A Weekend In {Big Bend}

desert in bloom Words by Blakely Kneisley Not too far away from the vibrant lights and sounds of East Austin is one of America’s best kept secrets, a desert wilderness many do not know exists in the bend of far west Texas. Friday Take a scenic drive to Santa Elena Canyon where you can do a...

Home+Away Near Travel

Worldly Sophistication {meets} Comfy & New

Shared taste and an appreciation for the family’s global treasures helped designer Ann Edgerton take a couple’s east Austin townhouse from spec to spectacular. Photos by Molly Winters Words by Jess Hagemann Produced by Ashley Bowling Ask Ann Lowe Edgerton, 29, who her favorite artist is, and this design guru will light up over Donald Judd, the...

Home+Away Homes

From China to East Austin

Where the Culture of African Diaspora Meets Classical Ballet Words by Xander Peters Photos by Eric Morales China Smith speaks with her hands as much as she does with her heart. When the perfect topic hits the surface of the conversation just right, the tone of her voice rises, anticipating a point to be made,...

2020 Reason to Love the EASTside Art + Entertainment Black History Month Entertainment

Easygoing Elegance

Walking into fashion designer Miranda Bennett’s studio and storefront is an experience in remembering what calm feels like. A ceramic mobile sways peacefully in the window, while Bennett’s dog lounges on a beautiful woven rug. It’s a quiet oasis of calm and beauty in a nondescript office center in northeast Austin. Words By Mary Bryce Photo by Eric Morales...

Style+Beauty

Bridging the Gap in Education

In the Face of Change Words by Camille Smith Photos by Eric Morales When I moved to the east side in 1989, people still grimaced at the notion. We didn’t lock our doors, we knew our neighbors, and as kids, we played in the street until dark. Times have changed, as have the perceptions from within, and the...

Local + Native Knowledge

The Agave Nectar

Is it a neighborhood or is it an art installation, or both? Words by Xander Peters Photos by Ashley Haguewood Have an idea to design a different kind of neighborhood and build an assortment of sophisticated homes. Check. Minus the white-picket fences and add an alternative Austin-ish appeal. Check. Provide a lively communal aspect. Check....

Home+Away Homes

A Weekend In {Paris}

The City of Lights Words By Erin Fonner Despite recent tragedy, Paris is home to some of the most iconic art and architecture in the world, making it a rewarding travel destination, even for just a weekend. Friday Stay at the Artus Hotel. A boutique hotel in the St. Germain district, Artus provides a delicious full...

Far Home+Away Travel

Cherrywood Coffeehouse {Chocolate City Smoothie}

Chocolate City Smoothie Words by Ashley Bowling Photos by Ashley Haguewood A Sweet & Savory Smoothie Sure to Cool You Off and Fill You Up Cherrywood Coffeehouse is doing something right! Co-owners Ryan and Jen Marks have striven to create a community-centric atmosphere where everyone feels welcome, even the furry friends. They’ve listened to the...

Sip+Taste

Nomad Players {Travel & Truth}

Salvage Vanguard Theater Words by Walker Lyle Photos Courtesy of Salvage Vanguard Theater Fraught with growing audiences and rising cost for space, a theater forged in nomadic beginnings, one that rose to hold a decade long reign on the Manor strip, is now returning to those beginnings renewed, re-envisioned, and re-birthed. Circumstance is proving a...

Art + Entertainment Entertainment

chef de cuisine

Vinaigrettes with Taylor Chambers Words by Ashley Bowling Photos by Eric Morales Taylor had to forgo contributing to the summer issue of EASTside because he was busy getting promoted to Executive Chef! In four short, hard-working years, Taylor went from the position of dishwasher at Justine’s Brasserie to head chef. We are proud of his...

Recipes Sip+Taste