Embracing Adventure

At the heart of our existence as humans resides an innate desire to embark on an adventure and discover the unknown. For centuries, it was how we survived. Less of a survival skill these days but none the less imperative for the soul, the thrill of venturing beyond the familiar, scaling a summit, or traversing a river captures the imagination and fuels our sense of wonder.

As you and your loved ones prepare for summer travels, we embarked on our own thrilling expedition. This is not just another travel publication aiming to entice readers with generic recommendations or the clichéd "top 10" destinations crafted by a PR agency. No, we have invested our time and resources to personally explore and experience the marvels of these extraordinary crevices in the universe so that we can provide readers with honest and unparalleled insights.

This year, we set our sights on the western regions of the Lone Star State, delving into the captivating parks that eventually led us to the majestic landscapes of Big Bend National Park. The journey was an adventure itself, with long drives encompassing a dramatic transition from crystal clear rivers and hill country vistas to the vast expanse of dusty plains stretching as far as the eye can see. Finally, we beheld the awe-inspiring cliffs and vibrant hues of Big Bend, a testament to the magnificent allure of our great state of Texas. It is a trip that every Texan should undertake to truly comprehend the magnificence of this diverse landscape.

Furthermore, in this edition, we take you on a culinary expedition across the globe from the comfort of home (aka East Austin). We venture to Florida for a sophisticated retreat, and for those seeking closer escapades, we present a classy getaway just east of Austin in Round Top, Texas. Additionally, our team has meticulously curated a selection of the six best state parks across the nation, drawing from our own personal experiences.

Summer is upon us, and with this issue, we aim to bring you joy and excitement with a splash of thrill sprinkled in. We strive to present authentic, real-life accounts of the stories we produce, ensuring that we remain a trusted source for information spanning from East Austin to the farthest reaches of the country.

As you embark on your own summer adventures, we invite you to embrace the spirit of exploration and to immerse yourself in the wonders of the great outdoors. As our family's second love, just behind our community here in East Austin, we hope this issue inspires you to venture forth, create memories, and discover the beauty that lies in every corner of our remarkable earth.

Wishing you a summer filled with unforgettable adventures!

Ashley & Will Bowling

On the Cover

We took some stunning photos in Big Bend National Park, specifically in the middle of Santa Elena Canyon after hiking for a mile. The vastness of the canyons made us feel incredibly small, and we were fortunate enough to capture it all on camera just as the sun began to set. Photographer, Baptiste Despois, did an excellent job capturing the beauty of the colorful terrain.

Creative Director

Will Bowling

Publishing Editor

Ashley Bowling

Asst. Editor

Abby L. Johnson

Business Development

Will Bowling

Copy Editor

Pam Bowen

Media Relations

Joanna Fuller

Austin, Texas 78722 eastsideatx.com

Contributing Photographers

Eric Morales, Baptiste Despois, Will Bowling, Casey Dunn

Contributing Writers

Jessi Devenyns, Meher Qazilbash, Tanya White, Janine Stankus, Joanna Fuller, Chris Ferguson

Jerod Morales, Deven Wilson

Distribution

Will Bowling Submissions info@eastsideatx.com

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