Live Local

If you have children and you visit the Hill Country Galleria, do you ever leave without hearing the chanting, pleading and begging, “Mommy, we wanna go to the toy store! Toy store! Toy store!”?

That’s because HCG is home to Learning Express Toys of Bee Cave, the ultimate “neighborhood toy store” with so many fun games, nifty gadgets, educational gizmos and adorable plush toys it’s practically impossible to leave without buying something.

[Read more…] about Learning Express Toys: Living Local in the Lake Travis Area

Summer might be over, but with an average temperature of 80 degrees for October in the the Lake Travis area, the fun on Lake Travis and Lake Austin can continue well into the fall.

And when it comes to ways to enjoy the lake, fellow water warriors and board shop owners Dan and Holly Maxwell know a thing or two about boarding.

Wakesurf boards, stand up paddle boards, skateboards, cruiser boards — you name it — ROVE Supply off City Park Road at 2222 has it. If you’re in the market for a rental, like a kayak or SUP paddle board, the shop is ready to get you outfitted for some time on the water.

[Read more…] about ROVE Supply: A Local Hangout Style Board Shop

If you close your eyes and imagine what a barber shop should look like, chances are your vision fits Finley’s to a “T”. Finley’s Barber Shop, located in the Lakeway Commons Center, prides itself on finely crafted barbering services for all generations. In fact, they clip with such finesse and offer such a cool overall experience, they were voted Best Barber Shop in Austin Monthly.

Finley’s Barber Shop has multiple locations in Texas, but LT residents happen to be lucky enough to have one right here in the heart of Lake Travis.

[Read more…] about Finley's Barber Shop: Authentic Barbering in Lake Travis

If you went to your fridge and pulled out your vegetables, meats and cheeses — would you know where your food came from?

There is a huge push in many parts of the country to turn to more sustainable forms of farming, namely the local food movement, in areas like Portland, San Francisco and our hungry city of Austin. In this search for the freshest food grown the closest to home, many local farmers have stepped up to the task and are offering their harvest at area farmers markets.

[Read more…] about Lone Star Farmers Market: Local, Farm Fresh Foods for the Lake Travis Area

In my years living in and around the greater Austin area, I’ve had the chance of taking a few artsy classes like sewing, sculpting, leather working and digital print making. It’s always a great reason to get out of the house, get your hands a little dirty and learn a few new skills in the process.

That’s why I jumped at the chance to head over to The Art Garage in southwest Austin, where owner and resident art teacher Kelley Emmert is busy teaching classes from glass fusion to canvas painting, from mosaics to ceramic painting. Tucked away in a quaint little corner of a commercial park off 290, you can drop by to sign up for classes and art camps, or just walk-in and work on your own projects with the help of the experienced art staff on hand.

[Read more…] about The Art Garage: Explore Your Inner Artist