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After nine profiles on downtown speakeasies, my series is coming to a close. It’s been quite a ride, filled with cocktails that stretch the imagination (and the taste buds), secret entrances, ghost stories, and reminders of Austin’s rich history. This series has provided a glimpse into the speed at which Austin is changing, as well as the importance of not forgetting our city’s roots.
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If Dripping Springs is the gateway to Texas Hill Country, then Belterra Village is the gateway to Dripping Springs. Located halfway between Austin and Dripping Springs on Highway 290, Belterra Village is a booming community that continues to grow.
It’s called a village for a reason. It’s a 93-acre mixed use development with residences and retail space. In other words, it’s one of the Austin area’s newest adult playgrounds. You can spend a whole day exploring, or stop for a bite on your way to Dripping Springs for a day trip.
In this list, I highlight some of the Austin-based businesses that have found a home at Belterra Village.
Note: some of these Austin businesses have multiple locations, but I’ve only included their Belterra Village address for the purposes of this article.
The League offers American comfort food in a stylish, artful, and relaxed environment. Salads, fish and chips, and burgers–including a veggie burger option–are all popular menu items. And let’s not forget the fried pickle appetizer, a beloved favorite. The most exciting part, in my opinion, is that The League serves brunch!
166 Hargraves Drive Suite B300 – Website
Keep reading: Stylish Dining, No Pretentiousness at The League Kitchen & Tavern
It’s always nice to have a JuiceLand nearby, and I’m so happy they’ve expanded westward with this location. For those who haven’t been inside a JuiceLand yet, it’s a smoothie, juice, and vegan-food haven. Trademarks include music you can groove to, colorful mural displays, and other unique local art.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy lifestyle change, a yummy snack, or both, JuiceLand can help you out.
165 Hargraves Drive Suite P300 – Website
Keep reading: How Austin’s Own JuiceLand Blends Freshness Every Day
The tea bar and comfy lounge chairs might be the first thing you notice when you step inside Serasana, but there’s a world beyond that–if you’re willing to explore.
Serasana offers yoga classes in a variety of styles, massage, and acupuncture. If you’re visiting Belterra Village as part of a day trip, then consider making Serasana your last stop. You may be too relaxed to do anything else after receiving a treatment here.
166 Hargraves Dr Suite E200 – Website
Keep reading: 5 Massage Studios in Austin That Offer Diverse Healing Therapies
Hat Creek Burger Company has one of those food trailer dream stories. Starting with one trailer location, the local business began catering numerous events. Eventually, restaurants popped up all over Austin, including at Belterra Village.
The focus is on fresh ingredients, homemade sauces, and a family-friendly environment with a kid’s play area. The drive-through is always convenient, too!
166 Hargraves Dr Suite F100 – Website
Keep reading: 6 Family-friendly Restaurants in Austin
I love this little Thai place, which has all the Thai classics you’d expect: Tom Yum Soup, Pad Thai, and curries. Spoon + Fork Thai Kitchen also offers vegetarian options and a range of desserts from the region, like black rice pudding and taro in coconut cream sauce. My favorite is the Pad Kee Mow, a noodle dish which I always request to be extra spicy.
166 Hargraves Drive, Suite B200 – Website
SquareRut Kava Bar and JuiceLand are neighbors on Barton Springs, and they’re neighbors at Belterra Village, as well. This is fitting because they both serve feel-good tonics, but in very different ways!
Kava is a drink originating in the Pacific Islands. It has been used to increase focus and calm anxiety–and has a bit of an acquired taste. There’s a ritual and process to consuming Kava, as well as certain safety measures to consider, like not mixing it with alcohol.
One thing I love about SquareRut is its support of local artists. You can admire a wall full of local work while you sip your concoction.
164 Belterra Village Way – Website
Keep reading: SquareRut Kava Bar Brings Relaxing Pacific Island Drink to Texas
Pieous has made a name for itself with delicious scratchmade pizza, sandwiches, salads, beer, wine, and coffee. And the menu includes a variety of delicious pastries for dessert!
Originating in southwest Austin, Pieous has now moved to Belterra Village, where there’s more space to serve larger groups of people.
166 Hargraves Drive, Bldg H – Website
Keep reading: Pieous Choose Fresh for Love of Food and Family
When walking by Bella Bea, at first glance, it seems like a fashionable women’s clothing store–and it is! But it’s more than that: this local business is a boutique shop that carries accessories, shoes, home goods, baby toys, and boutique pet items.
166 Hargraves Drive, Suite C600 – Website
Salon Mystique is a luxury salon that offers a wide variety of services: cuts, coloring, blowouts, extensions, facials, waxing, nails, and even table massage. There’s an in-salon cafe with salads, sandwiches, and espresso drinks, and even live music every Friday. All of this makes Salon Mystique a nice place to hang out, even when you’re not getting you’re hair done.
166 Hargraves Drive, Suite B500 – Website
Backspin Sports Bar is a popular community gathering spot, especially for watching college and professional football games. Even if you could care less about sports–like me–this is a fun, friendly environment to get together with friends, and enjoy classic gastropub food and beverages.
165 Hargraves Dr Suite P100 – Website
Sky Cinemas is a theater with 14 auditoriums and luxury reclining seats. With so many screens, there’s something for every taste in film, from indie movies to blockbuster. This is a dine-in theater, so come hungry and enjoy salads, pizzas, and burgers made with locally-sourced ingredients.
166 Hargraves Dr Suite A100 – Website
@theAustinot wants to know:
What is your favorite Austin-based business at Belterra Village?
We always have unique content on the Austinot and we love to give things away. You know, like event tickets, gift certificates, and other cool stuff. We only send out our “Best of the Austinot” newsletter two times/month. It’s where we give you a recap of our best articles and give stuff away. Interested? Subscribe to Best of the Austinot here!
If you’re like 92 percent of Austinites, then you’re exhausted. Between work, family, and other commitments, it’s impossible to juggle everything without catching a case of the sleepies. So what are your options? Coffee? Soda? Adrenaline shots?
Personally, I’m diabetic (so sugar is out) and I don’t drink coffee (sacrilege, I know). My options are limited–until now. Enter locally-owned and Austin-made Rev Gum, a high octane caffeinated chewing gum designed to provide an energy kick in an easy-to-consume package. After weeks field testing at my office desk during my 2 p.m. energy dip, I’ve come to some conclusions. Read on to find them!
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When I think of creating my own wardrobe, my first thought is about designing and sewing clothes: like a chic shirt, or a pretty and comfortable dress. But while it’s easy to find a sewing class, one doesn’t find shoemaking classes so easily.
Luckily, those of us in Austin don’t have to look far. The Art of Shoes, a local online retail store and shoemaking workshop, allows anyone to come into a class to create their very own shoes or sandals. Sign me up!
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Guest article by James Lipari
A short day trip to Texas Hill Country is always a good idea, and one of my absolute favorite destinations is Vista Brewing. The big, rolling property is perfect for a family outing. Here’s why.
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On any of the more than 300 days of sunshine in Austin each year, there’s no better place to go than Lady Bird Lake. Whether hiking or biking the trails, doing stand-up paddle board yoga, or taking a river cruise, you’ll find no shortage of outdoor fun to be had in the heart of beautiful downtown Austin.
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You’ve seen them. Young men roaming the city, with matching t-shirts and an eye for adventure. They touch down in Austin on Thursday or Friday, live their best lives for as long as they can, and then go back to whatever reality they came from.
Bachelor parties are everywhere in Austin, and for good reason. Our city offers the best food, drink, and group activities. Accessibility within the city that makes it easy to navigate from place to place. And of course, the warm weather. If you’re planning a bachelor party in Austin, know you have options and–most importantly–the opportunity to keep it uncomplicated and fun.
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If you’ve talked to anyone about east Austin, then the name “Springdale General” has probably popped up more than once. This 15-building complex is home to some of Austin’s well-loved creatives and nonprofits.
One of my favorite things about Springdale General is the variety of businesses and organizations that call it home. From creative studios to fun service-based businesses to educational opportunities, it holds a bit of everything. Keep reading to learn about some of the businesses you might want to visit next time you’re near 1023 Springdale Road.
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Welcome to 2020! With the promise a new year brings, many of us have resolved to improve our lives in a number of ways. Health, happiness, and fulfillment are part of the equation to living our best life.
But how do we go about doing so? Many of us take the usual roads and quickly find ourselves stuck in our previous patterns. With an eye towards keeping those resolutions with some outside-the-box suggestions, here are six local ways you can keep your New Year’s resolution in 2020.
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You made up a list and checked it off twice.
You’ve cruised around Google for buying advice.
The presents all finished, it’s time to relax.
When holiday madness mounts an attack.
A knock on the door from your cousin Hannah
That last-minute party, a work Secret Santa.
Panicked about all the season what-ifs?
Here are six local places for last-minute gifts!
Random visitors can be half pleasant surprise, half panic-inducing. A-Town makes it easy to snag a last-minute gift that shows your unexpected visitors you truly care. Everything from boutique clothing to local art is on offer at this long-standing Burnet Road shop.
And did I mention local? A-Town specializes in hard-to-find and one-of-a-kind gifts made by Austin artisans. And the best part is, it’s mostly stuff your guests can wear or use. From cool coasters with ATX landmarks to handmade jewelry, you can avoid the knick knacks and get your loved one something they’ll truly enjoy–all while supporting local brands and businesses. A win for everyone.
5502 Burnet Road – Website
Tired of running to H-E-B for that boring bottle of wine? When you get an invite to a last-minute get-together, then grab some craft beer! WhichCraft, one of Austin’s premier bottle shops, excels in both service and selection.
The X factor is an extremely knowledgeable staff. Whether you’re headed to a holiday potluck or traditional Christmas tamale feast, the WhichCraft crew will pair the perfect beer to your food stuff of choice.
Here’s a pro-tip: if you can’t find something on the shelf that suits your mood, then get a couple of tastes (or pints if you have the time) from one of the 30 on-tap beers. Once you find a favorite, grab a couple crowlers to go, and you’re officially set for the soiree. A hip alternative to that plain old bottle of red.
1900 Simond Ave. #200 – Website
➡️ Keep reading: Kick Back at These 4 Bars in the Expanding Mueller Community
From toy cars and trains to mind-bending puzzles and furry friends, Terra Toys is an oasis of enriching playthings for kids of all ages. Nearly everything in the store is designed with hands-on play in mind. You won’t find video games or electronic gizmos on the store floor.
This fits perfectly when it comes to last-minute gifts. The Terra team members are pros at helping customers select the best gift for a kid you may not know very well. And with their focus on ensuring stock is filled with mentally-nourishing toys, you can feel good that your gift will not only entertain, but also enrich.
2438 W Anderson Lane – Website
Need a dopamine hit of pure holiday happiness? Wander into a Toy Joy location and prepare to be delighted. An explosion of lights, sounds, and color, I’d recommend swinging by even if your shopping is done for the season.
In the context of gifts, Toy Joy shines with pure variety. When I worked downtown, every company White Elephant came from these masters of holiday magic. It’s the epitome of Austin weird, sure to make your random gift one everyone is lobbying to steal.
403 West 2nd St. / 4631 Airport Blvd. #114 / Austin Airport by Gate 11 – Website
➡️ Keep reading: 6 Locally-owned Austin Toy Stores
Have a gamer on your holiday list? Instead of running to GameStop or Amazon, considering swinging by Game Over Videogames for all your button-mashing needs. While many of today’s hot titles are on the shelf, the bulk of the shop is dedicated to retro experiences.
From ancient Atari 2600 games to classic Super Nintendo titles to the original X-Box, Game Over is a old school gamer’s dream. They also sell retro consoles, including modern machines that can play every game in the box stuffed into your best friend’s closet.
And everything can be tried before purchase, so you can get your game on before making the buy. An easy one-stop shop for all your last-minute gamer needs.
110 N I-35, Round Rock / 911 W. Anderson Lane / 3005 S. Lamar, #B105-B – Website
➡️ Keep reading: Game Over Videogames Keeps Retro Gaming Alive
In the bustle and rush of the holiday season, it’s easy to forget the most important person on your list: you! One of the oldest businesses in Austin, Lammes Candies is the perfect place to treat yourself for being an incredible gift giver.
With multiple locations all over town, you’re guaranteed to be near one. And the instant sugar rush will help fuel you through that final push of holiday shopping. An excellent way to take care of yourself during this stressful yet wonderful holiday season.
5330 Airport Blvd. / Lakeline Mall / Barton Creek Mall / 2927A W. Anderson Lane / Market at Round Rock, 110 I-35 – Website
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
What are your go-to local stores for last-minute gifts?
The original version of this article was published Dec. 11, 2014.
We always have unique content on the Austinot, and we love to give things away. You know, like event tickets, locally-made products, and other cool stuff. We only send out our Best of the Austinot newsletter two times/month. It’s where we give you a recap of our best articles and give stuff away. Interested? Subscribe to Best of the Austinot here.
