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Fuel Up on Local Coffee at Texas Coffee Traders

April 14, 2016 by

If you’re the type of person who can’t start your day without a good cup of coffee, Texas Coffee Traders is a great place to get your java jolt in Austin. This local cafe and roaster creates its own blend of coffees from high-quality beans and expert roasting techniques, and it’s sure to impress even the most knowledgeable coffee fan.

Inside, Texas Coffee Traders has natural decor and an open, airy atmosphere, complete with walls of coffee filled with all kinds of brews that you can take home with you. There is also another retail section that boasts shelves filled with Chemex systems, pour-overs, and other methods for preparing coffee at home. The tasting area displays a few styles that customers can sample before buying, while the outdoor patio is the perfect place to sip a steaming mug with other local coffee lovers.

Texas Coffee Traders
1400 E Fourth St
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 476-2279
www.texascoffeetraders.com

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Discover Your New Favorite Gelato Flavor at Dolce Neve in Austin

April 7, 2016 by

For area foodies with an undeniable sweet tooth, there are few dessert spots better than Dolce Neve in Austin. This quaint and charming dessert shop is furnished with white farm tables and industrial light fixtures that create a comfortable space for relaxing with dessert after dinner in the area, and it also has a wooden front porch perfect for chatting with friends on a lazy afternoon.

The gelato menu at Dolce Neve contains all of your favorite classic flavors, as well as brand-new combinations like Thai basil and buttermilk, butternut squash and sage, and mascarpone and fig. Enjoy one or two scoops in a small dish or a homemade waffle cone, and you'll likely find that the gelato is so decadent that you’ll only need a bit to really experience the taste!

Dolce Neve
1713 S. First St.
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 804-5568
www.dolcenevegelato.com

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Go for a Scenic Run at Town Lake Metropolitan Parks

March 10, 2016 by

Are you an avid runner? If so, Town Lake Metropolitan Parks is one of the most scenic spots in town to get in some outdoor exercise. This popular park features running trails that wind around the lake shores, offering beautiful views of the lake and even the bridges that go over it. The trail is smooth and well maintained for runners, and there are even benches set up at various points to give you place to sit down and take a breather.

If you’re not in the mood for running, it’s also fun to rent a kayak and spend the afternoon rowing down the river with friends. Many residents bring their four-legged friends to the leash-free dog park inside of the main park, and you can even walk them around the dog-friendly trails. Food trucks also often park nearby for those looking for lunch outdoors.

Town Lake Metropolitan Parks
Austin, TX 78701
Town Lake
www.yelp.com/biz/town-lake-metropolitan-parks-austin

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End of an Ear: Buy, Sell or Trade at This Hip Record Store

March 3, 2016 by

In one of the country’s most musical cities, a great record store is imperative. End of an Ear is one such record store in the south Austin area, selling an eclectic mix of vinyl records, DVDs, and even some musical equipment in the back. The record selection includes new releases that are updated weekly, as well as old classics and even some underground gems that are hard to find at other stores.

The staff is incredibly knowledgeable, if a bit standoffish, as is to be expected from a busy record store. If you want to test out a record before purchasing it, there are a few turntables with attached headphones scattered throughout the store. Many customers also turn to End of an Ear to exchange old records or DVDs, and the shop offers generous store credit or cash for consignment items.

End of an Ear is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays.

End of an Ear
2209 S. First Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 462-6008
www.endofanear.com
www.yelp.com/biz/end-of-an-ear-austin

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Enjoy the Art and the View at HOPE Outdoor Gallery

February 11, 2016 by

HOPE is a collection of artists dedicated to making the world a more beautiful place, and they've made great strides in Austin. A previously desolate part of the city now exudes color and personality thanks to both local and international talents who've covered crumbling walls in bright, colorful panoramas.

Graffiti artists and muralists collaborate to create a masterpiece on the concrete walls that were once a blank canvas. According to those who've visited, the portraits are "mesmerizing" and "awe-inspiring." Each piece presents a different inspirational or educational message, and the collaborative piece is growing all the time. It doesn't hurt that HOPE Outdoor Gallery overlooks Austin's skyline, another breathtaking masterpiece in its own right. So if you have an afternoon to spare and you're looking for a photo op, head to this fresh-air gallery in downtown Austin.

HOPE Outdoor Gallery
1101 Baylor Street
Austin, TX 78703
www.hopecampaign.org/hopeprojects/hope-outdoor-gallery
www.yelp.com/biz/hope-outdoor-gallery-austin

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Take a Spin on Your Trusty Bike Around the Barton Creek Greenbelt

February 4, 2016 by

Craving some outdoor adventure in Austin? You won’t find many places more exciting than the Barton Creek Greenbelt. This popular hiking, biking, and running trail winds its way around the city through lush, green areas, across rolling rivers, and even right in front of hidden caves that many locals don’t even know about.

This weekend, set out on foot or hop on your trusty bike to explore the miles and miles of trails around the beloved outdoor space. Individual portions are well marked to keep you right on track, whether you’re looking for a short 2-mile hike or to spend the day attempting to make your way around the entire belt. Stop in at a natural swimming hole to cool off from the Texas heat, or even hike to a waterfall and admire the surrounding scenery.

Barton Creek Greenbelt
3755-B Capital of Texas Highway
Austin, TX 78704
www.ci.austin.tx.us

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

January 14, 2016 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
www.yelp.com/biz/long-center-austin

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Speakeasy: A Retro Cocktail Lounge That’s the Cat’s Meow

December 10, 2015 by

If you love all things inspired by the Roaring ‘20s, there might not be a better spot to grab a drink in the Austin area than Speakeasy. As its name implies, this ‘20s-style bar and music venue is inspired by the speakeasies of the Jazz Age, featuring three levels of dimly lit, mysterious spaces for listening to live music, sipping a cocktail, or checking out the view on the rooftop lounge, Terrace 59.

The cocktail menu includes old-fashioned options with names like the Godfather and the Perfect Storm, and ordering bottle service makes your visit even more enjoyable. With so many different levels and seating areas, you can even enjoy your drinks anywhere you please. Challenge your friends to a game of darts or shuffleboard, check out great local music, or just plan a swanky night out at this retro local favorite.

For a full schedule of music and events, visit the Speakeasy website.

Speakeasy
412 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 476-8017
www.speakeasyaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/speakeasy-austin

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

November 12, 2015 by

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

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Aim for a Strike at The Union Underground in Austin

November 5, 2015 by

If you’re looking for something fun and active to do this weekend, check out the bowling alley at The Union Underground. This fun bowling alley billiard hall is located on the bottom level of the Texas Union building at The University of Texas at Austin, which makes it a lively spot for people of all ages. (You don't have to be a university student to play here!)

Reserve one of the 12 bowling lanes to get a bit competitive with some friends from tree, and be sure to stop by on the weekends for the glow-in-the-dark Glow Bowl! If bowling isn’t really your thing, enjoy a game of pool on one of the many pool tables in the spacious billiards hall. Order a pizza from the front desk to enjoy with your game and you’re sure to have a great time.

The Union Underground is open 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 3 a.m. Sundays.

The Union Underground
2247 Guadalupe St
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 475-6599
www.utexas.edu/universityunions/texas-union/scene/underground
www.yelp.com/biz/union-underground-austin

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