Visit Delysia Chocolatier for Fine Chocolates in Austin

Local chocolate is the name of the game at Delysia Chocolatier, one of Austin’s finest spots for handmade chocolates. The chocolates are all made right here in the city and use all local ingredients. The shop's chocolatier was inspired by the artisan shops throughout Europe. She started working on her craft and, with time, became recognized as a Top 10 Chocolatier in the nation. Today, she crafts fine chocolates in a slew of varieties with the help of a talented team.

The chocolates here come in a range of varieties including truffles, bark, drinking chocolate, and seasonal and specialty items. Try the wine-infused truffles for something truly decadent or sip the peppermint drinking chocolate to warm yourself up this season. Whether you’re looking for a gift or something for yourself, this chocolate shop is a great spot to visit.

Brush Up on Your Snapshot Skills at the Beginner’s Photography Class

If you take a look at some of Isla Studio's work, you'll immediately realize that the photographer behind this business is extremely talented. That's why you should take the Beginner's Photography Class offered by Isla Studio if you're interested in improving your photography game.

For three hours on Saturday, February 4th, this photography class gives you all the basic tools you need to get started as a budding shutterbug. It caters to those who've been snapping photos with DSLR cameras. Pupils learn more about the different settings, how to capture the perfect light, and even explore more technical terms such as exposure, aperture, depth of field, shutter speed, and more.

Startup Games: Tech Startups Build Community and Give Back

In the ever-growing world of tech startup companies, there's one thing almost all of them have in common, regardless of what they actually do, and that's a game room. No startup company's office blueprint is complete without a place where employees can unwind after a day of meetings over the ping-pong or foosball table. The Startup Games in Austin take this common denominator and make it into something meaningful for local charities.

At the Startup Games on January 21st at Fair Market, 16 "teams" representing different local startups face off in the name of charity. Each team selects a charity that they'd like to support, and then they compete against other tech startups for the title of victor and a cash donation to their chosen organization. Even if your team doesn't win, your charity still receives some support, so this is a great team-building activity for a good cause. Be sure to check it out this month!

Ring in the New Year at the Urban Health Expo

With its picturesque running trails and sprawling parks, Austin is a great city to call home if you're into fitness. That's why it's also the perfect place for the Urban Health Expo, an event dedicated to all things health and wellness. It kicks off the new year on Saturday, January 7th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Huston-Tillotson University.

University students and the public alike are welcome to come join in the fitness-centric fun for free since the event is hosted by the City of Austin's Health and Human Services Department. There will be more than 30 health experts on hand to lead workouts and give presentations, including celebrity athletes such as four-time Olympic Gold Medalist Sanya Richards-Ross and former NFL player Chris Houston. Other local companies are also slated to host booths at the Urban Health Expo. Food demos, games and prizes, and education sessions are all on the schedule.

(512) Brewery Tour: Experience a Local Craft Brewery Up Close

(512) Brewery is a business so local and focused on the art of craft brewing that it doesn't even have a tasting room. The entire space is dedicated solely to brewing great beer and shipping it out to bars and stores around Austin. That doesn't mean you can't grab a glass at (512), though.

Sign up for the brewery tour on Saturday, December 17th, and you'll have the chance to sample beers as you watch them being brewed. The one-hour tour is only $10 and includes a souvenir glass as well as small pours of the various suds being whipped up at the brewery that day. Designated drivers can take the tour for free, and they receive a free pint glass or $5 off merchandise in return for skipping the samples.

(512) Brewery Tour
When: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17
Where: (512) Brewing Company, 407 Radam Lane, Austin, TX
Cost: $10
www.eventbrite.com/e/512-brewery-tour-dec17-2016-1230pm-tickets-29055902988
www.512brewing.com/2013/02/tours-now-weekly-at-512

Revel in the Secret Wall Reveal: Holiday Shopping with a Side of Art and Wine

If you haven't already seen the Soil of the Soul exhibit at Art for the People Gallery in Austin, there's no better time to visit than on Friday, December 16th. The gallery will be hosting a special event on behalf of the artist, called Revel in the Secret Wall Reveal. It will showcase three new pieces of work that complement the existing exhibit, which pays homage to wine and those who love it.

Come to the free event to explore the beautiful works of art and do a little gift shopping too. The gallery's art boutique will be open, and it's packed with one-of-a-kind items handcrafted by local artists. So as you shop, you'll also be giving back to your community. What's more, there will be a DJ on hand to spin beats as well as sommeliers doling out glasses of fine wines.

Revel in the Secret Wall Reveal
When: 6 – 9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16
Where: Art for the People Gallery, 1711 S. First Street, Austin, TX
www.austintexas.org/event/revel-in-the-secret-wall-reveal/128986
www.facebook.com/events/1228801507184715

The Renegade Craft Fair Returns to Austin with Over 125 Vendors

More than 125 makers will fill Fair Market for the this year's Renegade Craft Fair. Returning on November 26th and 27th, the market is a favorite for holiday shoppers in the area. The Renegade Craft Fair is taking place just three miles from Elan East, so it’s an easy pop-up shop to check out this holiday season. The full list of participating vendors is available online, but guests can expect to browse jewelry, prints, clothing, home items, candles, and more.

The market runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both days, and guests can enjoy coffee, snacks, and drinks from a number of on-site vendors. Market entertainment includes music, a photo booth, and hand-drawn portraits. Be sure to stop by to purchase one-of-a-kind gifts for the people on your holiday shopping list this fall at the Renegade Craft Fair!

Renegade Craft Fair
When: Nov. 26 – 27, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Fair Market, 1100 E. 5th Street, Austin, TX
Cost: Pay as you go
www.renegadecraft.com/fairs/austin-2016-holiday

Sample the Best Mac and Cheese Around at the Austin Mac & Cheese Festival

Thomas Jefferson’s daughter was the first American to make it, Kraft made it famous, and now you can help decide where to find the best at the First Annual Austin Mac & Cheese Festival on Sunday, November 13th. Chefs from 20 different restaurants will be on hand to compete in the ultimate mac and cheese showdown. Whether you eat it as a main course with added broccoli, tomatoes, bacon, or lobster, or you eat it as a side dish with breadcrumbs sprinkled on top, there is sure to be a favorite among the choices.

The event will be held at the Historic Scoot Inn, and doors open at 1 p.m. Admission ranges in price from $30 for unlimited tastings to $65 for early admission, unlimited tastings, and specialty cocktails as well as some free souvenirs. In addition, both entry choices allow you to vote on who has the best dish in town.

Austin Mac & Cheese Festival
When: 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 13
Where: Historic Scoot Inn, 1308 East 4th Street, Austin, TX
Cost: $30 – 65
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/austin-mac-cheese-festival-tickets-28789027757

Support Local At-Risk Animals When You Attend the Barkitecture Austin Preview Party

Dog lovers, take note: on Thursday, November 10th, you can play with pups, check out cool doghouse designs, and help raise funds for the care of dogs at the Barkitecture Austin Preview Party. The event runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Google Fiber Space on Colorado Street and benefits Austin Pets Alive, a shelter for at-risk animals. Throughout the evening, ticket holders can enjoy food from Blackfinn American Pub, beer from Zilker Brewing Company, cocktails from Tito’s Vodka, and a raffle. Raffle prizes include an Apple Watch, a custom dog kennel, and more.

The Barkitecture preview party is happening only four miles from Elan East, so it’s an easy after-work happy hour to check out. Tickets range from $30 to $35 and are available online. Note that tickets will not be available at the door, so be sure to scoop up your ticket up soon!

Barkitecture Austin Preview Party
When: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 10
Where: Google Fiber Space, 201 Colorado Street, Austin, TX 78701
Cost: $30+
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/barkitecture-austin-2016-preview-party-tickets-27272465679?aff=es2

Take a Russian Cooking Class on November 7th

While there are other cuisines available at restaurants across Texas, Russian fare tends to be harder to find. For those who crave Russian cuisine, Russian Bistro LLC on East 5th Street hosts a recurring cooking class that teaches students the basics of Russian cooking. On Monday, November 7th, the bistro hosts a fall-inspired cooking workshop where students will learn how to make Pumpkin Russian Sweet, a traditional fall treat of mixed pumpkin and prunes.

Tickets are required for entry to the class and are available online. Tickets are $10 per person and include all the cooking utensils and ingredients that you will need to make the sweet treat. The class is taking place about three miles from Elan East, which makes it an easy event to check out this November.

November Cooking Class at Russian Bistro LLC
When: 6:30 – 8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 7
Where: Russian Bistro LLC, 307 East 5th Street, Austin, TX
Cost: $10
www.eventbrite.com/e/november-cooking-class-pumpkin-russian-sweet-tickets-28516142550?aff=es2

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