Gothic Drama - St. Stephen's Cathedral

Have you entered to win this 7-day paid trip to Austria yet? Here are my five favorites for first time visitors to Vienna, Austria:

Stephansdom – St Stephen’s Cathedral is dramatic, gothic and impressive with its dark stone and colorful tiled roof. Originally a Romanesque church was built here in 1147 before that was destroyed by fire and a gothic cathedral was begun in 1359. The church was reconstructed after severe war damage during WWII. Be sure to check out “Old Steve” its 450-foot north tower. And while you are there, over at the south tower and a small fee, you can climb 343 spiral steps for a killer view of the city from the top.

Spanish Riding School – Vienna’s Spanish Riding School is the world’s oldest and only riding school that cultivates classical horsemanship and horse riding. It owes its name to the Spanish horses – the world famous highly trained Lipizzan stallions! One of the most fun things to do, especially if you are traveling with children is to book tickets to watch the riders take their stallions through their morning exercises.

Everyday at 10:00 am, except for Mondays, their riders put the white Lipizzan stallions through their paces, with music in the background. The primary objective is to maintain the horses’ health, as well as to build up various muscle groups that are necessary for performing the exercises of this elite school. You can book your tickets online. Read More »

Easter is almost upon us! This time of year always brings up a wealth of childhood memories which flit about like gaily colored ribbons through my mind’s eye. I see the pink and yellow filling of my straw basket, smell freshly cut grass as I run across the lawn, am overcome with the mad excitement of being the first to find a hidden treasure. I can feel the cool smooth oval of an egg, right before I dip it into bubbling green and purple dyed water, balancing it precariously on the small round wire holder. And of course, I remember the heavenly taste of gooey milk chocolate!These pure and joyful reminiscences are part of what make Easter so special. So, if you are in Austin, Texas over Easter weekend and have little ones in your life, primed to create some memories of their own…then I can tell you where to go.

The one place you don’t want to miss is the Parks and Recreation Department’s Eggstravaganza, on Saturday, March 22^nd. It is held at House Park stadium ( 12^th and Lamar). Here, you can watch the kids run and squeal in delight as they participate in the Easter Egg hunt, taking place at 11am. There will be special “prize eggs” as well as carnival booths and a concession stand. If you don’t have your own basket, go by the Old Bakery and Emporium, on Congress Avenue to pick one out.

Another event not to be missed is the Austin Farmer’s Market in Republic Square Park on 4^th and Guadalupe.This is a terrific year-round market that will be having some fun Easter activities this weekend. There will be an Easter egg hunt for cascarones, some stuffed with locally made, Kakawa chocolate and others filled with “market bucks”, redeemable for fresh produce and other goodies. The Easter Bunny will make an appearance, of course, so bring your camera! In addition to all of this, local farm animals (used for their wool only) will be on hand for children to pet and learn from. There will be a lap-sitting Angora rabbit and two baby llamas. This is a fun family treat as kids are entertained and parents can shop for local area fruits and veggies, sip on organically grown coffee, and buy fresh spring flowers.

If you are looking for an Easter service, below is a list of some nice Austin churches:

St. Davids

Good Shepard

All Saint’s

University Christian

Here’s to a lovely Easter weekend and the creation of many more wonderful memories!

Please feel free to share any Easter memories that you have from your childhood.