Hardrock Canyon Community Blog | Hardrock Canyon, Austin TX

Checklist for Camping in Austin this Summer

Published May 17, 2012

Photo courtesy of Nick Chill Photography

It is time to ditch all of that digital entertainment to go enjoy the beautiful weather and explore the great outdoors. Camping can be one of the best ways to bring a family or a group of friends together for a great time. With everything moving so fast these days, it is hard to sit down and share some quality time with family and friends in Austin.

Remember, “safety first” when it comes to packing. Be sure you are prepared for the worst, and rest easy knowing you have everything you need for a safe, and fun camping trip. Here are some suggestions from campinginfo.com:

I would not suggest taking them all, rather take the ones that suit the amount of space you have available/danger inherent in your trip.

Multi tool device e.g Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman

SAS Survival Guide

Emergency/Survival Blanket

First Aid Kit

Waterproof Poncho

Hi-energy cereal bars

Map

Drink receptacle

Iodine tablets

Compass

Light, preferably wind-up

Waterproof matches/lighter/fire starter

Torch

Whistle

Extra clothes

If it is hot, take a plastic sheet to enable you to collect water through condensation

Turn off your cell phones, and plan a camping trip full of great food, games, and outdoor activity. Whatever you do, make sure you bring ingredients for s’mores! When you return, share your photos, stories, and suggestions with us by commenting to this post on our Facebook page.

Posted in campsites in austin, Getaways, Hardrock Canon, outdoor activities in austin, summer in austin, things to do in Austin |

Art Shows: Creative Date Ideas in Austin

Published May 17, 2012

Photo courtesy of lukeok

Though, there are plenty of private, invitation-only art shows that support a professional networking, or elitist type of atmosphere, Austin also provides many smaller galleries that are a great place to meet interesting people, and enjoy a romantic evening full of insightful, and thought provoking art pieces.

Have you ever taken a date to an art show at a gallery? Many will mistakenly dismiss an art gallery as a fun place to take a date, but an art show is a great way to initiate some creative conversations.

Check out these great art galleries in Austin:

Source: Yelp
Name: Workman Wally Gallery
Location: 1202 W 6th St Ste B Austin, TX 78703
Reviews: 2

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
I went to a packed opening show for Ian Shults last night which left me pondering the idea of having my husband build an extension so I could fit some more…Read More…

What’s best about the Wally Workman gallery is Wally herself. She’s a spitfire/ sparkplug, intimidating but kind, tiny but huge, and a grand personality to…Read More…

Workman Wally Gallery

Source: Yelp
Name: Art on 5th
Location: 1501 W 5th St Austin, TX 78703
Reviews: 14

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
The framing at Art on 5th is a work of art itself. Clare and owner Joe Sigel have been incredibly helpful guiding me find ways to enhance art work with the…Read More…

I’ve had at least a couple hundred things professionally framed in my lifetime – whether personal or for projects – but my experience with Art on 5th…Read More…

Wow. And WOW. What a great experience. We bought a print in to have framed and Clare and the rest of the Art on 5th crew blew us away with their kind,…Read More…

Art on 5th

Source: Yelp
Name: BiRDHOUSE Gallery
Location: 1304 E Cesar Chavez St Austin, TX 78702
Reviews: 4

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
Love the shows this gallery hosts – lot of talented local work and great people!! I love that it is an actual east side duplex converted into a gallery….Read More…

This unassuming east side gallery is one of my favorite’s in the country. I travel fairly regularly with my job, so I get to check out galleries in my free…Read More…

Galleries are often pretentious and sterile. You walk around with your arms crossed in front of you, sipping your drink and keeping your distance from the…Read More…

BiRDHOUSE Gallery

Let us know how your date went by commenting to this post on our Facebook page.

Posted in Around Town, art gallery in austin, date in austin, Hardrock Canyon, things to do in Austin |

Memorial Day Fun for the Family in Austin

Published May 11, 2012

Photo Courtesy of Grafixar

Memorial Day weekend is a good time to pay your respects, and spend some time with friends and family. There is no shortage of things to do in Austin on this commemorative holiday. Get off the couch, and take advantage of your long weekend by checking out some of these fun events in Austin:

Public art installation: “Spiral Plexus”

The three, huge installations, conceived by artist Heather Tolleson, is presently …

5/28/2012 Monday 9:00p

GSD&M Idea City, Austin TX

Every Veteran Has a Story to Tell

Hear veterans from Iwo Jima to Iraq describe their experiences in “Every Veteran …

5/28/2012 Monday 9:00a to 5:00p

Texas Capitol Visitors Center, Austin TX

Monday Movies Under The Stars

Monday, May 14 – My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) Monday, May 21 The Wedding Singer …

5/28/2012 Monday 8:30p

The Butterfly Bar, Austin TX

The First Picture Shows:Historic Austin Movie Houses at the Austin History Center

Movies have entertained and enlightened us for over a century. Just as important …

5/26/2012 Saturday 10:00a

Austin History Center, Austin TX

info. courtesy of Austin360.com

Have an exciting and safe holiday weekend, and share your Memorial Day memories with us on our Facebook page!

Posted in Around Town, family friendly things to do in austin, Featured, Hardrock Canyon, memorial day in austin, things to do in Austin |

Make Mother’s Day Special in Austin

Published May 8, 2012

Photo Courtesy of Lisafannuchi

Since our mothers are so special to us we want to get them a gift that reflects our gratitude for all that they do, and sometimes finding the right Mother’s day gift can be a challenge. No matter what the cost or size of the gift, make sure it is meaningful. The best gifts are the ones that evoke happy feelings that are derived from memories with your mother.

If you run out of ideas and need some inspiration, here are some great sources for fun ways to show your gratitude to your mother on Mother’s Day in Austin:

Crafts from the Heart

Mother’s day on a Budget

Mother’s day from the Kids

Mother’s day recipes

Flowers! Flowers! Flowers!

Let your Mother know how much you care this year by creating a theme to her gifts so that they are memorable and heartfelt. If you have any great ideas, let us know by commenting to this post on our Facebook Page.

Posted in craft ideas in austin, Featured, Hardrock Canyon, Mothers day in austin |

Great Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in Austin

Published May 3, 2012

Photo Courtesy of MBK (Marjie)

Cinco de Mayo is almost here! If you have not made plans, do not fret because there are numerous events to attend on this historic holiday in Austin. Here are some exciting happenings around town:

*CINCO DE MAYO FIESTA Saturday, May 5 6:00p

*Casa Chapala Mexican Grill and Cantina, Austin
Amigos! We invite you to Casa Chapala to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! Both our Anderson and Downtown location are celebrating Cinco De Mayo with a wonderful Tequila Tasting of three unique tequila brands

*CINCO DE MAYO 2012

Sunday, May 6 12:00p

Fiesta Gardens, Austin

Fiestas Patrias of Austin welcomes you to our web-site to promote our 7th annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta.

*CINCO DE MAYO: BARRIO BOOMBOX

Saturday, May 5 7:00p
Hotel Vegas, Austin
hotel vegas: El Tule Migrant Kids Este Vato volstead: Peligrosa Double Trouble Roco Royo Chorizo Funk Art by Gerardo Arellano & Rocoroyo Street food, pinatas, fun & games Photos by Quito Presented by knuckle

*4TH ANNUAL CINCO DE MAYO DOWNTOWN BLOCK PARTY

Saturday, May 5 4:00p
La Condesa, Austin
To celebrate the rich heritage and culture of Mexico, La Condesa will throw a fiesta that will cover the entire block of West 2nd Street between Guadalupe and San Antonio, and feature an array of food

Be safe on May 5, 2012, and make sure you know what you are celebrating. Keep the history in mind while you are sipping on margaritas and having a great time. Let us know about your favorite Cinco de Mayo experiences in Austin by commenting to this post on our Facebook page.

Posted in Around Town, cinco de mayo in austin, events in austin, Hardrock Canyon, things to do in Austin |

Take Advantage of Outdoor Dining this Spring in Austin

Published April 28, 2012

Make the best of this beautiful spring weather, and pack a picnic. There are plenty of beautiful local parks to choose from in Austin, so round up some friends and/or family for a relaxing day of sunshine, fresh air, and outdoor activity.

Picnicking has been an essential part of American family tradition for a very long time, and there is no better way to enjoy a meal outdoors.

Do not forget about food safety, and have fun!

Keep food safety in mind, and make sure you are packing non-perishable items.

Do not forget that comfortable old blanket, or, better yet, a fold out table set.

Keep the hot food hot, and the cold food cold to avoid any harmful bacteria.

If eating takout, make sure you do not wait more than 2 hours to eat the food.

Since running water is usually unavailable, bring some sort of anti-bacterial wipes or lotion.

Bring plenty of sunscreen!

Enjoy your day in the shade, and let us know your favorite picnic locations by commenting to this post on our Facebook page.

Photo courtesy of advertisingelyse

Posted in Around Town, Food, Hardrock Canyon, outdoor dining in austin, parks in austin, picnic in austin, spring in austin, spring weather in austin |

Amusement Park Adventures for the Family in Austin

Published April 25, 2012

Reward yourself and your family with a surprise visit to one of Austin’s great theme parks! There is nothing like the look on your children’s faces when they are jumping out of their skin with excitement. Take advantage of theme park family specials and discounts offered this spring in Austin:

The Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex- roller skating · movie theater showtimes · alleys ·mad hatters tea party · skating bowling

Clubhouse For Kids- registration fee · block hours · background checked ·cpr and first aid ·

Kiddie Acres Amusement Park & Miniature Golf- pony rides · ferris wheel · military discounts · merry go round

Info courtesy of maps.google.com

Be prepared, and do not for get to pack plenty of sunscreen, snacks, water, towels,extra clothes, a camera and a first aid kit! If you have any recommendations, pictures, or reviews to share please leave a comment on our Facebook page.

Photo courtesy of Jenguin

Posted in Amusement parks in austin, Around Town, family friendly things to do in austin, Getaways, things to do in Austin |

Amusement Park Adventures for the Family in Austin

Published April 25, 2012

The Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex- roller skating · movie theater showtimes · alleys ·mad hatters tea party · skating bowling

Clubhouse For Kids- registration fee · block hours · background checked ·cpr and first aid ·

Kiddie Acres Amusement Park & Miniature Golf- pony rides · ferris wheel · military discounts · merry go round

Info courtesy of maps.google.com

Photo courtesy of Jenguin

Posted in Amusement parks in austin, Around Town, family friendly things to do in austin, Getaways, spring in austin, things to do in Austin |

Become an Earth Day Activist on April 22 in Austin

Published April 20, 2012

Many people did not even consider their ecological footprint until recent studies revealed the environmentally negative, and degrading effects of their everyday activities, and now Saving the Earth has become a worldwide movement!

*Earth Day 2012 is April 22!

As residents of this Earth, we have an incredible responsibility to maintain a healthy, sustainable environment for future generations. Here are some great resources to get you started as an environmental activist in Austin:

The History of Earth Day

Your Ecological Footprint

Earth Day Activities for Kids

Campaign for Communities

Become an Activist

Get involved in Earth Day 2012, and be a positive influence, and resource of information for your friends and family so that they all have the knowledge and opportunity to contribute to a healthy future for our environment. Communities around the world come together to celebrate Earth Day by contributing whatever they can to saving and protecting the environment. Spread the good word, and become an activist in your own community! Happy Earth Day 2012!

Image courtesy of The U.S. National Archives

Posted in earth day in austin, Featured, Go Green, go green in austin, Hardrock Canyon |

Try These Pool Fitness Routines in Austin This Spring

Published April 18, 2012

Take advantage of the amenities you have available, and start a relaxing workout program for yourself in the water this spring! The continuous resistance of water will force more muscle fibers to engage through a larger range of motion. Here are some easy water workouts to get started:

The easiest workout is to get in the water! Simply treading water vigorously can zap 11 calories a minute, same as a six-mile-per-hour run.

Standing in shallow end of pool, simultaneously sit back into water, treading with hands by sides, and lift both legs together so that you fold at the hips (like a jackknife) and your body forms a wide V, with head and toes just above surface. Maintaining V position, move cupped hands in small circles by hips to tread water and propel yourself forward (sculling) down length of pool for 30 seconds.

In the deep end, tread water, making small circles with cupped hands, and lift right leg straight in front of you at hip level while reaching toes of left leg toward bottom of pool. Hold for 5 seconds. Switch legs quickly, bringing right leg down as you raise left leg, and hold for 5 seconds. Continue for 30 seconds, alternating sides.

Information courteous of Fitnessmagazine.com

Remember to be courteous of others, and follow the property’s pool safety rules. Wear plenty of sunscreen, and enjoy your workout at the pool!

Photo courteous of facebook.com/hardrockcanyon

Posted in Apartment Living, apartment with a pool in austin, Fitness in austin, hardrock canyon amenities, Health & Fitness, pool in austin |

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