Southwest Lounge Coming to Austin

 Yes, it is true.  We're getting a Southwest Airlines lounge along with Baltimore, Honolulu, and Nashville.  According to the KUT story I heard on the radio this morning it will be ready later in 2027.  Also, according to the radio report one will need a Chase Sapphire Reserve card to access it (there was no mention of a special SWA card with lounge access).

Barton Springs Pool

 Barton Springs Pool was set to reopen on Friday, but now it is tentatively set to reopen on March 21st.  The pool has been closed for work on the Barton Springs Skimmer Bypass Project.  

If you want to swim in another cold spring pool in central Austin, there is always Deep Eddy (also, in my past and possibly outdated experience, a good place to swim laps).  You can finish your swim with a drink at the Deep Eddy Cabaret and or grab a burger from Pool Burger down below.

Austin Airport to Get Refreshed Admirals Club

 

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Last Week's Microburst in Austin

 Per KXAN, the National Weather Service has released a map showing where last week's intense storm hit.  At our house, we barely received any rain (the duration lasted exactly as long as it took me to but Old Bay on some crab cakes and sautéed them).  However, the photos on social media and stories I heard the next day from people in central and east parts of Austin were wildly different (which the map demonstrates).  In my several decades in Austin, I can recall nothing like this.  

Fingers crossed over here that said storm was the worst of the year for Austin.  In my experience, the weeks around Memorial Day have usually produced to worst storms here.

Gulf/Atlantic coast readers and/or property owners: as you know, hurricane season is here.  NOAA is predicting a 60% chance of above average activity for 2025.

Note: remember, keep your property insurance coverages up to date and at the appropriate levels.

History of Thundercloud Subs

I was recently on Reddit and found a link to the oral history of Thundercloud Subs.  I enjoyed reading it, and now you can too.  Also, if I write a round of Austin trivia this article has the type of factoids I like to ask about.

Austin Airport: Former Chase Sapphire Lounge

In case you are wondering what will be happening to the 3,994 square foot terrance which used to be the Chase Sapphire Lounge at the Austin airport:  it will be reopening as available to the flying public from 8a-8p on a daily basis.   The linked KUT article mentions the airport is building a second terrance, and said terrance will be in part occupied by the American Airlines Admirals Club.   

The article also mentions that the airport is looking for another premium credit card club.  My vote is for an American Express Centurion Lounge.   I like the Centurion Lounges I've visited, for one.  And from the Amex perspective: they like to go with local food themes of which Austin offers many options.  A taco station, or perhaps a barbecue buffet?  I'm no chef but these seem obvious (and delicious).  

Austin Airport Chase Sapphire Terrace Closing

Delta Sky Club in Austin

Apparently its last day will be on March 19th.   I don't know why it's closing, but maybe having an outdoor terrace in often hot Austin wasn't working out.  There do not appear to be plans for it to re-open.  

Right now we still have American Admirals Club, United Club, and Delta Sky Club options.  I'd love to see an American Express Centurion Lounge end up in the airport at some point.   Mostly indoor and air conditioned, of course.   Furthermore, if you don't want to deal with getting lounge access we do have a good selection of restaurants for snacks and pre-flight beverages.  

Speaking of American Express: American Express Platinum (business or personal) up to 10 times per year regardless of status with Delta SkyMiles or having a Delta cobranded card (also from Amex).   I like the Delta Sky Club in Austin, but as a Platinum Card user with limited passes available I'd rather have my pre-flight hang out at Second Bar + Kitchen or Parkside in order to save the pass for later (say, Salt Lake City).   

 

Podcasts: Austin Eras

Check out Austin Eras, a new podcast series by my friend Adam Flagg.  Here's the official description:

Welcome to Austin Eras, the podcast that unravels Austin's transformation into a 21st-century boomtown and explores its potential future. Brought to you by Collective Advisors, Austin Eras takes you on a journey through the city's evolving landscape and rich history, offering insights into its dynamic past, present, and future.

Adam is an excellent interviewer.  If you are interested in the past, present, and future of Austin then I recommend you tune in.  

You can listen on YouTube, or through the Apple Podcast app.

Sports Bar Options and Hook 'Em

In DKR, Not a Sports Bar

 This is an exciting week for Texas Longhorn fans, as well as for a couple of other institutions of higher learning with successful football programs attached.  If you aren't able to make it up to the Cotton Bowl on Friday, then you can follow Eater Austin's latest guide to top Austin sports bars should you choose to leave your house for game viewing.  Of the bars on the list, I usually pick Star Bar or The Tavern.   Scholz's, Crown & Anchor, and Posse East are good choices if you want to watch the game in proximity to DKR (and fun bars in general).  

A couple of notes on the Eater post: 

• the information about the chicken sandwich adorned Bloody Mary at Star Bar is years out of date.  Tumble 22's trailer left and has been replaced by a brick and mortar Via 313 location.  
• Lavaca Street Bar downtown (the one actually on Lavaca) is a pretty good sports bar as well.  

Most importantly: Hook 'Em!  We're all hoping for a Horns victory on Friday night.

Food: Statesman Notes 17 New Restaurants Opening in 2025

You may have already seen the list of Austin restaurants closing in 2024.  There were many places on that list which will be missed.  However, you can feel better knowing that Austin has plenty of new restaurants on the way in 2025.  The Austin-American Statesman has profiled seventeen of them which they think are worth noting (I'd knock it down to 16, as one will be a private club).   

Personally, I'm most excited about the return of Katz's (to its original location, no less).  Its absence has been missed by me and several of my friends.  

Austin Runoffs: Early Voting

Austin residents:  early voting started today and will run through December 9th.  If you missing early voting (do yourself a favor and don't), then you can vote on December 13th.  

• Everyone in Austin can vote for mayor.  Austin has parts in Williamson and Hays counties, in addition to Travis.  
• If you live in City Council Districts 3, 5, or 9 then there is a runoff to determine your council member.  
• If you've followed this blog for a while, then you know I ran for D5 in 2014.  I now live in D9.  Same house, but the lines moved.  
• Link to District Maps
• Community Impact has links to polling locations in all three counties.  
• Realtors: ABOR has a list of endorsed candidates.

South Lamar Corridor Project

If you are wondering what is going on with the South Lamar Improvements promised as part of the 2016 mobility bond, KXAN has an update.  The city says construction will start in 2023.  

There are links in the article to more information about the project.  You can also find out more here:

• Austin Mobility presentation on South Lamar Boulevard Corridor Improvement Project
• City of Austin Corridor Program Office's South Lamar Corridor page

Austin Trash and Recycling Pickup Hours

 As you have undoubtedly noticed if you've spent any time in the Austin area lately, it's quite hot.  Accordingly, the city has asked residents to have trash/recycling/compost/etc pick-ups out on the curb (on your respective service days, of course) by 5:30a instead of the usual 6:30a.  Workers are coming by earlier in order to be finished before outside feels like a moderately humid blast furnace.  

Air Travel: Austin Getting Direct Route to Amsterdam

 

If you (like me) have been flying in and out of Austin since the days when Mueller was actually an airport, you (like me) probably fine news of international direct flights from Austin to be exciting.  So, I was pleased to see that we're getting a direct KLM flight from Austin to Amsterdam starting next month.  

That's all.  Carry on enjoying today's ice storm.  

November 2021 Austin Residential Real Estate Market Statistics

 

Data compares November 2020 to November 2021.  Visit abor.com/marketstatistics for more information and for charts on additional counties in Austin's MSA.   

Visit us at Floyd Real Estate, LLC, if you are thinking about buying or selling property (residential, commercial, or land) in the Central Texas area.   We would be happy to advise you on your real estate related needs.  

Floyd Real Estate is a Texas real estate brokerage, TREC Lic. #9003790

Zilker Area News: Tiny Pies Coming to Lamar Union

 

I saw this on Saturday while walking to breakfast at Maudie's (tacos make great fuel for an early trip out to COTA for F1 United States Grand Prix related events).   Tiny Pies is coming to Lamar Union, to work out of the space formerly occupied by a purveyor of fancy juice drinks (not smoothies, as a friend told me he was once castigated for using the wrong beverage terminology).   I don't have any additional details; now that you have seen a photo of the sign you have as much information as I do.  What I can tell you is that in the event you have not tried Tiny Pies, they make some delicious products.  

[11/11/21 Update: They are open.]

The Night Owl Podcast

 

The Tavern in Austin

Halloween is coming up, so in the spirit of said holiday I'm again recommending a great podcast on reputedly haunted places in Austin: The Night Owl Podcast.  Whether you are a paranormal enthusiast or a skeptic, many of these episodes feature interesting bits of local history.  Of course, if you're a believer in ghosts then all the better for enjoying the episodes.  

My favorite episodes are about The Tavern and The Clay Pit.  I go into more detail in the post in which I initially recommended The Night Owl Podcast.

September 2021 Austin Residential Real Estate Market Statistics

 

Data compares September 2020 to September 2021.  Visit abor.com/marketstatistics for more information and for charts on additional counties in Austin's MSA.   

Visit us at Floyd Real Estate, LLC, if you are thinking about buying or selling property (residential, commercial, or land) in the Central Texas area.   We would be happy to advise you on your real estate related needs.  

Floyd Real Estate is a Texas real estate brokerage, TREC Lic. #9003790

How to Give Input on New Austin City Council Districts

Go to Speak Up Austin for more information on how to give input into the proposed new district maps.  

Here are the upcoming public forums:

• Saturday, October 16, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM - South Austin Recreation Center, 1100 Cumberland Road, Austin, TX 78704
• Monday, October 18, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - videoconference 
• Wednesday, October 20, 6-:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Dell Jewish Community Center, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731

Zilker Area News: Genie Car Wash Closed

 Genie Car Wash on South Lamar along with the adjacent Jiffy Lube and auto repair ship have closed.   Apartments and offices will be built on the site.  

If you need your car washed south of the river, here are a few options:

• Self Wash: Eureka Car Wash on South Lamar and Del Curto.  It's a self-wash setup. 
• Other people wash your car: The Finish Line  or Barton Springs Car Wash

If you really love Genie Car Wash, you can go to the location at 7320 Burnet Rd.   While you're up there, stop by Top Notch or Tumble 22.