Warehouse Craft Brews and Food Trucks Meet at Austin Beerworks

Founded with principles of fun and community in mind, Austin Beerworks works overtime as a brewery and taproom. Between Thursdays and Sundays, this Austin craft brewery opens its warehouse taproom to the public. That's when beer aficionados from all over the city arrive to sample the brewery's beers at their peak of freshness: straight from the tank!

Austin Beerworks's core four beers—an American IPA, German-style schwarzbier and pils, and an ale—are offered at the taproom all year long, complemented by seasonal rotations and a selection of taproom-only brews. The taproom deal is $10 for a take-home pint glass and three pints. If you’re interested in trying more varieties, some locals say you can do six half-pours—you just have to ask.

On most evenings, you can find some of Austin’s best food trucks parked outside for a tasty pairing.

Austin Beerworks
3009 Industrial Terrace
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 821-2494
www.austinbeerworks.com

The Red Room Lounge: An Austin Wine Bar

Whether you're a seasoned wine expert or a novice to wine drinking, the service and selection at The Red Room Lounge just might make this place your new go-to wine bar in Austin. The knowledgeable sommeliers are happy to put together tasting flights, make recommendations, educate you about the wine-making process, and help you find just the right vintage for your own particular taste.

The Red Room Lounge’s atmosphere is dramatic, featuring dim lighting, exposed brick, deep leather couches, and lots of dark wood. Note, however, that this is not a place where you should expect to get dinner along with your wine. The Red Room Lounge offers a small selection of cheese and charcuterie plates, but this dedicated wine cellar focuses mainly on drinks.

The Red Room Lounge
306 E. Third Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 501-1536
www.redroomatx.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-red-room-lounge-austin

Jim Jim’s Water Ice: Cool Off With a Sweet Treat

Jim Jim’s Water Ice offers a cool, refreshing way to escape the Texas heat. Water ice is a traditional Italian treat that is most popular in Philadelphia, and it's made by blending real fruit with finely shaved ice to create a velvety soft texture.

Jim Jim’s operates out of a colorful storefront in downtown Austin, and customers order their water ice right from the front window like you would at an old-fashioned ice cream stand. The prices are just as old fashioned, and the friendly employees dole out extremely generous servings in each styrofoam cup. In addition to its classic fruit flavors, Jim Jim’s offers water ice with cream on top or smoothies and cups with soft serve ice cream blending into any water ice flavor.

Jim Jim’s Water Ice is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Jim Jim’s Water Ice
615 E. Sixth Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 708-8285
www.jimjimswaterice.com
www.yelp.com/biz/jim-jims-water-ice-austin

Mingle with Peacocks at Mayfield Park

It may be tucked away in the heart of a major city, but Mayfield Park still manages to retain an atmosphere of calm. That's despite its particularly flashy residents, about two dozen peacocks. The promise of seeing them sunbathing, tree-climbing, or just meandering around draws many locals to Mayfield Park time and time again. After all, they look a little bit different depending on the season, so it's a new experience each time. Perhaps the best time to visit is late winter or early spring, when the male peacocks fan out their colorful feathers in an attempt to attract the ladies.

Even if you don't spot one of the majestic birds, though, your trip to Mayfield Park will still be well worth the time. Its 21-acre nature preserve contains snaking trails, perfect for a hike or a stroll through the trees. After your hike, stop by the picturesque Mayfield Cottage and Gardens for a glimpse inside the way Austin's elite lived in the early 20th century.

Mayfield Park
3505 W. 35th Street
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 974-6797
www.mayfieldpark.org
www.yelp.com/biz/mayfield-park-austin

Tap Your Foot to the Beat at The Roost in Austin

Many music lovers say that few things in this world are better than an evening of foot-stomping, hand-clapping live music, and that's just what The Roost delivers. Once you visit this Austin club, you'll likely understand exactly why it’s such a local hotspot. Shows range from blues performers to rock bands, small local acts to internationally-known musicians, so there's something to suit just about everyone's taste.

With professional lighting that creates a concert-like atmosphere, several bars located throughout the venue, and a lively, dancing crowd, The Roost cultivates a festival-like atmosphere. Yelp reviewers say that sight lines and acoustics are top-notch, and there's plenty of seating available for music aficionados who prefer to sit and relax. The Roost does not serve food, but patrons are welcome to bring in snacks from the neighboring taqueria or crawfish shack.

Check the website for a current calendar of shows and to buy your tickets before they sell out.

The Roost
2113 Wells Branch Parkway
Austin, TX 78728
(512) 394-5727
www.theroostaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-roost-austin

Enjoy the Art and the View at HOPE Outdoor Gallery

HOPE is a collection of artists dedicated to making the world a more beautiful place, and they've made great strides in Austin. A previously desolate part of the city now exudes color and personality thanks to both local and international talents who've covered crumbling walls in bright, colorful panoramas.

Graffiti artists and muralists collaborate to create a masterpiece on the concrete walls that were once a blank canvas. According to those who've visited, the portraits are "mesmerizing" and "awe-inspiring." Each piece presents a different inspirational or educational message, and the collaborative piece is growing all the time. It doesn't hurt that HOPE Outdoor Gallery overlooks Austin's skyline, another breathtaking masterpiece in its own right. So if you have an afternoon to spare and you're looking for a photo op, head to this fresh-air gallery in downtown Austin.

HOPE Outdoor Gallery
1101 Baylor Street
Austin, TX 78703
www.hopecampaign.org/hopeprojects/hope-outdoor-gallery
www.yelp.com/biz/hope-outdoor-gallery-austin

Peace, Love, and Fitness Meet at Bodhi Yoga

Bodhi Yoga is a comprehensive Austin yoga studio that welcomes students of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re looking to get fit, find inner peace, or both, these patient, skilled yogis will guide you on your unique journey.

“Bodhi” is Sanskrit for “awaken,” and dedicated yoga practice aims to unlock your mind, body, and spirit. The studio here features infrared heating, a silent light conversion process that allows students to absorb heat without heating the surrounding air. This promotes concentration and maximum body cleansing.

See Bodhi Yoga’s site for information on classes, events, retreats, teacher training, and schedules.

Bodhi Yoga
12101 Bee Cave Road
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 771-3390
www.bodhiyoga.com
www.yelp.com/biz/bodhi-yoga-bee-cave

Color Me Mine: Get Creative at This Social Ceramic Studio

If you’re looking for a fun, social way to let your kids exercise their creativity, Color Me Mine is a great choice. This public art studio enables kids and adults to choose a pre-made bisque pottery piece and then decorate it using the studio’s wide assortment of tools, paint colors, glazes, and kilns to fire the project once it’s complete. After three to five days, you’ll receive your painted and fired project to enjoy at home. One low studio fee covers all of your supplies, and then it’s just a matter of paying for whichever bisque item that you choose.

The studio is also a very popular place to hold kids’ birthday parties, bachelorette parties, and other types of celebratory gatherings. Color Me Mine even hosts wine nights where of-age visitors can enjoy a favorite bottle of wine while painting and relaxing with friends.

Color Me Mine is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.

Color Me Mine
13500 Galleria Circle
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 535-0005
www.beecave.colormemine.com
www.yelp.com/biz/color-me-mine-bee-cave

Make a Splash at Nitro Swimming

Nitro Swimming is Austin's leading competitive swim team and swim teaching center. Led by Head Coach and former 11-time NCAA All American Mike Koleber, Nitro is home to six-time Texas age group champions and is one of the USA's top five swimming programs. Both Austin area locations have state-of-the-art Olympic pools, as well as lessons-only pools with temperature and water quality specially calibrated for beginning and advanced swimmers.

The hand-picked staff includes several former Olympians; they love kids and take joy in helping to mold lifelong swimmers. Parents and young swimmers praise the staff's patience, skill, and attention to detail. Nitro also offers a full program of fitness-based adult swimming instruction.

Check Nitro's website for information on classes, teams, events, and more.

Nitro Swimming
15506 D Highway 71 West
Bee Cave, TX 78669
(512) 861-7946
www.nitroswim.com
www.yelp.com/biz/nitro-swimming-bee-cave

Play For All Abilities Park: Where Playtime is Fun for Everyone

While playgrounds are meant to be fun, sometimes the high-flying swing sets, concrete flooring, and wild jungle gyms are just too much for some kids. At the Play For All Abilities Park in Round Rock, however, you’ll find a playground that’s just as fun as more traditional versions, but with safety enhanced details that will give parents a bit more peace of mind.

There are sponge-like floors that are softer than concrete, two-seater swings, and even colorful sliding boards scattered throughout. Most impressive is the fully operating town, which contains working streetlights, road signs, and even a fire station that will get the little ones used to a real life town. No matter your child’s unique needs, you’ll find something for everyone at the Play For All Abilities Park.

Play For All Abilities Park
151 N A W Grimes Boulevard
Round Rock, TX 78664
www.yelp.com/biz/play-for-all-abilities-park-round-rock-3

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