You’ll Feel Like a Kid in a Candy Store at Big Top Candy Shop

Not one to back down from the "Everything Is Bigger in Texas" tradition is Austin's Big Top Candy Shop, a massive candy store located right on South Congress. Inside you'll find over 2,000 types of candies, including over 300 varieties that are sold in bulk. Browse rows and rows filled with obscure candies, some you might not have thought of since childhood!

Regulars appreciate the old-school candy shop atmosphere while creating a personalized drink at the old-fashioned soda bar. With flavors like blueberry, hazelnut, coconut, and kiwi, you'll be sure to concoct something unique and delicious. Regulars also recommend the cucumber soda and fizzy lemonade. Big Top also serves up Blue Bell ice cream, shaved ice, Italian cream soda, and they make a doozy of a shake.

This is a nice place to stop by for a treat after a long day exploring the South Congress shopping district.

Big Top Candy Shop
1706 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 462-2220
http://bigtopcandyshop.tumblr.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/big-top-candy-shop-austin

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Japanese Fare Comes With a Quirky Twist at Lucky Robot

If you're craving some street-style Japanese food or a bite of sushi, stop by Austin's own Lucky Robot. This establishment is modeled after Tokyo's Harajuku street fashion and can best be described as cute and a little quirky. If you're up for it, ask to sit in one of the eatery's porch swings while you order your food and drinks from an iPad.

Split some hot or cold appetizers with your table, like the sea bass with black walnut oil and apple or the street style corn with cheese and mayonnaise. The Japanese inspired tacos are also well worth a try; the ahi with wasabi aioli and avocado will leave any taco connoisseur smiling.

Regulars stop by for the expertly crafted rolls and linger for the hospitable chefs who are quick to crack a joke or exchange pleasantries. Be sure to stop in during happy hour, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays.

Lucky Robot
1303 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 444-8081
http://www.luckyrobotrestaurant.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lucky-robot-austin

Break Point at the Boardwalk: A South Austin Food Truck Park

Love food trucks? Austin's newest food truck park has just arrived! Break Point at the Boardwalk offers a scenic view across Lady Bird Lake toward Downtown Austin along with some really great food!

Now open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. til 1 p.m. for lunch, and from 5:30 p.m. til 8 p.m. for dinner, Break Point hosts great Austin food trucks like Oyama, Jambulence ER, Wright Bros Dairy, Garbo's (they've got lobster rolls!), Rosie's Sno-Cup Fortunes, and more! Brightly colored picnic tables make it a snap to find somewhere to sit, and big umbrellas offer welcome shade. With so much to offer, this place seems destined to become a popular spot for Austin foodies.

Break Point at The Boardwalk
2201 1/2 Lakeshore Boulevard
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 944-8386
https://www.facebook.com/breakpointattheboardwalk
https://twitter.com/breakpointatx

Austin Nature and Science Center: Expand Your Mind

Situated on the western boundary of Zilker Park, the Austin Nature and Science Center offers a fun opportunity to delve into the fascinating natural world. The wild animal exhibits feature a variety of animals that have been orphaned or injured and can no longer live in the wild, like owls, hawks and other raptors, as well as reptiles and mammals. The Dino Pit is always a hit with kids, allowing them to become miniature paleontologists while digging for bones in a giant sand pit that’s outfitted with shovels, rakes and buckets. The butterfly exhibit lets you view the beautiful flutterers in a lovely habitat. The center offers a variety of programs for kids, adults and families. They also run kid’s camps during school breaks.

Open every day with free admission.

Austin Nature and Science Center
301 Nature Center Drive
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 974-3888
http://www.yelp.com/biz/austin-nature-and-science-center-austin-2

Pick Up Flowers, Cookies, and a Sandwich at Walton’s Fancy and Staple

What do macaroons, a deli, flowers, and Sandra Bullock have in common? They can all be found at Walton's Fancy and Staple in Austin. This charming cafe serves made-to-order deli sandwiches and is filled with fresh made pastries, cakes, and cookies. Stop by during lunch and try the customer favorite "Turkey Sweet," a turkey sandwich with applewood smoked bacon, caramelized onions, apples, and white cheddar on a croissant.

Walton's also offers a small breakfast menu. Don't miss the challah French toast, made with a creme brulee batter and topped with fresh berries and real maple syrup! Grab several sweets to take home and a bunch of fresh flowers to cheer up your space. Although it's a casual spot with counter service, the space is full of charm with antique warehouse decor crossed with Parisian cafe elements.

Walton's Fancy and Staple
609 W Sixth Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 542-3380
www.waltonsfancyandstaple.com
www.yelp.com/biz/waltons-fancy-and-staple-austin

Zilker Park: An Austin Oasis

Zilker Park is a landmark Austin resource, comprising 351 acres and offering a wide assortment of recreational activities. Get out on the hiking and biking trails, or spend a fun few hours paddling a kayak or canoe on Town Lake. Swimmers and sunbathers love Barton Springs Pool with its spring-fed water and expansive grassy lawns. The Zilker Zephyr miniature railroad gives kids and adults a fun way to tour the park. Picnicking and cookouts are encouraged at the park’s picnic areas, some of which can be reserved for special events. Other park amenities include the Zilker Botanical Gardens, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum and the Austin Nature & Science Center. The Zilker Hillside Theatre plays host to musical concerts and the annual Summer Shakespeare Festival.

Zilker Park
2100 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78746
http://www.yelp.com/biz/zilker-metropolitan-park-austin

South Austin Park: Relax!

South Austin Park is a great resource for people who live on this side of town. Get up off the couch and enjoy the great outdoors with a stroll around the park’s 11 acres. In addition to walking and jogging trails, there are two basketball courts, two tennis courts and a multipurpose field, offering great opportunities to have some fun while getting a great workout. Two barbeque pits and eight picnic tables mean you can pack up some food and have a fun picnic or cookout with friends and family. They also have some great programs for kids and adults at the park’s recreation center, like children’s camps, art programs, youth sports and wheelchair basketball. Open every day.

South Austin Park
1100 Cumberland Road
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 974-6700
http://www.yelp.com/biz/south-austin-park-austin

Play, Play, Play at the ZACH Theatre

Founded in 1933, Austin's ZACH Theatre is the oldest continuously operating theatre in Texas.  With a year round season of over 500 performances, there's always something interesting on stage here. Their programming features classic plays and musicals, youth productions, and  original work from regional and national playwrights. The theatre space in intimate, the audience is in close proximity to the stage, and any seat in the house offers a great experience.

ZACH also emphasizes education and community outreach through their Youth Theatre program, which offers classes and productions to engage children in the performing arts. 
 

ZACH Theatre
1510 Toomey Rd
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 476-0541
www.yelp.com/biz/zach-theatre-austin

Austin Eats Food Tours: Eat Up

What better way to know your town than with an Austin Eats Food Tour? The South Congress Walking Tour takes you to off the beaten path places where you’ll taste some of the flavorful fare that makes the city a primo dining destination. The Best of Austin Van Tour starts at the famed farmer's market, followed by stop-offs at some of the city’s favorite food trucks and restaurants, including a top BBQ eatery. See their website for a complete list of tours and reservation info.

Austin Eats Food Tours
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 963-4545
http://www.yelp.com/biz/austin-eats-food-tours-austin

Austin Art Garage: Supporting Local and Emerging Artists

Want to decorate with something unique? Head to the Austin Art Garage.

The Austin Art Garage’s mission is to hook up emerging artists with those who want to invest in their work. The gallery features works by thirty talented artists, many of them local. The public is invited to browse the selection and purchase quality original art at affordable prices. It's a great chance for collectors to get in on the ground floor and back the masters of tomorrow. It's a friendly, no-pressure environment; many works are under $100. Check the website for details.
 

Austin Art Garage
2200 S Lamar Blvd
Ste J
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 351-5934
www.yelp.com/biz/austin-art-garage-austin

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