Discover the Best Things to Do in Austin, Food & Drink deals and more!
Barton Creek Greenbelt (Credit: Shawn Thomas via Flickr CC)
There are multiple greenbelts in Austin, but the Barton Creek Greenbelt is so beloved that locals commonly refer to it as “the Greenbelt,” as if it were the only one. Located in south-central Austin, the Barton Creek Greenbelt contains 12.68 miles of gorgeous trails, with the main trail spanning about 7 miles. This particular greenbelt is considered one of the top hiking trails in Texas. [Read more…]
Sights and colors along South First Street in Austin (Credit: atmtx via Flickr CC)
South Congress may be infamous for its popular cluster of high-end boutiques, trendy restaurants, and food trailers—but just one street over is a slightly more humble neighborhood with a quirky assortment of shops, food trailers, and murals of its own that just beg to be explored.
For those who haven’t dug too far into this south-central territory, I’d like to share some highlights of what South 1st has to offer.
There are several places on South 1st to get a decent cup of joe. But I want to highlight Once Over Coffee Bar in particular, as it’s spring and their porch is the perfect hideout. [Read more…]
Bluebonnets in bloom at Pace Bend Park, Spicewood, TX (Credit: Jeff Cohen, Moonshine Images)
All along Austin’s roadways, bluebonnets are making their annual splashy appearance. Thanks to Lady Bird Johnson’s efforts to beautify the state’s highways, generations of Texans have grown up with a shared rite of passage, taking the family portrait in fields full of the state flower. [Read more…]
You may collect baseball cards. You may be a birder, coin collector or coffee mug junkie.
Or you may collect celebrities.
If you’re familiar with the Kevin Bacon Game or the six degrees of separation theory first theorized by Frigyes Karinthy in 1929, you know society is more closely intertwined than it often seems. The world has shrunk since 1929 because of social networking and globalization. In the past five years alone, you’ve probably noticed the shrinkage personally as you’ve unexpectedly bumped elbows not only friends, not only with strangers, but also with the famous.
Welcome to Star Kibble, a game I developed a few years ago. Star Kibble is played by seeing and photographing celebrities. [Read more…]
Texas Card House on Manchaca in South Austin (Credit Taylor Wier)
It almost sounds too good to be true. Legal gambling in Austin? Short of a four hour drive to Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass, it simply didn’t exist before now. Texas Card House has changed all that, offering the first legal poker room in Austin–and in the whole state of Texas outside reservations.
The trick is in the language. Texas Card House offers membership to a “card and social club” and provides a facility where members can gamble. [Read more…]
Lady Bird Lake’s 4-mile eastside loop (Credit: Jim Innes courtesy of The Trail Foundation)
Back in the 1990s, the trail around Town Lake (now known as Lady Bird Lake) had real issues. Maintenance of the crushed granite pathway wasn’t at its finest, sections were confusing, crossing I-35 dangerous, and the eastside segment was pretty much only populated by serious souls covering the full 10-mile loop.
But as Austin has grown, trail usage exploded, and The Trail Foundation (TTF) upped its stewardship, everything has changed. When the new Boardwalk section opened in 2014, the rechristened Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail took the loop experience to 11.
If you’re looking for a taste of the new Boardwalk, beautiful scenery, bountiful bird watching, hassle-free parking, and fewer crowds, all rolled into a shorter distance loop, try the eastside loop. Here’s a step-by-step tour of what can be enjoyed when covering this 4-mile trail option in the heart of Austin. [Read more…]
The intersection of 183 and Burnet Road forms the epicenter of a half mile bubble of retro joy. If you were old enough to ride a bicycle in the 1980’s, this list of places to have fun in Austin should tickle the nostalgia center of your brain. Now you can roller skate, sing karaoke, bowl and visit an old school arcade without driving all over town.
Making it look easy at Playland Skate Center
Playland Skate Center opened in 1973 at 8822 McCann Dr, just past Town North Nissan on southbound Research Blvd (Hwy 183). That’s four decades of roller skating fun. [Read more…]
Austinites are an active bunch and like to have fun. But with hundreds of fun activities on the calendar, it’s hard to decide which ones to attend.
We have to prioritize which events deserve our time and money. In order to help you start planning and budgeting for 2015, I’ve put together a month by month guide to the biggest Austin events, ranging from free to [Read more…]
Austin is known for its breakfast tacos, music scene and runners. Whether on the Hike and Bike Trail, through the streets of downtown or around your neighborhood, you’re bound to see at least one runner throughout your day.
If you’re the runner, I wouldn’t be surprised if your 2015 resolution is to put more miles on your shoes than you did last year. Austin is home to excellent running clubs, some of the most fun running events in the country and local shops to outfit you.
Here are a 5 ways to step up your running game in Austin during 2015.
The view of O. Henry Middle School where Austin Runners Club meets for group runs (Credit: Chris Prairie)
If 2015 is your year to take on a half or full marathon, you should check out Austin Runners Club. This non-profit organization welcomes runners and walkers of all fitness levels and their coaches are some of the best [Read more…]
Do you make New Year’s resolutions? Are they usually focused on self-improvement, requiring physical exercise, food abstinence or cleaning out that garage?
Dang it, you need to make a resolution that will open your mind. Look at the city around you, begging to be explored.
If you need fresh ideas, here’s a list of 14 Austin resolutions for 2015 that will reward you with a uniquely Austin experience and expand your understanding of this weird, wild and wonderful city. I’m giving you one resolution a month, plus two bonus resolutions to make 2015 your best year in Austin yet.
Austin bat viewing area on the southeast side of Congress Bridge
Watching the millions of Mexican Free-Tailed Bats emerge from under the South Congress Bridge at dusk is something akin to a religious rite. To see and feel them flit effortlessly within inches of your head as they snap up insects is ecstasy. [Read more…]