It’s February—Feel The Love & Flip The Flapjacks!
It’s February, and here at Renaissance North Bend in Austin, Texas, we’re feeling the love and flippin’ the flapjacks! Festive Breakfast Cold mornings call for hot food, and what could be more in the spirit of this month’s Valentine’s Day holiday than cute little heart-shaped eggs and pancakes for your sweeties? (Thanks to *the Idea Specialists™* for finding these nonstick cooking rings for us!) At a list price of only $7.43 at Amazon, they’ll bring the smiles without breaking the bank. Take A Hike! After your hearty breakfast, hit one of the Austin area’s gorgeous hiking trails for some quality time together. The Idea Specialists love Spicewood Valley Trail, accessed across Callanish Park Drive from Mountain View Park on Middlebie Drive. It’s short and well-maintained path that goes through a beautiful forest and by a small cascading waterfall. We’re extra-big fans because—like Renaissance North Bend—Spicewood Valley Trail is dog friendly! Of course your furry friend will need to stay on its leash while you’re getting your steps in on pathways. Your Just Desserts Whether you want to refuel after your hike or just treat yourself to a yummy, take advantage of the incredible ATX restaurant scene and go out for something sweet with your sweetie. 🥰🥰 What could be more Valentine’s Day (thank you, English writer extraordinaire Geoffrey Chaucer) than the famous cakes at Chez Zee on Balcones Drive? The Idea Specialists can already taste the decadent Strawberry Palooza, a three-layer strawberry cake topped with strawberry cream cheese frosting and strawberry jam, and served with ice cream—strawberry, of course! They’re not sure right now whether they’ll have it with some fresh-brewed decaf, a Keoke Coffee, or a good old Irish Coffee. Got a taste for something different? Other selections on the dessert menu include the class Lemon & Rosemary Cake, the Double Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake, AND the Chez Zee Dessert Sampler. Yes, please! If you want to share the experience of a special full Valentine’s Day dinner this year (the holiday in 2026 is on Saturday, February 14), Siena Ristorante Toscana on North Capital of Texas Highway promises an unforgettable evening of romance, elevated elegance, and extraordinary cuisine. Their special menu—which also will be offered on Friday, February 13—Includes a selection of the finest steaks and indulgences like caviar, truffle potato cheese soup, and butter-poached Maine lobster. And, of course, decadent desserts! Chocolate & Bubbles & Pink A great way to end your day of Valentine’s fun would be to cuddle up with Champagne or a cocktail (or a Champagne cocktail!) in your luxurious Renaissance North Bend living room in front of a cozy fire. Or, get creative with chocolate and spirits. Tasting Table has a list of 30 Chocolate Cocktails You Need to Try at Least Once, and the Idea Specialists have been working their way through it. They’re particularly partial right now to the Bourbon Ball (bourbon, crème de cacao, Frangelico liqueur), but certainly wouldn’t say no to a Frozen Nutella Mudslide or a Black Forest Gateau Cocktail. Out On The Town Or, go out on the town for your nightcap! The famed Roosevelt Room on West Fifth Street never disappoints with its classic creations like the Lonesome Dove and the Black Mountain Coffee, not to mention the Butterbean (it tastes better than its name, trust us!). And they’re open until 2 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (midnight the rest of the week). Kisses to them—and you! * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the multifamily industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more. They do not receive any sort of product or financial incentives for their recommendations in posts such as these.
