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Treat Your Hair to a Trip to Salon Aura Veni

September 15, 2016 by

Salon Aura Veni isn't your typical hair salon. Yes, its stylists boast an array of specific talents (go to Leigh for short hair and Lori for hair extensions), and yes, they take on every styling task you can imagine, from cutting and coloring to curling and straightening. However, the stylists at Salon Aura Veni rely solely on the highest quality products to achieve their jaw-dropping cuts and colors.

These include Kevin Murphy products, a professional line that shies away from any harmful parabens or sulfates. Pureology, another brand the stylists enlist, also shirks all sulfates in favor of safer ingredients that won't damage strands. Moroccan Oil is another common name in professional hair care, one known for its powerful antioxidant ingredients and UV protection; it's generally used to condition hair to make it shiny and soft.

Salon Aura Veni
210 W. Riverside Drive
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 474-2872
www.auraveni.com/Salon_Aura_Veni/About.html
www.yelp.com/biz/salon-aura-veni-austin

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Speakeasy: A Retro Cocktail Lounge That’s the Cat’s Meow

September 15, 2016 by

If you love all things inspired by the Roaring ‘20s, there might not be a better spot to grab a drink in the Austin area than Speakeasy. As its name implies, this ‘20s-style bar and music venue is inspired by the speakeasies of the Jazz Age, featuring three levels of dimly lit, mysterious spaces for listening to live music, sipping a cocktail, or checking out the view on the rooftop lounge, Terrace 59.

The cocktail menu includes old-fashioned options with names like the Godfather and the Perfect Storm, and ordering bottle service makes your visit even more enjoyable. With so many different levels and seating areas, you can even enjoy your drinks anywhere you please. Challenge your friends to a game of darts or shuffleboard, check out great local music, or just plan a swanky night out at this retro local favorite.

For a full schedule of music and events, visit the Speakeasy website.

Speakeasy
412 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 476-8017
www.speakeasyaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/speakeasy-austin

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Unwind and Unplug at the Barton Creek Habitat Preserve

September 1, 2016 by

The Barton Creek Habitat Preserve is a beautiful, pristine landscape that's located along four miles of Barton Creek in southwest Travis County. With the help of neighboring landowners, the habitat protects two species of endangered songbirds and preserves the quality of water in Barton Creek.

The Barton Creek Habitat Preserve is a very peaceful place to hike, relax, and enjoy the beauty of nature. It is truly a gem that is tucked away in the middle of Austin. The preserve is at its peak during a wet spring. During this time, the creek has enough running water to swim and relax in many different hot spots. The greenbelt area offers at least 14 miles of trails that are ideal for walking, hiking, and even mountain biking. There are also caves that you can explore and even cliffs that are popular for climbing on. Visitation is limited here so be sure to arrange your visit through the volunteers.

Barton Creek Habitat Preserve
1700 Bee Cave Road
Austin, TX 78738
www.facebook.com/pages/Barton-Creek-Habitat-Preserve/208065779237756

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Have You Tried the Summermoon Latte at Brian’s Brew?

August 11, 2016 by

If it's your first visit to Brian's Brew, there are a few things you should know. First, this tiny, independently owned cafe is tucked within the Bank of America building. Next, the cafe brews coffee drinks made from wood-fired beans. That is, beans that have been hand-roasted in small batches over a wood fire. Lastly, Brian’s Brew serves a latte that they claim is "life-changing."

The verdict is still out about that verity of that last point, but regular visitors of Brian's Brew say the latte is worth ordering nonetheless. It's called the Summermoon Latte, and it's described as being creamy, full-bodied, and just a tad sweet. Order yours hot or iced, and pair it with a breakfast taco (provided by Torchy's Tacos) or freshly baked glazed doughnut or apple fritter from local doughnut bakery Round Rock Donuts.

Brian’s Brew is open 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily.

Brian’s Brew
515 N. Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 738-7713
www.briansbrew.com/index.html
www.yelp.com/biz/brians-brew-austin

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Monkey See Monkey Do!: Off-the-Wall Gifts That Can’t be Imitated

July 14, 2016 by

Whether you love kitschy, quirky trinkets or you know someone else who does, Monkey See Monkey Do! is one of Austin’s most popular gift shops. This wacky store is like a toy store for adults, and it is positively packed full of all of the magnets, action figures, whoopee cushions, and novelty candies that you can imagine. There’s also a number of Austin-themed gifts!

None of these items are particularly useful, but once you spend a while in this silly shop you'll realize that that’s what makes them great. And of course, Monkey See Monkey Do! even carries a vast assortment of—you guessed it—monkey paraphernalia!

Monkey See Monkey Do! is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Monkey See Monkey Do!
1712 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 443-4999
www.facebook.com/MonkeySeeMonkeyDoAustin
www.yelp.com/biz/monkey-see-monkey-do-austin

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Castle Hill Fitness: Exercise, Eat Lunch and Get a Massage All in One Unique Facility

June 9, 2016 by

Whether you’re an avid yogi or an extreme cyclist, Castle Hill Fitness has an exercise class for all types of athletes. The unique studio is operated by friendly staff members who are always willing to lend a hand or offer some advice, and the bright, colorful building is much more welcoming than most gyms.

Castle Hill Fitness offers more than 85 different workout classes each week to accommodate all members’ busy schedules, and classes include yoga, spinning, Pilates, boot camp, and many others. Personal trainers are available for those who prefer a more one-on-one exercise style, and the center also offers a gym area filled with free weights and cardio machines.

In addition to its workout facilities, Castle Hill Fitness includes Food4Fitness, an organic cafe stocked with healthy foods. The Natural Healing Arts Studio offers massages and acupuncture, while the bike shop fits customers for the perfect bike right on the spot. Castle Hill Fitness is a standout fitness center that is truly unique to the Austin area.

Castle Hill Fitness
1112 N. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 478-4567
www.castlehillfitness.com
www.yelp.com/biz/castle-hill-fitness-austin

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Finley’s Barber Shop: Get a Classic Cut at This Old School Shop

June 2, 2016 by

In a world where consumers are always looking for the fastest, most convenient options, the intricacy of a straight razor shave and a shoeshine goes a long way. Finley’s Barber Shop is an old-fashioned barber shop that's centered around this type of detail-oriented service, and the men who walk out of its wooden doors reflect the impressive difference a classic haircut makes.

The shop itself is located in the Warehouse District of downtown Austin, and inside of its large, glass-paneled storefront lies a exceptionally stylish barber shop with all of the classic trimmings. Vintage photo frames line the walls, antique pedestal sinks sit at the center of each station, and the industrial style of the exposed pipes adds even more character. Each customer is offered a cold beverage at the beginning of a visit, and then you can simply relax as one of the skilled barbers shaves, snips, and shines away.

Finley's Barber Shop is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended.

Finley’s Barber Shop
237 W. Third Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 298-2920
www.finleysformen.com
www.yelp.com/biz/finleys-barber-shop-austin-2

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Stop and Smell the Roses at Westbank Flower Market

May 12, 2016 by

Whether you’re looking for a bright, colorful bouquet to send to your sweetheart or a token of appreciation to send to a friend, you’ll find all kinds of flower arrangements at Westbank Flower Market. This Austin florist is located in the Westlake Hills neighborhood, and it's said to be one of the most trusted places in the area for fresh flowers.

Here, you’ll find pre-made arrangements that you can pop in and pick up at the last minute, as well as knowledgeable florists on staff to help you choose a customized arrangement or even order flowers for an upcoming event. Inside, Westbank Flower Market hosts a small gift shop that sells pots, vases, and plants to pair with your arrangement or use on their own.

Westbank Flower Market is open to the public 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. To order a custom arrangement, visit the website or call the shop directly.

Westbank Flower Market
5320 Bee Caves Road
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 327-3374
www.westbankflowers.com
www.yelp.com/biz/westbank-flower-market-west-lake-hills

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Mecca Gym and Spa: A Luxurious Treat for Mind, Body and Soul

April 14, 2016 by

If you believe that working out should be a relaxing, enjoyable experience, Mecca Gym and Spa is the facility for you. This upscale, modern gym is located conveniently in downtown Austin, and it offers a feeling of classic luxury and a personalized fitness experience. Wall-to-wall windows fill the fitness area with natural light, and top-of-the-line cardio and weight machines are scattered throughout the spacious room.

The gym portion hosts a knowledgeable staff of personal trainers who help guests meet their fitness goals, whether those are to train for a triathlon or simply to shed a few extra pounds. The spa is elegantly decorated and soothing, with ornate architectural details, sparkling light fixtures, and comfortable furnishings in every service area. Talented technicians offer massages, facials, and waxing services in private rooms, while guests sip wine or champagne in the open, airy manicure area.

If you want to tone your body and then treat your self to a day of pampering afterward, Mecca Gym and Spa is the place to do it all!

Mecca Gym and Spa
524 N. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 381-2680
www.meccagymandspa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mecca-gym-and-spa-austin

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Warehouse Craft Brews and Food Trucks Meet at Austin Beerworks

April 7, 2016 by

Founded with principles of fun and community in mind, Austin Beerworks works overtime as a brewery and taproom. Between Thursdays and Sundays, this Austin craft brewery opens its warehouse taproom to the public. That's when beer aficionados from all over the city arrive to sample the brewery's beers at their peak of freshness: straight from the tank!

Austin Beerworks's core four beers—an American IPA, German-style schwarzbier and pils, and an ale—are offered at the taproom all year long, complemented by seasonal rotations and a selection of taproom-only brews. The taproom deal is $10 for a take-home pint glass and three pints. If you’re interested in trying more varieties, some locals say you can do six half-pours—you just have to ask.

On most evenings, you can find some of Austin’s best food trucks parked outside for a tasty pairing.

Austin Beerworks
3009 Industrial Terrace
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 821-2494
www.austinbeerworks.com

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