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Aerin Lauder, founder and creative director of AERIN.Photo courtesy of Aerin Lauder -
AERIN essentials.Photo courtesy of Aerin Lauder -
AERIN 2012 holiday collection.Photo courtesy of Aerin Lauder -
AERIN essential makeup bag.Photo courtesy of Aerin Lauder
A somewhat new but already beloved holiday tradition has returned: Hotel Vin, the hotel in Historic Downtown Grapevine, has brought back its famous "Bubbles" - cozy igloos that serve as pop-up bars during the holiday season.
A statement from Hotel Vin says the bubbles will debut on November 18 and remain through February 14. That may seem like a ways off, but in the past, these have sold out fast, and they're already taking reservations (reserve your bubble here).
Igloo bars first bubbled up in DFW in 2019, then surged in 2020 during the pandemic days, when people were trying to find ways to be social in outdoor settings.
They were novel and fun enough that they blossomed into their own sizzling-hot trend, returning for the 2021 holidays and now for 2022.
Also referred to as garden igloos, these "bubbles" are like plastic caves, like a geodesic dome, where you can hang out and imbibe under the winter sky, protected by your bubble from the elements.
They're ideal for groups and make for a good amusement during the holidays.
In prior years, the bubbles were planted on Hotel Vin's rooftop, but this year, they're located on the WineYard lawn. According to a spokesperson, the prior rooftop location led to some instability on the part of the bubbles. You don't want a bubble to float off the roof with party people inside.
You can have dinner inside the igloo. Check out the fur throws, so cozy.Hotel Vin
Their eight bubbles are decked out with après ski-lodge décor including fur blankets, heaters, and treats, creating an ambiance of coziness amidst an evergreen forest. They're open Wednesdays-Sundays from 5-10 pm.
Pricing
Happy Hour Bubble from 4-5 pm is $150
You can BYOB or enjoy a bottle of wine and fondue.
Two-Hour Lounge Bubble from 5:30-8 pm is $250
Same as the happy hour bubble, just an additional 90 minutes.
Full Dining Bubble from 5:30-8 pm, $150 per person
Seasonally inspired three-course dinner comes with a bottle of wine. Additional beverages are available for purchase throughout your meal.
There’s no stopping some collectors, who make historical gear and other oddities a lifelong pursuit. Ray Benson, frontman of the longtime Texas-based Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel, has a looser grasp on some of his items.
“After 50 plus years of collecting, I realized it’s time for me to clean house and let someone else enjoy them for a while,” said Benson in a press release. “I wouldn’t say that I became a collector on purpose,” he later added.
In particular, he’s talking about memorabilia, custom guitars, classic cars, and even a custom motorcycle. New Braunfels-based Burley Auction is in charge of the sale, which will occur both in person in New Braunfels and online on October 15. So each item’s true value shines through, Benson will walk onlookers through his collection, telling stories from his career since 1970.
Collectibles are a great chance at name dropping, which in this case calls to memory connections with Willie Nelson, George Strait, Dolly Parton, and Commander Cody, among others. This is as interesting for an Asleep at the Wheel fan as any buyer who loves Texas and its nonconformist entertainment history.
“I’ve accumulated a vast collection of some really cool stuff! From the bay area music scene of the early ‘70s, to the Austin ‘Cosmic Cowboy’ movement” Benson said. “Hats, boots, posters, cars and guitars!”
Benson will auction off custom guitars, classic cars, and more on October 15.Photo by Mike Shore
In addition to connecting people with items that make them happy or teach them something, this auction benefits the Texas Dance Hall Preservation, which maintains antique gathering places across the state including two in Texas: the Austin Son’s of Hermann Mixed Lodge and the Broken Spoke.
The auction couldn’t have come at a more nostalgic time for Asleep at the Wheel, in the wake of its album Half A Hundred Years, released on October 1. As usual, the band will be at the Austin City Limits Festival (as one of its more stable offerings year-to-year) supporting the 19-track new release. Iconic musicians from the genre join the record as guests, plus three original band members who lend their talents for the first time in 40 years.
Asleep at the Wheel will play with the Plano Symphony Orchestra at Richardson's Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts Richardson on October 22.
Auction registration details and a catalog of items up for grabs are available at BurleyAuction.com.
