If you want to shop local this holiday season, the Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a fun and festive event that will help you find holiday gifts galore. This popular yearly event takes place during the month of December at the Marchesa Hall and Theatre, and it contains goods from more than 200 local artists.

Visitors can stroll through the colorful displays containing original paintings, jewelry, glassware and even clothing and accessories, all while finding unique seasonal gifts from a wide variety of price ranges. Drinks and snacks are also available to keep you fueled for hours of holiday shopping, and there are even food trucks on the weekend.

With free parking and a fun, community-oriented atmosphere, the Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a popular shopping destination near Elan East.

Blue Genie Art Bazaar at Marchesa Hall and Theatre
November 28th through December 24th, 2014
10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
6226 Middle Fiskville Road
Austin, TX 78752
www.bluegenieartbazaar.com

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/rocketboom

We wish you and your loved ones all a very happy and safe holiday season.

Contigo Austin is a unique eatery modeled after its parent restaurant, Contigo Ranch in South Texas. This urban version channels the private, relaxing feeling of the ranch through its outdoor seating and hundreds of string lights mimicking the star-filled night sky. Guests enjoy their meals at hand-built tables atop wooden platforms, while a large, leafy tree provides a bit of shade on a hot Texas day.

Like Contigo Ranch, Contigo Austin is known for its icy cold margaritas, impressive selection of beers and upscale bar food made with only local ingredients. The menu includes beer nuts as a snack, mussels with bacon jam to share amongst the table and rustic dishes like rabbit and dumplings or, if you’re feeling less adventurous, a simple burger and fries for dinner. On weekend mornings, Contigo serves a fun-filled brunch complete with morning libations, fried chicken and eggs Benedict, although because the menu changes from day to day, you can expect a tasty surprise each time you visit.

Contigo Austin
2027 Anchor Lane
Austin, TX 78723
(512) 614-2260
www.contigotexas.com

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/jenny-pics