Jessica Pino - The Austinot

Top 10 Austin Etsy Artisans

June 1, 2015 by Jessica Pino 8 Comments

There is one thing Austinites love more than breakfast tacos, and that’s local businesses.

But not all local businesses are created equally. Just as an up-and-coming chef might begin their journey with a food trailer, local artisans often open virtual storefronts before they are able to expand to brick and mortar. Etsy is one of the best websites to find quality craft items, but it can be a little overwhelming. Especially if you’re searching specifically for Austin artists.

So I decided to do the work for you and find 10 amazing local artisans to follow. Many have full-time day jobs and work on their craft on the side. Another thing they all have in common? Perfect 5-star ratings. So without further ado, here are the top Austin Etsy artisans. [Read more…]

Backyard Story Night: The Hottest Trend in Austin

May 15, 2015 by Jessica Pino 7 Comments

Austin’s hottest trend, Backyard Story Night

There has been a notable upswing in storytelling events in Austin. And while many of these events are formal, paid affairs, there’s a movement to make them accessible to the average Austinite.

Backyard Story Night is part of this movement. The goal is simple: gather friends – and friends of friends – in a backyard to share real, unrehearsed stories.

So whether you’re a storyteller or love to hear a good story, here’s the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How of Backyard Story Night in Austin. [Read more…]

Extreme Sporting Made Easy with Rock About Climbing Adventures

May 1, 2015 by Jessica Pino Leave a Comment

Seismic Wall Rock Climbing at Austin Greenbelt

Climbers at Seismic Wall (Credit: Patrick Lewis via Flickr CC)

Can we can all agree that one of the best things about Austin is the nature around us? Even if your seasonal allergies are slowly killing you, as they are me, it’s wonderful to be surrounded by miles upon miles of parks and trails.

What’s also great about Austin is that it offers adventure junkies several avenues for extreme sports like caving, mountain biking and rock climbing. Rock climbing is my personal favorite, but I’m not the most skilled. So I decided to do a little research on how an average Austinite, like myself, can get more involved in an extreme sport like rock climbing.

To find the answer, I had to find the best rock climbing guide in Austin. [Read more…]

The Complete Guide to Austin Greenbelt Access Points and Trails

April 15, 2015 by Jessica Pino 50 Comments

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…]

MapJam 2015: 9 Bands, 4 Venues, 7 Food Trucks

February 20, 2015 by Jessica Pino 1 Comment

Sunset at Pan Am Park during MapJam 2014

This weekend’s MapJam, presented by KUTX 98.9, is a one day music tour that brings Austin Music Map to life.

KUTX is a relatively young radio station – they just celebrated their 2nd birthday – and one of their first ideas was Austin Music Map. The Music Map is an online collaborative effort between KUTX and their audience. It gives Austinites the opportunity to highlight their favorite up and coming musicians and promote their preferred music venues by charting them on an interactive map. It was revolutionary.

With MapJam, KUTX found a way to connect radio to the community. Having a “Jam” session with local musicians at local venues listed on the “Map” brought a formerly online experience to life.

So here is the lowdown on the 9 bands, 4 venues and grub you can sample tomorrow, February 21st, during KUTX’s Third Annual MapJam. [Read more…]

Best Authentic Italian Food Truck Opens Brick and Mortar

February 5, 2015 by Jessica Pino 1 Comment

Lucky's Puccias & Pizzeria on W 5th Street in Austin

Lucky’s Puccias & Pizzeria new brick and mortar location on W 5th Street

Editor’s Note: Lucky’s closed on Jan. 27, 2019 due to rising rental costs.

I know I’m making a bold statement. The best of anything is hard to prove with such varying taste buds as we have in Austin. But if you’re looking for truly authentic Italian food, I guarantee Lucky’s Puccias & Pizzeria will deliver. Here’s why. [Read more…]

12 Month Guide to the Biggest Austin Events

January 22, 2015 by Jessica Pino Leave a Comment

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…]

7 Secret Ingredients for Coffee Heaven at Summermoon Coffee

January 7, 2015 by Jessica Pino 1 Comment

Summermoon Coffee on S 1st Street

Coffee. Some drink it black. Some with cream. And others get fancy frou-frou drinks with extra foam, double shots or even chocolate.

However you take your coffee, I guarantee you have yet to reach coffee heaven. Summermoon Coffee will get you there [Read more…]

Free Week 2015: SXSW for Locals

December 23, 2014 by Jessica Pino Leave a Comment

Venue Holy Mountain will host many events during Free Week (Credit: Bob Blakley via Flickr CC)

Free Week. Sounds like a marketing gimmick, right? But it’s what I consider the true Austinite’s version of SXSW. And it’s coming up just around the corner during the first week of January.

Read on to find out all you need to know about Free Week, and finally make a New Year’s resolution you can stick to. [Read more…]

Did East Side Pies Invent Austin Style Pizza?

December 15, 2014 by Jessica Pino Leave a Comment

The original East Side Pies (Credit: Sandra Ramos Photography)

There’s Chicago deep dish. There’s the massive, thin, foldable New York style pizza. We can even find Detroit style pizza in an Austin food trailer.

But what is Austin style pizza? Answer: East Side Pies. ESP is Austin style pizza. Since their creation in 2006, East Side Pies has always delivered a high quality, fresh, local, homemade pizza. And in true Austin style, they also support local farms and give back to the community.

Since East Side Pies made it to my own list of the best 5 pizza joints in Austin, here’s a look at where they came from and what’s on the horizon in 2015. [Read more…]

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