Inside Lone Star Court: Host of Get Smart Post-Conference Happy Hour

Written by Victoria Williams.

If you’re looking to experience some authentic Texas Hill Country hospitality without leaving Austin’s city limits, look no further than Lone Star Court. Conveniently located at the Domain, Lone Star Court will also be the location for this year’s Get Smart Post Conference Happy Hour on Friday, Nov. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. At the hotel’s Water Trough Bar, conference-goers will be able to share what they’ve learned from the half-day professional development conference with colleagues, friends and like-minded communicators. The happy hour will feature a selection of finger foods and a signature cocktail made especially for the occasion!

“Lone Star Court is the vision of our President and CEO, Doyle Graham Jr., who wanted to establish a brand that is a retro-inspired boutique hotel. It is a 21^st century re-interpretation of the nostalgic motor court which, at the same time, captures the essence of Austin and the Texas Hill Country. It has an aesthetic that’s authentically Austin, from the furniture in the rooms to the Hill Country-inspired outdoor environment,” said Shane Bowser, who has worked as the Director of Food and Beverage at the hotel since July 2014.

It is more than just the authentic look and feel of the establishment that sets it apart from its competitors and has made it popular, however. There are “three crucial features” to be more specific, according to Bowser.

“First, our property was designed to create a hill country atmosphere in the middle of Austin. The primary elements are our live music venue, the onsite food truck and our swimming pool which is reminiscent of a hill country watering hole. We pride ourselves on being an oasis in the middle of a busy shopping district, giving our guests a place to relax and unwind when they’re finished partaking in everything else the Domain has to offer. The second would be the Water Trough’s eclectic menu selection. We provide a no nonsense food and beverage selection that reflects the honesty and individuality of Austin. Third would be our dedication to the service aspect. All of our staff treat our clientele as family so that they always feel like they’re coming home,” he said.

Dining fare at the Water Trough Bar is sure not to disappoint anyone, especially those looking to try local Texas-style cuisine.

“The Brisket tacos tend to be our most popular item. They are two warm flour tortillas with our slow smoked brisket, lightly topped with pickles, fried shallots, and our own BBQ sauce and served with a side of our homemade cole slaw,” Bowser said.

Bowser and his staff have worked hard to make the establishment what is it today.

“There are two primary adjustments my staff and I have made since arriving. The first is the emphasis on community outreach and building stronger relationships with local organizations and residents. Our Forever Happy Hour, where local residents and employees always get happy hour, is one example. The second is to continually work on making the Water Trough a destination for events such as our Barks and Brews (a dog-friendly mini festival), Concert Series (a seasonal venue for popular music artists) and a few others that are still in the planning stages.”

That graciousness extends to Women Communicators of Austin members and Get Smart attendees.

The Get Smart 2015 Post-Conference Happy Hour will “feature an expanded menu and specialty drinks themed specifically to Women Communicators of Austin,” added Bowser.

Admission to the Get Smart Post-Conference Happy Hour is included with your registration for Get Smart 2015: The Art of Storytelling.