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

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/

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

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

Dolce Neve: Sweet Austin Treats near Lamar Union

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

Lamar Union Is Sponsoring Two Fun Events During SXSW

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.

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

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