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

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

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

Pick Up Flowers, Cookies, and a Sandwich at Walton’s Fancy and Staple

What do macaroons, a deli, flowers, and Sandra Bullock have in common? They can all be found at Walton's Fancy and Staple in Austin. This charming cafe serves made-to-order deli sandwiches and is filled with fresh made pastries, cakes, and cookies. Stop by during lunch and try the customer favorite "Turkey Sweet," a turkey sandwich with applewood smoked bacon, caramelized onions, apples, and white cheddar on a croissant.

Walton's also offers a small breakfast menu. Don't miss the challah French toast, made with a creme brulee batter and topped with fresh berries and real maple syrup! Grab several sweets to take home and a bunch of fresh flowers to cheer up your space. Although it's a casual spot with counter service, the space is full of charm with antique warehouse decor crossed with Parisian cafe elements.

Walton's Fancy and Staple
609 W Sixth Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 542-3380
www.waltonsfancyandstaple.com
www.yelp.com/biz/waltons-fancy-and-staple-austin

Core Power Yoga: Stretch Out in Austin

Power up your flexibility and core strength with a class at Austin's Core Power Yoga. Step into the clean, well lit, spacious studio and throw off the cares of the day while you stretch, build strength and recharge with a series of yoga poses set to energizing music. Classes are geared to all levels of ability, from beginner to advanced. A helpful staff of trained teachers is there to guide and instruct.

Core Power's classes include Hot Power Fusion, Heated Power Yoga with Weights, and Beginning Power Yoga. Changing rooms with lockers and showers are part of what you’ll find here. They also have a boutique with a variety of apparel and yoga accessories. Check out their free classes for new students. See Core Power Yoga's website for class schedules and pricing information.

Core Power Yoga
801 W. 5th Street
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 542-9642
http://www.corepoweryoga.com/yoga-studio/texas/austin-monarch
http://www.yelp.com/biz/corepower-yoga-austin

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

Have You Tried the Wood-Fired Coffee at Brian’s Brew?

Drip, pour-over, fair-trade … you probably think you've heard of and tried every coffee trend, but think again! Brian's Brew is a small coffee shop that features beverages made from mesquite wood-fired, hand-roasted coffee beans. This technique brings out a rich, smoky flavor that will make you swear off chain coffee for good.

Stop in for your daily caffeine fix and Brian himself will fix you a Summermoon or Wintermoon latte, both of which are signature beverages made with a secret recipe that results in a unique, mocha-like drink. The location inside the Bank of America building makes this a hidden gem of downtown Austin.

Brian's Brew
515 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 738-7713
http://www.briansbrew.com
www.yelp.com/biz/brians-brew-austin

Play, Play, Play at the ZACH Theatre

Founded in 1933, Austin's ZACH Theatre is the oldest continuously operating theatre in Texas.  With a year round season of over 500 performances, there's always something interesting on stage here. Their programming features classic plays and musicals, youth productions, and  original work from regional and national playwrights. The theatre space in intimate, the audience is in close proximity to the stage, and any seat in the house offers a great experience.

ZACH also emphasizes education and community outreach through their Youth Theatre program, which offers classes and productions to engage children in the performing arts. 
 

ZACH Theatre
1510 Toomey Rd
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 476-0541
www.yelp.com/biz/zach-theatre-austin

Austin Eats Food Tours: Eat Up

What better way to know your town than with an Austin Eats Food Tour? The South Congress Walking Tour takes you to off the beaten path places where you’ll taste some of the flavorful fare that makes the city a primo dining destination. The Best of Austin Van Tour starts at the famed farmer's market, followed by stop-offs at some of the city’s favorite food trucks and restaurants, including a top BBQ eatery. See their website for a complete list of tours and reservation info.

Austin Eats Food Tours
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 963-4545
http://www.yelp.com/biz/austin-eats-food-tours-austin

Get Creative at Dougherty Arts Center

The City of Austin runs Dougherty Arts Center to provide creative outlets for people of all ages. The Center's Butridge Gallery showcases Austin-area artists, while the 150-seat community theatre is available to local theatre companies and nonprofit groups. The Arts School offers intensive and sympathetic instruction for children and adults. Reasonably-priced courses in ceramics, photography, drawing, jewelry and much more are open to everyone at all skill levels.
 

Dougherty Arts Center
1110 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 974-4000
www.yelp.com/biz/dougherty-arts-center-austin

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