A neighborhood park is a valuable asset to the entire community that it serves, especially one as clean and well maintained as Pfluger Park. This park is a shady respite from Austin’s fast pace, and it offers something for visitors of any age. The colorful play area is filled with monkey bars and climbing structures that the kids will love, the gazebos are ideal for an outdoor birthday party, and dog owners love the tree lined walking trails. The 30-acre Pfluger Park also features a sand volleyball court and a basketball court for more athletic visitors. Whether you come to relax or to get in a bit of exercise, this park offers a taste of nature to Pflugerville-area residents.

In addition to its regular activities, Pfluger Park hosts neighborhood activities such as the Deutschen Pfest and the Music in the Park series. Check the park’s website for more information about upcoming events.

Pfluger Park
515 City Park Road
Pflugerville, TX 78660
(512) 251-9321
www.pflugervilletx.gov/index.aspx?NID=1309
www.yelp.com/biz/pfluger-park-pflugerville

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Steven Depolo

If you’re a serious crafter, walking in the front door of Austin’s Sea of Beads is going to blow your mind. The selection of beading and jewelry supplies and tools here is over the top. The shop stocks a staggering array of beads in a myriad of styles, including seed beads, Czech glass, pearls, and semi-precious stones, as well as more affordable options for new learners. The selection of findings and chains is also excellent. If you’ve got a dream project, this is going to be the place to get the materials.

Don’t know how to make your own jewelry? Sea of Beads has you covered. Instructors host a wide array of classes, from single-project oriented sessions that teach you how to make pendants and necklaces to more open-ended classes. Visit the Sea of Beads website to learn more!

Sea of Beads
2438 W. Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 533-9090
www.seaofbeads.net
www.yelp.com/biz/sea-of-beads-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/chitrasudar

Whether you want to grab a quick bite on the go or relax with friends to watch the game, Crawfish Shack & Oyster Bar is a popular choice in Austin. This eatery offers all the Cajun cuisine classics you'd expect, including a spicy gumbo, jambalaya filled with shrimp and sausage, and crawfish etouffee.

In fact, it's crawfish in any form that's the main draw for this place. Yelp reviewers report traveling for miles to feast on the Crawfish Shack's crawfish, which is best simply ordered by the pound, hot from the pot. Choose a few add-in extras, like corn, potato, and fried oysters for a truly decadent meal. Whatever you order, don’t forget to ask for the restaurant's signature moist towelettes to clean up your fingertips after you're finished eating!

The restaurant itself is clean, with brightly colored walls and offbeat decorations, like fishing nets draped here and there. There's even free Wi-Fi in case you've got a few emails to answer while waiting for your meal.

Crawfish Shack & Oyster Bar
2013 Wells Branch Parkway
Austin, TX 78728
(512) 252-7556
crawfishshacktx.com
www.yelp.com/biz/crawfish-shack-and-oyster-bar-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/jeffreyw