Mandola’s Italian Market: A Restaurant and Grocery Store in One

June 12, 2014 by greystar

Fans of Mandola’s Italian Market love the relaxed ambiance and kid-friendly setting; this Italian grocery store and restaurant even has a small playground to keep the tykes occupied!

The restaurant menu features a flavorful array of authentic Italian fare in an order-at-the-counter setting. Starters include fried mozzarella with marinara sauce, garlic fries with creamy pesto dip, and Bruschetta Alla Checca, a dish of garlic toast topped with tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil. Sandwiches include Mandola’s Hero with aged meats, provolone, and olive relish on a rustic bun. Pizza is also on the menu, along with pasta entrees.

Over on the grocery side of the store, you'll find imported Italian gourmet items and wines. Expect everything from capers and oils to pastas, sauces, and coffees. Don't leave without a scoop of gelato, a cannoli, and a freshly made cappuccino!

Mandola's Italian Market is open every day.

Mandola's Italian Market
12815 Shops Parkway
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 600-8500
www.mandolasmarket.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mandolas-italian-market-bee-cave

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Kanko*

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Austin Attractions, Mandola’s Italian Market, Things to Do in Austin

Enjoy Yoga Classes at Austin’s Yoga Yoga

June 5, 2014 by greystar

Yoga has evolved into an obscure hobby into a full-fledged fitness movement, and for good reason. People are learning that focused, controlled stretching under the supervision of an instructor has incredible health benefits.

Whether you’re a yoga newbie or an experienced practitioner, you’ll find excellent classes at Austin’s Yoga Yoga. The studio here is a marvel of cleanliness and organization. Instead of signing in and worrying about billing, clients are given a magnetic card that they swipe with each class. Cards can be pre-loaded for certain numbers of classes and easily refilled. One thing that draws more serious practitioners is the studio's guest seminars by national teachers and yogis. If you’re looking to push yourself or learn some new tricks, consider attending one.

Prices are reasonable, but some popular classes can feel crowded. If you’re lacking supplies, note that Yoga Yoga sells yoga mats and clothing. Yoga Yoga has several locations around the area, so you’ll have no problem finding a studio near you.

Yoga Yoga
2167 W. Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 380-9800
www.facebook.com/YogaYogaAustin
www.yelp.com/biz/yoga-yoga-austin-12

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Droid Gingerbread

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Austin Attractions, Things to Do in Austin, Yoga Yoga

Become a “Spa Partisan” at Milk and Honey Spa

May 8, 2014 by greystar

There’s the casual spa goer: the bride, perhaps, or the mom who goes for a treat. But then there’s the spa connoisseur: the woman who makes spas part of her relaxation and beauty routine. Milk and Honey Spa calls these women “Spa Partisans,” and if you’re not one already, they promise you will be.

Milk and Honey’s two luxury day spas offer a full menu of body, skin, waxing, massage, and nail treatments. You’ll emerge looking and feeling great; Les Nouvelles Esthetiques magazine named Milk and Honey Texas’s top day spa and locals are dazzled by the service and value.

Check the spa's site for a full list of services, prices, and special offers.

Milk and Honey Spa
12901 Hill Country Boulevard
Bee Cave, TX 78737
(512) 236-1115
http://www.milkandhoneyspa.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/milk-honey-spa-bee-cave

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/uniquehotelsgroup

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Austin Attractions, Milk and Honey Spa, Things to Do in Austin

Make a Splash at Nitro Swimming

April 10, 2014 by greystar

Nitro Swimming is Austin's leading competitive swim team and swim teaching center. Led by Head Coach and former 11-time NCAA All American Mike Koleber, Nitro is home to six-time Texas age group champions and is one of the USA's top five swimming programs. Both Austin area locations have state-of-the-art Olympic pools, as well as lessons-only pools with temperature and water quality specially calibrated for beginning and advanced swimmers.

The hand-picked staff includes several former Olympians; they love kids and take joy in helping to mold lifelong swimmers. Parents and young swimmers praise the staff's patience, skill, and attention to detail. Nitro also offers a full program of fitness-based adult swimming instruction.

Check Nitro's website for information on classes, teams, events, and more.

Nitro Swimming
15506 D Highway 71 West
Bee Cave, TX 78669
(512) 861-7946
http://www.nitroswim.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/nitro-swimming-bee-cave

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Lee Edwin Coursey

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Austin Attractions, Nitro Swimming, Things to Do in Austin

Two Saints Baking Company Is an Oasis of Espresso and Fresh Baked Goods

March 13, 2014 by greystar

You dream of places like Two Saints Baking Company. In the morning, the coffee is rich, hot, and comes quick. Need a special pick-me-up? There’s a full espresso bar with blended drinks, as well as breakfast sandwiches. At lunch there are big salads, freshly prepared soups, and sandwiches with house-roasted meats. And all day there are cookies, cakes, pies, and other sweets to make you smile and ruin your diet.

Everything is made on-site, and locals are almost unanimous in their praise, calling service and execution first-rate. It’s a bit pricey — cookies can be as much as $1.75 each — but this speaks to Two Saints’ being a small family business, and regulars say it’s more than worth it.

Check the bakery's site for hours, menus, events, and catering information.

Two Saints Baking Company
13011 Shops Parkway #600
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 263-1166
http://www.twosaintsbakingcompany.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/two-saints-baking-co-and-cafe-bee-cave

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/khawkins04

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Austin Attractions, Things to Do in Austin, Two Saints Baking Company

Crown Donut: Your Friendly Donut Place in Austin

December 12, 2013 by greystar

If donuts put you in a good mood stop by Crown Donut in Austin, Texas where donuts are served with a smile. Loyal customers find the donuts to be light with a melt in your mouth quality that can’t be beat. They have a wide variety of yeast and cake donuts, as well as donut holes and kolaches. If you are in the mood for sweet, get a cinnamon sugar cake donut. Looking for savory? Try the highly recommended jalapeno kolache. Although there is a drive through, many customers prefer going into the store for the friendly service. Crown Donut might just be one of the best spots for a sweet breakfast near Paseo at Bee Cave.

Crown Donut
325 Ranch Road 620 S 
Austin, TX 78734
(512) 230-4247
www.crowndonut.blogspot.com
www.yelp.com/biz/crown-donut-austin

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Austin Attractions, Crown Donut, Things to Do in Austin

Amy’s Ice Creams: Frozen Delights in Austin

November 13, 2013 by greystar

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

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Amy's Ice Creams, Austin Attractions, Things to Do in Austin

Take A Hike at Austin’s Bright Leaf Preserve

October 16, 2013 by greystar

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

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Austin Attractions, Bright Leaf Preserve, Things to Do in Austin

Flipnotics: Live Music Daily

September 25, 2013 by greystar

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

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Austin Attractions, Coffeehouses, Flipnotics, Things to Do in Austin

Lone Star Farmers Market: Local, Farm Fresh and Affordable

September 3, 2013 by greystar

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

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Farmers Markets, Lone Star Farmers Market, Things to Do in Austin