Ferry Tales. Did you know that Lake Travis once had its very own ferry?

In the early 1970s, the Lohman’s Ford Ferry carried cars and passengers across the lake, saving drivers from two-hour detours and fueling tourism in Point Venture. For just $1, residents could load up to eight vehicles and enjoy a 20-minute trip connecting the north and south shores.

The ferry operated until 1973, later transforming into a party boat called the Flagship Texas before its fiery end in 2013. The question remains - do you think Lake Travis needs a ferry comeback?

While you ponder that, let’s cross over to the rest of this week’s highlights.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY!

Last week’s announcement sparked a lot of interest and it’s clear this community wants to show up and connect.

We’re partnering with Kim Ortiz of Kim Ortiz Portrait Studio for our very first networking event on August 28 from 4-6pm at her beautiful Galleria studio.

Join us for a casual panel with honest talk about building community, navigating social media, and growing a business with purpose. Meet fellow entrepreneurs, creatives, and locals.

It’s free, but spots are limited and filling up fast!

Interested in joining the panel? If you’ve got a story to share or perspective to add, hit reply - we’d love to hear from you.

1ST BITES LAKE TRAVIS | August 21, 5pm | The Gramercy | FREE | Info 
Mingle, munch, and make connections at this summer series on Lake Travis flavor.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST | August 23, 9am | Rusty Allen Airport | FREE | Info 
Fuel up on fluffy pancakes and enjoy breakfast with a runway view.

CURIOSITY: NEVER BE BORED AGAIN! | August 23, 10:30am | Lake Travis Library | FREE | Info 
Spark your curiosity with a fun dive into better questions, habit loops, and fresh perspective in the everyday.

THE BACK TO SCHOOL BASH | August 23, 11am-4pm | Fitzhugh Brewing | FREE
Gear up for the new school year with family fun that's sure to make it seem a little less daunting.

SIP & SHOP | August 23, 12-6pm | Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery | FREE | Info 
Local goods, lobster rolls, craft cocktails, and live music make this Hill Country Saturday one to savor.

COOL ARTS SHOW | August 23, 1-5pm | Lakeway Activity Center | FREE | Info
Where creativity meets community - shop local art, enjoy live music, and let the kids get crafty.

LAGO VISTA SPLASH BASH | August 23, 1-4pm | Lago Vista City Pool | FREE | Info 
Pack your floaties and sunscreen for water games, music, and icy treats to send off summer in style.

BLUEBONNET LONGHORN PAINT PARTY | August 24, 2-4pm | MK Art + Design | $25 | Info 
Bluebonnets and longhorns together make for quintessential Hill Country art.

KENDRA SCOTT SHOP FOR A CAUSE | August 25, 6-9pm | Kendra Scott Flagship Store | $50-70 | Info 
Sip and shop at this fashion-filled happy hour - all to benefit the Lake Travis Education Foundation.

SPA-HJONG | August 27, 9:30am-2pm | LakeHouse Spa | $85 | Info 
Combine tile strategy with modern relaxation for a uniquely zen way to spend your weekday morning.

SHINE & SHOW CARS & FARMER'S MARKET | August 27, 3-7pm | Lohman's Crossing Center | FREE | Info
Admire classic cars and fresh local goods in one convenient location.

BACK TO SCHOOL BINGO NIGHT | August 27, 6pm | Angel's Icehouse | FREE | Info 
Grab your bingo cards for back-to-school fun with prizes, laughs, and a night the whole family will enjoy.

3RD ANNUAL CORNHOLE SHOWDOWN | August 28, 4-6pm | Lucky Rabbit | FREE | Info 
Toss for a cause where a portion of proceeds supports Sandy Creek flood recovery.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS | August 22, 8:20-10pm | Frontyard Brewing | FREE | Info 
Perfect for families who want their Friday night entertainment with a side of local craft beer and animated weather chaos.

HOSPITAL HELPERS STORYTIME | August 23, 10:30-11:30am | Bee Cave Library | FREE | Info
Stories, crafts, snacks, and a chance for little ones to meet real docs.

LEGO CLUB | August 23, 2-3pm | Bee Cave Library | FREE | Info 
Build, create, and let imagination run wild with those colorful bricks.

THE TEXAS YOUTH MUSIC CONTEST: BATTLE OF THE BANDS | October 2-5 | Now accepting entries | FREE | Info
Student bands, get ready to rock - Austin’s Battle of the Bands is back with clinics, jam sessions, and a shot at a pro recording session.

Meet Kim Ortiz, the creative force behind Kim Ortiz Portrait Art, a stunning studio tucked in the Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave.

How It Started. “I started Kim Ortiz Portrait Art on January 2, 2020, right before the pandemic, after moving to Austin from Dallas.” said Kim. “What makes my studio unique is I specialize in creating beautiful wall portraits of families and dogs. Tangible products last a lifetime and don’t get lost on the computer like digital files.”

Kim left the corporate world in 2014, deciding to follow her passion.

For the past 11 years, Kim has photographed hundreds of families, dogs, high school seniors, and headshots.

Different By Design. Kim’s studio focuses on quality over quantity. “My studio is low volume focusing on the client and creating portraits they will want to display on their walls or in their home for many years. We get to know our clients, build relationships and many of our clients become friends.”

Beyond the Lens. Her studio’s mission extends into the community. Kim has ran fundraisers for animal rescues and also supports booster clubs, schools, and nonprofits.

Last week’s poll results are in:
How do you read the newsletter?

Over half of you read every word!
Thank you for your continued support and feedback. Check out what some of your neighbors had to say.

ANGEL’S ICEHOUSE (Spicewood)
Fri: Blevins | 7-10pm

BEACHSIDE BILLY’S (Volente)
Sat: Aaron Gee | 7pm
Sun: Evan Grubbs | 7pm

IRON WOLF RANCH & DISTILLERY (Spicewood)
Sat: Madam Radar | 7-9pm
Sun: Joe Forlini & Friends | 2-5pm

JULES DESIGN BAR (Bee Cave)
Fri: Brian Andrew Lee | 8-Late
Sat: Trevor Helt | 8-10pm

LUCKY RABBIT (Jonestown)
Fri: Josh Field 7-10pm | Brodie Land 9:30-11pm
Sat: Mike Dohm 2-5pm | The Outlaw Years 8-10pm
Sun: Chuck Shaw | 2-5pm

PATRIZI’S (Cuernavaca)
Thu: Open Mic | 6-9pm
Fri: DJ Tropicana Joe | 7-10pm
Sat: The Square Grooves | 6:30-9:30pm

PUTTERS & GUTTERS (Marble Falls)
Sun: Gary P Flood Relief Concert | 4-9pm

POODIE’S ROADHOUSE (Spicewood)
Thu: A Wright 6pm | TG Express with Alan Haynes 8pm
Fri: West Texas Exiles 8pm | Justin Dzuban Band 10:30pm
Sat: Ricke Brothers 6pm | Kim & Her Bad Habits 8pm | Calloway & The Prickly Pears 10:30pm
Sun: Hill Country Flood Relief | 12pm-12am

SAF WINE BAR (Lakeway)
Thu: Frank Cavitt | 7:30-10:30pm

STEINER RANCH STEAKHOUSE (Steiner Ranch)
Thu: Robert Wagner | 6-9pm
Fri: Howlin’ Waters | 6-9pm
Sat: Braedon Barnhill | 6-9pm

THE OASIS (Lake Travis)
Fri: Desert Highway | 7-10pm
Sat: Nova | 7-10pm
Sun: Chantel Deniese | 7-10pm

WAHOO’S (Hudson Bend)
Fri: 80H Band | 7-10pm
Sat: Semi-Charmed | 7-10pm

WINSTON’S (Lakeway)
Sat: Yes, Chef | 5-8pm

SCHOOL SCORES!
See how Lake Travis ISD stacks up in the latest TEA report card.

MEDIAN MAKEOVER!
Roadwork is underway on Hwy 71 - expect cones, crews, and safer turns ahead.

RESCUE READY!
Meet your best friend at the Workdog Rescue & Rehabilitation Adoption Event.

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