Discover the Best Things to Do in Austin, Food & Drink deals and more!
The light displays are always brilliant (Credit: John Reese via Flickr CC)
The Trail of Lights Foundation announced on Friday that they’ll be charging an entrance fee in 2014. Before you have a conniption, take a breath and consider the important facts: [Read more…]
White Linen Night on August 2, 2014
This guest article is by Lisa Taylor.
As a longtime Austinite, it’s always fun for me to introduce people to the city I love so much. When presented with that opportunity recently, I knew I had to find a unique venue to start the Austin journey with my friend in question. Never one to pass up the chance to get dressed up, sample wine and listen to live music, I dove into my day planner and came up with the perfect local event.
On an unusually cool, breezy Saturday evening in downtown Austin, the 2nd Street District put on White Linen Night, benefiting the Austin Food and Wine Alliance.
Situated between 2nd and 3rd streets right off Lavaca, the white tents were set up, vendors were present and the band, The Waller Creek Vipers, piped music toward the crowd. Attendees looked crisp and polished in their all white ensembles. Because of the cooler temperatures, everyone was in good spirits. [Read more…]
Ty Mahoney, Founder of Austin Eco Detailing
The easy road is to accept life the way it is. Question nothing. Be “normal.”
Austinite Ty Mahoney was climbing the corporate ladder, which at some point in many of our lives holds a magnetic allure. But he didn’t like the way he was treated, and he didn’t like the compromises being made in the name of success.
So, like many entrepreneurs, he jumped without knowing exactly where he was going to land. [Read more…]
Your Mom’s at 5001 Airport Blvd. is closing their doors
After six years of serving the Austin community with delicious burgers (stuffed was their specialty), Your Mom’s Burger Bar on Airport is announcing their closing.
For those of you who have followed Eric’s Search for the Best Burger Joint in Austin series, you know that Your Mom’s has held their place near the top of the list through it all. We’re sorry to see our friends shut their doors, but we wish them all the best in the future. Here’s an open letter from the owners, Ryan and Gina, who want to say some words as they go: [Read more…]
Our Austinot Store doesn’t carry a ton of products, but we’ve put a lot of love into what we offer! This Mother’s Day season, we want to make it easier for you to give your Austin-loving mom something special…with free shipping through May 11th (yes, that’s Mother’s Day!).
To shop now, use our MOMSROCK code at check-out to get rid of shipping charges. Order by midnight on Wednesday, May 7th, to guarantee your gift arrives on time. But the code is good all the way through May 11th. Start here.
If you’re new to the Austinot Store, you should know that it’s relatively new to us too! From the beginning, we resolved to feature items that can only be found through the Austinot, and are always made it Austin. [Read more…]
Quiet Company at the very first Black Fret launch party
I first heard about a new non-profit called Black Fret at the beginning of 2013, when I attended their first launch party at the 29th St. Ballroom.
The Black Fret team wasn’t afraid to aim big from the beginning. Their stated goal was to gain 1,300 members who each donated $1,500/year. This would allow the organization to give away 50 grants of $25,000 each to Austin artists, every year. Yes, that adds up to more than one million dollars to promote the local music scene we all love.
Black Fret founders Colin Kendrick and Matt Ott (Photo credit: Black Fret on Facebook)
For all of us who had never heard of Black Fret before, one million dollars sounded like – dare I say it? – an impossible goal. But, like many other Austinites, Eric and I caught the vision. Supporting local artists is part of our hyperlocal mission at the Austinot, so it was a natural partnership. And the more we got to know co-founders Colin Kendrick and Matt Ott and learned about their past laurels, and the more amazing Black Fret house parties we attended, the more tangible the vision became.
Only one year after that first launch party, Black Fret earned their first [Read more…]
Entrance to Texas Hill Country Olive Company
One of my favorite day trips I’ve taken from Austin was a short 45-minute drive to Texas Hill Country Olive Co. in Dripping Springs. On a gorgeous, sunny Saturday afternoon, I enjoyed wine tasting, delicious cuisine from the bistro, live acoustic music, a tour of the olive orchard and the laid back relaxation we all hope to experience during our days off.
If you’ve never paid a visit to Texas Hill Country Olive Co., you’re in for a treat on April 5, 2014, when the Texas Olive Festival returns. In its second year, the 12-7 PM festival is perfect for dates, girls’ day out, families, and lone explorers. [Read more…]
Stonebridge Coffee at 6400 McNeil in North Austin
When Justin Forgey had a grand mal seizure and was diagnosed with late-onset adult epilepsy in 2008, his life changed instantly. For the next four years, he bounced around from job to job, having seizures along the way. “It made the typical 9-5 very difficult,” Justin reflected. “I was not the most reliable employee.”
But Justin chose not to be defined by his disability. He was eager to find a way to support his family. One day, he mentioned to his wife Jenny that he was considering self-employment, owning a brick and mortar coffee shop. She replied that they should talk more about it. The next day, Justin quit his job. [Read more…]
In the Mood at Paramount Theatre this Sunday, January 26th
Editor’s Note: Our giveaway is now closed. Thank you to everyone who participated! Our three winners are Richard Koehler, Justin Brosig and Laura S.
Many of us feel like we were born in the wrong era. For me, I often wish I had done my growing up in the 1960’s. I can imagine myself dancing on American Bandstand and profoundly appreciating the impact of influential Americans like Kennedy and Dr. King.
If you have a love for the 1940’s – particularly Big Band music and energized swing dancing – your chance to experience the era is coming to Austin this Sunday. In the Mood is playing at the Paramount Theatre on Congress Ave., and we’re excited to give away some passes to the Austinot community! [Read more…]
Hillside Farmacy is located on E. 11th Street in Austin
For those who don’t live on the Eastside or frequent it often, Hillside Farmacy is an Austin establishment you could easily miss. If this is true of you, it’s a shame.
This farm to table eatery, known for oysters, weekend brunch and delicious sandwiches, happens to display some of my favorite restaurant decor in town. In the 1950’s, the building housed The Hillside Drugstore. Today, the restaurant plays upon its history with original cabinetry and antique pharmacy displays I loved at first sight.
