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Texas Rowing Center: Work Out on Lady Bird Lake

May 8, 2014 by

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

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Recycled Reads: Support Austin’s Library System

April 10, 2014 by

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

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Uncommon Objects: Austin Curiosities

April 3, 2014 by

‘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

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Esther’s Follies: Austin Entertainment

March 13, 2014 by

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

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Paramount Theatre for the Performing Arts: On Stage in Austin

March 6, 2014 by

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

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

February 13, 2014 by

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

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Spur Your Child’s Creativity and Imagination at Toy Joy

January 16, 2014 by

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

 

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Parts & Labour: Unique Gifts on South Congress

January 8, 2014 by

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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The Institution Theater: A Laugh Factory

December 4, 2013 by

Get in touch with your funny bone at The Institution Theatre, which teaches the art of improvisation, sketch writing, and comedic acting. Their classes are fun and focus on a difficult thing — being yourself! Whether you're an actor looking to hone your chops or a doctor looking to let off steam, there's a place for you here. Instructors have impressive comedy credentials from around the country, including Chicago’s Second City. And if you just want a laugh, the school features weekly performances at just $7 a ticket. 
 

The Institution Theater
3708 Woodbury Dr
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 895-9580
www.yelp.com/biz/the-institution-theater-austin

 

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