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Morgan O’Neal

Product Editor

Morgan is a Tennessee native who lives and works in downtown Austin. Before 6AM City, she wrote for Texas Highways and led the digital team at Community Impact. If she’s not out and about in the city, she’s likely paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake, playing with her cat Louie, or making beaded jewelry

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Two hands hold up identical yellow cocktails in short, clear, textured glasses filled with ice. The drinks are garnished with dried orange wheels on the rim and have a chili-lime spice blend coating the upper glass edges. Each cocktail contains a brown paper straw. The hand on the left has dark red painted nails and wears multiple colorful beaded bracelets in pink, turquoise, and purple tones. The hand on the right has a pale pink manicure and wears a delicate silver chain bracelet. In the background, tall green ornamental grasses line a stone-paved outdoor area. A round wooden table and woven-back patio chairs are partially visible.
Food
Sip half-priced margaritas at 12 Austin spots during Margarita May
Austin bars and restaurants are teaming up for a month-long initiative featuring 50% off specialty margaritas + treasure hunts for Marg Bucks.
April 30, 2025
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Morgan O’Neal
A colorful sign reading "Top Notch Charcoal Hamburgers Fried Chicken & Shrimp Dining Room Curb Service"
Business
Step into a time machine: Iconic Austin businesses by decade
Journey through local history and travel into another era by visiting these businesses, restaurants, and bars where time stands still.
April 24, 2025
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Morgan O’Neal
View of downtown Austin, Texas, featuring a cluster of high-rise buildings under a clear blue sky. Prominent structures include the JW Marriott hotel, the Frost Bank Tower with its pointed crown-like top, and the Hampton Inn & Suites. Trees and a few low-rise buildings are visible in the foreground.
Culture
10 things locals hope never change about Austin
We’re all about sharing the new and exciting things coming to the Capital City, but here are some things Austinites hope never change.
April 24, 2025
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Kristen Templeton
A few gifts overlaid on a patchwork background, including a Carharrt lunch box and a jewelry dish.
Sponsored
What to buy for parents: Your 2025 gift guide for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
Including Oprah’s favorite eye mask and a No. 1 best-selling beard trimmer.
Sponsored by
A visually striking dessert featuring a round labneh cheesecake with a caramelized top, layered over a crust coated in crushed pistachios, and topped with a scoop of deep pink sorbet. The dessert is served on a dark blue ceramic plate placed on a pink tiled surface with red grout.
Food
3 must-try Austin restaurant collaborations happening in April
Snag a seat at these one-night-only dinners, featuring dishes from top local chefs, at spots like Emmer & Rye and Ezov.
April 22, 2025
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Morgan O’Neal
The Barton Springs Salamander, a small aquatic amphibian with a speckled brown body and pale spots. It has feathery, pink external gills near its head and tiny limbs. The salamander is resting on a rocky surface underwater, blending with its surroundings.
Travel and Outdoors
What you may not know about the Barton Springs Salamander
Meet the endangered Barton Springs Salamander, a vibrant amphibian that calls Austin’s natural springs home.
April 18, 2025
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Morgan O’Neal
A table at Oribello's has a birria pizza, ube pancakes, and two Purple Ube-Ritas.
Food
Ube, birria + brunch: Oribello’s is Austin’s new hub for Filipino flavors
Meet the brothers behind Oribello’s, a new bar and kitchen on West 37th Street that will have you seeing purple.
April 16, 2025
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Morgan O’Neal
An aeriel view of a work truck applying a sealcoat treatment to a street in an Austin neighborhood.
City
It’s street maintenance season in Austin. Here’s what to know
Find out if your neighborhood will be affected by ongoing street maintenance work + what to do if it is.
April 16, 2025
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Morgan O’Neal
ATXtoday-Austin-Convention-Center-Art-April-2025.JPG
City
Artwork inside the Austin Convention Center rehomed
Ahead of the Austin Convention Center’s demolition, find out the fate of four legacy art installations that once called the facility home.
April 14, 2025
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Morgan O’Neal
A view of Austin south of Lady Bird Lake includes the South 1st Street bridge and The Catherine apartments.
City
What Austin’s new building codes mean for local housing
Six newly adopted building codes will require air conditioning in all buildings, allow single-stairway designs, mandate electric vehicle infrastructure, and more.
April 11, 2025
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Morgan O’Neal
Aerial view of a large two-story home with a tile roof surrounded by dense trees and greenery, located in a hilly suburban neighborhood. The home features a wide driveway, well-maintained landscaping, and is set against a scenic backdrop of a golf course with a sand trap. The sky is painted with vibrant pink, purple, and blue hues from the setting sun.
Real Estate
Swing into luxury: 3 golf course homes for sale in Austin
Explore three stunning homes for sale in Austin with golf course views, resort-style pools, and outdoor living spaces.
April 11, 2025
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Morgan O’Neal
Outdoor seating area at Pins Mechanical Co. in Austin, Texas, featuring a large yellow sign on a dark gray brick wall. Red plastic bins for games are arranged in the foreground, and wooden picnic tables and green bean bag chairs are set up under a canopy. A television screen displays a broadcast of The Masters golf tournament.
Business
Take a first look inside Pins Mechanical Co. at St. Elmo’s
Pins Mechanical Co. brings throwback games, yard hangs, and quirky cocktails to the St. Elmo District starting Thursday, April 17.
April 10, 2025
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Morgan O’Neal
A group of turtles sunbathe on partially submerged logs in a calm, reflective body of water. Two birds stand nearby on a separate log, and the scene is framed by green leaves in the foreground. The water reflects the trees and sky, adding a serene, mirror-like quality to the image.
Travel and Outdoors
A wildlife guide to Lady Bird Lake
Meet the feathered, flippered, and furry locals who share Lady Bird Lake with us.
April 10, 2025
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Morgan O’Neal
A group of people lines up at a vibrant, graffiti-covered purple food truck that’s been converted from a school bus. The server leans on the counter, engaging with customers as they order. The bus features a rooftop seating area where a couple of patrons relax on lawn chairs under the trees. The truck’s design includes a large, black-and-white painted gorilla face on the front and playful curtains in the windows. The setting is shaded and urban, with surrounding trees and buildings in the background.
Food
Austin chefs vie for Lamb Jam Master title
Head to Lamb Jam 2025 on Wednesday, April 16 at east Austin’s Assembly Hall to vote for your favorite local bite.
April 8, 2025
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Morgan O’Neal
A quiet, suburban street lined with single-story modern homes, each with a small front porch and gabled roof. Some roofs feature solar panels, and the homes are surrounded by green lawns, trees, and colorful flower beds. A blue SUV is parked along the road, and the sky is clear with a few wispy clouds, suggesting a calm and pleasant day.
Real Estate
Affordable home applications open for Whisper Valley
There are 48 new homes coming to the sustainable community, starting at $230,000 and designed for middle-income Austinites.
April 8, 2025
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Morgan O’Neal
A vibrant brunch spread is set on a sunlit outdoor table, featuring a fresh salad with greens, beets, and grilled cheese, alongside a plate of mini waffles drizzled with caramel sauce and topped with whipped cream. Two hands hold cocktails garnished with dried citrus slices — one in a short glass with a pale yellow drink and the other in a stemmed glass with an orange-hued beverage. A green glass bottle and a matching cup add to the table’s aesthetic, while a cushioned bench with textured fabric provides a cozy background.
Food
Bunnies, egg hunts + buffets: Where to eat Easter brunch in Austin
Make your Easter Sunday egg-stra special with these local brunch specials and kid-approved activities.
April 4, 2025
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Morgan O’Neal
Mayor Kirk Watson stands in front of a “Greetings from Austin, Texas” sign, smiling while wearing a gray suit, blue shirt, and red paisley tie. Behind him, an American flag and another official flag are displayed against a stone wall, with chairs lined up in the background.
City
How locals ‘Keep Austin Open’ with Mayor Kirk Watson
Your ATXtoday City Editors met with the mayor to ask him about his decades-long experience working in Austin and how his terms compare.
April 3, 2025
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Laura Figi
Arjav Ezekiel smiles and leans against a wooden shelf filled with bottles of wine, some with colorful and artistic labels. He is wearing a navy blazer over a white shirt and a blue baseball cap with a small embroidered design. Behind him, a large window with a blue frame lets in natural light, and yellow curtains hang beside it. Through the window, a tree and a house are visible in the background.
Food
Birdie’s Arjav Ezekiel named 2025 James Beard Award finalist
Though many local chefs + restaurants made the semifinalist cut, Birdie’s beverage director Arjav Ezekiel is Austin’s sole 2025 James Beard Award nominee.
April 2, 2025
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Morgan O’Neal
A cozy reading nook inside Vintage Books + Wine, featuring a wooden bookshelf filled with colorful books on the left. To the right, two plush teal armchairs sit against a white brick wall adorned with a butterfly-themed mural that reads "DRINK. READ. AND STAY AWHILE." A small rug lies beneath the chairs, and a postcard display stand is nearby. An open doorway with a "MORE SEATING" sign leads to another room with wooden walls and flooring. A fire extinguisher is mounted on the wall near the doorway.
Culture
Austin’s best book nooks: 10 places locals love to read
Looking for a place to devour your new book? ATXtoday readers revealed their favorite spots to read in Austin.
April 2, 2025
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Morgan O’Neal
Exterior view of the Austin Convention Center in Downtown Austin, Texas, featuring a modern architectural design with large columns, metal framework, and limestone walls. A covered entrance is visible in the foreground, along with security cameras and potted plants. In the background, a tall glass skyscraper with a large advertisement for the television series "1923" starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren rises against a clear blue sky. Pedestrians walk along the sidewalk, and orange traffic cones are placed near the entrance.
City
How Austin plans to boost tourism without a convention center
A new initiative aims to keep the city buzzing with visitors while the Austin Convention Center undergoes a major overhaul.
March 31, 2025
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Morgan O’Neal
A cozy living room with eclectic decor featuring two coral-colored sofas facing each other, flanked by two cream-colored armchairs. The room has a white textured fireplace with decorative figurines and candles on the mantel. A glass coffee table sits in the center, covered with books and plants. The room is filled with colorful textiles, patterned rugs, and an array of artwork on the walls. Shelves along the right side are filled with books and various decorative items, while plants add a touch of greenery throughout the space. Natural light streams in through multiple windows
Real Estate
Historic Austin homes tour opens doors to 150 years of architecture
Peek inside stunning Austin homes designed by notable architects during this two-day tour in April.
March 27, 2025
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Morgan O’Neal
A plate of barbecue from Parish Barbecue sits on a wooden table nest to a tray of pickled okra, bread slices, and a dip resembling bean dip garnished with green onions.
Food
Try Parish Barbecue, where Texas smoke gets a Louisiana kick
Holden Fulco and Jake Haygood are blending experience from Interstellar BBQ, Franklin Barbecue, and Terry Black’s BBQ to carve out a new niche.
March 25, 2025
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Morgan O’Neal
A lively street festival in downtown Austin, Texas, with a crowd of people walking along a brick-paved street lined with vendor tents. The tents display signs for food, merchandise, and other offerings. The background features tall buildings, including a theatre marquee. Trees provide shade along the street, and people are seen enjoying the vibrant outdoor event.
City
Pecan Street Festival moves to Bee Cave amid 6th Street changes
Special Events Live CEO Luis Zapata said the festival’s heart won’t change, even as it heads to the Hill Country Galleria for its 50th annual event.
March 25, 2025
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Morgan O’Neal
ATXtoday-Electric-Gravy-March-2025.jpg
Food
Electric Gravy heats up Austin’s dining scene
Enjoy bold cocktails, spice-forward bites, and desi beats at this new east Austin hot spot opening Thursday, March 27.
March 21, 2025
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Morgan O’Neal
To the left, a group of children stand on the Paramount's stage, in matching blue shirts and mid-dance. To the right, crowds of spectators watch them inside the historic theater.
Events
Summer’s calling: Here are 16 great summer camps in the Austin area
Arts, athletics, outdoors + more — we’ve rounded up epic summer camps for kiddos to participate in during sunshine season.
March 21, 2025
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London Gibson
A crowd of people watching a Texas Longhorns game
Sports
A brief history of the Texas Longhorns x March Madness
We’re breaking down March Madness milestones for the Texas Longhorns and what’s ahead in 2025.
March 20, 2025
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Morgan O’Neal
Last call Rodeo Austin_ATXtoday_FEB
Sports
5 things to know before you go to Rodeo Austin
Maximize your Rodeo Austin experience with these insider tips.
March 19, 2025
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Morgan O’Neal
bouldin-creek-home-south-austin-tx
Real Estate
By the numbers: Home prices cool, rental rates dip in Austin
Lower home prices, rising listings, and rental shifts — here’s what’s new in Austin real estate.
March 17, 2025
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Morgan O’Neal
Minaa B., Alok Vaid-Menon, Ana Kirova, and Kesha sit down for a panel conversation on the stage at SXSW 2025.
25 memories from SXSW 2025
From brands to bands and tacos to talks, here’s what made SXSW 2025 unforgettable.
March 17, 2025
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Morgan O’Neal
A Goodyear blimp is seen flying in a clear blue sky. The blimp is blue and gray with the word "GOODYEAR" prominently displayed in yellow letters along its side. The tail section features the registration number "N3A" in black on a yellow background. The gondola, located beneath the blimp, is painted white and blue.
City
Goodyear Blimp flies over Austin for the first time in 10 years
The Goodyear Blimp is celebrating its 100th birthday with a trip to the Capital City during SXSW 2025.
March 13, 2025
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
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