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

You’ll Be in Stitches at The Cloth Pocket

Austin is widely known as a very crafty town. The city’s sewing scene is particularly powerful, and one of the key places artisans shop supplies is The Cloth Pocket. This fun, funky fabric store was established by a mother-daughter team who knew that the town had a need for a carefully-curated stock of textiles designed for crafting, quilting, and other fabric arts.

The square footage of the space is not huge, but it’s so expertly organized that you’ll have no problem finding the perfect bolt of fabric for whatever you plan to do. The staff here is super nice, too, offering you tea or water when you step in the door and helping you work out your project needs without spending too much money.

The Cloth Pocket is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. If you’re into the fabric arts, this is going to be your new favorite store.

The Cloth Pocket
5448 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 524-5684
www.theclothpocket.com/index2.php#!/home
www.yelp.com/biz/the-cloth-pocket-austin

Tap Your Foot to the Beat at The Roost in Austin

Many music lovers say that few things in this world are better than an evening of foot-stomping, hand-clapping live music, and that's just what The Roost delivers. Once you visit this Austin club, you'll likely understand exactly why it’s such a local hotspot. Shows range from blues performers to rock bands, small local acts to internationally-known musicians, so there's something to suit just about everyone's taste.

With professional lighting that creates a concert-like atmosphere, several bars located throughout the venue, and a lively, dancing crowd, The Roost cultivates a festival-like atmosphere. Yelp reviewers say that sight lines and acoustics are top-notch, and there's plenty of seating available for music aficionados who prefer to sit and relax. The Roost does not serve food, but patrons are welcome to bring in snacks from the neighboring taqueria or crawfish shack.

Check the website for a current calendar of shows and to buy your tickets before they sell out.

The Roost
2113 Wells Branch Parkway
Austin, TX 78728
(512) 394-5727
theroostaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-roost-austin

Rudy’s Country Store & Barbecue: Fuel Your Car and Your Belly at This Quirky Barbecue

Texas is known for many things, but barbecue is surely one of the most important. Rudy’s Country Store and barbecue restaurant is a standout spot in Austin’s booming restaurant scene, beloved for the way it merges a restaurant, general store, and even a gas station if you need to fuel up after dinner.

While the operation is quirky, Rudy’s food menu is one to be reckoned with. Half-pound racks of tender, juicy ribs, moist brisket, tangy potato salad, and sweet creamed corn keep regulars coming back again and again. Order at the counter and watch the skillful cooks slice your meat right in front of you, and then enjoy your meal over a cold soda or beer at one of the long, communal picnic tables either inside or out. Finish your meal with Rudy’s excellent banana pudding and you’ll leave feeling positively stuffed.

Rudy’s Country Store is open 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. weekdays and 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekends. On Sundays, the restaurant is open 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Rudy’s Country Store & Barbeque
11570 Research Boulevard
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 418-9898
www.rudysbbq.com/page/location/name/bbq-austin%20-%20360
www.yelp.com/biz/rudys-country-store-and-barbecue-austin

Dazzle Coffee: Premium Java Served From a Drive-Through Window

With the goal of creating a cafe that focuses on premium roasted Arabica beans and a friendly relationship between barista and customer, Dazzle Coffee opened in Pflugerville in 2006. This drive-through-only coffee shop has seen great success over the years since it opened, mainly because regulars love the convenience of purchasing high quality coffee without exiting their cars!

The menu includes affordably priced classics like freshly brewed coffees and flavorful caffe lattes, as well as specialty drinks like white chocolate mochas and caramel macchiatos. Dazzle Coffee also sells cold beverages perfect for hot Austin days, including the popular Frezian, which includes your choice of milk blended with ice and coffee. Milkshakes and 100% fruit smoothies also make delicious treats after dinner or to cool off during a hot summer day.

Dazzle Coffee is open 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays. Sunday hours are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dazzle Coffee
100 N. Second Street
Pflugerville, TX 78660
(512) 670-1100
www.dazzlecoffee.com
www.yelp.com/biz/dazzle-coffee-pflugerville

Sunstone Yoga: Practice Yoga at This Welcoming Studio

Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner looking to get into the practice, Sunstone Yoga has a class for everyone. This open, airy studio is located in the Great Hills area of Austin, and it’s in a plaza convenient to other businesses.

Inside, there’s a colorful, welcoming entry area where guests can sign into class, borrow a mat, or check out the selection of yoga apparel for sale. The instructors and owners are all friendly and welcoming no matter your situation, and they’re especially accommodating to beginning guests or people with injuries and medical conditions. Try one of the Water, Wood, or Fire classes depending on your personal yoga preference, and the studio will even provide you with free towels and mats if you don’t have your own.

For a full schedule of all of Sunstone Yoga’s classes, visit Sunstone's convenient website.

Sunstone Yoga
10710 Research Boulevard
Austin, TX 78759
(214) 764-2119
www.sunstoneyoga.com
www.yelp.com/biz/sunstone-yoga-austin

Antonelli’s Cheese Shop: Gourmet Cheese in Austin

The unlikely success story behind Antonelli’s Cheese Shop has revealed one important thing: Austin residents love their cheese. This gourmet cheese shop combines the hip, industrial style that is unique to Austin with the European flair that owners John and Kendall Antonelli picked up while studying cheese abroad. The result is a wonderfully eclectic shop that carries a diverse selection seven styles of artisanal cheeses, including many local cheeses made right in Texas.

Antonelli’s also offers limitless tastings to help you decide on a specific cheese, and the store's friendly team of “cheesemongers” will even write guests a log to help you remember which cheeses you liked and which you should steer clear of. Stop by to purchase the perfect cheese for a dinner party, create a gift basket for a friend, or join the Cheese of the Month Club to experience a world of cheeses right in the heart of Austin’s Hyde Park neighborhood.

Antonelli’s Cheese Shop
4220 Duval Street
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 531-9610
www.antonellischeese.com
www.yelp.com/biz/antonellis-cheese-shop-austin

Katherine Fleischer Park: A Community Gem in Austin

Katherine Fleischer Park is a favorite among Austin's Wells Branch 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

Find Craft Supplies at Sea of Beads

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

Meet Your Personal Fitness Best With Help From BVM Crossfit

One of the most popular fitness trends of the 21st century, Crossfit is now practiced in over 9,000 licensed gyms worldwide. If you’re unfamiliar, the general principle is that a varied mix of aerobics, flexibility, and weightlifting can get better results than just one workout at a time. Classes are high-intensity, with participants shifting from station to station quickly.

BVM Crossfit in Austin draws raves from devotees for a personal touch. Owners Valerie and Brent Hunt are both gifted personal trainers who really know how to get the best out of their students. A wide variety of people work out here, encompassing all ages and body types. Classes typically last for an hour and transition from warm-ups to skill development, a high-intensity exercise, and then a stretching period. As always, consult with your physician before embarking on a new exercise regimen.

BVM Crossfit
6711 Burnet Lane
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 779-2113
bvmcrossfit.com
www.yelp.com/biz/bvm-crossfit-austin

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