SIP & SAVOR -- Fun at Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa in Austin, TX

by Andrew Chalk

Summer tis’ the season for outdoor festivals, even when the mercury does hit triple digits. The Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa in Austin didn’t see any reason not to put on a local food, wine, beer, spirits + music event in the spectacular resort grounds. Welcome to Hill Country Sip & Savor. I was a guest this last weekend but it is coming up again on Labor Day Weekend! So take a look and ask yourself if you couldn’t enjoy some time in the beautiful Texas Hill Country next month. details at the bottom.

THE ACTION

Almost open. The food squad is ready to go!

Ready for baking. The pizza crust was moist, crumbly, quite unusual but in a delicious kind of way.

Spritzy sparkling wine was just the ticket on a hot summer's day

Matua cocktail anyone?

Fall Creek Vineyards (Tow and Driftwood) showcased the cabernet sauvignon they have on the list at the restaurant. It was ideal with the brisket sandwich!

Substantial brisket and cheese sandwich to go with the preceding substantial wine!

My first beer of tghe day was the Karbach hazy IPA. Truly refreshing!

The reason that this guy is so happy is that he represents Angel's Envy Bourbon.

Solid pilsner from Altstadt just outside Fredericksburg.

THE DETAILS

The Sip & Savor package includes

• luxury room accommodations,

• 3 drink sampling tickets

• 1 food ticket per adult on the day of event (September 3rd),

• two beach towels, and one tote bag per room per stay, and one bottle of sunscreen per adult, per stay.

Omni Barton Creek loves to support local, so Sip & Savor partners will include Texas favorites such as Independence Brewing, Karbach, Alstadt, Twisted X, Celis, Fall Creek, Still Austin, and Deep Eddy.

In true food-festival style, Sip & Savor will feature a large smoker on the lawn, serving up delicious BBQ sandwiches, smoked brisket and chicken sandwiches, jalapeno sausage on a pretzel roll and a tasty vegetarian dish as well. The resort will also be premiering new pizza ovens – so expect plenty of enticing aromas! Note: The texture of the crust produced by these smokers is uncannily light. If you like Napoli-style pizza the crumbly structure of these pizzas will make you do a reset.

Individual tickets for Omni Barton Creek’s Sip & Savor event will be available for purchase. A $15 ticket includes a choice of a food item from the smoker with chips and salad options or a selection from the pizza oven. The $10 ticket option includes a sampling of three featured local beverage options to try plus an opportunity to rate each vendor, with the top-rated vendor receiving a prize! A cash bar will also be available.

In addition to the exciting summer offerings, guests visiting the resort this summer can experience the world-class Mokara Spa, a variety of delicious food at one of the many restaurants on property, and award-winning golf at one of four championship courses. Or, laze away in the sun on one of three outdoor pools including an adult-only infinity edge pool overlooking the stunning hill country views.

I can personally attest to the magic of being the first person in the warm infinity pool at its 8am open on both my days at the resort, and swimming lengths while taking in the mile-plus views to The County Line historic barbecue joint on the other side of the valley. Just to the left was the distinctive sawtooth bridge crossing Barton Creek. Right in front was the start of the mile+ nature trail I took after my swim, led by an informative resort guide, where one can see lizards, deer, birds and dense hill country undergrowth.

Elevate your experience by renting a family or adult only cabana poolside. Omni Barton Creek also welcomes all pets to enjoy a vacation, with in-room amenities and room to run on the hiking trails.

BOOK HERE