Amy’s Ice Creams: Frozen Delights in Austin

Since 1984 Amy’s Ice Creams has created premium ice cream, frozen yogurt, and dairy-free fruit ice. An Austin, Texas original, there are locations throughout Houston and San Antonio. Next time you’re shopping at the Hill Country Galleria, just minutes away from Paseo at Bee Cave, cool off with a scoop from Amy’s. With 350 flavors of frozen treats, plus many toppings, your sweet treat will never get boring. They always offer seven standard flavors, including the famous Mexican vanilla and Belgian chocolate, but there are always plenty of rotating ones as well. The friendly staff has a great customer service sense and is happy to make recommendations based on your preferences. Sit on the nice outdoor patio or in the comfortable indoor parlor that includes comfy arm chairs. If that’s not enough to entice you, there's also a photo booth to add even more fun to your ice cream outing.

Amy's Ice Cream
13420 Galleria Parkway
Austin, TX 78738
(512) 263-2903
www.amysicecreams.com
www.yelp.com/biz/amys-ice-creams-austin-14

Take A Hike at Austin’s Bright Leaf Preserve

Bright Leaf Preserve is a 200 acre wildlife respite within Austin city limits. The preserve is open to the public through free guided hikes on the second weekend of each month.  Learn about local ecological and geological history while on a 4 mile walk throughout the park.  The preserve is home to native and rare plants, as well as many species once plentiful to Texas. Note that neither dogs nor strollers are not permitted. The Bright Leaf Preserve might just be one of Austin's loveliest spots for getting out into nature!

Bright Leaf Preserve
4111 Old Bull Creek Road
Austin, TX 78703
http://www.brightleaf.org

Flipnotics: Live Music Daily

Flipnotics is a laid-back coffee shop in South Austin's Barton Springs neighborhood. This little cafe has a legion of fans that enjoy the comfy atmosphere and reasonably-priced drinks. In addition to caffeine, Flipnotics makes a mean milkshake — try the moonquake with a double shot of espresso in vanilla ice cream blended with bananas. Light snacks include pastries, pie, breakfast tacos, and empanadas. The cafe is surrounded by decks, so you can enjoy your coffee and relax in the sun. Need distraction or inspiration? There's live music every night of the week.
 

Flipnotics
1601 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 480-8646
www.flipnotics.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/flipnotics-coffeespace-cafe-austin

Lone Star Farmers Market: Local, Farm Fresh and Affordable

Lone Star Farmers Market is the place to be every Sunday out at the Lowe’s parking lot at the Galleria. The parking lot transforms into an exciting cornucopia of local small farms, food vendors, and plenty of entertainment to keep you wishing every day was Sunday. You can try everything from lamb tamales to olive oil gelato, all of which is delectable. Make sure and bring the kids so they can come meet the local vendors and farmers, and then of course get their faces painted and maybe even stick around for the petting zoo. This farmers market does it all, and you never feel rushed or like it’s too crowded. The vendors are there ready to show you what they do, teach you about the virtues of their products and answer any questions you may have. It’s hard to think of a better way to support your neighbors and get quality affordable goods at the same time.

Lone Star Farmers Market
12611 Shops Parkway
Bee Cave, Texas 78738
(512) 924-7503
https://www.facebook.com/LoneStarFarmersMarket

Java Dive Bistro: Charming and Healthy!

The Wall Street Journal calls Java Dive Bistro’s morning meal “the breakfast of champions,” and locals agree with that assessment.  Java Dive Bistro makes what the regulars call “enlightening meals” that makes you want to walk in and just sit for the day and sample everything they have to offer. A particular favorite is the scrambled eggs and cheese on a toasted organic sprouted bun with organic pesticide-free tomatoes and fire roasted poblano peppers. Another of their signature ideas is the coffee ice cubes made of coffee and the regulars are hooked. Their specialty organic coffee beans are only served within days of being roasted and you can tell the difference. The atmosphere matches the quality of the food and it is top notch with a clean quiet patio to sit and just enjoy the savory foods and coffee. They’re also a certified gluten free restaurant so they can accommodate a number of dietary needs.

Java Dive Bistro
900 Ranch Rd 620 S
Lakeway, TX 78734
(512) 263-5995
http://www.yelp.com/biz/java-dive-organic-cafe-lakeway-2

Art Attack: Create Your Own Art in Austin

Get in touch with your artistic side at Art Attack in the Hill Country Galleria, just moments from Paseo at Bee Cave. This Austin, Texas studio offers paint your own pottery, mosaics, and glass fusing projects. Although kids love to get creative, Art Attack is great for adults too. Make a funky glass trivet for your home or create a one of a kind mug for a friend. Everyday artists love the materials selection, from pottery to colors. Knowledgeable staff members are always available to help or inspire. Reservations aren’t necessary, but you can call ahead to inquire about weekend parties to plan your visit for a quieter time. Although it can seem a little bit pricey, you can check the website for Art Attack's coupons.

Art Attack
13500 Galleria Circle
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 535-0005
www.artattackaustin.com/index.php
www.yelp.com/biz/no-yelp-bee-cave

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

Museum of the Weird: Keeping Austin Weird

Austin is always weird at the Museum of the Weird. Some of the strange territory to explore includes UFOs, aliens, mummies, bigfoot-like creatures, wax vampires, shrunken heads and sideshow performers who can pull nails out of boards with their teeth. Stop by the gift shop to pick up a t-shirt, plastic movie monster, zombie action figure or other fun – and weird – item. Special events like movie screenings, lectures and exhibits are held at the museum on a regular basis – see their website to check them out. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for kids under age 8. Open Monday through Sunday from 11a.m. until 11p.m.

Museum of the Weird
412 E 6th St
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 476-5493
http://www.yelp.com/biz/museum-of-the-weird-austin

The Backyard: An Austin Tradition

One of the area’s most historic music venues is The Backyard. First opening its doors in 1993, the venue has hosted some of the biggest names in contemporary music, including Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, David Bowie and more. The natural open-air amphitheater is an amazing place to see a concert, building a sense of community among showgoers that continues even after you go home. The Backyard hosts a number of Austin’s best food trucks during shows and features seven separate bars for you to get your drink on at. Another awesome thing about the Backyard is their commitment to environmentally sound practices, reducing waste, recycling and using green energy whenever possible. If you’re going with a group, make sure to carpool – cars with more than 3 people park for free.

The Backyard at Bee Cave
13801 Bee Cave Parkway
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 651-5033
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-backyard-at-bee-cave-bee-cave

Bee Cave Central Park: A Perfect Getaway

No matter the day or the size of your group, there is something for everyone at Bee Cave Central Park. Residents love it and keep coming back to see what new thing they can experience this time. The park is huge and you can find yourself easily getting lost as you play on the drums in the amphitheater or pick up a game of frisbee golf on their custom 18 hole course.  Bee Cave Central Park provides everything a family could want in a day out – from futuristic design to playgrounds that double as architectural wonders. In between recreational activities you can find yourself wandering through large strategically placed meadows and miles of trails winding through the entire park. Don’t forget about the pets because an entire section of this park is an off-leash area to let your canine companion to run free in. Bathrooms are kept clean and well-maintained, which is a relief.

Bee Cave Central Park
13676 Bee Cave Parkway
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 767-6610
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bee-cave-central-park-bee-cave

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