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The Long Center for the Performing Arts: Where Austin Soaks Up the Limelight

October 8, 2015 by

Check The Long Center’s for the Performing Arts' calendar and you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy. This live entertainment venue aims to be a community gathering place, emphasizing local art and talent while creating a fun and welcoming place for residents to come together.

Both outdoor and indoor concerts are held at The Long Center for the Performing Arts, either inside the spacious, round venue or outside on the attached City Terrace. The programming is diverse, and you’ll often find many different types of performances ranging from Shakespeare in the Park to touring rock groups and even comedy shows throughout the week. Theater buffs will enjoy seeing musical theater performances, while fans of ballet will likely want to check out a night with Ballet Austin.

The Long Center for the Performing Arts
701 W. Riverside Drive
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 457-5100
www.thelongcenter.org

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Lola Savannah Coffee Lounge: Bring Your Friends (or Just Your Laptop!) to This Austin Cafe

September 10, 2015 by

Owned by the same entrepreneurs behind the Grove Wine Bar, its neighbor just next door, Lola Savannah Coffee Lounge is a welcome alternative to the chain coffeehouse experience. That's according to the cafe's many glowing Yelp reviews, which laud Lola's relaxed ambiance and friendly service as much as the cafe's freshly roasted coffee beans.

Here, empty burlap coffee sacks are suspended from the ceiling, adding a rustic flair to the open, light-filled space below. There are plenty of tables arranged throughout the cafe, so you're likely to be able to find a place to sit, even during the morning rush. That's when Lola Savannah Coffee Lounge reaches peak activity; locals hurry in for freshly toasted bagels and to-go espressos before work, while some choose to sit and linger with a bowl of oatmeal, a latte, and the newspaper.

Arriving with your laptop in tow? Regular visitors say the free Wi-Fi is fast and reliable.

Lola Savannah Coffee Lounge
6317 Bee Cave Road
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 732-0093
www.yelp.com/biz/lola-savannah-austin

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Kayak Along Austin’s City Streets with Live Love Paddle

September 3, 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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Before Popping the Question, Consult the Experts at Abercrombie Gems & Precious Metals

August 13, 2015 by

Those who have made a major jewelry purchase might agree that it's not something to be done on a whim, and Yelp reviewers indicate that the customer service and staff expertise at Abercrombie Gems and Precious Metals makes jewelry shopping a stress-free experience. In fact, since this family-owned Rollingwood jewelry store first opened in 1989, it has made a name for itself through its antique, estate, Art Deco, and custom designed jewelry, and it is widely recognized as the place to go whether you’re looking to purchase a one-of-a-kind piece for that special someone.

This shop may not have the massive space or huge inventory of the big-box jewelers, but it makes up for that with personalized service and the high quality of the jewelry. Abercrombie also offers appraisals, purchasing, repairs, and trade-ins.

Abercrombie Gems and Precious Metals
3008 Bee Caves Road
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 328-7530
www.abercrombiegems.com
www.yelp.com/biz/abercrombie-gems-and-precious-metals-austin-2

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Esther’s Follies: A Mash-Up of Entertainment

August 6, 2015 by

Part magic show, part comedy set, part musical, the productions put on a Esther's Follies every week can't really be pigeonholed into any one category. It breaks down theatrical boundaries by mashing up political satire, music, and more in a single show every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night.

The theater has roots in the late '70s, when founders Michael Shelton and Shannon Sedwick through their first bash on 6th Street. Back then, it was nothing more than a haphazard hodgepodge of performances by singers, dancers, mimes, comics, musicians, and everyone in between. Although the show has more structure today, nearly 40 years later, it still brings the same level of energy and fun to the stage. Yelp reviewers award particular praise to magician Ray Anderson, who delights crowds not only with his tricks, but also with his own unique brand of humor.

Esther's Follies
525 E. 6th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 320-0553
www.esthersfollies.com
www.yelp.com/biz/esthers-follies-austin-2

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What’s Your Favorite Animal at the Austin Zoo?

July 16, 2015 by

Although the Austin Zoo is on the smaller side, its interesting selection of wild animals and fun, friendly environment proves it to be an enjoyable way to spend a weekend afternoon. The Austin Zoo doubles as an animal sanctuary, which means that the majority of its animals were rescued, adopted, or even born at the zoo.

From the majestic Bengal tigers to the curious lemurs and the colorful peacocks that roam freely around the zoo’s grounds, all of the Austin Zoo’s animals have plenty of indoor and outdoor space to enjoy. The reptile area offers visitors an up-close-and-personal look at numerous snakes, tortoises, and large lizards, and there is even an exotic bird facility filled with beautiful birds from around the world. With its low ticket prices, the Austin Zoo makes a fun and affordable activity for the whole family.

If your little one loves the zoo, you can even host a birthday party surrounded by animals at one of the pavilions!

Austin Zoo
10808 Rawhide Trail
Austin, TX 78736
(512) 288-1490
www.austinzoo.org
www.yelp.com/biz/austin-zoo-and-animal-sanctuary-austin-2

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Zilker Nature Preserve: Escape the Noise of the City

July 9, 2015 by

Just west of where the Mopac crosses the Colorado River lies the Zilker Nature Preserve, a wonderful place to experience the tranquility and beauty of nature without driving way out into the country. The preserve maintains 60 acres of plants, wildlife, and untamed landscape native to central Texas.

Well-tended trails wind through the brush, making this an ideal spot for a morning walk or brisk jog. Birdwatchers appreciate the variety of avian life that frequents the area, while swimmers and kayakers enjoy the preserve's easy access to Town Lake. Photographers should take the Overlook Trail to catch a spectacular view of downtown Austin.

You should know that parking can be a bit tricky here, especially on Saturdays, so your best bet might be to park at Zilker Park, then hike to the trail head just off Barton Springs Road.

Zilker Nature Preserve
302 Nature Center Drive
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 327-8181
www.austinparks.org/our-parks.html?parkid=696
www.yelp.com/biz/zilker-nature-preserve-austin

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Sanctuary: A World of Inspiring Gifts

June 11, 2015 by

If you’re looking for a unique gift for a relative, friend, or even for yourself, Sanctuary could be just the place to find it. Austin-area newspapers, magazine columnists, and style bloggers all heap praise on this Westlake boutique, which owner Hanna Curran opened in July 2008 to feature the best of locally-made jewelry, current fashion, sustainable home furnishings, and inviting garden and botanical accessories. You'll also find a growing selection of products for children and babies ranging from adorable bodysuits to traditional wooden toys.

While Westlake has a reputation for being ritzy, reviewers on Yelp praise Sanctuary for being tasteful without being snooty and affordable without skimping on quality or style. The inventory circulates often, so you can stop by regularly to see what’s new, or follow this shop on social media to get a sneak peek at what is currently in store.

Sanctuary
3363 Bee Cave Road
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 329-0507
www.shopatsanctuary.com
www.yelp.com/biz/sanctuary-austin

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

May 14, 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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Mandola’s Italian Market: Shop and Dine in Bee Cave

April 9, 2015 by

Mandola's Italian Market is a popular place to shop and dine in Bee Cave, Texas. Every nook and cranny in the marketplace area is packed with imported treasures, ranging from dried pasta and ladyfingers to oil-packed capers.

But there's no need to wait until you get home to chow down: Mandola's operates an attached trattoria that offers a range of delectable goodies, and the restaurant's aroma wafts around the marketplace, tempting you to sit down for a quick bite after you finish your shopping. Yelp reviewers rave over the bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil, and they say you shouldn't miss the traditional antipasto selection of cured meats, cheeses, and assorted relishes and marinated vegetables. Hot meals like deep dish lasagna and chicken parmesan are also available, and you can even order take-out family-style meals for up to six people.

Visit Mandola's website to learn more about this Bee Cave market!

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

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