Build a Healthy Bowl at Honest Mary’s

Organic chicken. Free-range steak. Non-GMO tofu. At Honest Mary's, the owner only allows high-quality ingredients like these to enter his kitchen—as he calls them, "honest" ingredients. All of the food is free of antibiotics and hormones, devoid of refined sugar, and organic whenever possible. Much of it is also local, and the staff crafts everything from scratch on a daily basis. This is why Honest Mary's already has a loyal following, despite only opening at the end of last summer.

Come to Honest Mary's to build your own healthy bowl, starting with your chosen protein, like roasted chicken or line-caught ahi poke. Then select a base such as black rice or organic spinach and sides like Texas sweet potatoes and French green lentils. Next, load on the toppings, from local goat cheese to Asian slaw. As the final flourish, dress up your bowl with spicy peanut sauce or apple-cider vinaigrette.

Enjoy Some Friendly Competition During a Date Night at Topgolf

If you're looking for an active way to do a date night or a different spot for happy hour, Topgolf might be the answer. It's basically like a sports bar/bowling alley/driving range, but with tons of unexpected frills. That's why your significant other will be impressed by your creativity when you plan a romantic night out here, and your crew of friends will thank you for the departure from your typical local haunts.

It works like this: come to Topgolf to reserve a driving bay for a certain period of time. Depending on how busy it is, you might be able to walk right up to your bay, or you may have to come back later. Either way, once you arrive at the bay, you'll see a climate-controlled space complete with a high-topped table, a lineup of golf clubs, and a screen that keeps score. Stretching out in front of you is a driving green speckled with targets of various sizes, all ringed with glowing lights in a color that correlates to their point value. Order beer, cocktails, and bar fare from your server and enjoy them as you compete for the most points at Topgolf.

There’s No Sweeter V-Day Gift Than Champagne Gummy Bears From Sugarfina

Owners Rosie and Josh were willing to put in the hard work to make Sugarfina a success: they spent two years tasting candy from all over the world. This experience introduced them to a roster of unique sweets and transformed the pair into candy connoisseurs. And so, they were ready to open their own boutique candy shop for grown-ups, Sugarfina. This first shop eventually spawned others like Sugarfina Austin near you.

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, now is the perfect time to come and explore the sweet spread at Sugarfina Austin. Bring home a bag of non-alcoholic bourbon- or champagne-flavored gummy bears to show your significant other you care. Treat your sweetheart some peanut butter milkshake balls or s'mores bites. Create a "candy bento box" filled with that special someone's favorite confections. Or bring home some dark chocolate sea salt caramels, Give It A Shot tequila chocolate cordials, or Kona espresso beans coated with cocoa.

Public Domain/Pixabay/Fokuza

Enjoy Early-Morning or Late-Night Java and Treats at Quack’s 43rd Street Bakery

If you're someone who routinely burns the midnight oil in the name of finishing up some work or studying, then you know that caffeine is an essential part of the evening grind. So it's important to have a go-to coffee shop that's open late, like Quack's 43rd Street Bakery, which welcomes patrons until 11 p.m. every night.

In addition to pouring hot coffee all day long, the staff at Quack's also whips up some sweet and popular treats, like the Salty Oat cookies. They're similar to your classic oatmeal-raisin cookies, but with the addition of just a touch of salt to highlight the sweetness of the treats. You can't go wrong with a traditional chocolate chip cookie, either, or a chocolate chip cookie infused with gooey peanut butter. You can also skip the sweets and pair your coffee with something from the deli, like a Cajun turkey sandwich or an Italian grilled cheese.

Public Domain/Pixabay/Engin_Akyurt

Explore the Art of Printmaking at PrintAustin This January and February

The art of printmaking is alive and well in Austin. So much so, in fact, that local schools offer university-level courses in the methods of printmaking. PrintAustin exists to give this form of art the level of visibility that it deserves in the local arts community.

From January 13th to February 15th, various venues around the city will host workshops and presentations to acquaint artists and the general public with print-making. Come to the Print Culture: Presentation + Art Talk on January 13th at Big Medium to learn the basics of this sector of art. Check out The Contemporary Print 2018 Opening Reception on January 20th at the Flatbread Press and Gallery if you want to see examples of both traditional and modern printmaking. Then on February 10th, come to PrintExpo at Canopy for live demos of printmaking and a showcase of more than 30 artists' work.

Public Domain/Pixabay/mikali

Learn Moves From Around the Globe at the Migrations World Dance and Music Festival

The peoples of Spain, India, and Egypt may speak different languages, but the language of dance crosses international boundaries. These are just three of the countries whose native dances will be on display at the Migrations World Dance and Music Festival, which is coming to Austin from Friday, January 12th through Sunday, January 14th.

Over the course of the weekend, you'll have tons of opportunities to learn distinct international dances at the Palazzo Lavaca, the Scottish Rite Theater, and the Hampton Inn in Austin. Many of the sessions focus on different types of belly dancing, which is prominent in many countries around the world, but dancers of all backgrounds are welcome to come and participate in workshops to hone their skills. Most workshops are $45 (although it varies from one to the next) and advanced registration is required for each class.

Stop by North Italia for Top-Notch Italian Cuisine and Happy Hour Specials

If you're looking for quality Italian cuisine tonight, consider North Italia. Regulars eat here often, and they aren't ashamed to admit it, as the food is top-notch. Start with the zucca chips as your appetizer. These fried zucchini chips are easily the biggest draw at North Italia. From there, decide what's for dinner. The margherita and prosciutto pizzas are must-tries, but the strozzapreti and chicken parmesan are equally good choices as a main course. Any way you go, you can't go wrong.

You should also note that happy hour is Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. During this time, bottles of wine are half off, while sangria and beers are just $4. There is a happy hour special that offers a bottle of red or white wine paired with a pizza for just $20. Get there early to take advantage!

No NYE Plans? Here’s How to Usher In 2018 in Austin!

A masquerade ball. A concert with Austin legend Willie Nelson. A roaring '20s dance party. These are just a few of the festive events that will unfold in your city this New Year's Eve. This comprehensive list of local goings-on encompasses more than 20 different ways to spend your New Year, including some family-friendly options.

Come to the Lobby Lounge at the Four Season for the Latin Masquerade New Year's Eve Bash, which invites guests to get all gussied up and dance the night away. The Willie Nelson and Family New Year's Eve features the iconic crooner with special guests like Lukas Nelson and Blackberry Smoke over the course of a three-night stint, including NYE. Gatsby's House at the Omni involves fabulous flapper costumes and top-notch DJs. Grab tickets to any of these popular parties and make your New Year's Eve extra special this year.

Public Domain/Pixabay/Gellinger

Expect the Unexpected at Second Bar + Kitchen

With two Austin locations, Second Bar + Kitchen is a trendy eatery that puts their own twist on local favorites. This restaurant is exactly as the name says: It encompasses bar and dining areas, as well as a kitchen. At the downtown location, one bar and dining area is inside, and the other is an outside balcony that overlooks Second Street.

From brunch to lunch and dinner and dessert, there is nothing on the menu that does not delight the taste buds. Whether you choose the crispy French toast that comes with cream cheese, strawberries and honey butter for brunch or the mushroom ravioli with asparagus, grana padano, mint, and preserved meyer lemon, your meal is sure to please.

For dinner, your party can choose to share small plates or savor large plates so that everyone has lunch the next day. Whichever you choose, be sure to leave room for dessert. Come early to beat the crowd, because reservations are not accepted.

Stock Up on Unique Gifts at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar From December 14th to 24th

The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar supports the effort to "Keep Austin Weird" one offbeat holiday gift at a time. This holiday market rounds up more than 160 artisans and craftspeople who offer items that range from chic and unique to eccentric and downright odd. For example, you'll find ceramics that depict a cartoonish version of the first moon landing. You'll encounter polos embellished with cats shooting lasers from their eyes. Then again, some artisans also offer beautifully crafted handbags, all-natural body scrubs, and original children's books.

So regardless of who you have on your holiday shopping list this year, you should have no problem finding a one-of-a-kind gift for them at the Armadillo Holiday Bazaar. With live music and libations flowing from two full bars, the bazaar infuses shopping sprees with some festive fun. Grab your tickets to the event, which will unfold from December 14th to the 24th at the Palmer Events Center, for $8 each.

Public Domain/Pixabay/StockSnap

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