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The holidays are officially upon us. The Thanksgiving decorations have been taken down and the Christmas ones are replacing them. 2021 marked a relative return to normalcy, even if the craziness we see on the news hasn’t changed much. Even still, we’re taking the time to reflect on some of our favorite things and have put together our fan favorite annual list.
The Avenue Property Group’s Best of 2021 includes our favorite stories, books, podcasts, music, movies, shows and products of the year. This year, we’re adding our favorites local restaurants and escapes into the mix, if for no other reason than we like to mix things up every once in a while. Word of note here, this is not to say that these things were necessarily released to the public in 2021, but rather, when we discovered them.
In a year where this list could easily have been the ‘Worst of 2021’, we’d like to encourage you to contribute. We’re interested to hear what you think of the list, and how yours would differ from ours. So we’re leaving commenting turned on below. So let us have it!
Happy Holidays!
– Brian.
Our Favorite Stories
Bruce Lee’s Never Revealed Letter to Himself
Revered by generations as the greatest martial artist in popular culture, Lee is increasingly being recognized as the unheralded philosopher that he was. But his most intently philosophical work was the personal credo statement he wrote in the final year of his life, at the age of thirty-one, as a series of letters to himself under the heading “In My Own Process.” The piece underwent nine drafts, never finished and never published. Until now.
Iceland’s Genius Parody of Zuckerberg’s Meta
It’s hard to imagine a better parody of Mark Zuckerberg’s recent Metaverse launch and attempt to rebrand the company’s tarnished image as of late. But Visit Iceland‘s new genius campaign, Icelandverse, hits the nail on the head and manages to tie it all to tourism to promote the destination.
What Winter Haters get Wrong
Twenty-two percent of Americans relocated during the pandemic or know someone who did, according to the Pew Research Center. Another survey found that a whopping 56 percent said they planned to move in 2021. People have lots of reasons to move, whether they’re considering proximity to family (to get more—or less!) or escaping the high price and maddening traffic of big cities. And then, there’s weather.
How Google & Facebook Fund Global Misinformation
In 2015, six of the ten websites in Myanmar getting the most engagement on Facebook were from legitimate media. A year later, Facebook offered global access to Instant Articles, a program publishers could use to monetize their content. One year after that rollout, legitimate publishers accounted for only two of the top ten. By 2018, they accounted for zero.
20 Things to Do Instead of Scrolling
Research shows the majority of Americans spend a full waking month out of every year on their phone. Change is possible – it just takes time and is most sustainable when done gradually. Here are 20 small daily habits you can start right now to begin the process of spending less time on your phone.
Our Favorite Reads
Outliers
In this stunning book, Malcolm Gladwell takes us on an intellectual journey through the world of “outliers” – the best and the brightest, the most famous and the most successful. He asks the question: what makes high-achievers different?
Churchill’s Shadow
This revelatory new book takes on Churchill in his entirety, separating the man from the myth that he so carefully cultivated, and scrutinizing his legacy on both sides of the Atlantic. Geoffrey Wheatcroft illuminates key moments and controversies in Churchill’s career – from the tragedy of Gallipoli, to his shocking imperialist and racist attitudes, dealings with Ireland, support for Zionism, and complicated engagement with European integration.
Payback Jack
Written into a local setting, I found it fascinating to hit on so many Texas landmarks and then beautifully twist some genuinely likable characters around them. Mr. Sojka brilliantly covered a touchy subject and rolled an edge-of-your-seat plot-line through it without pushing a narrative, which is becoming increasingly rare. It’s not too often that you come across that character that does bad deeds who you ultimately end up cheering for while the supporting cast of cop vs. reporter adds a humorous sexual tension into what could be considered very dark subject matter.
Steal Like an Artist
An inspiring guide to creativity in the digital age, Steal Like an Artist presents ten transformative principles that will help readers discover their artistic side and build a more creative life. Nothing is original, so embrace influence, school yourself through the work of others, remix and reimagine to discover your own path. Follow interests wherever they take you—what feels like a hobby may turn into you life’s work.
Anything You Want
Entrepreneurs often lose sight of what matters. Are you helping people? Are they happy? Are you happy? Are you profitable? Isn’t that enough? Derek Sivers accidentally started a business by helping musicians sell their music. After ten years, he sold the company for $22 million and gave all the money to charity. In Anything You Want he shares 40 powerful lessons, in a book you can read in about an hour.
Our Favorite Podcasts
BiggerPockets
BiggerPockets’ largest and longest-running podcast breaks down real estate investing strategies that work—from deep-dive interviews to coaching calls, news analysis, and more. Make your next real estate investing move with confidence…tune in to the #1 real estate investing podcast every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
My First Million
Every week, My First Million dives deep into different business opportunities and explains how to pounce on them. Basically…they spoon-feed you interesting businesses you can start tomorrow. And hey, maybe it’ll help you get your first million users, revenue, profit, employees (that’d be wild), or whatever it is you want a million of.
Anatomy of Murder
Anatomy of Murder is a weekly true crime podcast examining homicide cases and paths to justice for the victims. Former New York City homicide prosecutor and host of Investigation Discovery’s True Conviction, Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi, teams up with Emmy award-winning investigative journalist, and former Deputy Sheriff Scott Weinberger,
15 Point Plan
To tackle all that life brings us, we need to have energy. Join Jillene Snell and Chad Hyams every Tuesday as they break down Ben Kinney’s 15 Point Plan, which charts a path for being less stressed and more productive. If you want to be happier, healthier, and more energized, this podcast is for you.
Crime Junkie
You are obsessed with all things crime-related. It started out as a general interest but now you have this true-crime-shaped-hole in your life that no amount of radio segments, podcasts, or documentaries can fill. And the more true crime media you consume the more you crave it. Yep, you’re a Crime Junkie.
Our Favorite Music
30
30 is the first new music from Adele since the release of her third studio album 25 in November 2015. The album is produced with former collaborators Greg Kurstin, Max Martin and Shellback and Tobias Jesso Jr as well as new collaborators Inflo and Ludwig Goransson.
Music of the Spheres
Music of the Spheres is the ninth studio album by British rock band Coldplay, released on 15 October 2021 by Parlophone in the United Kingdom and Atlantic Records in the United States. The album was produced by Max Martin, who is a new producer to the band’s discography.
Voyage
ABBA, one of the most successful pop groups of all time, released their new studio album Voyage on Friday 5th November, their first album in nearly 40 years! “To tell the truth, the main inspiration to record again comes from our involvement in creating the strangest and most spectacular concert you could ever dream of. “
Live at the Shoals Theatre
Jason Isbell reunited with former Drive-By Truckers bandmates Mike Cooley and Patterson Hood for a benefit concert at Shoals Theatre in Florence, Alabama on June 15, 2014. A live album featuring audio of the show, Live At The Shoals Theatre.
In These Silent Days
In These Silent Days is the seventh studio album by American singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile, released on October 1, 2021. The album received critical acclaim, and the lead single “Right on Time” garnered Carlile three Grammy Award nominations in 2022, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
Our Favorite Movies
I Care a Lot
Poised with sharklike self-assurance, Marla Grayson is a professional, court-appointed guardian for dozens of elderly wards whose assets she seizes and cunningly bilks through dubious but legal means. But when their mark turns out to have an equally shady secret of her own and connections to a volatile gangster, Marla is forced to level up in a game only predators can play – one that’s neither fair, nor square.
The Mitchells vs. the Machines
Young Katie Mitchell embarks on a road trip with her proud parents, younger brother and beloved dog to start her first year at film school. But their plans to bond as a family soon get interrupted when the world’s electronic devices come to life to stage an uprising. With help from two friendly robots, the Mitchells must now come together to save one another — and the planet — from the new technological revolution.
A Boy Called Christmas
An ordinary young boy called Nikolas sets out on an adventure into the snowy north in search of his father who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of the elves, Elfhelm. Taking with him a headstrong reindeer called Blitzen and a loyal pet mouse, Nikolas soon meets his destiny.
Red Notice
An Interpol agent successfully tracks down the world’s most wanted art thief with help from a rival thief. But nothing is as it seems as a series of double-crosses ensues. Starring a trio of some of the hottest stars going, Ryan Reynolds, Dwayne Johnson and Gal Gadot.
Cruella
Estella is a young and clever grifter who’s determined to make a name for herself in the fashion world. She soon meets a pair of thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they build a life for themselves on the streets of London. However, when Estella befriends fashion legend Baroness von Hellman, she embraces her wicked side to become the raucous and revenge-bent Cruella.
Our Favorite Shows
Ted Lasso
An American football coach is hired to manage a British soccer team; what he lacks in knowledge, he makes up for in optimism, determination and biscuits.
Blue Bloods
Tom Selleck stars as Frank Reagan, the New York Police Commissioner, and patriarch of the Reagan clan, a multigenerational family of cops. Frank’s oldest son is Danny, a seasoned detective and Iraqi War veteran who occasionally uses dubious tactics to solve cases. Daughter Erin, the lone female, is an assistant district attorney. Fresh out of Harvard Law, Jamie is the youngest member and “golden boy” of the family.
Call the Midwife
Adapted by Heidi Thomas from the best-selling memoirs of Jennifer Worth, this drama series is a moving, funny, colorful look at midwifery and family in 1950s East End London. It follows newly qualified midwife Jenny, who joins an eccentric, lovable community of nuns who are nurses at Nonnatus House.
Home Before Dark
Young investigative journalist Hilde Lisko moves with her family to the small town her father left behind, only to unearth shocking secrets in her pursuit of the truth.
The Rookie
Starting over isn’t easy, especially for small-town guy John Nolan, who, after a life-altering incident, is pursuing his dream of becoming an LAPD officer. As the force’s oldest rookie, he’s met with skepticism from some higher-ups who see him as just a walking midlife crisis.
Our Favorite Things
Our Favorite Eats
Joe Love Burger
Don’t be fooled by name. Joy Love Burgers serves a LOT more than just burgers. But these aren’t just any burgers. They’re so good, they named the entire concept after them. We’re talking prime beef, on homemade-daily sourdough buns, complete with the JoyLove Brand, all the fixings and then loaded up with a side of fresh, crunchy fries with season salt.
La Balance Cafe
Billed as French with a Modern Twist, La Balance Cafe is still one of Fulshear’s best kept secrets. Even to the locals. Located in downtown Fulshear, across FM-359 from the Post Office, the cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s fine dining in small town Texas.
Chuckwagon BBQ & Burgers
Chuckwagon serves the typical BBQ and Burger fare, but with their unique approach to both. You’ll also find one-of-a-kind specialties on any given day. Be sure to check out the Secret Menu where you’ll find things like the Hot Cheeto Burger, French Fried Baked Potatoes, and Mexican Street Corn.
Rosa’s Pizza Ristorante
Authentic Italian food is alive and well in Katy, Texas. Rosa’s is another one of those little hole-in-the-wall joints, and if you don’t know where it is, you just might miss it… and that would truly be shame. It can be found in the same shopping center as the 510 Bar on S. Mason Rd. just North of Kingsland.
Molina’s Cantina
Raul Molina is considered a pioneer in Tex-Mex cuisine and is best known as the patriarch of a food family. Now, more than seven decades later, Molina’s Cantina is recognized as the oldest and one of the best locally owned and operated Tex-Mex restaurants in Houston.
Our Favorite Escapes
Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Pool is a recreational outdoor swimming pool that is filled entirely with water from nearby natural springs. It is located on the grounds of Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. The pool exists within the channel of Barton Creek and utilizes water from Main Barton Spring, the fourth largest spring in Texas.
Guadalupe River
The Guadalupe River runs from Kerr County, Texas, to San Antonio Bay on the Gulf of Mexico, with an average temperature of 17.75 degrees Celsius. It is a popular destination for rafting, fly fishing, and canoeing. Larger cities along it include Kerrville, New Braunfels, Seguin, Gonzales, Cuero, and Victoria.
Enchanted Rock
The massive pink granite dome rising above Central Texas has drawn people for thousands of years. But there’s more at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area than just the dome. The scenery, rock formations and legends are magical, too!
Fredricksburg
Our founders knew this was someplace special when they settled here in 1846. Behind the elegant shops and fine dining, you can feel the authentic German soul and see reminders of our heritage in the historic buildings along Main Street, the German cuisine at local restaurants, and the welcoming spirit of our people in the city of Fredricksburg. Come and explore the Texas Hill Country.
San Antonio Riverwalk
Explore the one-of-a-kind events, restaurants and rich history that make the San Antonio River Walk such a special place to be in the Summer Edition of Rio Magazine. From festive river parades, world-class entertainment and diverse cuisines to art and artisan markets, cultural experiences, outdoor recreation and lots of activities for kids, the San Antonio River Walk has all the cool summer vibes.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this years list.. and we hope you’ll offer some suggestions of your own in the comments below. Tell us what you love! Oh, and if you’re interested, be sure to check out our Best of 2020 list too!