Maverick’s Country Rock: Pull on Your Boots to Boogie the Night Away

Austin is known for its live music venues, but Maverick’s Country Rock shows off the city’s dance moves, as well. If you love to kick up your heels to upbeat country music, Maverick’s spacious dance floor and some of the area’s best DJs will ensure that you have a rocking good time.

The dance floor isn’t just your usual open space, however: Here, a 5,000-square-foot dance floor features state-of-the-art lights and sound and a number of multimedia projectors that work in time with the music. Outside, Maverick’s 3,000-square-foot deck area features lots of outdoor seating and another full bar to service those who wish to enjoy the Texas evening. The bar also makes a fun place to dance the night away.

Maverick’s is open 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Maverick’s Country Rock
1700 Grand Ave Parkway
Pflugerville, TX 78660
(512) 514-5650
www.maverickscountryrock.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mavericks-country-rock-pflugerville

Katherine Fleischer Park: A Community Gem in Austin

Katherine Fleischer Park is a favorite among Austin residents. This community green space is home to a soccer and baseball fields, as well as tennis and basketball courts. You'll even find a sand volleyball pit. The playground area provides plenty of shade from the hot afternoon sun, and in addition to all the typical equipment, it features a unique two-story, castle-like playhouse for kids, complete with a spiral staircase.(Regular visitors report that on occasion you'll see kids dressed up in prince and princess costumes in the playhouse.)

Katherine Fleischer Park also offers a set of wide and well maintained running trials, as well as a community center and a gazebo that can be reserved for private picnics and barbecues. History enthusiasts should be sure not to miss the historic Gault Homestead that's also located in the park. Guided tours focus on 19th century pioneer life and can be customized for both children and adults.

Katherine Fleischer Park
2106 Klattenhoff Drive
Austin, TX 78728
(512) 251-9814
www.wellsbranchmud.com/parks/katherine-fleischer-park.html
www.yelp.com/biz/katherine-fleischer-park-austin

Terra Toys: An Independent Toy Store for Kids and Adults Alike

While there are a number of big box toy stores in every city, there’s something charming and nostalgic about visiting an independently owned toy store. Terra Toys is just that type of store, with a sweet storefront tucked into a plaza near popular restaurants and other shops.

It’s very easy to spend an entire afternoon browsing the endless selection of unique toys here, so be sure to visit when you have some time to spare. The inventory is stacked from floor to ceiling, with a number of cozy nooks and play areas scattered throughout. The book section has a few small tables where kids can read, and there’s a large train table to check out the model trains.

Terra Toys carries all types of toys, from dolls and action figures to games and science toys, and it can seem overwhelming to attempt to locate a particular item. Regulars recommend sending the knowledgeable employees on a mission to track down the toy you need, and don't forget to grab some novelty candies before you go.

Terra Toys
2438 W. Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 445-4489
www.terratoys.com
www.yelp.com/biz/terra-toys-austin

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

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

See Why Wet Salon and Studio Is a Cut Above the Rest

If you're looking for a new salon, you're encouraged to try out Wet Salon and Studio on South Congress. This isn't your garden variety salon. Sure, typical salon services (highlights, waxing, extensions) are on the menu here, but Wet Salon and Studio also displays local art on its walls.

American Board Certified Master Colorists are on staff, so if you have a serious color quandary you can feel safe in their skilled hands. Consultations are free, and Wet's stylists are dedicated to working with you to figure out a style that works best for your routine and hair type. Wet Salon is interested in forming a long term relationships with clients and ensuring they feel confident with their hairstyle.

First-time clients should call to schedule their initial appointment, while returning clients can schedule future appointments online.

Wet Salon and Studio
1109 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 444-7375
www.wetsalonatx.com
www.yelp.com/biz/wet-salon-and-studio-austin-2

Mills Pond: Relax by a Countryside Pond

Mills Pond is a tranquil oasis tucked into the middle of Austin’s Lakes at Wells Branch subdivision, and locals say it's a great spot to gather with friends and family. The pond offers a pier for anglers who want to try their hand at catching the local fish, as well as a floating boat dock for use by any non-motorized boats.

Winding trails around the pond's perimeter offer scenic views and the chance to glimpse local ducks, geese, and cranes, as well as the opportunity for a bit of exercise (joggers and bikers are both welcome). Sunny, grassy fields nearby are ideal for spreading out a blanket and sharing a picnic, reading a book, or just enjoying the fresh air.

Whether you decide to enjoy the view from a park bench on the bank, or climb into a canoe to explore the pond itself, you can expect a quiet, peaceful visit to Mills Pond.

Mills Pond
15108 Wells Port Drive
Austin, TX 78728
(512) 251-9814
www.wellsbranchmud.com/parks/mills-pond.html
www.yelp.com/biz/mills-pond-austin

East Side Glass Studio: Glass-Blow Your Own Masterpiece

Shara Funari and Leigh Taylor Wyatt arrived at glass blowing from very different backgrounds. Shara didn't pick up the art until 2004, honing what was then a hobby at a public glass blowing studio in 2004. Leigh relocated to Texas in 2006 specifically to further her glass blowing career and to be closer to family. However, for both women, glass blowing eventually evolved into a passion; this is why they opened East Side Glass Studio in Austin.

At the studio, the public can come in to watch Shara and Leigh blow glass, or they can join in themselves. Intro classes are held a few times over the course of a month, teaching newbies the basics of glass blowing. Visitors can come in for a one-off experience where they learn the bare-bone fundamentals and then create their own glass masterpiece in a single session.

East Side Glass Studio
507 Calles Street
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 731-1702
www.eastsideglassstudio.com
www.yelp.com/biz/east-side-glass-studio-austin

Mueller Lake Park: Walk, Bike or Run at This Beautiful Outdoor Area

Comprising trails, playing fields, and numerous open, grassy spaces, Mueller Lake Park is a respite from the hustle and bustle of Austin city life. This spacious park is well-planned and well-maintained, and it spans over 30 acres of lush, green grounds.

A five-mile hiking and biking trail is available for those who want to get in a bit of outdoor exercise, while a nearly seven-acre lake is situated near the center of the park. Visitors to the park also enjoy the stretching and exercise station near the trail, which includes pull-up bars and benches for sit-ups, and you’ll often find pick-up games of basketball or soccer on one of the outdoor courts. One of the most interesting features of the park is the open-air amphitheater and stage, which hosts many outdoor events on weekends.

Whether you have a picnic at one of the food trucks in the area or bring the kids for an afternoon outdoors, Mueller Lake Park is ideal for any recreational activity.

Mueller Lake Park
4550 Mueller Boulevard
Austin, TX 78723
www.muelleraustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mueller-lake-park-austin

Riverside Golf Course: Play a Historic Course

Built in the 1940s, Riverside Golf Course is a historic Austin course that has hosted golf legends like Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite over the years. If you're used to playing on today's elite courses, Riverside Golf Course might seem a bit short, simple, and straightforward at first, but if you keep its history in mind, you'll appreciate playing on a golf course that shaped a generation of golf's great players.

The course is rated a 7.3 on the Texas Outside scorecard, and the fairways are lined with stately old maples, pecans, and oaks. The course's pro shop can supply all your basic equipment needs, while professional instructors can help you fine tune your technique. After your round of golf, try relaxing in the attached restaurant with a tasty char-grilled burger and an ice cold beer.

Whether you visit with a couple of buddies or bring the whole family, Riverside Golf Course can be a great place to spend a day.

Riverside Golf Course
1020 Grove Boulevard
Austin, TX 78741
(512) 386-7077
www.riverside-gc.com
www.texasoutside.com/public/reviews/show_golf_course/548

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

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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