Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Enchanted Forest Walk

Each year the Lakeway Parks and Recreation Department installs an Enchanted Forest Walk. It features tiny fairy and gnome homes that line the way as you stroll under a canopy of magical trees and twinkling lights. We are going to visit it today, but since it is daytime, there won’t be any twinkling lights. We are catered by Suzis China Grill of Austin. Our entertainment is Don Ho.

Menu

Moo Goo Delight – shrimp, chicken and fresh mushrooms in brown sauce
Seafood Delight – shrimp, scallops & krab with vegetables in brown sauce
Three Delight – beef, chicken & shrimp sautéed with vegetables in special sauce
Sautéed Trio – beef, chicken & shrimp sautéed with mushrooms & scallions in spicy burgundy sauce
Home Style Bean Curd – stir-fried with fried tofu, vegetables, chili & garlic
Broccoli with Garlic Sauce – sautéed with garlic, ginger & chili
String Bean Szechwan  – sautéed with garlic, ginger & rice wine
Picture of an old time school bus
Let’s go
We are welcomed by a happy bear.
A long view of the trail showing flowers and mushrooms
One of the Fairy communities from afar.
A close-up of the fairy homes
Cinderella’s coach.
Two gnomes in the tree.
Fairy boots and Texas stars with wagons.
Cattle and a wagon train.
Tooth fairy hangout.
Gnome blowing bubbles.
Butterflies and ladybugs.
Flower fairies.
A group of gnomes giving us a wave goodbye.
We do have one nighttime photo courtesy of the city.
That is the walk in the Enchanted Forest. The time now for food and entertainment. I hope you have a wonderful week.

99 comments

  1. Darlene's avatar

    What cute displays. I bet it looks great at night too. I can’t remember how long its been since I heard Don Ho sing Tiny Bubbles. Didn’t Dean Martin sing it too.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think Dean might have. It is an oldy for sure.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. srbottch's avatar

    Chicken and beef, please. Hold the hot sauce. Love the greeting bear and wagon train. More community spirit on display.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Steve. There is a lot of it here.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. srbottch's avatar

        What a voice Don Ho had. I like that song, Tiny Bubbles.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Yes it is a good song. Thanks, Steve.

          Liked by 1 person

  3. GP's avatar

    Some Seafood Delight and we’ll have good food mixed with fantasy and soft, happy music!!

    Happy Sunday, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, GP. Happy Sunday to you

      Liked by 1 person

      1. GP's avatar

        Thank you, John. I hope yours is going well.

        Liked by 1 person

  4. quiall's avatar

    I do love a little whimsy.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Here is a little for sure. Thanks, Pam.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    This event always looks fun. Bubble blowing gnome is definitely my favorite.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      He was a good one for sure.

      Like

  6. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen M. Plano · ·

    How fun, John. When I lived in Connecticut, I met a woman who left treats for fairies in her yard. She seemed sane, but her fairy stories always left me wondering. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Well here is an official city department doing a fairy walk. Who’s to say?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
        Gwen M. Plano · ·

        Anything is possible, and besides, we need the magical in our lives.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Yes we do. Thanks, Gwen

          Like

  7. shoreacres's avatar

    That bear is my absolute favorite, but if I had kids or grandkids, I’d be there in a minute. You do have some nice events!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree. There are a lot of things for kids to do here.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Debbie's avatar

    I’d have loved seeing this at night, John — what an enchanted place to stroll! I particularly like the flower fairies, as well as the cattle and wagon train. Thanks for letting me walk along with you (Monk sat this one out — no way he’d let those displays remain intact, even if he was on a leash!)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Poor monk. Tempeste would love to have at it too. Thanks, Debbie.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. coldhandboyack's avatar

    There must be some fun people working there to come up with all the things they do.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think the Park and Rec folks are pretty special.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Jennie's avatar

    How delightful!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is. Thanks, Jennie.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie's avatar

        You’re welcome, John.

        Liked by 1 person

  11. lois's avatar

    This is so cute! The gnome blowing bubbles is adorable! My husband watches the old Wagon Train reruns every afternoon, so I found myself saying, “Wagon ho!” to that little cattle and wagon train display. I would love to be here at night. What a great idea this is.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Lois. It does add to life’s enjoyment.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. circadianreflections's avatar

    That’s delightful!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Deborah.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. noelleg44's avatar

    The children must love this (I love it!) – and I love the lights at night! Enchanting!

    I’ll have the Buddha feast today – I need the veggies.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes. The veggies are good for you.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. noelleg44's avatar

        I think I could become a vegetarian but Hubs likes his meat and I don’t know how long I’d last!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Vegetarian is a tough regimen. I wouldn’t make it for sure.

          Liked by 1 person

  14. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    Sweet! You had us at ‘enchanted.’

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    Hmmm… I’ll have the Sauteed Trio, please. John, this is whimsically delightful! Tiny Bubbles is the perfect soundtrack. (Now I think I need a glass of Lambrusco to go with the Trio.)
    The gnomes made me think of the critters Terry Brooks created for his “Landover” series — the g’home gnomes — such frustrating, irritating, yet somehow adorable creatures that whenever they showed up every one said “Go home gnomes!” Thanks for a wonderful tour. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m glad you enjoyed it, Teagan. Thanks for the Terry Brooks story too. Hugs

      Like

  16. Kymber @booomcha's avatar

    This looks like so much fun! I love the little fairy houses and gardens. 🩷🌷🌺

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They are cute, Kymber. Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So glad. Thanks, Annette

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    This is one of the most fun walks you’ve taken us on, John. I love the nighttime shot!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jan. So glad you liked it. 😁

      Like

  18. Sue Dreamwalker's avatar

    Love that you have taken to that wonderful Fairy land, I was in my element , so enchanting 🙂 Love the one blowing bubbles and Elvis :-) of course 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Sue Dreamwalker's avatar

    Haha.. I am sure you thought I was in fairy land when I said Elvis.. I need my glasses checking lol… Looked like Elvis.. Now I am playing it and stand corrected LOL 🙂 🤣😂🤣

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I just went with it. hanks again, Sue.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sue Dreamwalker's avatar

        Haha… Thanks for the smiles.. and loved the post 🙂 lol xx

        Like

  20. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    Fine walk for such cute displays, John. A lot of talent and work went into this. I heard Don Ho sing Tiny Bubbles in the International Marketplace when I was stationed in Hawaii.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I saw him as well. I think he was drunk when I saw him.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. The Coastal Crone's avatar

    These would really make one slow down and take in the tiny details. They really are enchanting. Thanks for including the night shot.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jo. Taking in the details is the way to do this walk. Have a great week.

      Like

  22. walkingoffthechessboard's avatar

    The Enchanted Forest Walk is a big hit with me, John. That nighttime photo was a great way to end our visit there.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Bruce. I wish I had gone at night but there is only so much that can be done.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

    Thanks for the enchanting post, John! Just delightful!
    🩷

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m gad you liked it Cindy. Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

        You’re so welcome, John !!! Most certainly!🩷

        Liked by 1 person

  24. Resa's avatar

    Allrighty! Tofu!

    The little kids must love this, John.

    I’ve said it before, you picked a fab hood to move to.

    Definitely a 10 OX post!

    Still, they can make a mess, so I’ll stick with basics!

    🐂🐂🐂🐂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you. My barn was just cleaned from the last batch.
      🐂🐂🐂🐂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        Hahahaha!
        Too bad you have the artificial turf. It could come in handy.
        🐂🐂🐂🐂

        Liked by 1 person

  25. robertawrites235681907's avatar

    Hi John, a delightful walk. I love those little grassy fairy houses.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Robbie. They were cute.

      Like

  26. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    A very whimsical exhibit! I particularly like the carved bear. I remember “Tiny Bubbles” from when I was a kid. It was nice to listen to it again.

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree on the song and the bear. Thanks, Liz.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        You’re welcome, John.

        Liked by 1 person

  27. Pit's avatar

    I love that bear at the entrance. The whole installation is a wonderful idea.

    Liked by 1 person

  28. Dan Antion's avatar

    What a wonderful activity, John. I love the different attractions.

    I’ll have that Sautéed Trio.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks Dan. Coming right up

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Michele Lee's avatar

    Looks like a fun community event! 🧚🏻‍♂️Thank you for the entertainment. 😁

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks for coming along, Michele. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Michele Lee's avatar

        🚌 🙏🏻 😁

        Liked by 1 person

  30. jilldennison's avatar

    Who doesn’t love an Enchanted Forest Walk? I’d like a half order (child’s portion?) of the Seafood Delight, please. Oh what whimsical settings … I love them all! Thanks for bringing a smile to my face today, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So glad you liked it, Jill. The seafood serving is on the small side. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. jilldennison's avatar

        And here I thought everything was big in Texas! 🤤

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Well it is but those seafood dishes are from the East coast.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. jilldennison's avatar

          Ahhhhh … that makes sense, then! It was delicious, at any rate, and just the right amount!

          Liked by 1 person

  31. Teri Polen's avatar

    This is adorable! I bet it’s so pretty with the lights at night. Thanks for the tour, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think it is. Thanks, Teri.

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Book Club Mom's avatar

    Awww, these were so fun to see!

    Liked by 1 person

  33. Sorryless's avatar

    That IS one happy bear. Must’ve had some grub from the caterer. And now you’ve got me thinking back to the series Wagon Train. Good times!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I loved that series. When Ward Bond died I pretty much walked away.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sorryless's avatar

        Yanno, he was Bert the cop in the movie It’s A Wonderful Life.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          That’s true. He was also a cop in Grapes of Wrath.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Sorryless's avatar

          That’s why you’re Boss

          Liked by 1 person

  34. dgkaye's avatar

    Loved the whimsical tour of fairies, gnomes and unicorns. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for coming along, Debby.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. dgkaye's avatar

        My pleasure John 🙂

        Liked by 1 person