Activities - 4/24 - The Austinot

Virtually Tour Austin Central Library’s Impressive Six Floors

August 8, 2018 by Amanda Gagnon Leave a Comment

There are six floors to wander through and explore at Austin Central Library (Credit: Amanda Gagnon)

Even though Austin Central Library has been open for a while now, I recently visited for the first time. The building itself is stunning and I was pleasantly surprised by what the library offers to visitors.

Of course, you can check out books and other media. It’s a library. But did you know you can record a podcast from one of the shared learning rooms? Or that there are reading porches and a rooftop garden? How about the newly opened cafe?

I could have spent all day at Austin Central Library and can’t wait to return for another visit. [Read more…]

Become a DIY Crafting Master at North Loop’s Crafts & Drafts

July 31, 2018 by Vi Chetan Leave a Comment

Some of the crafting supplies available at North Loop’s Crafts & Drafts

Wine and paint parties took us by storm a few years ago. The simple premise has turned out to be incredibly entertaining and successful. But we aren’t all painters! I know I’m definitely lacking in the fine arts department…

Ananda Neureither, who found herself on the way to yet another wine and paint party, wondered about variations on the theme. Her crafting and DIY prowess soon manifested as Crafts & Drafts, a local workroom where you can take classes or host your own event.

[Read more…]

6 Local Places to Practice Archery Around Austin

July 23, 2018 by Brittany Ballard Leave a Comment

Archery Training Center provides recreational and competitive lessons for all ages (Credit: Archery Training Center)

Austin has its fair share of activities for locals and tourists: kayaking, hiking, bar hopping, concerts. But if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, then take up a bow and arrow (a dream come true for a medieval bookworm like myself)! Keep reading to discover six places in the Austin area where you or your kids can learn archery. [Read more…]

Where to Swim in Austin: Pools, Splash Pads, Swimming Holes

July 11, 2018 by Guest Blogger 3 Comments

Aerial view of the Bartholomew Pool in Austin

Aerial View of Bartholomew Pool (Credit: City of Austin PARD, Aquatics Office)

Guest article by Dana Minney

Austin and the surrounding area are so full of splash opportunities, it can be hard to decide where to go for your swimming adventures. Here’s a list of local swimming spots, ranging from your friendly neighborhood splash pads to Central Texas’ biggest water parks…and everything in between.

[Read more…]

10 Entertaining Things to Do With Toddlers in Austin

June 21, 2018 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

Local lions Sango and Jelani (Credit: Austin Zoo)

Any parent of a toddler has asked this question with a sigh of soul-crushing dread: What are we going to do today? Coloring books? All scribbled on and ripped up. Watch “Moana” for the 80th time? He’s over it. Play with the dozens of toy cars he’s acquired in two short years of life? Either stuffed under the couch or tossed in the toilet.

Luckily, Austin has dozens of outings designed with little ones in mind. From splash pads, to parks, to trails lined with towering dinosaurs, here are 10 things to do with toddlers in Austin.

[Read more…]

Cyclist’s Guide to Austin’s Hike and Bike Trail Around Lady Bird Lake

June 18, 2018 by Jonas White Leave a Comment

Credit: Christopher V. Sherman/Over Austin

People always say to me, “Hey Jonas, you’re always riding your bike around Lady Bird Lake. You must be an expert.” Flattering? Sure. But the truth is, anyone can do it. I’m just a normal guy. A normal guy who, after not owning a bicycle since childhood, rekindled an old love and hasn’t looked back.

What follows is my answer to the question of how to have the best cycling experience on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, a 10-mile trail of dirt paths, bridges, and boardwalk that wraps around Lady Bird Lake. Locals know it as [Read more…]

The 7 Best Places for Hands-on Crafting in Austin

April 17, 2018 by Brittany Ballard 1 Comment

Credit: Bead It Austin

Austin is a great place to get craft beer with buddies, but there’s another “crafty” side of our city. If you’re into painting, jewelry-making, or any other type of arts and crafts, then keep reading. Let your creative spirit run free at these seven awesome places for hands-on crafting in Austin!

[Read more…]

Stretch Creates Accessible Approach to Yoga, Headphones Included

March 23, 2018 by Jonas White Leave a Comment

Stretch soundscape yoga in downtown Austin

For years, I knew yoga could improve the quality of my life. Yet, for an activity built on love and inclusivity, jumping into this unfamiliar practice felt challenging. I didn’t relate to the bohemian feel of some local studios, and the terminology used in class was intimidating and hard to follow. I felt like an outsider. Because of this, I avoided all things yoga.

And then I found Stretch. This Austin yoga studio was different. It was accessible and approachable by design, owner and instructor Kaysha Patel told me.

This is how a guy who’d never “namaste-d” or “downward dogged” before began his modest yoga practice…and can now (almost) touch his toes.

[Read more…]

It’d Be a Whole Lot Cooler if You Knew These 6 Dazed and Confused Spots

March 19, 2018 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

Guest article by Jayla Andrulonis

Since its 1993 debut, “Dazed and Confused” has been a cornerstone of the coming-of-age film genre, full of 1970s nostalgia, incredible music, and Matthew McConaughey in salmon-colored bell-bottoms.

The film follows the intertwining lives of a group of teenagers here in Austin, Texas, as they experience their last day of school in 1976 and kick off summer break. Austin was the perfect location for the film’s laid-back mood, effortlessly transporting viewers back in time.

Luckily for you, there are still many recognizable “Dazed and Confused” filming locations around Austin. To take full advantage of this tour guide, be sure to listen to this playlist of songs from the film’s incredible score, roll those windows down, and wear something with polyester if authenticity is your thing. [Read more…]

10 Running Trails That Inspire Austinites to Lace Up Their Shoes

February 27, 2018 by Danielle Fritz 1 Comment

Sample of popular Austin running trails (Credit: Kristin Leigh)

Beginning a new running routine, preparing for a race, or simply bored with indoor cardio? Regardless of whether you’re a novice or experienced runner, Austin running trails are waiting for you. With temperate weather in our city for most of the year, these 10 trails provide variety in both mileage and terrain. Lace up those sneakers and get outdoors! [Read more…]

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