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Take a Spin Around the Rink at Ice Skating on the Plaza

November 23, 2015 by

Just because you live in Texas doesn't mean you should miss out on the classic holiday activities that signify the start of the season. Case in point: ice skating. The Whole Foods near downtown Austin, which isn't far from Lamar Union, wants to make sure that everyone gets a chance to take a spin around an ice rink. That's why the store welcomes guests to enjoy its ice skating rink from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. all throughout the holiday season.

For $10, you can rent a pair of skates and sail across the ice during open hours with a friend. Since the ice skating rink resides on the rooftop at Whole Foods, you can enjoy beautiful views of Austin while you slice your first figure 8 of the season into the fresh ice at the rink.

Ice Skating on the Plaza
Nov. 29 through Jan. 9
Whole Foods
525 N. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78703
www.wholefoodsmarket.com/store/event/ice-skating-plaza

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Get to Know Donn’s Depot, a Legendary Austin Watering Hole

November 18, 2015 by

It seems every dive bar fan in Austin (and beyond) has heard of Donn’s Depot, a famous spot with tons of live music and dancing that's only 1.5 miles from Lamar Union. BuzzFeed even included Donn’s Depot on a list of 35 must-do things in Austin!

The menu is pretty straightforward, with drafts like Budweiser, Shiner Bock an Guiness; bottles like Bud Lite, Tecate, Smirnoff Ice and Miller Lite; and a number of wines as well as cocktails.

What’s super cool about the bar is that it used to be an old Missouri-Pacific train depot, so the decor throughout the bar is full of some of the original pieces that filled the space — seating throughout the bar are real train cars and the women’s bathroom is the train’s caboose.

Live music rocks the bar six nights a week playing everything from swing to pop.

Donn’s Depot is open until 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and is closed on Sundays.

Donn’s Depot
1600 W. 5th St.
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 478-0336
donnsdepot.com
www.yelp.com/biz/donns-depot-austin-2

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Satisfy Your Hot Chocolate Cravings at Holy Cacao, A Food Truck for Chocolate Lovers Near Lamar Union

November 11, 2015 by

While the city is well known for its abundance of food trucks slinging tacos, barbecue, and other savory cuisines, Holy Cacao is Austin's first chocolate food truck. This mobile sweet shop has two locations in Austin: a rustic cedar-covered trailer at the original South First location about a mile from Lamar Union, and now a bright white trailer at the Rio Rancho Eatery.

Wherever you are in town, it’s easy to pop in to—or rather, outside of—a Holy Cacao trailer for a chocolatey treat to brighten your day. Grab an espresso or coffee drink first thing in the morning, or indulge with a famous frozen hot chocolate on a warm Austin afternoon. There are even vegan hot chocolates made entirely without diary. The shop’s trademarked Cake Shakes make the perfect desserts after dinner, while cake balls and other treats pair perfectly with any of Holy Cacao’s delicious drinks.

Holy Cacao
1311 S. 1st Street
Austin, TX 78704
www.theholycacao.com

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Soak Up Irish Tradition at the Austin Celtic Festival This Weekend!

November 3, 2015 by

Anyone with roots in Celtic culture (or just an interest in it) should mark their calendars for Saturday, Nov. 7. That's when the Austin Celtic Festival begins to unfold at Fiesta Gardens, about three miles away from Lamar Union. The two-day festival promises a little something from every area of Celtic tradition, from Celtic tunes to Celtic canines.

The lineup of Celtic performers is pretty impressive, the bands showcasing everything from the violin to the bagpipe. Some of the performers have actually played in Scotland and around Europe, so you won't want to miss their sets. Also keep your eyes peeled for the Celtic Dog Parade, which shows off pooches with roots planted across the pond (you can also see a sheepdog herding demo). If you want to learn more about Celtic history, try your hand at Celtic sports or dance, or attend a workshop hosted by the ACF School of Traditional Arts, you can accomplish all of these goals at the Austin Celtic Festival, too.

Austin Celtic Festival
Fiesta Gardens
Noon to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7 and 8
2102 Jesse E. Segovia Street
Austin, TX 78702
www.austincelticfestival.com/index.html

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Celebrate All Hallow’s Eve at Highballoween This Year

October 27, 2015 by

If you're the type of person who always means to go out on Halloween, but somehow seems to end up snuggled up inside instead, The Highball is making things painfully easy for you this year. The bar is located a mere 300 feet from Lamar Union—it's actually in your complex. So that "I don't feel like going out" excuse is going to fall extra flat this year.

That's fine, though, because you won't want to miss Highballoween anyway. How often does Halloween fall on a Saturday? You need to take full advantage. The bar's ballroom morphs into a haunted house, complete with creepy music videos playing in the background and constant pranks. Don your best costume and jump in the photo booth with friends, but get professional help from a face painting artist before you do. You might snag $200 if your costume wins the contest. There will also be plenty of candy on hand, not to mention other autumn activities (think bobbing for apples).

Highballoween
The Highball
9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Oct. 31
1120 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 383-8309
thehighball.com/events/detail/27726
www.yelp.com/biz/the-highball-austin-2

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Visit Zilker Botanical Gardens’ Orchid Festival This Weekend and Brighten Up Your Lamar Union Home With Fresh Blossoms

April 24, 2015 by

The best way to bring a touch of springtime into your apartment at Lamar Union is with fresh flowers. And there's no better place to find fresh flowers than Zilker Botanical Gardens, which is just a mile and a half from your home.

This weekend, April 26 and 26, you can attend the Heart O’ Texas Orchid Society's 44th Annual Show and Sale, dubbed "Fifty Shades of Orchids," and check out a vast variety of orchids and other blossoms. You can also get some beautiful potted or fresh orchids for your mother — Mother's Day is just around the corner.

While you're there, take a stroll around Zilker Botanical Garden's more than 25 acres, which are home to numerous specialty gardens, including Japanese, herb, rose gardens, connected by serene, winding pathways and flanked with waterfalls, flowing streams, and ponds.

Zilker Botanical Gardens
2220 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 477-8672
http://www.zilkergarden.org
http://www.yelp.com/biz/zilker-botanical-gardens-austin

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Barton Creek Farmers Market: Fresh Produce near Lamar Union in South Austin

April 10, 2015 by

Seeking fresh, local food near Lamar Union? One place to find it might be the Barton Creek Farmers Market. Well, two places: the market now offers two different locations in South Austin, one happening on Saturdays and one on Sundays throughout the year. The result is two opportunities to find fresh fruits and vegetables each weekend.

On Saturdays, the Barton Creek Farmers Market takes place from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Barton Creek Square Mall, located at the intersection of Mopac and Loop 360. On Sundays, the market happens at 2323 South Lamar from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. At each market, visitors will find free-range meats, artisan pickles, fresh herbs, flowers, vegetables, eggs, cheeses, and more, all of which is locally-sourced. Vendors serving kombucha, breakfast tacos, granola, tamales, and other prepared foods also typically make an appearance.

The Barton Creek Farmers Markets also frequently hosts events like live music. This Saturday, April 11, for instance, the market welcomes musicians playing bluegrass, children's songs, and country and western music. You can learn more about upcoming events by visiting the Barton Creek Farmers Market website.

Barton Creek Farmers Market
Each Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Each Sunday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Austin, TX
http://www.bartoncreekfarmersmarket.org/

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Go for a Run Around Sunset near Lamar Union at Austin’s Lady Bird Lake

April 3, 2015 by

From the path that winds around Lady Bird Lake you can see the entire Austin skyline etched into the sparkling blue Texas sky. It's a breathtaking sight, particularly at sunrise or sunset. Go for a spin around the lake as the sun peeks over Austin's buildings to get a glimpse of the pretty panorama in a spot not too far from Lamar Union.

Along the way, take a break under the shade of a knotty tree. Or you can skip the run all together and pack lunch, a good book, and a blanket, and sprawl out on the grass for an afternoon. Striking purple flora lines the trail here and there, making for a colorful distraction in the midst of your stroll or jog. Don't forget to stop by the Steve Ray Vaughan Memorial Statue during your tour of Lady Bird Lake. It pays tribute to the iconic American musician born and bred in nearby Dallas. He presides over the lake from a sunny perch right by the water.

Lady Bird Lake
Austin, TX
www.austintexas.gov/page/lady-bird-lake
www.yelp.com/biz/lady-bird-lake-austin

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Dolce Neve: Sweet Austin Treats near Lamar Union

March 13, 2015 by

It's warming up near Lamar Union, and the onset of spring and summer in Austin means more apt occasions for enjoying some of the city's delightful frozen desserts. For example: gelato at Dolce Neve. This South Austin sweet shop delights regulars with its numerous gelato options. Flavors change periodically, and they're typically inventive and unexpected. White chocolate with saffron, raspberry jam with coconut, and organic lemon are some notable recent examples, but stopping in the shop may be the best way to experience the latest flavors.

In addition to gelato, Dolce Neve serves coffee plus some other frozen treats, like sorbet and popsicles. The shop can also create custom cakes! Check out Dolce Neve's website to learn more about this Austin dessert spot.

Dolce Neve
1713 South 1st Street
Austin, TX 78704
http://dolcenevegelato.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/dolce-neve-austin

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Lamar Union Is Sponsoring Two Fun Events During SXSW

March 6, 2015 by

SXSW is coming up, and Greystar and Lamar Union are sponsoring two fun events during the week-long music and media festival!

On Thursday, March 19, you can check out the "Hair of the 3-Legged Dog" day party. It happens from noon until 4 p.m. at The Liberty Bar on East 6th Street, where you can enjoy tacos, bloody marys, and hear music from artists Sweet Spirit, Anya, Bop English, and Flesh Lights. You can learn more about "Hair of the 3-Legged Dog" page on The Austin Chronicle's website.

Throughout the week, Lamar Union residents can also check out Lucy's Fried Chicken Revival, happening at Lucy's Fried Chicken on South Congress. It happens March 18 through 22 from noon til 7 p.m., and it pairs Lucy's menu of Southern-style cuisine with a number of musicians playing bluegrass, folk, country and western, and rock music. Artists like Mike and the Moonpies, Ramsay Midwood, and Ice Cold Singles will take the stage, entertaining attendees.

If you'd like to find out more about Lucy's Fried Chicken Revival, visit Lucy's Facebook page to see a flier.

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