Discoveries Archives - Page 32 of 79

Big Top Candy Shop Thrives on South Congress After 10 Years

November 6, 2017 by Yulia Dyukova Leave a Comment

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…]

Austin Young Chamber Fosters Professional Growth and Community Service

November 3, 2017 by Brittany Ballard Leave a Comment

Austin Young Chamber of Commerce is an open organization that connects young professionals and encourages them to create success for themselves through a variety of social activities and learning opportunities

As a young professional in Austin, I love to keep my eye on organizations that can help me with self-development. Austin Young Chamber of Commerce has been on my radar for a few years, especially since it’s one of the major general purpose membership associations in Austin. [Read more…]

How to Road Trip to Round Top Any Time of Year

November 2, 2017 by Samantha Saenz Leave a Comment

Round Top City Limit Sign — “90 folks can’t be wrong” about this charming Texas town (Credit: @dollarsaenz)

Up until now, Round Top, Texas, has been synonymous with one thing—antiques. That’s because twice a year for many years, is has been the go-to destination for antique buyers and sellers. However, this quaint little town, founded in 1831 and currently home to 90 people, is bustling with new establishments as townspeople have aimed to make their home a year-round destination, with upscale shopping, dining, and lodging.

[Read more…]

Live Music and Comedy on Wheels With Twisted Texas Tours

October 31, 2017 by Danielle Fritz Leave a Comment

Climb aboard for Twisted Texas Tours (Credit: Ben Porter Photography)

Country roads
Take me home
To the place I belong

Just a few weeks ago, I found myself belting out those lyrics in a voice I usually reserve for solo car rides and late night karaoke. Instead, I was on a brightly painted bus singing along with a date, several new friends I had just made, and a talented Austin band.

When I moved here several years ago, I created a personal bucket list of all the places to enjoy live music. Unbeknownst to me, I had left one thing off my list: a bus. [Read more…]

F-Stop Models How to Transform Lawn Into Urban Farm in Austin

October 25, 2017 by Jaclyn Hubersberger 1 Comment

Ryan Farnau at F-Stop Farm (Credit: Jaclyn Hubersberger)

What started as a gardening hobby turned into Ryan Farnau farming nearly all the available space in both his front and back yards, with another 6,000-square-feet soon to be tilled and seeded. With a handful of local restaurants sourcing from Farnau’s farm–hardly more than a third of an acre–F-Stop is quickly joining the ranks of Austin’s more well-known urban farms, like Springdale, Rain Lily, Boggy Creek, and HausBar to the east, and La Flaca to the south.

The sustainable agriculture movement is gaining momentum here in Central Texas, thanks in part to these urban farms, the restaurants that purchase their produce, and the patrons who support the restaurants and farmers’ markets around the city. Through the use of small-scale organic growing practices, these farms operate in direct opposition to big agriculture, fast food, and the industrialized food system. [Read more…]

4 Female-owned Businesses Selling Vintage Items You’ll Love

October 25, 2017 by Irvianne Torremoro 1 Comment

Credit: Diana Ascarrunz

There’s no doubt Austin is full of sellers in every niche, from leather goods to crochet. Of our many local attractions, vintage finds are some of my favorites to stumble upon. If you feel the same way, these four female-owned businesses should be on your radar.

[Read more…]

Traveling North on I-35? Eat at Stagecoach Inn

October 23, 2017 by Danielle Fritz Leave a Comment

Stagecoach Inn in Salado, Texas has attracted visitors since the 1800’s

Driving by Salado or taking a day trip to the village itself? Do as weary travelers have done since the late 1800’s. Drive up to Stagecoach Inn, the oldest restaurant in Texas. First established as Shady Villa Hotel, guests used to steer their stagecoaches there to seek refreshments and lodging before continuing their journey along the Chisholm Trail. Modern-day travel conditions may have changed, but Stagecoach Inn continues to delight those looking for tasty, comforting food or a room for the night, in a relaxing environment. [Read more…]

Plan a Full Day at Treaty Oak Ranch With Addition of Ghost Hill Restaurant

October 19, 2017 by Vi Chetan Leave a Comment

Tasting the Experimental Collection Treaty Oak

Tasting the Experimental Collection at Treaty Oak

Editor’s Note: As of October 2018, Ghost Hill has closed, but Treaty Oak has opened a new restaurant concept named Alice’s Restaurant.

Treaty Oak Ranch opened in 2015 with a focus on creating the best locally-distilled whiskey our area had ever experienced. The Dripping Springs establishment spans 27 acres and takes pride in creating small batch, craft spirits from the best ingredients. As a happy side effect, the distillery brews beer with malts and ingredients from whiskey-making. The Fitzhugh Ale gets its name from Treaty Oak’s location on Fitzhugh Road, and serves as the perfect mid-afternoon glassful of fresh.

As if you needed another reason to visit, Treaty Oak has a new eatery called Ghost Hill Restaurant. It serves up snacks, BBQ, and a full selection of the distillery’s spirits and beers. With a focus on seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients, the 3,500-square-foot space boasts a minimal interior full of warm woods and a fully-stocked bar. The Texas-inspired food lives in the casual, friendly home it deserves. [Read more…]

10 Instagram Accounts Every Austinite Should Follow

October 17, 2017 by Yulia Dyukova 24 Comments

I’m reluctant to admit how many hours I spent on Instagram to prepare this article. But I’ll tell you this: for once in my life, no one can accuse me of procrastinating. No, I wasn’t mindlessly scrolling through pictures on my phone; I was doing research!

As you check out these awesome, Austin-based Instagrammers, no one should dare accuse you of procrastinating, either. Just say you’re supporting local artists. [Read more…]

12 Free Date Ideas for the Frugal Austinite

October 16, 2017 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

You butter believe you’re going to love this list of free date ideas (Credit: Lane Becker via Flickr CC)

Guest article by Michele Eilertsen

From feasting on delectable dishes at local restaurants to laughing until your eyes well up with tears at over-the-top comedy shows, living in a city as quirky as Austin provides a plethora of options when it comes to dating. Planning a fun outing with your romantic interest is a surefire way to show them how much they mean to you. However, contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to spend an exorbitant amount of money to impress your partner. Truth be told, there are an abundance of places in Austin that make excellent choices for date night (or afternoon), and won’t break the bank. [Read more…]

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