I Got You, Babe

Enjoy these bubbly canned wines after a dip in Austin's fave watering holes

Take your pick, babe.

Photo courtesy of BABE

It's August, and in Texas that means everyone is counting down the days until fall. Cooler weather is on its way, but while you wait we have a few suggestions to beat the summer blues (hint: It involves cold beverages).

Sure, wine is great, but wouldn't it be even better really cold, in a can, with bubbles? That way you can take it just about anywhere, and BABE was created to do just that. The portable drinks don't slow you down, nor do they skimp out on taste, quality, or even volume. You get two glasses of wine in each can, meaning you get extra time to sit back, sip, and chill.

Whether you're a red, white, or rosé lover, you can get your carbonated fix. BABE Red (12.5% ABV) is a satisfying blend of Cabernet and Syrah. BABE Grigio (12% ABV) and BABE Rosé (12% ABV) are also available and are ideal for hot August days. Each variety is available in an eight, 12, or 24 pack.

Now that you have your refreshing summer beverage, it's time to take a dip. Although many of your favorite local pools and preserves may be closed, many are not, and we've dug up a few favorites to help cool you down.

Krausse Springs is a 115-acre natural and man-made swimming site located in Spicewood, and it's well worth the 30-mile trek west. Lush and scenic, the area has more than 30 springs, some of which feed into Lake Travis via the pools.

With plenty of shade from the treed banks of the Colorado River, Emma Long Metropolitan Park features sandy shores and clean spaces. Ideal for families with kids, the park has plenty of picnic benches and is only $10 per car.

Head west for Blanco State Park, a stunning 100-plus-acre park on the edge of the Blanco River that lets visitors fish, camp, hike, go tubing, and, of course, swim. There's even a wildlife observation area. Dogs are welcome as long as they're leashed, and guests have plenty of space to stretch out.

Just 13 miles southeast of the city sits McKinney Falls State Park. There's a slew of activities to do here, but the swimming in Onion Creek is top notch. Take in the winding trails, limestone ridges, and peaceful water. Please note that certain areas of the park do not allow outside food and drink.

Honorable mentions go to two favorite local lakes, Austin and Travis, which always offer an array of spots to swim, hang out, and enjoy a BABE canned beverage.

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Head here to find where to buy BABE canned wine online.

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Not this again

Winter Storm Warning: School closures, cold weather shelters, and how to prepare in Central Texas

Photo by Cameron Gibson on Unsplash

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Austin and several surrounding areas from 9 am Monday, January 30, through noon on Wednesday, February 1.

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for a majority of Central Texas from 9 am.Monday, January 30, until 12 pm Wednesday, February 1. A Winter Weather Advisory will be in effect for Fayette County for the same time period.

A very winter-like week is ahead of us here in Central Texas. This will include a big drop in temperatures and also the chance for some freezing rain and icing issues. For a play-by-play forecast, head to KVUE's detailed report on the next few days of expected inclement weather, or check out their winter preparedness guide for what to do if the forecast changes.

Essentially, we have several rounds of possible freezing rain and drizzle to monitor. With each, the highest likelihood of icing issues will be across the Hill Country. However, even in the Austin metro and I-35 corridor, we'll need to keep an eye on things closely, especially with the round that moves in on Wednesday.

Forecast models have been trending colder with higher ice accumulation totals possible. As of Monday morning, the ice accumulation forecast calls for anywhere from a quarter-inch to a half-inch along and west of I-35. This would mean hazardous travel conditions and the potential for power outages.

As a result of the weather, schools across the area are cancelling activities and releasing students early. KVUE has collected a list of school closures and delays and will continue to update the list in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the City of Austin has already activated cold weather shelters for Monday and Tuesday in anticipation of overnight temperatures in the mid-30s. The City – along with Travis County, Capital Metro and other local service providers – activates the plan when temperatures are predicated to be near or below freezing.

Individuals in need of shelter are asked to report to One Texas Center, located at 505 Barton Springs Road, between 6 pm and 8 pm each day. From there, individuals seeking shelter will be taken by CapMetro buses to the cold weather shelter locations.

Read the full versions of these stories and watch the videos at KVUE.com.