Austin Food and Wine Alliance

July 9, 2013 by greystar

The Austin Food and Wine Alliance is dedicated to promoting food/wine pairings in Central Texas community through grants, educational programming and fun events. The annual Chef’s Wine & Dine Series gives diners a chance to partake of a five-course meal paired with wine, prepared by some of the finest chefs the area. Wine & Swine is another yearly event that Austonians look forward to when area chefs prepare their favorite pork recipes for eager diners. Live music, an eclectic wine selection and hayrides add to the festivities. See their website for information on volunteering and upcoming events.

Austin Food and Wine Alliance
Austin, TX 78768
(512) 348-6847
http://www.yelp.com/biz/wine-and-swine-austin

By Kirti Poddar [CC-BY-SA-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Hill Country Galleria: Charming Retail

June 26, 2013 by greystar

Bee Cave locals are lucky to have the Hill County Galleria as their local mall. The perfectly manicured facilities are filled with local shops, food and entertainment. Anchored by Barnes & Noble, Dillard’s, Whole Foods and Dick’s Sporting Goods, there’s something for everyone here. Regular cinemagoers suggest that the mall hosts one the best movie theaters in the area. The space also hosts free summer concerts in the pavilion with plenty of parking behind the shops. For those wanting to walk off their lunch, you can stroll through the entire shopping area outside with the light winds coming up over the hill to keep it from getting too hot. For a day of retail therapy or a family outing for some shopping and food, Hill Country Galleria has it all.

Hill Country Galleria
12700 Hill Country Boulevard
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 263-0001
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hill-country-galleria-bee-cave

By Glenn Fleishman from Seattle, Washington (Behold the iPad in All Its Glory) [CC-BY-2.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Hill Country Galleria, Malls, Shopping, Things to Do in Austin

Museum of the Weird: Keeping Austin Weird

June 4, 2013 by greystar

Austin is always weird at the Museum of the Weird. Some of the strange territory to explore includes UFOs, aliens, mummies, bigfoot-like creatures, wax vampires, shrunken heads and sideshow performers who can pull nails out of boards with their teeth. Stop by the gift shop to pick up a t-shirt, plastic movie monster, zombie action figure or other fun – and weird – item. Special events like movie screenings, lectures and exhibits are held at the museum on a regular basis – see their website to check them out. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for kids under age 8. Open Monday through Sunday from 11a.m. until 11p.m.

Museum of the Weird
412 E 6th St
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 476-5493
http://www.yelp.com/biz/museum-of-the-weird-austin

By Anette B. (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Austin Attractions, Museum of the Weird, Museums, Things to Do in Austin

Mandola’s Italian Market: The Perfect Mix

May 6, 2013 by greystar

Touted as the perfect combination of an Italian restaurant, deli, market, and bakery, Mandola’s Italian Market is sure to have something you will fall in love with. How many places in Austin can you walk into and buy a fresh Italian cookie, a cup of gelato, or sit down and enjoy an authentic Italian pasta dish? Their regulars call the tortellini moda mia with Pancetta love at first bite, and don’t forget to have them slice you up some prosciutto. Mandola’s in Bee Cave has it all and more. Locals love this spot for any event including family dinners (where they offer pint-sized seating and menus), or just a snack and cup of coffee. Don’t forget about Sundays where freshly poured mimosas are only $2 until 5pm. If you want to share this delectable Italian food with your friends, they also offer full service catering and delivery if you are in a rush but need your Mandola’s fix.

Mandola's Italian Market
12815 Shops Pkwy
Ste 400
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 600-8500
http://www.yelp.com/biz/mandolas-italian-market-bee-cave

By jules / stone soup (carrot soup) [CC-BY-2.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Grocery Stores, Mandola’s Italian Market, Shopping, Things to Do in Austin

The Backyard: An Austin Tradition

April 29, 2013 by greystar

One of the area’s most historic music venues is The Backyard. First opening its doors in 1993, the venue has hosted some of the biggest names in contemporary music, including Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, David Bowie and more. The natural open-air amphitheater is an amazing place to see a concert, building a sense of community among showgoers that continues even after you go home. The Backyard hosts a number of Austin’s best food trucks during shows and features seven separate bars for you to get your drink on at. Another awesome thing about the Backyard is their commitment to environmentally sound practices, reducing waste, recycling and using green energy whenever possible. If you’re going with a group, make sure to carpool – cars with more than 3 people park for free.

The Backyard at Bee Cave
13801 Bee Cave Parkway
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 651-5033
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-backyard-at-bee-cave-bee-cave

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Music Venues, The Backyard, Things to Do in Austin