Discoveries Archives - Page 39 of 79

Guide to Party Planning in Austin for Every Interest and Occasion

December 22, 2016 by Eliza Weeks Leave a Comment

Nothing excites me more than the prospect of hosting a party. From creating menus to dreaming up goodie bags, I can’t get enough. Half of this enthusiasm comes from living in a city that makes party planning so easy. Last year as a maid of honor, I convinced an entire bridal party to come to Austin because of all the bachelorette party potential!

Though I find the role of hostess exhilarating, I realize I might be in the minority. So let me be your hostess with the mostest, and introduce you to a few local Austin companies that can make any party a success. From birthday bashes for tiny tykes to bachelorettes for blushing brides-to-be, I’ve got ideas for everyone. [Read more…]

Jurassic Car Wash: Animatronic Dinos, Scented Foam and Photo Ops

December 21, 2016 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

Borek loves that this business brings smiles to people’s faces as they drive in, as opposed to the body shop he ran before where people were driving in upset with their dysfunctional vehicles. (Photo courtesy of Jurassic Car Wash)

Borek loves that his business brings smiles to people’s faces as they drive in, as opposed to the body shop he ran before where people arrived upset with their dysfunctional vehicles (Credit: Jurassic Car Wash)

“He goes off every hour,” Jurassic Car Wash owner John Borek told me as we watched an animatronic pterodactyl raise its wings while cawing toward the traffic on South Congress. Underneath the dinosaur, a line of customers wash their cars with soap that smells like piña colada. It’s these unique details that make Jurassic Car Wash a successful and quintessential South Austin small business. [Read more…]

Develop a Green Thumb With the Help of These Austin Plant Experts

December 15, 2016 by Eliza Weeks Leave a Comment

No green thumb? No problem! Even a novice can find inspiration at Barton Springs Nursery

How is it that some people naturally have a green thumb? Are they born plant experts or did they learn how to make living things thrive over time?

I’ve survived a roller coaster of success and failure with plants of my own. More often than not, I can’t figure out what I did wrong or right. Am I destined for a life of silk flowers and plastic fronds?

That question has crossed my mind a time or two. But after picking the brains of two Austin plant experts at Barton Springs Nursery and Frond Plant Shop, I’ve decided a green thumb isn’t hereditary; it’s contagious. [Read more…]

11 Uniquely Austin Gifts to Level Up Your Local Shopping Game

December 13, 2016 by Joleen Jernigan 2 Comments

Drazah Texas State Capitol Night Photograph

Local photographer Drazah’s close-up night shot of the Texas State Capitol would delight a history buff or devoted Austinite (Credit: Drazah Photography)

Scratching your head looking for that perfect gift? Searching for a memorable souvenir for out-of-town guests? Our guide to the city’s creative minds will help you find the Austin gifts you need to keep it local. [Read more…]

5 Ways to Winterize Your Holiday Season in Austin

December 5, 2016 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

Credit: John Cabuena

The holiday season in Austin can be magical. The Zilker Tree. Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. Brightly decorated cedar trees along Route 360. Everything falls in place for a beautiful season, with one exception: cold weather.

Growing up back east, Christmastime was synonymous with freezing temperatures. Bundling up to go shopping, frost covered windows, parks and forests transformed into Norman Rockwell paintings by blankets of snow. In Austin, not so much. It’s tough to get into the holiday spirit while wearing sandals and shorts.

Luckily, there’s a number of ways to add a little “brrrr” to your holiday season in Austin. It may not be a winter wonderland, but a touch of Christmas cold can lead to extra warmth in your heart. Let’s get chilly! [Read more…]

Sing Along at These Austin Karaoke Bars

November 28, 2016 by Ashley Alkek 1 Comment

Austin has a number of karaoke bars to choose from (Credit: Dimitry Rostovtsev via Flickr CC)

For some people, karaoke is a time to sit back and marvel at (or laugh along with) vocally talented friends. For others, it’s a dream scenario come to life to hold a mic and squeeze every note out of a favorite song. Austin has a happenin’ karaoke scene. Even better, the community of karaoke-ers is usually very welcoming, no matter whether you sound like Adele or Tom Waits with a cold.

Karaoke is a perfect outlet to shake off stress built up during the week. Here are a few of Austin’s favorite spots to let loose with a microphone. [Read more…]

How to Shop Small and Shop Local This Holiday Season

November 25, 2016 by Sommer Brugal Leave a Comment

Becky Simpson, the creative behind Chipper Things, encourages you to shop small with her signature flow chart

There’s nothing more exciting than finding the perfect gift for a loved one or close friend. Sometimes it jumps out and screams, “buy me!” Other times, you have to spend a little time searching.

Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities to shop. Mark your calendars because we’ve compiled a list of our favorite pop-ups, markets and bazaars around town this holiday season. These are the shopping events you won’t want to miss. [Read more…]

Virtual Shooting and Archery Range Now in Round Rock

November 17, 2016 by Susan Meyer Leave a Comment

Archer taking aim at Safe Range Virtual Shooting

This archer is working on his hunting accuracy at Safe Range in Round Rock, TX (Credit: Safe Range)

Have you ever been to a gun range without any bullets? How about an archery range where you can practice your hunting and marksmanship skills within hundreds of different scenarios?

Whether you’re a trained shooter sharpening your skills or a gun newbie wanting to try a range for the first time, there’s something for you at Safe Range. Located in Round Rock, Safe Range uses real guns, modified to work without ammunition. These guns combine with laser technology to create a fun, safe and realistic shooting experience. [Read more…]

Kick Your Lady Mojo Into High Gear With #bossbabesATX

November 16, 2016 by Joleen Jernigan Leave a Comment

#bossbabesATX team L-R: Lauren Murray, Leslie Lozano, Jasmine Brooks, Jane Claire Hervey, Ashlee Jordan Pryor (Credit: Tess Cagle/#bossbabesATX)

Keep your ear to the ground in Austin and you’ll hear the rumblings of #bossbabesATX. This group’s near-viral momentum over the past year and a half shows no signs of slowing down. [Read more…]

What’s New at the Whole Foods Market Flagship Store These Days?

November 14, 2016 by Sommer Brugal Leave a Comment

Red Okra boasts a locally-sourced menu, including wine and beer options (Credit: Red Okra)

When you think of Austin, a few essentials may come to mind: delicious tacos, outdoor activities, live music and Whole Foods Market. Whether you regularly shop at the Austin-based store or not, you probably know that a visit to Whole Foods Market’s flagship location is more than a trip to the grocery store—it’s an experience.

The store boasts both take-out and dine-in meal options, a wine bar, a sushi and seafood bar, a juice bar, a taco bar, and a sit-down café. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t eaten all three meals there before. If you’ve visited recently, you may have noticed a few more additions, including a new farm-to-table sit-down restaurant, Red Okra. [Read more…]

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