Hot Days, Cool Plans

Plus a preview of Taste Lake Travis

Sam Brady & Elaine Brady
June 19, 2025

Today’s water level: 44.4%

History Beneath the Surface. Northwest of Lake Travis, Lake Buchanan hides a piece of Texas history beneath its calm surface.

The ghost town of Old Bluffton, a once-thriving 19th-century town, was submerged in 1937 to make way for the lake. Nearly a century later, droughts sometimes lower the water enough to reveal eerie remnants of crumbling foundations, forgotten roads, and weathered gravestones.

It’s a haunting, strangely beautiful glimpse into a forgotten Texas town that refuses to stay buried. While Old Bluffton resurfaces only during droughts, there's plenty above water to explore this weekend. Here’s what else to expect:

A Fresh New Look. We’ve freshened things up with a more clean and polished design - but don’t worry, you’ll still find the same local goodness you count on each week. Let us know what you think.

Hot Listing Alert. This home got so much love the other week, we’re giving it a well-deserved second showing.

Smarter Tools, Local Focus. Curious about using ChatGPT, AI, and Canva to boost your business? Keep reading.

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From our sponsor Lina Bibian with JPAR Real Estate

Curious? Click the image to tour the home!

Discover the charm of 902 Challenger St, a fully remodeled home on one of Old Lakeway’s most beloved, peaceful streets. This 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath residence blends Old Lakeway’s character with modern updates, offering over 4,000 sq ft of thoughtfully designed space.

Enjoy an open layout, chef-style kitchen with quartz countertops, a cozy fireplace, and multiple living areas including a game room and private office. The expansive primary suite features spa-like bath and private balcony.

Outside, relax in your backyard oasis with pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, and lush landscaping. No HOA, close to Travis, golf, parks, and top schools.

Want a custom feature like the one above?
We’ll design and share it with 2,000+ local readers. Click here to learn more.

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COFFEE & CONNECTIONS | June 19, 10-11am | Kim Ortiz Portrait Art | $5 | Info
Fuel your morning with strong coffee and stronger networking.

LUNCHEON WITH MELISSA GARVEY | June 19, 11:30am-1pm | Hyatt Lake Travis | Info
Grab a seat for lunch with the founder of Austin Magazine and enjoy a conversation full of insight, stories, and inspo.

OLIVER! | June 20, 7pm & June 21-22, 2pm | Lago Vista High School Performing Arts Center | $30 adults, $20 students | Info
Lake Travis Music Theatre stages Dickens' beloved story with performers spanning three generations of local talent.

STAR PARTY | June 20, 9:30-11:30pm | Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center | $10-$25 | Info
Trade screen time for stargazing at this after-dark adventure with telescopes and cosmic convos with local astronomers.

LULULEMON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA | June 21, 9-10am | Hill Country Galleria | FREE | Info
Stretch, breathe, and pose - Lululemon’s got you covered (and probably your outfit, too).

Photo from Hill Country Galleria Facebook

EXPLORING DIVERSITY IN FOOD GARDENING | June 21, 10-11am | The Natural Gardener | FREE | Info
Your tomatoes deserve more - learn how to beat the heat and grow the good stuff with smart gardening strategies.

BONSAI BEGINNER WORKSHOP | June 21, 1pm | The Oasis | $85 | Info
Learn to shape your own bonsai at this hands-on workshop with a side of happy hour and lake views.

Photo from Bonsai Bar website

JAWS ON THE WATER | June 21, 5-11:30pm | Volente Beach Resort | $35 | Info
Watch this classic the right way - floating Lake Travis with just enough suspense to keep your toes curled. Literally.

NIGHT MARKET SERIES | June 21, 6pm | Angel's Icehouse | FREE | Info
Shop local, enjoy live music, and bring the whole fam for a fun night under the oaks.

SPA-HJONG | June 25, 9:30am-1:30pm | Lake Austin Spa Resort | $85 | Info
Tile-slapping meets total relaxation in this spa-day twist on mahjong.

MOM'S GARDEN: CLAY ART | June 19, 2:30-5pm | Art Chakra Studio | $55 | Info
Create garden-themed pottery - because every Lake Travis mom deserves artistic appreciation.

PERFORMER STORYTIME: SILLY SPARKLES | June 20, 10:30-11am | Bee Cave Library | FREE | Info
Interactive storytelling with extra glitter for kids who believe more sparkle equals more magic.

ART OF THEATER | June 21, 10:30am | Spicewood Library | FREE | Info
Future drama kings and queens, your curtain call begins here.

MAGIC SHOW | June 21, 2-3pm | Bee Cave Library | FREE | Info
A spellbinding hour for kids who still believe in magic.

PRINCESS PARTY | June 22, 11am-2pm | Volente Beach Resort | $25 | Info
Royal treatment at the lake for tiny princesses and their loyal parental subjects.

KID CRAFT POP UP | June 22, 1-3pm | Lago Vista Brewing | $10 | Info
Creative crafting for little hands while parents enjoy adult beverages.

SHARK POOL PARTY | June 22, 1-3pm | Lakeway Activity Center | $8 | Info
Shark-themed pool fun for mini swimmers.

Last Week’s Top-Clicked Event. 1st Bites: Taste of Lake Travis at Canyon Grille. The main event’s not until September 17th (tickets drop in July), but since interest was off the charts, here’s a little appetizer of info.

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Have you been to a local farmer's market in the past six months?

Tell us which one in the feedback!

Last week’s poll results are in:
What do you love most about living in the area?

72% of you are here for the scenic views and honestly, same.

Photo of the The Grove Lakeway from Bordeaux Magazine website

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WHY US?
One of us works at beehiiv, the other in biotech data and analytics - we bring real-world know-how to make AI useful for your business.

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June 19th - 22nd

ANGEL’S ICEHOUSE (Spicewood)
Friday: AJ Vallejo | 7pm
Saturday: Ben Zuniga | 7pm
Sunday: Shawn Matthews | 12-4pm

INFAMOUS BREWING COMPANY (Hudson Bend)
Friday: Sky Zito | 1:30-4:30pm
Saturday: Fun Gus and the Shrooms | 1:30-4:30pm

IRON WOLF RANCH & DISTILLERY (Spicewood)
Saturday: Chris Beal | 2-5pm

JESTER KING (Dripping Springs)
Friday: Lauren Diamond | 6-8pm
Saturday: Western Union Man 12-3pm | Them That Know 6-8pm
Sunday: Blues in the Night | 12-3pm

JULES DESIGN BAR (Bee Cave)
Saturday: DeDe Lally | 8-10pm

LUCKY RABBIT (Jonestown)
Thursday: Caleb Wilbourn | 6-9pm
Friday: Chris Hoff & The Half Timers | 7-10pm
Saturday: Coleto Souls 2-5pm | Nameless Road 7-10pm
Sunday: Tasmin & Tim | 2-5pm

THE LIGHTHOUSE (Spicewood)
Saturday: The Brew | 6-9pm

THE OASIS (Lake Travis)
Friday: Last of the Petty Cash | 7-10pm
Saturday: Nova | 7-10pm
Sunday: Pearl Snaps | 7-10pm

POODIE’S ROADHOUSE (Spicewood)
Thursday: Beth Lee 6pm | TG Express with Tom Gillman 8pm
Friday: Tumbling Dice 8pm | Pierre & The Night Cats 10:30pm
Saturday: Timbo & The Lonesome Country 8pm | Truckstop Jukebox 10:30pm
Sunday: Carl Hutchens 4pm | ‘Muchacho’ Sanchez 7:30pm