THE IDEAL LOCATION IN DOWNTOWN AUSTIN
RADISSON REIMAGINED! • Ideal downtown, lakeside location overlooking scenic Lady Bird Lake and the famous Congress Avenue Bridge bats. • Close to Austin’s unique shopping, dining and entertainment including 2nd Street (1 block), Warehouse District (2 blocks) and 6th Street (5 blocks), and just 2 short blocks from the Austin Convention Center. • Remodeled guest rooms and suites, cozy lobby with live entertainment, spectacular new resort-style, infinity-edge swimming pool, hike & bike trails. • Our own Starbucks® coffee store. 111 Cesar Chavez @ Congress Austin, TX 78701 (512) 478-9611 1-800-333-3333 www.radisson.com/austintx
• Newly renovated 6,000 square-foot Riverside Ballroom featuring fabulous floor-to-ceiling views of Lady Bird Lake with exceptional catering service. • Go to radisson.com/austintx for more details.
HOTEL & SUITES AUSTIN - DOWNTOWN
Welcome from the Celebrate Team: We are one of the friendliest cities in the world, so if you want to find out where the locals go, ask anyone on the street! They’ll have some great secrets to share with you; they might even take you there. After all, the satisfaction from knowing an area intimately is why those of us who live here choose to do so. Our publication is organized into many helpful sections; its purpose is to provide you with enough in-depth information to make the most of your time exploring Austin and the surrounding Hill Country and to make you feel like a local. The Shopping, Arts, Dining, Nightlife, Kids, Lake Travis, Sports, Historic Sixth Street, Newcomers, Tour Austin and Day Trippin’ sections will get you going in the right direction with the latest on where to dine, shop and enjoy the rich culture of Austin. Again, welcome to Austin. Enjoy your time here, tell your friends about us and hurry back. Sincerely, The Celebrate Austin Team
President & Publisher Judy Barrick Executive Vice Presidents Linda Olson Marilyn Crawford Creative Teicher Creative Contributing Writer Christy Wink Contributors Shannon Barrientes Kelly Carroll Business Development Manager Cheryl Long Cover Art Sam Frank www.TexasStarDigital.com 254-716-0360 Inside Back Cover Art Kevin Middleton ToonMaps.com 512-335-4224 Interior Photography John R. Rogers www.Johnrrogers.com 512-699-6468 UT Athletics Harborside Marina Teicher Creative B. Mistich
We’ve been celebrating Austin for 35 years, bringing the best of the Austin lifestyle to locals, tourists and newcomers. Now celebrate with us online: www.CelebrateAustin.com For everything Austin, including events, music, dining, shopping and more.
Corporate offices are located at 10713 RR 620 N. Austin, TX 78726. For more information, please call 512-346-6235. Copyright and Trademark, 2015, by Celebrate Texas Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of the book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher. Celebrate Austin is published annually for distribution in hotel rooms and as a relocation guide for Austin newcomers, real estate agencies and Austin corporations.
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2 24 6 G UA DA LU P E ST R E E T FREE PARKING IN CO-OP GARAGE
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Celebrate Austin 35 Years of Being Local Happy anniversary to the following local businesses. Thank you to all of our advertisers, who have kept us looking good all these years. Karavel Shoes Time Insurance Agency Magnum Trailers County Line Barbeque Maggie Mae’s Hatbox John R. Rogers Photographic Artist Terra Toys Barton Creek Square Mall Sunset Canyon Pottery The Oasis All My Sons Moving and Storage Carmelo’s Dragonsnaps Children’s Clothing Crystal Works Artworks Robert Hurst Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa Toy Joy Rudy’s Barbeque Austin Zoo Wild About Music Capital Cruises Concrete Concepts Radisson Hotel Wimberly Glassworks Austin Land and Cattle Volente Beach & Shore Club Flores Mexican Restaurants Turquoise Trading Post Pete’s Piano Bar Casino El Camino The ROT Rally Things Celtic Austin Duck Adventures
78 yrs. 54 yrs. 42 yrs. 40 yrs. 37 yrs. 35 yrs. 35 yrs. 35 yrs. 34 yrs. 34 yrs. 33 yrs. 33 yrs. 31 yrs. 30 yrs. 30 yrs. 30 yrs. 30 yrs. 28 yrs. 28 yrs. 26 yrs. 25 yrs. 24 yrs. 24 yrs. 24 yrs. 23 yrs. 23 yrs. 23 yrs. 22 yrs. 21 yrs. 21 yrs. 21 yrs. 21 yrs. 20 yrs. 20 yrs. 19 yrs.
VIP Marina Iron Cactus Bobalu Cigars Speakeasy Schlitterbahn Art on 5th Arabic Bazaar Linda Lee Interior Designs Aquaholics Austin Gift Company Nature’s Treasures Zinger Hardware AIBA Texas Rollergirls Bead It Coyote Ugly Busti’s Chamber of Wax Imperia Mighty Fine Burgers and Fries Museum of the Weird VIP Limo Services The Domain Basic IDIQ Patagonia Austin TenOak KidOshoe Lake Travis Zipline Adventures Austin Rocks K1 Speed
19 yrs. 19 yrs. 18 yrs. 18 yrs. 17 yrs. 17 yrs. 15 yrs. 15 yrs. 15 yrs. 15 yrs. 15 yrs. 14 yrs. 13 yrs. 12 yrs. 12 yrs. 11 yrs. 9 yrs. 9 yrs. 8 yrs. 8 yrs. 8 yrs. 8 yrs. 7 yrs. 7 yrs. 6 yrs. 5 yrs. 4 yrs. 3 yrs. 3 yrs.
Texas Star Digital
©Texas Star Digital
“Big Chief”
20” x 24” Digital print on canvas
Prints Available at
TexasStarDigital.com Texas Star Digital Also Offers A Complete Photography & Design Service, Specializing In Printed Media, Ad Design, Food & Product Photogrpahy. 254.716.0360 | TexasStarDigital.com | Sam@TexasStarDigital.com
Inside
Tour Austin Page 8
Outdoors Page 10
Concierge Page 14
Sports Page 16
Lake Travis Page 22
Congress Page 26
6th Street Page 28
Art Page 32
Shopping Page 38
2ND Street Page 46
Kids Page 50
Dining Page 52
Nightlife Page 60
Newcomers Page 66
Day Trippin’ Page 72
photo by john r. rogers
Get Into the Austin Groove: by christy wink
Offbeat, On Time, and Outta Sight
D
on’t get us wrong – we love Texas. We are Texans, born and bred, through and through. But there is something about being called an Austinite that makes us uniquely proud. Austin is home to a blend of eclectic cultures and grassroots politics, with a thriving music scene, a strong small business network and a rich historic background, all set to a backdrop of a gorgeous Hill Country landscape. Once you get here, you’ll know: it’s hard not to love it. It’s even harder to leave. The people of Austin thrive in their environment. The temperate weather encourages outdoor activity, and residents make good use of the multiple outlets in which to hike, bike, walk, run or swim. Business professionals and hipsters alike bump elbows with the forces of gentrification without sacrificing their soul. Ask anyone on the street, and they’ll tell you—Austin is proud of its offbeat heritage and fiercely protective of its freethinking, liberal spirit. Austin’s unique politics are well known throughout the state; long known as a single blue dot in a sea of red, Austin’s colorful political views reflect the extreme diversity
8 | www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years
of the city. And because we’re from Texas, we have to go big: Austin is home to the largest state capitol building in the United States, a feat of architecture that brings to life Texas’s proud and independent history. Stir in a deep-rooted musical history, a significant selection of art houses and museums and a generous handful of locally owned and revered restaurants and businesses, and you’ve started to create the melting pot that is Austin. Its live music culture is a living, breathing thing, and the film making, interactive and software development industries have become an integral part of Austin’s infrastructure. Visitors come for the beautiful environment and the alluring tourist attractions. They stay because of the infectiously positive vibe. And in the end, they get carried away with the thrum of Austin’s lifestyle, until finally they realize: they’re not tourists at all, but instead another part of what makes Austin unique in the first place.
TOUR AUSTIN
BUSTI’S CHAMBER OF WAX
Come visit Austin’s newest all-ages attraction! Located in a full-size castle on South Congress, this wax museum is a chronological walk through the history of classic monster movies. Our gift shop, SFANTHOR!, features comics, collectibles, toys and more! 1101 S. Congress, Austin, TX 78704. 512-444-7326; www.sfanthor.com
LUCKY LIZARD/ MUSEUM OF THE WEIRD
MAGNUM TRAILERS
In the heart of Austin’s famous 6th Street lies the city’s most curious and mysterious gift shop, featuring an intriguing blend of local art, imported goods, jewelry, unusual one-of-a-kind items and, of course, lizards! Featuring the Museum of the Weird, a must-see experience for visitors! 412 E. 6th St.; 512-476-5493; www.museumoftheweird.com www.luckylizard.net
Over 40 years of experience designing/ building and servicing trailers. They sell the best concession, car hauler, motorcycle and enclosed trailers. They carry BBQ/fire pits, hunting blinds, feeders, coolers and truck accessories. Stores in Austin, San Antonio, Georgetown and San Marcos. Call 1-800-6MAGNUM www.magnumtrailers.com
MENTION THIS COUPON ON YOUR NEXT VISIT TO THE ZOO TO RECEIVE
$2 OFF A CHILD ADMISSION TICKET with the purchase of a regular priced adult admission*
10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin, TX 78736 512.288.1490 • www.AustinZoo.org
THE ARABIC BAZAAR
The Arabic Bazaar is a direct importer of treasures for you and your home from Syria, Egypt, Morocco, Turkey & beyond. Large selection of gifts, clothing, antiques & home furnishing that echo the thousands of years of hand-crafted beauty of the Arabic Souq (market place). And while here, check out our Bellydance classes...for fun, for fitness and to learn a gorgeous form of dance!
NATURE’S TREASURES OF TEXAS
Located just north of downtown on I-35 (lower deck) find this Austin treasure. With an ample selection of minerals, fossils, crystals, natural stone jewelry, salt lamps and more, well, what can we say... they rock! Open 7 days a week. Nature’s Treasures of Texas, 4103 North IH 35, Austin, TX 78722, www.ntrocks.com, 512.472.5015
www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years | 9
Outdoors in Austin
photo by john r. rogers
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SHORE CLUB VOLENTE BEACH ON LAKE TRAVIS
Austin’s water park on the shores of Lake Travis is the perfect retreat for children and adults on a hot summer day. Enjoy pools, a sandy beach front and two lighted volleyball courts. The Shore Club, a fine dining casual restaurant, open year round, features hand-cut steaks and seafood. Hilltop lake house available for rent. 16107 FM 2769, Volente, TX 78641. 512-258-5110. Check hours/ events at www.shoreclubtx.com
VIP MARINA ON LAKE TRAVIS
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Enjoy a Rental Fleet that is second to none! VIP has a BRAND NEW Party Barge to round out an already PHENOMENAL rental fleet that includes jet skis, ski boats, sunset dinner cruises, houseboats and yachts! VIP also has covered wet slips and boat sales! VIP is one of the closest marinas to Austin, has THE cleanest facilities and a FULLY stocked ship store! Boat rentals include fuel and there are Captains available!! The Marina is open 7 days a week and late hours in the Summer. Next to The Shore Club for dining, Volente Beach Waterpark and Airscape Parasail. 16107 FM 2769 Leander, TX 78641. www.viplaketravis.com 512-331-5375
10 | www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years
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CAPITAL CRUISES Come view the famous Congress Ave bat emergence and take in some vestiges of scenic Lady Bird Lake! Offerings include Bat Watching and Sightseeing Excursions, boat rentals and a wide variety of private events including dinners and entertainment. Book today and have the ultimate Austin experience! Reservations can be made at 512-480-9264; Located on the lake below the Hyatt Regency Austin, 208 Barton Springs Rd. www.capitalcruises.com
Austin Nature and Science Center; 512-974-3888; 301 Nature Center Drive, Austin, TX 78746; austintexas.gov/department/austin-nature-and-science-center. A place for visitors of all ages to enjoy nature exhibits and educational programs. Mon-Sat 9 am-5 pm, Sun 12 pm-5 pm. Austin Duck Adventures; 512-477-5274; 602 E. 4th Street; Austin, TX 78701; www.austinducks.com; See Austin with a splash on the only land and lake tour in town! A 75 minute ride on an amphibious vehicle lets you experience the historic sites of downtown and Lake Austin. Tours leave daily from the Visitors Center and fill up fast, so book online now! It’s an experience great for any age and one you can find only on the ducks. Barton Springs Pool; 512-476-9044; 2201 Barton Springs Road; Austin, TX 78746; austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool; Barton Springs Pool is a swimming hole with water fed from underground springs. Daily 5 am-10 pm. Hamilton Pool; 512-264-2740; 24300 Hamilton Pool Road; Dripping Springs, TX 78620; www.texasoutside.com/hamiltonpool.html; A beautiful swimming spot with a grotto and a 45-foot waterfall, formed by thousands of years of water erosion. Open daily 9 am-6 pm. Mayfield Park; 3505 West 35th Street, Austin, TX 78703; mayfieldpark.org. Mayfield Park is best described as a peaceful preserve with walking trails and beautiful wildlife. Daily 5 am-10 pm. Mount Bonnell; 3800 Mount Bonnell Drive, Austin, TX 78731; The highest point in Austin, Mount Bonnell is a wonderful place to have a picnic or watch the sun set over the hills. Daily 5 am-10 pm.
www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years | 11
Event Calendar in Active Austin January
Austin Boat and Travel Trailer Show: Austin Convention Center, Date: January 8-12, 2015 Star of Texas Tattoo Art Revival: January 15-18, 2015
February
Carnaval Brasileiro: Palmer Events Center - “Carnaval in Austin is one of the biggest Brazilian carnaval celebrations outside Brazil – samba, costumes and wild abandon – Brasileiro style in the heart of Texas.” February 28 , 2015 Chinese New Year’s Festival: Chinatown Center - “It’s the year of the goat, and Austin’s restaurants are celebrating.” February 19, 2015
March
Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo: Travis County Expo Center Where Weird Meets Western, March 14-28, 2015 10th Annual Austin Spring Home & Garden Show: Austin Convention Center, March 27-March 29, 2015 86th Annual ABC Zilker Kite Festival: Zilker Park, March 1st, 2015 SXSW Education Expo: Austin Convention Center and Hilton Austin Downtown - “A public event celebrating the Central Texas community’s hunger and passion for lifelong learning,
from cradle to career and beyond.” www.schedule.sxswedu.com, March 9-12, 2015 South by Southwest: Locations vary, March 13-22, 2015 St. Patrick’s Day Festival: Various Locations - “For over ten years the Celtic Cultural Center of Texas has organized the best Austin St. Paddy’s Day celebration in central Texas. A family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day where families can come out and enjoy the culture of Ireland including music, dance and language.” www.stpatricksdayaustin.com, March 17, 2015 Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays: Mike A. Myers Stadium, UT Campus - “The premier track & field event brings together the best high school, college and professional athletes from Texas, the U.S. and the world. The weekend wraps up with the Urban Music Festival on Saturday, which features soul, R&B and hip hop artists.” www.texassports.com, March 25-28, 2015 Zilker Garden Festival: Zilker Botanical Garden, March 28-29, 2015
April
22nd Annual Austin International Poetry Festival: Location: TBA - “This fourday citywide, all-inclusive celebration of poetry and poets will include poetry readings,
workshops, and slam poetry presentations.” April 9-12, 2015 The 14th Annual Lonestar Round-Up: Travis County Expo Center - “A huge outdoor car show and live music festival with tons of vintage hot rods and custom cars driven here from all over the country, and bringing visitors from all over the world.” www.lonestarroundup.com, April 17-18, 2015 The Louisiana Swamp Thing & Crawfish Festival: Austin American Statesman Parking Lot - “Come take a part of this live music and food festival where 7,000 pounds of Crawfish will be given away. The crawfish is given away one plate at a time while supplies last.” www.roadwayevents.com, April 25, 2015 Art City Austin: Cesar Chavez Street and 2nd Street District “An iconic Austin weekend long arts festival that transforms the streets of downtown in a celebration of art, culture and creativity.” www.artallianceaustin.org, April 25-26, 2015 Austin Reggae Festival: Back at Auditorium Shores, April 17-19, 2015 Moto GP: Circuit of the Americas -“The premier motorcycle racing World Championship; an eighteen-race series visiting thirteen countries, four continents and with pan-global
television coverage.” www.circuitoftheamericas.com/motogp, April 10-12, 2015 Moontower Comedy Festival: Paramount and State Theatres “This marathon of side-splitting nights throughout the city is slated to bring over 100 comedians doing everything from stand-up and sketch to improv and musical comedy.” www.moontowercomedyfestival.com, April 22-25, 2015 Austin Fashion Week: Frank Erwin Center and Austin Music Hall - “An event showcasing the work of fashion designers in clothing, accessories and jewelry from throughout Texas.” www.fashionweekaustin.com, April 10-18, 2015 Austin Food and Wine Festival: “Get prepped for tastings, libations, hands-on grilling demos with top chef talent, sommeliers and winemakers from across the nation and Austin’s own acclaimed gourmet scene for an experience unlike any other.”April 24-26, 2015 Eeyore’s 52nd Annual Birthday Party: Pease Park - “Live music, beer, food, acrobats and costume contests surround this annual gathering of Austin’s most eclectic locals. Eeyore’s Birthday serves as fund-raiser to benefit many local, Austin non-profits.” www.eeyores.org, April 25, 2015 photo courtesy of teicher creative
12 | www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years
May
The Old Pecan Street Spring Festival: 6th Street - “Bi-annual juried arts and crafts festival featuring over 275 artisan vendors from all over the world who display and sell homemade art and craft work.” www.oldpecanstreetfestival.com, May 2-3, 2015
June
X Games Austin: Circuit of the Americas - Go Bigger! X Games Austin is back. And better than ever! www.xgamesaustin.com, June 4-7, 2015 Republic of Texas Biker Rally: Travis County Exposition Center and 6th Street - “The state’s largest motorcycle gathering attracts thousands of bikers for rides, parades and music.” www.rotrally.com, June 11-14, 2015 Keep Austin Weird Fest and 5K: The Long Center - “A blowout party full of music, family activities and local vendors eager to reflect the creative nature of Austin. Think of this festival as the ultimate toast to Austin, a toast to hospitality, fun and a sense of community.” www.keepaustinweirdfest.com, June 27, 2015
July
Fourth of July Fireworks and Symphony: The Long Center for Performing Arts - “The Austin Symphony hosts an annual concert of patriotic music culminating in a spectacular firework display over Lady Bird Lake.” www.austinsymphony.org, July 4, 2015
August
9th Annual Austin Ice Cream Festival: Fiesta Gardens - “This event will include lots of games, activities, contests and live entertainment as well as what we all scream for ICE CREAM!” August 8, 2015 19th Annual Austin Fall Home and Garden Show: Austin Convention Center, August 28-30, 2015
11th Annual Austin Bat Fest: Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, August 22, 2015 25th Annual Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival: Fiesta Gardens, August 23, 2015
September
UT Football: Opening Home Game vs. Rice: Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium, Sept. 12, 2015 Fantastic Fest Film Festival: Alamo Drafthouse - “The largest genre film festival in the U.S., specializing in horror, fantasy, sci-fi, action and just plain fantastic movies from all around the world.” www.fantasticfest.com, September 24-Oct. 1, 2015 WEC/Tudor United Sportscar Challenge: Circuit of the Americas, The only place in America to see these two amazing championship series! September 17-19, 2015
October
Austin City Limits: Zilker Park “An annual weekend music and art festival that has become one of the United States premier rock festivals. Approximately 130 bands on eight stages attract crowds of around 65,000 fans to listen to music including rock, country, folk, indie, Americana, hip-hop, reggae and bluegrass.” October 2-4 & 9-11, 2015 SXSW Eco Conference: Austin Convention Center - “Hosting an audience of thought leaders and decision makers, this threeday event serves as the platform to evolve critical matters such as complex challenges facing civil society, the economy and the natural world towards actionable and profitable solutions.” www.sxsweco.com, Date: Oct. 5-7, 2015
www.mediterraneanfestival.org, Date: TBA 22nd Annual Austin Film Festival: Various Locations, October 29-Nov. 5, 2015 Texas Book Festival: State Capitol, Date: Oct. 17-18, 2015 Art Outside: Apache Pass Festival Grounds - “A family friendly avant-garde art and music event featuring artwork, multimedia, large scale art installations, yoga, aerial acrobatics, fire spinning, music and workshops along the banks of the San Gabriel River northeast of Austin, Texas.” www.artoutside.org, October 23-25, 2015 Formula One Grand Prix: Circuit of the Americas, October 23-25, 2015
November
Fun Fun Fest: Auditorium Shores, Nov. 6-8, 2015 A Christmas Affair 2015 presented by The Junior League of Austin: Location: TBA, Date: Nov. 18-22, 2015 Austin Celtic Festival: Fiesta Gardens - “Join the Austin Celtic Festival as we present world class music, dance and fun for you and your family.” www.austincelticfestival.com Date: Nov. 7-8, 2015
24th Annual Austin Pow Wow and American Indian Heritage Festival: Location: TBA “Hundreds of Native American Indian dancers, singers and drummers gather each year in Austin on the first Saturday in November to celebrate American Indian culture.” www.austinpowwow.net, Date: Nov. 7, 2015 East Austin Studio Tour: “A two-weekend self-guided tour of working art studios with over 100 artists and studios participating and located east of I-35, west of 183, south of 51st Street and north of Town Lake.” www.eastaustinstudiotour.com, Date: TBA
December
Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights: Zilker Park, Date: TBA Armadillo Christmas Bazaar: Palmer Events Center, Date: Dec. 15-24, 2015 Austin’s New Year: Long Center at Auditorium Shores - “A familyfriendly, alcohol-free event that features local music, dance, film, art and food with a fireworks finale.” www.austintexas.gov/ department/austins-new-year, December 31st-January 1st, 2015
photo provided by ut athletics
St. Elias Mediterranean Festival: St. Elias Church - “This two day event includes live music, dancing, wine, cocktails, children’s games and a festival marketplace with a Greek Orthodox Bazaar.”
www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years | 13
Issa Hafeez, President, Austin Concierge & Guest Services Association The Austin Concierge and Guest Services Association welcomes you to Austin Texas! The ACGSA is a non-profit organization of hotel employed concierge and guest services professionals that represent top hotels and resorts throughout Austin. The primary goal of the ACGSA and the Board is to further the profession and professionalism of the concierge and guest services professionals in Austin. We achieve this goal through ongoing education of the membership as well as of vendors and service providers. We welcome any and all local vendors, including restaurants, museums, galleries, tour guides, retails, airlines and theaters to contact us if they are interested in showcasing what they do. We actively pursue contacts that will benefit our guests and keep our members up to date. For further information, please email denise@acgsa.org The Austin Concierge and Guest Services Association is a fun and vibrant group that takes the profession of concierge very seriously. We are proud to Keep Austin Weird and promote one of the best places on earth!
14 | www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years
Concierge Services
by robin owens
Tipping Guide Taxi/Limo Driver: Standard tipping is 15% of the total fare for taxis and 20% of the total fare for limos. Bellhop/Porter: $1-$2 per bag is customary ($2 for heavier items). Doorman: If the doorman simply opens the door for you, no tip is required. However, if he or she gets you a cab, then $1 is acceptable. Special care, such as covering you with an umbrella in the rain or hailing a cab rather than just calling for one, might prompt additional tip. Parking Valet: It is okay to tip only when the car is retrieved rather than when it is parked. $2 is typical. If you are driving an expensive car and want it parked in a premium spot with extra care then you can expect to tip your valet anywhere between $5 and $10 dollars both ways.
Room Service: Oftentimes, hotels include a “service charge” to deliver to your room along with an added gratuity charge. If no gratuity charge was added then 15%-20% of the bill is appropriate. Tipping extra is fine, particularly if the person delivering the order takes extra care to set up your meal. Housekeeper: If the maid goes above and beyond in service, such as providing extra soaps or folding towels in the shape of swans, feel free to leave a dollar or two. Whenever tipping, put the money in a clearly marked, sealed envelope, so there is no confusion as to who it belongs to. Concierge: No tip is required for ordinary advice, giving directions or simple reservations. However, it is typical to tip $5 for special dinner reservations and $20 for hard-to-get theater tickets, because of the difficulty of the reservation. Tipping is
acceptable at the time of service or at the end of the stay. Pool Attendant: Tipping is not required unless extra service was provided such as reserving lounge chairs, lending reading material, inflating pool toys or providing sunscreen. In those cases, $2-$3 is normal. Tour Guide: If the tip is not already included, give 10%-20% of the tour price. $3-$4 for a full day tour is acceptable and it is customary to tip private tour guides more. Give the tip when saying goodbye. Also, if the driver is particularly helpful, then tip $1-$2. Bartender/Cocktail Waitress: 15%-20% of the total tab or $1 a drink is reasonable. Front Desk Staff: No tip is necessary.
VIP Limo Services business / corporate charter tours airport prom weddings specials events Salem Joseph at 512-784-6745 www.viplimoaustin.com www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years | 15
Serious About Sports
Austin’s Got Game by shannon barrientes
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ustin is known for music, sunny weather and residents with a Texas-sized passion for sports. With baseball, football, hockey and Formula 1™ racing to choose from, Austin has you covered no matter your taste. For those who like nothing better than beer, hot dogs and the crack of the bat as it hits the ball, there is the Round Rock Express. The Round Rock Express is an AAA Pacific Coast League minor league baseball team owned by Nolan Ryan, Don Sanders and Reid Ryan. Founded by Reid Ryan, son of baseball Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, the team is affiliated with the Texas Rangers, of which Nolan Ryan is the president, principal owner and former player. The name of the team comes from Nolan Ryan’s nickname as a pitcher, The Ryan Express. The Round Rock Express was ranked as the second most valuable franchise in minor league baseball by Forbes in 2012. Home games for the Express are played at the Dell Diamond. Built on 85 acres and named for Dell, Inc., the Dell Diamond is an openair ballpark with 8,688 seats. In addition it has 30 private suites, a swimming pool, hot tub, basketball court and a playscape for the kids. It’s a great place for any group outing, so get your work buddies or your friends and family together and enjoy a night at the ballpark. Austin is a very popular college sports town, particularly when it comes to football. During the fall there is no better place to go than the Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium to watch the University of Texas Longhorns take on their latest rival. Named after legendary football coach Darrell K Royal, the stadium can hold over 100,000 fans and is frequently sold out. Just over two years have passed since Austin welcomed, with excited open arms, Formula 1™ and the Circuit of The Americas. The multipurpose facility hosts the most prestigious racing events in the world, including the Formula 1™ United States Grand Prix™. It is the first purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the U.S. Built around a state-of-the-art
16 | www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years
SPORTS
3.4-mile circuit track with capacity for 120,000 fans, the facility is designed for any and all classes of racing—from motor power to human power. Circuit of The Americas is ideally situated on a 1000-acre site in southeast Austin, approximately two miles from Austin Bergstrom International Airport, and has scenic views of downtown.
movement. There are now more than 300 Flat Track Derby leagues worldwide, with more forming every week. In its current incarnation, Roller Derby is a genuine athletic competition complete with well-defined rules, divisions, tournaments and governing body: the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA).
In 2003 Texas Rollergirls was formed as the only sports league of its kind. Texas Rollergirls Rock-n-Rollerderby® is credited for inspiring the current Flat Track Derby
If you prefer the thrill, energy and excitement of ice hockey, the Texas Stars are your team. Just north of Austin in the suburb of Cedar Park is the Cedar Park Center, a venue which proudly hosts the Texas Stars, an American Hockey League team. Owned by the National Hockey League’s Dallas Stars, they are a prominent team that can currently boast the Calder Cup win in 2014. Watching a game in this beautiful center is exciting, and an escape from the Texas heat is an additional benefit. For the sports lover, Austin has lots to offer. Despite its populous, Austin doesn’t have a club in any major professional sports league. This doesn’t stop the locals from loving their Longhorns with a passion, taking in an exciting Formula 1™ race or enjoying the unique local pastime that is the Texas Rollergirls.
photos provided by ut athletics
www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years | 17
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Austin Welcomes:
UT Longhorns’ Coach Charlie Strong Austin, and the University of Texas, welcomed Charles Rene “Charlie” Strong with open arms after it was announced that he was hired as the head football coach in January 2014. The Longhorn football team was synonymous with Coach Mack Brown for over a decade, and it was with bittersweet gravity that Austin said goodbye to the beloved Coach Brown, but gained the spectacular Coach Strong.
photo provided by ut athletics
Coach Strong held several prominent coaching positions before taking the coveted contract at the University of Texas at Austin. Notably, he held a four-year stretch at the University of Louisville, in which he led the Cardinals to a 37-15 record and was able to play at a bowl game each season. Originally from Arkansas, Charlie lettered for four years at the University for Central Arkansas and was a member of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity. Shortly after, he gained early coaching experience as a graduate assistant for the coaching staffs at both the University of Florida and Texas A&M. He went on to receive two master’s degrees: one from Henderson State University and an education specialist degree from the University of Florida. Coach Strong’s early academic motivation paid off, as he went directly from college to a full-time coaching position at Southern Illinois, with a focus on training wide receivers. He went on to specialize in defensive coordinating at the University of Florida and the University of Louisville, where he led the Cardinals to a prestigious victory at the 2013 Sugar Bowl, while competing against his own former team, the Florida Gators. The game was noted as the biggest upset victory in a Bowl Championship Series game, and the buzz around Coach Strong was hot. The University of Texas at Austin welcomed Coach Strong into their midst, surely recognizing a man of both academic and professional success, who would commit to the timehonored traditions of the Longhorn football team. In his first training camp as the Longhorns coach, Strong made national news headlines with his firm, no-nonsense training style, readily suspending or dismissing several players for disciplinary reasons. Backs sat straight in chairs as Texas, and the nation, digested that Coach Strong was a force to reckon with. We look forward to seeing how these rigorous standards play out in the field with excitement.
When Coach Strong was formally introduced as Texas’s 29th head coach of the Longhorns, one could swear cheering could be heard from the Darrell K Royal—Texas Memorial Stadium. Austin cannot wait to see what Coach Strong does with the Longhorns. We anxiously look toward the fall, counting down the days until the boys in burnt orange and white take the field.
Sponsored by: Basic IDIQ, Inc.
10713 RR 620 North, Suite 622, Austin, TX 78726 888-402-4347 www.basicidiq.com
Basic SDV, Inc.
10713 RR 620 North, Suite 622, Austin, TX 78726 888-402-4347 www.basicsdv.com
Delivering Construction...With a Service Attitude
Your Austin
Destination Sensation
Situated in the heart of downtown Austin, on the corner of Willie Nelson Boulevard, W Austin amplifies the city’s diverse and creative atmosphere. Headlining the vibrant Second Street District downtown, the 2011 Conde Nast Traveler Hot List property, is adjacent to the famed Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater music venue just a stone’s throw to outdoor activities at Lady Bird Lake as well as the famed 6th Street nightlife corridor. Setting the stage for contemporary luxury, the hotel’s 251 perfectly positioned rooms offer postcard views of the ever-evolving downtown skyline and a refuge from the always exciting action taking place in the center of town. A sought-after destination for both leisure and business travelers, the hotel which is known for its signature “Whatever, Whenever” service (a philosophy that pampers guests with unparalleled service – offering guests and residents “whatever you want, whenever you want it”) also appeals to locals. In the Living Room, four distinct spaces create an intimate retreat of cozy corners, where locals return regularly to partake in authentically Austin, hand crafted cocktails. Another big draw is the Records Room itself, a cozy den-like retreat that features a large fireplace and more than 8,000 vinyl records lining the room’s walls. And for those looking to do more than just sip and peruse the collection, the records can be played on the vintage McIntosh stereo that’s set up in the adjacent Secret Bar. The space serves as a vibrant backdrop for a series of W Happenings related to music, fashion and design - W’s core passion points. And while the In Room Dining options can accommodate any request for any palate (going back to that signature “Whatever, Whenever” service) those looking to explore the flavors of Central Texas needn’t step foot off property. Enter: TRACE. The very first concept restaurant introduced by the Starwood brand, TRACE is dedicated to providing a
great dining experience that accentuates the restaurant’s philosophy of local cuisine sourcing its produce, meat and other artisan treats locally. TRACE’s outdoor garden and patio faces Lady Bird Lake, always staying cool with Austin’s natural “air conditioning”. A perfect place to people watch or dine with pets in tow, the patio is especially popular during Happy Hour and TRACE’s acclaimed live music brunches on the weekends. The hotel’s AWAY Spa, a true retreat that’s accessible on the fourth floor of the building provides the perfect refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city’s many festivals and activities. A true gem, AWAY offers a “Lucky Locals” discount to anyone with a Texas ID. In addition to the always complimentary valet parking, locals receive 30% off any treatment Monday through Thursday as well as access to the hotel’s rooftop pool, WET, and FIT, a state of the art fitness center complete with brand new yoga rooms and Pilates reformers. In addition to onsite entertainment and relaxation, guests will not be disappointed by W Austin’s rooms. With its signature Extreme Wow Suite (the W brand’s reinterpretation of the presidential suite) Wow Suite, two Marvelous Suites, Fantastic Suite and 27 Cool Corner Suites, there are plenty of excellent options. Each is stylishly appointed and includes original prints by Austin City Limit’s photographer Scott Newton, which are available for purchase as an authentic souvenir. Amenities in guestrooms include the W Signature Bed, ultra-plush W robes and a Munchie Box (the W brand’s take on the traditional hotel Mini Bar) which contains some fun and locally found favorites for guests to enjoy. Whether you are an Austin resident looking for a great staycation, on a business trip or in town for leisure, we invite you to experience what’s new and next at W Austin.
200 Lavaca Austin, Texas 78701
whotelaustin.com (512) 542-3600
Beautiful Lake Travis
by shannon barrientes
A
ustin Texas is gloriously sunny, and the capital city residents love to enjoy the warm-weather bliss. Austin gets, on average, over 200 days a year of splendid, bright-blue days. The subtropical latitude is generous with the mild climate but, you guessed it, makes for swim-worthy springs, fiery summers and a scorching sun that lasts well into autumn. Lake Travis offers a stunning relief from the hot weather in the form of beautiful, shaded views and cool water just ready for you to plunge in. Beautiful Lake Travis is part of the grand Colorado River that was dammed into a reservoir in the 1940s. Winding like a snake through the gently rolling hills of northwest Austin is
a 65-mile stretch of refreshing water just begging for visitors. With nearly 30 square miles of surface, there is room for everyone. No matter your preference, be it fishing, boating, swimming, scuba diving, camping, picnicking, hiking or even zip lining, Lake Travis has fun for every person at every age. Fortunately for Austinites and visitors, it’s just a short 20-minute drive away.There are close to 20 beaches and communities on the shores of Lake Travis. Lake Travis doesn’t only serve as local weather relief, but also as a primary flood control reservoir for a larger system known as the Highland Lake chain.
22 | www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years
Because of this, the level of the lake can dramatically vary, and is dependent on the rainfall collected in the Colorado River basin upstate. The current drought conditions have been hard on Austin’s favorite wet spot, but despite this, the lake offers one of the most desirable destinations for outdoor fun of every type. Lake Travis sports an incredible array of fish ripe for the plucking including several species of bass, catfish and sunfish.If boating for excitement is more your thing, there are dozens of boat rental options available from your choice of over a dozen marinas ready to cater to your every whim. Popular pastimes with the locals include parasailing, tubing, water-skiing,
photo courtesy of harborside marina
A Look at Austin’s Lifeblood:
LAKE TRAVIS
Aquaholics Wate r c ra ft R e nta l
Scan for $4 off Water Park Admission
On beautiful Lake Travis.
(512) 989-7838
Enjoy 10 attractions, pool bar and grill, sandy beach front and two lighted volleyball courts. The Shore Club is a fine dining, casual restaurant, open year around featuring hand-cut steaks and seafood.
16107 FM 2769, Volente, TX 78641 512-258-5110, www.shoreclubtx.com
Experience Austin’s Best Boat Rentals 16107 FM 2769 Volente, TX 78641 (512) 331-5375
www.viplaketravis.com
High end boat rentals at affordable prices. Ask about our NEW Party Barge! Same day reservations accepted.
www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years | 23
LAKE TRAVIS
across the water in no time flat. They are the experts on Lake Travis fun! The lake itself is a beacon for glamorous cuisine, with breathtaking views and camera-ready sunsets. Don’t miss The OASIS, a local favorite and famous tourist spot that sits 450 feet above Lake Travis on a cliff and offers the best sunset views a diner could anticipate. Multiple levels of patios can seat hundreds, with a stunning array of colored umbrellas that one has to see to truly appreciate, acting as eye candy in a breathtaking environment. Dance the
jet skiing, wakeboarding, paddle boarding and, of course, power boating. To escape the Texas heat, there’s nothing like racing over the water at 80 knots with the spray of water invigorating your skin and cool wind whipping through your hair. There are many rental facilities on Lake Travis to fulfill every aquatic desire you may have; our favorites include VIP Marina, Aquaholics and Harborside Marina. All three will get you rip-roaring
night way on their famous dance floor, outside beneath the stars. If you’ve ever envisioned a fine dining restaurant that also offers volleyball courts for your enjoyment, then be sure to visit Shore Club at Volente Beach.
The food is spectacular, and there is a waterpark right next door. Catch live music and enjoy the views from their beautiful outdoor seating area. There are so many events that happen on Lake Travis, it’s likely you will be there when something exciting is happening. From noteworthy Aquapalooza to spectacular boat parades, exciting boat races and even fireworks on Fourth of July, it seems like there is always something to look forward to on the beautiful shores of Lake Travis. What are you waiting for? Time to get wet! Grabs your trunks and visit www.laketravis.com, www.tpwd.state.tx.us and www.laketravischamber.com for more information.
SKISKI BOATS BOATS Standard [8 person] Standard [8 person] 1 hour: $80 $80 | 4 hours: $300$300 | 8 hours: $560$560 1 hour: | 4 hours: | 8 hours:
Austin’s Only
Deluxe [8 person] Deluxe [8 person] 1 hour: $85 $85 | 4 hours: $320$320 | 8 hours: $600$600 1 hour: | 4 hours: | 8 hours: Tower [8 person] Tower [8 person] 1 hour: $90 $90 | 4 hours: $340$340 | 8 hours: $640$640 1 hour: | 4 hours: | 8 hours:
Yo u r F a
“...Most Incredible Experience EVER!”
m il
ill love it! yw
PONTOON BOATS PONTOON BOATS 28 Foot [17 person] 28 Foot [17 person] 1 hour: $95 $95 | 4 hours: $365$365 | 8 hours: $740$740 1 hour: | 4 hours: | 8 hours: 20 Foot [10 person] 20 Foot [10 person] 1 hour: $60 $60 | 4 hours: $220$220 | 8 hours: $400$400 1 hour: | 4 hours: | 8 hours: 24 Foot [12 person] 24 Foot [12 person] 1 hour: $70 $70 | 4 hours: $260$260 | 8 hours: $480$480 1 hour: | 4 hours: | 8 hours: Tritoon [15 person] Tritoon [15 person] 1 hour: $85 $85 | 4 hours: $320$320 | 8 hours: $600$600 1 hour: | 4 hours: | 8 hours:
5 STARS on TRIP ADVISOR
HOUSEBOATS HOUSEBOATS Charter [4 hour min] min] - $350/hour Charter [4 hour - $350/hour Overnight - Ask-for Overnight Askpricing for pricing
PERSONAL WATERCRAFT PERSONAL WATERCRAFT
Thrilling 2.5 hr Tours Zip over Lake Travis Private Beach
L o n g e st
Zi
in TX! e n pli
Just minutes from downtown Austin
CALL 512.614.1996 www.ziplaketravis .com 24 | www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years
WaveWave Runner [1-3 person] Runner [1-3 person] 1 hour: $75 |$75 4 hours: $280$280 | 8 hours: $520$520 1 hour: | 4 hours: | 8 hours: Paddle Boat Boat [1-3 person] Paddle [1-3 person] 1 hour: $25 $25 | 4 hours: $90 $90 | 8 hours: $150 $150 1 hour: | 4 hours: | 8 hours: *All prices include fuel, safety equipment, and instruction. Ski Ski *All prices include fuel, safety equipment, and instruction. boats boats are equipped with water skis, ski and ski are equipped with water skis,vest, ski vest, andrope. ski rope. Wakeboards, kneeboards, and inner tubes tubes are available for a for a Wakeboards, kneeboards, and inner are available small small additional charge. Appointments are not required, but are additional charge. Appointments are not required, but are recommended. recommended.
512.266.9600 or or 512.266.8006 512.266.9600 512.266.8006
for more information on houseboat rentals please call 512.266.1069 for more information on houseboat rentals please call 512.266.1069
photo by john rogers
The
Old B akery Emporium &
zUnique Handcrafts by Local Artists zVisitor Information Center zLundberg-Maerki Historical Collection zArt Gallery
1006 Congress Avenue Tuesday through Saturday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Congress Avenue, Main Street Texas:
Mixing
Important Landmarks with
Sophisticated Dining & Shopping
Image: Watercolor by Sonny Cochran
26 | www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years
by shannon barrientes
J
ust about everyone who visits Austin gets a chance to visit South Congress, locally known as SoCo, for First Thursdays and all the shopping and dining that the area offers. Not as many people know that there’s plenty of the same on the same strip, on the north side. Where Congress meets the capitol building is a growing area of bustling street activity in the form of pedestrians on breaks from work, restaurants, shopping and more. Be sure to take a tour of the capitol while you are in the area. You can self-guide a tour with pamphlets, or join an actual tour group as you move through the grand rooms of the majestic building that centers downtown Austin. Visitors are allowed to freely walk the halls of the capitol until 5:00 pm daily. The grounds are park-like and stately, and you should take time to explore the beautiful statues and landscapes that form the area. Just across the road from the capitol on Congress is exciting downtown life. The first building on Congress is a special one, the Old Bakery & Emporium, which serves as a consignment shop, art gallery, museum, and, most conveniently, a visitor information center. The art gallery is on the third floor and exhibits more than fifty local artists. The museum is noted for containing the LundbergMaerki Historical Collection, which should not be missed.
2505OPRD
The Old Bakery & Emporium is a registered national landmark, and was built in 1876. Although it has been lovingly renovated for structural reasons, the impressively large oven and wooden baker’s spade has been preserved as part of the history of the building. Don’t miss a chance to visit this gorgeous piece of Austin history, as you continue down Congress to great shopping and dining. Wild About Music will be moving to 615 Congress Avenue this summer check their website above for more information. We’ll be keeping our eyes open for that!
GB9240
HL1509
Historic Sixth Street: Austin’s Most Famous Landmark,
Past and Present
photo by john rogers
by shannon barrientes
SIXTH STREET
w
hen locals and visitors think of downtown Austin, Sixth Street is never far from their minds. Sixth Street is nationally known as a local hotspot for cocktails, live music, shopping and delicious eats. The most legendary part of this street extends from the celebrated Driskill Hotel at the corner of Brazos Street and continues six city blocks to Interstate 35. Often considered the heartbeat of the downtown scene in the bustling inner city, it is also one of the most historic areas as well. In modern day Austin, Sixth Street serves as a focal point for the downtown grid. It’s no surprise that it was designed that way, and once served as a major thoroughfare through the inner city area. In the mid-nineteenth century, Sixth Street was Pecan Street, and it served as a stagecoach route for travelers, with a stage stop at the corner of Congress. Edwin Waller, elected as the city’s first mayor in 1840, engineered a grid plan for the streets of the city; most of this grid plan is still in-tact as modern downtown Austin. Pecan Street was the choice traveling route into town for the farmland communities to the east, and soon became a major commerce district. Before the Civil War, Sixth Street was bustling with stores, saloons and hotels. The Missouri House, still standing at Brazos and Sixth, was erected in 1861 as Austin’s first boarding home for travelers on their way to the Wild West. Austin celebrates the historic charm of Sixth Street at least twice a year. If you happen to be downtown during early May or September, look out for the Pecan Street Festival. The bi-annual festivities represent so much of what makes Austin unforgettable: multiple stages for live music, art and dance performance, craft booths populated with local artisans and street food vendors, and lots of fun for the kids at the petting zoo. Austin is full of beautiful historic buildings and examples of breathtaking architecture. One of the best places to begin a tour of these sites is
between Congress Avenue and Red River Street on Sixth Street. Sixth Street is alive and bustling during the day, and the perfect corner on which to begin is the historic Littlefield Mall at the base of the handsome Littlefield Building, at the northeast corner of Sixth and Congress. This building was built in 1910 and is exemplary of the beautiful architecture style known as Beaux Arts. The striking and historic Grove Drug Building at 209 East Sixth is where you will find a locally owned store that cannot be missed. Austin’s passion for music is documented with the walls of Wild About Music, an art and gift gallery dedicated entirely to music. They represent over 100 local, national and international artists and carry thousands gift items all entirely dedicated to, you guessed it, music! For over twenty years, they have brought the spirit of melody to music lovers worldwide. This
HOWDY FROM AUSTIN
local favorite may be opening a location at 515 Congress Ave., be sure to check their website at www.wildaboutmusic.com for updates, and maybe to
Flavors from Mexico
With unique flavors and over 100 types of tequila, Iron Cactus is Austin’s premier Mexican dining destination.
do some shopping. Within easy walking distance, just east of Trinity Street on Sixth Street, is Lucky Lizard Curios & Gifts® and Museum of the WeirdTM, a beloved Austin icon. Not many keep it weirder than this museum, which features mummies, unexplained phenomena and self-proclaimed “freaks of nature,” as well as a clever curio and gift shop on the street front, which carries a large inventory of products by local artisans, fun t-shirts and unique imported souvenirs. Once you’ve explored the mysteries of our favorite local show-of-oddities, cross the street and visit Bobalu Cigar
Street Tacos
Company to watch live cigar rollers in the ancient and beautiful art form that is cigar rolling. You can watch
DOWNTOWN AUSTIN 606 Trinity Street
NORTH AUSTIN
10001 Stonelake Boulevard
/IronCactusFan
through a window from the street as trained professionals
@Iron_Cactus
make custom cigars for a waiting line of locals and visitors.
HILL COUNTRY GALLERIA 13420 Galleria Circle
This renowned shop also carries a fantastic selection of
SIXTH STREET
unique and imported cases and accessories, as well as a
nestled inside is an authentic English pub with Guinness
liberally stocked humidor. They will hand-roll a cigar for
on draft, a sports bar, gallery art by locals and a 26-foot
you by request and it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
jumbo screen on the largest open rooftop downtown. You
Right across the street is Iron Cactus Restaurant and Margarita Bar, which is open for lunch and stays open late to accommodate hungry locals and tourists after a long day of exploring. Located in an enchanting turn-of-the-century building that was remodeled to maintain the authentic, historical aspects of its construction, it occupies several levels and has a rooftop on which to dine beneath the moon. A must-order appetizer is the guacamole, which is made fresh tableside and to taste, which makes it a rare delight. Once the suns sets, it’s time to have some fun… Sixth Street style. Be sure to barhop as the locals do, and visit the world-famous pubs that line Sixth Street. The oldest bar on Sixth Street is locally owned Maggie Mae’s, which has stood proud for 37 years, and is an Austin institution. It is located in a beautifully restored building erected in the 1850s. Maggie Mae’s features an authentic New Orleans-style courtyard with a staircase that extends to a rooftop that
can find live music there seven nights a week. Upstairs, through private French doors, lies the Gibson Guitar Room, home of the Jigglewatts Burlesque Revue. If you’ve never seen a live burlesque show, you are in for a treat. The “vaudevillian burlesque revival” was named by the Huffington Post as one of the Top 5 Things to Do in Austin, March 2013 as well as “sassy and sexy…classy entertainment.” Reserve seats at Front Gate Tickets, and enjoy the renovated Gibson Lounge as you bask in classic entertainment. There are countless hidden treasures along this wonderful corridor that make up the heart of Austin. Don’t miss the daytime opportunities that abound in the form of shopping, retail and, for the historically inclined, the beautiful monuments that stretch from the legendary Driskill Hotel next to the Littlefield Building and on toward I-35. For those of you who love the nightlife, you are headed in the right direction.
allows for a gorgeous view of downtown Austin. Also
Live Music Every Night Three Stages Sports Bar with Big Screens Authentic English Pub New Orleans Style Courtyard Courtyard Rooftop Under the Stars Amazing Downtown Views Art Gallery Special Event Shows
Rooftop
Oldest Bar on Sixth Over 15,000 sf to Enjoy in Four Historic Buildings Circa 1850’s Available for Private Events
Gibson Lounge
Est. 1978
Les Paul Room
512-478-8541
www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years | 31
“
Let Your
Weird Out
Art on 5th has the largest Dr. Seuss art collection in the country.
”
ART
by christy wink
Exploring the Artistic Side of the Capital City I
t should come as no surprise that an offbeat and vibrant city such as Austin has a highly active art scene. Our art, like our music, is part of the soul of this city; it’s built into our architecture, painted on our walls and sold on our sidewalks. Be it painting, glass or sculpture, or even those Austin originals that defy the traditional classifications of artistic media, you would be hard pressed to walk into any one of our numerous small businesses and not encounter some form of locally made artwork for sale. Our art can be found in a wide range of settings. Large selections of fine collectable pieces hang quietly in peaceful and austere museum-quality settings, while roomfuls of glasswork and sculptures made from everyday items are tucked carefully away in tiny antique houses-turned-galleries. Austin’s offerings also run the gamut of Texas art, whether it’s quirky cowboy-kitsch or sweeping Southwestern style murals.
512.444.7661
In addition to the galleries and museums peppering the downtown and Hill Country scenes, there are numerous festivals and exhibitions throughout the year to expand your exposure to local art. One of the highlights is Art City Austin, which takes place during the last weekend of April 2015. Each year, hundreds of emerging and independent artists spread themselves out over the rolling hills and streets surrounding Austin City Hall to sell their creations to thousands of eager art enthusiasts. If you’re here in December, do not miss the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. Held during the ten days leading up to Christmas at the Palmer Events Center downtown, this bazaar is two events in one: part art fair and part music festival. Notable names from the Austin music scene play for your entertainment as you shop an amazing array of handmade items from local artists and artisans.
Robert Hurst
. hurst@adamnfineartist.com
adamnfineartist.com
Robert Hurst - A Damn Fine Artist ADamnFineArtist
www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years | 33
34 | www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years
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Textile/ Weaving
Sculpture
Photography
u
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Framing
Robert Hurst 512-444-7661 adamnfineartist.com
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Portraiture
Art Glass Lighting
u
Photography
Wimberley Glassworks 512-393-3316 www.wgw.com
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Paintings/Canvas
Photography
u
Mosaic
John R. Rogers visualistimages@gmail.com 512-699-6468
u
Metalworking
Paintings, Sculpture, Ulla Darni Lighting, Estate Art
u
Jewelry
Capital Fine Art 1214 West 6th Street #105, 512-628-1214 www.capitalfineart.com
Custom
Abstract, Ethnic, Local, Modern.
Antique or Collectable
Artworks 1214 West 6th Street #105, 512-472-1550 www.artworksaustin.com
Drawings
Abstract, Local, Modern.
Glasswork
Art on 5th 3005 S. Lamar, 512-481-1111 www.arton5th.com
Ceramics/ Pottery
At a Glance
Architectural Elements
Art...
Austin’s Largest Contemporary Gallery Multiple Year Winner “Austin’s Best Gallery” Local and Regional Art Premier Custom Framing Secret Art of Dr. Seuss Vintage Movie Posters
www.arton5th.com
™ & © 1971 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All Rights Reserved
3005 South Lamar Blvd. (just north of the Broken Spoke)
Ten minute drive from 512.481.1111 downtown hotels Mon-Sat 10-6
The grown-up side of the Art of Dr. Seuss
ART
Art Glass Stemware Sculpture Framing 1214 W. 6th Street / Austin, Texas / 512-472-1550 / www.artworksaustin.com
36 | www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years
ART
Art Hot Spot: Wimberley I
n the heart of the Texas Hill Country lies Wimberley, an artist’s community that many around the country are calling the Arts Capital of Texas. Getting there could not be prettier, either. Take a scenic drive through fields of wildflowers, limestone encrusted hillsides and picturesque views of the Blanco River, right into Wimberley, just south of Austin, TX. Downtown Wimberley has a quaint town square that boasts boutique shops, tree-lined side-walked streets, gourmet restaurants, and local Hill Country musicians playing year round at the surrounding wineries & brew pubs. Long known for its thriving community of performing and visual artists, Wimberley has a unique concentration of art galleries and working studios spread throughout the area.
Among the most known and sought after working studios is Wimberley Glassworks, the Southwest’s premier hand blown lighting and art glass studio. It’s been hailed as a “Must See” by Texas Highways and “Wimberley’s most
Come experience the ancient art of glassblowing
famous attraction” by the prestigious Texas Monthly magazine. The Glassworks hosts daily glass blowing demonstrations for travelers and art glass enthusiasts from around the world. While many visitors are drawn in by the daily glass blowing demonstrations (which, if you’re lucky, you might even get to see a demonstration by renowned founder & lead gaffer Tim de Jong) the studio’s custom lighting designs are featured in luxury and commercial properties around the region. When you visit Wimberley Glassworks, you will have a chance to browse its exclusive art glass collections, limited edition vases, sculptures, platters and home lighting fixtures. Stop by on your scenic Hill Country drive to experience the ancient art of glassblowing first-hand by a talented team of glass artisans using centuries-old techniques. Visit wgw.com for more information. Visit wimberley.org for travel information.
Glassblowing Demonstrations Blown Glass Lighting Art Glass Collections Limited Edition Pieces Custom & Commercial 512-212-3301 WGW.COM “A Must See”
Texas Highways
www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years | 37
Shopping Excursions in Austin
SHOPPING
by shannon barrientes
From Locally Owned Treasures to Gorgeous Retail Centers For those who love to shop, delight in the merchandise mecca that is Austin, Texas. The city is experiencing booming growth and evidence of that can be found in the numerous shopping districts, malls and local neighborhood haunts that can be found in every area of the city.
Austin San Marcos San Antonio Georgetown Trailers of all kinds BBQ & Fire Pits Hunting Equipment Concession & Food Trailers Custom Designs Over 40 Years
Austin is known for nearly year-round beautiful weather, and the glorious sunshine above encourages lots of patios on which to enjoy a cocktail, open rooftops on which to enjoy a view and a meal, and saving the best for last, outdoor shopping malls and shopping districts. From traditional chain stores to locally owned boutiques, there are shopping delights in neighborhoods all over Austin. A local favorite is The Domain, a 700,000 square foot outdoor urban center with delightful dining diversions, entertainment in the form of street music, coffee shops and, of course, shopping. A movie theater offers an air-conditioned option for a hot summer day. Traditional anchors such as Dillard’s, Macy’s and Neiman Marcus are the anchors at the west and east end of the three hundred acres that make up an exciting shopping complex. There are many designer shops to enjoy, with Cole Haan, David Yurman and Michael Kors among them. If you work up an appetite while at The Domain, you are in luck because there are over a dozen restaurants from which to pick. Downtown Austin has one of the most exciting shopping districts west of Fifth Avenue, the exciting and urban Second Street District downtown, which is just feet away from the front doors of the epic W Hotel. Beautifully designed with pedestrians in mind, the area boasts year-round Christmas lights and beautiful landscaping in which to lose yourself. Austin Macworks provides a modern focal center, and boutique shopping is the name of the game to the left and the right in both directions. Numero 28, Bonneville, Serv, Eliza Page, Austin Rocks, Bang & Olufsen and the locally owned and beloved Toy Joy are just a few of the gems to explore. Grab a vitaminrich juice from Daily Juice and explore this exciting area. South Congress is well known for trendy treasures and wacky Austin fun. Don’t miss First Thursdays, where shops stay open late and vendors line the streets every first Thursday of the month. While you’re exploring the area, don’t miss the new storefront for Hatbox, a legendary local hat maker. Just as legendary is Allens Boots, which is unmistakable beneath the
1-800-6MAGNUM
www.magnumtrailers.com
giant red boot on its roof. Both of these locally owned shops make and carry products the old-fashioned way, in pure Texas tradition of high-quality merchandise. With so many exciting retail centers to appeal to you, don’t overlook the local stores. Shopping at locally owned stores benefits the culture of the community. Visitors and locals love the originality of the Austin spirit, and spending a portion of your budget with local merchants helps to preserve what is unique about Austin. Some of the most original treasures and finds, such as art, jewelry, clothing, toys and more can be found at one-of-a-kind stores that can only be found in Austin. Turquoise Trading Post, Things Celtic, Karavel Shoes, AustiNuts! and Bead It are all local favorites in trendy neighborhoods. Find the store and go explore. From Burnet Road to Lamar, there are many shopping delights to be discovered just a toe-step from downtown. Whether you’re at the fabulous outdoor malls, on South Congress for First Thursday, or midtown finding some local treasures, you have so much to choose from. With all of the shopping choices that Austin has to offer, you’ll never be left wanting.
www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years | 39
SHOPPING
DOWNTOWN/ CENTRAL AUSTIN
Gifts | Fountains | Jewelry | Candles
Where to Shop!
908 A W. 12th Street Austin, Texas 512.472.5597
ARTWORKS Open since 1985, Artworks in the West 6th Street district sells wonderful fine art and glass as well as woodworking, jewelry, fabrics and more. Artworks also provides services such as custom framing and art restoration. 1214 W. 6th St. #105; www.artworksaustin.com; 512-472-1550
www.crystalworksaustin.com
AUSTIN ROCKS Visit us downtown on Willie Nelson Blvd across from ACL Live for “Music Fest inspired” men’s, women’s and kids’ apparel, jewelry, accessories and home décor. Check out our official ACL merchandise offerings and our “Austin Rocks The Cradle Shop”. austinrockstexas.com; 512-983-0929
CRYSTAL WORKS
BOBALU CIGAR COMPANY Manufactures and sells its own line of cigars (20 brands!), plus exotic tobaccos and a large wrapper inventory. Bobalu brand cigars are made with fine long filler from Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Honduras. Bobalu also has smoking accessories and custom label cigars. 509 E. 6th St.; 512-469-5877; www.bobalu.com CRYSTAL WORKS Delights the eyes and soothes the spirit, providing a unique gift-shopping experience. Featuring 14 kt and sterling jewelry handcrafted by local jewelers, and spotlighting crystals, fountains, Feng Shui items, music, harmonically tuned wind chimes, aromatherapy products and spiritual reminders. An Austin original for 29 years. 908 A W 12th St., www.crystalworksaustin.com; 512-472-5597 HATBOX: A MODERN HABERDASHERY Celebrating 35 years in Austin, Hatbox has the best hat selection in town! All price ranges and styles, from top hats to flat caps and fascinators to fedoras, we have the hat for you! Come see us for a professional fitting and shopping experience unlike any other. Life’s better in a hat! The Domain: 11401 Century Oaks Terrace, Ste 129 512-833-9595 SoCo: 1708 South Congress Ave 512-536-0447 RETURNING TO DOWNTOWN - SPRING 2015! www.hatbox.com LUCKY LIZARD Sells model kits, toys, action figures, collectibles, comic books, posters, T-shirts, and other novelty items and Austin souvenirs. The Lucky Lizard building is also home to Museum of the Weird, which features oddities and wax figures. 412 E. 6th St.; 512-476-5493; www.luckylizard.net
SHOPPING NATURE’S TREASURES OF TEXAS Located just north of downtown on I-35 (lower deck) find this Austin treasure. One of the largest selections of minerals, fossils, crystals, natural stone jewelry, salt lamps and so much more, well, what can we say...they rock! Open 7 days a week. Nature’s Treasures of Texas, 4103 North IH 35, Austin, TX 78722, www.ntrocks.com, 512-472-5015 THINGS CELTIC Largest selection of Irish and Scottish wedding rings in Texas. Special order handmade kilts from Scotland. Kilt rentals available. Art and unique crafts are featured throughout: china, crystal, books, music, flags, pewter and selection of Celtic wall crosses. 1806 W. 35th St.; 512-472-2358; www.thingsceltic.com TOY JOY Austin’s iconic store for fun and nostalgic toys for over 28 years! Come see why we are consistently voted one of the top 10 toy stores in the world! Fun, zany, chaotic, colorful, ironic, nostalgic & collectible toys, books and games for “kids” of all ages. 301 W. 2nd St.; 512-320-0090; www.toyjoy.com WILD ABOUT MUSIC ART GIFT AND GUITAR GALLERY Located in the heart of Downtown for over 25 years, we bring Austin “The Live Music Capital” alive with beautiful artwork, gifts, guitars, ukeleles, apparel and collectibles for music lovers of all genres. 209 E. 6th St.; 512-708-1700; wildaboutmusic.com
NORTH AUSTIN
AUSTINUTS Home of the Original Nut Bar! A unique store cherished by locals and visitors for over 22 years, austiNuts has a huge selection of
Gourmet Products, Dry Roasted and Seasoned Nuts, Chocolate, Candies, Gift baskets, Texas products and souvenirs. Mon-Sat 10am6pm; 2900 W. Anderson Ln.; 512-323-6887; www.austinuts.com DRAGONSNAPS Comfortable, captivating children’s clothing. Modern designs, natural fibers – durable, U.S. cottons. Go anywhere – stay cool – keep warm. Children love them; you’ll love the look. Infant-10 girls. Infant-7 boys. Accessories, jewelry, outerwear. 2438 West Anderson Ln.; 512-445-4497; www.terratoys.com KARAVEL SHOES COMFORT CENTER Specializing in fashionable foot comfort, Karavel Shoes is Austin’s premier locally owned shoe retailer. Wide selection of brands, including New Balance, Mephisto, ECCO, Finn Comfort, Birkenstock and more. 5525 Burnet Rd. 512-459-7603. Multiple locations found at www.KaravelShoes.com KIDOSHOE 26 different brands of top quality, fashionable children’s shoes, socks, shoelaces and accessories. Check out these developmentally healthy selections for children from birth through middle school. 2438 W. Anderson Lane; 512-467-7463; www.kidoshoe.com MAGNUM TRAILERS You will find a huge selection to choose from at Magnum. They have the best in trailers from food, concession, car haulers, goosenecks, boat and cargo. They also have a fantastic selection of BBQ Pits, fire pits, hunting blinds and feeders, as well as truck accessories. They design, build, and service a complete line of trailers and are celebrating 40 years of service. Find in Austin, Georgetown, San Marcos & San Antonio. www.magnumtrailers.com
Austin’s Favorite STOP
for Gourmet Nuts, Chocolates, Candies & Texas Souvenirs Only 10 Minutes North of Downtown Take a Taste of Texas Home With You! Texas Native Pecans Available In Over
10 Different Flavors!
Shipping and Delivery Available 2900 West Anderson Lane | Austin TX 78757 | 512.323.6887 | austinuts.com
www.au
SHOPPING
It’s like visiting
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TERRA TOYS Terra Toys! Classic, fun, beautiful toys from around the world – intriguing for infant or architect. Children’s bookstore, art supplies, science, novelty candies. Wooden toys, puzzles, games, dolls, miniatures, major plush collection. Landmark store worth the visit. 2438 W. Anderson Lane; 512-445-4489; www.terratoys.com
Wimberley & Fredericksburg without ever leaving town! TEXAS SOUVENIERS T-SHIRTS JEWELRY UT
ting Wimberley & Fredericksburg without ever leaving town!A&M TECH
SOUVENIERS • T-SHIRTS • JEWELRY SEASONAL UT • A&M • TECH
GARDEN
ONAL • GARDEN • EVERYDAY GIFTS
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AUSTIN EVENT CALENDAR
hase. Expires 12/25/09.
EVERYDAY GIFTS
4211 S. Lamar Blvd. Ste. A-19 Austin, TX 78704
TURQUOISE TRADING POST Best selection of contemporary and traditional Native American jewelry in Texas. Where Austinites bring their East Coast relatives for gifts to take home. Features Zuni fetish carvings, Navajo kachinas, Pueblo pottery, dreamcatchers, carvings, plus distinctive furnishings with a Southwest flair. 6103 Burnet Rd. at Koenig Ln., 512-323-5011; www.turquoisetradingpost.com
www.au
ZINGER HARDWARE Featuring all kinds of furniture, gifts, kitchenware, housekeeping products, outdoor garden materials, rain harvesting barrels, composting systems, pet and wildlife items, architectural hardware and toys to include Legos and Playmobil. Zinger is the best bet for all your hardware needs! 4001 North Lamar Boulevard, Ste 300, Austin, Texas 78756; 512-381-8111; www.zingerhardware.com
SOUTH AUSTIN
Corner of Ben White & Lamar (Next to Target)
512-326-9460
www.austingiftcompany.com
ALL THINGS AUSTIN
ALLENS BOOTS An Austin, Texas tradition since 1977, Allens Boots specializes in fine Western wear, from casual, to work, to dress. Allens Boots will complete your Texas shopping experience in one stop. They have two locations: South, 1522 S. Congress Ave. (3 short miles South of the Capitol), 512-447-1413; North, Round Rock, 1051 S. IH-35 (located on the frontage road); 512-310-7600; Can’t make it to the store? Shop online at www.allensboots.com
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42 | www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years
SHOPPING ART ON 5TH Austin’s largest contemporary art house, voted “Austin’s Best Gallery,” has a new home in Austin! After nearly fifteen years on West 5th Street, ART on 5th has moved to a new location in South Austin. The new building, located on 3005 S. Lamar, offers 7,500 square feet of space for the gallery’s famed Dr. Seuss collection and custom framing center. The new gallery location opened early 2013. www.arton5th.com, 512-481-1111. AUSTIN GIFT COMPANY Started at the turn-of-the-century to provide Austinites, tourists, movie sets and the occasional politician a store for one-stop shopping with more than 150 merchants and an array of gift ideas. This is a can’t miss in a great area of Austin. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 11am-6pm; 4211 S. Lamar Blvd Ste. A-19; 512-326-9460; www.austingiftcompany.com BEAD IT Austin’s largest bead store features “hard to find” vintage glass and plastic beads, as well as stone, shell and wood beads. They also carry jewelry supplies like wire, clasps and chains, and a huge selection of already-made jewelry. Mon-Sat 11am-7pm; Sun 1pm-6pm. Bead It; 2058 S Lamar Blvd.; 512-693-2323; www.beaditaustin.com BUSTI’S CHAMBER OF WAX Come visit Austin’s newest all-ages attraction! Located in a full-size castle on South Congress, this wax museum is a chronological walk through the history of classic monster movies.Our gift shop, SFANTHOR!, features comics, collectibles, toys and more! 1101 S. Congress, Austin, TX 78704. 512-444-7326; www.sfanthor.com
GREATER AUSTIN AREA SIMON MALLS
Simon Property Group, Inc. owns several malls in the Austin area, including the Arboretum at Great Hills, the Domain, Lakeline Mall, Barton Creek Square and Gateway Center. Check out their website to purchase Simon gift cards and to learn about new sales, events and programs at various malls! www.simon.com SUNSET CANYON POTTERY Handmade pottery for the home, fine art ceramics and beautiful, longlasting casual dinnerware and kitchenware in 12 different glazes – it’s all at Sunset Canyon Pottery. Also features clay classes. 4002 East HWY 290, Dripping Springs, TX; 512-894-0938; www.sunsetcanyonpottery.com WIMBERLEY GLASS WORKS Handblown art glass, lighting, home décor and gifts from the Texas Hill Country! Visitors can watch free demonstrations of the glass blowing process and shop in the gallery for indoor, outdoor and commercial lighting selections as well as vases, sculptures and gifts. The lighting studio features custom installations. 6469 Ranch Road, between Wimberley and San Marcos, TX; 512-393-3316; www.wgw.com
Hatbox A Modern Haberdashery Haberdashery: [hab-er-dash-uh-ree] (noun): A specialty-clothing store focused on accessory items such as hats, gloves and scarves. Although a haberdashery originally meant an all-purpose accessory and notions store it came to be associated in America almost exclusively with hats. In the heyday of hats the haberdashery was often seen as a serious place with rows and rows of identical hats lined up as identical soldiers of conformity. These days hats have come to represent the opposite of blind conformity—they represent a confident style and a dashing personality. It is with this spirit that
Hatbox has created the MODERN Haberdashery, a place that still honors the knowledge and art of the traditional haberdashery while knowing that a contemporary hat-wearing public needs a friendly, helpful and exciting introduction to the world of head wear. From our custom styles to our expert fittings we work with our customers to find the perfect hat with the perfect fit that is entirely unique to each customer. From Art to Hats: The long journey of Vertigo, Inc.; Hatbox began in the Montrose District of Houston in 1974. Originally Vertigo Inc., the store began as an innovative gift and art retailer in the heart of Houston’s Museum district. After 6 years of rapid growth, founder, Lauri Turner, moved the store to Austin and the long road to haberdashery began. For the next 20 years Vertigo went from gift retailer, to custom clothier, to accessory specialty and now, modern haberdashery. Our little hat shop is all grown up now and features the best the hat world has to offer. Our haberdashers are extensively trained in hat history and fit, and each is dedicated to advancing the art of hatwearing. The passion for knowledge and innovation that first led us to hats keeps our selection fresh and exciting and our quality timeless. Whether you’re looking for the perfect pork pie to complete your collection or just starting out with your first fedora, Hatbox is your hat resource.
44 | www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years
TURQUOISE Trading Post One of the best collections in the Trading Post is our Zuni fetish carvings. We have several hundred carvings from over a hundred different carvers. We really enjoy showing our customers the fetishes, it’s so much fun. Each year we have a carver come to the Post from Zuni Pueblo to demonstrate and show their work to our many fetish collectors.
Turquoise Trading Post opened in August 1994. Not only was the space small but the inventory was small too. The dreams for the future were big as were the smiles on our faces when the first customer walked in the little Trading Post. Things have changed a lot since we were in that 1,100 square foot space. Today we have 3,600 square feet and a lot more inventory. One example of how we’ve grown is: in 1994 we started with 12 rings—today our customers have a choice of over 2,000 ladies and men’s rings. All the jewelry in Turquoise Trading Post is Native American made. We have work from hundreds of Navajo, Zuni, Hopi and Santa Domingo silversmiths and jewelers. New jewelry arrives each week. We want our customers to have a wide selection and our selection is the best in Texas. Most of our jewelry is one of a kind, so even avid Native American jewelry collectors can find the unique piece. We also have a nice selection of vintage jewelry which is very popular. While over half our sales are jewelry we do have many other items in the store. Our pottery selection includes pieces from Santa Clara Pueblo, Zuni Pueblo, Acoma Pueblo, as well as Navajo Mesa Verde style pottery, and Navajo horse hair pottery. We have a collection of Navajo and Hopi kachinas, plus all kinds of Navajo made artifacts: pipes, bows/ arrows, rifle cases, quivers, dance sticks, rattles, lances, bone knives and talking sticks. Almost forgot the flutes, Navajo rugs and sand paintings.
We also carry a wide selection of decorative items with a Native and Southwest flair: many different styles of wall hangings, art, candle holders, ironwood figures, place mats, table runners, mugs, night lights, table lamps, coasters, welcome signs, wood boxes, incense, Minnetonka moccasins, cotton throws, Pendleton blankets, purses, billfolds, baskets and hundreds of greeting cards. Just lots of great stuff. Most of these items are not Native made. Something new—we have a blog at turquoisejim.tmblr.com. We have a lot of jewelry pictures plus just stuff about the world of Turquoise Trading Post. We don’t sell from our website (TurquoiseTradingPost.com) but if you’re looking for something we’re happy to email you some pictures of items you may interested in purchasing. See ya soon!
Where Texas Warmth
Meets Austin C ool
Shopping & Dining in the 2ND Street District AUSTIN ROCKS Visit us downtown on Willie Nelson Blvd across from ACL Live for “Music Fest inspired” men’s, women’s and kids’ apparel, jewelry, accessories and home décor. Check out our official ACL merchandise offerings and our “Austin Rocks The Cradle Shop”.
TOY JOY Austin’s iconic store for fun and nostalgic toys for over 28 years! Come see why we are consistently voted one of the top 10 toy stores in the world! Fun, zany, chaotic, colorful, ironic, nostalgic & collectible toys, books and games for “kids” of all ages.
THE 2ND STREET DISTRICT In the center of downtown, and at the heart of what makes Austin unique, are more than 60 primarily locally owned specialty shops, services and dining destinations. Where Texas Warmth Meets Austin Cool, the 2ND Street District prides itself on being a first-class retail district with a heightened focus on the customer experience. Known for having something for everyone, it showcases the best of Austin, and celebrates its residents and visitors of the capital city in style. Here is a sampling of the businesses that cannot wait to welcome you. Find more at 2ndStreetDistrict.com
ELIZA PAGE
229 West 2nd Street
Eliza Page jewelry features over 30 independent designer collections, with many designs made in Austin. Styles are fashion-forward yet timeless, and include fine and fashion jewelry, bridal and wedding collections. www.elizapage.com
THE BONNEVILLE 202 West Cesar Chavez
This New American Bistro offers an eclectic mix of classics with a twist. The selections change according to the seasons and the whims of the chefowners, whose style draws on influences from across the globe, focusing on the quality and availability of ingredients to drive the menu and cocktails. “An expert Sazerac and salty cod fritters wiped away the cares of the day.� -Micheal Barnes Austin American Statesman www.thebonnevilleaustin.com
AUSTIN MACWORKS 450 West 2nd Street
The authority on all things Apple, Austin MacWorks is the hassle-free place to get your questions answered by smart people. We offer superior product knowledge, friendly customer service, and a level of experience and insight unsurpassed by other Apple providers. www.austinmacworks.com
SERVE: GOURMET GADGETS & GOODS 241 West 3rd Street
Serve offers fresh, fun, and functional finds for the kitchen and home – as well as gifts that are unique and local to Austin, Texas! 512.480.0171 *Free shipping when you spend $100 or more (Continental United States ONLY). www.servegourmet.com
DAILY JUICE CAFÉ
205 West 3rd Street
Located in the heart of the 2nd Street District, Daily Juice Café offers cold pressed juices, smoothies and a variety of grab and go plant based delicious meals. Local delivery available through Favor. We specialize in juice cleanses... and ship nationwide! www.dailyjuicecafe.com
NUMERO 28 452 West 2nd Street
Authentic Southern Italian food in a friendly and inviting atmosphere. Fresh pastas, oven-fired pizzas, panini, small plates, Italian wines, delicious meats and cheeses, homemade desserts, gelato, and more. We keep Austin drinking and eating bene! www.numero28austin.com
BANG & OLUFSEN
217 West 2nd Street
Bang & Olufsen has a 90 year heritage as the world’s premier audiovisual company. Our products include top-of-the-line televisions and loudspeakers that have innovative designs combined with high quality sound and WiSA technology. Email us at austin@oebgroup.com or give us call, 512-215-8223. stores.bang-olufsen.com/united-states/bang-olufsen-austin/
BeoLab 18
by shannon barrientes
Playing Around in Austin: Fun for the Young (and the Young at Heart) Austin is a great town in which to be a kid. There is so much to see
Town Lake’s hike and bike trails, the Zilker Botanical Garden,
and do, from festivals to bat-watching to sunny days in which to
the playground and a shallower part of Barton Springs are all free,
delight, your kiddo will not be disappointed in all that Austin has
as are the many picnic areas. Be sure to visit to the Zilker Hillside
to offer.
Theater in the summer to watch free musical productions!
The Austin Nature & Science Center offers educational fun for
Austin has several kid-friendly events throughout the year that
children. Take them to see animals such as coyotes and owls as well
are great for the whole family. These include Free Museum Day in
as many other examples of Central Texas wildlife—both flora and
September, the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park during December,
fauna. Your kids will love digging up fossils in the Dino Pit exhibit, or
the Texas Parks and Wildlife Expo in September and the Old Pecan
studying the natural world through microscopes in the Naturalist
Street Festival in spring and fall. A local kid favorite is the annual
Workshop. This is definitely not an excursion to be missed!
Ice Cream Festival, held every August at the peak of the hot summer.
For more animal adventures, pay a visit to the Austin Zoo. The Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary performs animal rescue and rehabilitation,
The beloved annual Kite Festival, which happens every spring in Zilker Park, is a can’t-miss event.
giving a home to 300 different animals of over 100 species. Originally
Nothing will delight your child more than to witness the spectacular
started as a goat ranch, the Austin Zoo now houses many exotic as
display that is bat watching on Congress Bridge. Home to the largest
well as domestic animals. Come see the big cats, monkeys, reptiles,
urban bat colony in North America, an estimated 1.5 million Mexican
birds and more!
free-tail bats emerge from under the bridge at dusk each night from
One of the finest activities for children is outdoor play, and Austin has no shortage of opportunities. A popular favorite is Zilker Park
mid-March to November. It is an educational experience that children will delight in, and an experience that will mesmerize adults as well.
on Barton Springs Road. Zilker Park has 350 acres of fun activities.
There is no shortage of fun opportunities in and around the city.
For a small admission fee, you can swim in Barton Springs Pool,
The sunny weather and beautiful landscape offer a playground for
an aquifer-fed spring that maintains a glorious year-round temperature
children of all ages to enjoy the wonderful delights that are Austin,
of 67 degrees, or take a ride on the Zilker Zephyr, a kiddie-sized
a city that is both fun and educational in which to explore.
train that loops around the large park and is fun for adults too.
50 | www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years
Kid Hot Spot: Terra Toys Terra
Toys is a family owned, Austin-original toy store. It is located at Anderson and Burnet, in an iconic 11,000 square foot toy wonderland. The store merchandises over 800 lines of toys from all over the world. The story of Terra Toys’ beginning is as rare and wonderful as the store itself. “Terra” comes from the Latin word for Earth. Originally, all of the toys in the store were hand-cut from wood by Charles and hand-painted by Romalda, the founders and owners of Terra Toys. After graduating from the University of Texas in 1977, their first enterprise was a snow cone cart called “The Camel Cone Casbah.” They designed a wooden cart of two camels facing head-to-head, cut it with a band saw, painted it by hand and stocked it with exotically bottled syrups. During the winter, Charles and Romalda used the same band saw to cut wooden toys, painted them by hand, and sold them as toy wholesalers. They made over 50 kinds of toys, from climbing toys to wooden rocking horses and rain sticks.
The wooden toys, seen above, are original handmade productions from the owners of Terra Toys. Today you can still buy their pull-string heart at their storefront at Anderson Lane. Pictured above left is locally owned Kidoshoe, a children’s shoe store, carrying over 55 brands of shoes from all over the world. Sizes newborn to youth 6.
In 1979 the owners found a space in an old warehouse on Congress Avenue and began to offer toys made by others while they continued creating their own toys for other stores. This garage warehouse also served as their home. They used their creativity and love for the craft as motivation to continue their dream of having their own unique toy store. In 1984 Charles and Romalda started a little retail store on South Congress Avenue. They still made their own toys but also added unique toys such as hand-painted nesting dolls called Matreshkas from Russia and hand-made plush animals from Germany called Steiff. Their store grew over the years, and in 2004 Terra Toys moved to a larger location at the West Anderson Plaza, where they are housed today. Terra Toys continues the 35-year tradition of providing Austin with original, hand-made toys from around the world along with a huge selection of classic, fun and beautiful toys. They believe that imagination and play is not just the work of childhood, but an activity that enhances all ages.
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Culinary Adventures IN AUSTIN
by christy wink
DINING
A Fresh Perspective on Dining Out Austin is part of a trend that has been sweeping the nation’s provide their patrons with the very best culinary experience restaurants, although honestly, we hate to call it a trend because the implications of this movement are enormous. More and more, restaurants big and small are foregoing cheap processed foods, prepackaged ingredients and factory-farmed produce and livestock in favor of locally sourced products from family farmers, ranchers and food artisans. In an age when urbanization has created such a vast cultural disconnect between people and our traditional food sources, the idea of getting back to real, quality ingredients is important, not just to our health, but to our agricultural economy. The appeal of this phenomenon to Austinites is undeniable: not only are we fiercely supportive of our local businesses, we are also notorious locavores who, given the choice, will almost always pick a small, independent restaurant serving fresh, local ingredients over a national chain. The buzzwords that circulated for so long among exclusive cuisine and fine dining like “organic” and “seasonal” are now joined by the more specific, demanding terms “sustainable,” “hand-crafted” and “artisanal.” It’s called farm-to-table, with a focus on providing real food to the community from the community, and Austin is becoming a mecca. Restaurant owners are building relationships with nearby farmers and ranchers to bring in fresh produce and meat, often picked or butchered and served the same day. Chefs go on city-wide hunts to our numerous farmers markets looking for the perfect ingredients to complete their daily menus. They are composting, maintaining their own chicken coops and building small herb gardens behind their restaurants, on rooftops or in any available space; all this to not only
possible, but to maintain a responsible, sustainable environment. A significant number of new restaurants, as well as many of the established eateries in Austin, are following the farm-totable movement, raising the bar on what is considered quality food. They are following the movement, but often leading in innovation of their menus and creativity of their dining experiences. In Austin, you can dine in venues that are part restaurant and part farmers market. You can venture to a food truck that is located literally right at the food source: a small, urban farm with al fresco picnic benches under towering pecan trees and twinkling lights. We have all-night diners offering thoughtfully executed brunch classics using all farm-fresh produce. You can even book a stay at a working farm vacation resort that offers hands-on programs and classes and, of course, uses all its own crops in its on-site restaurant and spa. Farm-to-table is arguably the future of restaurants, so much so that Austin’s Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts has developed an extensive program that engages its students with the local farming and ranching communities. Part of the curriculum includes lessons on the sources of their ingredients and what it takes to produce them, fostering a respect and thoughtfulness for sustainable and ethical food production processes. The farm-to-table experience is not a hard one to find these days, especially in Austin. Our restaurants are proud of their locally sourced ingredients, and will typically cite their list of local purveyors used somewhere on their website, menu or in-store. When in doubt, just ask. But whatever you do, don’t miss out on what will undoubtedly be an incredible culinary adventure.
TenOak Corby Hicks Corby Hicks cooks from the heart. Growing up right here in Austin, Texas, Corby creates boldly flavored and satisfying dishes that warm your heart. Corby started working in the kitchen at age 14 for Chef Jeff Blank at the highly acclaimed restaurant Hudson on the Bend. Under Jeff’s tutlidge is where he learned to master the art of the slow, soulful sauce and cooking all forms of wild game. That passion and love for food is what Chef Hicks brings to TenOak. Corby puts his all into every item he cooks and focuses and bourbon based Southern Comfort food. TenOak is available for private and semi private events, Whiskey tastings, and offsite catering. TenOak is open for lunches as of March 2015. Please contact events@47party.com or 512.47.PARTY for any event needs. www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years | 53
PURE ITALIAN DELIGHT IN AUSTIN DOWNTOWN Carmelo’s Ristorante Italiano is your next destination for an amazing culinary experience. Enjoy our wide selection of meat, seafood and pasta dishes paired with your favorite wine from our award-winning wine collection. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menus available!
Dine-In and Carry Out Reservations at (512) 477.7497
LUNCH | DINNER | CATERING | PRIVATE ROOMS
CarmelosRestaurant.com
504 East 5th Street, Austin, TX | Also in Houston (Energy Corridor)
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The Bonneville, 202 West Cesar Chavez 512-428-4643, thebonnevilleaustin.com
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The Cabernet Grill, Fredericksburg, Texas 830-990-5734, cabernetgrill.com
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The Carillon, 1900 University Ave. 512-404-1900, meetattexas.com
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Casino el Camino, 517 E 6th St, 512-469-9330, casineolcamino.net
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Copper Restaurant, 300 S Congress Ave. 512-469-9000, copper.austin.menuclub.com
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County Line, *2 Locations to Serve You 512-346-3664, countyline.com
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Courtyard Restaurant, 6505 IH-35 North 512-454-3737, doubletree1.hilton.com
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The Creeks Restaurant 9515 New Airport Drive, 512-385-6767
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Driskill Grill, 604 Brazos Street 512-391-7162, driskillgrill.com
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Finn & Porter, 500 E 4th Street 512-482-8000, finnandporter.com
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Flores, *4 Locations to Serve You 512-996-9636, floresmexican.com
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Huts/Frank & Angies, 807 W 6th Street 512-472-0693, www.hutsfrankandangies.com
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Hill Country Dining Room; 512-329-4527, www.omnihotels.com/hotels/austin-barton-creek/dining/hill-country-dining-room
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Imperia Asian Dining, 310 Colorado St 512-472-6770, imperia-austin.com
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Iron Cactus, *3 Locations to Serve You 512-472-9240, ironcactus.com
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Austin Land & Cattle, 1205 N Lamar Blvd. 512-472-1813, austinlandandcattle.com
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Family Friendly
Outdoor Smoking
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Beer & Wine Only
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Breakfast
Sunday Brunch
Entree Cost
l
Dinner
Type of Food
Ancho’s Restaurant, 700 San Jacinto 512-476-3700, omnihotels.com
Lunch
Area of Town
Dining Menu
3 3
350
3
35
3 3
3 3 3
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
230
3
3 3
140
3 3 3 3
3 3
125
3
120
3 3
50
3 3 3 3 3
3
800
3
3
3
85
3 3
3
3
75
3 3 3
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3
500
3 3 3 3
3 3 3
3 3 3
3 3
3 3
3 3 3 3
3
3 3 3 3
3
3 3
3
3
3 3 3
3 3
3
3
3 3 3 3 3
3
350 500
3 3 3
3 3
Mighty Fine Burger, *4 Locations to Serve You 512-735-2800, mightyfineburgers.com
l
A
$
3 3
Numero28 Austin, 452 West 2nd Street 512-494-5510, numero28austin.com
l
I
$
3 3 3
The OASIS, 6550 Comanche Trail 512-266-2441, oasis-austin.com
l
M
$$
3 3 3 3 3 3
3 3
Onion Creek Grille, 4140 Governor’s Row 512-383-2795, omniaustinsouthpark.com
l
A
$$
3 3 3
3
3 3 3
Pecan Tree Restaurant, IH35 & Town Lake Rd 512-472-8211, holiday-inn.com
l
A
$$
3 3 3
3
3
ReVive! Restaurant, 3401 S IH35 512-744-4834, wyndhamaustin.com
l
A
$
3 3 3
3
3 3 3
Roaring Fork, 701 Congress Avenue 512-583-0000, roaringfork.com
l
S
$$
3 3
3 3
Rudy’s, 4 Locations to Serve You 512-418-9898, www.rudys.com
l
B
$
3 3 3
Shore Club Volente Beach, 16107 FM 2769 www.shoreclubtx.com, 512-258-5110
l
A
$$
Southwest Bistro, 208 Barton Springs Rd. 512-477-1234, austin.hyatt.com
l
M
$$
3 3 3 3 3
Stories Fine Dining, 575 Hyatt Lost Pines Rd 512-308-1234, lostpines.hyatt.com
l
A
$$
3
3 3
TenOak, 909 Colorado St. 512-472-2882, www.tenoakaustin.com
l
A
$
3 3 3
3 3
Trace Restaurant, 200 Lavaca St. 512-542-3660, www.traceaustin.com
l
A
$$
3 3 3 3
3 3
TRIO Restaurant, 98 San Jacinto 512-685-8300, fourseasons.com/Austin/dining
l
A $$$ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Menu Key:
3
3
3 3
3 3
3
3
3 3 3 3 3 3
Type of Food: M = Mexican or Tex-Mex S = Steakhouse A = Americana I = Italian B = Barbeque As = Asian
3
90
3
3
3 3
Yes
3 3 3
1200
3 3
1000
3
150
3 3
400
3 3
120
3 3 3 3 3
3 3 3 3 3
150
3 3 3
30
3 3
3 3
3 3 3
3
3 3
3
3 3 3
100
3
18
3
3 3 3
Average Entree Cost: Less than $15 = $ Between $16-25 = $$ Between $26-46 = $$$ Between $47+ = $$$$
75
3 3
3 3
3 3
3 3
Banquet Capacity
S $$$ 3 3 3
Catering
l
Reservations
Masterson’s Steakhouse, 101 Lakeway Drive 512-261-7323, lakewayresortandspa.com
Live Music
3 3 3
Bus Parking
3
Full Bar
3 3
Water View
$$
Valet Parking
Family Friendly
Outdoor Smoking
Late Night Dining
Beer & Wine Only
Patio Seating
Sunday Brunch
S
Dinner
Entree Cost
l
Lunch
Type of Food
Lynx Steakhouse, 5901 North IH-35 512-454-8004, embassysuites1.hilton.com
Breakfast
Area of Town
Dining Menu
3 3
100
Where to Find Them l South l Downtown l Central l North l Lake l Multiple Locations l Greater Austin Area
www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years | 57
DINING
58 | www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years
DINING
Try our remarkable steaks, served with a generous helping of that Austin, Texas attitude.
1205 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas 78703 | 512-472-1813 | ALCsteaks.com | info@ALCsteaks.com
www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years | 59
Nighttime Is the Right Time
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Iron Cactus 3 Locations, 512-472-9240 www.ironcactus.com
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Speakeasy 412 Congress Ave., 512-476-8017 facebook.com/speakeasyaustin
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Credit Carts Accepted
Weekend Cover Charge
Reservations
Party/ Event Area
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Weekend Drink Specials
Pet Friendly
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Dress Code Enforced
Sports Bars or TVs
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Maggie Mae’s 323 East 6th Street, 512-478-8541 www.maggiemaesaustin.com
TenOak 409 Colorado Street, 512-472-2822 facebook.com/tenoakaustin
Whatever you’re doing for the evening in Austin, get into the vibe and find some great music. Just duck into the nearest dive. You might very well discover the next big act coming out of Austin…or is that the phantom wail of Janis echoing off those weathered walls?
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Coyote Ugly 501 East 6th Street, 512-236-8459 www.coyoteuglysaloon.com The Dig in Cedar Park 401 Cypress Creek, 512-996-9900 www.thedigpub.com
Full Bar
Beer and Wine Only
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For a slightly slower paced, more sophisticated environment, trek a couple of blocks southwesterly from Sixth Street to the Warehouse District. Spanning parts of Third, Fourth and Fifth Streets, you’ll find a vibrant yet still laid-back selection of cocktail lounges, wine bars and tap houses. Looking for ultra hip? Check out SoCo, an eight-block strip of South Congress that nurtures and fosters the funky little bohemian spirit in every Austinite.
Family Friendly
Casino el Camino 517 East 6th Street, 512-469-9330 www.casinoelcamino.net
Smoking Available
Bars at a G L A N C E
Live Music/ DJs
Austin’s inherited namesake is supremely invoked during any one of its yearly music festivals, including South by Southwest, Austin City Limits and Fun Fun Fun Fest. Lasting anywhere from a couple of days to two weeks, each fest draws in thousands of music makers and lovers who flock to
Want to hang like a local? Head over to Rainey Street. This recently revitalized neighborhood on the banks of Lady Bird Lake is host to a handful of renovated houses-turned-bars and lounges complete with porches, backyards and food trucks.
Valet Parking
Austin’s great musical heritage is not a tale told by museum portraits or untouchable artifacts. It lives in the landmark performance venues that gave the city and the musicians a name; it haunts the nighttime establishments packed throughout downtown. From legendary artists like Willie Nelson, Janis Joplin and Stevie Ray Vaughan, who got their start back in the early Austin scene, to relatively new or upand-coming musicians, the spirit of music is a continuous presence in all aspects of life here. It is this deep dedication that has gained Austin the worthy title of “Live Music Capital of the World.TM”
As evening descends, a very different Austin comes alive. On any given night you can find a wide variety of energetic live music shows, bumping nightclubs and cool cocktail lounges. The most popular nighttime attraction for younger crowds is Sixth Street, where venues range from cozy pubs to raucous dance clubs with music from raw alt rock to sweet, soulful blues.
Rooftop Seating
If there’s one thing that Austin is known for, it’s got to be the music! Imbued as it is in Austin’s history, music leaves an indelible mark on the city’s culture—one that bleeds into the streets of the city and hearts of the people. While you’re visiting us, you can be fairly certain that music will touch your visit in some form or fashion.
the streets of downtown for nonstop aural stimulation and other forms of revelry. The excitement often lasts long into the night, spilling over into the numerous bars, clubs and lounges of Austin in the form of after-parties and impromptu jam sessions.
Patio or Outdoor Area
I
f you’re looking for a little excitement during your stay, you’re in luck! When it comes to entertainment, Austin is bursting with opportunity. It is a universally accepted truth in this city that there are few days on the calendar left unmarked by some festival or special interest activity. We’ve got marathons, cook-offs, art fairs, biker rallies, pet parades, bizarre celebrations in honor of fictional characters (Eeyore’s Birthday, anyone?) and, of course, our music festivals.
Dining Available
by christy wink
Chasing Endless Fun in Austin
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Over 35 Craft Beers on Draught Boutique Wines by the Glass Come and Try Our Delicious Pub-Inspired Menu! Daily Drink Specials Private Event Space, Free Wi-Fi
Twitter: @TheDigPub Facebook:
401 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park, TX 512-996-9900, www.thedigpub.com
Available for Private Events Maggie Mae’s is a local legend and no visit to Austin is the same without a view from the largest rooftop on Sixth Street. No matter what your taste, you will find exciting entertainment at Maggie Mae’s including a Sports Bar, complete with big screens for the game, an authentic English Pub, a New Orleans-style courtyard beneath the stars and three live music stages with different genres of music on each. Maggie Mae’s consists of four historical buildings, beautifully restored, which together make for one of the largest entertainment venues downtown. Don’t miss a view of the Gibson Lounge and the Les Paul Lounge upstairs, which feature dynamic art by Robert Hurst (adamnfineartist.com) and iconic photgraphy by Edwin Kramer, as well as custom Gibson Guitars for your viewing pleasure.
Courtyard
Gibson Lounge Les Paul Lounge Est. 1978 Locally Owned & Operated 323 E Sixth Street 512-478-8541 www.maggiemaesaustin.com facebook.com/MaggieMaesAustin Text MAGGIESROCKS to 22828 for live music and event updates
Photos by Smokin’ Aces Photography
Newcomers
s s Welcome to austin
Y’all
66 | www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years
WHAT TO SEE: •M exican Freetail Bats: Largest Urban Bat Colony, 1.5 million, takes flight every evening just before sunset from March to early November from under the Congress Avenue Bridge. •T ours: Austin Duck Adventures, Haunted ATX, Austin Brew Bus, Austin City Running Tours, Austin Trolley Company •C omedy: Esther’s Follies, New Movement Theater, Cap City Comedy Club •A ustin Art Scene: 30 awesome Galleries to choose from. •S tevie Ray Vaughan Statue: Austin’s most well-known music icon at Auditorium Shores on Lady Bird Lake. •C athedral of Junk: “Best Organized Chaos” winner, 60 tons of discarded items piled artfully in a South Austin Backyard. •P aramount Theater on Congress Ave: Opened in 1915, any event here is certain to be unforgettable. •C onspirare–Craig Hella Johnson & Company of Voices: 2015 Grammy Award Winner for Best Choral Performance •A ustin Beer Tours, Breweries, Brew Pubs and Cideries: www.beeradvocate.com/place/city/30/
NEWCOMERS
GET FIT: •L ady Bird Hike and Bike Trail: 10 miles of trails along the shores of Lady Bird Lake www.thetrailfoundation.org •B arton Springs Greenbelt: 7.2 miles of trails with swimming holes www.austinparks.org •S up ATX Stand Up Paddle Boarding: Located on Lady Bird Lake on the Hike & Bike Trail •V eloway: Austin’s first 3.1 mile trail exclusively for bicycles and rollerblading •D og Parks: Try one of the 11 public dog parks in Austin •B ull Creek Greenbelt: 3.5 mile trail along Bull Creek, dog friendly •G olfing: Visit one of the 50 private or public golf courses in the Austin and surrounding areas •Z ilker Park: 350 acres, Disc Golf, Train Ride
EAT FIT: •F armers Markets: Enjoy any of the 10 local Farmers Markets •W hole Foods: Enjoy any of the 4 locations in Austin •C entral Market: Enjoy of one of the 2 locations in Austin •W heatsville Co-op •T rader Joes – 2 locations
Howdy, I’m Babs. Being a Native Texan with many diverse years of real estate experience and having
About Austin Austin MSA Population 1.9 Million Austin City Population 885,400 Student Population 118,000 Mexican Bat Population 1.5 Million Texas Population 27 Million Average Home Price $222,900 Founded in 1839 City Ranking in U.S. 16th Largest Average Temperature 70º Named for Stephen F. Austin Counties Travis/ Williamson Government Type Council-Manager City Size 296 sq mi Mt . Bonnell (785 ft) Highest Point Demonym Austinite CST/ CDT Time Zone 787**, 786** Zip Code 512 & 373 Area Code Slogans: “The Violet Crown,” “Keep Austin Weird” “Live Music Capital of the World” “The Human Capital,” “Bat City”
Babs Yarbrough –
lived in Austin since the early 80’s, I am the agent who
ABR, CRS, CNE
wants to work with you to find “your” perfect home in
Texas Realtor,
Austin. Livin’ Austin Realty is a boutique real estate company with
512-656-6667
my success fueled by referrals for my fun, yet professional approach,
babs@laketravislivin.com,
knowledge, integrity, patience and personal service. My past clients are now my friends! Contact me for my free property phone app!
LivinAustinRealty.com
www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years | 67
Act like a local!
Get to know the independent, locally owned Austin www.IBuyAustin.com IBIZ Districts are a program of the Austin Independent Business Alliance.
These districts, located all over Austin, are home to an exciting variety of locally owned businesses promoting the neighborhoods’ unique blend of services and goods not found in big box retailers. Each IBIZ District reflects the culture, not just of Austin, but the local neighborhood it is in. IBuyIBIZ.com
Local flavor? It comes from locals. Discover what makes Austin so unique through IndieAustin, available free all over town.
CONCRETE CONCEPTS BY DAVID BROYLES
D ECO R ATIVE CO N C R E TE OUTDOOR KITCHENS • FIRE PITS • PATIOS REMODELING & NEW CONSTRUCTION POOLS - NEW, REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL
BUILDING AND SERVICING AUSTIN SINCE 1991
CALL (512)
751-3128
WWW.CONCRETECONCEPTSAUSTIN.COM
68 | www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years
NEWCOMERS
any lifestyle you imagine, any decor you can dream
L I N DA
L E E
I N T E R I O R
consultation, remodeling, design, accesorizing, staging
D E S I G N S
call 512.423.6034
www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years | 69
BECAUSE YOU HAVE MORE IMPORTANT THINGS TO THINK ABOUT. The protection of your private assets and lifestyle requires a personal insurance team dedicated to your financial situation and goal. Time Insurance Agency’s staff of highly skilled professionals can provide a comprehensive insurance package to meet your needs. Time will identify comprehensive personal property and automobile policies, including homeowners, single or multiple automobiles and collections of fine art, antiques and jewelry. We provide advice on other important coverage for watercraft and yachts, farms and ranches, family offices, workers compensation for household staff members, executive personal risk management and commercial insurance. Time recognizes that your personal insurance needs extend far beyond indemnifying you against losses to your home or automobile. We have significant experience in developing strategies to protect the assets that you have worked so hard to earn. Time is dedicated to serving our clients’ personal insurance needs with the highest levels of professionalism, commitment and service. Our goal is to provide you the assurance that your family and assets are always secure.
Time Insurance Agency
800-365-6065 l 512-447-7773 www.timeinsurance.com 1405 E. Riverside Drive
Day Trippin’ Texas Hill Country Style
BESIDES FABULOUS SHOPPING, THIS SMALL CITY IS HOME TO HAMILTON POOL. ONE OF THE BEST SWIMMING HOLES IN TEXAS, THIS LUSH RETREAT IS A GREAT PLACE TO PICNIC AND SWIM.
Dripping Springs photo by john rogers
D
espite a reputation for being a flat wasteland, the beautiful and rugged landscape of Texas couldn’t be farther than the truth. Texas boasts mountains to the west and, closer to home in Austin, the breathtaking Texas Hill Country. The Texas Hill Country starts in West Austin and portions of San Antonio, and includes twenty-five counties to the west and south. The terrain is known for dramatic cuts, cliffs, mesas and boulders in limestone and gorgeous cuts of granite.
Local, handmade art and pottery, from functional to fabulous!
Metal Art•Glass•Wood•Sculpture•Jewelry•Pottery•Painting
Dripping Springs, a gorgeous area of the Texas Hill Country, is home to Hamilton Pool, one of the best swimming holes in Texas, famous for its cavernous limestone mouth and a waterfall that you can swim beneath. This lush retreat is a great place to be during the hot Texas summer. In spring, the countryside is just bursting with Bluebonnets, purple Winecups, yellow Primrose and the vivid Texas Paintbrush. If you get a chance and love a good drive, take the one-hour legendary Devil’s Backbone loop, which offers outstanding views of the four-hundred mile Balcones Fault. The magnificent views will leave your mouth agape and the route will take you past some of the most historic and beautiful cities in the region. So get in the car and take a day trip, Texas Hill Country style. You won’t regret it.
72 | www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years
4002 E. Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Tel: 512.894.0938 • SunsetCanyonPottery.com
DAY TRIPPIN’
The 4D Guest Ranch and Resort! Right in the heart of Texas! Conferences, Meetings, Family Reunions, Church Retreats, Hunts, and Indoor/Outdoor Weddings! Our guest rate us the best ever on personalized service, food, facilities and animals! Ranch tours to see over 30 species of deer and antelope and much, much more on over one thousand acres included in every package. We provide an incredible alternative for your typical corporate event, reunion, wedding or business conference!!! Your best spot for the F1 and X Games! 5 times the fun for far less $$$ than the big name resorts. Family owned and run for eleven years!
4168 County Rd 444, Waelder, TX 78959 Where: We are between Gonzales and Bastrop just north of I10. One hour drive from DT San Antonio, one hour from DT Austin, and two hours from DT Houston. Your perfect place to stay, meet, eat, and party! Say you saw us in Celebrate Austin and the first 250 sporting clays are on us!!!!
Contact us for a personalized quote for your event: Speak to Amy at 830-540-4447 E-mail us at info@4dgr.com Friend us at www.facebook.com/4-DGuestRanch See us at www.4dgr.com
photo by georgetown visitor center
Welcome to Georgetown G
eorgetown may be home to the Most Beautiful Town Square in
and the first Texas city to earn the Great American Main Street
Texas but that doesn’t mean we’re a bunch of squares. In fact, we’re
Award as well as the National Trust Award, you’ll be hard pressed to
anything but. So leave the stress at the office, the worry at home and
find a city that makes preservation look this good.
pack your bags for a weekend that fits perfectly outside the box.
In the market for something other than a pretty façade? Cuff your
From our “gotta have that” boutiques to our love-at-first-bite eats,
jeans, grab one of our bike share bikes and cycle on out to one of
our city is the perfect place to spend a day or a night (or more).
our local watering holes—Lake Georgetown, Blue Hole or San
We’ve been told that our windows encourage shopping so plan to
Gabriel River—where you’ll always find something fun to do. Indoor
discover just what you were looking for—and maybe a few things
adventure more your speed, why not head deep into the earth’s
that you weren’t. Shopped until you’re nearly ready to drop, indulge
core at the Inner Space Cavern for a lesson of prehistoric proportions.
your sweet tooth or sizzle your savory side at one of the 100 plus bars
Want to add few more happy hours? Take in a show at the Palace
and restaurants located on the Square and off.
Theatre or get cultural at the Art Center. Whatever your genre, we’re
Not a foodie or a shopaholic? No problem. We’ve been told that
sure you’ll find it here. Consider us Hill Country’s most beautiful
we’ve got a whole lot more to offer, starting with our Victorian
little secret.
architecture (#HelloGorgeous). As an award-winning community
74 | www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years
DAY TRIPPIN’
Tuscany in Texas
10587 E. US Highway 290 Fredericksburg, TX 78624 (830) 644-2710 • www.grapecreek.com
101 W. 7th Street (at the corner of 7th Street and Main) Georgetown, TX 78626 (512) 863-4020 • www.grapecreek.com
photo by b. mistich
Willkommen to Fredericksburg L
ocated just 70 miles west of Austin, Fredericksburg is located in
boutiques, art galleries and museums located along historic Main
the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Established by German settlers
Street, you can discover one-of-a-kind finds like custom cowboy
in 1846, Fredericksburg still rings true to its German roots.
boots, antiques, home décor, Hill Country Couture clothing and
With more than two dozen wineries and numerous tasting rooms
more. An added bonus: you can purchase a glass of wine or beer and
located in Gillespie County, and dozens more within an hour’s drive
enjoy it while you shop Main Street.
of Fredericksburg, Fredericksburg is well known as the epicenter
Once you’ve had your fill of Texas wine and shopping, soak up the
of Texas Wine Country. Take a trip down Wine Road 290 with any of
beauty of the Texas Hill Country with a hike to the summit of
the wine tour companies headquartered in Fredericksburg, taste
the nation’s second largest batholith (granite dome) and enjoy 360
Texas wine standouts like Tempranillo and Viognier, and enjoy one of
degree views of the Texas Hill Country at nearby Enchanted Rock
to Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
State Natural Area. Or if you’re looking to cover more ground,
With more than 70 restaurants ranging from low-key local barbeque to fine dining establishments that blend art gallery and Hill Country
explore the miles of paved rural roads in Gillespie County on a bicycle—the paved roads and minimal traffic make Fredericksburg
cuisine, as well as traditional German restaurants, there is something
an ideal cycling destination.
to please every palate.
After you’re explored the LBJ Presidential Library and the Lady Bird
While you’re here, leave plenty of time to explore Fredericksburg’s
Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, get the rest of the story on the
walkable downtown historic district. With more than 150 shops,
76 | www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years
nation’s 36th President, with visits to the Lyndon B. Johnson State and
we’ll toast to that
over 25 wineries and tasting rooms | museums & historic sites | peaches & wildflowers | German heritage | golf sophisticated shopping | festivals & events | eclectic art galleries | cycling | Hill Country cuisine | live Texas music
VisitFredericksburgTX.com | 866 997 3600 Texas Heart. German Soul.
National Historical Parks in Stonewall. Tour the “Texas White House”
seeds at the nation’s largest working wildflower farm, Wildseed
and the former president’s birthplace at the Lyndon B. Johnson
Farms, located just a few miles outside of Fredericksburg.
National Historical Park, and then visit the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site just across the river.
Another seasonal favorite in Fredericksburg are the Fredericksburg peaches, which can be found at roadside stands and orchards across Gillespie County each summer. Fredericksburg peach season
Fredericksburg is also home to more than 300 festivals and special
typically runs mid-May through mid-August. Looking for a hands-
events each year—including Oktoberfest, a three-day celebration of
on experience? A number of orchards offer pick your own peaches,
Fredericksburg’s German roots, that takes place the first weekend of
as well as other seasonal fruits and vegetables.
October each year; the Texas Hill Country Film Festival, which takes places the first weekend in May each year; the Texas Hill Country
For more information and a calendar of events, check out mobilefriendly www.VisitFredericksburgTX.com.
Food Truck Festival that takes place on the first Saturday in August each year at Luckenbach Texas; and more. That’s right, Luckenbach Texas, made famous by Willie, Waylon and the Boys, is only about 10 miles from downtown Fredericksburg. You can find live music in Luckenbach Texas 364 days a year. Each Spring Fredericksburg and the Texas Hill Country are blanketed with wildflowers; fields of Texas bluebonnets make a scenic drive through the Texas Hill Country even more spectacular. Visitors can walk through fields of wildflowers and even purchase wildflower
photo by b. mistich
FOODIES AND OENOPHIILES REJOICE! If “food” is your middle name and wine is your game, then the Cabernet Grill is your match made in heaven. Chef Ross Burtwell, author of Texas Hill Country Cuisine; Flavors from the Cabernet Grill Texas Wine Country Restaurant, not only serves up some of the most spectacular cuisine, but also has the largest Texas wine list in the country — with the knowledgeable waitstaff to go with it. Fresh ingredients sourced from local and regional growers. An elegant yet casual dining atmosphere. A deep-rooted passion for food and wine flowing from the kitchen. Welcome home!
830 990 5734
CABERNETGRILL.COM
17-CelebrateAustin-HalfPgHorz-6.75x4.6-Foodies.indd 1
78 | www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years
FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS 2/25/15 3:28 PM
Advertiser Index Premier Advertisers IFC Radisson Hotel & Suites Austin Downtown 1 The Domain 3 The University Co-op 5 Texas Star Digital 7 Schlitterbahn Waterpark 20-21 W Hotel Austin BC Allens Boots
Congress Ave. 26 The Old Bakery & Emporium 27 Wild About Music 27 Allens Boots
Kids 51 dragonsnaps 51 KidOshoe 51 Terra Toys
Historic Sixth Street 30 Bobalu Cigar Co. 30 Iron Cactus 31 Maggie Maes
Tour Austin 9 Busti’s Chamber of Wax 9 Lucky Lizard 9 Magnum Trailers 9 Austin Zoo 9 The Arabic Bazaar 9 Nature’s Treasures of Texas
Art 33 Robert Hurst 34 John R. Rogers Photography 35 Art on 5th Gallery 36 Artworks 36 Capital Fine Art 37 Wimberley Glassworks
Dining 54 Carmelo’s 55 County Line 58 Rudy’s 58 Mighty Fine 59 Austin Land & Cattle Steaks 59 Flores Mexican Restaurant
Outdoors in Austin 10 Shore Club Volente Beach 10, 11 VIP Marina on Lake Travis 10 Capital Cruises 11 Austin Duck Adventures Concierge 14 Austin Concierge & Guest Services Association 15 VIP Limo Services Sports 16 18 18 18 19
Texas RollerGirls K1 Speed Maggie Mae’s ROT Rally Basic IDIQ
Lake Travis 23 Shore Club Volente 23 Aquaholics 23 VIP Marina 24 Lake Travis Zipline 24 Harborside Rentals 25 The OASIS
80 | www.celebrateaustin.com • Celebrating Austin For 35 Years
Shopping 39 Magnum Trailers 40 Crystal Works 40 Things Celtic 41 austiNuts 42 Austin Gift 42 Karavel Shoes 43 Bead It 43 Zinger Hardware 44 Hatbox 45 TURQUOISE Trading Post 2ND Street District 47 Austin Rocks 47 Toy Joy 48 Eliza Page 48 The Bonneville 48 Austin MacWorks 49 Serve: Gourmet Gadgets & Goods 49 Daily Juice Café 49 Numero 28 49 Bang & Olufsen
Nightlife & Entertainment 62 The Dig Pub 63 Speakeasy 63 TenOak Kitchen & Bourbon House 63 Imperia 64 Maggie Mae’s 65 Coyote Ugly Newcomers/Business 67 Babs Livin’ Austin Realty 68 AIBA 68 Concrete Concepts 69 Linda Lee Interiors 69 Austin Relocation Guide 70 Time Insurance Agency 71 All My Sons Moving Day Trippin’ 72 Sunset Canyon Pottery 73 4D Guest Ranch & Resort 73 The Resort at Schlitterbahn 75 Grape Creek Vineyards 75 Grape Creek - Georgetown 75 Georgetown Convention & Visitors Bureau 77 Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau 78 Cabernet Grill 79 Grape Creek Vineyards