Discover the Best Things to Do in Austin, Food & Drink deals and more!
Giant ThunderCloud sub on Ranch Road 620
I have a special appreciation for local businesses that go out of their way to erect sculptural somethings to entice me. This includes eight-foot-tall gorillas. And 10-foot-long, fully-loaded sandwiches. And hippie church gospel taco queens, like Maria.
Here are 11 local business sculptures keeping Austin weird. [Read more…]
Fill out a quick form about your coffee preferences and–voila–Creature Coffee shows up at your door
(Credit: @creaturecoffeeco)
As an avid coffee drinker, I’ve had my share of good and bad brews. I’m particular and I know what I like. As a result, I tend to frequent the same coffee shops around Austin. But then, I discovered Creature Coffee.
Angelo the butcher looked like something from a horror movie. He had a weathered face, one eye, and wore a bloody apron. Everywhere he went, he had a butcher’s knife in hand. The man never smiled. To a 12-year-old boy in northern New Jersey, he was terrifying. He was also a culinary surgeon. Grunting and scowling, he’d whack up meat like a pianist tickles the ivories. Some of my fondest memories involve watching Angelo work his magic, while I waited for the deli guy to slice my cold cuts.
Butchering meat isn’t just a trade. It’s an art form. Proper meat preparation can turn a good meal legendary, and these six Austin butchers are carrying on the craft in fine style. Next time you need to cook up some ribs, grill a burger, or perfectly roast a filet mignon, skip the mega mart and swing by these local Austin butcher shops for premium cuts. [Read more…]
Hayley and her cookies will be your next Insta-obsession (Credit: @thehayleycakes)
If you have a major sweet tooth like I do, then you’re probably constantly on the lookout for delicious and unique desserts. Instagram does a good job of helping with my discovery process, especially when I want a local treat. Now I can have my cake and eat it, too, thanks to Austin-based HayleyCakes and Cookies.
Team behind The Center for Social Innovation (L-R): Dan Graham, Matt McDonnell, Daryl Kunik, Michael Hsu
Guest article by Sarah Snyder
Going to a construction site is always intriguing, especially when hard hats are required. My behind-the-scenes look at The Center for Social Innovation, Springdale General’s current project, was especially fun considering the center’s purpose to serve the social impact community in Austin.
Wait until you read about all the nonprofits and social good companies planning to come together at this east Austin hub.
Grab a cold beer and a beach balm inspired by beer (Credit: Aromaholic)
Indulge your inner flower child with local, handmade bath and beauty products, all for under $50. Austin’s love of all things natural and creative comes together in these divine bath, beauty, and wellness products.
My nickname among my friends is “Lotions and Potions,” meaning I do NOT leave home without them. Resisting the urge to read every description on every bottle, smell, and try out each tester on the shelf is a constant struggle. The good news: Austin makers offer an abundance of lotions and potions. While they are perfect stocking stuffers or host gifts at Christmas, they make excellent presents year-round.
Who doesn’t love finding a magical product that makes the hair, skin, or face radiant, lustrous, and beautiful? Here I share some of my favorite local goodies, so you can stock up on gifts. We won’t tell anyone if you buy them for yourself, either. We don’t judge. [Read more…]
Mindy’s Bakeshop creates a plethora of homemade cookies, cakes, and sweets
As a kid, Mindy Sepeti watched her mom bake cakes and pies in the kitchen. During the holidays, she couldn’t wait for her mom to bake a batch of sugar cookies, so they could decorate them together. These moments were ingrained in her memory, but it took her a while to realize they didn’t have to remain in the past. [Read more…]
The people of Austin love supporting the local community and culture with gusto! It’s a trait many of us hold near to our hearts, and try to abide by every day. Love for local artists and makers is evident all year round, at markets and pop-ups. Let’s continue to show support this holiday season by being part of The City of Austin’s Shop Zero Waste program. [Read more…]
Once Thanksgiving turkey and the last bit of pumpkin pie have been eaten, it’s time to put your shopping prowess to work and get cracking on presents! Here at The Austinot, we work hard to put together a local gift guide like none other, with an emphasis on local businesses you may not visit often. Have a foodie in your life? We have that covered. How about furry family members? We’ve got something for them, too!
So let’s get to it, shall we? [Read more…]
Big Top Candy Shop on South Congress Avenue
When I was six years old, my dream was to work in a candy store. I’m pretty sure it’s a dream shared by many kids around the world. My plan ended right after my dad explained to naïve little me that even those who work in a candy store have to pay for the candy. What’s the point, then? Shortly after this frustrating discovery, I switched to dreams of becoming a Hollywood actress.
But even several decades later, I can’t help but envy those lucky, lucky people who get to be surrounded by colorful candy wrappers, listen to the sound of soda hitting glass, and inhale aromas of chocolate and freshly-baked cookies all day long.
Brandon Hodge, owner of Big Top Candy Shop on South Congress Avenue, is probably every kid’s role model, and every adult’s reminder of unrealized dreams. For the past decade, this man has been uncovering the most unique candies all over the country and the world, and transporting them to Austin. [Read more…]