AMOA Arthouse

AMOA Arthouse is an expansive environment where visitors can explore a range of modern and contemporary art. The minimalist building and subject matter adds a touch of big city flavor to Austin’s burgeoning modern art scene. Upcoming exhibits include the work of Nick Cave, who creatively fashions assemblage sculptures called ‘Soundsuits’ out of hooked rugs, toys, twigs, hair, twigs, sequins and beads. Lectures, movies and music series are also hosted at the museum. Become a member and you can stop by their rooftop patio on Wednesdays for a glass of wine or beer – BYOB – and a fantastic view of downtown Austin. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is a suggested donation of $5.

AMOA Arthouse
Jones Center
700 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 453-5312
http://www.yelp.com/biz/arthouse-austin

The Institution Theater: A Laugh Factory

Get in touch with your funny bone at The Institution Theatre, which teaches the art of improvisation, sketch writing, and comedic acting. Their classes are fun and focus on a difficult thing — being yourself! Whether you're an actor looking to hone your chops or a doctor looking to let off steam, there's a place for you here. Instructors have impressive comedy credentials from around the country, including Chicago’s Second City. And if you just want a laugh, the school features weekly performances at just $7 a ticket. 
 

The Institution Theater
3708 Woodbury Dr
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 895-9580
www.yelp.com/biz/the-institution-theater-austin

 

What Will You Find in the Austin Enchanted Forest?

Keep your eyes peeled for events at the Austin Enchanted Forest, an outdoor, wooded venue space in south Austin. These woods host a variety of events, from concert to art fairs. Past events include “silent discos” where you wear headphones and choose your DJ; fire-spinning parties; burlesque shows; and Art Outside, the annual spring art fair that features repurposed street art. The Forest is also known for a fearsome haunted house every October. You never know what you'll find in these woods …

Austin Enchanted Forest
1412 W. Oltorf Street
Austin, TX 78704
www.yelp.com/biz/austin-enchanted-forest-austin

Austin Summer Fun: River Tubing on the San Marcos and Guadalupe Rivers

People don’t often connect rivers with Texas, but the central part of the state around Austin is remarkably lush and green, criss-crossed by a number of pleasant bodies of water. The most popular choice for innertubers is the San Marcos River; about a 40 minute drive from downtown Austin, it’s fed by underground springs, making it a pleasant 70 degrees during the floating season, which lasts from April through September. Starting below the Spring Lake dam, you’ll be on the river for between two and six hours. At certain points, you’ll cross over small dams with chutes to speed your ride up, which add a little bit of excitement. The Guadalupe River is another popular destination, with water that flows a little faster and colder but still very comfortable. There are a handful of companies that rent tubes and provide transportation to and from start and end points. Here are a few to check out:

Austin Float Trips
(512) 963-5628

Rockin "R" River RIdes
(830) 629-9999

Texas Tubes
(830) 626-9900

Reimers Ranch Park

Looking for a place to chill out in under the big Texas sky? Head to Reimers Ranch Park, a huge, pristine swath of parkland that’s the largest in Travis Country at 2,427 acres. Three miles of continuous beach frontage on the Pedernales River makes it a great spot for fishing and swimming on hot summer days. There’s no shade, so bring an umbrella and sunscreen. It’s also a premier destination for world-class rock climbing. More than 18 miles of trails in varying lengths and levels of strenuousness make for excellent hiking and biking opportunities. Port-a-potties are the only amenities. Leashed dogs are allowed.

Open sunrise to sunset. Car admission is $10.

Reimers Ranch Park
24100 Hamilton Pool Rd
Austin, TX 78798
(512) 854-7275
http://www.yelp.com/biz/milton-reimers-ranch-park-austin

Crafts and Art Finds at Gibson Street Artisans

Next time you need a gift for a friend, parent or special someone, consider a one-of-a-kind item from Gibson Street Artisans. On weekends, the LAZ parking lot turns into an artisan market featuring handmade crafts. This art fair features eco-friendly fashions, accessories, repurposed decor and gift items. You can find anything from unique and elegant jewelry to handmade chairs.  Some of Austin’s favorite food trucks stop by too, so you can snack while you shop.  Check their Facebook page for featured artisans and upcoming events. 

Gibson Street Artisans
1400 S Congress
(Gibson and Congress In LAZ Parking Lot)
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 623-9696
www.yelp.com/biz/gibson-street-food-court-and-artist-market-austin

 

The Continental Club: Hit The Stage

Austin is well-known as one of the best live music spots in the United States, and there’s always something going on there. One of the top places to catch bands in town is The Continental Club. Opened in 1957, the Club was originally a private supper club that hosted big bandleaders like Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey, but when the Texas rock boom started in the late 1960s, the Continental became a destination for rock fans. The club’s golden age saw legends like Joe Ely and Stevie Ray Vaughn take the same stage as young turks like the Butthole Surfers. In the 80s, the entire club was remodeled to give it a 50s throwback vibe, but the spirit of the place hasn’t changed a bit. On any given night, a band will take the stage, the dance floor will be packed and you’re sure to make a new friend or two.

The Continental Club
1315 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 441-0202
http://www.yelp.com/biz/continental-club-austin

Get Creative at Dougherty Arts Center

The City of Austin runs Dougherty Arts Center to provide creative outlets for people of all ages. The Center's Butridge Gallery showcases Austin-area artists, while the 150-seat community theatre is available to local theatre companies and nonprofit groups. The Arts School offers intensive and sympathetic instruction for children and adults. Reasonably-priced courses in ceramics, photography, drawing, jewelry and much more are open to everyone at all skill levels.
 

Dougherty Arts Center
1110 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 974-4000
www.yelp.com/biz/dougherty-arts-center-austin

Trapeze Austin: Circus Arts Classes

Thrill-seekers looking for a new experience should book a class at Trapeze Austin, where the high swings beckon daredevils of all ages. Trapeze is actually an exceptional full-body workout that engages your core muscles, improves your balance and gives you a serious adrenaline rush. Classes here are suitable for all experience levels, from first-timers to seasoned gymnasts. The instructors here are incredibly supportive and knowledgeable, and they specialize in soothing the many anxieties that students feel. They take you through each movement step by step, working with you until you have it right, and once you accomplish it there’s no feeling quite like it. Their unwavering positivity can make the seemingly impossible tricks come within reach. Classes run either one or two hours, and you can also book the space for parties, corporate team-building events and more.

Trapeze Austin
9501 Manchaca Road
Austin, TX 78748
(512) 608-1071
http://www.yelp.com/biz/trapeze-austin-austin

Flipnotics: Live Music Daily

Flipnotics is a laid-back coffee shop in South Austin's Barton Springs neighborhood. This little cafe has a legion of fans that enjoy the comfy atmosphere and reasonably-priced drinks. In addition to caffeine, Flipnotics makes a mean milkshake — try the moonquake with a double shot of espresso in vanilla ice cream blended with bananas. Light snacks include pastries, pie, breakfast tacos, and empanadas. The cafe is surrounded by decks, so you can enjoy your coffee and relax in the sun. Need distraction or inspiration? There's live music every night of the week.
 

Flipnotics
1601 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 480-8646
www.flipnotics.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/flipnotics-coffeespace-cafe-austin

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