Austin Eats Food Tours: Eat Up

October 9, 2013 by greystar

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

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Austin Attractions, Austin Eats Food Tours, Things to Do in Austin

Austin Art Garage: Supporting Local and Emerging Artists

September 25, 2013 by greystar

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

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Art Spaces, Austin Art Garage, Austin Attractions, Things to Do in Austin

AMOA Arthouse

August 27, 2013 by greystar

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

Art, Modern Art, Art Gallery

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: AMOA Arthouse, Art Galleries, Austin Attractions, Things to Do in Austin

The Institution Theater: A Laugh Factory

August 20, 2013 by greystar

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

By U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Lakisha Croley [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Austin Attractions, Comedy Clubs, The Institution Theater, Things to Do in Austin

What Will You Find in the Austin Enchanted Forest?

August 7, 2013 by greystar

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

Forest, Trees, Woods

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Austin Attractions, Austin Enchanted Forest, Things to Do in Austin

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

July 9, 2013 by greystar

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

Joe Mabel [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Austin Attractions, River Tubing, Things to Do in Austin

Peche: Sensational Cocktails

June 19, 2013 by greystar

Looking for a sensational artisanal cocktail? Head to Peche, where you can imbibe the once-banned libation absinthe and other spirits in a Parisian-style environment. Nestle up to the bar, order a refreshing cocktail like the Spicy Bee’s Knees, the Corpse Reviver, or a Fig Manhattan and prepare to be bowled over by deliciousness. Food can be ordered at the bar, or settle in at a table and curb your hunger with something tasty from the French-influenced menu. The menu changes daily and might include Roasted Corn Chowder, Grilled Baby Chicken with cacciatore sauce, Roasted Marrow & Escargot, Bouillabasse in white wine broth or Steak Nicoise Tartine. Stop in for great specials during happy hour on weekdays from 4 until 6p.m.

Peche
208 W 4th St
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 494-4011
http://www.yelp.com/biz/p%C3%A9ch%C3%A9-austin-3

By Chris Palmer from San Diego (Bijou Cocktail) [CC-BY-SA-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Cocktail Lounges, Peche, Things to Do in Austin

Reimers Ranch Park

June 4, 2013 by greystar

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

Public Domain. (from http://www.public-domain-image.com/nature-landscapes-public-domain-images-pictures/autumn-public-domain-images-pictures/old-trees-with-leaves-on-ground-in-autumn.jpg.html) Fall Trees, Fall Leaves, Fall, Autumn, Trees, Woods, Forest, Walking Trail, Trail, Forest Landscape, Woods Landscape, Nature.

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Austin Attractions, Parks, Reimers Ranch Park, Things to Do in Austin

Crafts and Art Finds at Gibson Street Artisans

May 6, 2013 by greystar

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

By Aclayartist (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Austin Attractions, Gibson Street Artisans, Shopping, Things to Do in Austin

The Continental Club: Hit The Stage

April 8, 2013 by greystar

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

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Austin Attractions, Live Music, The Continental Club, Things to Do in Austin