Shop Handcrafted Turquoise Jewelry at The Turquoise Door

Those new to the South quickly realize that Texans have a healthy obsession with turquoise jewelry.  At the Turquoise Door in Austin, you'll find just that and more. This popular boutique has served Austin with artisan jewelry and art for over twenty years, and is dedicated to supporting these artists' livelihoods.

You may find yourself lured into the boutique by the fanciful window displays, especially in October for the Day of the Dead. Inside, expect brightly colored Native American necklaces and bracelets, Baltic amber jewelry, and Chilean earrings. There is a lot to look at, so pick a leisurely day to visit if you want to see the whole selection. Products make great costume jewelry pieces or small gifts for loved ones.

The Turquoise Door is open daily, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., closing at 6 p.m. on Sundays. 

The Turquoise Door
1208 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 804-0618
http://theturquoisedoor.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-turquoise-door-austin

Kick Your Style Into High Gear With a Visit to Allens Boots

Allens Boots is the place for boots in Austin's South Congress shopping district. The knowledgeable and friendly staff will help you maneuver through the rows of beautiful boots to find what you're looking for. Allens carries popular brands like Frye and Tony Lama and also offers a custom made boot service through Lucchese Boot Company. There are boots that fit every budget and every occasion, from weddings to field work.

Besides the massive selection of footwear, there is Western clothing and cowboy hats for sale, too. Ladies will enjoy slipping on a new pair of Miss Me's, and there's a good selection of Wranglers as well. Allens Boots is a great place to take out of state visitors. They'll get a kick out of the cowboy styles and the staff's Southern hospitality.

Allens Boots
1522 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 447-1413
http://www.allensboots.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/allens-boots-austin

Great Food and Music Are on the Menu at Blue Moon Bar & Grill

Blue Moon Bar & Grill is one of the reasons Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World. Here, live music acts take the stage nearly every night of the week, and there's a full bar and kitchen to boot.

Pick up some cheese fries with bacon and green onions or a basket of sweet potato fries for the table, or enjoy one of Blue Moon's 100% beef burgers. The breakfast burger comes with fried egg, ham or bacon, and is topped with hashbrowns, while the Hawaiian burger is topped with grilled pineapple and teriyaki sauce.

Regulars come back for the upscale atmosphere that still manages to be affordable, while the house jam band that performs on Wednesdays is well-liked among many.

Blue Moon Bar & Grill
2200 South I-35
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 916-9951
http://bluemoonbarngrill.weebly.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/blue-moon-bar-and-grill-austin

Spur Your Child’s Creativity and Imagination at Toy Joy

Get in touch with your inner child — or at least shop for one you know — at Toy Joy. Located in downtown Austin, this child-friendly wonderland stocks a huge selection of toys, from educational and inspiring to goofy and weird. It's a fun place to browse for environmentally friendly toys, figurines, trinkets, science kits, and dress-up pieces, all of which will spur your child's imagination and creativity.

Customers love the large selection of Hello Kitty items, as well as the Rody line of whimsically designed, inflatable horses —the largest size can hold up to 400 lbs! Although downtown parking can be a challenge, Toy Joy will validate your parking. Toy Joy is open daily, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Toy Joy
403 W. 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 320-0090
http://www.toyjoy.com
www.yelp.com/biz/toy-joy-austin

 

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Play, Play, Play at the ZACH Theatre

Founded in 1933, Austin's ZACH Theatre is the oldest continuously operating theatre in Texas.  With a year round season of over 500 performances, there's always something interesting on stage here. Their programming features classic plays and musicals, youth productions, and  original work from regional and national playwrights. The theatre space in intimate, the audience is in close proximity to the stage, and any seat in the house offers a great experience.

ZACH also emphasizes education and community outreach through their Youth Theatre program, which offers classes and productions to engage children in the performing arts. 
 

ZACH Theatre
1510 Toomey Rd
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 476-0541
www.yelp.com/biz/zach-theatre-austin

South Austin Park: Relax!

South Austin Park is a great resource for people who live on this side of town. Get up off the couch and enjoy the great outdoors with a stroll around the park’s 11 acres. In addition to walking and jogging trails, there are two basketball courts, two tennis courts and a multipurpose field, offering great opportunities to have some fun while getting a great workout. Two barbeque pits and eight picnic tables mean you can pack up some food and have a fun picnic or cookout with friends and family. They also have some great programs for kids and adults at the park’s recreation center, like children’s camps, art programs, youth sports and wheelchair basketball. Open every day.

South Austin Park
1100 Cumberland Road
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 974-6700
http://www.yelp.com/biz/south-austin-park-austin

Barton Springs Pool: Cool Off in South Austin

Barton Springs Pool is the crown jewel of Zilker Park. It glitters within the park’s 358 acres, and comprises three acres of spring-fed water that averages 68 degrees year-round. That means it’s a haven for swimmers and sunbathers, especially in the hot months, when the cool water offers a fun break from the summer sizzle. It’s a great spot to spend an afternoon swathed in sunscreen with a towel or blanket laid out on the wide expanse of grass that surrounds the pool, soaking up the sun or in hanging out the shade. Expect a diverse crowd of people on summer weekends. Admission is a bargain at $3 for adults, $1 for children and seniors. Parking is $5 per car on weekends, free during the week.

No food is allowed. Drinks only in covered, unbreakable containers.

Barton Springs Pool
2201 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 476-9044
http://www.yelp.com/biz/barton-springs-pool-austin

Austin Nature and Science Center: Expand Your Mind

Situated on the western boundary of Zilker Park, the Austin Nature and Science Center offers a fun opportunity to delve into the fascinating natural world. The wild animal exhibits feature a variety of animals that have been orphaned or injured and can no longer live in the wild, like owls, hawks and other raptors, as well as reptiles and mammals. The Dino Pit is always a hit with kids, allowing them to become miniature paleontologists while digging for bones in a giant sand pit that’s outfitted with shovels, rakes and buckets. The butterfly exhibit lets you view the beautiful flutterers in a lovely habitat. The center offers a variety of programs for kids, adults and families. They also run kid’s camps during school breaks.

Open every day with free admission.

Austin Nature and Science Center
301 Nature Center Drive
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 974-3888
http://www.yelp.com/biz/austin-nature-and-science-center-austin-2

Lenoir: Fine Fare in Austin, Texas

This spectacular restaurant is paving the way for a new appreciation of fine cuisine in central Texas, and Austin diners couldn’t be happier. Owners Todd Duplechan and Jessica Maher have a combined 25 years in the restaurant and hospitality business, and they’re putting forward some unique concepts at Lenoir. One of the most usual is the Community Supported Restaurant aspect – by purchasing a “membership,” you obtain discounts and other rewards while helping Lenoir grow. The menu is served prix fixe style, with each course having three or four options. It is a great way to sample the exciting seasonal offerings, with past dishes including a spectacular pork belly soup with mung bean noodles, eggplant and “ham jam,” an excellent sweet potato salad, a satisfying chickpea panisse and a number of very good desserts. Don’t miss the delicious pistachio custard with caramelized phyllo leaves. The wine list is well-curated and pairs well with the top-quality food from the kitchen.

Lenoir
1807 S. 1st Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 215-9778
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lenoir-austin

Zilker Park: An Austin Oasis

Zilker Park is a landmark Austin resource, comprising 351 acres and offering a wide assortment of recreational activities. Get out on the hiking and biking trails, or spend a fun few hours paddling a kayak or canoe on Town Lake. Swimmers and sunbathers love Barton Springs Pool with its spring-fed water and expansive grassy lawns. The Zilker Zephyr miniature railroad gives kids and adults a fun way to tour the park. Picnicking and cookouts are encouraged at the park’s picnic areas, some of which can be reserved for special events. Other park amenities include the Zilker Botanical Gardens, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum and the Austin Nature & Science Center. The Zilker Hillside Theatre plays host to musical concerts and the annual Summer Shakespeare Festival.

Zilker Park
2100 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78746
http://www.yelp.com/biz/zilker-metropolitan-park-austin

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