Linden Leaf Studio's Guide to the Lake Travis Area

Ready to get out of the hustle and bustle of downtown Austin? A must-see on your list for SXSW is the world famous Oasis Restaurant on Lake Travis. This original restaurant is built on the side of a cliff, with numerous decks for enjoying the Texas outdoors including the beautiful view of Lake Travis - listen for the ceremonial ringing of the bell at sunset! The view of the sun setting, with a margarita in hand, is not to be missed! Want to kick up your heels? Then head to the Starlight Terrace, above the restaurant, for live music almost every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from March through October. For some unique gift shopping, check out the Oasis' antique shop called The Treasury, in addition to the Oasis gift shop.

In the past year, the area around the Oasis restaurant (locally known as Oasis, Texas) has been developed to include multiple retail shops, new restaurants, additional parking and office space. While some of the construction is not yet complete, two restaurants opened recently:

1. Uncle Billy's Brew and Que - a great barbeque and microbrewery
2. Soleil - a mediterranean-style restaurant

website: www.oasis-austin.com
address: 6550 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732
phone: 512.266.2442
directions
event calendar

Next check out the Iguana Grill: while not as famous as the Oasis, the food is delicious and provides another great view of the sunset over Lake Travis. I'm always ready for their enchiladas or ceviche. They have indoor/outdoor seating and live music most Friday and Saturday nights.

website: www.iguanagrillaustin.com
address: 2900 Ranch Road 620 Austin, TX 78734
phone: 512.266.8439

If you're looking to relax or recover from SXSW festivities, look no further than the renowned Lake Austin Spa Resort. Situated on the shores of Lake Austin, 15 minutes from the Oasis and 35 minutes from downtown, this is one of the top spa destinations in North America. The spa features a range of activities from yoga, cooking demonstrations, T'ai Chi, cycling and various seminars. If you aren't able to spend at least one night, they do have day spa packages, which include a gourmet lunch featuring their award-winning spa cuisine. Reservations recommended.

website: www.lakeaustin.com
address: 1705 South Quinlan Park Road, Austin, TX 78732
phone: (800) 847-5637 (U.S.)
Event & Activities

Depending on the weather, March is not necessarily a bad time to get out on Lake Travis - rent a boat, fish, picnic, or parasail. My favorite time to go boating is spring or fall, when temps are mild and the lake is not so crowded. There are plenty of options for renting a boat , even if the water seems too cold for swimming. For larger groups, the party boats, from various marinas, are the way to go. End your day with appetizers and drinks and some live music at Carlos and Charlie's.

website: www.cncaustin.com
address: 5973 Hiline Road Austin, TX 78734
phone: 512.266.1683

Enjoy your time in Austin!

~Lindi

Linden Leaf Studio/etsy
Linden Leaf Studio/twitter