Enjoy Yoga Classes at Austin’s Yoga Yoga

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

Uptown Modern: Classic Furniture in Austin, Texas

Love the clean, space age look and feel of mid-century modern furniture? If so, you’re not alone: it’s a trend that has become very popular and Uptown Modern is a great place see it in Austin. This furniture shop specializes in furniture from the 1940s through the 1970s, especially Danish Modern, European Modern and American-made items.

Whether you’re looking for a perfectly restored dining set made by Borge Morgensen, or a Hans Wegner sofa, chances are, you’ll find something to fall in love with here. How about a 1960s Plycraft lounge chair that looks like it belongs in Don Draper’s office on Mad Men? They might just have that, too. They’ve also got wall art, clocks, decorative bottles, bedroom furniture, and a small selection of jewelry. Stop in and browse — you really never know what treasures you might discover here!

Uptown Modern is open daily in Austin.

Uptown Modern
5111 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 452-1200
http://www.uptownmodernaustin.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/uptown-modern-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Wickerfurniture

Texas Rowing Center: Work Out on Lady Bird Lake

When it comes to full-body workouts, fitness experts seem to agree on one thing: rowing lands high on the list. It offers an aerobic workout without the wear and tear of an activity like running, which makes it appropriate for even the beginner athlete.

Texas Rowing Center in Austin has taken full advantage of the sunny Texas weather since 1987 by offering a spot to go rowing any day, from 6 a.m. until dusk. On-staff instructors can help newbies learn the basics of rowing over the course of six lessons. Students range in age from teenagers to senior citizens.

If you already know how to row, you can simply rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard and take it out onto the placid waters of Austin's Lady Bird Lake. The lake sits right next to the Hike and Bike trail, so go for a walk or a jog after working out your upper body.

Texas Rowing Center
1541 W. Cesar Chavez
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 467-7799
www.texasrowingcenter.com

www.yelp.com/biz/texas-rowing-center-austin

Public Domain/Public Domain

Recycled Reads: Support Austin’s Library System

Support Austin's public library and get fantastic used books at a bargain price at Recycled Reads. It’s the perfect place to stock up on reading material for a fraction of what you’d pay if you bought it new. CDs, DVDs and vinyl record albums are also on sale here.

Whether your favorite reading material is mystery, literary fiction, science fiction, poetry, travel, how-to, self-help, art, biography or history, you’re sure to find something to float your literary boat while you spend hours lost in the world of words. Kid’s books are also on their shelves, as is a small selection of new books.

Got books at home gathering dust on your shelves at home at The Boulevard at Town Lake? Bring them in and donate to help fund the Austin library system!

Recycled Reads is open Thursday through Sunday.

Recycled Reads
5335 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 323-5123
http://www.recycledreads.org/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/recycled-reads-austin

Public Domain/Public Domain

Uncommon Objects: Austin Curiosities

‘Antiques, oddities and curious goods’ is the tagline behind Austin's Uncommon Objects. That means it’s a fun place to shop for those one-of-a-kind items you won’t find anywhere else. More than 20 stalls are artfully arranged with items gleaned by the store’s collectors.

Go there to amble among treasures like antique typewriters, vinyl records, costume jewelry, neon signs, old license plates, old rock posters, taxidermy snakes, Brady Bunch lunchboxes, armadillo lamps, brass skeleton keys and more.

Whether you’re looking for something specific, or just want to relax while strolling through this veritable bazaar of the odd and unusual, you’re sure to have fun doing it – and you just might leave with a treasure you never knew you wanted.

Uncommon Objects
512 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
http://www.uncommonobjects.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/uncommon-objects-austin

Public Domain/Public Domain

Esther’s Follies: Austin Entertainment

Turn off the TV, get up off the couch and head out for some zany fun at Esther’s Follies. The Follies’ home is located at the historic 280-seat Cactus Theatre on Austin’s vibrant 6th Street. It’s a Texas-style revue featuring a melodious mélange of comedy skits, magic acts and political satire. The stage features two large windows that look out on the action on bustling 6th Street.

Now in its 36th season, this Austin hallmark is a must for anyone who loves creative, cutting edge live entertainment. Master magician Ray Anderson is a favorite for his seamless melding of magic and comedy. The theatre features five shows weekly – one on Thursday and two each on Friday and Saturday. Book your tickets in advance, as it sells out regularly.

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

Public Domain/Public Domain

Paramount Theatre for the Performing Arts: On Stage in Austin

Expand and elevate your entertainment options with a trip to Paramount Theatre for the Performing Arts. The theatre began its incarnation as the Majestic in 1915, offering the era’s favorite form of entertainment, vaudeville. Its stage graced the likes of famed magician Harry Houdini. In 1930, it was refurbished as a classic movie palace and rechristened the Paramount. After falling into disrepair in the 1970s and 80s, the Grand Old Dame underwent an extensive facelift to restore her to her former magnificence.

Today, the theatre offers an exciting roster of entertainment, featuring performers and shows like STOMP, Penn & Teller, Steve Earle, Lily Tomlin, Ramsey Lewis & John Pizzarelli, the Second City, Joan Rivers, and Craig Ferguson. See their website for upcoming shows and ticket information.

Paramount Theatre for the Performing Arts
713 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 472-2901
http://www.austintheatre.org/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/paramount-theatre-for-the-performing-arts-austin

Public Domain/Public Domain

Alamo Drafthouse Theatre: Dinner and a Movie in Austin, Texas

What could be better than watching a movie while drinking a beer and chowing down on some tasty eats? If this is your idea of fun, head to Alamo Drafthouse Theatre for entertaining films, a great selection of draft and bottled beer and a menu of tasty food that’s way above what your average movie theatre concessions provides.

Settle in with a sizzling hot Grilled Eggplant & Jalapeno Pizza, a Royale with Cheese Burger, Tofu Wrap, or a Caesar Salad with spiced pumpkin seeds. Show up for their Master Pancake Theater and watch a movie while one of Austin’s comedians supplies edgy commentary. First-run and golden oldies are shown at this spot. See the Alamo Drafthouse website for schedules and showing times.

Alamo Drafthouse Theatre
320 E 6th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 476-1320
http://drafthouse.com/austin
http://www.yelp.com/biz/alamo-drafthouse-cinema-austin-6

Public Domain/Openclipart.org

Spur Your Child’s Creativity and Imagination at Toy Joy

Get in touch with your inner child — or at least shop for one you know — at Toy Joy. Located in downtown Austin, this child-friendly wonderland stocks a huge selection of toys, from educational and inspiring to goofy and weird. It's a fun place to browse for environmentally friendly toys, figurines, trinkets, science kits, and dress-up pieces, all of which will spur your child's imagination and creativity.

Customers love the large selection of Hello Kitty items, as well as the Rody line of whimsically designed, inflatable horses —the largest size can hold up to 400 lbs! Although downtown parking can be a challenge, Toy Joy will validate your parking. Toy Joy is open daily, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Toy Joy
403 W. 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 320-0090
http://www.toyjoy.com
www.yelp.com/biz/toy-joy-austin

 

Public Domain/Freeimagescollection

Parts & Labour: Unique Gifts on South Congress

Looking for a great spot to pick up a unique gift hand crafted by a talented artisan? Head to Parts & Labor on South Congress, where you’ll find just that in a fun, friendly setting. Their unique selection includes items that would be perfect for a birthday, wedding, housewarming, or baby shower gift.

On the other hand, it’s also a spot to treat your own sweet self to something special, like a Lego bracelet, soy candle, Scrabble tile pendant, or hand silkscreened t-shirt illustrated with something cute and quirky. Clothing, jewelry, baby items, wall art, cards, stationary, candles, hats, scarves, socks, toys and more, are all arrayed vibrantly for your perusal. The staff is super friendly and helpful, too!

Parts and Labour
1117 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 326-1648
http://partsandlabour.blogspot.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/parts-and-labour-austin

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