Aim for a Strike at The Union Underground in Austin

If you’re looking for something fun and active to do this weekend, check out the bowling alley at The Union Underground. This fun bowling alley billiard hall is located on the bottom level of the Texas Union building at The University of Texas at Austin, which makes it a lively spot for people of all ages. (You don't have to be a university student to play here!)

Reserve one of the 12 bowling lanes to get a bit competitive with some friends from 95twenty, and be sure to stop by on the weekends for the glow-in-the-dark Glow Bowl! If bowling isn’t really your thing, enjoy a game of pool on one of the many pool tables in the spacious billiards hall. Order a pizza from the front desk to enjoy with your game and you’re sure to have a great time.

The Union Underground is open 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 3 a.m. Sundays.

The Union Underground
2247 Guadalupe St
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 475-6599
www.utexas.edu/universityunions/texas-union/scene/underground

Black Lagoon Art + Yoga: Cultivate Flexibility in an Inspiring Space

Part art gallery, part yoga studio, Austin's Black Lagoon promotes healthier bodies and imaginations in Austin. Not that Austin needs much help staying "weird," but this indie art gallery and fitness studio certainly helps. When it first debuted in 2010, its founders likely had no idea the profound impact it would have on yogis and artists alike—although they probably hoped.

Today, it's become a staple of the neighborhood. Exercisers flock to the art gallery for yoga classes amid the masterpieces hanging on the walls. There's a class appropriate for every level of ability, even if you've never stepped foot in a yoga studio before. And with multiple yoga classes offered on a daily basis, you should be able to squeeze in practice even if you have a busy schedule. If you're just interested in seeing the art, make an appointment to check out what's on display right now or attend one of the receptions held at Black Lagoon Art + Yoga.

Black Lagoon Art + Yoga
4301 A Guadalupe Street
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 534-6719
blacklagoongallery.com
www.yelp.com/biz/black-lagoon-art-yoga-austin

Monkey See Monkey Do!: Off-the-Wall Gifts That Can’t be Imitated

Whether you love kitschy, quirky trinkets or you know someone else who does, Monkey See Monkey Do! is one of Austin’s most popular gift shops. This wacky store is like a toy store for adults, and it is positively packed full of all of the magnets, action figures, whoopee cushions, and novelty candies that you can imagine. There’s also a number of Austin-themed gifts!

None of these items are particularly useful, but once you spend a while in this silly shop you'll realize that that’s what makes them great. And of course, Monkey See Monkey Do! even carries a vast assortment of—you guessed it—monkey paraphernalia!

Monkey See Monkey Do! is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Monkey See Monkey Do!
1712 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 443-4999
www.facebook.com/MonkeySeeMonkeyDoAustin
www.yelp.com/biz/monkey-see-monkey-do-austin

Barton Springs Pool: Cool Off Where Robert Redford Learned to Swim

Any pool that's good enough for Robert Redford should be good enough for the average swimmer. Barton Springs Pool is that pool. Redford took his very first strokes here as a 5-year-old while on a trip to visit his relatives. Perhaps what drew the Redford family to Barton Springs was its one-of-a-kind aesthetic, unlike any other public pool. You see, the pool's waters filter into it from a hot underground spring, so it's a cross between a typical pool (with lifeguards, diving board, and concrete walls) and a natural lake (with algae underfoot).

Head to Barton Springs Pool any time of year for a swim in crisp waters. They average around 70 degrees no matter the season due to the font from which they flow. Locals love cooling off in the chilly pool on an oppressive Texan summer day or just coming here to sunbathe and people-watch.

Barton Springs Pool
2201 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 476-9044
austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool
www.yelp.com/biz/barton-springs-pool-austin

Dazzle Coffee: Premium Java Served From a Drive-Through Window

With the goal of creating a cafe that focuses on premium roasted Arabica beans and a friendly relationship between barista and customer, Dazzle Coffee opened in Pflugerville in 2006. This drive-through-only coffee shop has seen great success over the years since it opened, mainly because regulars love the convenience of purchasing high quality coffee without exiting their cars!

The menu includes affordably priced classics like freshly brewed coffees and flavorful caffe lattes, as well as specialty drinks like white chocolate mochas and caramel macchiatos. Dazzle Coffee also sells cold beverages perfect for hot Austin days, including the popular Frezian, which includes your choice of milk blended with ice and coffee. Milkshakes and 100% fruit smoothies also make delicious treats after dinner or to cool off during a hot summer day.

Dazzle Coffee is open 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays. Sunday hours are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dazzle Coffee
100 N. Second Street
Pflugerville, TX 78660
(512) 670-1100
www.dazzlecoffee.com
www.yelp.com/biz/dazzle-coffee-pflugerville

Toy Time: Where It’s Always Time to Play

Just about every store in the Austin area is a bit quirkier than most, and Toy Time is one of those truly unique establishments. This independent toy store carries a wide selection of toys that you won’t find at most big box toy stores, and it even offers pop culture memorabilia that adults will love, as well.

The colorful, jam-packed shop is small, but it’s filled to the brim with children’s dolls and toys. The candy selection includes hard-to-find items like chocolate rocks, and the walls are lined with electronic games, costumes, model kits, and much more. Toy Time also includes a party room where guests can book fun-filled birthday parties. This room is set up like a treehouse, and the affordable package includes your choice of entertainers ranging from magicians to princesses and even full-scale petting zoos.

Toy Time is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, and the store is closed on Sundays.

Toy Time
101-B Pecan Street West
Pflugerville, TX 78660
(512) 990-8697
www.toy-time.com
www.yelp.com/biz/toy-time-pflugerville

Consignment Stars: Stylish Furnishings for the Thrifty Shopper

Consignment Stars is a consignment furniture store located in the Pflugerville area of Austin. Though the city is filled with a seemingly endless number of thrift and consignment stores, this shop is unique because of its large selection of both new and used furniture.

Consignment Stars’ knowledgeable staff is always on hand to answer any questions about the consigning process or a specific piece of furniture, and the shop carries items for every room in the home. The 10,000-square-foot store hosts beds, couch and loveseat sets, televisions, and even outdoor furniture for exceptionally low prices. If you have your own used furniture that you’d like to sell, Consignment Stars also offers a convenient selling process in which you pocket half of the money once your item is sold.

Consignment Stars is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The shop is closed on Sundays.

Consignment Stars
2405 W. Pecan Street
Pflugerville, TX 78660
(512) 202-3800
www.consignmentstars.com
www.yelp.com/biz/consignment-stars-pflugerville

Ritual Salon + Spa: A Stylish Salon Specializing in Modern Hairstyles

From the moment you walk through the large glass doors and into the immaculately decorated, modern industrial-style salon, you’ll likely fall in love with Ritual Salon + Spa. This full-service Rosedale beauty shop specializes in all of the most current hairstyling services, from cutting that elongated bob to giving customers the perfect ombré color. Ritual is separated into a number of different areas, including a comfortable waiting area with eclectic throw pillows and hair product displays, a media bar, and comfortable styling stations surrounded by unique light fixtures.

Services include not only haircuts and coloring services, but also more intricate beauty treatments like eyelash extensions, brow tinting, and hair extensions. Ritual even provides full spa treatments such as massages, nail care, and facials. Pop in to treat yourself to a trim, or spend a full day being pampered!

Ritual Salon + Spa
4800 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 391-0010
www.ritualsalonaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/ritual-salon-spa-austin

Maverick’s Country Rock: Pull on Your Boots to Boogie the Night Away

Austin is known for its live music venues, but Maverick’s Country Rock shows off the city’s dance moves, as well. If you love to kick up your heels to upbeat country music, Maverick’s spacious dance floor and some of the area’s best DJs will ensure that you have a rocking good time.

The dance floor isn’t just your usual open space, however: Here, a 5,000-square-foot dance floor features state-of-the-art lights and sound and a number of multimedia projectors that work in time with the music. Outside, Maverick’s 3,000-square-foot deck area features lots of outdoor seating and another full bar to service those who wish to enjoy the Texas evening. The bar also makes a fun place to dance the night away.

Maverick’s is open 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Maverick’s Country Rock
1700 Grand Ave Parkway
Pflugerville, TX 78660
(512) 514-5650
www.maverickscountryrock.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mavericks-country-rock-pflugerville

“Hair of the 3-Legged Dog”: An Austin Day Party on March 19

With so many great events coming up next week in Austin, it can be hard to figure out what to attend. So, here's a suggestion: "Hair of the 3-Legged Dog." This event's presented by The Austin Chronicle (and sponsored by Greystar), and it's named after the Chronicle's mascot Hank.

It takes place on Thursday, March 19 from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. and brings food, drinks, and fun to The Liberty Bar on East Sixth Street in Austin. Four local artists will play music at the event: Sweet Spirit, Anya, Bop English, and Flesh Lights. There'll also be snacks from Tacodeli, Rhythm Superfoods, Baked By Amy's and more to fuel Austinites for another day of SXSW.

Want to learn more about "Hair of the 3-Legged Dog"? Click here to visit The Austin Chronicle's page about the event.

"Hair of the 3-Legged Dog"
Thursday, March 19 from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m.
The Liberty Bar
1618 1/2 East Sixth Street
Austin, TX
www.austinchronicle.com/dayparty

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