A flash marketing manoeuvre by Still Austin over the weekend allowed patrons to fill empty bottles of Kentucky Bourbon for $1.

In an effort to dispel the misconception that all Bourbon has to come from Kentucky – or, as some joke, ‘all good Bourbon’  – Still Austin Whiskey Co held its first ‘Kentucky Fill Up Day’ on Saturday 23 November. Limited to 500 customers, those who arrived with an empty bottle of Kentucky Bourbon would be allowed to fill it up with a bottle of Still Austin Cask Strength for US$1.

“Great Bourbon can come from anywhere, and we specifically think that really great Bourbon comes from Texas and from Still Austin,” director of marketing Katie Crenshaw said.

The event started to come together when staff members saw that the University of Texas was playing the University of Kentucky for the first time in more than 70 years. Still Austin has partnered with the University of Texas football programme and wanted to capitalise on the opportunity to let the two states battle in other fields as well.

“We definitely wanted to make a little bit of noise,” Crenshaw said. “Kind of say: ‘Hey, we’re going to go beat Kentucky twice in a day.’”

Tickets sold out in less than a minute. Crenshaw says all 500 people showed up “with bells on” arriving in two shifts with various empty bottles, a Pappy Van Winkle included. The distillery did have to adjust its plans last minute, learning they weren’t legally allowed to fill up another brand’s bottle. Crenshaw pivoted and purchased 500 motor fuel funnels, giving attendees a fill up-kit to take home that included a bottle of Cask Strength, a funnel, and a sheet of stickers to decorate their bottles with.

“It ended up working out to our benefit, even more so than we had anticipated,” Crenshaw said, noting that giving people the means to fill their own bottles up has given the event a longer tail on social media. “The content we’ve seen of other people filling those bottles with our juice has been really, really fantastic.”

Crenshaw noted the excitement from the distillery staff and everybody in attendance. They had a number of people visiting from Kentucky for the football game, and some who were able to try Still Austin for the first time.

“Nobody’s ever done anything like this and it truly, in a lot of ways, went off without a hitch,” she said. “We were able to keep that excitement high, even though people were waiting in line for 45 minutes to come in and get their bottle decorated, and get their juice.”

A bottle of Still Austin Cask Strength Bourbon costs US$60, putting the distillery’s potential loss in revenue at US$29,500 with 500 bottles representing roughly two to three barrels of whiskey. Still, Crenshaw said the event did exactly what they hoped it would.

“To us, this wasn’t a loss at all. Even though we did put a couple of barrels into the world with that low price point, I think that the return on it has been tremendous,” she said. “It definitely accomplished the goal of making a statement, of telling a compelling story around Texas Bourbon and how good it can be.”

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Moving to Austin, TX, is an exciting adventure, offering a blend of urban charm and scenic landscapes. Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin brings together unique culture, a booming tech industry, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re drawn by career prospects or Austin’s renowned lifestyle, this guide covers everything you need to know about relocating to this Texas gem.

Why Move to Austin, TX?

Austin’s population has surged in recent years as people flock here for its livability. This city appeals to diverse groups, from young professionals and families to retirees. 

You’ll enjoy Austin’s thriving job market, especially if you work in tech, healthcare, or the creative industries. The friendly Texan culture and favorable weather are also major draws for those considering moving to Austin, TX.

Austin’s Neighborhoods

Austin’s neighborhoods are as varied as its residents. Here are some standout areas to explore:

• Downtown Austin.
• South Congress (SoCo)
• Westlake Hills
• Hyde Park 

Cost of Living in Austin

While Austin’s cost of living is higher than the national average, it remains more affordable than many major cities. Here’s a breakdown of key expenses:

• Housing: Rental prices vary widely depending on the neighborhood. In 2024, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,600 to $2,000 monthly. Purchasing a home is also on the pricier side, with median home prices nearing $500,000.
• Utilities: Austin’s utility costs are about average compared to other U.S. cities. Expect to pay around $150–$200 monthly for essentials like electricity and water.
• Groceries and Dining: Dining out in Austin is affordable, with many options ranging from food trucks to fine dining. Groceries cost slightly more than the national average but won’t break the bank.

Job Market in Austin

Moving to Austin, TX, offers fantastic opportunities if you’re looking to grow your career. Known as “Silicon Hills,” Austin’s tech scene is thriving, attracting giants like Apple, Google, and Tesla. The city also boasts a strong job market in healthcare, education, and government sectors. Startups and creative industries are also booming, making Austin a haven for entrepreneurs and artists alike.

Places to Visit in Austin

Outdoor enthusiasts will love Austin’s proximity to natural beauty. From hiking trails and rivers to parks, there’s something for everyone:

• Lady Bird Lake: Perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and scenic hikes along the lake’s 10-mile trail.
• Zilker Park: This expansive green space hosts music festivals and events throughout the year and offers a place to picnic, play, and relax.
• Barton Springs Pool: A popular, spring-fed pool that remains cool even in the hottest months, Barton Springs is a local favorite for swimming and sunbathing.
• McKinney Falls State Park: Just a short drive from downtown, this park features picturesque waterfalls, camping, and miles of trails.

Entertainment and Culture in Austin

Austin is renowned for its live music scene, with genres ranging from country and blues to rock and jazz. For music lovers, The Continental Club, Antone’s, and the annual Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival are must-visit spots. The city’s art scene is also vibrant, with museums, galleries, and theaters adding to its cultural fabric. You’ll also find diverse dining options, from Tex-Mex and BBQ to global cuisine, showcasing Austin’s culinary diversity.

Things to Do in Austin

Austin hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including:

• South by Southwest (SXSW): This world-famous music, film, and tech festival attracts visitors globally and is a defining Austin experience.
• Austin Film Festival: Celebrating the art of screenwriting, this festival is a significant event for film buffs and aspiring writers.
• Austin Food + Wine Festival: Held each spring, this festival highlights Austin’s culinary talent and offers tastings, chef demos, and more.
• Trail of Lights: This annual holiday event lights up Zilker Park and is a festive experience for all ages.

Moving to Austin

If you’re planning on moving to Austin, TX, preparation is essential. Here are some practical tips to ease your transition:

• Timing Your Move: Avoid moving during the height of summer if possible, as the heat can make the process challenging.
• Registering Your Vehicle: Texas requires newcomers to register their vehicles and obtain a Texas driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency.
• Choosing a Moving Company: Research Austin movers to ensure you have reliable professionals to assist with your move.

Preparing for Texas Culture

Texans are known for their warmth, friendliness, and pride in their state. In Austin, you’ll find an inclusive, progressive atmosphere mixed with Texas traditions. Barbecue is a must-try, and you’ll quickly find yourself saying “y’all” as you embrace the local culture. Football is also a big deal in Austin, with the University of Texas Longhorns drawing massive crowds each fall.

Getting Settled in Austin

Once you’ve settled in, take the time to explore Austin’s community resources. Many neighborhoods have community centers and organizations that offer classes, events, and volunteer opportunities. Additionally, you’ll find ample resources for newcomers through Austin’s Chamber of Commerce.

Making Friends and Networking

Austin is a welcoming city, and there are plenty of ways to build connections. Joining local groups, volunteering, or attending community events can help you meet people with similar interests. Austin’s social scene thrives in coffee shops, breweries, and co-working spaces, making networking easy and enjoyable.

Is Austin, Texas, a Good Place to Live?

Moving to Austin, TX, offers a unique lifestyle filled with opportunities for personal and professional growth. From its creative culture to its tech-driven economy, Austin provides the perfect mix of modern city life and natural beauty. Whether you’re single, starting a family, or exploring a new chapter, Austin’s vibrant community and friendly atmosphere make it a top relocation choice.

As you plan your move, consider reaching out to Austin movers for professional assistance. They can help streamline the moving process, so you can focus on enjoying everything this fantastic city has to offer. 

The Texas state flag flies in Austin, TX. Photo by Getty Images

I love the Bible. That’s why I’ve chosen to devote my career to reading and dissecting it, finding new ways to parse its texts and meanings, and teaching about it to classrooms full of undergraduates at a state university in Texas. I believe that learning about the content of the Bible is important for understanding not only religion, but also world history, politics, art and literature.

But not like this.

The Bluebonnet curriculum about to become part of classroom instruction in some Texas public schools is a travesty. Friday, the Texas State Board of Education voted 8-7 to accept a school curriculum that smuggles Christian religious instruction into public schools. The curriculum is voluntary, but school districts that adopt it will receive financial incentives.

The creators of the curriculum have defended its biblical content on the grounds that the Bible is a foundational document of our civilization, so students must understand it to be well-educated citizens. But if an understanding of the Bible — and not indoctrination with a Protestant Christian view of the Bible — is the main goal here, then why does the curriculum show so many signs of biblical illiteracy?

For example, in a kindergarten unit on kings and queens, students learn that King Solomon built the Temple in Jerusalem because “he wanted his people to have a place to gather, pray, and sing songs to God.” The Hebrew Bible does not describe most of these activities taking place at the Temple or its predecessor, the Tabernacle. What it does describe is lots and lots of animal sacrifice. The lesson ignores the actual biblical material in favor of grafting  onto biblical Israel what Protestant Christians do in churches today — what a coincidence.

I also note that biblical scholars have yet to find evidence from outside the Bible of Solomon doing the things the Bible credits him with, or even evidence of his existence. He is an important figure for Jewish and Christian religious believers, but he cannot be treated as historical. In the sections of the kings and queens unit on King Midas and Cinderella, the curriculum prompts teachers to ask students which aspects of the stories could happen and which are “magic or fantasy.” There is no such prompt in the King Solomon lesson. He is treated as a historical figure and the story of his God-given wisdom is treated as fact. It is not.

In another example of biblical illiteracy, the curriculum introduces the biblical Queen Esther to second graders in a unit on “fighting for a cause.” Again, this story is presented as historical, though there is little in the story and nothing outside the Bible to indicate its historicity. More egregiously, the curriculum writes God and faith into a biblical book that famously mentions neither. Esther’s fast is given religious motives, while the text says nothing of the sort. Esther is characterized as fighting for the right of the Jews to practice their own religion, with the curriculum drawing a parallel between this story and historical tales of people seeking religious freedom in the United States.

Again, religious belief is not mentioned in Esther. What is at stake is the survival of the Jews as a people. This is nothing less than a Christian colonization of the story of Esther to make it look more like Protestant narratives of freedom of worship. (It is also more than a little ironic to stress freedom to worship for religious minorities when you are in the process of imposing your religion on those religious minorities.)

The fighting for a cause unit lists as an objective: “Describe the similarities among the methods of nonviolence used by Queen Esther” and the other figures studied. This characterization of Esther’s story as nonviolent would be hilarious if it weren’t part of a pernicious and unsubtle effort to sneak Christian religious instruction into Texas schools. Did the authors of this curriculum read a version of Esther that was somehow missing the final chapters, where the Jews slaughter those who would have killed them? Where Esther asks the king for permission for a second day of killing? Where the 10 sons of Haman are killed? I can only surmise that this is part of the evangelical tendency to sanitize the Bible so it falls more in line with contemporary sensibilities, what my biblical studies colleague Jill Hicks-Keeton calls “making the Bible benevolent.”

While I am a biblical scholar by training, I also teach Jewish Studies courses and direct my university’s program in Jewish Studies. I have observed a tendency among my students, many of whom were educated in Texas public schools, to seriously misunderstand Jews and Judaism. I blame this in part on the misguided concept of the “Judeo-Christian tradition,” a phrase that appears in the Texas education standards more than once. The idea that there is a real thing called “Judeo-Christian” obscures the major differences between these two religions, and between Jewish and Christian interpretations of the Hebrew Bible.

Many of my students arrive at university believing Judaism and Christianity are essentially the same religion. Some do not understand that Jesus does not figure into Judaism in any way. Those who do know that Jews do not believe Jesus was the messiah or a prophet often assume that Judaism is just Christianity minus Jesus, or perhaps the Old Testament plus time. These students have an especially hard time understanding that Jews and Christians read the Tanakh and the Old Testament, respectively, in radically different ways.

I worry that, when lessons like the ones I point to above from the Bluebonnet curriculum make their way into Texas classrooms, the problems of biblical and religious illiteracy will worsen among my students. By learning readings of the Hebrew Bible that are indefensible from a scholarly perspective and only make sense if your goal is Christian indoctrination, how much more will they struggle to understand that people can read the Bible in more than one way, and that Judaism is not a flavor of Christianity?

I am indignant about Bluebonnet not only as a scholar and a teacher, but also as a Jewish parent. While my children currently attend a Jewish school, when they finish elementary school, they will likely move to public school. If Houston public schools adopt the Bluebonnet curriculum, my children will be attending the upper grades alongside kids who have learned incorrect, misleading, exclusively Christian-source information about the sacred texts of our religion.

If students are taught in kindergarten that King Solomon built a Temple that functioned much like a contemporary Protestant church, or in second grade that Queen Esther was a nonviolent activist for religious freedom, they do not have to do any hard work to understand the Hebrew Bible in its ancient context, not to mention its contemporary Jewish context. The Bluebonnet curriculum takes a rich collection of texts that are sacred for multiple religions and reads them in ways that are inaccurate, misleading and offensive — and that will produce biblically illiterate Texans.