Let’s be honest, fellow Austinites. In a city where you could be paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake, catching a band at the Continental Club, or sampling the latest food truck sensation, do you really want to spend your precious weekend playing exterminator in your garage?

We didn’t think so.

Yet somehow, thousands of Austin homeowners find themselves doing exactly that—armed with store-bought sprays, watching YouTube tutorials, and ultimately feeding insects that seem to laugh at their DIY efforts.

The Great Austin Time Heist: DIY Pest Control Edition

Picture this: It’s a perfect 75-degree Saturday in Austin. The kind of day that makes people move to Texas despite our summer heat warnings. The breakfast tacos are calling. The hiking trails at the Greenbelt are pristine after the morning dew.

And there you are—in protective goggles and rubber gloves, contorting yourself to spray behind your refrigerator because you saw ONE cockroach three days ago.

This, friends, is what we call a “Texas-sized waste of a weekend.”

The average DIY pest control attempt takes 2-3 hours when you factor in:

• The research time (“Wait, are these termites or flying ants?”)
• The supply run to the home improvement store on I-35 (that’s another hour in traffic)
• The actual application (including the 20 minutes you spent chasing that one spider across the bathroom)
• The cleanup (and explaining to your partner why everything smells like chemicals)

That’s 2-3 hours you could have spent:

• Enjoying Austin’s 300+ days of sunshine at Zilker Park
• Sampling craft beers on Rainey Street
• Waiting in line at Franklin Barbecue (actually, the pest control might be quicker)
• Taking an impromptu road trip to Fredericksburg

The “Professional-Grade” Myth vs. Your Amateur Reality

Let’s talk about those store-bought pesticides you’re using. The packaging makes bold claims with scientific-looking graphics. The reality? They’re the pest control equivalent of bringing a water pistol to a gunfight.

Professional-grade pesticides used by companies like Romex Pest Control are:

• Up to 4x more effective than retail products
• Specifically formulated for Texas pests (because our bugs are special too)
• Applied with precision equipment (not the garden sprayer you also use for your plants)

Meanwhile, your DIY solution is essentially telling the bugs: “Hey, maybe consider moving next door if it’s not too much trouble?”

The “I Watched a YouTube Video, So I’m Basically Certified” Approach

There’s a reason pest control technicians go through hundreds of hours of training and certification. And it’s not just so they can wear those cool uniforms.

Romex technicians can:

• Identify the specific species invading your home (turns out there are 38 different types of ants in Austin alone)
• Locate entry points you didn’t even know existed
• Apply treatments with the precision of a Texas sharpshooter
• Create customized prevention plans based on your home’s unique construction and location

Your DIY approach, meanwhile, typically involves:

• Spraying everything that moves (and some things that don’t)
• Hoping for the best
• Being genuinely surprised when the bugs return a week later
• Repeating the process while questioning your life choices

The 60-Day Rule: Because Your Google Calendar Is Already Full Enough

Here’s a fun fact: Effective pest control requires treatment every 60 days.

Now, quick question: Without looking, what did you have for lunch last Tuesday? Can’t remember? That’s my point.

Life in Austin moves fast. Between work, social events, keeping up with new restaurant openings, and debating whether the latest condo development is ruining the city’s character, who has brain space to remember a pest control schedule?

You know what you will remember? The moment when you’re hosting a dinner party and a cockroach decides to make a guest appearance by your charcuterie board.

Romex’s regular 60-day service means:

• You never have to remember when it’s time for treatment
• Consistent protection through Austin’s changing seasons
• No gaps in coverage when pests are most active
• One less thing on your to-do list (which already includes “try that new East Austin bistro”)

Austin’s Unique Pest Challenges: It’s Not Just About the Heat

Living in Austin means dealing with some unique pest situations:

The Creek-to-Home Express: After a heavy rain, when Shoal Creek or Waller Creek rise, countless critters seek higher ground, often in your home.

The Live Music-Loving Pests: Our vibrant nightlife isn’t just attracting tourists and college students. All those outdoor venues and food trucks create perfect conditions for pests to thrive before they head to residential areas.

The Construction Boom Effect: Every time another mixed-use development breaks ground, the disturbed pests need somewhere to go. Guess where?

The Year-Round Growing Season: Our mild winters mean pests don’t take the same breaks they do up north.

Professional pest control companies like Romex understand these Austin-specific challenges. Your DIY spray doesn’t.

The True Cost of DIY: More Than Just Money

Let’s break down the real economics:

DIY Approach:

• $25-40 per product (which you’ll need multiple of)
• Repeated purchases as problems persist
• 2-3 hours of your time every month (what’s your hourly rate again?)
• The cost of replacing items damaged by pests between treatments
• The incalculable cost of embarrassment when friends spot bugs during your housewarming

Professional Service from Romex:

• Consistent, predictable pricing
• Comprehensive coverage for multiple pest types
• Zero time spent on application
• No need to store toxic chemicals in your home
• The peace of mind that comes with a guarantee

When you factor in the value of your time (especially in a city with as many amazing things to do as Austin), professional pest control isn’t just more effective – it’s often cheaper.

The “Keep Austin Weird” Approach Doesn’t Apply to Pest Control

Austin prides itself on being unconventional. We’re the city that embraces the unusual and celebrates the unique. That’s great for our arts scene, food trucks, and yearly Eeyore’s Birthday Party.

It’s less great as an approach to pest control.

This is one area where the boring, consistent, professional approach actually wins. Because while you’re out there keeping Austin weird at the latest gallery opening or craft brewery, Romex is keeping your home decidedly un-weird – as in, free from six-legged invaders.

The Romex Solution: Enjoy Austin, Not Insects

Here’s what happens when you let Romex handle your pest problems:

1. Initial Treatment: A thorough assessment and treatment of your current situation
2. Regular 60-Day Service: Consistent protection without you having to remember anything
3. Emergency Responses: Because sometimes pests don’t follow schedules
4. Peace of Mind: The knowledge that professionals are handling it
5. More Free Time: To debate whether South Congress has become too commercial or just enjoy a margarita at Güero’s

Your Weekend Plans vs. Pest Control: Choose Wisely

So, Austin homeowner, you have a choice this weekend:

Option A: Spend hours researching, shopping for, and applying ineffective pesticides while muttering under your breath about the resilience of Texas insects.

Option B: Call Romex, schedule a treatment that actually works, and then head out to enjoy everything that made you want to live in Austin in the first place.

Consider this: No one on their deathbed ever said, “I wish I’d spent more time spraying for ants.”

But they might say, “I wish I’d enjoyed more Austin sunsets from the Oasis deck” or “I wish I’d caught more shows at the Saxon Pub.”

Let Romex fight the bugs. You focus on living your best Austin life.

Because in a city with BBQ this good and music this vibrant, spending your time on DIY pest control isn’t just ineffective—it’s practically unpatriotic.

Check out Romex today, because the only creatures you should be chasing in Austin are food trucks.

The post Let Romex Handle the Bugs While You Handle Austin’s Fun appeared first on 365 Things Austin.

Here’s just a selection of some of Austin’s offerings to create the wedding of you and your spouse-to-be’s dreams.

Jewelers

Because you have to start with the ring…

Bell & Bird

Bell & Bird specializes in vintage, one-of-a-kind jewelry from the 18th and 19th centuries, but they also have an in-house design studio where you can shop their vintage-inspired rings and jewelry, from engagement rings to wedding bands to wedding day gifts.

Eliza Page

Full disclosure: This is where my fiance got my engagement ring, and I could not be more in love with it. He had a family stone he wanted to use, and they helped him create a design he knew I would love. Eliza Page also offers full custom services or ready-made engagement rings and wedding bands.

Five Star Jewelry

Five Star Jewelry has been in Austin for more than 26 years, offering custom services and ready-made engagement rings and wedding bands. They also have several options with unique stones should you want something other than a diamond.

Korman Fine Jewelry 

This local jeweler has been a go-to in Austin since 1973. The staff here is incredibly knowledgeable and can show you a curated assortment of engagement rings and what their website says is the best selection of large stones in Central Texas. They have a global network of diamond suppliers and a great Austin story.

Venues

Springdale Station 

Once a train station, Springdale Station is a unique venue that is a beautiful setting for an urban wedding. There is a ton of indoor and outdoor space—so it’s great for planning for unpredictable weather, and there is ample parking, too. The modern fixtures of the historic space make it a super versatile backdrop.

The Grand Lady

This historic mansion venue was originally built in 1881 as a wedding gift to William Wallace Walton and his wife from her father. Now, The Grand Lady welcomes other couples to start their lives together with space to get ready, multiple options for the ceremony and reception, and the ability to host large or small weddings.

The Retreat at Balcones Springs

This truly is a retreat 45 minutes north of Austin, featuring nine venue options, on-site accommodations, and activities for you and your guests, such as hiking, swimming in the lake, and more, should your wedding be a weekend-long getaway spent reliving your summer camp days. On-site accommodations include cozy cabins, adorable bungalows, and a “honeymoon suite” for the newlyweds.

800 Congress

Right in the heart of downtown Austin, 800 Congress is a raw space that you can customize to fit your vision for the day. The outdoor terrace is perfect for cocktail hour, and the industrial but polished space is great for couples who want a more urban wedding. Plus, it has views of the Capitol and the Paramount Theatre and is close to several downtown hotels.

Chapel Dulcinea

Is an intimate wedding more your style? Chapel Dulcinea has made a name for itself for its gorgeous microweddings and elopements. The chapel can host 12 guests seated or up to 35 standing. Plus, it’s free to get married there Monday–Thursday during certain windows, or at low cost during evenings and weekends.

Food and Drink

Contigo Catering 

Contigo Catering has been around since 2014, when it was initially part of a partnership with the Contigo family ranch in Fredericksburg and Contigo restaurant. Now they are a separate business and a great way to give your guests a real taste of Austin. They offer everything from fried chicken with caviar to raw bars and fire tables! They can also coordinate food trucks for your wedding to complement their spread.

MML Hospitality 

MML is the famous hospitality group behind some of Austin’s most beloved restaurants—Jeffrey’s, Perla’s, Swedish Hill, Pool Burger, and June’s, just to name a few. And naturally, they have a catering operation that delivers the same high caliber of service and food. Their full-service catering brings the details people love from each of their locations to events of any size all over Texas.

Word of Mouth

Word of Mouth, acquired by MML in 2023, has been a culinary fixture in Austin for over 30 years. They have an array of services, including buffet dinners, seated dinners, and everything in between. After meeting with one of their event planners, they help determine the best options for your event, factoring in the venue, menu, rental choices, and duration. They are a tried and true choice for larger events.

Beauty

Oasis Face Bar

For the bride and groom, Oasis Face Bar offers a tailored package that includes luxurious touches like champagne for the bride, creating a relaxing, indulgent experience. Bridal parties can also celebrate with a unique twist on traditional bachelorette parties, enjoying facials together while sipping champagne and bonding before the big day. With a variety of custom treatments and packages designed for weddings, Oasis Face Bar helps you achieve glowing, flawless skin and a memorable experience for you and your loved ones.

Rentals and Decor

Loot Rentals

Loot Rentals is an event rental company that is every design-loving couple’s dream. They bring a specially curated collection of furniture and décor that blends vintage and new in a modern way. From lounges and bars to dining tables and chairs, let Loot form the backdrop to your most treasured memory.

Bee Lavish

Does your ceremony or reception space need an extra something? Bee Lavish has several arch options available, as well as backdrops, seating such as couches, rugs, tables, and more for rent to give your wedding a style that’s your own.

Bridal Boutiques

Blue Bridal Boutique

Blue Bridal in South Austin started after a bride saw a need for a boutique where every bride could find a dress in her price range. Now, they offer made-to-order gowns ranging from $1,500 to $7,000. Brides can make an appointment and bring up to five guests.

Unbridaled

Featuring designers from across the world, Unbridaled looks for unique dresses across a variety of styles. Since opening their Austin location in 2005, they’ve expanded into Houston and New Orleans with dresses starting at $1,000 and going up to $10,000. Brides can bring up to three guests to their appointment.

a&bé bridal shop

The Austin location of a&bé wants wedding dress shopping to be fun, creating a space where brides can relax and celebrate. Brides can also see what the shop has in stock on the shop’s Pinterest page, with price ranges for each designer. Appointments require a $25 hold, and brides can bring up to four guests. Gowns range from $1,200 to $3,000+.

Blush Bridal 

Blush Bridal Lounge has a great shop on North Lamar with a wide selection of bridal gowns and accessories by the biggest designers and local and indie artisans. Appointments are required and run 1.5 hours long. You can have a total of five guests, including the bride—so choose your party wisely.

Photographers and Videographers

That’s Amoré Films

That’s Amoré Films can give your wedding a cinematic touch. Owner Anthony DiFonzo has been producing wedding films for more than nine years, creating films and highlight reels that are unique and elegant. Having a destination wedding? That’s Amoré Films will film elopements and weddings worldwide.

Nikk Nguyen Photo

Nikk Nguyen and the photographers at Southern Love Studio deliver timeless, photojournalistic-style photography for your big day. Nguyen has over 200 reviews for his wedding photography and is passionate about capturing candid moments.

Amanda Jackson Photography

Amanda strives to capture the magic and invites authenticity while documenting the essence of your special day. With comfortable vibes and lots of laughter, she specializes in moments. She captures not only posed and candid moments of your day but also the way you felt.

Aurelia Baca Photography

Aurelia Baca is a climate and weather scientist turned wedding and elopement photographer who works in Austin and Denver. Her work has been published in the New York Times, Junebug Weddings, HuffPost, Greenwedding Shoes, Brides of Austin, and more. She specializes in luxury, candid photography with a fine art touch.

Entertainment

The Nightowls

If you want to guarantee your guests have a fantastic time and stay on the dance floor, hire The Nightowls, a popular Austin band known for their dynamic covers and uplifting live performances. They’ve been performing at weddings and other events for over a decade and are total pros.

Look No Further Entertainment 

This company handles everything to create the vibe of your wedding—from a DJ, audio equipment for the ceremony and toasts at the reception, dance lighting, and concert grade equipment to even a photo booth.

Quick Draw Photo Booth

It’s hard to describe the experience that Quick Draw Photo Booth adds to a wedding but, trust us, it’s hilariously entertaining, and your guests will love you for it. They’ll jump into a tent and pose for photos and drawings while also singing karaoke, while a guy with a headset microphone does stand-up comedy—all at the same time. The drawings and photos are great favors, too.

Special Touches

EloteAmo 

Looking for a unique, interactive food experience at your wedding? EloteAmo brings a made-to-order elote bar to your big day, perfect for a cocktail hour or a late-night snack. Their eloteros serve up cups of fresh Mexican street corn, with each guest choosing their perfect combination of toppings and sauces from a selection curated by the bride and groom (and yes, Hot Cheetos are an option!). Whether guests keep it classic with cotija and lime or go all in with bold flavors, every cup is built just the way they like it. Great weddings have great food, and EloteAmo is here to make sure yours is no exception!

Vinyl Record Guest Book From After The Tone

Let your guests leave you a “voicemail” on a vintage-style phone that After the Tone then turns into a vinyl record. Couples get to pick their style of phone, which is then shipped directly to you before the wedding. Just ship it back afterward, and you’ll have a personal vinyl of all your voicemails in just a few weeks.

Champagne Trailer From Silvercloud Trailer Events

Silvercloud’s 12-foot trailer serves perfectly chilled champagne, rosé, and other wine varietals from four beverage taps on the side. Plus, it’s a great photo opportunity for guests.

If you’d like to be included in our wedding guide, please reach out to dorothy@365thingsaustin.com.

The post A Guide To Planning A Wedding In Austin appeared first on 365 Things Austin.

Join Nuun, 5RUN2, and Cooldown Running for a morning of muuvment and celebration on Saturday, April 5th from 8 a.m. – noon at Brewtorium (6015 Dillard Cir A, Austin, TX 78752!) This event is open to the public, and all clubs. 

There will be ASL interpreters onsite to assist with communication.

Register for free here!

What to Unexpect 

• A sweaty workout that will leave you feeling energized and accomplished
• Roughly 90 minutes of active movement time (broken out into two sessions)
• Nuun, live screen printing by Kong Printing, and customized chain stitching by DoubleVision

What’s at Stake?

• A $500 cash prize for the winner and $500 donated to their non-profit partner of choice. Not to mention Nuun for a year and other goodies! 
• A $100 cash prize for the most spirited attendee

What Should I Bring?

• Your motivated self, decked out in your workout gear (and shoes) ready to move! 
• A water bottle (we’re striving to reduce single-serve cups at this event)

Event details

When: Saturday, April 5th, 8 a.m. – noon

Where: Brewtorium at 6015 Dillard Cir A, Austin, TX 78752

How: Register for free here

The post Nuun Unexpectercise is a Free Surprise Exercise Experience appeared first on 365 Things Austin.

Located at Adventure Island in Leander, LTZA is a three-hour guided adventure with five of the fastest and longest ziplines in Texas—ranging from 300 feet to over 2800 feet. In between gliding across beautiful canyons and soaring over Lake Travis, zipliners will take nature hikes through the Texas Hill Country with two professional guides.  

Each adventure includes all necessary equipment, boat transportation, and bottled water throughout the tour, with additional all-day access to a private lakefront property where you can picnic, play games, or relax in a hammock.

Reservations and closed-toe shoes are required, and sunscreen is recommended. Zipliners of all ages must weigh between 70–250 lbs. For more information, click here.

When: Wednesday–Monday 

Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Extended hours will be available during Spring Break!) 

Location:
14529 Pocohontas Trail
Leander, TX 78641

The post Lake Travis Zipline Adventures Is Open For The Season appeared first on 365 Things Austin.

It’s open weekends March 1st through April 20th! Go back in time to the legendary realm of England’s Sherwood Forest in the pivotal year 1189, where they will meet historic figures and legendary creatures in a fully immersive, natural environment.

The lush, wooded grounds feature over 100 permanent buildings, including stages, pubs, merchant shoppes, wedding venues, a fully functional castle, and more. A wide array of entertainments and diversions can be enjoyed, with over 150 performances by more than 40 stage acts each day, including full-contact jousting, falconry, comedians, jugglers, musicians, and other shows for both children and adults. As guests wander the lanes, they may encounter fairies, peasants, or Robin Hood, Little John, the Sheriff of Nottingham, and even Richard the Lionheart himself.

Sherwood Forest Faire is home to one of the largest collections of artisans in Texas. Sherwood hosts over 170 artisans and merchants offering goods including hand-blown glass, leather boots, historical clothing, swords & armor, mugs of wood, potter, and pewter, and more. 

Sherwood Forest Faire offers on-site camping and overnight accommodations. Primitive camping for tent campers, travel trailers, and RV enthusiasts is conveniently located on the fairgrounds. Guests may also choose to spend their weekend in royal style by booking one of five bedroom suites in the Great Hall of King Richard’s own Nottingham Castle. Reservations include admission to the Faire and must be made in advance. 

Ticket options include two types of season tickets and daily admission. Explore your options and plan your journey into the past.

The post The 2025 Sherwood Forest Faire appeared first on 365 Things Austin.

So how do you maintain your trees in Austin, TX? Here are a few simple steps you can take.

1. Trim Your Trees

Keeping your trees trimmed has many benefits besides just making your trees look amazing. Pruning helps remove diseased, dead, or overgrown branches that may be hindering the growth of your tree. Proper pruning keeps your tree growing healthy and strong while protecting it from unwanted diseases.

Did you know that younger trees require more trimming than older, more mature trees? You should plan to have your younger trees trimmed by a professional company every two to three years and at least every three to five years for more mature trees. You want to ensure a professional that adheres to ANSI standards trims them to avoid over-trimming or leaving open wounds that can lead to disease or pests. 

2. Fertilize Your Trees

Just like plants, your trees need the proper nutrients to grow and stay strong! Here’s a few types of nutrients your tree needs to stay healthy.

• Potassium
• Nitrogen
• Phosophorus
• Magnesium
• Calcium

You want to avoid fertilizing during the hot summer months because your trees get more stressed with the drought and heat. The ideal time is spring or when Austin is expecting a nice rain, which will help wash the nutrients into the root system.

If you have no experience in this field (most don’t) we recommend consulting with an arborist to evaluate your trees and create a treatment plan specific for your trees’ unique needs.

3. Water Your Trees

Now this one seems pretty obvious, right? However, there is still a science behind when and how frequently to water your trees in the Central Texas climate. Proper watering will encourage root growth and give your trees the love they deserve.

Younger trees need more frequent watering because their branches and trunk are thinner and can’t hold as much water as mature trees. The older the tree gets, the longer it can go in-between waterings because their branches and trunk can hold more water.

When it’s hot and dry out, we recommend deep watering a few times a month to keep them satiated. A deep watering is much more effective than more frequent light watering because it gives the roots a chance to absorb as much water as possible.

4. Mulch Your Trees

Mulching your trees keeps them protected from pests, weeds, and during severe weather. You should mulch your trees once a year about two to four inches high. You don’t want to mulch any higher than that, especially around the trunk, as it can cause problems for your tree.

5. Monitor Your Trees For Diseases

Lastly, here’s a list of common diseases that can affect your trees in this region of the world.  

• Oak Wilt – This is a big one. If left untreated your precious Oak can die. Common symptoms to watch out for include: Leaf discoloration, dead branches in the upper canopy that progress downward and trees showing sudden canopy loss over a period of months.
• Hypoxylon Canker Fungus – This causes severe decay of the tree’s structure, leading to branch failure or complete tree death. Symptoms include: Peeling bark with gray or black fungus patches underneath and leaves turning brown and dropping.
• Fire Blight – This can cause the branches to weaken and the health of your tree to decay rapidly if left untreated. Symptoms include: Leaves and blossoms turning brown or black, twigs and branches’ tips curling, discolored lesions, and damaged fruit that remains on the tree. 

If you think any of your trees are affected by disease, it’s imperative you call an arborist to diagnose the tree and come up with a plan to treat your tree. Leaving the tree alone can cause permanent damage and possible loss of life!

For more information, and to keep your trees thriving, click here to reach out to Tree Scouts. 

The post 5 Tips for Keeping Your Trees Healthy in Austin appeared first on 365 Things Austin.

That’s why we are launching a guide to the local shops we really love—as a resource for Austinites and visitors to find what’s truly unique in Central Texas. Just in time to get a jump on the holiday shopping season, check out our list of places where you can shop smaller and invest in pieces you can’t find everywhere else.

Vintage

MOSS

MOSS is the premier destination for luxury consignment in Texas. Established in 2010, MOSS offers a boutique experience with a curated selection of both high-end designer and popular contemporary labels that reflect current trends for women. Each piece is hand-selected and authenticated by their small team of highly trained fashion experts, guaranteeing authenticity. Visit MOSS Austin on South Lamar and shop designer vintage at their sister store, Garment Modern.

705 South Lamar Blvd.

Jewelry

Eliza Page

Eliza Page has been showcasing curated, designer jewelry from select artists since 2004. Our luxury jewelry collections emphasize quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship, and include custom pieces designed & finished by artisans from Austin, Texas and around the world.

229 W 2nd St.

Korman Fine Jewelry 

Locally owned and operated since 1973, Korman offers an Austin jewelry buying experience like none other. Immerse yourself in luxury with one on one consultation and on trend styling for everyday and special occasions.

5011 Burnet Rd., Suite 100

Books

BookPeople

BookPeople, Texas’ largest independent bookstore, has been a staple in Austin’s Community since 1970. Voted the Best Bookstore in Austin for over 20 years, BookPeople is known for their high-profile author events, locally curated gifts, outstanding coffee shop, and a team of friendly, well-read booksellers who love to make thoughtful recommendations for readers of any age!

First Light Books 

First Light is a lovingly operated, independent book shop that has quickly become the bookstore, coffee shop, wine bar, cafe you didn’t know you couldn’t live without. Tucked in the historic Hyde Park neighborhood in an old post office, they opened their doors in August 2023 and are open seven days a week.

4300 Speedway

Gifts

Slow North

Slow North, an Austin treasure, offers handcrafted, non-toxic candles and wellness products, all locally made with a focus on sustainability. Experience slow living through our beautifully crafted goods and weekly candle-making workshops, where you can create your own signature scent using essential oils. Expand your mindful living with Slow North.

2700 W. Anderson Ln.

Uncommon Objects

UO was born in 1991 as the brainchild of current proprietor, Steve Wiman, and his business partner at the time, Ed Gage. Steve and Ed grew the business from its original small location which housed 5 dealers to the larger space that the shop occupies today where 24 hardworking antiquers currently show and sell their treasures.

1602 Fortview Rd.

Austin Gift Company 

With over 150 booths stocked with merchandise provided by locals you will get a taste of all of what Austin has to offer. From handmade jewelry, stained glass, and soap to Longhorn, Keep Austin Weird and Texas souvenier merchandise. If you don’t need it, they probably have it!

Atown

Owned by true locals, this super fun shop on Burnet has a handpicked selection of unique goods. Shop Austin-themed gifts, novelty items, and T-shirts in the same space as local artwork, jewelry and accessories, and an assortment of playful novelty and gift items. They are proud to offer an array of items made in the USA and we support many locally made goods.

Sweets and Treats

Big Top Candy Shop 

Big Top Candy Shop has been a South Congress staple since October 2007. Decked out in antique circus memorabilia and dubbed “The Most Amazing Candy Store the World has Ever Known,” Big Top boasts a fully-functioning old-fashioned soda fountain and ice cream case, specialty chocolates and fudge, over 400 bulk candies, and over 3000 wrapped candies – from nostalgic favorites to new creations from across the globe. Satisfying the sweet tooth of kids of all ages, Big Top invites everyone to step right up and join our sugar-filled world!

1706 South Congress Ave.

Lammes Candies 

The fifth generation of the Lamme family continues the legacy of world famous confections with this full-line candy company offering more than 1,000 items. With seven stores throughout the Texas Hill Country, Lammes employees are willing and able to go the extra mile to deliver excellence and mouth watering confections to their customers. Keep a look out for their chocolate covered strawberries—seriously the best you’ve ever had.

5330 Airport Blvd.

Home

Wildflower Organics 

Wildflower Organics is a well-known Austin shopping destination. Located downtown, the store offers high-end furniture, accessories, gifts and a full line of natural bedding products. Masters of organic luxury, Wildflower Organics are retail pioneers with the foresight and integrity to keep it green without compromise to luxury, comfort, or style.

524 North Lamar Blvd.

Feather Your Nest 

Feather Your Nest has been serving the ever-growing and expanding Central Texas Area for over 30 years. Conveniently located in Central Austin, they have grown to become the standard of excellence, not only in luxury linens, but also in bath products, home décor, and accessories to dress your home from start to finish. They are proud to be unique in our designer relationships and custom ordering.

3500 Jefferson St., Suite 300

Apparel

Service Menswear

In the early nineties, Kirk Haines moved his clothing studio to a cabin on 1200 acres in Bee Cave, Texas. And, in 1993, Service opened two retail spaces within existing Austin stores. Soon after, the first stand-alone Service Menswear shop opened on West 12th street in downtown Austin. Service has now been a local fixture in South Austin for many years. The principal prerequisite for inclusion in the store’s well-edited product mix is that each item must be a good value, whether inexpensive or luxurious.

1400 South Congress Ave., Suite A160

ByGeorge

ByGeorge is an independent fashion and lifestyle boutique established in 1979. Headquartered in Austin and serving an international client base, we offer stylish and colorful customers a thoughtful curation of the world’s best brands. Rooted in the belief that great style can be both sophisticated and effortless, our stores are comprised of the distinctive perspectives and uncompromising quality of both established and emerging designers.

Kick Pleat

Since opening its doors in 2003 in Austin and expanding to Houston in 2016, Kick Pleat is once again expanding, this time to Dallas in late 2024. This modern boutique has a carefully curated selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories from both established and emerging designers, creating a unique fusion of sophistication and modernity.

624 North Lamar Blvd.

Music

Waterloo Records

Sometimes it’s hard to believe that this Austin institution is still hanging on, but we couldn’t be happier to see them on the list. Waterloo Records opened its doors in 1982, and while nearly everything about the music industry has changed since then, this charming record shop is still the best place in town to discover new music.

600A N. Lamar

Big Henry’s Vinyl & Gifts

Big Henry’s is the box office and retail space at Antone’s Nightclub, that carries classic Antone’s merch. They also specialize in rare, original vinyl pressings of soul, funk, blues, and rare groove. The little store is also a hang out for musicians, visitors, and locals alike. Relax and enjoy an Antone’s Famous Po Boy and cold beer over a shared love of the blues.

305 E 5th St.

If you’d like to have your business featured in this guide, contact dorothy@365thingsaustin.com.

The post The 2024 Local Austin Shopping Guide appeared first on 365 Things Austin.

Grapes & Rye LLC in Austin, is a prime example of this growing trend. Their driveway pop-up packages offer a fun and convenient way to enjoy premium cocktails at your home or event. Think of it as the adult version of an ice cream truck, but with a much more sophisticated selection of beverages.

Grapes and Rye brings the party to you with their innovative mobile tap trailer and expertly crafted cocktails. They specialize in elevating both corporate and private events across Austin.

Here are a few ways that a Mobile Tap Trailer can elevate your event. 

Celebrate the Love

Austin, a top destination for bachelorette and bachelor parties, offers endless entertainment options. For a unique and unforgettable experience, consider renting a mobile tap trailer.

Whether you’re celebrating at an Airbnb or another private location, a great way to kick-off your event is by bringing the bar directly to you. Companies like Grapes & Rye offer expertly crafted cocktails, custom whiskey tasting and mixology classes, perfect for creating lasting memories with your friends.

For the day of your ceremony, a mobile tap trailer is a creative new way to serve your guests drinks offering unlimited sparkling bubbles to celebrate the happy couple.

Spice Up Your Corporate Holiday Party

Looking for a memorable way to impress your employees and clients this holiday season? A mobile tap trailer can provide a memorable and enjoyable experience. Employees can mingle and relax while enjoying delicious drinks, creating a more relaxed and fun atmosphere.

The Benefits of a Mobile Tap Trailer

• Convenience: No need to worry about setting up a bar or hiring bartenders.
• Customization: Tailor your drink menu to your event’s theme and preferences.
• Unique Experience: Offer your guests a memorable and unforgettable experience.
• Flexibility: Mobile tap trailers can be used at various venues, from homes to outdoor events.

As the popularity of mobile tap trailers continues to grow, it’s clear that they’re here to stay. So, if you’re planning a fall event, consider adding a mobile tap trailer to your list of must-haves. It’s a fun, convenient, and unforgettable way to elevate your celebration.

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