Austin’s Boat Tours: See Austin from the Water

A day of boozing and cruising on Lake Travis is highly encouraged by Captain Angel and Austin of Austin's Boat Tours. The pair takes guests out on its party boats for a day of sunbathing and socializing. You're welcome to bring your own beer and anything you can cook up on the grill, as well as other snacks.

Austin's Boat Tours has watercrafts to accommodate groups of all sizes, from the Baja Speed Boats that hold a mere five people to the massive Luxury Party Barges for 15 to 25 people (the latter have the grill, plus restrooms). Austin's Boat Tours also leads sunset tours, both public and private, if you're looking for something a bit more romantic. Rent jet skis, learn how to flyboard, or even go scuba diving with the help of Austin's Boat Tours' captains.

Austin's Boat Tours
5931 Hiline Road
Austin, TX 78734
(512) 476-2628
www.austinsboattours.com
www.yelp.com/biz/austins-boat-tours-austin

Austin Java: Much More Than Just Coffee

Spicy peanut soup. Eggs Benedict. Breakfast tacos. Not exactly the type of fare you'd expect to find at a coffee house. And yet, Austin Java's various locations throughout its namesake city serve them all—and to rave reviews from customers.

Despite its title, Austin Java is actually much more than a mere cafe. Yes, it does serve locally-roasted coffee. But it also offers a full menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—and breakfast is served all day. That's probably to the delight of those regulars who love the breakfast tacos, which are stuffed with everything from honey-cured ham or chorizo to veggies or black beans. Some other morning favorites include migas, a spicy take on the traditional omelet, and thick-sliced farmers' French toast.

Later in the day, enjoy a different savory dish like the crawfish quesadillas or pasta primavera. Other lunch and dinner options encompass salads, various meat-laden pastas, and house soups.

Austin Java
1206 Parkway
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 476-1829
www.austinjava.com

www.yelp.com/biz/austin-java-austin

The Blind Squirrel Makes a Mean (Gourmet) Sandwich

"Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while." So goes the adage upon which The Blind Squirrel's founders built their trendy sandwich shop. That's not to say the eatery's popularity stems from sheer luck, but rather that some of its successes could be due to a lucky break—meaning its owners never let themselves get comfortable. They constantly step up their sandwich game, ensuring that The Blind Squirrel stays way ahead of the competition. Hence the gourmet ingredients that fill its gourmet sandwiches.

Meats roasted, grilled, or smoked in-house; sauces and soups crafted from scratch; sides made fresh right in the kitchen. These are the components that create a well-rounded meal at The Blind Squirrel, typically with a sandwich as the focal point. The Godfather reigns as the most popular sammy, stuffed with NY strip steak, crimini mushrooms, and slices of sweet onion, plus fresh mozzarella, roasted garlic aioli, and garlic butter sauce. The Quacker is a close second, however, with its tea-smoked pulled duck, carrots and daikon, Napa cabbage, red onion, and hoison sauce. It's served stuffed inside a roti taco shell topped with duck cracklings.

The Blind Squirrel
1105 S. Mays Street
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 244-6888
www.blindsquirrelsandwiches.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-blind-squirrel-round-rock

Happy Thanksgiving!

We hope everyone has a wonderful day celebrating with family and friends! What are you thankful for this year?

Have You Heard of These Bizarre Laws From Around the Globe?

If an international vacation is in your future, you'd be well advised to read on. Here, we've compiled six zany, wacky laws from countries all across the globe.

1. In France, 70% of radio music played between 8 a.m. and 8 a.m. must be by French composers. Another weird French law? You must carry a portable Breathalyzer in your car at all times — or risk having to pay a fine. (Yes, this law applies to tourists, too!)

2. Better bring a cover-up if you're headed to the beaches of Barcelona: It's illegal to wear swimsuits off the beaches of this Spanish city.

3. If you're a woman traveling in Saudi Arabia, make note: You must be escorted by a male relative or guardian at all times, and you're not allowed behind the wheel.

4. Don't empty your piggy bag to pay a public debt in Canada. Any debt exceeding 25 cents may not be paid in pennies.

5. In Australia, performing psychic or tarot card readings is considered witchcraft, and engaging in either activity is illegal.

6. Don't bring your cigarettes and chewing gum to Singapore. Here, smoking in public places is punishable by a hefty fine, and chewing gum while riding this Asian country's public transit is also against the law.

Strange Laws From Around the World [Nat Geo]
13 Funny International Laws You’d Never Know Were Real [Reader's Digest]
International Weird Laws [Law Guru]

Old Settlers Park: Outdoor Recreation in the Heart of Texas

Old Settlers Park is one of Round Rock's most popular parks. It is a well-known sports destination for both amateur and youth leagues, and it boasts one of the highest rated disc golf courses in the greater Austin area. Residents in the area also commonly enjoy biking, swimming, and playing volleyball in the sand, and there is ample space to run and even fly a favorite kite.

The park boasts more than 645 acres, providing ample space for fishing, cricket, tennis, baseball, softball, soccer, and more. Additionally, locals flock to Old Settlers Park to barbecue or take in a game of horseshoes at one of the two provided pavilions. Parking is plentiful, and while kids enjoy the playground, parents and adults can take in breathtaking views of the area.

Old Settlers Park
Harrell Parkway
Round Rock, TX 78665
(512) 218-5540
www.facebook.com/pages/Old-Settlers-Park-Baseball-Field/265636880136580?rf=150003518406042
www.yelp.com/biz/old-settlers-park-round-rock

Happy Veterans day!

Today is a day to honor the men and women who have bravely fought and continue to fight for our country. Thank you for your service!

Enjoy Freshly Made Pastries and Pretzels at Easy Tiger

The sweet aroma of freshly baked breads engulfs you when you pass through the doors of Easy Tiger Bake Shop & Beer Garden in downtown Austin. The comforting, warm ambiance invites you to relax and stay while you enjoy the made-from-scratch menu.

The extensive coffee and tea list includes espresso, chai lattes, hot teas, and a variety of water, soda, and juice choices. Don't miss one of Easy Tiger's melt-in-your-mouth pastries, danish, cookies, and croissants. Snacks and sandwiches include beef jerky and pretzels, as well as house-smoked pastrami, turkey breast, and muffulettas. The restaurant also offers a variety of charcuterie boards and house-made sausages.

Easy Tiger has a full bar and the cocktail, beer, and reserves menu is extensive.

Easy Tiger
709 E. Sixth Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 614-4972
www.easytigeraustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/easy-tiger-austin

Election Day

Today is Election Day. Be sure to get out and vote!

Chinos Burrito Texian Grill: You’ve Never Had a Taco Quite Like This

Chinese and Mexican food are typically two mutually exclusive styles of cuisine, but not at Chinos Burrito Texian Grill. Here, they coalesce into a single delicious tapestry of distinct, yet complementary flavors. Take the tacos, for instance. Chinos menu allows you to build your own tacos using typical Mexican ingredients (think chicken, beef, fish), but regular customers recommend getting creative. Many of them order their tacos stuffed with bulgogi beef instead. Teriyaki chicken, ground curry beef, and tofu are also options. Then you can pair your bulgogi beef with steamed rice, kimchi, and maybe some cilantro—or outfit your typical chicken taco with lettuce and cheese.

No matter how you decide to build your taco, burrito, bowl, or salad (they can all be made with the same ingredients), you should take some time carefully picking your salsa or sauce. This is what will really determine the flavor of your meal. You can always opt for classics like hot or mild salsa, but the avocado ranch comes highly recommended. Korean ssamjang might be your best bet if you've decided to create an Asian-inspired dish. Chinos also offers classic Asian dishes, from General Tso's chicken to pad Thai, rolled into burritos.

Chinos Burrito Texian Grill
2051 Gattis School Road
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 386-1373
www.chinosburrito.com
www.yelp.com/biz/chinos-burrito-texian-grill-round-rock

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