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Enjoy a Cup of Java or a Glass of Wine at Houndstooth Coffee

March 6, 2018 by

In Scotland of years past, plaid patterns like houndstooth distinguished the people of one region from another. The minds behind Houndstooth Coffee believe that in contemporary America, coffeehouses do the same thing. An independent coffee shop gives out-of-towners a glimpse into the community and serves as a source of unity for locals. So Houndstooth is the perfect name for this Texas-based chain of cafes.

The Houndstooth Coffee on North Lamar is just a stone's throw away from home and offers only top-notch java and much, much more. You can come to Houndstooth to savor a cup of joe or hot tea in the morning or swing by after work for a glass of wine or bottle of beer. Either way, for a true treat, pair your chosen beverage with something sweet from the pastry case. Then sit back and enjoy the atmosphere as you sip and nibble at Houndstooth Coffee.

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Enjoy Some Friendly Competition During a Date Night at Topgolf

February 12, 2018 by

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.

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

February 6, 2018 by

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.

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

January 18, 2018 by

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.

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Explore the Art of Printmaking at PrintAustin This January and February

January 11, 2018 by

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.

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

January 11, 2018 by

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.

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

December 27, 2017 by

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.

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

December 11, 2017 by

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.

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Celebrate the Season at the 2017 Austin Trail of Lights This December

December 5, 2017 by

It's been more than half a century since the first Austin Trail of Lights debuted, and a lot has changed—for one thing, the name. The Austin Trail of Lights was called the Yule Fest when the Austin Parks and Recreation Department hosted the inaugural event in 1965. It began as a relatively small affair, but in the intervening years has exploded into the second-largest event in all of Austin.

It takes approximately two million lights to make this holiday celebration possible. They're woven throughout 40 distinct displays, from stunning tunnels crafted entirely out of twinkling lights to towering holiday trees topped with glowing stars. Each year brings newer, more contemporary displays and technology to the Austin Trail of Lights, so it's worth a visit even if you've been here before. Enjoy grub from 20-plus food trucks, live music by local artists, and gift shopping courtesy of Austin merchants. The Austin Trail of Lights debuts on December 9th and Runs through the 23rd. Depending on the date, admission is free or $3 per person—see the specific rates here.

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Head to The Carillon’s Thanksgiving Brunch This November

November 15, 2017 by

Butternut squash bisque and corn chowder; freshly carved turkey and prime rib; customized omelets and breakfast hash. Whether you're craving traditional Turkey Day fare, more contemporary Thanksgiving creations, or just some good old-fashioned breakfast food, you'll be satisfied by the spread at The Carillon's Thanksgiving Brunch. The eatery's Turkey Day buffet will be loaded with all kinds of dishes to suit every palate.

Make your reservation early ($68 for adults and $30 for kids) and come to The Carillon between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving day to let someone else serve you this year. The fully stocked buffet will boast omelet and breakfast hash stations where you can create your own meal, entrees that range from tender turkey to grilled swordfish, and, of course, all the classic sides, like green bean casserole and cornbread dressing. Save room for something sweet, because the dessert table will showcase everything from carrot cake truffles to pumpkin cheesecake.

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