Tribeza’s Top 10 Stories of 2021

Revisit our favorite moments from an unpredictable year

By Meher Qazilbash

2021 was an adjustment period. It was a year filled with much-needed progress and reopenings, along with its own hardships and hurdles to overcome. While we are still proceeding with caution and haven’t quite made it to the finish line yet, victories from the year lie in our ability to celebrate and share experiences together again. Look back at the year of excitement and uncertainty with Tribeza’s top 10 stories of 2021.

1. Matthew McConaughey: Austin Can Be a Metropolis & Keep Its Soul

Photo courtesy of  the Moody Center

We were given many things to look forward to in 2021 including the announcement of the Moody Center, which has plans to debut in April of this year. Adding to the excitement, beloved Austinite Matthew McConaughey played a huge role in the development of the grand entertainment venue. We spoke to the actor and UT professor about what’s to come and what it means for Austin’s future.

2. Austin Under 40 Nominees Revealed

Photo courtesy of Austin Under 40

The Young Women’s Alliance and Young Men’s Business League honored the achievements of 16 outstanding Austinites with the Austin Under 40 Awards. In May, Tribeza announced the nominees being acknowledged for their efforts during the pandemic — plus five finalists in the Medicine and Healthcare field.

3. 18 Austin Eateries Land on List of Top Texas Restaurants

Las Abuelas photo via Yelp

From Yelp’s “Top 100 Places To Eat in Texas for 2021” list, 18 spots in Austin made the cut. We highlighted the local joints that are proven to be delicious, affordable and well-loved by the community.

4. Inside Soho House: 8 Photos of Austin’s New Members’ Club

Photo by Cristina Fisher

One of the most anticipated openings of the year was the Soho House, which debuted in May. Our piece gave an inside look at the stunning interiors and luxurious amenities of the member’s-only club on Music Lane.

5. Old Pal Bar Is an Ode to Old Austin—in Lockhart

Photo by J Baltierra

Changes continued to take place all over Central Texas, with plenty of new spots popping up all over town. This summer we wrote about the opening of Old Pal Bar in Lockhart, which serves as a tribute to the classic hippie joints and honky-tonks that helped make Austin exceptional. 

6. Kendra Scott First-Ever Men’s Line Is Inspired by Family


Photo courtesy of Kendra Scott

Interesting fashion news and trends took place all year, with one standout being the launch of Kendra Scott’s first-ever men’s line, Scott Bros. Arriving right in time for Father’s Day, we sat down with CEO Tom Nolan to discover the inspirations behind the brand’s new venture.

7. PHOTOS: Music-Themed Home Listed for $16 Million Sells in West Austin

Photo by Douglas Friedman, courtesy of Fern Santini Collaborative

A luxury music-themed house sold this May. We spoke to acclaimed designer Fern Santini and offered a special look into the colorful and eccentric West Austin home.

8. Dating Coach Ashley Kelsch Explores the ‘Friends First’ Strategy

The ongoing pandemic has made it stranger than ever to navigate our everyday romantic relationships. Luckily, professional dating and relationship coach and Tribeza columnist Ashley Kelsch answers the tough questions for us. This particularly insightful piece is all about the benefits of developing friendship before romance.

9. 6 of the Best Swimming Holes in the Austin Area

Photo by Eli Cohen

Offering a remedy to Texas’ brutally hot summers, we put together a list of our six favorite swimming pools located around Austin. This local guide is perfect for any nature-lovers bucket list!

10. A New Boutique in Clarksville Encourages Austin to Embrace the Joy of Sex

Photo by Clay Grier

Part of the beauty of 2021 was the ability to visit Austin’s unique stores in-person again. Lingerie shop Elle’s Boutique offers a particularly eye-opening shopping experience, encouraging open conversations surrounding sex and intimacy. We spoke to owner Elle Florescu about her background and vision.

Read More From the Wellness Issue | January 2022