Amber Heckler
Amber Heckler is CultureMap's Network Writer, reporting on events and lifestyle news across all CultureMap sites in Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth.
A Dripping Springs native, Amber currently lives in Austin. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Multimedia from Abilene Christian University in 2019. She started her journalism career at NPR during college, and has won multiple awards for her radio and video news reporting from the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, Hearst Foundation, and Society of Professional Journalists. Before joining CultureMap, she moderated top-40 news headlines and piloted new products for Google.
When she’s not writing, Amber can be found with her nose stuck in a book (or listening to one). She’s an avid fan of F1, bookstores, and cocktail bars. She loves to hear (and give) recommendations on where to eat around Austin, as she hardly ever visits the same restaurant twice.
love on a budget
Texas makes top 10 for most affordable date nights in the U.S.
Feb 13, 2026 | 5:00 pm
life after 65
Houston suburb Pasadena ranks as 3rd best place to retire in Texas
Feb 13, 2026 | 9:15 am
5-star Stay
Tilman Fertitta's Houston hotel tops U.S. News & Forbes lists for 2026
Feb 11, 2026 | 1:15 pm
good news for singles
Texas romances as 3rd best state for singles in 2026 report
Feb 11, 2026 | 9:15 am
catch the bouquet
Houston woos spot on top-10 list of best places to get married in 2026
Feb 6, 2026 | 9:15 am