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The Austin Wine Merchant: Shop Like a Connoisseur at This Longtime Bottle Shop

December 11, 2014 by

Although you may think of craft beers when you think of Austin’s drink of choice, the Austin Wine Merchant proves just how much the city loves its wine. This locally owned bottle shop has served the Austin area since 1991, and once you talk to the friendly, knowledgeable staff you’ll quickly realize that wine is their passion.

Weekly wine tastings bring the city’s wine enthusiasts together to taste the shop’s seasonal bottles, and the Austin Wine Merchant even carries beers and spirits for those who prefer something other than vino. The shop stocks a large selection of French wines, local bottles, and reserve wines at all price points, and it is kept at around 65 degrees Fahrenheit in order to preserve the wines' taste. Bring a jacket along on your visit and peruse the shelves for that perfect bottle of gin or that elusive aged port wine.

The Austin Wine Merchant is open 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily, and it is closed on Sundays.

The Austin Wine Merchant
512 W. Sixth Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 499-0512
www.theaustinwinemerchant.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-austin-wine-merchant-austin

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Riverside Golf Course: Play a Historic Course

November 13, 2014 by

Built in the 1940s, Riverside Golf Course is a historic Austin course that has hosted golf legends like Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite over the years. If you're used to playing on today's elite courses, Riverside Golf Course might seem a bit short, simple, and straightforward at first, but if you keep its history in mind, you'll appreciate playing on a golf course that shaped a generation of golf's great players.

The course is rated a 7.3 on the Texas Outside scorecard, and the fairways are lined with stately old maples, pecans, and oaks. The course's pro shop can supply all your basic equipment needs, while professional instructors can help you fine tune your technique. After your round of golf, try relaxing in the attached restaurant with a tasty char-grilled burger and an ice cold beer.

Whether you visit with a couple of buddies or bring the whole family, Riverside Golf Course can be a great place to spend a day.

Riverside Golf Course
1020 Grove Boulevard
Austin, TX 78741
(512) 386-7077
www.riverside-gc.com
www.texasoutside.com/public/reviews/show_golf_course/548

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Shop Handcrafted Turquoise Jewelry at The Turquoise Door

October 9, 2014 by

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 more than 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 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.

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

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Monkey See Monkey Do!: Off-the-Wall Gifts That Can’t be Imitated

September 15, 2014 by

Whether you love kitschy, quirky trinkets or you know someone else who does, Monkey See Monkey Do! is one of Austin’s most popular gift shops. This wacky store is like a toy store for adults, and it is positively packed full of all of the magnets, action figures, whoopee cushions, and novelty candies that you can imagine. There’s also a number of Austin-themed gifts!

None of these items are particularly useful, but once you spend a while in this silly shop you'll realize that that’s what makes them great. And of course, Monkey See Monkey Do! even carries a vast assortment of—you guessed it—monkey paraphernalia!

Monkey See Monkey Do! is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Monkey See Monkey Do!
1712 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 443-4999
www.facebook.com/MonkeySeeMonkeyDoAustin
www.yelp.com/biz/monkey-see-monkey-do-austin

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Faulk Central Library: Check Out This Historic Downtown Library

August 14, 2014 by

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
library.austintexas.gov/locations/Faulk%20Central%20Library
www.yelp.com/biz/faulk-central-library-austin-public-library-austin

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Esther’s Follies: Austin Entertainment

July 17, 2014 by

Turn off the TV, get up off the couch and head out for some zany fun at Esther’s Follies. The Follies’ home is located at the historic 280-seat Cactus Theatre on Austin’s vibrant 6th Street. It’s a Texas-style revue featuring a melodious mélange of comedy skits, magic acts and political satire. The stage features two large windows that look out on the action on bustling 6th Street.

Now in its 36th season, this Austin hallmark is a must for anyone who loves creative, cutting edge live entertainment. Master magician Ray Anderson is a favorite for his seamless melding of magic and comedy. The theatre features five shows weekly – one on Thursday and two each on Friday and Saturday. Book your tickets in advance, as it sells out regularly.

Esther's Follies
525 E. 6th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 320-0553
http://www.esthersfollies.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/esthers-follies-austin-2

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The Stitch Lab: South Austin Crafts

July 10, 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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Barton Springs Pool: Cool Off in South Austin

June 12, 2014 by

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.

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

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Away Spa Austin at the W Hotel

June 5, 2014 by

Pamper yourself with a trip to Away Austin Spa at the W Austin Hotel. Go ahead, you deserve it! Let their trained massage therapists knead your tired, overworked muscles until you’re relaxed from your daily stresses. A variety of massage treatments is available, including Couples Massage, Hot Stone Massage and Mother-To-Be Massage.

Their menu of facials gives you lots of options to rejuvenate your visage, leaving your skin glowing and fresh. Manicures and pedicures remove dead, dry skin, shape and trim nails and polish them with the hue of your choice. Or make your eyes pop with lash extensions that make them thicker, fuller and longer.

See Away Spa's website for a menu of services and pricing information.

Away Spa Austin
200 Lavaca Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 542-3626
http://www.austinawayspa.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/away-spa-by-w-hotels-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/taraangkorhotel

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Core Power Yoga: Stretch Out in Austin

May 8, 2014 by

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

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