas. From fresh seafood and handcrafted cocktails to breezy patios overlooking the water, each restaurant offers its own take on lakeside dining while giving guests a reason to slow down and stay awhile.
Perched along the shoreline with expansive waterfront views, Quince Lakehouse offers a dining experience that feels refined while still maintaining a relaxed lakeside atmosphere. Located on Lake Austin, the restaurant pairs contemporary Mexican-inspired cuisine with an open-air setting, warm interiors, and a thoughtfully designed patio where the waterfront scenery becomes part of the experience itself.
The menu highlights fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, offering dishes designed for sharing alongside handcrafted cocktails and seasonal offerings, including ceviche, tuna tostadas, fresh seafood selections, tacos, and house margaritas. Guests can arrive by boat, gather with friends for weekend brunch, or enjoy dinner as the sun reflects across the water. Every detail, from the presentation to the atmosphere, contributes to a dining experience centered around connection and comfort.
Further west overlooking Lake Travis, The Oasis has become one of Austin’s most recognizable destinations. Known for its sweeping views, multi-level patio dining, and memorable sunsets, the restaurant has welcomed generations of visitors looking to experience one of the city’s most iconic spots along the water. The atmosphere is energetic and celebratory, especially in the evenings when guests gather along the terraces to listen to live music and watch the sunset over the water.
The Oasis offers a menu filled with casual favorites, refreshing cocktails, and shareable dishes designed to complement the laid-back environment, including fajitas, tacos, burgers, seafood dishes, and their well-known Oasis margaritas. Its location provides panoramic views that make every table feel scenic, whether visitors are stopping in after a day on the lake or planning a dinner centered around the sunset itself.
Quince Lakehouse and The Oasis showcase two distinct experiences that define waterfront dining in Austin. One offers a refined and intimate atmosphere along Lake Austin, while the other captures the lively energy and expansive beauty of Lake Travis. Both invite guests to slow down, take in the view, and savor an experience that extends well beyond the meal.
For more information or reservations, visit Quince Lakehouse at menu.atx.quincesma.com/menu, located at 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703, or visit The Oasis on Lake Travis at oasis-austin.com, located at 6550 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732.
“Waterfront dining in West Austin offers scenic lake views, relaxed summer energy, and memorable meals that feel unmistakably connected to the city.”
- Bryan Stone, WACL Publisher
Quince Lakehouse at 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
Courtesy of Quince Lakehouse
Building Creativity & Community in Bee Cave
Bricks & Minifigs Bee Cave brings families together through hands-on LEGO® fun all summer long.
Summer in West Austin often means finding new ways to stay active and connected with family and friends, and Bricks & Minifigs Bee Cave has quickly become one of the area’s most engaging destinations. Filled with colorful displays, rare collectibles, hands-on activities, and an ever-changing inventory of LEGO® sets, the location feels just as exciting for adults as it does for kids.
Bricks & Minifigs Bee Cave was built around a shared love of LEGO® and a vision of creating a welcoming space where creativity and imagination could thrive. From longtime collectors searching for retired sets to young builders discovering LEGO® for the first time, guests are encouraged to browse, build, trade, and rediscover the joy of creating something completely their own.
Walking through the store feels a little like stepping into a giant treasure hunt. Shelves are packed with new, old, rare, and hard-tofind LEGO® sets, while bins overflowing with bulk pieces invite guests to dig through and uncover unexpected gems. Collectors search
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE WOOD
PHOTOGRAPHY
COURTESY
OF BRICKS & MINIFIGS BEE CAVE
for specific Minifigures to complete their collections, while families spend time exploring together and sharing memories tied to favorite LEGO® themes from years past.
Throughout the space, the motto “Rebuild, Reuse and Reimagine” is brought to life through hands-on experiences and creative building opportunities. Guests can buy, sell, and trade LEGO® sets and bulk collections, giving old bricks new life while inspiring even more creativity. That hands-on approach is part of what makes Bricks & Minifigs Bee Cave feel different from a traditional toy store. The inventory changes constantly, creating new discoveries with every visit.
During the summer months, the store becomes an especially popular stop for West Austin families searching for indoor activities that still feel energetic and interactive. Birthday parties at Bricks & Minifigs Bee Cave have become a local favorite, combining race car building, derby races, Minifigure activities, and friendly competition into celebrations that keep kids fully engaged from start to finish. Parties include dedicated build time, races on the derby track, and opportunities for each child to create and take home their own Minifigure.
The welcoming atmosphere also makes the store a gathering place for LEGO® enthusiasts across the community. Families stop in after lunch nearby, collectors swap stories while searching for rare finds, and children proudly carry their newest creations out the front door. Parents appreciate having a place where imagination naturally takes over and screen time fades into the background.
Bricks & Minifigs Bee Cave also gives families something many summer activities cannot: the chance to slow down and spend quality time together while doing something creative. Children build side by side with parents, collectors reconnect with nostalgic sets from their childhood, and guests of all ages find themselves drawn into the excitement of discovering something unexpected. The store manages to feel both playful and community-driven, creating an atmosphere that encourages people to stay awhile, explore, and connect.
For West Austin families, Bricks & Minifigs Bee Cave offers more than LEGO® sets. It is a place where creativity, nostalgia, and community come together one brick at a time.
Families, collectors, and LEGO® fans can visit Bricks & Minifigs Bee Cave at 11905 Bee Caves Rd, Suite 105, Bee Cave, TX 78738, or learn more at BricksandMinifigs.com/BeeCave-TX.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
The 10% Target Mindset
Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
STACK THE DECK
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
3
DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
4
SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
NEVER MISS A MONDAY
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
Summer Seafood Gazpacho
ALYSSA LAVY, MS, RD, CDN
BY
ARTICLE
A REFRESHING,
CHILLED, SUMMER FORWARD SOUP THAT PACKS IN PROTEIN AND FIBER!
Ingredients:
(yields ~8 C gazpacho)
• 8 large tomatoes
• 1 large cucumber
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 small sweet onion
• 1 jalapeño pepper
• ½ tsp hot sauce
• 3 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)
• 8 oz lump crab meat
• 8 oz cooked shrimp, chilled (about 8-12 large shrimp)
*Optional suggested toppings include: cilantro, tortilla chips, chopped jalapeños, creme fraiche, or additional parsley.
This summer seafood gazpacho screams summer and is the perfect, refreshing meal, snack or appetizer to beat the heat - whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a quiet meal with family. It’s packed with some of the season’s most flavorful produce and provides satisfying fiber and protein to help keep you feeling full, while still being light enough to enjoy on the hottest of summer days. Plus, there is no need to turn on the oven or the stove, keeping your kitchen (and you) cool as a cucumber! You can enjoy this chilled soup as is, or add toppings like chopped jalapeños, cilantro, or creme fraiche and scoop it up with tortilla chips!
Directions:
1. Cut tomatoes into large chunks, approximately 6-8 pieces each. Set aside.
2. Slice cucumber into thick slices. Set aside.
3. Mince garlic. Set aside.
4. Chop onion into medium sized pieces. Set aside.
5. Slice jalapeño pepper in half, lengthwise. Remove seeds if you prefer less heat. Chop jalapeño pepper and set aside.
6. Add tomatoes to large food processor. You may need to add about half of the tomatoes, pulse for a few seconds and then add the remaining tomatoes depending on the size of your food processor. Pulse tomatoes until chunky and slightly pureed. You will continue to puree the tomatoes once the additional ingredients are added, so do not pulse until completely smooth.
7. Add remaining vegetables (cucumber, garlic, onion, jalapeño pepper) to food processor with the tomatoes. Add hot sauce, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper and parsley. Replace the lid and pulse to desired consistency – the gazpacho should be pureed, but still somewhat chunky and not completely smooth.
8. Store in an airtight container and chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving. If not serving right away, this gazpacho can be made in advance and stored in the fridge overnight or for a few days until ready to serve. If making this gazpacho in advance, purchase fresh seafood or thaw frozen within 1 day of serving to keep seafood fresh and store seafood separately, only adding when ready to serve. When ready to serve, chop the shrimp and add approximately 1-2 oz chopped shrimp and ~1 oz crab meat to each bowl. You can add optional toppings, such as chopped cilantro, chopped jalapeños, tortilla chips, creme fraiche and an additional sprinkle of parsley, if preferred. Enjoy!
Note: This gazpacho can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up for 4 days, without the seafood. Store seafood separately and add when ready to consume.
Alyssa Lavy, MS, RD, CDN, CPT is a registered dietitian, personal trainer and mom of 2. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The George Washington University and her Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College Columbia University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She has been an ACSM certified personal trainer for over a decade. Alyssa is the owner of Alyssa Lavy Nutrition & Wellness, a wellness brand offering nutrition communications, program development and consulting services for individuals and corporations.
Website: alyssalavy.com Instagram: @alyssalavyrd
TAKE YOUR NEXT VACATION WITH EFFORTLESS FLAIR
YOU WORK HARD ALL YEAR—YOUR VACATION STYLE SHOULD FEEL CINEMATIC, EFFORTLESS, AND UNMISTAKABLY MAIN CHARACTER.
Effortless vacation style isn’t about having the perfect outfit for every moment—it’s about having the right foundation to make every moment look intentional. When you know how to build a capsule travel wardrobe, you’ll avoid agonizing over what to wear and spend more time actually enjoying your getaway, all while looking like you have a personal stylist tucked in your carry-on. Here’s your go-to list for this season’s travels:
1. THE EFFORTLESS STATEMENT SET
A coordinated two-piece (linen, silk, or cotton) that transitions from day to night. Sets are easy to wear, photograph, and offers effortless ways to look put together. Bonus: you can mix and match the pieces with other items that you pack. I would recommend packing multiple sets to make it even easier to mix and match. For both men and women, simply focus on neutrals and, if you want to add color, make sure it coordinates well with other items in your luggage.
2. THE MOOD-ALTERING PIECE
A sweeping dress in a bold print or luscious fabric that makes you feel sensual, grounded, and free. Find something that moves with you and captures light beautifully. This is your dreamy piece— flowy fabrics with movement that captures the eye and works for any kind of event.
3. THE LUXE FLAT OR SCULPTURAL SANDAL
Find footwear that balances style and comfort. Look for interesting shapes or materials (like leather with architectural cutouts or metallic finishes). More than shoes—they’re anchors for adventure, grounding your aesthetic wherever you land. This goes the same for men.
Your footwear can also make an impact through the braided details of your sandals or the canvas of a casual slip-on loafer.
4. THE TRANSITIONAL THIRD PIECE
Think: kimono, over-sized linen blazer, a lightweight duster, or a gauzy button-down left open. This is your layering hero that adds polish without effort. It’s an aura amplifier that instantly makes your outfit feel styled and intentional.
5. INTERESTING AND IMPACTFUL SUNGLASSES
Sunglasses with personality is a must. They could be over-sized, cat-eye, or tinted lenses that feel more like “cinematic escape” than “just functional.” Because you’re not sightseeing—you’re starring in your own travel film.
6. A SCULPTURAL CARRYALL
A bag that holds your essentials but looks like art—think woven textures, unique shapes, or buttery leather. Practicality meets poetry. You deserve a vessel that carries your dreams...and your SPF.
7. SIGNATURE SCENT OR TRAVEL CANDLE
Pack travel-sized fragrance or a tiny candle that evokes your essence or complements the location. Scent is meant to ignite memories and set the tone—infuse your travels with an olfactory signature.
8. ACCESSORIES WITH A STORY
A few intentional pieces such as a ring from a market you found during your travels, a layered necklace that serves as an easy throw-on, or a straw hat to protect your face from the sun (even if it’s a cooler climate, because remember, safety first: don’t get burnt).
ARTICLE BY COURTNEY STONE SMITH
JULY 4TH
July 4th Celebration
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
105 Cross Creek, Lakeway, TX 78734 | 8:30 AM
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at Lakeway 4th of July Parade on July 4 with patriotic floats, performances, and community festivities. The parade begins at 8:30 AM, followed by a hot dog reception at the Lakeway Activity Center. Join one of Lakeway’s most beloved traditions honoring freedom, unity, and community spirit. Start planning your Fourth of July tradition at LakewayTX.gov
JULY 4TH
2026 4th of July Picnic
9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin, TX 78617 | 3:30 PM
Celebrate Independence Day at Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic at Germania Insurance Amphitheater. A Texas tradition since 1972, this iconic event brings together live music, local food vendors, and a spectacular fireworks show for an unforgettable Fourth of July celebration. Learn more about this year’s celebration, lineup, and ticket information at WillieNelson.com
JULY 4TH
Independence Day
12700 Hill Country Blvd., Suite T-100, Bee Cave, TX 78738 | 4:00 PM
Celebrate the Fourth of July at Hill Country Galleria with live music, local vendors, family-friendly activities, fair rides, food, and a fireworks finale. Bring a blanket, enjoy the festivities, and stay for a memorable evening under the stars. Admission and parking are free. Visit the website to learn more at HillCountryGalleria.com
JULY 16TH
The SpongeBob Musical
12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave, TX 78738 | 8:00 PM
Opening night begins July 16 for The SpongeBob Musical, a free outdoor Broadway-style performance presented by Magnolia Musical Theatre and the Bee Cave Development Corporation. Enjoy music, dancing, and family-friendly fun under the stars at Hill Country Galleria. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and a picnic for the perfect summer evening. Plan your summer evening under the stars at BeeCaveTexas.gov
JULY 18TH
Invoke Quartet
2406 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin, TX 78712 | 7:30 PM
Experience an unforgettable evening of genre-defying music with Invoke Quartet: American Voices on July 18. Blending classical, bluegrass, folk, jazz, and original compositions, the acclaimed ensemble brings American music traditions to life through an energetic and cinematic performance audiences won’t forget. Find everything you need to know before the performance at AustinChamberMusic.org
JULY 25TH
Austin Solstice Circuit Challenge
2805 Pace Bend Rd. N., Spicewood, TX 78669 | 7:00 PM
Challenge yourself at Austin Solstice Circuit Challenge with race options ranging from a 5K to a 52.7-mile run at scenic Pace Bend Park. Set beneath July’s Buck Moon on a traffic-free paved loop, this unique endurance event offers runners of every level the chance to chase a new personal record. Register and learn more at RunSignUp.com
ARTICLE BY STEVEN VALENTIN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ANDERSON PARKER
KIDS SUMMER ESSENTIALS FOR TRAVEL, PLAY & ADVENTURE
Playful vacation picks designed for stylish, comfortable summer travel days.
From beach days and sightseeing to family dinners and cozy nights in, Anderson Parker offers thoughtful styles for every part of summer.
1. MATCHING TRAVEL SETS
Coordinated sets make vacation packing simple and effortless. Lightweight fabrics and easy fits keep kids comfortable from airport mornings to family dinners while staying photo-ready for every summer memory.
2. PLAYFUL SWIM STYLES
Bright colors, cheerful prints, and comfortable fits bring extra fun to pool and beach days. Designed for swimming, sandcastles, and sunshine, these pieces keep kids comfortable through every summer adventure.
3. EASY SUMMER DRESSES
Lightweight dresses make vacation dressing simple during busy summer days. Breathable fabrics and relaxed fits transition easily from sightseeing and shopping to sunset dinners and evening walks.
4. VACATION DAY ACCESSORIES
Sun hats, sandals, and small carry-all bags make summer travel stylish and functional. These playful accessories keep essentials nearby while adding the perfect finishing touch to vacation outfits.
5. COZY SUMMER PAJAMAS
Soft pajamas help kids unwind comfortably after long days of exploring. Lightweight sleepwear keeps vacation nights cozy whether lakeside, in a hotel room, or during family movie nights.
SHOP ANDERSON PARKER
Address: 3300 Bee Caves Road, Suite 375, Austin, Texas 78746 | Website: shopap.com
CONNECT WITH ANDERSON PARKER
Instagram: @shopandersonparker | Email: hello@shopap.com | Phone: (512) 256-4659
WHAT WEALTHY INVESTORS ARE DOING DIFFERENTLY IN
2026
Markets finished 2025 near all-time highs.
Inflation is easing. Interest rates are beginning to normalize — yet uncertainty remains.
In 2026, sophisticated investors are rethinking how their portfolios are built.
Rather than relying on commission-based advice or onesize-fits-all model portfolios common at most traditional advisory firms, many high-net worth investors are moving toward custom, tax-aware investment strategies designed to perform across a wide range of market environments.
At Old Vine Capital, we serve a select group of high-networth families, foundations, and corporations who value:
• True fiduciary advice — no commissions, no proprietary products
• Low-cost, tax-efficient investment strategies
• Institutional-quality portfolio construction, tailored to each client
• Thoughtful diversification beyond traditional stocks and bonds
• Transparent third-party custody at Charles Schwab, with assets held in your name
Reach
Where appropriate, qualified investors may also access alternative investment strategies designed to enhance diversification and long-term return potential — including private equity, private credit, venture capital, and AI data center infrastructure — carefully integrated, never sold.
What Sets Old Vine Capital Apart
• Independent, fee-only Registered Investment Advisor
• Often significantly lower cost than traditional advisory firms
• Customized portfolios — no mutual funds, insurance, or proprietary products
• Advanced tax-aware investment implementation
• Solutions for business owners, concentrated stock positions, and complex generational wealth
• For investors with $1M+ in investable assets seeking a more intentional, lower-cost, tax-efficient approach to wealth management.
