As we look longingly ahead to 2021, a year where we hope to find peace and healing, we must first pay tribute to 2020’s little moments of joy that kept us going when we didn’t think we could a second longer. Just like many of you, we were able to find respite from the chaos through fresh air, new hobbies, local arts, and more. Read along as the Do512 and Do512 Family staff reflect on their favorite moments of the year.
Family Hike at Pedernales Falls, Photo via Heidi Okla
“I can’t even begin to express my gratitude for local parks and trails. Nature therapy got me through 2020! Having an active family of five, it was certainly a bit of a shock to our lifestyle to have to slow down and give up a lot of our regular social activities. So we went on TONS of family hikes, which provided such wonderful moments for us to chat and connect, as well as to feel a sense of peacefulness in such a stressful time. Exploring Texas State Parks and Austin trails that were new to us, gave us a fun sense of adventure and excitement in an otherwise monotonous day-to-day pandemic pattern. I will always cherish these hikes with my kids!”
-Heidi Okla, Do512 Family Editor & Marketing Manager
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“What better time to get over your kitchen phobia and learn how to cook than during a pandemic? Yeah I tried and I’m still not sold on the whole cooking thing. Some of my favorite local take-out spots that have made getting through this year bearable are:
Tuk Tuk Thai Cafe
Hunan Lion
Rosita’s Al Pastor”
-Carlos Chavez, Content Manager
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Black Lives Matter Protest, Photo Credit: Roger Ho
“Oh man oh man 2020 has been quite the year. There have been dark days and in the midst of humans brought light in new and wonderful ways. Do512 created a drive-in with CapMetro, Walker Lukens released a Willie Nelson cover album, the city of Austin came together to support as many places as possible, Black Lives Matter making an impact on so many and hopefully making forever changes in this nation, the finale of Shitts Creek, Sagebrush, food at Fraziers, trivia at Hotel Vegas, the blooms at Yellow Jacket, to-go cocktails and so much great food… music, music and more music. I could go on about the social change, the people, the places and the things that have gotten me through the year with positivity. Seeing the beauty of humanity in the best ways has made me more grateful for the things I DO have and get to experience.”
-Ashley Gregg, Director of Operations
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“By far my favorite thing that has gotten me through 2020 was Austin Creative Reuse. Being able to pick up so many unique arts & crafts supplies (for SO CHEAP) has kept me busy and fulfilled during all this time at home. The to-go margaritas from Workhorse have helped, too. The combination of crafting and sipping? Superb!”
-Hannah Baker, Do512 Managing Editor
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Park & Watch, Photo Credit: Roger Ho
“What a year! Missing out on all the events and concerts I was so excited to be part of this year has been a major bummer but working with CapMetro to put on the Park + Watch drive-in movie series this fall, was definitely one of the highlights. It had been the first time in months that our team was able to get together in person (socially distanced and masked of course) and do what we do best and put on an event for the city! If I learned anything this year, it’s to not take for granted the things we do still have, and being able to be together with my team + friends and be apart of bringing a little joy to our community is something I wont ever take for granted again.”
-Mike Brown, Business Development Manager
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“I was excited this year to see one of my favorite local musicians (and a former Do512 staff member) Matt Bradshaw release a new song and video called “Whatever It Takes.” The song is excellent and I’m looking forward to his output in 2021!”
-Ben Williams, Social Media Manager
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McKinney Falls, Photo Credit: Heidi Okla
“Finally taking the trip to McKinney Falls was awesome. There are so many beautiful parks in Austin, it’s crazy!”
-Grace Svoboda, Designer
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“This year, like many of us, I explored Austin in a totally new way: from home. Being able to support local artisans through events like Frida Friday ATX and the CraftHER Market, while snuggled up on my couch, kept my spirits high and my jewelry collection on point!”
–Brooke Adams, Email Marketing Manager
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Zilker Park, Photo Credit: Roger Ho
“There’s nothing like a shelter-in-place order to really make you appreciate what’s beyond the walls of your home! My favorite part of this year was embarking on a personal goal to spend more time outdoors, adopting the Norwegian concept ‘friluftsliv’ (shoutout to the Today Show for the language lesson!). Whether I was playing beach volleyball at Moontower Saloon or Spike Ball at Zilker, picnicking at Mueller Lake Park, jogging on the Lady Bird Lake Trail, strolling and podcasting (UT’s The Orange Tree) through the rolling Barton Hills, or just working from my balcony while the squirrels spur with my cats, I was constantly reminded of Austin’s never-ending opportunities to fall in love with fresh air and green earth.”
–Keili Harrison, Content Coordinator
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We would be delighted to know your “Best of 2020” moments!
Please tell us what you loved about this year by emailing [email protected] or sharing your comments on our Facebook and Instagram.
