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Austin Nature & Science Center: Get Connected With the World Around You

February 4, 2016 by

At the Austin Nature & Science Center, children and adults alike can learn about plant life, animals, and the science behind both in a fun-filled atmosphere. The center contains a number of hands-on exhibits that aim to make learning more exciting, including wildlife exhibits that contain live fish, reptiles, mammals, and other creatures that cannot survive in the wild because of injury or illness.

In the Naturalist Workshop, visitors can view small specimens through magnifying glasses and microscopes, while the Dino Pit offers visitors the chance to uncover fossils in an imitation archeological site. If you have very young children, the Austin Nature & Science Center even offers Nature’s Way Preschool, a unique type of schooling that lets children learn while walking through creeks and taking nature walks through the nearby woodlands.

For more information about upcoming programs at the Austin Nature & Science Center, visit the center’s website.

Austin Nature & Science Center
301 Nature Center Drive
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 974-3888
www.austintexas.gov/department/austin-nature-and-science-center
www.yelp.com/biz/austin-nature-and-science-center-austin-2

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Barton Creek Square: Shop for the Latest Styles and Local Produce

January 14, 2016 by

Barton Creek Square is one of the most comfortable and modern malls in the west side of Austin, hosting a wide variety of stores, plus spacious, air conditioned corridors and even cell phone charging stations that give your electronics a boost while you shop. Major department stores like Macy’s, Dillards, and Nordstrom act as the mall's anchors, while a spacious AMC movie theater is situated on its lower level.

Popular national clothing retailers like LOFT, Banana Republic, and Abercrombie & Fitch offer clothing for shoppers of all ages, and there are even larger sporting goods stores like Finish Line for all of your athletic apparel needs. At its food court on the second level, the two-story mall contains a variety of different eateries offering everything from Asian cuisine to grab-and-go pizza slices and ample seating for guests who want to sit and enjoy a meal. There is also a large parking lot with a full farmers' market every Saturday afternoon!

Barton Creek Square
2901 S. Capital of Texas Highway
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 327-7040
www.bartoncreeksquare.com
www.yelp.com/biz/barton-creek-square-mall-austin

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Unplug and Unwind at Bee Cave Central Park

January 7, 2016 by

One of Bee Cave's top attractions doesn’t cost a dime. If you’re on a budget or simply looking to reconnect with nature, Bee Cave Central Park is a scenic public park that offers a number of activities for people of all ages. This 50-acre park contains a hiking and biking trail that connects to other trails throughout Bee Cave, making it easy to access from anywhere in the city.

There are two pavilions available for picnics or outdoor birthday parties, and the well-maintained playground creates a safe area for children to climb, swing and run around the park. The park even contains a unique interpretive area with tube drums and vibration pipes. You’ll often see people playing pickup sports at the park’s multipurpose basketball court and soccer meadow, and there is even a more laid-back hillside for those who simply want to lounge in the grass on a warm afternoon.

Bee Cave Central Park
13676 Bee Cave Parkway
Bee Cave, TX 78738
www.beecavetexas.com/visitors/parks-recreation-353#central
www.yelp.com/biz/bee-cave-central-park-bee-cave

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Laugh Out Loud at ColdTowne Theater

December 10, 2015 by

No matter what type of entertainment you typically enjoy, anyone who likes to laugh can appreciate the productions at ColdTowne Theater. Before 2006, Austin didn't have much of a comedy scene—certainly nothing like the countless improv clubs of Chicago. But that was the year that New Orleans transplants brought their brand of comedy to Austin in the form of ColdTowne Theater, which hosts everything from stand-up shows to improv.

You can take improv classes at ColdTowne Theater if you're interested in getting up on the main stage yourself, but you're also welcome to kick back and laugh from the comfort of a seat out in the audience. ColdTowne Theater holds a few signature events on a regular basis, like the improvised game show known as GameTowne (every last Thursday of the month) and an interactive storytime for kids, "What's the Story, Steve?" (every Saturday at 10 a.m.). However, the theater also boasts an ever-changing itinerary of performances that have only one thing in common: good comedy.

ColdTowne Theater
4803 Airport Boulevard
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 814-8696
www.coldtownetheater.com
www.yelp.com/biz/coldtowne-theater-austin

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Zilker Botanical Garden: 26 Acres of Natural Beauty in Austin

November 12, 2015 by

If you’re looking for a relaxing (or even romantic!) way to spend an afternoon near Paseo at Bee Cave, consider visiting the Zilker Botanical Garden. This beautiful area attraction is filled with flowers and plants from as close as the Austin area to as far away as Japan, offering a unique glimpse into the plant life from all corners of the world.

Here, you can take a stroll through themed gardens, including a rose garden, a wonderfully scented herb garden, and even the Hartman Prehistoric Garden, which recreates the habitat in which the dinosaurs once lived! There are waterfalls and small streams scattered throughout the park’s 26 acres, as well as a large Koi pond filled with colorful fish.

Zilker Botanical Gardens is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Zilker Botanical Gardens
2220 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 477-8672
www.zilkergarden.org
www.yelp.com/biz/zilker-botanical-gardens-austin

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Katherine Fleischer Park: A Community Gem in Austin

November 5, 2015 by

Katherine Fleischer Park is a favorite among Austin residents. This community green space is home to a soccer and baseball fields, as well as tennis and basketball courts. You'll even find a sand volleyball pit. The playground area provides plenty of shade from the hot afternoon sun, and in addition to all the typical equipment, it features a unique two-story, castle-like playhouse for kids, complete with a spiral staircase.(Regular visitors report that on occasion you'll see kids dressed up in prince and princess costumes in the playhouse.)

Katherine Fleischer Park also offers a set of wide and well maintained running trials, as well as a community center and a gazebo that can be reserved for private picnics and barbecues. History enthusiasts should be sure not to miss the historic Gault Homestead that's also located in the park. Guided tours focus on 19th century pioneer life and can be customized for both children and adults.

Katherine Fleischer Park
2106 Klattenhoff Drive
Austin, TX 78728
(512) 251-9814
www.wellsbranchmud.com/parks/katherine-fleischer-park.html
www.yelp.com/biz/katherine-fleischer-park-austin

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Kayak Along Austin’s City Streets with Live Love Paddle

October 15, 2015 by

Austin has earned a reputation as one of the most outdoorsy cities in the nation, largely thanks to the presence of the beautiful Lady Bird Lake and series of rivers that snake between the bustling streets. Live Love Paddle takes full advantage of Austin's unique proximity to the water.

Tour guides take kayakers out on the various rivers to give them a new perspective of the city. Join one of the full-day river trips to coast along the San Marcos, Guadalupe, or Colorado River at a leisurely pace. Ogle the world's biggest urban bat colony, which resides under the Congress Avenue Bridge, from the comfort of your watercraft. You can also get a panoramic view of downtown from a kayak atop Lady Bird Lake or even take an overnight kayaking trip. Live Love Paddle rents out kayaks, as well, if you prefer a self-guided tour.

Live Love Paddle
1610 E. Riverside Drive
Austin, TX 78741
(512) 804-2122
www.livelovepaddle.com
www.yelp.com/biz/live-love-paddle-austin-2

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Sip the Fantasy Sweet Latte at Beware Coffee

September 10, 2015 by

A trailer parked in the lot beside Spider House. That's all that makes up Beware Coffee. Don't let its size—or parking spot—fool you, though. It may look like a coffee shanty on wheels, but Beware Coffee has earned five-star reviews almost across the board thanks to its exceptional java.

Owners Natasha and Braxton can be credited with much of the praise lavished on the coffee trailer. They're described as the "kindest, most accommodating people of all time" by one Yelp reviewer. And whether or not you agree with that statement, no one can argue that the pair crafts a mean cup of coffee. They use the AeroPress to quickly make each piping-hot mug of java as soon as you order it, and customers can taste the difference that this brewing technique makes. Locals also love the specialty drinks Natasha and Braxton create, especially the Fantasy Sweet latte with honey and coconut oil.

Beware Coffee
2908 Fruth Street
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 571-3392
www.facebook.com/BewareCoffee
www.yelp.com/biz/beware-coffee-austin

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Strange Brew: A Weird and Wonderful Coffee Shop in Austin

September 3, 2015 by

Strange Brew is a cozy independent coffee shop that's equal parts relaxed and casual, which proves it to be the type of place where you can spend hours reading or chatting — without ever feeling rushed.

Here, baristas rely on beans from local roasters like Third Coast Coffee and Fair Trade Espresso, which they transform into rich and full-bodied espressos, lattes, and cappuccinos. (You can even get a 64-ounce growler of cold-brewed coffee to take home!) Pastries, paninis, cakes, bagels, and quiche are also on offer, and the majority of the food for sale is sourced from area bakeries. Vegan diners should request the hemp Italian slider, which arrives on a gluten-free onion bun.

There is free Wi-Fi available throughout the shop, as well as a number of cozy two-seater tables and leather armchairs in the art-filled sitting area. Like many popular Austin establishments, Strange Brew features live music just about every night of the week!

Strange Brew
5326 Manchaca Road
Austin, TX 78745
(512) 828-7636
www.strangebrewaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/strange-brew-austin-coffee-austin-3

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Austin Nature & Science Center: Foster a Love of the Natural World

August 13, 2015 by

In Northwest Zilker Park, just off Stratford Drive on the southern banks of the Colorado River, you'll find one of Austin’s hidden treasures for families, animal enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. The Austin Nature & Science center houses all manner of birds, reptiles and mammals—many of them rescued from injury or orphaned—and provides them with care, medical attention, and food that they would be unable to access on their own in the wild.

Nearby, the Splash exhibit helps showcase local aquatic wildlife and illustrates the importance of clean, unpolluted water. The naturalist area at the center allows kids to share their knowledge of natural objects like shells, rocks, bones, feathers, or fossils, and trade such objects in for new artifacts. After a few minutes at the workshop, turn the kids loose on the Dino Pit so they can practice their skills at archeology. Best of all, this is all free of charge, so you can return as often as you like.

Austin Nature & Science Center
301 Nature Center Drive
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 974-3888
www.austintexas.gov/department/austin-nature-and-science-center
www.yelp.com/biz/austin-nature-and-science-center-austin-2

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