STILL STANDING

Quirky Stonehenge replica battered but unharmed in Hill Country storms

Stonehenge II is undamaged after the Independence Day catastrophe.

One of the Hill Country’s weirdest art installations has weathered the crushing Independence Day storms. Hill Country Arts Foundation (HCAF) in Ingram reports that Stonehenge II, an almost-to-scale replica of the ancient English landmark, was undamaged by recent flooding.

The 65-year-old arts nonprofit announced the status in a Facebook update. Although the monument was unscathed, several facilities were heavily damaged, including its black box theater, outdoor theater, offices, tech shop, and ceramics studio. The center will be shuttered until further notice.

“The recent flood did a lot of damage to the property, though Stonehenge II was undamaged,” wrote an HCAF rep. “The property is closed at this time.”

Inspired by his travels, actor and rancher Al Sheppard erected the curiosity in 1989 with help from neighbor Doug Hill. As the story goes, Hill gifted Sheppard a limestone slab left over from a patio project. Hill stood it in the middle of his pasture.

“Sheppard and Hill liked the look of the monolith and built an arch around it,” explains signage at the property. “The 13-foot arch reminded them of Stonehenge in England. Soon, a vision formed, and Sheppard contracted Hill to build their very own Stonehenge II.”

The remainder of the stones were made from steel, metal lathe, and plaster, anchored in cement. The full circle is 90 percent as wide as the original and 60 percent as tall.

A few years later, Sheppard visited Rapa Nui, or Easter Island. Two maoi statues were added to the original Hunt, Texas site. After Sheppard’s passing, his family donated the sculptures to HCAF, which moved the massive installation to Ingram in 2012.

Although travel website Far & Wide dubbed it “the most boring tourist trap” in Texas, it has remained a symbol of local pride. HCAF even hosts weddings on the property.

The sense of humor about the sculpture remains in place, even as HCAF’s facilities were ravaged by the violent weather. The foundation acts as a hub of artistic education, theatrical performances, and exhibitions throughout the year.

Arts patrons can help HCAF repair its grounds via its online portal. The nonprofit also recommends donating to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund through the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.

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Hotel Overhaul

Hyatt Regency Austin completes big renovation, opens new restaurants

Hyatt Regency Austin standard guest room

Photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Austin

The renovation refreshed 448 guest rooms along with the rest of the property.

A downtown Austin hotel has finished a big renovation project. Hyatt Regency Austin has spiffed up 448 guestrooms and suites, plus corridors, meeting rooms, and public spaces. Locals will likely notice the changes most at the new restaurant Ripple & Roots, which is open now alongside two other new dining concepts: a restaurant and a market.

The hotel announced the changes in June, making this a fast turnaround. The Hyatt did not have to close for construction.

Ripple & Roots is the signature restaurant, which has a bar and both indoor and outdoor spaces, including a patio on Lady Bird Lake. It can seat 146 diners, with 32 more stools at bar. Some new details since the announcement help paint a picture, presenting "bold flavors representing rich Austin food traditions."

That means locally sourced and sustainable ingredients for lunch, happy hour, and dinner. Diners can expect to see "reimagined Tex-Mex" by chef de cuisine Perla Alvarado and executive chef Kevin Patton, both of whom have worked with Hyatt for several years. A press release focuses more on the cocktail program, which spotlights drinks like smoked old fashioneds, mezcal martinis with smoked olives, prickly pear margaritas, and Texas craft beers and wine.

In addition to Ripple & Roots, the renovation includes Cypress Grove, which offers guest breakfasts and private catering, and Juniper Breeze Market for grab-and-go food and drinks. Guests can pick up baked goods, sandwiches, salads, coffee, beer, wine, and products from local small businesses like Stoke Juices.

In warmer weather, locals might also find themselves at the "newly refreshed" pool, with cabanas and a mobile bar.

Hyatt Regency Austin pool cabana The cabanas have great views of the Austin skyline across Lady Bird Lake.Photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Austin

New photos show off the guest spaces Austinites are less likely to see in person.

Unsurprisingly, the best feature in the guest rooms and suites is still the view of the city. The new design by Ealain Studios includes neutral carpeting, hand-stitched accent pillows, and art that nods to nature in Texas. Guests in regular rooms will now settle in alongside new luggage benches, desk chairs, and table lamps. Plus, two new suites add extra space and amenities like a soaking tub and private balconies.

Hyatt Regency Austin suite Earthy tones are in at the Hyatt Regency, which seems to be prioritizing blending in over standing out.Photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Austin

In the bathrooms, there are new fixtures, wood accents, expanded and backlit vanities, and geometric tiles. These changes are meant to evoke a spa-like feel inside the room.

Hyatt Regency Austin standard bathroom This standard bathroom goes for natural touches.Photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Austin

Other finishing touches around the property include cactus-inspired art in the lobby, new tech in meeting and event spaces, and a new 10x18-foot LED screen wall.

“As Austin continues to be a premier destination for business and leisure travel, special events and the local community, we’re pleased to welcome guests to the revitalized Hyatt Regency Austin, which ushers in a new era for our hotel,” said general manager Jeff Donahoe in the release. “By elevating every facet of the guest experience, from refreshed guestrooms to exciting new dining concepts, we’re better positioned to cater to all types of travelers visiting Austin with impeccable hospitality and amenities that reflects the best of the city and Central Texas."

More information and images (or mock-ups) of the renovated spaces are available at hyatt.com. Dining hours can be found here. Hyatt Regency Austin is located at 208 Barton Springs Rd.

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