Living the Good Life In Georgetown Texas

The City of Georgetown's Public Library is an outstanding resource for Central Texas and a centerpiece of Georgetown's commitment to provide a quality lifestyle to it's citizens.  The new library building was dedicated in January 2007 and contains over 49,500 sq ft. It is located 2 blocks off Georgetown's historic downtown square at 408 E 8th Street.  The multi function building has wide open spaces, a two story atrium and serves as a community center as well as a library.  

One of the cool features is the Georgetown Library's serving as a showcase for local art and sculpture.  Currently on display in the courtyard is a large piece titled 'The Distortionist'.  

In fact, thoughout the courtyard and interior spaces you will find other sculptures and works of art displayed to be enjoyed by all. 

The Childrens Area is my favorite, probably because I'm a kid at heart. 

 With bright colors and areas set aside for kids to perch, corners to hide in, stages to perform, or just neat items like the full size Jeep to play on.  There are plenty of computers and lots of space for adults as well as kids to enjoy.

To encourage after school activity and participation, Teenagers have their own spaces set aside.  There are diner style booths to study or meet friends as well as comfy couches and chairs to quietly read a good book.

If you get the munchies while researching that homework paper, or just need a place to meet friends and enjoy a cup of coffee, the Library offers a Starbucks style coffee shop with snacks and more.  

Of course there are stacks of book, and more books, as well as magazines, dvd's and books on cd to check out.

Need to go online?  No problem, there are plenty of computer stations to use and a helpful staff to assist.

So, what's keeping you. there's plenty to check out at the Georgetown Public Library and plan on staying a while there's lots to do!

For information about Georgetown Texas, or the surrounding Williamson County cities of Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, and Hutto. or if you'd like to search for homes in these areas be sure to visit my web site or blog for other entries. 

Today, March 2, is Texas Independence Day, celebrating the day 174 years ago when delegates to the Convention of 1836  met in Washinton on the Brazos and approved a Declaration of Independence from Mexico and began writing a Constitution and formed an interim government.  All this mind you, as reports were coming in from San Antonio that the Alamo was under siege by the army of General Santa Anna and his large army would soon be advancing toward Washington on the Brazos.  The brave men of the Alamo held the fortress inspite of overwhelming odds until March 6th when it fell, giving the Convention time to finish it's task. 

Today is also a day to Vote in the primary elections for various statewide offices including Governor.  If the brave delegates to the Convention and the Defenders of the Alamo could sacrifice so much so that we could be free and independent couldn't we at least exercise our Right To Vote and honor their sacrifice?

The City of Georgetown's Park Trail system has got to be one of the best advantages of living in Georgetown.  Designated a National Recreation Trail, it features almost 9 miles of scenic trails to enjoy. From San Gabriel Park it is possible to walk, hike, bike, stroll, jog, or just amble along the beautiful trails that mostly follow the San Gabriel river connecting untimately with the Corps of Engineer Lake Georgetown Overlook Park, and the Good Water Trail that circles Lake Georgetown.

A large portion of the trails are paved and are handicapped accessible.  They are lighted and patrolled by volunteers.  There is also water, benches and emergency stations along the trail system for your convenience. 

The trails cross the San Gabriel River several times and offer good views of the clear water.  The trails are not difficult and there are several places to park along the trails at the various parks that are adjacent. 

With Spring around the corner and plenty of trails to explore there is no excuse for not getting out and exercising and enjoying the beauty of Central Texas and Georgetown's Park system.

For more information about Georgetown, and the surrounding areas of Williamson County including cities of Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander and Taylor be sure to visit my blog or my web site.  I'll be happy to share my knowledge and experience or even better, let's go hike the Trails!

Briarwood Subdivision in Georgetown Texas is a great new home subdivison located close in off Williams Drive and an easy commute to Austin.  Featuring homes starting from $170,000 to 250,000 this restrictricted neighborhood features 70' wide wooded lots, neighborhood park, walking distance to Frost Elementary and Benold Middle School. 

Homes are 100% masonry, include landscaping and are all architecturally unique.  No volume builders replicating the same plan over and over.  Buyers appreciate the attention to detail and the high quality construction.  Currently there are 4 new homes for sale

2 are complete and ready to occupy and 2 are under construction. 

For information about these homes and other New Homes in Georgetown, or to search for new homes in Georgetown Tx, visit my website or blog.  I'll be glad to show you these and any other homes in the area.  Come see why Georgetown should be your new home town!

Want to live in a countryside setting but want to remain close in?  Then take a look at Oakcrest Estates in Georgetown Texas.  

This close in neighborhood is bordered by the San Gabriel River, DB Wood Rd, and the Georgetown Country Club.  As you follow Country Club drive    

you notice the split rail fences, and the scenery gets rural, yet you are only a couple of minutes from Wolf Ranch and the Rivery shopping centers.  Cross the bridge and enjoy the serenity of this quiet enclave.

  Most of the homes were built in the late 1970's through 1990, and are ranch style ranging in size from 1500 to 3500 sq ft.

  The lots are large most from 1/2 acre to 1 acre.  Some areas are heavily  treed with Oaks being predominate.     And where you have a country setting, lots of tree cover you are going to have wildlife.  Deer abound!      Be sure and plant deer resistant landscaping and fence your garden, because these deer love snap beans, peas, lettuce, and most bedding plants.

Oak Crest is a perfect combination of city and country.  With paved streets and shady avenues and good neighbors    Yet you can walk 2 blocks and see cows grazing and listen to the windmill creak and groan as it pumps water.   Oak Crest is the best of both, rural and urban at the same time.  The neighborhood has an active voluntary homeowner's association that sponsors an annual pic nic and neighborhood garage sale.  If you would like information about this neighborhood or others in the Georgetown and Williamson County area contact me, I'd love to show you around.

It is said that one man's junk is another's treasure and no where is that statement more true than   Louis Miller's Mechanical Mart in Georgetown Texas.

I've always been fascinated by tractors and farm implements and well anything mechanical and this spot in the middle of a the historic area of Georgetown has always fascinated me.  Mr Miller has been pulling these relics of our agricultural past out of fields and barns for years and assembled one of the finest collections in the country.... All in the shadow of Southwestern University and the historic Georgetown Tx historic square.

Everything from huge steam driven tractors and combines to 1950's Farmall tractors are scattered around the yard.

 I like the flared fenders on this one.... racy don't you thing?  Notice the huge steam driven machine in the background.

This is one of my favorites, if you look someone has combined a Model T front chassis with an early horse drawn mechanical plow.  Now that's some early Aggie engineering!

 Surely, you rmember the Rumely Tractor?  I can just imagine how much this must have cost back in the day.  At least you didn't have to worry about the tires going flat.

 need traction?  just bolt on these iron spikes,, no problem.  You could also run a leather belt off the pulley and and run all kinds of equiptment even a portable sawmill. There are scores of these antique tractors on this private yard all owned by antique tractor collector Louis Miller who operates a repair yard at 806 E 8th Street in Georgetown Texas. 

If you are in the market for a Home or information about Georgetown Texas give me a call and I'll give you a tour of this and other interesting places in Georgetown and Williamson County Texas.

With the fridgid cold weather that has visited Central Texas and the National Title Game between my beloved UT Longhorns and Alabama, this seems like the perfect night to enjoy a hot steaming bowl of my TEXAS CHILI.  Yes folks, I"m gonna share my recipe handed down from my forefathers who developed this recipe while chasing cows and Indians and drinking cervasa with locals.  There is one caveat though, to those that might like to embellish their chili with beans.. this is a NO BEAN recipe!  If you like beans I have another recipe for that.   So enjoy the chili tonight and a few cold beers, and HOOKEM HORNS!

Texas Chili  

as handed down by Miguelito after plying him with many Shiner Bock beers.

Six Pack of Shiner Bock (if you're not from Texas.. substitute a nice dark beer)

1lb of Chili Meat(any cheap meat will do, even road kill, just chop it into chunks)

1 lb of sausage(hot or medium, if you've got a heart condition you can even use turkey sausage)

1 Med Onion, chopped

1 Stalk of Celery (chopped of course, you idiot)

1 Bell Pepper (also chopped, see above)

3 Tablespoons chili powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp oregeno

1/4 tsp red pepper

4 cups chicken stock (you can cheat and use bouillion cubes in 4 cups water if you dont keep old chicken fat around)

1 med jalepeno pepper seeded and finely chopped

1 large can tomato sauce

3 Tablespoons worchester sauce

Open a Shiner Bock Beer

In a large pot, brown the meat and sausage, you can use a little oil, and drain well.  Add all the chopped stuff and pour in half a beer.

Let it simmer for a bit while you mix up the powder seasonings.  Add all the seasonings to the 4 cups Chicken stock mixture and stir. 

Open another beer and the can of tomato sauce.

Pour the chicken stock/spice mixture in and add the tomato sauce.

Add the Worchester Sauce

Finish off the 2nd beer, pour a bit in the pot for good measure.

Cover and let simmer for a couple of hours, the longer the better, or just finish off the 6 pack and it's ready!

Serve with hot tortilla's, or crackers.  you can embellish with schredded cheddar cheese.

One of the unique features of Georgetown Texas is the number of deed restricted neighborhoods intended for what is termed the Active Adult Buyer.  Typically these neighborhoods are restricted to residents 55 years and older, with no children living at home.  Other deed restrictions govern the appearance of the properties and the uses allowed leading to higher property values and a cohesive and quiet neighborhood.  One of the first local Georgetown builders to embrace this trend was Parker Builders who developed Village of River Bend I and II.      

The Village I section is completely self contained and has no thru streets so traffic is limited.  Both section I and II are located just off Williams Drive and Booty's Rd, and are withiin walking distance to shopping centers and banks.      

The homes are constructed of 100 white limestone exterior, 30 yr dimensional shingles, and the homes in section I are on zero lot line lots and feature natural landscaping and low water use lawns.  Homes are typically 2 and 3 bedroom with 1200 to 1600 sq ft in section I.     

The subdivisions were built between 1993 and 1998 and all the homes feature high ceilings and energy efficiency.    

In sectionI, deed restrictions limit fencing to wrought iron so there is a sense of space between the yards.    

The homes in section II are on larger lots that are not zero lot line, and the homes are typically a bit larger ranging up to 2400 sq ft.  They also feature 100% limestone exteriors for low maintenance.  Privacy fencing is allowed.   

The subdivision has a mandatory homeowners association but the dues are very low since the amenities are limited to the entrance signs and a small park space.  No pools, or golf courses to maintain and no social activites or community clubhouse.  The neighborhood is geared to offer high quality homes on smaller easy to maintain lots all within a setting appealing to empty nesters.  Prices typically range from a low of 120k upwards to 260k for the larger homes.    For more information about this subdivision and the other age restricted subdivisions contact me and I'll be happy to fill you in on Georgetown's Active Adult neighborhoods.

What a fine day it was for the 29th Georgetown Christmas Stroll.  This celebration still has all the charm of a small town spontaneous parade combined with many many hours of volunteer planning making for the best Christmas Celebration in Central Texas.      A huge crowd turned out filling the streets with families and strollers.  There were plenty of booths of crafts to browse      and lots of good eats too.  My favorite is the kettle corn.       and how could not stop and listen to the singing nuns?  Inspirational and funny too!      But the best part is the stroll itself.  What started out as a casual small town event of local neighbors in Christmas costumes walking the downtown square with their pets    has evolved into a major parade with floats and entries continuing for blocks.  Patriotism was a popular topic this year  and my favorite entry was the Cub Scouts with their soapbox derby cars.  As a former CubScout pack leader I can remember the joy of corralling 30 eager CubScouts.     I love the the tank.. another scout had a version complete with missles.. I wouldn't want to mess with him.    and what would a small town Texas parade be without Indians????     and at the tail end of the parade is Santa.. his sleigh is pulled by a motorcycle.. you don't think we have reindeer in Texas do you?  

Ot maybe we should sing "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas" because the weather forecast for Central Texas tomorrow (Dec 4) is a 70-80% chance of snow.  Yes SNOW!  Now I know all of my blog readers up in the the northern states are yawning and thinking big deal, so what.  Well, down here in the sunny south where the snowbirds flock every November it is a BIG DEAL!.  Last time we had any appreciable snow was 10 yrs ago and that was less than an inch.  This time we might get 2-4 inches.  Should make the Christmas Stroll in Georgetown this weekend feel like Rockefeller Center in New York at Christmas.  The downside to this is Texas drivers have no concept of the white stuff and how it affects driving conditions.  Typically they jump in the family SUV or crew cab pickup and barrell down the freeway like any other day only to discover too late that they can't stop...or steer.  It's a mess of tangled vehicles and cars in ditches any time there is precipitation much less ice or snow.  Hey, we've been in a 2 year drought we forgot how to drive in wet stuff.  Mix in slick and we're in a heap of trouble down here.  So my advice is to stay home. no one is going to miss you at work anyway because everyone will be playing in the snow.  If you aren't then I hope you're either a policeman, fireman, or a wrecker driver because you'll be busy.  

Wiley waiting for snow, hoping it will make the squirrels catchable.