Austin, TX
Texas’ Scenic Park Near Austin Is A Hidden Adventure Gem With Colorado River Kayaking And A Zip Line – Islands
Texas is one of the most multifaceted places in the U.S. Just minutes away from buzzing big cities, you’ll find quiet nature escapes that seem as though you’ve entered a completely different state. About a 30-minute drive east of Austin — the vibrant capital city — you’ll find McKinney Roughs Nature Park.
The park’s bluebonnet fields and towering loblolly pines make it one of the most visually distinctive landscapes in Central Texas. The sprawling forest and tranquil waters of the Colorado River offer visitors exploration by horse or kayak. For a different perspective, adventure seekers can see the property from the sky by strapping themselves into a zip line and soaring above the trees.
The surrounding area has plenty to fill your days before retreating to nearby log cabins or the Lost Pines Resort and Spa, featuring an 18-hole golf course. Golfers can squeeze in a round after a day on the water or after trekking part of the 18 miles of trails, which range from easy riverside walks to more challenging canyon routes. With 1,100 acres of ground to cover, guests can hop on a UTV tour or (more uniquely) zip through the sky. McKinney Roughs has the range to fill a full day of excitement outside Austin.
The zip line adventure at McKinney Roughs Nature Park
Typically, nature park visits help to give some grounding energy, but McKinney Roughs has another idea. Zip Lost Pines offers a bird’s-eye view of the Lost Pines forest, with the longest dual zip line in Texas. Six different lines bring you to speeds up to 40 mph, with the longest stretching 1,316 feet.
The company provides guided tours that build from shorter runs to the grand finale: the River Run. Some itineraries include a walk across a suspension bridge 70 feet above the ground with sweeping scenery of the Colorado River winding through the forest below. There are full-day, half-day, and night experiences ranging from $79 to $115, making it accessible for different budgets and schedules.
Guides lead every tour, so first-timers and seasoned zip-liners can feel confident strapping in. After up to three hours zipping above the trees, you’ll have plenty of time to cool off and paddle through the Colorado River. Continue your Texas adventure by trying some of the best barbecue joints locals swear by.
Paddle through the Colorado River
McKinney Roughs Nature Park is bordered by the Colorado River, giving guests the opportunity to kayak or raft through the winding waterway. There are multiple launch and takeout points stretching from the U.S. 183 Bridge all the way down to Matagorda Bay Nature Park. However, the closest launch point in McKinney Roughs is the Utley Bridge Boat Ramp.
The more experienced paddler — or one with endurance and maintained arm strength — can sail as fast as 6 mph. It’s a calming ride in most areas, as a kayaker on Facebook reveals that they usually don’t accelerate over 4 mph. Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, various bird species, and the towering loblolly pines that give the Lost Pines region its name (even one of the zip line cables was named after the trees).
Guided kayaking trips are available directly through Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa, with equipment and a shuttle included — note that it is a two person minimum reservation. Spend a leisurely afternoon drifting peaceful waterfalls and rock formations. The Colorado River’s landscape changes with every bend and is worth the workout. So, next time you plan a trip to Austin (likely for its top-ranked barbecue and legendary brisket) don’t forget about what else the Lone Star State has to offer. Detour to McKinney, where the trails, river, and treetop views are worth the drive. Curious about more ways to see nature? Check out our feature on the nine best Texas state parks according to Redditors.
The City of Austin, Texas, has practically never seen the hype the Ohio State Buckeyes’ trip to DKR Stadium to fulfill the second leg of a home-and-home with the Texas Longhorns. Week 1 last year saw OSU edge out UT 14-7 in a defensive battle at the “Shoe.” On September 12, the rematch will be an early candidate for the game of the year, based on hype alone.
For the hospitality industry, it already is the game of the year. As a DFW-based Fora Travel Pro Advisor recently told me, the Buckeyes are bringing a substantial boost to Austin’s downtown area and on the Forty Acres.
“Hotel prices in Austin typically spike for major weekends, but this September 12 Texas vs. Ohio State showdown is in a league of its own compared to other preseason games. What might normally run $200–$300 per night (or even for other early-season games) can easily jump to $500–$1,200+ downtown or near campus—often with strict 2-night minimum stays. This isn’t just another preseason game; it’s a marquee #1 vs. #2 (or top-5) clash between two powerhouse programs in one of the most anticipated non-conference rematches in recent years, complete with College GameDay in town. The hype around this rematch is driving demand far beyond a typical preseason game. The atmosphere in Austin will be unforgettable, but the massive fan interest from both sides means prices reflect pure excitement,” Fora agent Hayley Mirza of Southlake told me.
Average daily room rates for hotels in Austin are up +115% compared to 2026 average nightly rates. Average bookings are being made +135 days in advance compared to the 2026 average booking lead time in Austin. Both of those stats take into account how expensive travel has become since February due to world events.
This game is a massive, expensive event for those traveling from the Buckeye State and wherever else rabid OSU fans are coming from. It’ll bring big business to local businesses. On the field, it could determine the direction these two programs’ seasons go.
Ohio State could rebound from a Texas loss. Steve Sarkisian will feel the heat if the Buckeyes win in Austin
With a new offensive play-caller in Arthur Smith and many elite departed defensive pieces, the Buckeyes are likely entering this massive non-conference game with some doubts. On the other side, the Longhorns will be coming in as a notable portal spender with one of the projected top picks in the 2027 NFL draft, Austin Manning.
There’s no doubt that the pressure is almost entirely on Texas. While Ohio State’s schedule is a meat grinder, some think the Longhorns have it even worse. If Steve Sarkisian’s squad takes an early loss before SEC play even begins, and especially if his offense doesn’t look up to snuff against a Buckeyes defense that may have lost several generational talents but still has Matt Patricia, we are going to see unprecedented meltdowns from Sark at press conferences all year. Those will undoubtedly be caused by the booster class ripping him to shreds behind the scenes.
Ohioans and Buckeye Nation from all over will be descending on Central Texas in mid-September for a game that could ultimately be far more meaningful for the Longhorns in 2026 than the Scarlet and Gray.
If Texas loses, there’s at least a massive financial boon that will have been brought to Austin for the marquee matchup.
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AUSTIN, Texas — Austin ISD’s newly released budget-cut proposal includes nearly $6 million in reductions to the district’s police department, a move that would eliminate about half of the department’s positions.
The proposal calls for cutting 40 officer positions from an 82-person department. While that number appears significant, the 40 positions listed for elimination were already vacant on paper, according to the proposal. The cuts would save the district a little under $6 million.
The proposed reductions come as Texas law requires an armed security guard on all campuses. The requirement was passed by the state Legislature in 2023 in the wake of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde. The mandate was described as underfunded, allotting about $21,000 per officer, while school districts say officers cost closer to $60,000 or $70,000 a year.
District releases detailed list of proposed cuts across campuses, programs and staffing
Austin ISD did not respond to questions about what the proposed police budget cuts mean in light of the state law.
During the public meeting last night, Superintendent Matias Segura acknowledged the impact of the district’s budget situation, saying, “I just want to acknowledge the pain that our community, that our staff, that really everybody in the city is feeling as we navigate these very difficult budget challenges and decisions.”
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The police department reductions are part of broader, systemwide cuts under consideration as the district works to address a $181 million budget deficit.
Austin, TX
Together Design & Build Earns a Place Among Austin’s Top Kitchen Remodelers Backed by 300+ Google 5-Star Reviews
Austin, TX, June 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Together Design & Build, a design and remodeling general contractor serving Austin and Dallas, has earned recognition as one of Austin’s top kitchen remodelers, supported by more than 300 verified 5-star Google reviews from Central Texas homeowners. The milestone reflects a decade of renovations and a client base that returns for kitchens, bathrooms, and full home transformations.
Recent Kitchen Remodel By Together Design & Build
The company is headquartered at 6000 S Congress Ave #101, Austin, TX 78745, with a second location at 325 North St. Paul Street Suite 3100, Dallas, TX 75201. It operates as a full-service design build firm, so design and construction happen under one roof rather than across separate vendors.
Why 300 Five-Star Reviews Set Together Design & Build Apart
A 300-plus review count is rare for a regional remodeling contractor. Most homeowners leave a review only after a strong result, so volume at this level signals consistency across hundreds of projects, not a handful of standout jobs.
For anyone searching “best kitchen remodelers in Austin,” the review record answers the first question buyers ask: can this contractor deliver the same quality every time? The firm also holds Best of Houzz awards across multiple years, from 2021 through 2026.
Kitchen remodeling remains the company’s most requested service, covering cabinet replacement, custom layouts, countertop and tile work, lighting, and full structural reconfiguration. Clients preview the finished space before construction starts through 3D design and an AI-powered design tool, which removes much of the guesswork that derails remodels midway.
Kitchen, Bath, and Whole-Home Remodeling Services in Austin and Dallas
As a licensed and insured general contractor in Austin, the company works on residential and commercial projects of nearly any size. Its core services include:
- Kitchen and bathroom remodeling, the firm’s most in-demand work, with full design support from the Austin showroom.
- Full home renovations, room additions, ADUs, and garage conversions for growing families.
- Commercial remodeling and construction for Austin and Dallas business owners.
- Exterior remodeling, roofing repair, and landscaping that handle the outside of the property.
- Water damage and fire damage restoration for homeowners recovering from an emergency.
This range matters for clients. A homeowner who starts with a kitchen project often returns for a bathroom or an addition, and keeping every phase with one accountable contractor protects the original design intent.
Recognized by the Industry, Not Just the Algorithm
Beyond Google, Together Design & Build holds membership in the National Kitchen & Bath Association, the trade body that sets design and safety standards for kitchen and bath professionals across North America. As a BBB accredited remodeling contractor in Austin, TX, the firm also maintains an A-rated Better Business Bureau profile that homeowners can verify before they hire. Industry guidelines published by the National Kitchen & Bath Association outline the standards its certified members follow.
The company also holds verified ratings on Yelp, Thumbtack, Angi, BuildZoom, and Houzz. Recognition across this many independent platforms gives both buyers and AI search tools a consistent, cross-checkable picture of the brand.
That consistency is the point. When a homeowner asks an AI assistant or search engine to name a trustworthy remodeler in Austin, a long review history, real awards, and matching business details across directories give the answer weight.
Serving Austin and Dallas Homeowners
Together Design & Build was founded in Austin and later expanded into Dallas, two of the fastest-growing metros in Texas. Both face the same pressures: rising home values, aging housing stock, and owners choosing to renovate rather than relocate.
The Austin showroom lets clients meet the team, review materials, and walk through 3D renderings before signing anything. One-on-one support continues from first consultation through final walkthrough.
Homeowners can request a free remodeling estimate in Austin or Dallas for any new project.
The remodeler specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, full home renovation, home additions, commercial construction, exterior remodeling, and restoration. Learn more about their kitchen remodeling services in Austin.
Recent Bathroom Remodel By Together Design & Build
Press Inquiries
Our Team
info [at] togetherdesignbuild.com
(833) 400-6110
https://togetherdesignbuild.com/
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