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

Celebrate a special occasion with an authentic meal at The Emerald Restaurant in Austin, Texas. The restaurant's 1927 cottage setting is decorated with Irish lace and china. The quaint ambiance transports you across the Atlantic and makes you feel like you're dining in someone’s home. Many customers enjoy the three course meals for two. “The Kinsale” is especially popular which includes the famous potato soup, a tenderloin steak with a Madeira mushroom sauce, and Irish Whiskey cake. Plan for a leisurely pace meal, as everything is made from scratch and cooked to order. The Emerald can seem pricey, but keep your eye out for discount deals and coupons. Reservations are required at this elegant West Austin restaurant.
 
The Emerald Restaurant
13614 W Highway 71
Austin, TX 78738
(512) 963-4272
www.irishemeraldrestaurant.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/emerald-restaurant-austin

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