Prepare for the State Fair and 10 more Texas travel tidbits for September

where to travel right now

Photo by Marc Lee

School might be back in session for the kids, but there's still plenty of fun to be had all across Texas in September. Can't decide where to take a quick vacation, road trip, or staycation? Here are 11 events, exhibits, special celebrations, and hotel happenings around the state to help plan a getaway for Labor Day or any September weekend excursion.

In North Texas

The State Fair of Texas begins its run in Dallas at the end of September, with 24 days of live music, carnival games, fried food creation competitions, and more. Luckily for CultureMap readers, here's a thorough guide to getting every possible discount at the fair this year. For example, visitors can get $10 admission on opening day for bringing two jars of peanut butter for the North Texas Food Bank. The State Fair runs September 29-October 22.

In a historic U.S. debut, almost all of the known surviving artworks by the legendary Mexican artist Abraham Ángel will be put on display at the Dallas Museum of Arton September 10, honoring the young artist's brief life and three-year career. Ángel's work embodied the ever-changing culture of his country in the early 20th century. Between Wonder and Seductionwill be on display until January 28, 2024. Admission to the museum is free, but special exhibition tickets are $15.

In East Texas

Cavalry Court, a retro-inspired boutique hotel in College Station, has all of the amenities for a perfect weekend mini-vacation to bring in the fall season: a resort-style pool with private cabanas, live music, its signature Canteen Bar and Grill, and an outdoor pavilion. The hotel is also situated less than 10 miles from the famed Messina Hof Estate Winery for any further exploration of the city. Rates begin at $149 per night.

If East Texas’ Piney Woods region is calling your name, this resort community is the place to be: High Hill boasts luxurious experiences with rental properties sprawling over 200 acres of land. Take your pick among a bungalow suite, private bungalow, or a multi-bedroom vacation home. Also available are on-site vineyards, a relaxing spa, and Côte, a high quality farm-to-table restaurant. Starting rates are $295 for a double queen room and $275 for a king room.

Along the Gulf Coast

A luxurious Port Aransas vacation community is providing a few special discounts just in time for Labor Day and beyond. For the long holiday weekend, Cinnamon Shore is offering reduced pricing for a three-night minimum stay, with four homes left for the weekend at various price points. Don’t forget to check their Labor Day Weekend Fun schedule highlighting special family-friendly events like movies under the stars and community cookouts, or live music and yoga classes for the adults. From September 5-October 4, guests can also enjoy 50 percent off their third night at one of the Cinnamon Shore rental properties after booking a minimum two-night stay using their code Fall2023. Rates for a one-bedroom home range from $940 to $1,600, and five to eight-bedroom homes range from $4,050 to $7,550.

For a more comprehensive look at all of the seaside options along the Texas coast for Labor Day weekend, from Galveston to South Padre Island (including Cinnamon Shore), check out these Gulf Coast getaways.

In West Texas

One of the best steakhouses in Texas is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a new historic art installation. The award-winning Perini Ranch Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap, a small town about half an hour southwest of Abilene, will celebrate this landmark anniversary with a new outdoor exhibit that showcase the history of the town and the restaurant through photography, while also serving as a "love letter" to the American West. The collection will include several photos of Buffalo Gap from Lisa and Tom Perini's private collection. The exhibit, on display September 28-October 28, will be open to the public, and restaurant reservations can be made on their website.

In Austin

ThePecan Street Festival, a twice-yearly arts festival, is returning to downtown Austin on September 16-17. Over 300 local artisans and vendors will be selling their handmade art, crafts, clothing, and more in booths lined along 6th Street between Brazos Street and I-35 for the weekend. Live performances by local musicians are also scheduled throughout the weekend. The festival is free.

A fascinating new exhibition of beautifully aged books on display at The Harry Ransom Center at The University of Texas at Austin is a bibliophile’s dream. The Long Lives of Very Old Books shares the histories of 15th through 17th century books through their physical attributes and treatment within the hands of time. Both prominent titles and esoteric finds are put under the spotlight. The exhibition is on display until December 30. Admission is free.

In the Hill Country

San Antonio’s Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa has a special Labor Day event lineup for families looking for a weekend escape. On Saturday, September 2, the resort will host a Texas-themed barbecue and country music. On Sunday, September 3, guests can enjoy a Fiesta-themed buffet with mariachi music. Besides excellent guest service and luxurious experiences, this newly renovated, award-winning resort has also prioritized its convenient location to several San Antonio attractions, such as SeaWorld and the downtown Riverwalk. Rates begin at $394 per night.

If bringing in the fall months with a glass of wine in hand is your preference, consider visiting Pedernales Cellars in Stonewall, a winery less than half an hour from Fredericksburg. Three special events will help patrons embrace the month of September: a six-winery tasting tour, dubbed The Heroic Hye Wine Hunt, on September 2; and the release of a 2020 GSM Mélange wine on September 8. Plus, visitors can celebrate International Port Wine Day with a tasting of the Texas Ruby port-style dessert wine on September 10. Tickets for the wine hunt are $30, and reservations for tastings can be made via Tock or by emailing tastingroom@pedernalescellars.com.

For six weekends beginning September 23 until October 29, the family-friendly Dripping Springs Pumpkin Festival is returning to its home grounds at the Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead for its third and final year before moving to a new location. Each weekend has its own festive theme and special events, and costume-wearing is encouraged. Of course, no pumpkin fest is complete without its signature pumpkin patch. Tickets are $15, and admission is free for children under 3 years old and for seniors aged 65 and up.

thumbor.forbes.com

Austin is caught slacking in Forbes study on best cities for remote workers

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With many companies encouraging — or commanding — that remote workers return to the office in 2023, more and more Americans are seeking employment opportunities that will give them the freedom to work from elsewhere.

Austin is (remotely) clocking in as the No. 39 best city for remote workers in 2023, according to a study by Forbes Advisor. The city's disappointing rank has much room for improvement in this burgeoning Central Texas mega-metro.

The study examined 100 U.S. cities and metro areas, and ranked them based on the earning potential of remote workers, internet access, lifestyle amenities, worker friendliness, living costs, and more.

Austin did great in one of these categories, but it seems that earning potential and lifestyle amenities just couldn't keep up. for Austinites, it's all in the Wi-Fi: a remote worker's most important tool.

Austin's average internet download speed is 425.90 Megabits per second (Mbps), and when coupled with the wide variety of free Wi-Fi hotspots around the city, Austin earned No. 3 in the category for "cities with the best internet access." And we do like to take advantage of that at restaurants and bars around town.

"Remote work saves workers time and money on commuting and office clothing, while keeping their morale and productivity levels high," the report said. "Ideally, you’d live in a place with an affordable cost of living, high earning potential, reliable internet connection, low taxes, a low unemployment rate, and various entertainment options."

Austin-Round Rock ranks as the third overall best metro area in Texas for remote workers, after Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (No. 15 nationally) and San Antonio-New Braunfels (No. 6 nationally). Elsewhere in Texas, Houston (No. 49) barely made it into the top 50, outranked by El Paso (No. 46). McAllen-Edinburg-Mission ranked No. 85.

The top 10 U.S. metro areas for remote workers are:

No. 1 – Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, Florida
No. 2 – Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, Indiana
No. 3 – Omaha-Council Bluffs, Nebraska-Iowa
No. 4 – Tulsa, Oklahoma
No. 5 – Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, Michigan
No. 6 – San Antonio-New Braunfels, Texas
No. 7 – Jacksonville, Florida
No. 8 – Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida
No. 9 – Tuscon, Arizona
No. 10 – Cleveland-Elyria, Ohio

The study can be found on forbes.com.

Photo by Diana Parkhouse on Unsplash

Austin makes a buzz as the 3rd buggiest U.S. city in new ranking

where's that fly swatter?

Mosquitos, flies, and june bugs, oh my! If Austinites think 2023 is a bad year for bug infestations, they might just be right. Home services website Thumbtack recently revealed their annual ranking of the buggiest cities in the country, and Austin has now moved into the top three.

Thumbtack noted that July and August are the two worst months for bugs out of the entire year, and Texas are cities being hit the hardest thanks to the heat. Austin moved up one spot in 2023 after previously ranking No. 4 on Thumbtack's 2022 report of the buggiest cities.

Mosquitos are universally hated in general, and Austinites know all too well the annoyance of flies buzzing around their homes. No one likes finding a surprise line of ants searching for food. That's why Thumbtack home expert David Steckel advises we put in a little prevention work to ensure a long-lasting pest-free home.

"Costing on average $135 across the country, hiring a pest control professional can help you identify areas for improvement and provide you with regular maintenance recommendation based on where you live and your home to avoid problems down the line," Steckel said.

At least Texas as a whole can take some solace in being a top state for beekeeping, helping to protect some of the most important insects in the ecosystem.

Atlanta, Georgia, usurped the No. 1 spot from Dallas, dropping the Texas city into No. 2. Houston (somehow) only moved up one spot from 2022 into No. 4 this year. San Antonio ranked outside the top 10 at No. 14.

The top 10 buggiest cities in the nation are:

No. 1 – Atlanta, Georgia
No. 2 – Dallas, Texas
No. 3 – Austin, Texas
No. 4 – Houston, Texas
No. 5 – Washington, D.C.
No. 6 – Baltimore, Maryland
No. 7 – Orlando, Florida
No. 8 – Miami, Florida
No. 9 – West Palm Beach, Florida
No. 10 – Charlotte, North Carolina

The study looked at the number of "pest control services, pest inspection, bed bug extermination, and outdoor pesticide application" requests by consumers through their platform from July 2022 to June 2023. It then ranked each city based on the frequency of requests scaled to the population of each state and metro area.

Photo courtesy of Houston Museum of Natural Science

Check out this giant shark and 10 more Texas travel tidbits for August

Where to travel right now

Even as summer vacation season winds down, there's fun to be had all across Texas in August. Can't decide where to take a quick vacation, road trip, or staycation? Here are 11 exhibits and events, special celebrations, and hotel happenings around the state to help plan a getaway.

In Houston

A jaw-dropping showcase has taken a dive into Houston's Museum of Natural Science this summer. At the exhibit's centerpiece is Meg, a gigantic 50-foot shark showing off her wide, toothy grin for photos with visitors of all ages. But not to worry, this Jawsome exhibit is focused on educating and inspiring curiosity. Patrons can explore six galleries that include a live shark tank, 14 life-sized models, interactive and touchable items, dazzling digital displays, fun photo ops, and megalodon-sized chunks of information about the ocean's apex predators.

In Austin

Swanky destination spas rarely offer deep discounts. So spa fans can be thankful for Miraval Austin's limited-time Gratitude Sale. Book by August 15 for stays through November 30 to receive a $100 discount on nightly rates (which start at $849) and a $100 nightly resort credit. Guests can also choose to receive a $225 resort credit per night. Credits can be used on spa sessions; private sessions with Miraval Specialists; or deluxe experiences like yin yoga, tarot reading, beekeeping, and more.

Another Austin spa-resort is headed to the top of the charts: Lake Austin Spa Resortwas recently featured in Trips to Discover's "Top 20 Spa and Wellness Resorts in the U.S." list. Ranking No. 7, the resort earned praise for its executive chef, lakefront access, and variety of fitness classes offered for guests. The resort is booked out for August, but rates for September stays begin at $581 a night.

A cornerstone Austin music venue is celebrating its decade-long empire with a month full of festivities. After 10 years in business, Empire Control Room & Garage is toasting its anniversary through August 26 with a series called "A Decade of Empire." Every Friday and Saturday night throughout the month brings new shows, a mini-museum of Empire photos and "ephemera," and giveaways, among other surprises.

"Mother/Land" - a new large-scale art exhibition, will be on display at the Austin Central Library Gallery beginning August 24. Designed in response to Austin-based artist (and UT Austin assistant professor) Yuliya Lanina's relationship with the ongoing war in Ukraine, the display uses animation and sculpture to explore the impacts of the war, both physically and emotionally. Lanina is a second-generation Holocaust survivor, born and raised in Russia of Ukranian descent, and arrived in the United States in 1990 as a refugee. "Mother/Land" will be available for viewing until Sunday, November 5.

In the Hill Country

The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is lettingguests treat their furry friends to an luxurious lodging experience with a new Pet Retreat Package. These exclusive rooms have their own walk-out patios, dog beds and blankets, and food and water bowls. Dogs also will receive a chew toy, treats, and a stylish bandana as deluxe take-home gifts. Book the package on the resort's website using the code U8D, with rates beginning at $414 a night.

A new luxury RV and tiny home resort has pulled into Fredericksburg. The FireFly Resort is located on 52 acres of land and boasts over 230 sites with gorgeous Hill Country views. The resort is only a 15-minute drive from Fredericksburg's thriving main street district, where folks can visit one of the many local shops, eateries, and wine bars that make it one of the most-loved destinations in Texas. Rates for RV sites start at $60 per night, while nightly rates for tiny homes begin at $162.

Johnson City's Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa is collaborating with nonprofit radio station Sun Radio for a new weekly Saturday night concert series spotlighting homegrown Texas musicians. The Sun & Vine Music Series begins on August 19 from 5-7 pm, with a new lineup of musical talent every week until September 30. The free concerts will be held at the resort's central pavilion, and attendees are encouraged to donate to Sun Radio as they continue to promote Texas music. Carolyn Wonderland and Shelly King are scheduled for August 19, while Beat Root Revival will perform August 26. Make it a weekend stay by booking a room at the resort, with rates starting at $219 per night.

Along the Gulf Coast

Corpus Christi's 21st annual Conquer the Coast bike ride has opened registration for this year's event, Saturday, September 16. The 66-mile course, including the "toughest 18 miles in Texas" will route cyclists down Mustang Island, JFK Causeway, Ocean Drive, and the Corpus Christi Marina before returning to where they started. If the full course is a little too extreme, intermediate cyclists can choose a 21-mile endurance course, while families can enjoy a 10-mile scenic route along Ocean Drive. Registration varies from $50-$110.

A breathtaking waterfront condo in Rockport(and its owners) has sailed to the top of Airbnb's nationwide report of the "most hospitable" rentals in 2023. The remarkable coastal condo has one bedroom, two bathrooms, can accommodate up to four guests for a relaxing vacation with stunning panoramic views of Little Bay. The owners, Doug and Sandy, won the Airbnb award thanks to their 100 percent five-star ratings. With the condo's typical price ringing up at $240 a night, it's safe to say this cozy condo is in high demand with Texans yearning for a beach trip.

In North Texas

Across the Metroplex in Fort Worth, a new exhibit called “FLORIGAMIINTHEGARDEN” (that's "Florigami in the Garden") will showcase whimsical origami-inspired sculptures making their Texas debut at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden,August 19. The 18 pieces, ranging from petite works of just a few feet to towering structures more than 30 feet tall, will (appropriately) "fold" into the landscape - from Pollinator Pathway to the Rose Garden - and will depict animals, flowers, and a variety of geometric shapes. The exhibit will be included with the price of general admission ($6 for children between ages 6-15 and $12 for adults). A special summer “buy one, get one admission” discount is being offered through August 31.

Photo courtesy of Earlybird CBD

Austin-based CBD gummies fly north to DFW stores in first big expansion

earlybird gets the worm

Earlybird CBD, one of the biggest Austin-based recreational hemp companies, has set its sights on Dallas-Fort Worth as its next migration destination for its THC-infused edible goodies.

These gummies and other products can now be found in 10 DFW-area grocery stores, boutiques, and spas. This is far more than any other expansion; although Earlybird is available in some other cities, it can only be found at one or two stores in each.

The company's decision to expand into North Texas came after developing relationships with prominent local media partners and shops, such as Julie Dobbs and Emily Jones of The Mom Game and Roy Pope Grocery, according to Earlybird co-founder and CMO Erik Culver.

"I would say Dallas 'chose us' in the sense that we've been fortunate to find some great media partners," said Culver in a release. "[T]hese connections have been a solid foundation to start introducing Earlybird to such a large metropolitan area."

This is not Earlybird's first plunge into the Metroplex; the company currently fosters a longterm partnership with Hiatus Spa and Retreat, which started in February for a special Valentine's Day promotion. The spa now stocks Earlybird products in Frisco, Plano, and Fort Worth locations, plus Dallas' Inwood Village and The Hill.

Since its founding in 2018, Earlybird has branched its product line to more than 100 Central Texas retailers. It is one of the first providers to create "full-spectrum" hemp edibles using natural THC. Each serving of the signature gummies and tinctures contain a legal amount of Delta 9 THC (about 2.5 mg).

"We think a micro-dose of THC from hemp is a fantastic way to take the edge off," the website says. "So whether you’re a hustling professional, a busy parent or retired age hobbyist, we think our gummies and tinctures can be a great compliment to your day."

Other Dallas-Fort Worth area retailers that now stock Earlybird CBD products include:

Davis Street Mercantile, Dallas
Ann's Natural Grocery and Nutrition, Arlington
Sunflower Shoppe, Colleyville
Roy Pope Grocery, Fort Worth
Sunflower Shoppe, Fort Worth

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Best places to view the Perseid meteor shower's peak in Central Texas and beyond

star search

Meteor showers are some of the most beautiful performances Mother Nature can produce, and the grandest show of 2023 is coming up: the Perseid meteor shower, the biggest meteor shower of the year, will be at its most visible state the night of Saturday, August 12 until the early morning of Sunday, August 13.

According to space.com, circumstances will be nearly ideal for watching the shooting stars dance their way across the dark skies. Not only will Earth be positioned in the densest part of the Perseid stream, but the moon will barely be visible, creating an even darker backdrop.

Viewers will not need a telescope to see meteors that night, experts say, but the best viewing experiences will still be from a dark, unlit area of the city, or in a designated Dark Sky Community. Texas cities, towns, parks, and sanctuaries that are part of the International Dark-Sky Association focus on night sky conservation while combatting the spread of light pollution.

Many Texas state parks will host stargazing activities for community members and astronomy enthusiasts at Perseid's peak. (Keep in mind that no matter where you view the night sky, it may take up to 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust.)

Here are the best cities, towns, and state parks around Central Texas (and beyond) to watch the Perseid meteor shower's peak on August 12. Note that some events are subject to cancellation based on the weather and cloud cover.

Central Texas

Los Maples State Natural Area
This special "Maples and Meteors Sky Fest" is part of a 100-year celebration of Texas state parks in 2023. Visitors can learn about local wildlife and dark sky protection on August 12 from 6-9 pm, followed by a weather-dependent star-watching party until 10:30 pm. More information is on the Texas Parks and Wildlife event website.

Dark Sky Parks and Communities
There are several Dark Sky-certified parks that are perfect for stargazing in Central Texas, including Travis County Milton Ranch Park, Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site, Enchanted Rock Natural State Area, and South Llano River State Park.

Dark Sky Communities in Central Texas include Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, Blanco, Wimberley, and Horseshoe Bay.

North Texas

Lakewood Village
This small town on Lewisville Lake is seven miles from Little Elm, and was designated the 23rd International Dark Sky Community in September 2019 (and it's the only one in all of Dallas-Fort Worth). While their Facebook page doesn't say the town is hosting a watch party, that doesn't mean you can't park in an unobtrusive spot and watch the sky from the tailgate of your car.

Cooper Lake State Park
Cooper Lake State Park is an hour-and-a-half (about 90 miles) away from Dallas, and will be hosting several self-guided stargazing events, August 12-24. Visitors can meet at the South Sulphur Unit at 9 am to try and catch some shooting stars there, but they might have a better chance of catching a show starting from 8:30 pm at the Doctors Creek Unit. More information is on the Texas Parks and Wildlife event website.

Dinosaur Valley State Park
The best and most knowledgeable astronomers from the Fort Worth Astronomical Society will be joining Dinosaur Valley State Park for a "Star Party" in Glen Rose beginning at 9 pm on August 12. The society will provide their celestial knowledge as they examine the night sky. The park asks that guests bring only red lights to the event. More information about the party can be found on the Texas Parks and Wildlife event website.

Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway
While this isn't a specific stargazing event, you can still catch a view of the meteor shower while challenging what you know about Texas. Mineral Wells State Park's Jeopardy!-style Texas Trivia night falls on August 12 from 8:30-10 pm. Put your Texas nature and history knowledge to the test, and observe the shooting stars as your background. More information can be found on the Texas Parks and Wildlife event website.

East Texas

Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
On August 12 from 8:30-10 pm, visitors can participate in an evening of observation and stargazing using the park's special stargazing telescope. The on-site park ranger will provide red cellophane to protect attendees' night vision if they bring any flashlights. More information is on the Texas Parks and Wildlife event website.

West Texas

Lake Brownwood State Park
This West Texas "Star Party" runs from 8:30-10 pm on August 12, with plenty of telescopes to help visitors view the night sky. Volunteers will also teach about the constellations throughout the evening. The park asks that visitors do not bring any white lights, only red lights. Astronomy enthusiasts are more than welcome to bring their own telescope. More information is on the Texas Parks and Wildlife event website.

Abilene State Park
The Big Country Master Naturalists will join visitors at the park from 9-11 pm for a free night of stargazing. Much like similar watch parties on August 12, the park requests that only red lights be brought to the event so they do not interfere with guests' night vision. More information is on the Texas Parks and Wildlife event website.

University of Texas McDonald Observatory
The Fort Davis-based observatory hosts their family-friendly outdoor star parties on Saturday nights beginning at 9:30 pm, weather-permitting. The two-hour program includes a tour of the Helen S. Martin Star Amphitheater before embarking on a constellation tour led by visitor center staff. Then, guests will be taken to the Rebecca Gale Telescope Park to view the night sky through their telescopes. More information is available on their website.

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Top medical cannabis dispensary buds in Lakeline with new pickup store

OG CBD

Folks north of Austin can now find more relief closer to them with the opening of a new facility for cannabis prescription pickup.

Texas Original is now open in the Lakeline area at 10222 Pecan Park Blvd., continuing to expand the brand's services throughout Central Texas. While Austinites may be used to more recreational cannabis stores, Texas Original's main clientele are patients managing things like cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even dementia.

In Texas, patients can obtain medical cannabis prescriptions through online clinics or local physicians registered with the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas; In Texas Original's case, the dispensary connects candidates for medical cannabis with partnering clinics via an online form to close the loop between prescription and pickup.

Texas Original (formerly Compassionate Cultivation) opened the first public medical dispensary in the state (out of Manchaca) and started serving patients in 2018 with the motto “Grown for Texans by Texans.” The entire operation — from the cultivation of plants to the formulation of products — is based in the state. In 2023, Texas Original was named the best medical marijuana dispensary in the Austin American-Statesman's Community Choice Awards.

This is now Texas Original’s fourth location in Central Texas along with its headquarters and dispensary in South Austin, two other stores in Waco and San Antonio, and many others throughout the state.

“Opening a full-time pickup location that serves our growing community in North Austin and its surrounding suburbs is another step toward creating comprehensive medical cannabis access for all patients throughout Texas,” said CEO Nico Richardson in a release.

To celebrate the opening, Texas Original is partnering with a telehealth medicine clinic to offer free one-year prescriptions to 50 customers at the North Austin location on a first-come first-serve basis. Patients can visit the store this week to book an appointment with the telemedicine clinic’s registered physicians to receive a prescription for medical cannabis.

For more product information and hours of operation for all of Texas Original locations, visit texasoriginal.com. Hours of operation at Lakeline are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10 am to 6 pm, with plans to expand to six days a week in the upcoming months.

Fantastic visuals and original story make The Creator a must-see sci-fi film

Movie Review

In the relatively risk-averse world that is modern Hollywood, getting an original story is a rarity. The vast majority of potentially blockbuster movies these days are ones that have a connection to some kind of existing intellectual property that already has a well-established track record. So anytime something interesting arrives that’s not a sequel/reboot/remake/commercial for a product, it deserves to be celebrated.

And that goes double when it’s done as well as the new sci-fi film, The Creator. The film is set in a post-apocalyptic world in 2065, 30 years after a sentient artificial intelligence detonated a nuclear bomb in Los Angeles. Joshua (John David Washington) is an American soldier who for years worked undercover alongside A.I.-enhanced robots, many of which are fitted with clones of human faces, to try to find their reclusive leader, Nirmata, in a part of the world now called New Asia.

A personal tragedy sends him into exile, but he’s recruited back into service by Colonel Howell (Allison Janney) to seek out and destroy a weapon that may turn the tide in the war for good. Turns out the weapon is a robot in the form of a child (Madeleine Yuna Voyles), and when Joshua discovers that fact, he finds it impossible to carry out the mission. Instead, he does everything he can to protect the girl he calls Alphie, with the military hot on his tail all the while.

Written and directed by Gareth Edwards (Rogue One) and co-written by Chris Weitz, the film is astonishing in a number of ways, but mostly for its ability to draw the viewer in visually. The CGI is amazingly believable, making it easy to immerse yourself in the storytelling. From a foreboding super-weapon in the sky called NOMAD to the futuristic landscapes to the whirring metal cylinders that appear to be the brains of the robots, the film is full of fantastic details that make it a feast for the eyes.

The concept of A.I. is increasingly being used as a storytelling tool, and here the filmmakers seem to try to play both sides of the fence. Many people in the film fear its capabilities, especially given the nuclear event. But by literally putting human faces on many of the robots, it becomes more difficult to see them as pure evil, a dilemma that’s at the core of the problem for both Joshua and the audience.

Washington, who’s fast becoming as reliably good as his father, Denzel, is the star of the film, and he does a great job in that role. But stealing the show every second she’s on screen is Voyles, who delivers a debut performance the likes of which hasn’t been seen in many years. She is utterly convincing and heartbreaking as Alphie; while the story may have worked with a lesser actor, she helps take it to completely different level.

Also putting in great work are Janney, who proves herself as badass and fearsome a military leader as any man; Mark Menchaca as her No. 2; Ken Watanabe as an A.I. robot; singer-turned-actor Sturgill Simpson as a friend of Joshua; and Gemma Chan, redeeming herself after the misfire of Eternals.

Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios

John David Washington in The Creator.

The Creator could’ve earned praise simply by giving us an original sci-fi story. But by accompanying it with awe-inspiring imagery and performances that elevate the story immeasurably, Edwards and his team have made a film that will likely be remembered for years to come.

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The Creator opens in theaters on September 29.

Timeless elegance meets modern luxury with charming Old Enfield home

On The Market

Nestled gracefully within the historic enclave of Old Enfield, the two-story stone home at 2313 Hartford Road stands as a testament to the enduring allure of architectural charm and modern refinement.

From the moment you step inside, it's apparent that every aspect of this 3,453-square-foot residence has been meticulously crafted to create a space that seamlessly marries timeless tradition with contemporary sophistication.

The journey through this captivating abode commences in the formal living area, where an exquisite copper fireplace welcomes residents and guests alike, setting the tone for the mesmerizing style that unfolds throughout.

A culinary haven awaits within the architect-designed kitchen, featuring stainless steel countertops, double sinks, and a luxurious limestone floor and backsplash. A chef's dream, this space is equipped with double ovens, poised to bring culinary aspirations to life.

Venturing further, the grand living room beckons with its soaring seventeen-foot ceilings, a majestic stone fireplace, and an expansive wall of windows that generously bathe the room in natural light.

Rich, dark-stained wood floors underfoot contribute to the home's inviting ambiance, complementing its overall character.

Every fixture, wallpaper choice, and flooring selection within this residence has been thoughtfully curated to make a resounding statement about the home as a whole. This meticulous attention to detail permeates every facet of the property, elevating its character and allure.

Moving beyond the interior, the outdoor living space proves equally enchanting, featuring a screened-in patio that offers the perfect setting for enjoying Austin's breezy evenings without the intrusion of pesky insects.

Additionally, a charming dining area nestled under the sprawling canopy of live oak trees, adorned with twinkling lights, creates a truly magical setting for al fresco gatherings and memorable evenings.

The primary bedroom, a sanctuary of comfort and luxury, boasts its own fireplace, finely crafted built-ins, and a spacious ensuite bathroom. Three additional bedrooms provide ample space for family or guests, each appointed with the same meticulous care evident throughout the home.

In its entirety, this Old Enfield gem harmoniously marries the finest aspects of traditional architecture with the conveniences of modern living.

It is a residence that radiates charm and sophistication, indoors and out, promising an exceptional lifestyle in the heart of Austin's historic landscape.

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This home is on the market with Kumara Wilcoxon of Kuper Sotheby's International Realty. Click here to see more photos, details, and to contact the agent.

Photo courtesy of Kuper Sotheby's International Realty

Soaring 17-foot ceilings await in the living room.

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