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

July 16, 2015 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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5 Fitness Training and Yoga: Keeping the Personal in Personal Training

July 9, 2015 by

There are so many gyms and fitness centers in the Austin area that it can be difficult to tell one from the next. 5 Fitness in Rollingwood looks to set itself apart with a focus on personal, professional attention. On your first visit to 5 Fitness, you will meet with a trainer who will talk with you about your fitness goals, injury history, and exercise preferences. Your trainer will then measure your BMI and assess your water intake and fitness level before setting you up with a complimentary first class.

In order to provide the best level of instruction, all classes at 5 Fitness Training and Yoga are capped at 15 participants. Classes range from vinyasa yoga and pilates to spinning and kickboxing, and the gym's regular 45-minute sessions fit easily into most schedules. Yelp reviewers rave about the attentive, supportive, and non-judgmental atmosphere, as well as the fact that you won’t need to sign a membership contract.

5 Fitness Training and Yoga
2745 Bee Cave Road
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 215-2417
www.5fitnesstraining.com
www.yelp.com/biz/5-fitness-training-and-yoga-austin

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Before Popping the Question, Consult the Experts at Abercrombie Gems & Precious Metals

June 11, 2015 by

Those who have made a major jewelry purchase might agree that it's not something to be done on a whim, and Yelp reviewers indicate that the customer service and staff expertise at Abercrombie Gems and Precious Metals makes jewelry shopping a stress-free experience. In fact, since this family-owned Rollingwood jewelry store first opened in 1989, it has made a name for itself through its antique, estate, Art Deco, and custom designed jewelry, and it is widely recognized as the place to go whether you’re looking to purchase a one-of-a-kind piece for that special someone.

This shop may not have the massive space or huge inventory of the big-box jewelers, but it makes up for that with personalized service and the high quality of the jewelry. Abercrombie also offers appraisals, purchasing, repairs, and trade-ins.

Abercrombie Gems and Precious Metals
3008 Bee Caves Road
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 328-7530
www.abercrombiegems.com
www.yelp.com/biz/abercrombie-gems-and-precious-metals-austin-2

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Zilker Metropolitan Park: Explore Austin By Bike, Canoe or Miniature Train

June 4, 2015 by

While Austin is filled with beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, few are quite as popular as Zilker Metropolitan Park. This 351-acre park borders the picturesque Lady Bird Lake on one side, while the smaller, natural spring-fed Barton Springs Pool on its other end offers visitors a place to rent canoes all year round. Zilker Metropolitan Park’s most unique feature is arguably the Zilker Zephyr miniature train, which chugs around the park’s perimeter. Sand volleyball courts, disc golf courses, and multi-use fields are open to the public for recreational use, while the hiking and biking trails provide hours of fun to outdoorsy visitors.

Throughout the summer, the Zilker Hillside Theater hosts concerts spanning a wide variety of genres, including the popular "Shakespeare in the Park" performances, which are best enjoyed from a blanket on the hillside!

Zilker Metropolitan Park
2100 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78704
www.austintexas.gov/department/zilker-metropolitan-park

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What’s Your Favorite Animal at the Austin Zoo?

May 14, 2015 by

Although the Austin Zoo is on the smaller side, its interesting selection of wild animals and fun, friendly environment proves it to be an enjoyable way to spend a weekend afternoon. The Austin Zoo doubles as an animal sanctuary, which means that the majority of its animals were rescued, adopted, or even born at the zoo.

From the majestic Bengal tigers to the curious lemurs and the colorful peacocks that roam freely around the zoo’s grounds, all of the Austin Zoo’s animals have plenty of indoor and outdoor space to enjoy. The reptile area offers visitors an up-close-and-personal look at numerous snakes, tortoises, and large lizards, and there is even an exotic bird facility filled with beautiful birds from around the world. With its low ticket prices, the Austin Zoo makes a fun and affordable activity for the whole family.

If your little one loves the zoo, you can even host a birthday party surrounded by animals at one of the pavilions!

Austin Zoo
10808 Rawhide Trail
Austin, TX 78736
(512) 288-1490
www.austinzoo.org
www.yelp.com/biz/austin-zoo-and-animal-sanctuary-austin-2

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Pease Park: Please Visit this Lively Community Park

April 9, 2015 by

Austin offers many outdoor parties and festivals at locations throughout the city, and Pease Park is one of those popular locales. This 42-acre park is part of the Shoal Creek Greenbelt, and it is home to Austin’s famous Eeyore’s Birthday party, a yearly festival featuring live music, food, and family activities.

The park features a very large area of playground equipment for young kids, and there’s also a splash park "sprayground" consisting of a few water features that gently spritz, dump, or spray water at gleeful children on hot Texas days. Pease Park’s many picnic tables and two large barbecue pits provide a picturesque setting for an outdoor barbecue, while the disc golf course, basketball courts and volleyball courts offer hours of outdoor sports fun.

Visit the Pease Park website for more information or to reserve facilities.

Pease Park
1100 Kingsburry Street
Austin, TX 78799
www.austinparks.org/our-parks.html?parkid=307
www.yelp.com/biz/pease-park-austin

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Lola Savannah Coffee Lounge: Bring Your Friends (or Just Your Laptop!) to This Austin Cafe

April 2, 2015 by

Owned by the same entrepreneurs behind the Grove Wine Bar, its neighbor just next door, Lola Savannah Coffee Lounge is a welcome alternative to the chain coffeehouse experience. That's according to the cafe's many glowing Yelp reviews, which laud Lola's relaxed ambiance and friendly service as much as the cafe's freshly roasted coffee beans.

Here, empty burlap coffee sacks are suspended from the ceiling, adding a rustic flair to the open, light-filled space below. There are plenty of tables arranged throughout the cafe, so you're likely to be able to find a place to sit, even during the morning rush. That's when Lola Savannah Coffee Lounge reaches peak activity; locals hurry in for freshly toasted bagels and to-go espressos before work, while some choose to sit and linger with a bowl of oatmeal, a latte, and the newspaper.

Arriving with your laptop in tow? Regular visitors say the free Wi-Fi is fast and reliable.

Lola Savannah Coffee Lounge
6317 Bee Cave Road
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 732-0093
www.yelp.com/biz/lola-savannah-austin

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Zilker Nature Preserve: Escape the Noise of the City

March 12, 2015 by

Just west of where the Mopac crosses the Colorado River lies the Zilker Nature Preserve, a wonderful place to experience the tranquility and beauty of nature without driving way out into the country. The preserve maintains 60 acres of plants, wildlife, and untamed landscape native to central Texas.

Well-tended trails wind through the brush, making this an ideal spot for a morning walk or brisk jog. Birdwatchers appreciate the variety of avian life that frequents the area, while swimmers and kayakers enjoy the preserve's easy access to Town Lake. Photographers should take the Overlook Trail to catch a spectacular view of downtown Austin.

You should know that parking can be a bit tricky here, especially on Saturdays, so your best bet might be to park at Zilker Park, then hike to the trail head just off Barton Springs Road.

Zilker Nature Preserve
302 Nature Center Drive
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 327-8181
www.austinparks.org/our-parks.html?parkid=696
www.yelp.com/biz/zilker-nature-preserve-austin

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“Hair of the 3-Legged Dog”: An Austin Day Party on March 19

March 11, 2015 by

With so many great events coming up next week in Austin, it can be hard to figure out what to attend. So, here's a suggestion: "Hair of the 3-Legged Dog." This event's presented by The Austin Chronicle (and sponsored by Greystar), and it's named after the Chronicle's mascot Hank.

It takes place on Thursday, March 19 from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. and brings food, drinks, and fun to The Liberty Bar on East Sixth Street in Austin. Four local artists will play music at the event: Sweet Spirit, Anya, Bop English, and Flesh Lights. There'll also be snacks from Tacodeli, Rhythm Superfoods, Baked By Amy's and more to fuel Austinites for another day of SXSW.

Want to learn more about "Hair of the 3-Legged Dog"? Click here to visit The Austin Chronicle's page about the event.

"Hair of the 3-Legged Dog"
Thursday, March 19 from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m.
The Liberty Bar
1618 1/2 East Sixth Street
Austin, TX
www.austinchronicle.com/dayparty

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Falconhead Golf Club: Stay On Par at This Scenic Course

March 5, 2015 by

Falconhead Golf Club is one of the more popular public golf courses in Austin. Whether you want to work on your swing or get competitive by joining a league, this scenic course has something for golfers of every skill level. The course was designed by the PGA Tour Design Center to make it both challenging and fun for new golfers, and it features five sets of tee boxes that enable players to customize their own round. You’ll be able to see for miles from Falconhead's many rolling hills, which are signature to the Central Texas Hill Country where Austin is located.

Leagues for men, women, and seniors add a bit of friendly competition to the game, while the Falconhead Golf Shop offers everything you need to keep your golf bag stocked. Finish the day with dinner and drinks at Talon’s Bar and Grill!

Book your tee time on the Falconhead Golf Club website.

Falconhead Golf Club
15201 Falcon Head Boulevard
Austin, Texas 78738
(512) 402-1558
www.falconheadaustin.com

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