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Jim Jim’s Water Ice: Cool Off With a Sweet Treat

March 10, 2016 by

Jim Jim’s Water Ice offers a cool, refreshing way to escape the Texas heat. Water ice is a traditional Italian treat that is most popular in Philadelphia, and it's made by blending real fruit with finely shaved ice to create a velvety soft texture.

Jim Jim’s operates out of a colorful storefront in downtown Austin, and customers order their water ice right from the front window like you would at an old-fashioned ice cream stand. The prices are just as old fashioned, and the friendly employees dole out extremely generous servings in each styrofoam cup. In addition to its classic fruit flavors, Jim Jim’s offers water ice with cream on top or smoothies and cups with soft serve ice cream blending into any water ice flavor.

Jim Jim’s Water Ice is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Jim Jim’s Water Ice
615 E. Sixth Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 708-8285
www.jimjimswaterice.com
www.yelp.com/biz/jim-jims-water-ice-austin

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Unplug and Unwind at Bee Cave Central Park

February 11, 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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Zilker Botanical Garden: 26 Acres of Natural Beauty in Austin

February 4, 2016 by

If you’re looking for a relaxing (or even romantic!) way to spend an afternoon near Sendera Barton Creek, 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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Laugh Out Loud at ColdTowne Theater

January 14, 2016 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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Sip the Fantasy Sweet Latte at Beware Coffee

January 7, 2016 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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Austin Nature & Science Center: Get Connected With the World Around You

December 10, 2015 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

December 3, 2015 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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Zilker Metropolitan Park: Explore Austin By Bike, Canoe or Miniature Train

November 12, 2015 by

While Austin is filled with beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, few are quite as popular as Zilker Metropolitan Park. This 351-acre park borders the picturesque Lady Bird Lake on one side, while the smaller, natural spring-fed Barton Springs Pool on its other end offers visitors a place to rent canoes all year round. Zilker Metropolitan Park’s most unique feature is arguably the Zilker Zephyr miniature train, which chugs around the park’s perimeter. Sand volleyball courts, disc golf courses, and multi-use fields are open to the public for recreational use, while the hiking and biking trails provide hours of fun to outdoorsy visitors.

Throughout the summer, the Zilker Hillside Theater hosts concerts spanning a wide variety of genres, including the popular "Shakespeare in the Park" performances, which are best enjoyed from a blanket on the hillside!

Zilker Metropolitan Park
2100 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78704
www.austintexas.gov/department/zilker-metropolitan-park
www.yelp.com/biz/zilker-metropolitan-park-austin

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Strange Brew: A Weird and Wonderful Coffee Shop in Austin

November 5, 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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Falconhead Golf Club: Stay On Par at This Scenic Course

October 15, 2015 by

Falconhead Golf Club is one of the more popular public golf courses in Austin. Whether you want to work on your swing or get competitive by joining a league, this scenic course has something for golfers of every skill level. The course was designed by the PGA Tour Design Center to make it both challenging and fun for new golfers, and it features five sets of tee boxes that enable players to customize their own round. You’ll be able to see for miles from Falconhead's many rolling hills, which are signature to the Central Texas Hill Country where Austin is located.

Leagues for men, women, and seniors add a bit of friendly competition to the game, while the Falconhead Golf Shop offers everything you need to keep your golf bag stocked. Finish the day with dinner and drinks at Talon’s Bar and Grill!

Book your tee time on the Falconhead Golf Club website.

Falconhead Golf Club
15201 Falcon Head Boulevard
Austin, Texas 78738
(512) 402-1558
www.falconheadaustin.com

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