Savor a Taste of Italy at Gelateria Gemelli

A bite of authentic Italian gelato from Gelateria Gemelli might be the shortest distance between Austin and Rome. The owners established Gelateria Gemelli after taking a tour around Italy to learn the time-honored craft of making gelato, which many refer to as the Italian equivalent to American ice cream.

At Gelateria Gemelli, gelato is made in small batches using organic milk and locally sourced ingredients. Staple flavors remain on the menu year-round, but most changing out seasonally. Try a decadent Valrhona chocolate or a refreshing pineapple-mint sorbetto if you’re looking for something dairy-free. After your gelato, try a signature Italian negroni or a sip of Amaro, an herbal infused Italian liqueur used to cleanse the palate. They offer a full list of cocktails, beer, wine, and prosecco if you want to sit and linger.

Gelateria Gemelli is open noon to 11 p.m. daily. If you find a flavor you can’t live without, you can take a pint of it home with you!

Gelateria Gemelli
1009 E. Sixth St
Austin, Texas 78702
(512) 535-2170
www.gelateriagemelli.com

Mecca Gym and Spa: A Luxurious Treat for Mind, Body and Soul

If you believe that working out should be a relaxing, enjoyable experience, Mecca Gym and Spa is the facility for you. This upscale, modern gym is located conveniently in downtown Austin, and it offers a feeling of classic luxury and a personalized fitness experience. Wall-to-wall windows fill the fitness area with natural light, and top-of-the-line cardio and weight machines are scattered throughout the spacious room.

The gym portion hosts a knowledgeable staff of personal trainers who help guests meet their fitness goals, whether those are to train for a triathlon or simply to shed a few extra pounds. The spa is elegantly decorated and soothing, with ornate architectural details, sparkling light fixtures, and comfortable furnishings in every service area. Talented technicians offer massages, facials, and waxing services in private rooms, while guests sip wine or champagne in the open, airy manicure area.

If you want to tone your body and then treat your self to a day of pampering afterward, Mecca Gym and Spa is the place to do it all!

Mecca Gym and Spa
524 N. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 381-2680
www.meccagymandspa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mecca-gym-and-spa-austin

Unwind and Unplug at the Barton Creek Habitat Preserve

The Barton Creek Habitat Preserve is a beautiful, pristine landscape that's located along four miles of Barton Creek in southwest Travis County. With the help of neighboring landowners, the habitat protects two species of endangered songbirds and preserves the quality of water in Barton Creek.

The Barton Creek Habitat Preserve is a very peaceful place to hike, relax, and enjoy the beauty of nature. It is truly a gem that is tucked away in the middle of Austin. The preserve is at its peak during a wet spring. During this time, the creek has enough running water to swim and relax in many different hot spots. The greenbelt area offers at least 14 miles of trails that are ideal for walking, hiking, and even mountain biking. There are also caves that you can explore and even cliffs that are popular for climbing on. Visitation is limited here so be sure to arrange your visit through the volunteers.

Barton Creek Habitat Preserve
1700 Bee Cave Road
Austin, TX 78738
www.facebook.com/pages/Barton-Creek-Habitat-Preserve/208065779237756

Warehouse Craft Brews and Food Trucks Meet at Austin Beerworks

Founded with principles of fun and community in mind, Austin Beerworks works overtime as a brewery and taproom. Between Thursdays and Sundays, this Austin craft brewery opens its warehouse taproom to the public. That's when beer aficionados from all over the city arrive to sample the brewery's beers at their peak of freshness: straight from the tank!

Austin Beerworks's core four beers—an American IPA, German-style schwarzbier and pils, and an ale—are offered at the taproom all year long, complemented by seasonal rotations and a selection of taproom-only brews. The taproom deal is $10 for a take-home pint glass and three pints. If you’re interested in trying more varieties, some locals say you can do six half-pours—you just have to ask.

On most evenings, you can find some of Austin’s best food trucks parked outside for a tasty pairing.

Austin Beerworks
3009 Industrial Terrace
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 821-2494
www.austinbeerworks.com

Make a Splash at Barton Springs Pool

If you’re looking for a nice place to relax and cool off on a hot, Texas summer day, Barton Springs Pool is perfect for you. Barton Springs Pool is a natural part of Barton Creek that has been converted into a swimming pool. The pool is located within Zilker Park and is measured about three acres in size. It is fed from underground springs and has an average temperature of 68 to 70 degrees. The pool is surrounded by grassy areas that are ideal for relaxing and lounging.

Barton Springs Pool is definitely a one-of-a-kind experience. There’s even a salamander and a fresh water eel that lives under the diving board. There is a small fee to enter the pool, but it is definitely worth it.

Barton Springs Pool
2201 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 476-9044
www.austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool

Take a Spin on Your Trusty Bike Around the Barton Creek Greenbelt

Craving some outdoor adventure in Austin? You won’t find many places more exciting than the Barton Creek Greenbelt. This popular hiking, biking, and running trail winds its way around the city through lush, green areas, across rolling rivers, and even right in front of hidden caves that many locals don’t even know about.

This weekend, set out on foot or hop on your trusty bike to explore the miles and miles of trails around the beloved outdoor space. Individual portions are well marked to keep you right on track, whether you’re looking for a short 2-mile hike or to spend the day attempting to make your way around the entire belt. Stop in at a natural swimming hole to cool off from the Texas heat, or even hike to a waterfall and admire the surrounding scenery.

Barton Creek Greenbelt
3755-B Capital of Texas Highway
Austin, TX 78704
www.ci.austin.tx.us

Take in a Film at the Regal Cinemas Metropolitan 14

Screening all of the latest blockbusters in IMAX, RPX, 3D, and 4DX, The Regal Cinemas Metropolitan 14 is a great place to see your next movie with a friend, a date, or a group. The screens are large, and the sound is excellent. What's more, each theater offers stadium-style seating with recliner-style seats, so you can catch up with your favorite actors in total comfort.

Insider's tip: Be sure to join the Regal Club so you can enjoy a number of freebies from this cinema. The theater's website posts about special deals and promos, so be sure to check it out!

Regal Cinemas Metropolitan 14
901 Little Texas Lane
Austin, TX 78745
(844) 462-7342
www.regmovies.com/Theatres/Theatre-Folder/Regal-Metropolitan-Stadium-14-105

Tour the Oval Office at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum

There’s plenty to learn and even more to enjoy at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum. The museum features numerous exhibits and mementos of the presidential career of Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ), including his presidential limo and a replica of the Oval Office. The library and research rooms also offer personal appointments with an archivist to source materials of interest during LBJ’s presidency. A single visit to the 10 level facility just isn’t enough.

The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Though regular admission is only $8 for adults, the museum admits children under 12 for free and offers several Free Admission Days, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, August 27 (LBJ’s Birthday), President’s Day, and the Fourth of July.

Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum
2313 Red River Street
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 721-0200
www.lbjlibrary.org

Falconhead Golf Club: Stay On Par at This Scenic Course

Falconhead Golf Club is one of the more popular public golf courses in Austin. Whether you want to work on your swing or get competitive by joining a league, this scenic course has something for golfers of every skill level. The course was designed by the PGA Tour Design Center to make it both challenging and fun for new golfers, and it features five sets of tee boxes that enable players to customize their own round. You’ll be able to see for miles from Falconhead's many rolling hills, which are signature to the Central Texas Hill Country where Austin is located.

Leagues for men, women, and seniors add a bit of friendly competition to the game, while the Falconhead Golf Shop offers everything you need to keep your golf bag stocked. Finish the day with dinner and drinks at Talon’s Bar and Grill!

Book your tee time on the Falconhead Golf Club website.

Falconhead Golf Club
15201 Falcon Head Boulevard
Austin, Texas 78738
(512) 402-1558
www.falconheadaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/falconhead-golf-club-austin

Hop in the Saddle With Help From Austin’s Bicycle Sport Shop

Whether you’re looking for your first bike or your tenth, a rental or repair, a pair of shoes or bike shorts, you should check out Bicycle Sport Shop on Lamar Boulevard. Locals say the service is top notch, and even someone looking to try their first ride will feel welcome here.

The sales floor hosts a wide range of bicycles, components, and accessories, from road bikes and kids' bikes to bib shorts, jerseys, helmets, locks, shoes, wheels, bike racks—the list goes on. All of the top brands are represented, as well, including Specialized, Surly, Electra, Trek, Bontrager, and Thule. What's more, the employees at Bicycle Sport Shop are trained in bike repairs, bike fitting, and maintenance and repair.

If you’re looking to meet new people or trying to log more time in the saddle, the store hosts group road rides, sorted by beginner, intermediate, or all-level riders. Bicycle Sport Shop also offers annual Bicycle Club Membership options that offer perks like free access to speakers and clinics, club gear, rental coupons and more.

Bicycle Sport Shop
517 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 477-3472
www.bicyclesportshop.com

Pin It on Pinterest