The Austinot

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7 Austin Animal Shelters Where You Can Find Your New Best Friend

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Best Austin Animal Shelters

The author’s dog, Trooper, is a prime example of the many loving adoptees that are waiting for you in Austin

Austin proudly became a No Kill city in 2010. A few years later, The Huffington Post named Austin one of the safest U.S. cities for dogs and cats. Great work, Austin. I’m proud to call you home!

When you’re ready to let a furry friend invade your heart and home, help us stay No Kill by adopting a dog, cat, or even bunny from an Austin animal shelter. Below are seven local rescue groups that will help you get matched to your perfect animal companion. And don’t forget to spay and neuter, like Bob Barker always said!

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Elevate Your Spirits With These 5 Local Vodka Companies

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Austin Texas Vodkas

Jalapeño-infused Tito’s Vodka with lemonade (Credit: Tito’s Vodka)

Texas vodka has become a thing, and I’m not just talking Tito’s. Everyone is trying to get in on distilling this clear liquor. While vodka is traditionally made with potatoes in Russia, most vodkas made here are corn-based. These four in particular are all made in or close to Austin, and are sure to quench your thirst.

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Activities, Shopping, and Dining on Christmas Eve in Austin

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Zilker Tree Christmas Eve in Austin

Spinning under the Zilker Tree is a memorable way to spend Christmas Eve in Austin (Credit: Over Austin)

While a good portion of the country is enjoying a white Christmas bundled up by the fire, sippin’ hot cocoa, some Austinites are still enjoying margaritas on patios.

Spending the holiday season that way may not put you in the Christmas spirit, but it’s still the most wonderful time of the year. If you need a break from that 24-hour Christmas movie marathon or want to snag a last-minute gift, then head out on the town to partake in (mostly) family-friendly events with this ultimate guide to Christmas Eve in Austin. [Read more…]

10 Austin Restaurants Open Christmas Day

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Austin Restaurants Open Christmas Day

Credit: Jim Nix/Nomadic Pursuits

The only thing harder than finding someone who was born and raised in Austin is finding a good restaurant that’s open past midnight on the weekends, or at all on major holidays.

Over Christmas, Austin can feel like a ghost town. If you find yourself in search of sustenance on Dec. 25, here’s a list of Austin restaurants open Christmas day. Eat, drink, and be merry! [Read more…]

Ciclo Restaurant Dances With Latin Flavor Downtown

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Ciclo Menu Dishes Downtown Austin

Ciclo is located inside The Four Seasons Hotel downtown (Credit: Galdones Photography)

Introducing Ciclo restaurant and neighboring Live Oak inside Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Austin! Ciclo is the latest concept from world-renowned restaurateur Richard Sandoval, led by Chef de Cuisine James Flowers (TRIO, Wink, Asti Trattoria, Cipollina).

Ciclo and Live Oak dance with Latin flavor, with the latter taking menu inspiration from Guadalajara, Mexico. I had the pleasure of experiencing both concepts. The way they complement each other makes Four Seasons a superb destination for dinner and drinks.
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Savor the Flavors of Argentina at El Gaucho Winery

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Wine Tasting at El Gaucho Winery in Spicewood TX

Kick back, relax, and savor the flavors of El Gaucho’s Argentinian wines

Head out in any direction from Austin and you’re bound to come across a winery. In Spicewood, you’ll find El Gaucho Winery–a little piece of Argentina tucked away in the rolling hills near Lake Travis. Check it out the next time you’re looking to kick back in the Texas Hill Country, sip on full-bodied Argentinian wines and savor authentic cuisine.
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5 Canned Cocktails You Can Conveniently Sip Anywhere

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Best Canned Cocktails From Austin Texas

It’s easier than ever to take adult beverages along

Adult Austinites consume an average of 14.6 drinks per month. On any given day, there’s a plethora of hike and bike trails, swimming holes, tailgating events, and backyard barbecues to frequent, so maybe that’s why.

Here are five locally canned 21+ beverage options you can take with you, and responsibly enjoy anywhere, any time.

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10 Stories From Locals That Prove ACL Is the Best Music Festival Ever

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ACL Music Fest Sign

Get ready for two weekends of music, food, and fun! (Credit: Flipintex Fotos)

Two weekends, 130 bands, eight stages. Austin City Limits Festival is the official end-of-summer party. Accordingly, festival-goers can expect lots of day drinking, dancing, and picturesque sunset moments with 70,000 strangers close friends.

Nothing brings people together (or sets the stage) for a good story quite like live music and local booze. To celebrate the return of the festival for another year, here are 10 quotes from Austin locals that perfectly explain why ACL is the best music festival ever.

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6 Refreshing Mojitos to Beat the Heat in Austin

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Best Mojitos in Austin at Hula Hut

You won’t find a better view or mojito than at The Hula Hut on Lake Austin

Austinites love margaritas, but it’s time we talk about the perfect patio sipper we’ve all been neglecting…the mojito.

You just can’t go wrong with this rum, mint, and lime cocktail that hails from the Caribbean! So go on and give your palate a break from the marg with these six mojitos in Austin, sure to save you from the scorching Texas heat.

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Texas Heritage, Boutique Shopping, Delicious Food Await in Comanche

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Comanche Texas Day Trip

Head to Comanche to sip wine, dine, and explore the county’s rich history

On my recent day trip to Lockhart, I found out about that city’s past as a rough cowboy town. I was prepared to learn a similar history during my visit to Comanche, Texas. However, after spending 72 hours there, I’d describe Comanche as more of a rough outlaw town. The town’s residents would agree.

Everywhere I went, locals were quick to tell me tales of Comanche’s infamous characters, interesting landmarks, and deep (often violent) history with the very Native Americans the town and county were named after.

Although the town–with a population of little more than 4,000 people, located two hours northwest of Austin–still has a rustic outlaw vibe, it’s become quite the Texas charmer. Visitors can enjoy an award-winning winery, antique shops, museums, and local restaurants.

So if you’re looking to escape Austin in search of a little adventure, then I encourage you to hop in the car and head out to explore Comanche.

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