Try a Cooking Workshop at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Austin

Have you ever wished you could just go into your kitchen and whip up something delicious from scratch? Well if you’re not a classically trained chef, that’s what Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts is here for. The Austin campus is located just six minutes from Folio Apartments and offers a variety of classes for those looking to better their cooking skills.

Le Cordon Bleu College offers a series of Bleu Ribbon Kitchen workshops—intensive one-, two-, three-, or five-day courses that focus on various culinary skills and cuisines. So if you want to learn how to perfect a Parisian brunch without taking a full course load of culinary classes, check out their workshop schedule. The school also offers a traditional course load for those looking to become professional chefs. Students can choose between learning classic culinary techniques or focus on baking and pastry production.

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Austin
3110 Esperanza Crossing
Austin, TX 78759
(800) 736-6126
http://www.chefs.edu/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/le-cordon-bleu-austin-3

Indulge in Some Doting at Caesar’s Nails & Spa

There's nothing like a margarita and a mani to help you unwind from a long week, and you'll find both at Caesar's Nails & Spa in the Domain Mall. The popular nail boutique has racked up 150 mostly glowing reviews, and patrons make special note of the complimentary glasses of wine and margaritas that come with every doting service at Caesar's Nails & Spa.

A glass will arrive while you're enjoying the popular Heavenly Dream pedicure, which unfolds in one of the spa's massage chairs. Soak up the soothing back massage as your nail technician kneads your feet using hot stones, removes any calluses, and then applies a mud mask, sugar scrub, and paraffin to result in shockingly smooth skin. Finally, she'll wrap hot towels around your toes (infused with aromatherapeutic scents) and carefully apply toenail polish. You can also opt for a gel manicure, request artificial nails, or schedule a waxing session at Caesar's Nails & Spa.

Caesar's Nails & Spa
Domain Mall
3201 Feathergrass Court
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 719-9996
www.caesarsnailsnspa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/caesars-nails-and-spa-austin-4

Enjoy Java, Beer, or Both at Two Hands Coffee

According to Two Hands Coffee's mission statement, the Austin cafe is "trying to bring coffee drinkers and coffee growers as close together as possible." To that end, Two Hands' owners source coffee from farms that they know, where workers are paid a fair wage—so you can rest assured that the java in your cup was ethically and meticulously produced from start to finish.

Since opening in January of 2015, Two Hands Coffee has impressed Austinites not only with its java, but also with its regular schedule of special events. Every "Thirsty Thursday" includes live music by local artists, and Wednesdays are Trivia Nights at Two Hands Coffee. One of the big perks of attending an evening event at Two Hands Coffee? The cafe also sells craft beer, which makes for a lively trivia night.

Two Hands Coffee
11501 Rock Rose Avenue
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 520-2822
www.twohandscoffee.com
www.yelp.com/biz/two-hands-coffee-austin

The Republic of Texas Museum Celebrates an Important Era in Local History

From vintage cowboy boots to historic portraits, the artifacts on display at the Republic of Texas Museum pay homage to a special era in your state's history. For the decade sandwiched between 1836 and 1846, Texas existed as a sovereign country. Although it eventually joined the U.S., the period in time when the Republic of Texas reigned is a point of interest for the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, which is why they opened this museum.

The Republic of Texas Museum gives guests a snapshot of what life was like when Texas operated as its own nation. The distinct culture of the era shines in pieces of clothing, works of art, and various other artifacts from the era. So if you want to learn more about local history, head to the Republic of Texas Museum for a quick lesson.

Republic of Texas Museum
510 E. Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78752
(512) 339-1997
www.drtinfo.org/preservation/drt-properties/republic-of-texas-museum
www.yelp.com/biz/republic-of-texas-museum-austin

Ramp Up Your Workout at Kor180

If you're the type of person who gets sick of the same workout quickly, Kor180 in Austin will keep you on your toes. The fitness studio isn't far from Folio, and it offers revamped versions of Pilates Reformer and spin classes for athletes who want to take their workout to the next level.

The korFormer classes are based on classic Pilates principles but add an element of interval training to keep your heart rate up and your body moving. Instead of using a standard Reformer, you'll complete class with the help of the studio's signature korFormer, which allows instructors to incorporate different aspects of cardio and strength training. Meanwhile at the Ryde classes, the Power Performance Console stationed atop the handlebars of each bike tracks your ride in a way your typical indoor cycle can't.

Kor180
1611 W. 5th Street
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 243-7955
kor180.com
www.yelp.com/biz/kor180-austin

March Madness at The Blackfinn!

Hey Folio residents! Reach out to Brett (bkeenan@blackfinnaustin.com) for details on how to get the hook-up for a March Madness Party at Blackfinn including reserved seating, complementary appetizers and exclusive drink specials! They've got over 30 High Def TV's, 50 beers on tap and free wi-fi so you can still "technically be working" should you want to sneak out to watch during business hours!

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Near Folio at Jourdan-Bachmann Pioneer Farms

Just because you live halfway across the world from Ireland doesn't mean you should lay off the St. Patrick's Day celebrations. You're entitled to enjoy Irish culture, which is why Jourdan-Bachmann Pioneer Farms intends to host St. Patrick's Day Austin only about 10 minutes from Folio.

The revelry will kick off at 3 p.m. on March 17 with melodies floating from silver thistle pipes and drums outdoors and from Celtic musicians Sean Gavin, Devin Shepheard, and Eamon O'Leary indoors. Live entertainment continues throughout the day, all the way up to the grand finale: a performance by The Twopenny Hang on the outdoor stage. Enjoy Irish food and drink while you enjoy the Irish melodies at St. Patrick's Day Austin this year.

St. Patrick's Day Austin
Jourdan-Bachmann Pioneer Farms
3 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 17
10621 Pioneer Farms Drive
Austin, TX 78754
www.stpatricksdayaustin.com/index.html

Two Hands Coffee Promises High-Quality Coffee in The Domain

Those looking for an ethical cup of java should head to Two Hands Coffee, a shop just one and a half miles from Folio situated inside the newest section of The Domain. Not only is it convenient, the owners make sure the growers are paid a fair wage, that they pick the best coffee beans possible, and that a meticulous process (that results in delicious coffee that one expects from Two Hands Coffee) is followed every time.

Two Hands also celebrates the local food and drink scene by serving up juices made from local fruits and veggies, and an assortment of local beer. Two Hands also calls on Quack’s Bakery, a local shop, to create an assortment of muffins, scones, breads and cookies.

There's plenty of indoor and outdoor seating for guests and free WiFi to boot. The open indoor space promises minimalist decor with an assortment of comfy couches for guests to lounge on.

The trendy shop is a must-visit for coffee fans, and even beer fans. Two Hands Coffee opens up early in the morning — 7 a.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. on the weekends — and stays open until 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 8 p.m. on Sunday and Monday.

Two Hands Coffee
The Domain
11501 Rock Rose Avenue
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 520-2822
www.twohandscoffee.com
www.yelp.com/biz/two-hands-coffee-austin

Celebrate Valentine’s Day (and Shop) at The Domain

You probably wouldn't think about going to the mall on Valentine's Day (unless you really put off buying a gift for your significant other), but The Domain is hosting two events this weekend that may change your mind. And not just because the mall is a mere 2.5 miles from your home at Folio.

You and your soulmate can step inside of the True Love Photo Booth Saturday or Sunday of this weekend. From 11 .m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, head to the photo booth near Sur La Table and snap a sweet pic with your partner. Or wait until Valentine's Day and bring the kids along for the fun. The SpringFree Valentine's Day Event welcomes families to jump on the trampoline from 2 to 4 p.m., enjoy some light treats, and participate in crafts. Just RSVP in advance to secure your family's spot at the event.

Valentine's Day at the Domain
11410 Century Oaks Terrace
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 873-8099
www.simon.com/mall/the-domain/stream/true-love-photo-booth
www.simon.com/mall/the-domain/stores/springfree-trampoline/stream/springfree-valentines-day-event

4th Tap Brewing Co-Op: A Worker-Owned Brewery Nearby

Touting “peculiar beers on tap,” 4th Tap Brewing Co-Op is the place to go in Austin for unique and experimental brews you certainly can’t find anywhere else. 4th Tap Brewing Co-Op is a first of its kind in Texas because it's both worker-owned and cooperatively governed. And, lucky for you, it's less than two miles from Folio.

The people working here day in and day out, developing the brews, are committed experts. The beers incorporate many ingredients sourced in Texas, including the rosemary in the Sun Eater ale and the tamarind fruit in the Renewal brew. There’s a homebrew system, in addition to the favorites on tap, that allows the brewers are crafting very small batches of new tastes. So if your timing is right, you can try a brand new beer before it’s available to everyone else. On Fridays and Saturdays, there is a rotating series of food trucks parked outside, like Pick a Chili, Best Wurst, and Burro Grilled Cheese Kitchen.

4th Tap Brewing Co-Op
10615 Metric Boulevard
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 956-4224
4thtap.coop
www.yelp.com/biz/4th-tap-brewing-co-op-austin

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