End of an Ear: Buy, Sell or Trade at This Hip Record Store

In one of the country’s most musical cities, a great record store is imperative. End of an Ear is one such record store in the south Austin area, selling an eclectic mix of vinyl records, DVDs, and even some musical equipment in the back. The record selection includes new releases that are updated weekly, as well as old classics and even some underground gems that are hard to find at other stores.

The staff is incredibly knowledgeable, if a bit standoffish, as is to be expected from a busy record store. If you want to test out a record before purchasing it, there are a few turntables with attached headphones scattered throughout the store. Many customers also turn to End of an Ear to exchange old records or DVDs, and the shop offers generous store credit or cash for consignment items.

End of an Ear is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays.

End of an Ear
2209 S. First Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 462-6008
www.endofanear.com
www.yelp.com/biz/end-of-an-ear-austin

Mueller Lake Park: Walk, Bike or Run at This Beautiful Outdoor Area

Comprising trails, playing fields, and numerous open, grassy spaces, Mueller Lake Park is a respite from the hustle and bustle of Austin city life. This spacious park is well-planned and well-maintained, and it spans over 30 acres of lush, green grounds.

A five-mile hiking and biking trail is available for those who want to get in a bit of outdoor exercise, while a nearly seven-acre lake is situated near the center of the park. Visitors to the park also enjoy the stretching and exercise station near the trail, which includes pull-up bars and benches for sit-ups, and you’ll often find pick-up games of basketball or soccer on one of the outdoor courts. One of the most interesting features of the park is the open-air amphitheater and stage, which hosts many outdoor events on weekends.

Whether you have a picnic at one of the food trucks in the area or bring the kids for an afternoon outdoors, Mueller Lake Park is ideal for any recreational activity.

Mueller Lake Park
4550 Mueller Boulevard
Austin, TX 78723
www.muelleraustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mueller-lake-park-austin

Faulk Central Library: Check Out This Historic Downtown Library

Since 1926, the Austin Public Library has provided Austin residents with access to classic works of literature and more modern literary offerings. The current building, which was constructed in 1979, was renamed the Faulk Central Library, but it still aims to provide locals with the same reading resources entirely free of charge. The building is a large, square structure with three floors and a parking garage, and it serves as the reference and collection epicenter of the entire Austin Public Library System.

In addition to its many books, this library also offers a very impressive selection of DVDs and CDs. Educational programs for adult and children are frequently offered at the Faulk Central Library, including computer classes, Spanish lessons, and an all-ages story time.

The Faulk Central Library is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.

Faulk Central Library
800 Guadalupe Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 974-7400
www.library.austintexas.gov/locations/Faulk%20Central%20Library
www.yelp.com/biz/faulk-central-library-austin-public-library-austin

Goorin Bros. Haberdashery and Hat Shop: Stay Stylish From Head to Toe

Take a walk down any given street in Austin, and you’ll likely notice that locals of both genders love a good hat. From classic cowboy hats to vintage ball caps and floppy hats to block the summer sun, Goorin Bros. Haberdashery and Hat Shop supplies a very large number of Austin residents’ hat collections. This beloved shop is located in the eclectic South Congress area, and it aims to maintain the city’s cowboy roots while also offering a bit of Tejano culture and folk art influence.

Inside, rich rugs line the shop’s floors and rustic light fixtures create a distinctly Austin décor style. Hats of all kinds are displayed on just about every surface, but the knowledgeable salespeople are more than willing to help you choose the perfect one. Although customers note that Goorin Bros. hats can be a bit pricey, these are investment pieces that are meant to last a lifetime.

Goorin Bros. Haberdashery and Hat Shop
1323 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 326-4287
www.goorin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/goorin-bros-austin

Health Box: Home to a Healthy Dessert With a Silly Name

Health Box is known for something called “fruit poop,” the cafe's signature, unique frozen treat that looks like ice cream, but is made entirely from fruit and other good-for-you ingredients. The dessert is dairy-free, so it's safe for vegans.

At this food truck, you first choose the fruits that you want included in the frozen treat itself, from white grapes to bananas to a few types of berries. Next you choose the toppings, which include coconut flakes, granola, or more diced fruits. The whole thing is served in a small bowl and eaten with a spoon, and the menu changes daily to keep things fresh. Interestingly enough, the Health Box shop even features a small gym area outside where visitors can work out while waiting for their frozen treats. If that doesn’t make for a guilt-free dessert, then we don’t know what does!

Health Box is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays and Mondays.

Health Box
608 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 954-1054
www.healthboxrestaurant.com
www.yelp.com/biz/health-box-austin

MOD Fitness Studio: Shake Up Your Exercise Routine at This Stylish Studio

If a traditional workout routine simply doesn’t excite you or going to the gym just doesn’t work with your schedule, MOD Fitness Studio is a high-energy alternative that Austin residents rave about. This unique fitness facility combines strength, cardio, and flexibility in each of its fun classes, and upbeat music will keep you motivated to push yourself a bit further each time. Workouts like MOD Barre and MOD Burn combine techniques from yoga, Pilates, and resistance training, and each class is offered at different times throughout the week in order to accommodate your busy schedule.

The studio itself is stylish and welcoming, featuring hardwood floors, chic decor, and a small, comfortable layout that is less overwhelming than larger gyms. If you need a bit of a boost to shake up your exercise routine, MOD Fitness Studio is a great choice.

MOD Fitness Studio is open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and from 8 a.m. to noon weekends.

MOD Fitness Studio
2041 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 765-5663
www.modfitnessaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mod-fitness-studio-austin

Rock-About Climbing Adventures: Learn The Ropes of Rock Climbing

If you want to spend the day outdoors and challenge yourself to an adventurous physical activity, a lesson from Rock-About Climbing Adventures makes the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon. This tour company travels to local climbing sites to offer year-round rock climbing instruction to participants of all skill levels.

Whether you don’t know the first thing about climbing or you’ve been climbing once or twice, the program offers a variety of different classes to accommodate just about anyone. Rock-About’s skilled instructors really know the ropes (pun intended), and the unique, team-based setup promote teamwork and self-confidence just as much as rock climbing skills.

Visit Rock-About Climbing Adventures’ website for a full list of courses and climbing rates.

Rock-About Climbing Adventures
3505 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 415-0804
www.Rock-About.com
www.yelp.com/biz/rock-about-climbing-adventures-austin

RiverCity Market: Fresh Austin Shopping

RiverCity Market is a great alternative to the usual chain grocery store, offering an impressive selection of healthy, high quality foods in a convenient location. This quirky grocery store is located in Austin’s South Congress neighborhood, right near a number of popular shops and restaurants.

The open shelves are well-stocked and spacious, and there is a large selection of craft beers and wines in all price ranges. A hot bar sells prepared foods that guests can eat outside at one of the small cafe tables, and there’s also a salad bar where you can make a healthy, grab-and-go lunch. RiverCity Market also features customizable sandwiches and a full bakery counter that you simply can’t walk past without admiring. The store’s breakfast tacos are its most popular items, however, and they’re served daily until 11 a.m.

RiverCity Market is open 6 a.m. to midnight weekdays and 7 a.m. to midnight weekends.

RiverCity Market
2209 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 462-4955
www.facebook.com/RivercityMarketAustin/info
www.yelp.com/biz/rivercity-market-austin

Zilker Park Boat Rentals: Explore Austin From Inside a Canoe

Since 1969, Zilker Park Boat Rentals has provided Austin residents with a way to explore the scenic Lady Bird Lake in a truly first-hand manner. This family-owned and -operated business offers more than 100 canoes and kayaks that are available for rent by families, friends, and even group organizations.

The prices are very affordable, and Zilker Park’s main objective is to protect and preserve the area’s natural environment. Visitors can rent canoes by the hour or for the entire day, and each canoe can accommodate up to three adults or two adults and two small children. Regulars love renting boats from Zilker Park Boat rentals because of its scenic launch area, and the business is especially popular among dog owners because the canoes are dog friendly.

Regulars of this spot insist that Zilker Park Boat Rentals is one of the best ways to get outdoors in Austin.

Zilker Park Boat Rentals
2101 Andrew Zilker Road
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 478-3852
www.zilkerboats.com
www.yelp.com/biz/zilker-park-boat-rentals-austin

Zilker Zephyr Miniature Train: All Aboard for an Adventure Through Zilker Park

The Zilker Zephyr is a miniature train located in Zilker Park, and it is exactly the type of strange attraction that makes Austin so unique. The small train takes a 20- to 25-minute-long journey around the park, offering both kids and adults a way to see the area in a different light. Like any train, the Zilker Zephyr has its own train station, albeit a much smaller one than you might be used to, and the tracks wind through many different areas of the park and along the banks of the scenic Barton Creek and Lady Bird Lake. Children love to chug along the tracks aboard the Zilker Zephyr’s bright green cars, though it provides a relaxing escape from the everyday for adults as well.

The Zilker Zephyr is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The train departs the station every hour on the hour on weekdays and every 30 to 40 minutes on weekends.

Zilker Zephyr Miniature Train
2100 Barton Springs
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 478-8286
www.zilkerpark.org/zilker-park-amenities/zilker-park-train
www.yelp.com/biz/zilker-zephyr-miniature-train-austin

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