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Living in Austin During COVID-19: Ways to Help, Things to Do

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Organization Doing Good in Austin During COVID-19

Here in Austin, we’ve all been impacted by COVID-19 in different ways. Some of have lost all of our income, or enough that it keeps us up at night.

Some of us are agitated during the stay-at-home, lonely by ourselves or overwhelmed with having the family together all of the time.

Some of us are on the front lines, essential workers who allow the rest of us to receive medical care–or eat.

And some of us are sick. Some of us have lost our lives to this virus. And some of us are hurting in isolation as people we love suffer.

Here at The Austinot, our volunteer team has been impacted. A number of us have lost our jobs. Our advertising revenue, which keeps the lights on, has been impacted. No one is searching for “guide to east austin” right now. (We don’t blame you.)

There’s no way around it: this is a challenging, dark time, and part of coping is acknowledging that truth. But we don’t need to stay there.

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Support These Austin Retail Businesses by Shopping From Home

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Shop Austin Businesses Online
Buy beautiful artwork from local artists online at Austin Art Garage

Staying safe at home has required many of Austin’s retail businesses to close their brick-and-mortar doors. Fortunately, today’s technology allows us the joy of continuing to shop at our favorite stores, while showing support to these local shops.

We’ve curated a list of retail businesses you can support from home, ranging from clothing, to home goods, and more. 

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Support Local With This Big List of Austinites Presenting at SXSW Interactive 2020

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Austinites Presenting at SXSW 2020
SXSW 2020 is rightfully full of Austin-based presenters, like Britty Hamby of Planted (Credit: Planted)

With a seemingly never-ending list of panels and sessions for SXSW Interactive 2020, it can be overwhelming to narrow down your schedule. To make it easier, I’ve pulled the sessions I recommend that include Austin-based businesses and organizations. Pick the topics most relevant to you and show up to support local.

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11 Local Businesses at Belterra Village, Gateway To Dripping Springs

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Belterra Village Near Dripping Springs, Texas
Belterra Village is home to many local shops and businesses (Credit: Belterra Village)

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.

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Austin-born Rev Gum Energizes the Caffeine Scene

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Rev Gum for Energy
Rev Gem offers an energy kick in an easy-to-consume package (Credit: Bill Tucker)

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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The Art of Shoes in Austin Teaches How to Create Your Own Shoes

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Shoemaking Workshop Austin
The Art of Shoes offers a variety of shoemaking workshops

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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8 Springdale General Tenants to Seek Out in East Austin

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Springdale General Austin Texas
This 15-building complex is home to some of Austin’s most well-loved creatives and nonprofits
(Credit: Center for Social Innovation)

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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Top Local Stores for Last-minute Gifts in Austin

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Local Stores for Last-minute Gifts in Austin
Toy Joy is a wonderland of werid, wild, and pure entertainment (Credit: 2nd Street District + Giant Noise)

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!

1/ Unexpected Guest: A-Town

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

2/ Last-minute Party Invite: WhichCraft

Last-minute Party Gift in Austin
WhichCraft at Mueller (Credit: Caitlin Johnson)

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

3/ You Forgot Your Cousin’s Kid: Terra Toys

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

4/ Company White Elephant: Toy Joy

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

5/ For the Geeky Loved One: Game Over Videogames

Game Over Videogames in Austin
Game Over Videogames

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

6/ A Little Something for Yourself: Lammes Candies

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.

Big List of Austin Food Brands You Can Find at Your Grocery Store

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Picnic with Lantana hummus, available in grocery stores around Austin (Credit: Lantana Hummus)

As you may already know, Austin is a huge hub for foodies. With increased support for the local movement, as well as a growing preference for small-batch and handcrafted products, many local brands have skyrocketed in popularity.

The following is a list of companies that are Austin-born and Austin-loved. Even better, they’re all available in area grocery stores. Even the most voracious localvore may find one or two surprising new products here!

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