Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_CVB_11.10.2017Minutes of Meeting of the Convention 8. Visitors Bureau Board City of Georgetown, Texas November 10, 2017 The Convention 8c Visitors Bureau Board met on Friday, November 10 at 8:30 am at Convention and Visitors Bureau Office, located at 103 W. 7`~ Street, Georgetown, Texas_ Regular Session — To begin no earlier than 8:30 a_m_ Convention 8z Visitors Bureau Board may, at any time, recess the Regular Session to convene an Executive Session at the request of the Georgene Richaud for any purpose authorized by the Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 551.) MEMBERS PRESENT: Georgene Richaud, Rita Healy, Karen Soeff cer, Tauyna Vessels, AI Shankkle, Christy Fisher MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: GUEST PRESENT: Stephanie Blanck Cari Miller, Marie Woodard Milton Van Dusan, Jack Frost Basketball Tournament Kevin Stuckley, GHS Soccer Booster Club Sam McCutchen, GHS Girls Varsity Head Soccer Coach Regular Session 1. Chair Richaud called the meeting to order at 8:32 a.m. Legislative Regular Session 2. Discussion and possible action regarding approval of the September 8, 2017 minutes Motion by Vessels, second by Shankkle to approve the September 8, 2017 minutes. Approved 5-0 (8oe_fr9rerr arrived at 8: 39) 3. Discussion and possible action to approve a Hotel Occupancy Tax Reimbursement Grant for the UIL State Soccer Tournament — Carl Miller, Tourism Manager Stuckley presented the grant application for the U.I.L. State Soccer Tournament. After discussion, the following motion was made. Motion by SoefTker, second by Vessels to approve the HOT Grant request in the amount of $2,500. Approved 6-0 4. Discussion and possible action to approve a Hotel Occupancy Tax Reimbursement Grant for the GHS Men's and Women's Annual Governor's Cup Soccer Tournament— Carl Milder, Tourism Manager Stuckley presented the grant application for the GHS Men's and Women's Annual Governor's Cup Soccer Tournament. After, discussion the following motion was made. 1 Motion by Healy, second by Soeffker to approve the HOT Grant request in the amount of $2,250. Approved 6-0 5. Discussion and possible action to approve a Hotel Occupancy Tax Reimbursement Grant for the Jack Frost Basketball Tournament— Cari Miller, Tourism Manager Van Dusen presented the grant application for the Jack Frost Basketball Tournament. After discussion the following motion was made. Motion by Shankkle, second by Healy to approve the HOT Grant request in the amount of $2,000. Approved 6-0 6. Georgetown Cyclocross Festival Hotel Occupancy Tax Grant Follow-up Report Presentation — Cari Miller, Tourism Manager Rolando Roman presented the follow-up report via phone. The Festival had 539 participants. A 6% increase over 2016. 78% of the participants were from outside the Georgetown area No action was taken. 7. Discussion and possible action regarding the Transportation Grant Program — Marie Woodard, Group Sales & Servicing Coordinator Woodard reviewed changes requested at the September meeting. A lengthy discussion was held and minor changes were requested. Motion by Healy, second by Soeffker to approve the Transportation Grant Program as presented at the November 10 meeting with minor changes. Approved 6-0 8. Discussion and possible action regarding 2018 Red Poppy Festival — Cari Miller, Tourism Manager Miller presented proposed changes to the 2018 Red Poppy Festival Sponsorship Opportunities. After discussion, the following motion was made. Motion by Healy, second by Soeffker to increase the 2018 Red Poppy Festival Sponsorship Opportunities to the following: $8,000 — Field of Poppies $5,000 — Red Poppy $3,000 — Bloom $2,000 — Bud Approved 6-0 9. Discussion and possible action regarding advertising and media exposure and dates of upcoming events— Cari Miller Review of the current status of the CVB's advertising and media activities. The CVB October Monthly Review is attached. No action was taken. Adjournment Motion by Healy, second by Soefflcer to adjourn the meeting at 9:57 a.m. Approved 6-0 Georg Richaud, Chair hanie Blanck, Secretary Cari Miller, Tourism Manager 7--)24 Date 3 Downtown & Community Services Convention & Visitors Bureau Monthly Review - October 2017 Georgetown Tourism by Numbers $ 104,102 3,733 47,463 Total amount of HOT collected in September (2016 = $75,974) Visitors to the Visitors Center for the month of October (2016 =5,184) VisitGeorgetown.com webpage views (2016 = 48,767) 2.76 Pages per session* / *Average is 2 Pages per session 6,635 Mobile App Downloads (2016 = 4,181) 8,321 Facebook Fans (2016 = 6,265) Post Impressions 58,609 3,953 Twitter Followers (2016 = 3,026 ) Tweet Impressions 24,000 MOST BEAUTIFUL IN TEXAS GEORGETOWN 3,133 Emma Newsletter Emails (2016 = 2,172) 8.9% Mail Score* (out of 1O%) / Emma Average is 7% (*Mail Score =Overall Email Quality) 35% Open Rate / Emma Average Open Rate is 20% 1,706 Instagram Followers Post Impressions 11,670 Website/Social Media/Advertising • October digital ads Austin Monthly Staycation Online Advertorial (272 clicks to VisitGeorgetown.com) TourTexas.com Sponsored Page (Total Content Engagement = 29,019) Texas Society of Association Executives (new premium position / open rate) • October print ads Austin Monthly Staycation Print Ad Texas State Travel Guide Holiday Ad Eat, Play, Stay in Williamson County Magazine Visit Georgetown Ad Association Leadership magazine's September/October issue (circulation 1,213) Christian Meetings & Conference Assoc. Newsletter, full page ad (1,200 member distribution, quarterly) • Daytripper Sponsorship Television and Website (#6 non -City web referral/50 referrals/2.5 pages per session ) • Posted to Visit Georgetown, Texas Facebook, Twitter.com/visitgeorgetown and Instagram/visitgeorgetowntx Group Sales & Servicing • Groups Requesting Services: 3 Groups • Requests for Proposals Received: 1 RFP received and responded to • Requests for Sales Leads for Room Availability: 0 • Services Provided: 450 goodie bags / 8,152 Year to Date: • Conferences / Tradeshows: 0 / On -Site Bids: 0 Media/PR (October Newton O'Neill Report Attached) • Pieces of Coverage: 19 • Online Readership: 404M • Estimated Coverage Views: 308K nj 1 u 1,1 [ A -r n `a dd SUMMARY MONTHLY REPORT - NOV 2017 10 PIECES OF COVERAGE: 390 SOCIAL SHARES: 14M ONLINE READERSHIP: 68 AVERAGE DOMAIN AUTHORITY: O'Neill COMMUNICATIONS 39.8K ESTIMATED COVERAGE VIEWS: Statesman from Austin American -Statesman JOBS CARS HOMES CLASSIFIEDS OUR PRODUCTS 1 : 59° Austin American -Statesman LOCAL USWJORLD POLITICS SPORTS HORNS BUSINESS AUSTIN360 OPINION FOOD EPAPER SUBSCRIBE LOD IN as l°•as ea+ Community News: Holiday events in Austin, Georgetown, Dripping Springs METRO -STATE By Staff - American -Statesman staff Posted. 1 21 p.m. FNday, November 27, 2015 TRAVIS COUNTY AUSTIN Zilker Tree lighting Sunday Celebrate the holiday season at the 49th Zilker Holiday Tree Ceremony at 6 p.m. Sunday. There will also be entertainment, food and live music, including prelude music by the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble, at Zilker Metropolitan Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road. The Zilker Tree stands 155 feet tall and is composed of 39 streamers, each holding 81 multicolored bulbs, and is arranged in a unique spiral pattern of lights that was created by City of Austin electricians. It is topped by a double star that measures 10 feet from point to point. After the opening ceremony, the tree will be on display nightly from 6 p m to midnight Monday through Dec. 31. For information and updates, visit austi ntexas.govlzilkerholidaytree. — American -Statesman staff NORTHEAST AUSTIN Holiday arrangement course offered Gregory Geiser will conduct several workshops on ikebana, the art of simple flower arrangement that began in 11th century Japan, at the Asian American Resource Center. The next session, "Holiday Arrangement," will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 12 at the center, 8401 Cameron Road. The cost is $20 per workshop. Register by calling 512-974-1 700, or go to austintexas.goviparksonline and click on the "Arts and Culture" heading to locate Popular in News 0 Texas near bottom when it comes to school funding ®Hays County growth: Cities partner on $225M water pipeline ®Texas Democrats unveil 2018 slate for top state courts Nov 27 2015 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: NEWTON O'Neill 1.2M 4.89K 71 COMMUNICATIONS me courses - The final course in the series is scheduled for Feb. 6, titled "Special Arrangement - Lunar New Year, Year of the Monkey" — American -Statesman staff PFLUGERVILLE Learn to use death records for research Visit the Pflugerville Public Library for"Disturbing the Dead and Irritating the Living, Using Death Records for Genealogical Research." Elizabeth "Liz" Nitschke Hicks, genealogy editor for the German -Texan Heritage Society, will give the presentation from 3 to 4 p.m. Friday at the library, 1008 Pfluger St. W. Cemetery, church, city directories, funeral home, city sexton, denominational newspapers, fraternal organizations, memorial photography and funeral customs will be explored. For information about the presentation, visit bitly11R1LPFE. — American -Statesman staff WILLIAMSON COUNTY GEORGETOWN Fete holidays at Christmas Stroll The Georgetown Square will be transformed into a holiday wonderland for the 35th annual Christmas Stroll. The two-day event will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and 9 a . to B p.m. Saturday. Friday night will feature more than 175 vendors, a food court, Christmas Tree farm, Bethlehem Village, Whoo-Village and live entertainment on two stages. Kids can have dessert with the Grinch, and visit Santa in his Village on Eighth and Church streets. Saturday will feature a parade at 10 a . in addition to the vendors, food court, Bethlehem Village and Whoo-Village. There will also be photo opportunities with Santa at the tree farm. Admission is free. For information, visitthegeorgetownsquare.comlChristmas- Stroll.html. — American -Statesman staff CEDAR PARK Free hip, knee talk offered Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Cedar Park will have a free event, Managing Hip and Knee Arthritis, as part of its HealthSpeak Education Series. Karen Holmes, physician assistant in the orthopedics department at Scott & White Hospital - Round Rock, will discuss ways to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, manage arthritis and maximize function of the hip and knee. The talk will begin at 6 p m. Dec. 3 at Scott & White Clinic - Cedar Park, 910 E. Whitestone Blvd. RSVP requested, call 844-279-3627. — American -Statesman staff Austin American -Statesman Nov 27 2015 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: NEWTON O'Neill 1.2M 4.89K 71 HAYS COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS CITIES _ P culturemap AUST I N MAKE THIS SEASON AN occesloN To REMEMBER. I RESTAURANTS + BARS ENTERTAINMENT ARTS SOCIETY CITY COME EVENTS SUBSCRIBE f CITY LIFE FASHION r BEAUTY REAL ESTATE HOME • DESIGN INNOVATION TRAVEL VIDEO CM EVENTS Home. Innovation THE OTHER WINDY CITY Surprising Austin suburb shines as U.S. leader in renewable energy By John Egan 44. 3.47I8.51am U50 ©2 Georgetown is one of only000 cities in the country to run on 100 percent renewable energy. Photo courtesyo0CR/ of Georgetown When you think of renewable energy in the metro area, Austin likely is the first place that pops into your mind. After all, Austin is the largestU.S. city where all municipally -owned buildings and facilities are powered by renewable energy. However, the Williamson County suburb of Georgetown actually outshines the Capital City when it comes to renewable energy. According to Daily Kos, a liberal - leaning political website, politically conservative Georgetown is one of only five U.S. cities that have met the goal of running solely on renewable energy — in Georgetown's case, wind and solar power. Currently, Georgetown is the only city in Texas that operates with too percent renewable energy; this encompasses everything from homes and offices to the local Walmatt store and all the shops in the quaint town square. At one point, Georgetown could claim it was the largest U.S. city in that category, until it was pushed aside by Las Vegas. Georgetown has already garnered international attention for its commitment to renewable energy. For instance, former Vice President Al Gore, a prominent environmental activist, highlights the city's renewable -energy push in his new documentary, An Inconvenient Sequel. And Gore visited Georgetown to speak at the 2o17 conference ofthe Texas Renewable Energy Industries Alliance on October 24, a little over a year after the former VP, a Democrat, went there to check out the a/N1' 01 RESORTS barton creek 1 austin PLAN N Y TRIP > LATEST NEWS • Break from holiday gluttony with these 7 healthy Austin restaurants • The magical and heartbreaking work of Austin artist Antonio Bond • Be the first to enjoy this Austin new construction in a coveted area -PROMOTED - • Iconic downtown Austin music venue is going up for sale — on eBay • Iceland avalanche continues with new nonstop service from Texas SEE ALL LATEST NEWS > CULTUREMAP EMAILS ARE AWESOME Gel Austin iniel delivered daily SIGN ME UP Vie will not share oFsell your email ad. -es GIVE MEMORIES CultureMap Nov 3 2017 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: 7 NEWTON O'Neill COM M U N ICATI ONS 222K 1.18K 62 city's renewable -energy efforts for himself. VISIT HOUSTON During a visit in 2016, Gore called Georgetown a "trailblazer" in renewable energy. Two years ago, leaders in Georgetown vowed to provide roo percent renewable energy by gory. Georgetown's biggest renewable -energy cheerleader is Dale Ross, the city's Republican mayor. Ross and his fellow city leaders have delivered on their energy promise, which is aimed at saving money and reducing pollution. Georgetown's renewable energy movement contradicts the pro -coal policies adopted by the Trump administration, a reality that's not lost on Ross. "When Trump was campaigning, he was talking about clean coal and we're going to bring coal jobs back? That is a mirage, that is not going to happen," Ross recently told The Guardian. "Coal is one of the most expensive forms of fossil fuels to produce. And those jobs are never going to come back, ever. They're done." Today, Ross is unabashedly a champion of renewable energy — not coal and other fossil fuels — in Georgetown and beyond. "We've got an endless supply of wind and sun," the mayor told a video blogger earlier this year. "I'll take that bet over fossil fuels, any day of the week." EU ®Z El Want more stories like this delivered daily? THEN SIGN UP FOR OUR EMAILS Read These Next Tift Beyond Marfa: 3 adventures to celebrate the epic spirit of West Texas Austin among best cities in U.S. to climb out of debt, study says UT Austin professor selected to man world's most powerful telescope Comments 1 Comment CultureMap Austin 0 Login C) Recommend f Share Son by Best • dill lk Join the discussion... LOG IN WITH OR SIGN UP WITH OISONS O 0000 Name • VultureTX • 22 days ago ` ""Coal is one of the most expensive forms of fossil fuels to produce" And yet China who is a top manufacturer of solar cells is building zoo -goo (it Caries by report) Coal powered electric plants OUTSIDE of China in mostly 3rd world nations. Reply , Share I HOUSTON MUSEUM PASS 0 MUSEUMS 1 PASS ie HOUSTON SPEW PASS 6 ONEWERES 30 CRAFT REEKS. 1 PASS. THE SIP. SHOP. STROLL TOUR WINE TASTING INCLUDED VIEW EXPERIENCES 2 MAKE THIS SEASON AN OCCASION TO REMEMBER, HOLIDAY RATES FROM $119 PER NIGHT Darn"0* RESORTS barton creek I austin PLAN MY TRIP 0 THE URBANSPACE DIFFERENCE 10/10 New South Austin condos add a Dutch touch to the neighborhood CultureMap Nov 3 2017 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: 7 NEWTON O'Neill 222K 1.18K 62 ALSO OH CULTUREMAP AUSTIH r TNE_ar'1'ers COMMUNICATIONS Defenders Health Consumer Politics Technology More Local f in Georgetown welcomes all to their annual Lighting of the Square and Christmas Stroll brmanyDaniel. KVUE 1a1110 CSTNovember15.20f7 of GEORGETOWN, TEXAS - Starting Nov. 24 at 5:30 p.m., Georgetown Mayor Dale Ross and Santa will flip the switch on the thousands of lights that will aluminate what is known as the Lighting of the Square or, to others, "The Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas." During the festivities. The Austin Carolers will perform holiday classics while guests can enjoy hot chocolate and other holiday goodies. The city will be fully decorated in holiday decor resembling a Christmas card with wintry window displays and decorated lamp poles. Santa will also stick around for photos. On Dec. 1 , the Downtown Georgetown Association presents the 37th Annual Christmas Stroll at 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. and again on Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. until B p.m., kicking off the event with a holiday parade Saturday morning. Guests can enjoy the "Winter Wonderland" idled with activities, a food court, a special kids' activity area, and the new non -melting ice skating rink with tree skate rental, swing carousel and candy land obstacle course. Guests will also be able to enjoy live music and over 150 arts -and -crafts booths with a live manger in the "Bethlehem Village." WE SELECTED FOR YOU Admission is free with a new toy donation in support of Blue Santa by the Austin Police Operations, and Brown Santa by the Travis County Sheriffs Office. The city of Georgetown will keep lights up after the lighting through New Year's Day. ID 2017 KVUE-TV V in From The Web Sponsored Link, by Tabool, Mountain View, People In Heavy CC Debt The New Crossover California: This Brilliant, Are In For Big Surprise SLNs You Must See To New Company Is Disru... weekly Financial Believe ErerOnore In •' - Cponsored Links Secret menus hiding at Austin eateries What event organizers, and people, can learn from Vegas shooting isGeorgetown dadX two daughters went to deadly Las Vegas concert I Shooting survivors want more than prayers for Las Vegas KVUE Nov 15 2017 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: 170 NEWTON O'Neill COMMUNICATIONS 1.33M 5.25K 72 CITIES _ P culturemap A UST I y e Nowthrough Nov 30th Sales event year-end savings LE N N A R LEARN MORE RESTAURANTS + BARS EEITERTAINMENT ARTS SOCIETY CITY GLIDE EVENTS I SUBSCRIBE f �► CITY LIFE FASHION a BEAUTY REAL ESTATE HOME • DESIGN INNOVATION TRAVEL VIDEO Chi EVENTS Home . Tra,el HOLIDAYS IN THE HILLS 9 Hill Country road trips to celebrate the holiday season By Cindy Brzostowski 11. 47 471 1:37 pm 1:1 55 11:12 El Enjoy a truly Texan take on Christmas during Gruene's Town Lighting. Photo by Dan Tharp t's hard to believe that the holidays are already upon us. Sure, there are a number of festive events popping up across Austin, but you can really go all in on the season by visiting some of the celebrations in our neighboring cities and towns. Eat, drink and be merry outside the city limits with a day trip to these popular Hill Country holiday events. Johnson City's Lights Spectacular This year marks the 28th annual Lights Spectacular in Johnson City. Beginning November 24 through Januaryt, visitors can see this quaint town transformed into a dazzling display of Christmas lights — and we do mean dazzling. Local landmarks like the courthouse, city park, and the Pedernales Electric Cooperative campus put up over one million LED lights every year. On top ofthe spirited decor, each weekend offers an opportunity to check out other fun events, including a chuckwagon food court, living nativity performances, and carriage rides. Wirnberley's Holiday Trail of Lights Wimberley's EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens puts on various productions and classes throughout the year, but during the holidays the grounds are transformed into a glittering sight to behold. Stop by Thursday -Sunday nights beginning November 25 through December 28 to walk the Holiday Trail of es Year-end savings LEN NA R' sales event Up to MI$30,000. in savings! Now through Nov 30th LEARN MORE LATEST NEWS • Amazon HQ2 details + Austin's newest dating app are week's top stories • 5 festive ways to dress up your mantel for Thanksgiving • Dinosaurs descend on downtown Austin for one dino-mite weekend • 9 Hill Country road trips to celebrate the holiday season • New Driftwood distillery marks a returns to Texas' spirited roots SEE ALL LATEST NEWS > CULTUREMAP EMAILS ARE AWESOME Gel Austin Intel delivered daily Enter Your Email Arlrh_ss SIGN ME UP We sill net share arsell your email address. PROPERTY SHOWCASE CultureMap Nov 17 2017 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: 0 7 7 NEWTON O'Neill COMMUNICATIONS 222K 1.18K 62 music, shopping, and, of course, plenty of pretty lights for your enjoyment. Grab your mug and get ready to toast to the season! Marble Falls' Walkway of Lights Head to Marble Falls for the spectacle that is the Walkway of Lights every night from 6 pm-lo pm beginning November 17 through January 1. Over two million lights and hundreds of sculptures make up this winter wonderland at Lakeside Park on the Colorado River. On average, walking the full trail takes around 30 minutes, and on weekends and holidays, visitors can snap a photo with Santa. While there's no cost to enjoy this widely popular exhibit, you are welcome to make a donation. Burners Main Street Bethlehem FirstBaptist Church in Burnet helps you travel back to the ancient city of Bethlehem with their annual Main Street Bethlehem event December 1-3 and 8-10. In this immersive and interactive experience, you'll meander the narrow streets and busy marketplace, and make your way past merchants, Roman soldiers, beggars, and livestock to eventually find yourself at the cave where Mary and Joseph have taken shelter. Presented as a Christmas gift to the state, admission is free but donations are accepted. Georgetown's Christmas Stroll A two-day affair, Georgetown's Christmas Stroll makes for a fun, family -friendly holiday outing December 1-2. You can see the Bethlehem Village, check out around 175 vendors, enjoy live entertainment, take your photo at Santa's Village, and explore the Winter Wonderland, which includes ice skating, a swing carousel, and a Candyland obstacle course. On Friday's agenda, there's a Cookies with the Grinch event followed by a screening of the classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas. On Saturday, visitors can catch the holiday parade. f 5 5 fl 2 Want more stories like this delivered daily? THEN SIGN UP FOR OUR WALLS Read These Next 5 festive ways to dress up your mantel for Thanksgiving 7 things you can only do in Galveston this holiday season r 1 delectable Austin restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day Comments 0 Comments CultureMap Austin 0 Recommend L Share • AWL 0 Login - Sort by Best - Start the discussion... LOG IN WITH OR SIGN UP WITH nISOHS O 0000 Name Y... PQr2I Per'i 1 Q117 10 essential questions to ask your real estate agent before buying or selling a home 9/21 After Hurricane Harvey, this Austin real estate company pitched in to help QED_. rsaeereo FORESTER :IL AI ES ,TRE COCKTAIL NtLES C' 12/8 Rich is one way to describe this Austin bartender's bourbon concoction 12/1 Austin bartender proves taste trumps tricks with this bourbon cocktail 11/23 Austin bartender performs coffee alchemy with this after -dinner drink IIA UTE PROPERTY KNP£R SOTHEBPS INTERNATIONAJ 1!ALTP 11 /17 Organization buffs will rejoice at this Austin home's storage options 11/15 Spicewood villa makes the most of its stunning lakefront setting 11113 Escape to these urban sanctuaries along picturesque Houldin Creek WHERE TO 11/3 Where to eat in Austin right now: 7 cozy dishes for fall 1 Q/12 Where to eat in Austin right now: 9 hot new restaurants for fall 9/22 Where to eat in Austin right now: 6 unexpected spots for game day grub CultureMap Nov 17 2017 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: NEWTON O'Neill COMMUNICATIONS Travel Channel Search the site SHOWS VIDEO DESTINATIONS INTERESTS SWEEPSTAKES WAIF / INTERESTS / HOLIOATS / PHDTRS 10 Romantic Small Town Holiday Shopping Getaways Forget the mall and spend the weekend gift -hunting in these adorable and romantic towns across America. Jr1 PINTERE f FACEROOK Photo B;r. R. Kennedy for Vlslt Alexandria Alexandria, Virginia TWITTER Ely, Erin Gifford RELMEOTO: HOLIDAYS AND CELEBRATIONS SHOPPING OPEN GALLERY Just outside Washington, DC, the once bustling port city of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia evokes charm and historywith every step along the red brick sidewalks lined with trees rt upwith twinkle lights. Shop adorable small boutiques, like The Antique Guild, which specialises in antique jewelry and sterling silver items, aswell as The Christmas Attic for eclectic holiday collectibles and ornaments, even Santas and snow globes. Make it a weekend with a stay at Morrison House, a 45-room inn that seamlessly blends into historic Old Town Alexandria. Advertisement Nov 20 2017 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: NEWTON O'Neill 8.15M 14K 88 Next Up We Recommend COMMUNICATIONS austin360 CARS CLASSIFIEDS HOMES JOSS 57° 410 Austin 360 •THINGS TOR0 *MUSIC •FOUR • MOVIES 8 TV •ARTS • H0ME8 LEISURE •STATESMAN •MORE Holiday events that will get your season started right away Emily Quigley and Sharon Chapman - American -Statesman staff 11 :09 a.m. Monday, Nov. 20, 2017 Filed in Austin360 Home AOSTIN000H000 .+ You can rake a spin unearths ZllkerTree starting Nov. 26. Stephen Spillman forAmerican-Statesman 2016 The holiday season in Central Texas gets into full swing this weekend. Once you put away those turkey leftovers, get ready to fa la la la la with your family and friends. Here's a look at some of the places where you can make merry before the calendar turns to December. Mozart's Christmas Light Show. The annual spectacular at the Austin coffee shop is already lighting up the night. New this year: a more "immersive" experience with giant Austin -inspired objects (think guitars and the Capitol) made of lights and placed throughout the space, and a sound -activated wall of lights. Mozart's co-owner and show founder Katrine Formby sums up Mozart's approach'. "There's no such thing as too many Christmas lights." 6 to 11 p.m. nighty (closed Christmas Day) through Jan. 1 Free. 3825 Lake Austin Blvd. 2nd Street District Holiday Window Walk. St. Edward's University students compete for scholarships by designing holiday window displays at participating stores', you can stroll downtown and then cast a vote for your favorite via the 2nd Street District Facebook page. Nov. 24-Dec. 14. Second Street in downtown Austin. Blue Genie Art Bazaar. Shop more than 200.artists from Austimand surrounding areas, with artand handmade items for just about every budget. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily starting Nov. 24 (closes at 6 p.m. Dec. 24). Free admission and parking.6100 Airport Blvd. • MORE: Merry musical shows for a harmonious holiday in Austin Domain Northside holiday events. Carolers, live music and carriage rides will enliven your shopping experience throughout the month. Plus, check out Austin -only displays including a 10-foot-tall Willie Nelson nutcracker, an armadillo snowman, and more. Various times starting Nov. 24. 11700 Domain Blvd. Georgetown annual lighting of the square. Watch as this town north of Austin switches on its holiday light display. There will be carolers, hot chocolate and cookies, and photos with Santa. 530 p.m. Nov. 24. Downtown Georgetown. Miracle on 5th Street Christmas pop-up bar. Forthe holiday season, the Eleanor is transforming into Miracle — one of 50 Christmas-themed bars worldwide popping up with the Miracle name this year. Expect over -the -top holiday decor, music and specialty cocktails with names like How the Gimlet Stole Christmas, You'll Shoot Your SUBSCRIBE NOW As low as 99Q MOST READ = LOGIN fa►EL+RI Holiday and Christmas events in Austin, Central Texas 2. Singer's impromptu performance at famous San Antonio restaurant Austin restaurants serving 3- Thanksgiving brunch, lunch and dinner. 1 The Feed THINGS TO DO oilMorning Tea and Peace rue, Nov 21 1 ddd am INVSA Texas presents Holiday Art and GA Show Tue, Noy 21 10'.00 am "SRN PASSPORT" BY SECOND BAR+ KITCHEN Tue, Nov 21 11'.00 am Add Nerd + SEAM y Nov 20 2017 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: 5 NEWTON O'Neill 655K 2.31K 75 COMMUNICATIONS Defenders Health Consumer Politics Technology More Local f in 8+ • Lighting of the Square draws thousands of people Afestive evening in Georgetown as streets were closed off around the courthouse forthe annual Lighting of the Square. Michael Perchick, KVUE W.39 FAT CST November 24. 2017 f V in g* 0 GEORGETOWN, TEXAS - It's nights like this where you look around and notice a small-town comfort in a town that's no longer so small. "Even though we're the fastest, or second fastest -growing city in the country-- we have been for the past two years. Its still that small-town Teel," explained Georgetown Mayor Dale Ross. Friday night, thousands of people surrounded the Williamson County Courthouse in Georgetown for the annual Lighting of the Square. "We never will miss the Lighting of the Square. As I said, we've seen this grow from 3,400 people sixteen years ago to today, there will probably be 4,000 people that are coming. They're going to fill this up and sing carols, and the kids are just going to have a great time with Santa Claus," said Bob Weimer, who has lived in Georgetown for sixteen years. The elaborate lights, set up throughout the square, attracted the attention of onlookers. "Just to watch all the lights on I'm 73 years old and it still gives me goosebumps," said Weimer. While the courthouse was the main area of focus, businesses on the square were some of the biggest beneficiaries. KVUE Nov 24 2017 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: 84 NEWTON O'Neill 1.33M 5.25K 72 "They have their employees staffed, and they're ready here. These people make the difference economically for these small businesses around the square " said Weimer, who used to own Secret menus hiding at Austin antanac COMMUNICATIONS multiple businesses in the city. "A lot of the merchants, their make or break is the Christmas season, and this is a great way to start off the Christmas shopping center," added Ross. From pictures with Santa, money was raised for the Brown Santa program, which helps provide holiday means and toys to those in need. 02017 KVUE-TV f V in 8' From The Web • Sponsored Links by Taboole 0. or People In Heavy CC Debt During The Holidays See Hollywood Actress Tells Are In For Big Surprise If You Are Pre -Qualified All: "I Hope My Story Will Weekly Financial To Apply Help Other Women" The Gmail Trick that Google Doesn't Want You to Know Boomerang for Grim, More Stories Now Dollar Shave Club This App Applies Every Is Offering Any Razor for Coupon on the Internet $1: Try It Now to Your Cart What event organizers, and people, can learn from Vegas shooting isGeorgetown dad's two daughters went to deadly Las Vegas concert Shooting survivors want more than prayers for Las Vegas MORE STORIES El Arroyo's popular signs turned into book of jokes Boy 26, 2017, 9:38 p.m, T Salvation Army Angel Tree 4 campaign begins 00 Ta1oela Iloy 21. 2017. 6:03 a.m. 4 Prince Harry and Meghan 7 Markle announce engagement Ilov 27. 2017, 4:22 a.m. Wilco animal shelter offers deals to promote Cyber Monday deals Park Waimart adoptions Here are the 22 best Fire started inside Cedar JOIN THE CONVERSATION To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FACs LEAVE A COMMENT KVUE Nov 24 2017 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: 84 NEWTON O'Neill 1.33M 5.25K 72 COMMUNICATIONS NEWSPECTRUM S AIISTIN LATEST NEWS I WEATHER I TRAFFIC I POLITICS SHOWS I WATCH LIVE I * MORE LOG IN FOLLOW GEORGETOWN KICKS OFF HOLIDAY SEASON WITH FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS By Jordan Hicks I November 24, 2017 ©9.51 PM SHARE ©O @ IO GEORGETOWN, Texas - Georgetown brought in the holiday season with a festival of lights on Black Friday. The city's "Making Your Holidays Brighter" Tight festival is the first of Georgetown's holiday event series. People gathered at the court house to watch as Santa Claus joined Mayor Dale Ross to Tight up downtown Georgetown with thousands of Christmas lights. Ross said that the event is the perfect way to get folks in the holiday spirit. "This is just another great opportunity for the citizens of Georgetown to come together as one and celebrate the season," Ross said. The event was also a way for the city of Georgetown to celebrate their effort to use more renewable energy. Mayor Ross said that Georgetown will be the first city in the state and the largest city in the country to run on 100 percent renewable energy in 2018. Georgetown will continue the holiday festivities with their annual Christmas Stroll next weekend. They've also planned a Christmas Parade to take place downtown next month. Latest News YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE 11111 Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin fired after six seasons Zilker tree -lighting ceremony kicks off Austin holiday festivities Cyber Monday: Shopping via mobile devices expected to drive sales today Volunteers deck the halls of The Ronald McDonald House Austin I 12 HoursAgo Spectrum News Nov 24 2017 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: 16 NEWTON O'Neill 141K 340 83 Texas A&M Zilker COMMUNICATIONS HOME FEATURES READONLINE CONTACT ADVERTISE DININGGUIDE SUBSCRIBE Health Issue {Dec/Jan 18} f Share 1 Publish for Free Related Be WeII Issue !December/January Stronger People =Stronger lnspirati onal Womer, 20171 Communities October25, 2017 December 2,2016 November 27, 2017 In "Local Native Knowledge' In "Read Online' In "Giving Back" Follow Us f EASTside Magazine Nov 27 2017 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: GG pg. 58 NEWTON O'Neill COMMUNICATIONS 920 257 16 Previous Post Home for the Holidays You Might Also Like Home for the Holidays Stronger People = Stronger Communities Latest Posts Health Issue [Dec/Jan 1S1 Home for the Holidays Stranger People = Stronger Communities AI Translating the Third Dimension Like Us On Facebook EASTside M... siD 6e the first ofyour tends to like this lnstagram Slider EASTside Magazine Nov 27 2017 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: GG pg. 58 NEWTON O'Neill COMMUNICATIONS 920 257 16 statesman JOBS CAPS HOMES GLASSIFIED 57° prr ck Austin American -Statesman •HEWS •SPURTS • AUSTIN360 AANDRA SII *NEIGHBORHOODS • THINGS TO DO *MORE Georgetown listed on Travel Channel's `10 Romantic Small -Town Holiday Shopping Getaways' ❑anlla ❑afldashl 4'.56 p.m Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017 Filed in Local News spade? ro r5eAmerimn-5recesman Georgetown was listed as one °fine Travel Channels "10 Romantic Small -Town Holiday Shopping Getaways." Stay clear of shopping malls— a city nearby could be the perfect shopping destination for the holidays. The Travel Channel selected a handful of small towns to highlight for this year's "10 Romantic Small -Town Holiday Shopping Getaways," with Georgetown making a charming impression as the only Texas city READ: These are the winners for 2017's "Best of Georgetown" The Travel Channel describes Georgetown as a "small village" just 25 minutes from Austin with "restored Victorian -era buildings, family -awned shops, art galleries and wine tasting rooms." It also advises readers to take a walking sculpture tour downtown before relaxing for dinner at The Hallow. (The Hallow was recently listed as one of the best date spots for this year's Best of Georgetown's awards). A."'. •1• • 4" ADVERTISER CONTENT: DouhleTree by Ninon 5 Countries That Greet Their Guests Uniquely Fora city with a population that spills just over 50,000, Georgetown continues to make headlines. It's home to the "Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas" and is the only city in the state that runs on 100 percent renewable energy with Mayor Dale Ross becoming somewhat of an international celebrity for Ss green initiative. SUBSCRIBE NOW As low as 99Q WE ARE THE jet) #1DEALER BY IN AUSTIN BY SALES VOLUME' CHARLES MAUND vrTOYOTA THE MOST VEHICLES SOLD IN AUSTIN & THAT INCLUDES ALL DEALERSHIPS! ,r7u rHnGeAmm,A0s„nU,,.r ,iessaMedre,0 0*0201a 'Pei a37 Her a Uua sale AeWd ZV16 MOST READ ' Matt Lauer tired over allegations 01 inappropriate workplace behavior 2. Austin man accused of beating his girlfriend's 4-year-old son hurricane Harvey photos. Port 3. Aransas, Rockport grind toward recovery THINGS TO DO D4 Blue Genie Art Banns Wed, Nov 2910'.00 am VSA Texas presents Holiday Art and Gift Show Wed, Noy 2910.00 am "SBK PASSPORT" BY SECOND BAR+ KITCHEN Wed, Nov2911:00 are Add Event+ kEEIIIIPE* Windiest Cities in Connecticut Right Now Nov 28 2017 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: 110 NEWTON O'Neill 2.28M 5.17K 84 COMMUNICATIONS If you're looking to escape Texas for the holidays and are planning to fill the stockings, you can head to one of the Danbury, CT other listed shopping havens. #25 IPopulation 84.662 6 mph Wind Speed Austin American -Statesman • Alexandria, Virginia • McMinnville, Oregon • Bardstown, Kentucky • Newport, Rhode Island • Carmel -by -the -sea, California • Lititr, Pennsylvania • Tubac, Arizona • Amelia Island, Florida • Greenville, South Carolina Get news that matters to you. Like Williamson County News Now on Facebook. VIEW COMMENTS IJ PROMOTED STORIES Mountain View, California: This Brilliant You should never shop on Amazon Company Is Disrupting a $200 Billio... without using this trick — here's why Ever0uote Insurance Quotes Next List F Sponsored Links by Taboole E> Malia Obama's New Car Is Breathtaking Homeowners Born Before 1985 Get A Big He's The World's Youngest Grandfather This New Bio Powder Powder Contains Pay Day At Age 23 the Same Polyphenols Fou... HARP Mortgage Oniz Viola MORE FROM STATESMAN.COM TOPICS NATION &WORLD + T alb +w Nov 28 2017 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: 110 NEWTON O'Neill COMMUNICATIONS 2.28M 5.17K 84