This month marks two years of Stroll Balcones & Spicewood Village.  That’s 24 issues filled with stories, laughter, milestones, and memories from right here in our neighborhood.

I still remember holding that very first issue in my hands, 28 pages with just enough partners who believed in the dream of bringing neighbors together through something tangible. Something they could hold, flip through, and proudly display on their coffee tables, and we’ve done it!

Two years later, that power of print continues to amaze me. In a world where everything moves so fast and so much disappears with a scroll, our magazine stands as something lasting, something that connects, celebrates, and builds trust.

Month after month, our local partners share their businesses with you through these pages, and you respond by showing up, supporting them, and helping our local economy thrive.

That’s what makes Stroll Balcones & Spicewood Village so special, we are far more than a publication, we have managed connection. It’s a partnership between neighbors, businesses, and families who care about one another.

As we head into the 2026, I hope you’ll join me in making a conscious effort to shop local and support small businesses. The retail locations and service providers featured in our magazine are run by people who live, work, and give back right here in our community. When you choose them over a click-to-ship option, you’re helping to sustain the very heartbeat of Austin, and that’s something worth celebrating this season.

So as you celebrate the turning of the year, I hope this issue reminds you of the beauty of community and the faces, the stories, and the businesses that make our special neighborhood feel like home.

Let’s welcome our new partners, Alma Esthetics and Silver Nest Pet Waste Removal. We are excited to partner with these businesses as well as so many reputable businesses in our great community!

Tanya Badillo
Publisher, Stroll Balcones & Spicewood Village

512.913.0696