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Soak Up Some Sunshine at Austin’s Lady Bird Lake

September 22, 2016 by

Lady Bird Lake is an outdoor recreational area named for former First Lady Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson, who spent the latter years of her life supporting efforts to beautify the lake.

When you need to unwind after a long day, you can choose from four local agencies to rent a kayak, canoe, paddle boat, or board. There are hiking and running trails galore. In fact, the 10.1-mile trail and 1-mile boardwalk are the longest in the city! Lady Bird Lake also offer recreational fishing and also hosts a statue of respected musician Steve Ray Vaughn. Of course, you can simply arrive to soak up some sunshine and reconnect with nature.

Note that swimming in the lake is prohibited!

Lady Bird Lake
South Lakeshore Boulevard at Town Lake Circle
Austin, TX 78741
(512) 974-6700
www.austintexas.gov/page/lady-bird-lake

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Peruse Original Artwork in Austin at Yard Dog Gallery

September 9, 2016 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 also suggest 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
www.yarddog.com
www.yelp.com/biz/yard-dog-gallery-austin

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Zilker Park Boat Rentals: Explore Austin From Inside a Canoe

August 11, 2016 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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Take in a Film at the Regal Cinemas Metropolitan 14

August 4, 2016 by

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

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Goorin Bros. Haberdashery and Hat Shop: Stay Stylish From Head to Toe

July 14, 2016 by

Take a walk down any given street in Austin, and you’ll likely notice that locals of both genders love a good hat. From classic cowboy hats to vintage ball caps and floppy hats to block the summer sun, Goorin Bros. Haberdashery and Hat Shop supplies a very large number of Austin residents’ hat collections. This beloved shop is located in the eclectic South Congress area, and it aims to maintain the city’s cowboy roots while also offering a bit of Tejano culture and folk art influence.

Inside, rich rugs line the shop’s floors and rustic light fixtures create a distinctly Austin décor style. Hats of all kinds are displayed on just about every surface, but the knowledgeable salespeople are more than willing to help you choose the perfect one. Although customers note that Goorin Bros. hats can be a bit pricey, these are investment pieces that are meant to last a lifetime.

Goorin Bros. Haberdashery and Hat Shop
1323 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 326-4287
www.goorin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/goorin-bros-austin

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Fuel Up on Local Coffee at Texas Coffee Traders

July 7, 2016 by

If you’re the type of person who can’t start your day without a good cup of coffee, Texas Coffee Traders is a great place to get your java jolt in Austin. This local cafe and roaster creates its own blend of coffees from high-quality beans and expert roasting techniques, and it’s sure to impress even the most knowledgeable coffee fan.

Inside, Texas Coffee Traders has natural decor and an open, airy atmosphere, complete with walls of coffee filled with all kinds of brews that you can take home with you. There is also another retail section that boasts shelves filled with Chemex systems, pour-overs, and other methods for preparing coffee at home. The tasting area displays a few styles that customers can sample before buying, while the outdoor patio is the perfect place to sip a steaming mug with other local coffee lovers.

Texas Coffee Traders
1400 E Fourth St
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 476-2279
www.texascoffeetraders.com

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Warehouse Craft Brews and Food Trucks Meet at Austin Beerworks

June 9, 2016 by

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

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Local Talent Takes the Stage at The Long Center

May 12, 2016 by

There are very few places in Austin that offer the variety of entertainment options provided by The Long Center, a non-profit that serves as a creative resource for the community. More than 80 percent of performances hosted here showcase the talent of local artists. Whether you’re interested in seeing ballet or the symphony, a local singer or flamenco guitarist, children’s theater or Shakespeare, The Long Center truly offers it all and then some (including one of the best views of the city skyline!).

Comprising multiple performance spaces, the building has been renovated over the years to keep with the times. The most impressive space within The Long Center is the grand hall, which seats more 2,400 people over three levels and features flawless acoustics. Most patrons seem to agree that there really isn’t a bad seat in the house.

Be sure to visit the website for a calendar of upcoming performances!

The Long Center
701 W. Riverside Drive
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 457-5100
www.thelongcenter.org

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Savor a Taste of Italy at Gelateria Gemelli

May 5, 2016 by

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

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Aim for a Strike at The Union Underground in Austin

April 14, 2016 by

If you’re looking for something fun and active to do this weekend, check out the bowling alley at The Union Underground. This fun bowling alley billiard hall is located on the bottom level of the Texas Union building at The University of Texas at Austin, which makes it a lively spot for people of all ages. (You don't have to be a university student to play here!)

Reserve one of the 12 bowling lanes to get a bit competitive with some friends from Mosaic at Mueller, and be sure to stop by on the weekends for the glow-in-the-dark Glow Bowl! If bowling isn’t really your thing, enjoy a game of pool on one of the many pool tables in the spacious billiards hall. Order a pizza from the front desk to enjoy with your game and you’re sure to have a great time.

The Union Underground is open 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 3 a.m. Sundays.

The Union Underground
2247 Guadalupe St
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 475-6599
www.utexas.edu/universityunions/texas-union/scene/underground
www.yelp.com/biz/union-underground-austin

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