So put your urban thinking caps on kids, and see if you are as knowledgeable about downtown living as you think you are! For instance, did you know:

1.  While you may think that downtown living is all about walking (well, it is…but…), on Sunday complimentary, air-conditioned shuttles will take attendees from one stop to the next starting at 11am. Champagne, cocktails and snacks will be provided at tour stops along the way. Sounds like our kind of Sunday!

2.  If you just can’t hang with the masses or need an occasional oasis, and let’s face it…if you’re reading this you’re probably already a VIP, now aren’t you? The Tour’s VIP tickets include shuttle service, a tote bag filled with luxurious items, entry to the VIP reception at the Four Seasons and all other properties on the tour, along with private tours at select locations.

3.  The 2013 event marks the 9th annual edition of the Downtown Living Tour? Nine years ago, there was a very limited pool of places from which to choose to live downtown. My, how far our Little City has come.

4.  There’s one place where it all begins and ends…but you can take it at your own pace. Will Call, registration, and shuttle headquarters will be located at The Whitley. You’re encouraged to walk, bike (a limited number of electric bikes will be provided by Rocket Electrics), pedi-cab, or take Cap-Metro if you wish to do all or part of the tour on your own.

5.  A portion of the Downtown Living Tour proceeds benefit ECHO, an organization dedicated to ending homelessness in Austin?

With the weather heating up, sounds like this should make for a great way to stay cool on your Sunday Fun Day.

General Admission tickets are $25, with a limited number of VIP tickets available for $85. Purchase tickets and see the latest participating locations HERE. Don’t have time to buy online? Tickets will also be available Sunday at The Whitley on 3rd and San Jacinto.

Mary Herr Tally did…and so did Bobbi Topfer, Alex Winkleman and Armando Zambrano, all of whom served as co-chairs of the event. Pets are a calming factor in many people’s lives and provide boundless unconditional love, a lot of which was on display by the humans in attendance. A video showing the scope of services the organization provides brought this point home quite well, as did a screen with a running tally of animals who had been served by Emancipet.

Gorgeous centerpieces by Mandarin Flower Co. accompanied the light and healthy meal. Once again, the Four Seasons ballroom had a unique set up. This time a massive table of 50 ran nearly the length of the room, with typical rounds filling the rest of the space. A table of the scale befitting a group of supporters who care so deeply about our four-legged friends, one of whom found a new home this week after being fostered by Ms. Winkleman…and could now be seen on the arm of Ms. Tally!

* Photos courtesy of Stacey Harrell

The initial setting was the bluffside home of Dr. John Hogg and David Garza in West Lake Hills, where stellar sunset views of downtown Austin almost outweighed the social star power in the room. In addition to Hogg and Garza, the evening was hosted by Charmaine and Gordon McGill, along with Marina Sifuentes and Tad Davis.

After brief comments from Godwin, the focus shifted to  what the evening was all about – raising dollars for the Neal Kocurek Scholarship Fund, overseen by the St. David’s Foundation.

A recent scholarship recipient spoke to the crowd about how fundraisers such as this can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Although Toast of the Town is one of the toughest philanthropic tickets in town, it’s amazing to see how this series of events affords such a diverse experience and touches so many in our community

Never ones to be outdone in entertaining, three days later guests were invited to join their hosts for an afternoon happy hour and book signing. Held on the casual patio of a popular West Sixth mainstay, Godwin held court and relayed stories of his decades in Austin chronicling our ever-evolving social scene.

Among those celebrating Godwin and his book during the “Toast Two-Step” were Venus and Bill Strawn, Jennifer Carnes, Lance Avery Morgan and Rob Giardinelli, Joanie Bentzin, and Michelle Godwin.

Through it all, we spotted a few of our favorite event trends of the week.

Celebrity Chef Tim Love gave guests a preview of his Austin Food & Wine Festival fare with a delectable multi-course dinner, followed by an amazing dessert prepared by Uchi’s pastry chef Phillip Speer with wine pairings by Master Sommelier Devon Broglie of Whole Foods.

The party is part of St. David’s Foundation’s series of intimate events taking place this month that raise money for St. David’s Neal Kocurek Scholarship Fund.

While dining, CEO Earl Maxwell thanked guests for their contribution and introduced them to one of the scholars, Jigar Satasia, who is currently studying Pharmacy at UT.  The evening wouldn’t have been complete without Tim Love’s signature nightcap, a round of Tequila shots for guests.

Now helmed by social powerhouse Nina Seely, the Umlauf recently announced plans to connect the famed sculptor’s hillside home and studio to the garden that hugs the bluff across the street from Barton Springs. Walking the grounds, one can see how bringing the studio into the exhibition space will enhance what is already a lovely place to learn and reflect.

Of course, upgrading the site will take funding, and the Garden Party is just one of those sources for bringing this urban gem up to Ms. Seely’s (and the Umlauf family’s) standards. Thursday night’s unseasonably cool weather, overcast skies and breezy conditions made for a great introduction to those who have never visited and reinforced why this space matters to Austin for repeat visitors and patrons.

Event chair Jordan Jeffus and co-chair Emily Pratte (and their committee) created an exceptional event that utilized all areas of the sculpture park and museum. Guests were greeted with cocktails and bites from Jeffrey’s before delving into the imaginative silent action just beyond the entrance.

As the party got into full swing, one was free to meander through the numerous paths peppered with wine stations and booths from some of Austin’s best food purveyors. We have to give kudos to the committee for curating a “best of the best” among the city’s dining establishments. A standout scallop and polenta dish from NORTH still had us talking the next day!

After quick remarks and a brief live auction (thank you, Umlauf!) the party turned into what it was intended to be…a social occasion. We spotted community leaders Richard Hartgrove and Gary Cooper, Deborah Dobbs, Cora and Clayton Bullock, George Elliman, Nancy Nichols, and Venus and Bill Strawn visiting among the revelers. With the coming improvements, this party is sure to stay near the top of spring must-do’s!

* Photos courtesy of Stacey Harrell