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Zilker Park Boat Rentals: Explore Austin From Inside a Canoe

September 23, 2014 by

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

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

August 26, 2014 by

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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Dolce Neve: Classic Gelato with Local Flavor

August 12, 2014 by

When you think of Austin’s food scene you likely think of barbecue before gelato, but South Austin’s Dolce Neve is aiming to change that. This gelato shop uses a variety of creative, local ingredients to create some of the best gelato that you’ll have in the Lone Star State, and the regulars report that customer service is exceptional.

Each gelato flavor is made from scratch on site every morning, and it is made 100 percent according to old-school Italian recipes. Gelato flavors include 18 handcrafted options that change daily, but some of the most popular include goat cheese and blueberry lime jam, ricotta pistachio, and dark chocolate with cayenne pepper. If that’s not enough to get your sweet tooth tingling, Dolce Neve also offers other frozen novelties such as granita, popsicles, gelato sandwiches, and affogatos.

Dolce Neve is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays. Note that the cafe is closed Mondays.

Dolce Neve
1713 S. First Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 804-5568
www.dolcenevegelato.com
www.yelp.com/biz/dolce-neve-austin

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Tsunami Cycles: Tune Up Your Bike at This Friendly Local Shop

July 29, 2014 by

Austin residents certainly love their bicycles, and local cyclists insist that Tsunami Cycles is one of the best shops in the city to keep those bikes in working order. Whether you’re in the market for a new bicycle or you need to pick up some parts for your current one, this well-stocked shop is the place to go.

The store itself is located conveniently on Austin’s South Congress Avenue, and it stocks a large selection of new and used bicycles and a full-service repair shop to meet any area cyclist's needs. Tsunami Cycles offers tune-ups, brake and gear adjustments, and complete building services on new bikes, and they’ll even pack your bike up and ship it anywhere in the country for just a bit more. Throw in a staff of friendly, knowledgeable employees who are anything but intimidating, and it’s easy to see why this shop is a staple of Austin's cycling scene.

Tsunami Cycles is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. The shop is closed on Tuesdays.

Tsunami Cycles
2114 1/2 S Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 448-9725
www.tsunamicycles.com
www.yelp.com/biz/tsunami-cycles-austin-2

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CRAFT: Drop-in Studio Sessions and Art Workshops in Austin

June 24, 2014 by

If you’re interested in learning a new skill or hobby but don’t want to commit to a set time for a class, Austin’s CRAFT might be just the place for you. At any time during business hours, you can come into CRAFT and grab a workstation for a very reasonable rate of just $10 an hour. That rate includes access to a staggering amount of materials, including paint, paper, ribbons, stamps and ink, both air dry and polymer clay, collage materials, screenprinting screens, and much more. They also sell additional supplies, including canvases and frames, at a very reasonable rate.

If you’re not the free-form type, CRAFT hosts a wide variety of events and workshops throughout the week. Some of the most popular include the weekly Intro to Screenprinting class, which gives you everything you need to print t-shirts, tote bags, and other fabric projects, as well as the Hearts & Crafts workshops on Wednesdays that focus on crafting as a means of personal development and self-expression.

CRAFT
1632 S. 1st Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 900-9957
craft-austin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/craft-austin

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Shop Affordable Finds for the Home at Simply Austin Furniture

May 27, 2014 by

If you’re new to Austin and find yourself needing some essential pieces for your home, locals will gladly point you in the direction of Simply Austin Furniture. This locally-owned treasure has found bargains for literally thousands of happy homemakers over the years.

When you walk in, you’ll notice that the showroom doesn’t have a lot of frills, but what they lack in ambiance they pass on to you in low prices; they have a knack for offering specific items at well below catalog price. Owner Penny Britton is an expert at finding exactly what’s important to you at your desired price point. All of the sales staff here are expertly trained and super friendly, willing to take as much time as you need to select the perfect piece.

One of the best things about Simply Austin is that they stand by the quality of their goods 100%: if your furniture wears out, they’ve been known to replace items no questions asked.

Simply Austin Furniture
3405 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 447-5151
simplyaustinfurniture.com
www.yelp.com/biz/simply-austin-furniture-austin

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The Stitch Lab: South Austin Crafts

May 13, 2014 by

Austin is great place for crafters, with tons of people learning sewing, knitting and other fun crafts. If you'd like to take up crafting as a hobby, one of Austin's best resources might be The Stitch Lab.

The Stitch Lab's owner Leslie Bonnell is a former costume designer who realized that there was a market for truly skilled sewing instruction, so she started offering classes out of her home in 2001. The concept took off quickly and she expanded into a retail location in 2009, hiring a number of other instructors to supplement her offerings.

All of the teachers here win raves from regular patrons – they’re patient, skilled and capable, willing to take as much time as they need to make sure that you’re really understanding the material. The Stitch Lab also has a sizable retail area which sells a variety of cute and funky fabrics from all over the world, as well as thread, floss, embroidery patterns and other notions.

Visit The Stitch Lab's website to learn more about this Austin craft shop!

The Stitch Lab
1000 S 1st Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 440-0712
www.stitchlab.biz/
www.yelp.com/biz/the-stitch-lab-austin

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Peruse Original Artwork from American Artists at Yard Dog Gallery

April 22, 2014 by

An art gallery in Austin, Yard Dog once specialized in showcasing folk art from the American South, but has since grown to feature art from all over North America. This is a great place to stop by and browse when visiting the shopping district.

Here, you'll find smaller pieces for sale, as well as work by well-known artists, like singer Daniel Johnston's cartoon art and Lisa Brawn's painted woodcuts. You can browse some of the inventory online, but there is nothing like viewing these creations in person. Regulars all agree that Yard Dog Gallery puts on one of the best parties for Bloodshot Records during South By Southwest, so keep that in mind when planning your yearly festivities!

Yard Dog Gallery is open daily.

Yard Dog Gallery
1510 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 912-1613
http://www.yarddog.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/yard-dog-gallery-austin

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Japanese Fare Comes With a Quirky Twist at Lucky Robot

April 8, 2014 by

If you're craving some street-style Japanese food or a bite of sushi, stop by Austin's own Lucky Robot. This establishment is modeled after Tokyo's Harajuku street fashion and can best be described as cute and a little quirky. If you're up for it, ask to sit in one of the eatery's porch swings while you order your food and drinks from an iPad.

Split some hot or cold appetizers with your table, like the sea bass with black walnut oil and apple or the street style corn with cheese and mayonnaise. The Japanese inspired tacos are also well worth a try; the ahi with wasabi aioli and avocado will leave any taco connoisseur smiling.

Regulars stop by for the expertly crafted rolls and linger for the hospitable chefs who are quick to crack a joke or exchange pleasantries. Be sure to stop in during happy hour, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays.

Lucky Robot
1303 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 444-8081
http://www.luckyrobotrestaurant.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lucky-robot-austin

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You’ll Feel Like a Kid in a Candy Store at Big Top Candy Shop

March 25, 2014 by

Not one to back down from the "Everything Is Bigger in Texas" tradition is Austin's Big Top Candy Shop, a massive candy store located right on South Congress. Inside you'll find over 2,000 types of candies, including over 300 varieties that are sold in bulk. Browse rows and rows filled with obscure candies, some you might not have thought of since childhood!

Regulars appreciate the old-school candy shop atmosphere while creating a personalized drink at the old-fashioned soda bar. With flavors like blueberry, hazelnut, coconut, and kiwi, you'll be sure to concoct something unique and delicious. Regulars also recommend the cucumber soda and fizzy lemonade. Big Top also serves up Blue Bell ice cream, shaved ice, Italian cream soda, and they make a doozy of a shake.

This is a nice place to stop by for a treat after a long day exploring the South Congress shopping district.

Big Top Candy Shop
1706 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 462-2220
http://bigtopcandyshop.tumblr.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/big-top-candy-shop-austin

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