One of the great advantages of living in Texas is the outstanding quality of the chili produced here in the Lone Star State. While most historians believe chili con carne was first widely served in San Antonio starting in the 1860s, the exact origins of this uniquely Texan dish are unknown. Some theorists believe that the spices used in the first chili dishes were originally from the Canary Islands of Spain and brought over by immigrants to the San Antonio area; certainly cumin is one of the favored spices in Morocco and the Canary Island area. Chili powder was not invented until the 1900s, and revolutionized the art of chili making by providing an easy way to measure the amount of fiery spice and allowing cooks to standardize their chili recipes.
You've not had chili until you've had it Texas style!
Most Austin chili purists insist that true Texas-style chili con carne should contain no beans. This also makes it much more versatile as a side dish or accompaniment to tamales, nachos, hot dogs, and hamburgers. At a minimum, most chili recipes include chili peppers, garlic, onions, and cumin; most contain chicken, venison, pork or beef. Some chili recipes include tomatoes, but historically they have no place in a classic Texas chili pot. While some vegetarian chili recipes exist and may be quite popular, most chili experts do not class them as true Texas chili. Meat is the main ingredient in Texas chili, and the second most prominent ingredient is the chili peppers themselves, making this a spicy warm-up on cold winter evenings.
Austin boasts some outstanding chili restaurants, from the ubiquitous Chuy’s to the Saturday night Firehouse Chili special at Houston’s. Many Austin residents swear by the chili served at the Waterloo Ice House locations; what it lacks in spice, it makes up for in outstanding ingredients and a first-rate recipe. The Alamo Draft House offers a unique movie-going experience along with a sirloin-based cup of moderately spicy chili to keep you warm while you watch. Perhaps the most famous chili parlor in all of Austin, however, is the Texas Chili Parlor; a favorite among locals, the restaurant itself is something of a dive, but is so well known it was used as a setting by Quentin Tarantino in the movie “Death Proof,” which starred Kurt Russell. A down-home beer joint, the Texas Chili Parlor serves up bowls of chili ranging from the single X mild to the famed XXX, which is rumored to require a release form before it can be served to customers. Vegetarian and black bean chili dishes are also on the menu at this Austin landmark. Whichever establishment you prefer, Austin has something to please the palate of even the most particular chili lover.
The Austin Marathon has grown every year since it's inception. Expect the trend to continue as central Texans stay healthy.
Long-distance runners in training for the Boston Marathon are eagerly awaiting Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2010, when the AT&T Austin Marathon will be held. Runners will traverse a scenic course along the Colorado River and the Town Lake area, and will spend a portion of their time in the beautiful rolling trails of Austin Hill Country. The full marathon course is the regulation 26.2 miles, but a half-marathon spanning 13.1 miles is also available for less experienced runners. Congress Avenue Bridge marks the starting line for this popular event, which is scheduled to start at 7:00 and is expected to last for about seven hours; the finish line at 4th and Congress Avenue is expected to draw especially large numbers of sightseers and well-wishers on race day.
The Austin Marathon has been named the Greenest Race in North America by Runners World magazine, and is considered the fastest course in the state of Texas; additionally, the course is arranged in a loop to allow easy access to the start and finish lines from a number of local hotels. Because the Austin Marathon is a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon, it attracts participants from all over the country. Since about 80% of runners come from outside the Austin area, local hotels are expected to be booked to near capacity for the Valentine’s Day weekend.
The Austin Marathon and Half-Marathon festivities will include almost 40 Austin bands playing at the Paramount Theater to entertain spectators at this popular race. Twenty-six rest stations offering water and Powerade will be strategically placed along the route, along with medical personnel from Seton Health Care who will monitor the condition of runners as they progress through the course. The water stops will be hosted by 26 Miles for 26 Charities as in years past; this organization allows charities to raise public awareness and funds by showcasing local agencies including the Austin Children’s Shelter, Blue Dog Rescue, Colin’s Hope, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and St. Jude Heroes among many others.
For runners who are not ready to take on the Austin Marathon or Half-Marathon, the Paramount 5K run offers a lower level of challenge along with food, drinks, and merriment after the race. On the Friday and Saturday before, the Austin Marathon and Half-Marathon Health & Fitness Expo will be held at the Palmer Events Center; vendors from throughout the area will be on hand to demonstrate and display their merchandise for runners and visitors. A large turnout is expected for these events, so spectators are advised to arrive early to claim the best observation spots along the route.
With apologies to Frank Zappa, it’s Austin and not Centerville that’s a great place to raise a family. House prices remain low, but jobs continue to grow, creating a quality spot to relocate and settle for the duration.
Austin is home to eight independent school districts, which include the Austin Independent School District in Travis County and the Round Rock Independent School District in Williamson County. There is no lack of educational opportunities in the area as Austin is home to a branch of the University of Texas which offers studies in Business, Communication, Education, Engineering, Fine Arts, Nursing, Natural Sciences, Architecture and Social Work among many others.
The climate in Central Texas is conducive to many outdoor activities and Austin offers much in the way of events and activities for the whole family. There are plenty of art galleries, some that offer child-friendly activities and many with low or free fees. There is a long list of out- and indoor markets – flea markets, farmers markets, garage sales, and such on the weekends.
The Austin Zoo posts a very low entry fee. With 60 different species and over 200 animals, the zoo is a great place to spend the afternoon. The Topsey Exotic Ranch offers a drive-through safari for wildlife viewing from the comfort of your car for a low entry fee. And, if you love wild flowers, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Research Center is open Tuesdays through Sundays. The Research Center reflects the late first lady’s love of wildflowers and her campaign to create beauty along the highways of the nation.
Austin’s low crime rate, clean environment, and low cost of living is a definite draw when families start looking around for a prime relocation area.
A unique planned community in Port O’Connor, Texas, offers not just a site for your home but one for your boat as well, with lots starting in the $100,000 range, and ready access to prime fishing waters. The Caracol coastal master-planned community is located along the Intra-coastal Waterway near Port O’Connor on the Gulf of Mexico. It’s convenient to Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, and yet far enough away to be a relaxing vacation destination. With the Gulf in the backyard, a homeowner in this gated community can park the car in the driveway and the fishing boat at the slip.
Port O’Connor is known world wide as a prime close- and deep-sea fishing location. Just off shore, the waters teem with red snapper, king fish, tarpon and jack fish. Farther out, tuna, dolphin, and blue martin are abundant. Port O’Connor hosts the annual Poco Bueno fishing tournament that attracts sport fishermen from all over the globe.
The planners building Caracol aim to provide a second home for serious fishermen in an upscale gated community. Construction has begun and, when completed, the development will boast 74 home sites in various sizes, ranging from 40 to more than 100 feet of waterfront. Future development plans include a mid-rise condominium with a marina attached. There will also be a community pool and pavilion, which is currently in progress.
Caracol is a joint venture of Trend Development, Inc., and Forestar Real Estate Group. Trend Development is a privately held real estate development company with several large-scale projects in progress throughout Texas. Forestar Real Estate Group operates in two areas: real estate and natural resources. The real estate segment holds interests in ten states. The natural resources part manages oil and gas resources and wood fiber sales from land located in Georgia.
