Monkey See Monkey Do!: Off-the-Wall Gifts That Can’t be Imitated

Whether you love kitschy, quirky trinkets or you know someone else who does, Monkey See Monkey Do! is one of Austin’s most popular gift shops. This wacky store is like a toy store for adults, and it is positively packed full of all of the magnets, action figures, whoopee cushions, and novelty candies that you can imagine. There’s also a number of Austin-themed gifts!

None of these items are particularly useful, but once you spend a while in this silly shop you'll realize that that’s what makes them great. And of course, Monkey See Monkey Do! even carries a vast assortment of—you guessed it—monkey paraphernalia!

Monkey See Monkey Do! is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Monkey See Monkey Do!
1712 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 443-4999
www.facebook.com/MonkeySeeMonkeyDoAustin
www.yelp.com/biz/monkey-see-monkey-do-austin

Grand Nail Spa: Buff, Polish and Pamper

Not all nail salons are created equal, and regulars insist that Pflugerville’s Grand Nail Spa is one of the best in the Austin area. This stylish nail salon features a friendly staff of technicians who are skilled in all of the latest nail trends, and the salon itself is stylish and comfortable. Teal colored walls and modern furnishings create a relaxing environment, and the spacious waiting area is filled with magazines for customers to page through while waiting to get their nails done. Grand Nail Spa even offers complimentary drinks and a candy bar for guests to munch on, and the high-tech massage chairs are completely customizable.

Once it comes time for the manicure or pedicure, Grand Nail Spa buffs away dead skin, then moisturizes and polishes fingers and toes to your specifications. The salon even offers a much larger assortment of shellac polish colors than most salons for those who want to splurge a bit more on their manicure.

Grand Nail Spa is open 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Grand Nail Spa
1700 Grand Ave Parkway
Pflugerville, TX 78660
(512) 990-7300
www.grand-nailspa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/grand-nail-spa-pflugerville

Find the Perfect Gift for the Women in Your Life at Atown

Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for your mother, a friend or your significant other, you’ll find it at Atwon. This women’s clothing boutique and gift shop sells something for just about everyone, and they often have sales that benefit local charities and community organizations.

Browse the handmade cards and candles if you’re on the hunt for a small yet thoughtful gift, or peruse the nail bar, which is well stocked with polishes from top brands. There is always a great selection of artisan jewelry and accessories from makers around the Austin area, and it all pairs perfectly with the cozy flannel shirts, boho-style dresses, and graphic print T-shirts that you’ll often find in Atown’s clothing section.

Grab some complimentary cookies, agua fresca, or a glass of wine while you wander around this popular local boutique, and don’t forget to pop in to the other shops in the Allandale area!

Atown
5502 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 323-2533
www.shopatown.tumblr.com

Beware Coffee: A Startlingly Good Cup of Joe

There’s nothing to be afraid of at Austin’s Beware Coffee, a quaint, tiny coffee truck near the University of Texas campus. With only a small green truck and a nearby tent instead of the usual brick and mortar storefront, this is a unique alternative to the city’s numerous other coffee shops. Despite its small size, Beware Coffee churns out expertly brewed coffees, frothy cappuccinos, and ice cream-topped affogatos. For those who like a sweeter beverage, lattes (like the beloved Fantasy Sweet) get a touch of rich, creamy sweetness from the addition of coconut oil and real honey.

The owners are also the baristas at this independent operation, and they really know their stuff when it comes to crafting the perfect cup of joe. If you’re a coffee lover who cares more about the quality of the drinks than the bells and whistles in the shop itself, Beware Coffee is a must-try.

Beware Coffee
2908 Fruth St
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 571-3392
www.bewarecoffee.com

The Red Room Lounge: An Austin Wine Bar

Whether you're a seasoned wine expert or a novice to wine drinking, the service and selection at The Red Room Lounge just might make this place your new go-to wine bar in Austin. The knowledgeable sommeliers are happy to put together tasting flights, make recommendations, educate you about the wine-making process, and help you find just the right vintage for your own particular taste.

The Red Room Lounge’s atmosphere is dramatic, featuring dim lighting, exposed brick, deep leather couches, and lots of dark wood. Note, however, that this is not a place where you should expect to get dinner along with your wine. The Red Room Lounge offers a small selection of cheese and charcuterie plates, but this dedicated wine cellar focuses mainly on drinks.

The Red Room Lounge
306 E. Third Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 501-1536
www.redroomatx.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-red-room-lounge-austin

Treat Yourself to a Little R&R at Avant Salon & Spa

Whether you’re looking to debut a new hairstyle for the upcoming season or simply to treat yourself to a day of pampering, Avant Salon & Spa is one of the best places in Austin for all things hair, skin, and body. This luxury salon and spa employs a number of skilled stylists who can sculpt flattering haircuts on both men and women, as well as administer highlights, lowlights, and all-over color. Relaxing massages are available in the chic, private massage rooms, and there are also other body treatments, like full-body exfoliation and waxing for the arms, legs, or bikini area.

Avant Salon & Spa also offers professional makeup application for special occasions, like weddings and school dances, using Aveda’s popular Uruku line of cosmetics. For all of your beauty and relaxation needs, Avant Salon & Spa is a truly reliable and high-class option in Austin.

Avant Salon & Spa
9901 North Capital of TX Highway
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 502-8268
www.avantsalon.com
www.yelp.com/biz/avant-salon-spa-austin?sort_by=date_desc

Austin’s Boat Tours: See Austin from the Water

A day of boozing and cruising on Lake Travis is highly encouraged by Captain Angel and Austin of Austin's Boat Tours. The pair takes guests out on its party boats for a day of sunbathing and socializing. You're welcome to bring your own beer and anything you can cook up on the grill, as well as other snacks.

Austin's Boat Tours has watercrafts to accommodate groups of all sizes, from the Baja Speed Boats that hold a mere five people to the massive Luxury Party Barges for 15 to 25 people (the latter have the grill, plus restrooms). Austin's Boat Tours also leads sunset tours, both public and private, if you're looking for something a bit more romantic. Rent jet skis, learn how to flyboard, or even go scuba diving with the help of Austin's Boat Tours' captains.

Austin's Boat Tours
5931 Hiline Road
Austin, TX 78734
(512) 476-2628
www.austinsboattours.com
www.yelp.com/biz/austins-boat-tours-austin

Jumpoline Park: A Hop, Skip and a Jump to All-Ages Fun

The next time you’re looking for something fun and out of the ordinary to do with the kids, your friends, or even your coworkers, check out Jumpoline Park. This colorful facility is filled with wall-to-wall trampolines that visitors can bounce on and play games on, and because bouncing burns 600 to 1,000 calories an hour, it even makes a great workout that’s much more fun than your usual jog.

If you want to host a unique birthday party for your child, Jumpoline Park features private party rooms that can be rented out for children’s parties and other social events. Order a pizza from Jumpoline Park’s concession stand, bring your own cake and ice cream, and then watch as the little ones let out their energy on the many trampolines filling this safe, fun facility.

Jumpoline Park is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays.

Jumpoline Park
13801 Mopac Expressway
Austin, TX 78727
(512) 310-1420
www.jumpolinepark.com
www.yelp.com/biz/jumpoline-park-austin-2

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

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

Take a Dip at Shipe Park

Shipe Park only claims two acres of Austin's Hyde Park, but it packs a lot of opportunities for outdoor recreation into that relatively small outdoor space. One of the biggest draws—or, more accurately two of the biggest draws—is its set of pools. Between the shady swimming pool and slowly ebbing wading pool, there's an appropriate spot to dive in no matter the age of your kids, or if you don't bring any kids along at all.

You'll want to cool off in the pools after spending time enjoying Shipe Park's other features, like the pair of basketball courts or tennis courts. It also boasts a multi-purpose field and a picnic area where you can set up camp after a day of running around. You can also bring your youngsters to the playground, surrounded by towering trees, and let them explore the playground in the shade.

Shipe Park
4400 Avenue G
Austin, TX 78751
www.austinparks.org/our-parks.html?parkid=329
www.yelp.com/biz/shipe-park-austin

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