Core Power Yoga: Stretch Out in Austin

Power up your flexibility and core strength with a class at Austin's Core Power Yoga. Step into the clean, well lit, spacious studio and throw off the cares of the day while you stretch, build strength and recharge with a series of yoga poses set to energizing music. Classes are geared to all levels of ability, from beginner to advanced. A helpful staff of trained teachers is there to guide and instruct.

Core Power's classes include Hot Power Fusion, Heated Power Yoga with Weights, and Beginning Power Yoga. Changing rooms with lockers and showers are part of what you’ll find here. They also have a boutique with a variety of apparel and yoga accessories. Check out their free classes for new students. See Core Power Yoga's website for class schedules and pricing information.

Core Power Yoga
801 W. 5th Street
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 542-9642
http://www.corepoweryoga.com/yoga-studio/texas/austin-monarch
http://www.yelp.com/biz/corepower-yoga-austin

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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Hill Country Galleria: Charming Retail

Bee Cave locals are lucky to have the Hill County Galleria as their local mall. The perfectly manicured facilities are filled with local shops, food and entertainment. Anchored by Barnes & Noble, Dillard’s, Whole Foods and Dick’s Sporting Goods, there’s something for everyone here. Regular cinemagoers suggest that the mall hosts one the best movie theaters in the area. The space also hosts free summer concerts in the pavilion with plenty of parking behind the shops. For those wanting to walk off their lunch, you can stroll through the entire shopping area outside with the light winds coming up over the hill to keep it from getting too hot.  For a day of retail therapy or a family outing for some shopping and food, Hill Country Galleria has it all.

Hill Country Galleria
12700 Hill Country Boulevard
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 263-0001
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hill-country-galleria-bee-cave

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

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