Brittany Highland - The Austinot

Zoo Keeper Exotic Pets Is as Much Fun as a Zoo

October 3, 2012 by Brittany Highland 9 Comments

Zoo Keeper Exotic Pets is stocked floor to ceiling with amazing animals

We love to support local businesses not only for economic reasons, or because their uniqueness is refreshing, but because locals tend to have a more personal touch. When it comes to our pets, we appreciate a personal touch more than ever.

So kick the chain stores and make the drive to Research Blvd. and Burnet, for Zoo Keeper Exotic Pets. We did – a long time ago.

As the name implies, Zoo Keeper Exotic Pets is not a dog and cat-type pet store. But considering its relatively small size, implanted in the middle of a shopping strip, this local shop always provides entertainment and insight into the world of less common pets. [Read more…]

Community Giving and Eco-Friendly Garment Cleaning from EcoClean

October 2, 2012 by Brittany Highland 13 Comments

70% of all perc used by traditional dry cleaners ends up in the environment. That’s bad. The EPA and the International Agency for Research on Cancer have concluded that this toxic cleaning agent, formally named perchloroethylene, likely causes cancer. By 2023, perc will be illegal in the state of California.

When his daughter became sick from a dry cleaning facility near her home, EcoClean founder John Henderson did his homework. In 1996, he broke the mold for garment cleaning in Austin when he opened EcoClean and decided to use wet cleaning only. [Read more…]

Austin Mediterranean Festival Celebrates 80 Years This Weekend

September 28, 2012 by Brittany Highland Leave a Comment

Click Play on the podcast player above to listen to this week’s episode of the Austinot Podcast!

We’re always looking for fun and unique Austin events to talk about on the Austinot. About a week ago, the St. Elias Mediterranean Festival asked the following question on our Facebook page: [Read more…]

Inherit Austin Tours Historic Downtown Deco Worth Keeping

September 25, 2012 by Brittany Highland 7 Comments

Deco lettering of Brown Building on Colorado, 1938

What would you do if the Austin you know and love was being threatened by strip malls and national corporations?

Large changes are easy to spot. But historical and cultural landmarks can be quietly replaced, one at a time, until our city’s architectural heritage is gone.

Behind every old building is a special story. Without the buildings, the stories are told less, and that part of who we are as a city is lost. [Read more…]

Join The Oasis for an 80’s Party to Celebrate Its 30th Birthday

September 21, 2012 by Brittany Highland 1 Comment

The Oasis on Lake Travis

Click Play on the podcast player above to listen to this week’s episode of the Austinot Podcast!

In 1982, Beau Theriot opened a small burger shop overlooking Lake Travis. Thirty years later, we know The Oasis as a pleasant getaway with a gorgeous view, offering much more than burgers!

This Saturday night, September 22nd, The Oasis will be celebrating its 30th birthday with a party worthy of the 80’s. Entry is free and doors open at 6 PM. Here’s what you can expect: [Read more…]

Zhi Tea: Succeeding in Austin Through Perseverance and Integrity

September 17, 2012 by Brittany Highland Leave a Comment

Like many small businesses, Zhi Tea started with a risk and a dream. Five years later, the company is celebrating a milestone anniversary and enjoying the love and support of its hometown.

Founding of Zhi Tea

By 2007, Zhi Tea Founder Jeffrey Lorien had sold his house in New York and had left his corporate job.

“I was waiting for inspiration,” he told us.

A love for tea, a background in inventory management and a supportive business partner found Jeffrey sleeping on the floor of a friend’s home in Austin as he launched his new company. [Read more…]

Share Live Music Photos with New Vivogig App

September 13, 2012 by Brittany Highland Leave a Comment

Bright Light Social Hour photo upload on Vivogig

You’re at a show. The band decides to come down from the stage and stand in the middle of the crowd to play an acoustic number. All of a sudden, they’re two feet away from you.

What do you do? Pull out your phone and take a close-up. [Read more…]

Unique Farmers Market Experience at the Arboretum in North Austin

September 7, 2012 by Brittany Highland 2 Comments

Editor’s Note: Unfortunately, the Great Hills Open Air Market shut down in May 2013.

Click Play on the podcast player above to listen to this week’s episode of the Austinot Podcast.

North Austinites, Austin families and foodies, there’s a new farmers market for your visiting enjoyment!

Located under beautiful shade trees at the Arboretum, the Great Hills Open Air Market is open every Sunday from 9 AM-1 PM.

Founder Eddie McLean started a successful market in Cedar Park, and Great Hills Open Air Market is based on that model. These aren’t your typical farmers markets. [Read more…]

The People’s Gallery Promotes Local Artistry at Austin City Hall

September 6, 2012 by Brittany Highland Leave a Comment

Trapped Breath Glasswork by Nicholas Dertien

Nicholas Dertien experiments with glass – “Trapped Breath”

If you’re an Austin artist, your work can be displayed at City Hall. All you need to do is apply…and be selected over nearly 400 of your peers.

Think you got the chops?

The People’s Gallery is in its 8th year at Austin City Hall and runs through January 10, 2013.

The exhibition exists to “showcase regional artistic endeavors and to encourage public dialogue, understanding, and enjoyment of the visual arts.”

It’s great to live in a city that values cultural depth and development, wouldn’t you agree? [Read more…]

Awesome Austinot Version of How Stuff Is Made: Kong Screen Printing

September 4, 2012 by Brittany Highland 4 Comments

Artpost Collective on the Eastside in Austin

Kong Screen Printing HQ is at Artpost Collective on the eastside

Most of us go about our lives without giving much thought to how the common objects around us came into existence. For me, one of those objects is the screen printed t-shirt.

Don’t worry, this isn’t going to turn into a rant against sweatshops. That’s Thursday’s post.

Today on The Austinot, we’re highlighting a local business that prizes creativity, diligence and customer service. We had the privilege of going on an Austinot field trip to Kong Screen Printing, and now we get to share our experience with you. [Read more…]

Founding of Zhi Tea

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