Austin Planning Thread

May 7, 2009 11:06 AM

We need to pick a date and time between July 17 and July 19 and a location - your fabulous ideas needed!

Do we want to do this inside or outside? A place with drinks and food or a place where we bring it all ourselves?

If someone would like to share their property with us for an inexpensive (pot luck? cook-off? picnic?) good time where alcohol would be allowed, that might be an ideal solution.

(thanks to Pants! for the prompt!)

posted by batmonkey to Austin, TX at 11:06 AM (73 comments total)

If need be, I have a yard that's a nice size for use in the outside/inexpensive option. I'd prefer somewhere else, but it would work if need be.
posted by Pants! at 7:40 AM on May 8, 2009

I could check with the owner of Nomad. He does lots of private parties, and would probably cut us a pretty good discount. Anyone else been there that wants to chime in?
posted by fnord at 8:06 AM on May 8, 2009

I'm up for anything.
posted by spamguy at 10:21 AM on May 8, 2009

I'll do my best to make it, but I have a hard time making commitments that far in advance. Having lived in Texas, lo these many, many years, I would suggest that if we do it outside during the day, we do it someplace near water, like the lake, or the spring (is that even still there?). The park by the lake used to have amazing trees and picnic areas, and we could make a day of it. Play frisbee golf, grill hot dogs, bring the kids, etc.

But away from the water, it's gonna be hot. Hotter than hot. Africa hot.
posted by dejah420 at 11:26 AM on May 8, 2009

Oops, I'm sorry gang, it looks like we'll be heading to NOLA for the big event instead. My apologies.
posted by dejah420 at 12:17 PM on May 8, 2009

Yeah, it may be too hot in July to do this outside. We might be able to do something on an outdoor patio later in the evening, though...somewhere like Opal Divine's Penn Field.

My vote would be an indoor shindig, away from heat and mosquitoes, at a bar or coffee place with food and alcohol.

Places that fit the bill, are open during the day, and can accommodate large groups?

Rio Rita
Casino El Camino
Spiderhouse
Jackalope
Doc's
Red House
posted by lunalaguna at 12:38 PM on May 8, 2009

Oops, I'm sorry gang, it looks like we'll be heading to NOLA for the big event instead. My apologies.

C'mon folks. Come to New Orleans. It's an eight hour drive. Austin people like music? We've got music. Austin people love to eat? We've got great restaurants. Austin has Leslie? Well, I'm pretty sure we have a least a few homeless transvestites. My solemn promise to you: if you come to New Orleans, I'll tell you all the ghost stories from when I worked for a year on the graveyard shift at the Driskill Hotel on Sixth.
posted by ColdChef at 9:37 PM on May 8, 2009

ColdChef:
I empathise with your desire to pump up the NOLA event, but some of us don't have the choice but to be in Austin (or thereabouts) without the extra time/dosh for the trip East (e.g. 16hrs travel round trip, 8hrs sleep, ~8hrs fun + gas + entertainment/road food/lodging funds (+ petsitter, for some) = !!!ohnoes!!!). Rest assured that we know where the NOLA thread is if we find ourselves capable of making the trip, and there won't be any hard feelings for those who find NOLA doable. We're still going to have a kickass party here in the Home of the Weird. (heavily resisting emoticons of the friendly variety here, since I know text has no tone and you can't see the smile on my face)

Pants!:
Noted!

fnord:
If you could check with him on those details, that would be brilliant.

Lunalaguna:
If we did end up with an outside option, I think a 4pm start time and citronella or a fire would go far to limit annoyances, but I get where you're coming from.

Other places that could work -
Hill's
Opal Divine's
Fiddler's Hearth
...that place right before Chuy's on Barton Springs with the huuuuuge outside seating area where the Gourds sometimes play (why can I not remember the name of that place?!?)

dejah420 was right: if we did do something outside, it would be great to be near water for the coolness & play factor.

I think the most important thing for us to sort out before anything else is what date/time works best and how many people will be attending. Getting that sorted will help us pick a great venue and take care of any potential irritants or obstacles more easily.
posted by batmonkey at 10:21 AM on May 9, 2009

I'm in for anything -- any date, any time, but not anywhere -- I second just thinking about the heat. That's all! Yea!
posted by Peter Petridish at 11:12 AM on May 9, 2009

batmonkey: FWIW, Fiddler's Hearth is (sadly) closed for good. Also, as for the place on Barton Springs, maybe you're thinking of Shady Grove? That place is good but usually somewhat crowded, so I don't know how they'd feel about a large-ish party.

Any time between the 17th and 19th would probably be fine for me, but actually on the weekend (i.e. 18th or 19th) would be best. There's also a chance that I may not be in town, but my plans haven't exactly firmed up yet.

I would totally be down for doing some sort of potluck or barbecue or something like that, if the general consensus was for something where we bring our own food. A cook-off would be pretty frigging awesome... I would love to do something like that.
posted by malthas at 11:48 AM on May 9, 2009

Oh, nuts! I totally missed that FH unthrived during my recent hermitage. Thanks for that, malthas. I'm willing to give any venue ideas a call to see how they feel about whatever size group we can collect.

As to date, I think most are favouring the 18th - any significant "nays" we should consider?
posted by batmonkey at 12:00 PM on May 9, 2009

I'm fine with whatever date or time. I think a Sunday afternoon thing would be nice, but I'm open.
posted by lunalaguna at 3:11 PM on May 9, 2009

And I still think the patio at the original Opal Divine's or the Penn Field location is a good idea. :-)
posted by lunalaguna at 3:12 PM on May 9, 2009

I like Opal Divine, and understand the need for AC. But I also enjoy cooking, and think doing something outside of a restaurant could be a fun change for the big day. I'd be interested in looking at booking a picnic table/gazebo at Barton Springs, or other local park. Someplace free/cheap to reserve, and have people bring food/booze.

The mention of a cook-off piqued my interest, and if may I suggest a theme, how about blue? Seems appropriate and challenging.
posted by fontophilic at 6:30 PM on May 9, 2009

Please "maybe" me. I'm perplexed as to where I'll be that week.
posted by woodway at 5:27 PM on May 11, 2009

green & blue?
posted by ejoey at 6:05 PM on May 11, 2009

Drafthouse? We could pack it inside with the a/c.

Dog and Duck has a nice patio area.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 11:32 AM on May 12, 2009

How about Scholz Garden? It's kind of indoor/outdoor and it's large enough we probably wouldn't need to even reserve a space.
posted by mattbucher at 1:00 PM on May 13, 2009

Opal's on 6th
Draughthouse
Nomad
Dog & Duck
posted by kaseijin at 9:49 AM on May 14, 2009

I'm down for pretty much anything (short of an 8-hour road trip), but in the spirit of getting to know our fellow mefites better, shouldn't we hold this at Hippie Hollow?
posted by adamrice at 2:05 PM on May 14, 2009

If it's outside I won't be able to attend.
posted by Daddy-O at 4:35 PM on May 14, 2009

Count me (tentatively, almost certainly) in...
posted by 2or3whiskeysodas at 7:12 AM on May 15, 2009

There's always the East side...
posted by rush at 9:41 AM on May 15, 2009

Ok. I talked to the owner of Nomad. He's down for saving us some space, no charge.
If we wanted to rent out the place, it could only be a Sunday.
posted by fnord at 1:44 PM on May 16, 2009

Nix on the NOLA- we need the Austin event, for those of us with time/money/kid restrictions who live within reasonable driving distance of Austin (like me - Austin native now living in Temple). We need an option that provides indoor and outdoor options - I dig the Opal Divine's idea - Dog & Duck would work as well. It will be hella-hot no matter what. I'm game for anything, but I hate to think anyone would have to decline based solely on a venue choice.
posted by PuppyCat at 11:22 PM on May 16, 2009

If we do plan to have this at Opal's or Nomad or Dog and Duck, it should probably be on Sunday, right? Just thinking about avoiding Saturday crowds. Regardless of whether we do a cook-out or a bar thing, are most people cool with July 19? Maybe something in the late afternoon, say, 4:00 or 5:00?
posted by lunalaguna at 9:32 PM on May 17, 2009

I don't know how much this should factor in, but San Antonio folks will probably be driving up as well? Unless there's a meetup here that's not on the page? Personally, I'd prefer Saturday afternoon/night, but Sunday afternoon starting at 4 or 5 would be OK for me with the caveat that I'd be ducking out early for the drive back...
posted by muddgirl at 4:24 PM on May 22, 2009

I might be driving up from the SA area as well...carpool?
posted by youcancallmeal at 3:21 PM on May 24, 2009

It sounds like Saturday is easier for some. Batmonkey, can we call it and say Saturday at 4:00, and then move on from there?
posted by lunalaguna at 6:38 PM on May 25, 2009

Another good spot for a large group is Scholz Garten, which is a semi-hidden bbq joint of decent quality with a big outside area shaded by trees. It's downtown and surrounded by government buildings and could maybe be somewhat quiet on a weekend afternoon. I know I've gone on a Sunday afternoon and it's been pretty sleepy.
posted by picea at 7:24 PM on May 26, 2009

I've been fantasizing about NOLA, but dammit. Gas. Lodging. &cetera. I'll be there -- Scholz' seems like a good spot -- nice & central, big & airy.
posted by Devils Rancher at 5:09 PM on May 29, 2009

So.

How's everyone doing?
posted by fontophilic at 8:50 AM on June 3, 2009

Since nobody else will, I will bravely step forward and call the meetup for 4:00 Saturday, July 18, at Scholz'
posted by adamrice at 11:45 AM on June 3, 2009

I will boldy follow in your footsteps!
posted by Devils Rancher at 4:43 PM on June 3, 2009

I will boldly? be there.
posted by fnord at 6:50 AM on June 4, 2009

I'll be there. Boldly.
posted by malthas at 9:04 AM on June 4, 2009

I will boldly go where no Star Trek reference has gone before.
posted by fontophilic at 9:56 AM on June 5, 2009

Seems Houston has decided to go to the NOLA one, and I'm not able to commit that kind of travel time. Do you guys have room for a Houstonian?
posted by Houstonian at 6:34 AM on June 6, 2009

I'll be there. Yay!
posted by lunalaguna at 8:32 AM on June 6, 2009

I boldly endorse Adamrice's bold plan.

Although it is unlikely that I will be able to attend, due to an out-of-state family obligation that weekend. So I'll be having a meetup of one, in northeastern Indiana. Probably at the Dairy Queen in New Paris.
posted by dirtdirt at 3:00 PM on June 7, 2009

Oh! Why helloooo, Austin MeFites!
posted by self at 8:05 PM on June 7, 2009

So how do we get this moved from "planning" to "scheduled"?
posted by muddgirl at 12:45 PM on June 10, 2009

I'm guessing batmonkey needs to make it official. I've memailed her.
posted by adamrice at 3:52 PM on June 11, 2009

Heyo friendly Austin folks. I'm not too terribly prolific with my MeFi posts, but I do live in Austin! I'd be interested in a meet-up and so thus, "hello." Just to add another voice to the pile.....
posted by aka burlap at 10:45 PM on June 12, 2009

Hey i am new, but i am going to be there and i will bring my girlfriend and my friend xezlec, who had an account but closed it because he tends to rub people the wrong way, but i'll vouch for him as a cool guy. So expect us.
posted by djduckie at 12:27 PM on June 16, 2009

Due to some awesome circumstances, I'll be in Portland for this!
So I'll catch all you awesome folks next time around!
posted by fnord at 8:13 PM on June 16, 2009

rips shirt off with both hands, looks toward the sky
RAAAAAAAWWWWWRRRRRRRRR!

Just getting ready.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 1:57 PM on June 17, 2009

I second this - Since nobody else will, I will bravely step forward and call the meetup for 4:00 Saturday, July 18, at Scholz's
posted by PuppyCat at 11:26 AM on June 18, 2009

I have a good idea, let's have the meetup at Scholz's Saturday July 18th at around 3:58 pm or so!!! What do you guys think!?!
posted by popechunk at 4:05 PM on June 18, 2009

I regret to inform you that I shall be in the United Kingdom the weekend of 18 July. Mustn't grumble, stiff upper lip, mind the gap, do carry on. The sun never sets on MetaFilter's empire.
posted by woodway at 6:16 AM on June 19, 2009

Uh... hi!

I'm not from Austin. I live in Philly. I've never been to Austin. But I'll be visiting during the 18th, so... apparently I'll be present! And, from what I hear, really hot. Ah well.
posted by Tomorrowful at 4:47 PM on June 29, 2009

Ooo. I'm going to be in Austin on the 18th. (I live about an hour and a half away.) Depending on travel and hotel location, I will try to be there!
posted by threeturtles at 7:59 AM on July 7, 2009

Any parking suggestions?
posted by djduckie at 8:50 AM on July 7, 2009

As far as parking djduckie, I believe that on a Sunday afternoon there won't be any troubles at all -- school's out for summer, all the state workers off on Sundays. Used to be able to park free at state parking garage across the street but maybe not any longer 'due to terrorism' or who knows what; I saw last night that the state parking garage by the music hall, which used to be free, is now charging about six bucks.. Regardless any of that, should be no problem finding parking on the street and meters, bring some quarters in case it's not free but I think it is on weekends........
posted by dancestoblue at 4:18 AM on July 9, 2009

Isn't there a small parking lot at Waterloo Park (on 12th street between Red River and Trinity) with free parking on nights and weekends? At least, that's where I always park when I'm in town. It might be crowded on a Saturday afternoon, though...
posted by muddgirl at 8:32 AM on July 9, 2009

I was down there a couple of weeks ago for a Lil' Cap'n Travis show and parking didn't seem to be a problem (I was on a motorcycle, but I think I recall seeing on-street parking available). I'm probably going to ride my bicycle to avoid DUI paranoia.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 6:49 PM on July 12, 2009

There's also a paid parking garage two blocks away (on MLK) if you want one.
posted by Pants! at 8:48 AM on July 13, 2009

hey,

sorry to be so talkative on this matter, but how late is it going to be? I am starting my apprenticeship (i hope(i have the apprenticeship but how you get to work is weird)). I don't know what my hours will be. the shop closes at 7 and i can probably go straight from there to the meet-up.

Did anyone else know that there are two mexican Football Clubs playing each other saturday night at the UT soccer field also?
posted by djduckie at 5:24 PM on July 14, 2009

These things have a life of their own, they don't run for a fixed period of time. I wouldn't be surprised if we were winding down by 7:00, but it wouldn't hurt to swing by.
posted by adamrice at 5:29 PM on July 14, 2009

Oops, it looks like I can't make it - I'll be in Houston.
posted by Pants! at 12:11 PM on July 16, 2009

Just a clarification. This is on Saturday afternoon right?
posted by philosophistry at 8:31 AM on July 17, 2009

Kicking off at 4:00pm, right?
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 10:19 PM on July 17, 2009

Alright, I have the final tally/sign in sheet! Overall, according to my sheet, 23 people showed up (though I think there were at most 21 or 22 at a time there). They were:

popechunk
malthas
fontophilic
adamrice
katemonster
djduckie
Xezlec
muddgirl (and her +1, "mudddude")
youcancallmeal
NemesisVex
Flail-Bot
Faux Real
spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints
mattbucher
freshwater_pr0n
coffeespoons
Devils Rancher
Tomorrowful
2or3whiskeysodas

Also, a couple of people that don't seem to actually be users called "Bodechack" (or "Bodechuck" or something) and "Rotato".

I'll be uploading some photos to Flickr shortly. Good meetup everyone!
posted by malthas at 6:44 PM on July 18, 2009

What the fuck is a rotato?
posted by Faux Real at 7:41 PM on July 18, 2009

Haha! Just reserved his username and made his first comment for him. Take that, internets!
posted by MuddDude at 7:55 PM on July 18, 2009

Well, that happened.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 8:15 PM on July 18, 2009

Once again I'm amazed at how many cool/intelligent people I meet at these things-- there wasn't a single dick in our happy bucket of cocks.

I'll be adding ya'll as contacts, feel free to ignore it though.

Malthas/Reed's got the photos up on flickr
posted by fontophilic at 10:19 AM on July 19, 2009

How do I keep missing these things?! Aahhhh!

Looks like there was a good group of people. I hope to be able to make the next one!

Thanks for posting pics!
posted by Talanvor at 8:07 AM on July 20, 2009

Someone who was sitting near the middle of the table should go through malthas's pictures and put usernames to faces - I'm doing the best I can but I don't recall everyone's names :(
posted by muddgirl at 2:34 PM on July 20, 2009

I had a blast. Can we do another one soon? Monthly would be cool.
posted by djduckie at 8:38 PM on July 20, 2009

I vote for another one!
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 10:37 AM on July 21, 2009

I'm all for another one. I had a great time meeting/seeing all of y'all.

Also, we apparently have a mole reporting to ocherdraco about our mulch conversations. I'm a little alarmed.

Also also, it turns out the way you know someone's not breathing during Kabbaddi is because they're yelling "kabbaddi kabbaddi kabbaddi" the whole time they're running.
posted by katemonster at 5:35 PM on July 22, 2009

Also, we apparently have a mole reporting to ocherdraco about our mulch conversations. I'm a little alarmed.

Uh, I guess that's my "fault" as I posted a link to the pictures on twitter and mentioned "mulch."

Nice to meet everyone! Let's do it again!
posted by mattbucher at 9:01 AM on July 23, 2009