Date Archives: June 2022

There's a lot to explore in Georgetown, TX, a small city about 25 minutes north of Austin. Georgetown offers sweeping Texas Hill Country scenery, picturesque lagoons along the San Gabriel River, and a downtown district that has been called the "Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas."

But Georgetown's most enticing landscape may be deep underground. Join us as we explore the unique world of Inner Space Cavern, one of Texas' largest cave systems, located just minutes from these Georgetown homes for sale. 

A Hidden World

Like many cave systems, the undergrown labyrinth now known as Inner Space Cavern was discovered by accident. It was actually the Texas Highway Department that stumbled upon the previously-unknown cave system in 1963 while constructing an I-35 overpass. 

During the process of regulation core testing, the construction crew inadvertently drilled into the cave eight times. Unable to find any other access to what they knew they had found, they drilled a 2-foot wide hole down 33.5 feet through the limestone bedrock, creating the first usable passage into the caves. 

Exploring 'Inner Space'

Through that original borehole, dubbed the 'Discovery Hole,' scientists began exploring this brand-new cave system. A larger hole was subsequently created, but to this day, no natural entrance to Inner Space Cavern has ever been found. 

We now know that all-natural entryways to Inner Space Cavern have been closed for about 14,000 years. But we are far from the only ones to have ever seen the caves, as Ice Age fossils of saber-toothed tiger, wooly mammoth, and giant sloth found within attest to. 

At present, several miles of passageways have been explored, some of which are now open to the public. But the majority of Inner Space Cavern's unknown depths remain unexplored. Still, the small portion that we've been able to access has given us some truly amazing discoveries. 

See for Yourself

Roughly 1.2 miles of Inner Space Cavern is open to the public and has been since 1966. Portions that are publicly accessible include winding passages and large, open 'rooms' adorned with striking cave formations. Drapery columns and a large room known as the Ice Cream Parlor are highlights of the cave. 

A variety of tours are available. These range from simple walking tours to more advanced wild cave spelunking tours. Check out the official Inner Space Cavern website to learn more about the various options available to the public. 

The basic cave tour is known as the Adventure Tour. It lasts about an hour and includes parts of the cave that are flat, fully illuminated, and open enough that one can comfortably walk upright. The slightly longer Hidden Passages Tour is a bit more physically demanding, taking visitors through newly-opened passages that are at times narrower and less developed. Wear closed-toe shoes and expect some uneven ground.

The most challenging and rewarding tour is the Wild Cave Tour. Lasting up to 4 hours, this tour involves hiking, climbing, crawling, and squeezing through tight spots but rewards visitors with an opportunity to experience parts of Inner Space Cavern that few ever see. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in Central Texas. When you're ready to find your dream home in Georgetown and the surrounding areas, our real estate agents are here to help every step of the way. 

Having a deck off your home is so nice, especially in the summer. You can sit out there with a good book, just basking in the sun. Or, you can host a barbecue and enjoy a meal on the deck with friends. If you're looking at Round Rock homes for sale and discover one that would be even better with a deck, then it's time to start planning! Here are some deck materials to consider using.

• Pressure-Treated Lumber
  Pressure-treated lumber has long been a popular deck material. This is essentially wood that has been compacted under pressure and treated with various chemicals to make it resistant to rot and insects. 
  
  Pressure-treated lumber is fairly affordable and readily available. It does not need to be sealed and waterproofed like "natural" wood. However, not everyone likes its greenish undertone. You can paint it, but that does add to the maintenance requirements.
  
  
• Cedar
  If you want a wood deck you can leave natural and not paint, then cedar is a great wood to choose. The natural oils in the cedar repel insects and allow the wood to resist rot. Cedar takes on a beachy, grayish look as it ages, which can be nice with a more rustic home design.
  
  Cedar is abundant in the western United States and is typically harvested in an eco-friendly manner. The one main downfall is that it can start splintering once it ages — so you won't want to walk across a cedar deck barefoot.
  
  
• Composite
  There are several companies that make composite decking boards from a blend of wood fibers and concrete. Composite decking is heavy and comes with a high price tag. Installing a composite deck also takes longer and is more expensive than installing a wood deck, largely because of the weight of the boards. However, composite decking is incredibly durable and long-lasting.
  
  You don't have to paint or stain a composite deck. The color extends through the material, so your deck won't start to look chipped and worn. You can clean the decking by simply power washing it; this is all the maintenance it really needs.
  
  
• PVC
  PVC decking is a lightweight, plastic decking material. It comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. You can even find PVC decking that is made to look like wood or concrete.
  
  PVC decking is affordable, easy to install, and easy to maintain. You never need to paint or seal it, and you can clean it with a hose and dish soap! However, PVC can get brittle with age, especially if installed in a really sunny area. The UV rays from the sun can slowly break down the plastic. This material also has a more modern look, which not everyone likes.
  
  
• Polystyrene
  Polystyrene is another type of plastic decking. The boards link together with little clips, which makes polystyrene decks really easy to install. Plus, if one board is damaged, you can easily remove and replace that one board without having to deconstruct the rest of the deck.
  
  Polystyrene decking is lightweight and durable. It does look like plastic, but it comes in a range of colors. The surface is also textured in such a way that it does not become slippery when wet, making polystyrene a good choice for pool decks.

If you're still looking for the perfect home near Round Rock, our real estate agents would be happy to help. Contact us soon to learn more about our services for buyers and sellers.

Sushi has become one of the most popular international delicacies in America in recent years, and Central Texas has fully embraced sushi thanks to an excellent collection of local Asian restaurants. With International Sushi Day coming up on June 18, now is the perfect time to experience all that your favorite sushi spot has to offer. Our real estate agents have the delicious details on 5 of the best Central Texas sushi restaurants for you to enjoy.

• Miso Korean & Japanese – 2400 S. I-35, #150, Round Rock, TX 78681
  Family-owned and with a name that translates to "Smile" in Korean, you can always count on the team at Miso Korean & Japanese to provide friendly, personal service near Round Rock homes for sale. Of course, the food is excellent, too! In addition to a wide selection of authentic Korean cuisine, Miso offers dozens of different sushi rolls to choose from, including unique chef's specials and vegetarian rolls. Miso Korean & Japanese is open every day for lunch and dinner, from Monday through Saturday.
  
  
• Sushi Koen – 201 University Oaks Blvd., Ste. 1290, Round Rock, TX 78665
  When you're in the mood for a quick, convenient, tasty Japanese meal, the staff at Sushi Koen has you covered. The recipe for success at Sushi Koen is simple. They source the freshest high-quality ingredients and hire expertly trained chefs who know how to put those ingredients to work. Sushi Koen also has an especially large selection of chef's special rolls, so you'll always have something new to try.
  
  
• Tokyo Steak House & Sushi Bar – 201 Sundance Pkwy., Ste. D, Round Rock, TX 78681
  Have someone in your group who enjoys Japanese cuisine but isn't a fan of sushi? Tokyo Steak House & Sushi Bar offers the best of both worlds, with a full-service sushi bar and hibachi tables where the chefs are as entertaining as the food is delicious. This restaurant is known for its cozy atmosphere, generous portions, and a menu that truly features something for every member of the family.
  
  
• Iron Fish Sushi & Grill – 900 E. Pecan St., Ste. 800, Pflugerville, TX 78660
  It's not hard to find delicious sushi close to Pflugerville homes for sale, thanks to outstanding local restaurants like Iron Fish Sushi & Grill. In addition to lunch and dinner, Iron Fish offers a late-night menu full of great sushi. The team here prides itself on using fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients in every roll and entree. And when you're in the mood for a sushi night at home, they offer convenient online ordering with curbside pickup.
  
  
• Sushi Ocean – 16238 Ranch Rd. 620 N., Ste. A, Austin, TX 78171
  With a convenient location near Austin homes for sale and a menu that features all of your favorite rolls along with a few surprises, Sushi Ocean is a great choice to visit for International Sushi Day this year. Sushi Ocean also offers a selection of baked and deep-fried rolls that you won't find at every sushi restaurant. Be sure to check out the many combination platters on the menu, which feature the chef's selections of sushi and sashimi for groups of any size. Stop by during your lunch break to pick up a Bento box packed with great food or one of the many delicious sushi lunch combos on the menu.

Ready to buy, sell or learn more about real estate in Central Texas? Our team is here to help. Contact us to buy and sell homes in Central Texas Communities.

Round Rock is a great place to live if you love the outdoors. Located just north of Austin at the edge of the Hill Country region in Central Texas, Round Rock offers countless miles of great hiking.

Parks and trails in the area offer amazing hikes for all skill and fitness levels. Today, our real estate agents are very excited to share their favorite easy hikes for beginners in the Texas Hill Country!

• Old Settlers Park Hike & Bike Trail - 3300 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665
  Spanning 640 acres, Old Settlers Park is one of the largest and most popular parks in Round Rock. The park has several easy options for hikers, with 3.3 miles of trails that consist of several loops. The paved Hike & Bike Trail is popular among joggers and dog walkers as well as cyclists, and the 1.7-mile Meadow Loop Trail offers some lovely scenery and access to the park's disc golf course. Old Settlers Park is just minutes from many Round Rock homes for sale. 
  
  
• Brushy Creek Trail East - 151 N A.W. Grimes Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78664
  The Brushy Creek Regional Trail is a greenway project that stretches across Williamson County, with numerous trailheads in several neighboring communities. The proposed trail will eventually span 20 miles, and several sections have already been completed, like the 3.06-mile stretch known as the Brushy Creek Trail East, which crosses through Play for All Park. It's an easy hike through a beautiful wooded area alongside the banks of the trail's namesake Brushy Creek. 
  
  
• Meadow Lake Park - 2901 Settlement Dr, Round Rock, TX 78665
  Home to the 1.35-mile Meadow Lake Trail, Meadow Lake Park is a perfect place to enjoy an easy lakeside hike in Round Rock. The trail is flat and paved, mostly hugging the shoreline of the 55-acre lake. Texas Parks & Wildlife stocks Meadow Lake with bass and catfish every year, so bring a fishing pole!
  
  
• Kensington Greenbelt & Park - 1891 Oxford Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78664
  A flat, easy 0.9-mile out-and-back trail southeast of Downtown Round Rock, the Kensington Greenbelt traverses a mixture of woods and meadows in Kensington Park. It's a great afternoon stroll within walking distance of several residential neighborhoods. Kensington Park was fully renovated in 2013, with brand new picnic facilities and playgrounds in addition to the Kensington Greenbelt. It's a great place for families to spend a day outdoors. 
  
  
• Hutto Lake Park - 805 Estate Dr, Hutto, TX 78634
  Just a 15-minute drive from Round Rock, Hutto Lake Park is a lovely green space in the community of Hutto. The park features a small 10-acre lake, with a 1.1-mile loop trail that encircles its shoreline. The trail provides an easy hike with some surprisingly wild scenery, and the lake itself offers kayaking and fishing. The loop is popular for trail running, and bird watchers often see a variety of waterfowl and wading birds along the lakeshore. 
  
  
• Southwest Williamson County Regional Park - 3005 Co Rd 175, Leander, TX 78641
  Few places in the Round Rock area offer more hiking options than Leander's Southwest Williamson County Regional Park. The park includes several linked trails that combine to offer 5.53 total miles of hiking in a wild, wooded setting. It's a fun place to spend a day exploring, and the additional amenities—which include ball fields, picnic areas, a disc golf course, and a miniature railway train—offer plenty of outdoor family fun. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in Central Texas, and talk to our real estate agents about finding your dream home in the Round Rock area!