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Mingle with Peacocks at Mayfield Park

September 22, 2016 by

It may be tucked away in the heart of a major city, but Mayfield Park still manages to retain an atmosphere of calm. That's despite its particularly flashy residents, about two dozen peacocks. The promise of seeing them sunbathing, tree-climbing, or just meandering around draws many locals to Mayfield Park time and time again. After all, they look a little bit different depending on the season, so it's a new experience each time. Perhaps the best time to visit is late winter or early spring, when the male peacocks fan out their colorful feathers in an attempt to attract the ladies.

Even if you don't spot one of the majestic birds, though, your trip to Mayfield Park will still be well worth the time. Its 21-acre nature preserve contains snaking trails, perfect for a hike or a stroll through the trees. After your hike, stop by the picturesque Mayfield Cottage and Gardens for a glimpse inside the way Austin's elite lived in the early 20th century.

Mayfield Park
3505 W. 35th Street
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 974-6797
www.mayfieldpark.org
www.yelp.com/biz/mayfield-park-austin

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Highland Lanes: Join a Bowling League at This Old-Fashioned Alley

September 15, 2016 by

If you’re looking for an old-fashioned bowling alley where you can enjoy an affordable game with your friends, Highland Lanes might be just the place near 95twenty. This well-maintained facility contains numerous lanes complete with electronic scoreboards and high-tech flatscreen televisions displaying your score. There is ample seating for your entire team at the end of your lane, and on weekends, you can even play in the dark using glow-in-the-dark equipment during Electric Bowl.

There are optional bumpers on each lane for the little ones, as well as a well-stocked pro shop where you can rent shoes and balls if you don’t have your own. Grab a juicy, grilled hamburger or a hot dog from the attached Lebowski’s Grill to make a day (or night) out of your bowling experience.

Highland Lanes is open 9:30 a.m. to midnight Sundays through Thursdays and 9:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Highland Lanes
8909 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 458-1215
www.highlandlanes.com
www.yelp.com/biz/jumpoline-park-austin?sort_by=date_desc

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Enjoy the Art and the View at HOPE Outdoor Gallery

August 11, 2016 by

HOPE is a collection of artists dedicated to making the world a more beautiful place, and they've made great strides in Austin. A previously desolate part of the city now exudes color and personality thanks to both local and international talents who've covered crumbling walls in bright, colorful panoramas.

Graffiti artists and muralists collaborate to create a masterpiece on the concrete walls that were once a blank canvas. According to those who've visited, the portraits are "mesmerizing" and "awe-inspiring." Each piece presents a different inspirational or educational message, and the collaborative piece is growing all the time. It doesn't hurt that HOPE Outdoor Gallery overlooks Austin's skyline, another breathtaking masterpiece in its own right. So if you have an afternoon to spare and you're looking for a photo op, head to this fresh-air gallery in downtown Austin.

HOPE Outdoor Gallery
1101 Baylor Street
Austin, TX 78703
www.hopecampaign.org/hopeprojects/hope-outdoor-gallery
www.yelp.com/biz/hope-outdoor-gallery-austin

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Explore Hiking Trails and Watering Holes at St Edwards Park

July 14, 2016 by

For active residents of 95twenty, St Edwards Park might be one of the best spots in the area for hiking, swimming, and simply exploring all that Mother Nature has to offer. This scenic park is home to a number of different trails that wind their way through the lush green forests, and if you’re new to hiking, they’re even well marked with clear signs so that you can be sure you won’t get lost. The stream is always nearby in St Edwards Park, and it provides a great place to do some wading or casual swimming on a hot summer day. There are also shady picnic areas that make great spots to settle in for a meal outdoors.

With ample parking and a family-friendly atmosphere, there are few better places to spend an afternoon than St Edwards Park.

St Edwards Park
7301 Spicewood Springs Road
Austin, TX 78798
(512) 974-6700
www.yelp.com/biz/st-edwards-park-austin

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Bowl a Strike, Bite Into Baked Brie at The Goodnight in Austin

June 9, 2016 by

The Goodnight is a retro-inspired bowling alley with more style and polish than some older alleys from decades past. This smaller venue hosts just eight bowling lanes and four custom billiards tables within its atmospheric space, which boasts pendant lights that hang from the ceiling and luxurious leather chairs that offer ample seating for you and your friends. Meanwhile, the 80-person dining room and two private lounge areas create a relaxing space to enjoy food and libations before or after your game.

Enjoy baked brie, pulled pork sliders, and fresh salads along with a handcrafted cocktail, or stop by for the weekday happy hour to enjoy special prices on food and drinks (as well as half off bowling and billiards!).

The Goodnight
2700 West Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 459-5000
www.thegoodnight.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-goodnight-austin

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Take a Dip at Shipe Park

May 12, 2016 by

Shipe Park only claims two acres of Austin's Hyde Park, but it packs a lot of opportunities for outdoor recreation into that relatively small outdoor space. One of the biggest draws—or, more accurately two of the biggest draws—is its set of pools. Between the shady swimming pool and slowly ebbing wading pool, there's an appropriate spot to dive in no matter the age of your kids, or if you don't bring any kids along at all.

You'll want to cool off in the pools after spending time enjoying Shipe Park's other features, like the pair of basketball courts or tennis courts. It also boasts a multi-purpose field and a picnic area where you can set up camp after a day of running around. You can also bring your youngsters to the playground, surrounded by towering trees, and let them explore the playground in the shade.

Shipe Park
4400 Avenue G
Austin, TX 78751
www.austinparks.org/our-parks.html?parkid=329
www.yelp.com/biz/shipe-park-austin

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Katherine Fleischer Park: A Community Gem in Austin

April 14, 2016 by

Katherine Fleischer Park is a favorite among Austin residents. This community green space is home to a soccer and baseball fields, as well as tennis and basketball courts. You'll even find a sand volleyball pit. The playground area provides plenty of shade from the hot afternoon sun, and in addition to all the typical equipment, it features a unique two-story, castle-like playhouse for kids, complete with a spiral staircase.(Regular visitors report that on occasion you'll see kids dressed up in prince and princess costumes in the playhouse.)

Katherine Fleischer Park also offers a set of wide and well maintained running trials, as well as a community center and a gazebo that can be reserved for private picnics and barbecues. History enthusiasts should be sure not to miss the historic Gault Homestead that's also located in the park. Guided tours focus on 19th century pioneer life and can be customized for both children and adults.

Katherine Fleischer Park
2106 Klattenhoff Drive
Austin, TX 78728
(512) 251-9814
www.wellsbranchmud.com/parks/katherine-fleischer-park.html
www.yelp.com/biz/katherine-fleischer-park-austin

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Jumpoline Park: A Hop, Skip and a Jump to All-Ages Fun

April 7, 2016 by

The next time you’re looking for something fun and out of the ordinary to do with the kids, your friends, or even your coworkers, check out Jumpoline Park. This colorful facility is filled with wall-to-wall trampolines that visitors can bounce on and play games on, and because bouncing burns 600 to 1,000 calories an hour, it even makes a great workout that’s much more fun than your usual jog.

If you want to host a unique birthday party for your child, Jumpoline Park features private party rooms that can be rented out for children’s parties and other social events. Order a pizza from Jumpoline Park’s concession stand, bring your own cake and ice cream, and then watch as the little ones let out their energy on the many trampolines filling this safe, fun facility.

Jumpoline Park is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays.

Jumpoline Park
13801 Mopac Expressway
Austin, TX 78727
(512) 310-1420
www.jumpolinepark.com
www.yelp.com/biz/jumpoline-park-austin-2

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Kids Learn and Create at the Thinkery

March 17, 2016 by

The Thinkery takes the STEM a step further, adding an A to the mix—for "arts." With the fields of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) in mind, curators for the children's museum have designed a collection of interactive exhibits that are as engaging as they are educational.

Many families particularly enjoy the Backyard, an outdoor play area where kids organically learn about body mechanics while they play. Its jungle gym is probably unlike any you've seen at a park, enormous and accessible for kids of all physical abilities. Watch while your little one scurries up the enclosed ramp to a bulbous watchtower or as he splashes in a winding stream. Inside the museum, kids can learn about the chemistry of cooking in the Kitchen Lab, let their creativity run wild in the Innovators' Workshop, or master the art of sewing or soldering in the Space 8 area (which is only open to ages 8 and older).

Thinkery
The Meredith Learning Lab
1930 Simond Avenue
Austin, TX 78723
(512) 469-6200
www.thinkeryaustin.org
www.yelp.com/biz/thinkery-austin

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Have You Tried the Summermoon Latte at Brian’s Brew?

March 10, 2016 by

If it's your first visit to Brian's Brew, there are a few things you should know. First, this tiny, independently owned cafe is tucked within the Bank of America building. Next, the cafe brews coffee drinks made from wood-fired beans. That is, beans that have been hand-roasted in small batches over a wood fire. Lastly, Brian’s Brew serves a latte that they claim is "life-changing."

The verdict is still out about that verity of that last point, but regular visitors of Brian's Brew say the latte is worth ordering nonetheless. It's called the Summermoon Latte, and it's described as being creamy, full-bodied, and just a tad sweet. Order yours hot or iced, and pair it with a breakfast taco (provided by Torchy's Tacos) or freshly baked glazed doughnut or apple fritter from local doughnut bakery Round Rock Donuts.

Brian’s Brew is open 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily.

Brian’s Brew
515 N. Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 738-7713
www.briansbrew.com/index.html
www.yelp.com/biz/brians-brew-austin

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