Austin Memorial Day Guide: Deals, Events, Safety Tips And More

AUSTIN, TX — The upcoming Memorial Day holiday yields pause in remembering those who died in active military service in securing the freedoms we enjoy today. As such, it's a day for family gatherings, camaraderie and collegiality ideally with collective conscious thought of those who giving the ultimate sacrifice in ensuring our way of life.

In the Austin area, events and deals timed with the observance will abound before and after the May 27 observance. We've also included a guide from the grilling tips hotline to help keep your celebration safe at traditional cookouts.

Patch will continually update this guide as more alerts to special deals and events are received, so re-visit this story or refresh this page intermittently. So far, those alerting us to special Memorial Day deals include:

CHEDDAR'S SCRATCH KITCHEN

Various locations

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is offering two new 16 oz. Watermelon ‘Ritas presented as the ideal handcrafted summer cocktails. The drinks are topped with a giant slice of fresh-cut watermelon for only $5.99, and just like the homemade food at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, the cocktails are handcrafted using fresh ingredients, too.

• Tito’s Watermelon Vodkarita: The Tito’s Watermelon Vodkarita is made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, sweet and sour and watermelon puree garnished with a lemon wedge and slice of watermelon.
• Watermelon Texas Frozen Swirl: The Watermelon Texas Frozen Swirl is a new spin on the signature frozen Texas Margarita, featuring gold tequila and triple sec, swirled with watermelon puree and slice of watermelon.

Both cocktails are available at Cheddar’s restaurants nationwide and are available for a limited time only this summer. With more than 160 restaurants in 28 states, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is known for its iconic, made-from- scratch meals, generous portions and affordable prices – all served up in a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home.

The restaurant chain has several locations in Texas, including one in Austin at 13301 N. U.S. Highway 183. To find a location near you, click here.

Photo courtesy of Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen.

COVER 3

Downtown Austin: 1717 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703 // 512.982.1550

2700 W Anderson Ln #202, Austin, TX 78757 // 512.374.1121

Round Rock: 2800 N Interstate Hwy 35 #200, Round Rock, TX 78681 // 512.693.2393

This upcoming Monday, guests can not only enjoy COVER 3's weekly lunch menu, but also a special brunch menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring popular brunch options such as Chilaquiles, Migas, Green Chile Beef Breakfast Enchiladas, Chicken Tinga Breakfast Enchiladas and more. This special offering applies to all COVER 3 locations in Central Texas, including Austin, Round Rock and San Antonio.The special menu also will feature an extra offering of COVER 3's U-Mix-It Bloody Mary & Bubbles Bar. The Bubbles Bar is a stand-alone station featuring 4 make-your-own mimosa options with cranberry, orange, grapefruit, peach nectar and pomegranate flavors as well as fresh fruit and juices, while the Bloody Mary Bar offers a selection of mixes and condiments ranging from Applewood Smoked Bacon, House-Pickled Veggies, Jalapeños, Stuffed Olives, and so much more.

A glimpse of some of Cover 3's Memorial Day brunch offerings. Photo courtesy of Cover 3.

LONE STAR COURT

10901 Domain Dr.

Officials at the popular,retro-ranch-themed boutique hotel are excited about their new "poptail" creations for which they've scheduled a launch party just days ahead of Memorial Day. The debut of new poptail creations is scheduled on Friday, May 24, with a “Poptails + Puptails” launch party. Officilals also announced the addition of local dog food truck – Bow Wow Bones Food Truck to the event, who will be providing the first 25 four-legged guests with a complimentary Bow Wow Bones ice cream to enjoy during the party.

To celebrate the return of the summer poptails, the property is hosting its May 24 "Summer of Poptails" launch party from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., complete with complimentary mini poptail tastings of the new flavors: Lone Star Sunrise, Cherry Mint Freeze, and Sour Grapes. Furry attendees won't be left out with the Bow Wow Bones Food Truck now onsite with complimentary "puptails" for the first 25 lucky dogs to attend. Guests are invited to come early to the hotel's monthly Friday Night Flix held on the property's outdoor pavilion where the '80s classic, "Sixteen Candles," will be shown on a large projector at 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

SUNDAY SUCCULENTS

Join Lone Star Court and Succulent Native for a Sunday Funday Planting Party on Sunday, June 2 from 3-4 p.m. Succulent Native instructors will teach attendees how to create their perfect succulent arrangement and how to take care of them at home. In addition to creating a custom terrarium, attendees will receive a complimentary poptail from The Water Trough. The event is open to the public and tickets are available for $40 here. Space is limited and tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis.

SUMMER FLIX

Lone Star Court's Friday Night Flix movie series is back and better than ever with a lineup of classics for the whole family to enjoy. Locals and hotel guests are invited to indulge in The Water Trough's extended happy hour specials starting at 4 p.m. and munch on a $5 burger and fries special. Each film begins at 8 p.m. and includes:

• May 24 – Sixteen Candles
• June 21 – Homeward Bound
• July 19 – Grease
• August 23 – Annie

STAYCATION VIBES
Lone Star Court is the perfect oasis for those looking to relax, unwind and enjoy a staycation. To celebrate summertime, the property will offer the "Summer of Poptails" package, which includes:

• Retro-inspired guest room accommodations for two
• Two signature Poptails from The Water Trough
• $10 Credit toward the Mini Bar food & beverage items per night, per room
• Complimentary late check out of 2 p.m., Texas-style continental breakfast, self-parking, and Wi-Fi
• Book here

Courtesy image.

SCHOLZ GARTEN

1607 San Jacinto Blvd.

Scholz Garten's Memorial Day Weekend celebration is scheduled on Sunday, May 26, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. To that end, Scholz Garten and Covert Curiosity have teamed up to host a weekend bash featuring performances by Croy and the Boys, Mayeux & Broussard, Union Specific, and Altamesa. In addition to a lively lineup, Scholz will include cocktail, beer, and food specials throughout the day.

Known as the longest running Biergarten in America and oldest restaurant, bar, and music venue in Texas, Scholz has been established as an Austin favorite for UT fans, music lovers, and families to enjoy traditional German food and beers from local breweries and more. Scholz Garten offers an all-day, full-service lunch and dinner menu comprised of modern-day twists on traditional German dishes in addition to salads, sandwiches, and specialties. Imported German beers, local draft beers, and specialty cocktails are offered at Scholz.

Scholz Garten is located at 1607 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, TX 78701 and is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. and Sunday 12 - 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.scholzgarten.com or follow Scholz on Facebook and Instagram.

Large patio with 500-person-capacity s ideal for gatherings big or small. Photo by Tony Cantú/Patch staff.

VISTA BREWING

13551 Ranch to Market Rd 150, Driftwood, TX

Vista Brew, which offers craft brews plus American fare in a rustic setting, with a focus on hyper-local ingredients, is offering a special menu on Memorial Day and the day before:

Sunday, May 26:

·Vista is hosting a lamb roast with roasted veggies, saffron rice, and herb garlic chutney. Additionally, Vista is hosting The Austin Flea from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. The Flea features all local handmade items and vintage wares from some of Austin's most amazing and talented vendors. Expect live music starting at 5 p.m. from western swing band Wilkinson's Quartet.

Memorial Day, Monday, May 27:

·Vista will be open on Monday, May 27 for Memorial Day from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.! There will be a special menu, offering plates ($20) of beef sausage hoagies with grilled onion and Kolsch mustard, cheeseburgers, salad, baked beans, cornbread, and coleslaw. Vista Brewing will also be selling the charcuterie and snack boxes from the garden. Live music will begin at 3 p.m. from Americana and Folk artist Padre Paul Handelman, who is a Veteran.

MEMORIAL DAY SAFETY TIPS

GRILL US HOTLINE

This Memorial Day, LongHorn Steakhouse will open its GRILL US Hotline to help guests “raise the steaks” on one of the biggest grilling holidays of the year, officials said in an email. Callers can get expert advice on how to bring quality to the grill from one of LongHorn’s expert Grill Masters by dialing 1-855-LH-GRILL on Monday, May 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET.

This marks the seventh year that the GRILL US Hotline has been available nationwide, logging more than 5,000 hours answering callers’ questions, ranging from grilling basics to hard-core techniques.

LongHorn Steakhouse describes its fare as being "...all about quality, and each restaurant nationwide has a team of expert Grill Masters who specialize in selecting the right steak cut, pairing it with the perfect seasoning blend and grilling to each guest’s taste. Only the best become LongHorn’s Grill Masters."

On Memorial Day, some of the top Grill Masters from around the country will be on-call to:

• Recommend the perfect cut of steak.
• Guide at-home grillers through techniques for any cut of meat.
• Navigate through tricky grilling scenarios – like what to do when a steak is overdone.
• Be guests’ go-to resource for any grilling topic.

For guests who prefer to leave the grilling to the Masters, LongHorn Steakhouse will be open all summer long. To locate the closest restaurant or learn more, visit LongHornSteakhouse.com.

Courtesy image.

STATE FARM SAFETY TIPS

Like a good neighbor, State Farm emailed Patch its own set of safety tips with the grilling and swimming season now upon us. "State Farm wants your family to enjoy those tasty burgers and hot dogs while keeping an eye on the young ones at the swimming pool or the beach," officials wrote. "Here are 3 quick tips to keep you and your family safe."

• Grilling: Grill in well-ventilated areas: Never grill inside a home, tent, vehicle or camper. Carbon monoxide poisoning is responsible for more than 50,000 emergency room visits causing more than 400 deaths according to the CDC, Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Clean your grill: Clean grates and grease pans to prevent flare-ups. Stuck on char can increase your risk of cancer if consumed.
• Create a safe zone: Keep children, pets and play areas away from grills. Children under the age of 5 account for 37% of emergency room visits for contact burns. Grill at least 10 ft. way from building and never leave a grill unattended.

General Water Safety Tips

• Children should always be supervised: Whether you're in the backyard, a public pool, or at the beach, make sure there is a responsible, designated person to watch the water when children are swimming. Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 1-14 years.
• Enter the water feet-first: Serious injuries, including paralysis, can occur from diving head first into unknown water and hitting the bottom. Enter headfirst only when the area is clearly marked for diving and has no obstructions.
• Test the water temperature before you get in: Jumping into cold water can shock your body and elevate your heart rate and blood pressure, and also slow your muscles, making it difficult to swim.

Additional Resources

• Charcoal and Gas Grilling Safety Tips: https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/safety/charcoal-and-gas-grilling-safety
• Swimming and Water Safety Tips: https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/family/swimming-and-water-safety-tips

USDA FOOD SAFETY TIPS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service offered its own set of tips related to food safety. "Fill your picnic basket with these items that will help keep your summer fun while handling food at your Memorial Day gathering," officials wrote. Here's their advice:

• If running water is not available, bring soap, paper towels, hand sanitizer or moist towelettes. This will help keep your hands clean throughout the day especially after handling any raw meat or poultry.
• Avoid cross contamination by using clean plates and utensils. Don’t place cooked food on a plate that once held raw meat or poultry.
• Bring a couple of portable coolers – one for perishable foods and one for beverages– filled with ice. Perishable items like raw chicken, burgers or appetizers like fresh salsa, guacamole or bean salads should be kept at 40⁰F or below.
• Don’t forget the food thermometer! Cook meat and poultry to the safe internal temperatures. Checking the temperature is the only way to know if your food is safe to consume. USDA recommended safe minimum internal temperatures are:
  • Beef, pork, lamb and veal (steaks, roasts and chops): 145°F with a three-minute rest time
  • Fish: 145°F
  • Ground meats (beef, veal, lamb, pork): 160°F
  • Whole poultry, poultry breasts and ground poultry: 165°F
• Bring the right amount of food that you will consume at your picnic, but if you still have some leftovers, don’t leave them outdoors for more than 2 hours.

"Foodborne illnesses can be prevented by properly handling food at home or outdoors,"

regulators wrote. "Make sure to follow our four steps - Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill - to food

safety all year and during special occasions like this Memorial Day holiday."

Need more food safety information? Call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at (1-888-674-6854) Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, or email or chat at AskKaren.gov.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Venue operators, let us know if you have anything special planned for Memorial Day so we can include it on this list. Email antonio.cantu@patch.com.