Calendar of Events

• From July 01, 2009 to July 05, 2009

  Summer Camp

  Whether it's been several years or several decades since you attended Summer Camp, you probably still have happy memories of friendship and fun. Wouldn't it be nice to bring back those good times?

  The days are yours to arrange and the choices of activities will please everyone from the recreational enthusiasts to the hard-core fitness fanatics!

• From July 03, 2009 to July 04, 2009

  Patriotic Party Weekend! Celebrate Summertime and the 4th of July

  From star gazing to sangria tasting, you'll have a fine and dandy time celebrating Independence Day this year at Lake Austin Spa Resort! Join us for boat cruises, water games, poker lessons, bingo, cookie decorating, live music and more.

  Friday, July 3
  Follow the Smoke!
  Cooking Session with Special Guest Author John Demers

  John DeMers is a veteran journalist, food writer and author, whose 38 published books cover subjects as diverse as New Orleans cuisine, Caribbean cooking, Italian flavors and culture, plus interwoven bits of history, religion and the arts. Pretty much all that is included in his current book FOLLOW THE SMOKE: 14,783 Miles of Great Texas Barbecue. John lives in Houston, where he writes for magazines and hosts the weekly food and wine radio show "Delicious Mischief" on NewsRadio 740 KTRH.

  John will demonstrate and share tasting portions from his book on Texas barbecue, including recipes inspired by the top-secret techniques of the great barbecue families. All the while he's cooking, John will share anecdotes from his marathon of eating at 119 Texas barbecue joints. And he'll do what even some of the old-guard joints find themselves doing, rethinking their recipes to achieve the greatest possible flavor with a little less fat than their grandparents would have thought possible. And he'll be delighted to sign copies of his new book after the lively presentation.

  Saturday, July 4
  BBQ, Big Reds, Bubbles and Blueberry Pie!
  Cooking Session with Executive Chef Terry Conlan

  Terry will show you the secrets to making terrific BBQ salmon, quail, ribs, special sauces and more! Our Food and Beverage Director Michael Bertram will pair up wine, bubbly and some good ‘ole Shiner Bock to complement this tasty menu.

  Saturday, July 4
  Poolside BBQ

  In addition to our regular dining room lunch menu we will also be serving up burgers, hot dogs and watermelon poolside. Grass fed beef, bison and boca burgers or all natural pork, turkey and tofu hotdogs with all the fixin's!

  Saturday, July 4
  Live Music with Special Guest Jean Synodinos

  A fearless and exuberant performing songwriter, Jean Synodinos has a voice that has been hailed as a veritable force of nature. Dynamic and powerful, it's capable of changing from an insinuating whisper to a full-throated belt. Critics have called it "big-league," "blues smoky and rich" and "show-stopping" and she performs in complete defiance of the sixth grade music teacher who told her to do anything with herself but sing. Her solo guitar work is formidable, playing with a broad palette of styles to communicate the distinctive message of each song.

  Her lists of songwriting awards (including the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Competition) attest to her artistry as a songwriter, but they are nothing compared to her win over breast cancer in 2002. She now takes every opportunity to dispel women's fears surrounding this all-too-common diagnosis.

• July 11, 2009

  For the Love of Books Club

  American Thighs: The Sweet Potato Queen's Guide to Preserving Your Assets, Jill Connor Browne
  The For the Love of Books Club meets this month to discuss American Thighs: the Sweet Potato Queens' Guide to Preserving Your Assets with the author Jill Conner Browne, plus special guest Spike Gillespie shares advice on journaling for health.

  Saturday, July 11
  Journal Writing for Health
  With Special Guest Author: Spike Gillespie

  The physical and mental health benefits of keeping a journal have been documented by doctors and psychologists. Beyond that, keeping a record of life's ups and downs can be joyful, stress-relieving, and helpful toward getting the big picture. Many people vow to start a journal but get hung up on obstacles related to expectations.

  Here, learn how to jumpstart a journal, or keep your current journal going. Class will include discussion, writing exercises and optional sharing.

  Spike Gillespie is a journalist, author and blogger with over twenty-five years of being published under her belt. She is the author of two memoirs, an essay collection, and two books about quilting. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, the New York Times Magazine, Real Simple, National Geographic Traveler, and many other places. She is a former lifestyle columnist for the Dallas Morning News.

  American Thighs: The Sweet Potato Queens' Guide to Saving Your Assets! Discussion
  With Special Guest: Author Jill Connor Browne

  Multiple #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, Jill Conner Browne has created a global phenomenon-5,750 chapter groups in 22 countries based upon her philosophy and world-view as recounted through her rollicking, raucous and riotously funny essays. Women and smart men understand that the bawdy, sassy, down-to-earth humor is simply the vehicle by which the greater message is conveyed, that is, one of self-reliance and empowerment, inspiring all to do what makes their hearts sing.

• From July 12, 2009 to July 18, 2009

  The Culinary Experience

  Learn the secrets of preparing and enjoying deliciously healthy food and take part of the Lake Austin Spa Resort experience home with you! This interactive week in July features special guests Barbara Fenzl and the Food Network's George Duran.

  Monday, July 13
  Special Guest Chef: Barbara Fenzl

  Barbara Pool Fenzl, C. C. P. (Certified Culinary Professional), is a major figure on the American culinary stage: owner of Les Gourmettes Cooking School in Phoenix, established in 1983, television host of the 13-week PBS series, "Savor the Southwest," and host of KAET-TV's last ten cooking-related pledge drives ("A is for Appetizers," "D is for Desserts," and so on).

  She is also a regular guest on "Your Life A to Z," a local morning television show, author of Southwest the Beautiful Cookbook, Savor the Southwest, and Seasonal Southwest Cooking, renowned cooking teacher in both the United States and the Prigord region of France, former food editor of Southwest Passages and Phoenix Home and Garden magazines, a frequent contributor to Bon Appetit magazine and other national publications.

  Saturday, July 18
  Special Guest Chef: George Duran

  George Duran is a chef and entertainer. Author of Take This Dish and Twist It and host of "Ham on the Street" and "Secret Life of..." on The Food Network. Duran was born and raised in Venezuela, the son of Armenian immigrants.

• From July 20, 2009 to July 26, 2009

  Yoga for Every Body

  Throughout the week we will offer yoga instruction for all levels. Join us in exploring different styles of yoga including Hatha, Kundalini, and Iyengar. Whether you are new to yoga or are on your way to becoming a true yogi, take advantage of this excellent opportunity to learn from a variety of great instructors.

  July, 24, 25, 26
  Special Guest Instructor: Larry Lane

  Larry Lane has been rated as one of the top instructors in the country by such national magazines as Shape, Vogue, Mademoiselle and Women's Health and Fitness. He was the first to introduce yoga to the fitness world through IDEA, The International Dance and Exercise Association. Larry has been studying Yoga for 20 years and teaching for 15 years. Larry has studied extensively with many senior Iyengar instructors and is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher.