Uncommon Objects: Austin Antiques near Lamar Union

Like many other things about Austin, the city's antique shops are unique. For example, Uncommon Objects, a vintage-and-antique shop not far from Lamar Union on South Congress. The shop has a treasure trove of unique items gathered from estate sales and other sources, all presented in a way that makes the space equal parts art gallery and antique shop. Some Yelp reviewers note that you can spend a lot of time just browsing around the store; others note that you could spend a lot of money if you were to decide to buy everything object you found compelling.

If you're looking for a unique vintage piece to decorate your apartment, though, this may be one of the best places in Austin to find it. You can see some of the stuff on offer by visiting the gallery page of the Uncommon Objects website. There you'll see things like retro lamps, vintage jewelry, and even glass- and table-ware.

If you'd like to visit this Austin shop, Uncommon Objects is open daily from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. and until 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Uncommon Objects
1512 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
www.uncommonobjects.com
www.yelp.com/biz/uncommon-objects-austin

Learn More About a Literary Icon at the O. Henry Museum near Lamar Union in Austin

The literary icon who would write The Gifts of the Magi, The Ransom of Red Chief, and The Cop and the Anthem once made Austin his home, and Austin's lucky to have a collection of O. Henry's archival materials. The space draws literature scholars, of course, but it's also an interesting place to visit for readers who'd like to learn more about the life and times of this renowned writer.

At the O. Henry Museum in Austin, you can learn more about this enigmatic artist by exploring the home that O. Henry shared with his wife and daughter. It still contains memorabilia of their time there, and it often hosts workshops about writing short stories like O. Henry did so well.

This Austin museum is just a short trip from Lamar Union, making it easy to visit to see it for yourself.

O. Henry Museum
409 E. 5th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 472-1903
www.austintexas.gov/department/o-henry-museum
www.yelp.com/biz/o-henry-home-and-museum-austin

Perspectives at the Blanton Near Lamar Union: Learn About Latin American Art

Art lovers Judy and Charles Tate recently contributed their personal collection to the Blanton Museum, a beloved institution in Austin. The museum's curator of Latin American art, Beverly Adams, weighs in on the recent acquisition at the Perspectives at the Blanton event on January 15. It's free to the public and runs from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

During the lecture, Adams gives her expert opinion regarding pieces like Maria Fernanda Cardoso's Papilio Thoas Cinyrus​. A part of the Tates' gifted collection, Cardoso crafted the work from a mix of metal, silicone, and Plexiglas in 2003, a group of abstract shapes that evoke stars. Beverly Adams will also talk about the importance of Surrealism on the South American art scene during the hour-long discussion at the Blanton Museum, so make sure to mark it on your calendar if you're an art buff, Lamar Union residents!

Perspectives at the Blanton: Beverly Adams
Blanton Museum
200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Austin, TX 78712
blantonmuseum.org/calendar_events/details/perspectives_beverly_adams

Laugh With Local Comics at the Sure Thing Showcase Near Lamar Union

Each Saturday at 8 p.m., Austin gets a little bit funnier courtesy of Sure Thing at the flagship location of Austin Java. This comedy showcase is held every week, and it's always free. So swing by for the next show and grab a glass of wine, a beer, or some sangria to sip on and a few small plates to nosh on during the show.

Your hosts Brendan K. O'Grady and Duncan Carson will introduce you to whichever local comic is headlining that evening. They're all seasoned performers, and many of them already have impressive resumes. In fact, some have appeared on Conan, The Late Show with David Letterman, and even specials on Comedy Central. That's not to mention their local appearances, which include the Funniest Person in Austin contest.

Join some friends from Lamar Union for an evening of laughs from an up-and-coming comic at Sure Thing! The doors open at 7:30 p.m. each Saturday.

Sure Thing
The Original Austin Java
1206 Parkway
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 476-1829
365thingsaustin.com/event/sure-thing/2015-01-10/

Aviary: An Austin Wine Bar near Lamar Union

Aviary is as much a show room as it is a wine bar. From its tables to its glassware, everything you use while you're dining here is for sale. Even the cheese boards, lamps, and rugs await in Aviary's warehouse for someone to scoop them up for their own home.

So while you sip a glass of wine, consider if the glass you're using might fit into your own dining room at Lamar Union. Aviary's lounge offers and impressive selection of red and white wine from all over the globe. Its proprietors personally select each and every wine that appears on the list, so you can rest assured each bottle has pass rigorous scrutiny. They also handpick Aviary's beers. While you sip, consider one of the small plates on Aviary's menu. It serves tapas made from local ingredients but inspired by foreign cuisines. Some of the tapas feature honey from Central Texas, whereas others showcase gourmet cured meats.

Aviary
2110 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 916-4445
www.aviarylounge.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/aviary-austin

Find Great Deals near Lamar Union at Austin’s Highland Mall

Pick up that great new dress or that pair of high-top sneakers that you’ve had your eye on at Highland Mall, one of the most popular shopping destinations in Austin. Although the city is known for its eclectic local shops, its malls may be just as impressive, and Highland Mall was the very first in all of Austin. The mall features ample parking for those who'd like to drive over from Lamar Union.

Inside the mall you’ll find a wide selection of both national chain stores and local favorites boasting apparel, accessories and even electronics and home goods. Aeropostale, Finish Line and Baby Steps offer shoes and clothing for babies and adults of all ages, while Zales Jewelers and Claire’s offer accessories for any budget. There are also a number of food options like Bold Street Coffee and La Chaparrita Peruvian Restaurant to keep you fueled for a day of shopping.

Highland Mall
6001 Airport Boulevard
Austin, TX 78752
(512) 454-9656
www.highlandmall.com

Have Coffee near Lamar Union at Austin Java

This beloved Austin cafe chain serves a full food menu in addition to its high quality coffee, which makes it a popular hot spot at any time of the day. Austin Java's Barton Springs location near Lamar Union is housed in an eclectic building with a spacious outdoor patio ideal for warm Texas afternoons, a light-filled interior with pastry cases overflowing with delicious baked goods, and comfortable tables throughout the space.

Skilled baristas create handcrafted espresso drinks and plain drip brews for coffee purists, and they even double as bartenders if you choose to order an icy margarita instead. Breakfast is served all day long and includes things like healthy granola and steak and eggs omelets, while for lunch, the menu switches to tacos, burgers and salads. For a casual meal with a hip ambiance, Austin Java is a popular local spot.

Austin Java
1608 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 482-9450
www.austinjava.com

Kick Off the Holidays near Lamar Union at Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade

The holidays are almost here, and one of the best ways to ring in the start of the season near Lamar Union might be attending the Chuy's Children Giving to Children Parade.

The parade stated in 1989, growing out of a toy drive initiated by the owner of Chuy's. Over the last 25 years it has grown into a large fundraiser, gathering toys for the Operation Blue Santa Program.

The parade starts at the State Capitol and proceeds down Congress Avenue to Cesar Chavez. Along the way, Santa and his helpers will collect donated toys from spectators. The procession will include sights like holiday floats, cartoon characters, as well as festive music from marching bands.

The 2014 Chuy's Children Giving to Children Parade will take place on Saturday, November 29 beginning at 11 a.m.

Click here to learn more about Chuy's Children Giving to Children Parade!

Help Fight Hunger with the Austin Empty Bowl Project Near Lamar Union Apartments

Ina Garten, Whoopi Goldberg, and Glenn Close all got in on the action at the Austin Empty Bowl Project in 2013. Each of these celebrities decorated a bowl and contributed it to the collection of bowls crafted by Austin's own potters for this non-profit project. These bowls were all inspired by a small project began by an art teacher and his students in Michigan in the '90s. The art class decorated bowls and invited school faculty members to fill them with soup in return for a donation to the local food bank. The teachers were allowed to take the bowls home with them, keeping them on the shelves as a reminder of those who face an empty bowl every night.

The creative take on the food drive quickly spread throughout the country, and today Austin residents can get in on the fun. On November 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Linc's Marchesa Hall & Theatre, not too far from Lamar Union, the Austin Empty Bowl Project invites guests to pick a bowl. Local artisans have crafted a fun variety of bowls for this special event, and you can pick whichever one you like for $20—the money goes right to Kids Cafe, an offshoot of the Capital Area Food Bank. Volunteers will wash the bowl for you and fill it with flavorful soup crafted by area chefs, served along with warm bread. Enjoy live music while you feast and then bring your bowl home as a reminder of the local people you've helped feed.

Check out Austin Empty Bowl Project's website for more information about the organization and event.

Dirty Dancing at Bass Concert Hall

November 11 @ 8:00 pm – November 16 @ 11:00 pm

http://texasperformingarts.org/

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