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Have Coffee near Lamar Union at Austin Java

November 26, 2014 by

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

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

November 19, 2014 by

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!

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

November 14, 2014 by

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.

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Experience an Olive Oil Tasting near Lamar Union at Con’Olio’s in Austin

November 6, 2014 by

Con’Olio’s is a premium olive oil tasting bar that perfectly blends the street market and café culture of Europe with a distinctly Austin flavor. This small chain specializes in premium olive oils and balsamic vinegars, but it is unique because it enables its customers to sample everything before making a decision about what to purchase.

Complimentary tastes of extra virgin olive oils are available from large, stainless steel Fusti containers on the shop’s olive oil tasting bar, and guests are encouraged to sip the olive oil straight from the tasting cups instead of using bread for dipping in order to preserve its full flavor. If you want to learn more about choosing the highest quality olive oils and balsamic vinegars, Con’Olio’s knowledgeable employees are always on hand to offer ways to distinguish flavors and other important information.

Just a short distance away from Lamar Union in Austin, Con’Olio’s is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Con’Olio’s
215 Lavaca Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 495-1559
www.conolios.com

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Get Hands-On Science Knowledge Near Lamar Union at Austin Nature and Science Center

October 30, 2014 by

The Austin Nature and Science Center is one of the best places to go in Austin to learn about the area’s natural environment in a fun, hands-on way.

This interactive science center is located on the western edge of Zilker Park, and it has offered exhibits and educational programs since its inception in 1960. Its wildlife exhibits feature native animals that include reptiles, mammals and birds that have been injured and cannot survive in the wild, so visitors are fortunate enough to get an up-close and personal look. The Dino Pit outdoor paleontology exhibit offers children the unique opportunity to participate in a faux archeological dig, and they can also view large-scale reproductions of dinosaur fossils.

The Austin Nature and Science Center also offers a number of educational programs like the Naturalist Workshop, preschools and summer camps for families and kids of all ages to learn about the world around them.

Visit the Austin Nature and Science Center website to learn more about this fun attraction near Lamar Union.

Austin Nature and Science Center
2389 Stratford Drive
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 974-3888
www.austintexas.gov/department/austin-nature-and-science-center

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Find Music and Fun near Lamar Union at Austin’s Pecan Street Festival

September 26, 2014 by

If you're a fan of food, music, and the outdoors, make your way to the Pecan Street Festival in downtown Austin. The two-day outdoor gathering, which will be held this Saturday (from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.) is one of the oldest and most popular events in Central Texas, and admission is free. Gather a few friends or round up the family and make the short trip from Lamar Union to enjoy it for yourself!

There's something for visitors of all ages to do at the Pecan Street Festival. Local and national artisans line the streets and more than 60 of Austin's talented musicians will perform on three stages. Kids can enjoy watching street magicians or wandering around the petting zoo. Everyone can sample food sold by more than 30 vendors. While you're having a good time at the Pecan Street Festival, you'll be glad to know you are also helping the community. The event raises money for a number of Austin non-profits.

The Pecan Street Festival will take place on Saturday, September 27, and Sunday, September 28. Visit the festival's website to find out more!

Pecan Street Festival
Sixth Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 485-3190
www.oldpecanstreetfestival.com
www.yelp.com/biz/old-pecan-street-festival-austin-2

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Catch a Movie near Lamar Union at Austin’s Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

September 12, 2014 by

Situated in South Austin, the Alamo Drafthouse is a distinctive movie-going experience near Lamar Union. Sure, you'll still find the multiple screens characteristic of a multiplex, but Alamo Drafthouse also has a full menu of food and drink to enjoy. It isn't the usual popcorn-and-soda stuff either; the food here is high quality and often made from local ingredients, with options like burgers, wraps, salads, and pizzas. Drinks like milkshakes, floats, and craft beers are available, too.

The schedule of films screened here is distinctive, too. The theater shows first-run films like Guardians of the Galaxy and Boyhood, but it also shows cult movies, thoughtful documentaries and arthouse films, and even Hollywood classics like Ghostbusters! The space has reserved seating, making it easy for cinema-goers to ensure that they've got a perfect vantage point on the film.

Visit the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema's website to learn more about this Austin theater!

Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar
1120 South Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 861-7040
www.drafthouse.com/austin/south_lamar

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Yoga Yoga: Practice Yoga in Austin Near Lamar Union

August 28, 2014 by

When Yoga Yoga started, it happened in a space measuring a mere 250 square feet, and it could only hold about seven students at a time—uncomfortably. That didn't stop people from showing up, though. Before long, the proprietors of this Austin yoga studio were teaching yoga classes back-to-back in that teensy space to a steady 65 people per week.

It soon became clear that the studio's popularity had outgrown its space, and so the owners leased their first space on South Lamar in 1997, dubbing it "Yoga Yoga" for the two types of yoga they taught. That flagship studio spawned four others around Austin, including a second location near Lamar Union on South Lamar.

The owners have now trained a team to help them teach various modes of yoga all over Austin, including their signature Hatha and Kundalini as well as restorative, Vinyasa, and deep relaxation. Today Yoga Yoga offers classes suited for everyone from beginners to experienced yoga practitioners. Visit Yoga Yoga's website to find out more!

Yoga Yoga
4477 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78745
(512) 358-1200
www.yogayoga.com
www.yelp.com/biz/yoga-yoga-westgate-austin-2

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Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum: See Art near Lamar Union in Austin

August 14, 2014 by

If you're looking for a relaxing way to spend your weekend afternoon near Lamar Union in Austin, consider visiting the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum. In 1991 this land was transformed to a gorgeous and inviting park, filled with brilliant and artful sculptures. For colder days, Umlauf also has indoor exhibits housed in an expertly designed facility that is filled with natural light. It's perfect for outings all year round, and is just a short distance from Lamar Union.

All the outside artwork is laid perfectly into a natural background of grass, trees, and native Texas flora. Stop by the many bronze sculptures, or see the exquisite and abstract stone works. Umlauf also rents its space out to events, and offers an atmosphere suited for weddings, corporate events, parties, and more.

Visit the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum website to see a calendar of current and upcoming exhibitions!

Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum
605 Robert E. Lee Road
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 445-5582
umlaufsculpture.org
www.yelp.com/biz/umlauf-sculpture-garden-and-museum-austin

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See “America’s Test Kitchen Live!” at The Long Center Near Lamar Union in Austin

August 7, 2014 by

If you're a fan of watching the show at home at Lamar Union, consider seeing America's Test Kitchen Live! when it visits The Long Center in Austin on August 13. The PBS cooking show is one of the most popular of its kind, and the stage show aims to let you see a bit of what goes on behind the cameras.

Chris Kimball, the star of the show, will give guests a glimpse of what happens on set. You'll learn about the food tastings, science experiments, and equipment testings that take place. Also making an appearance — via video and audio — are Mrs. Patmore from Downton Abbey and Mary Roach, who has studied the digestive system. After the show, Kimball will hold a q-and-a session with the fans. Tickets are reasonably priced and available on The Long Center's website. Special VIP Tickets even include a signed copy of the America’s Test Kitchen Cooking School Cookbook and a meet and greet after the show.

If you haven't been to the Long Center before, make sure to check out the schedule of events. The folks here take pride in featuring local art and talent, In fact, local artists are involved in 80 percent of the performances. The building is just as appealing as the shows considering it offers impressive views of the Austin skyline.

America's Test Kitchen Live!
The Long Center
701 W. Riverside Drive
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 474-5664
www.thelongcenter.org/event/americas-test-kitchen/
www.yelp.com/biz/long-center-austin

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