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Texas has its fair share of spiky, thorny plants. Hearty cacti, tall Yucca trees, spiny succulents — these are the green growing goods that make planting in Central Texas so exciting.

When you’re on the search for a new collection of cacti to add to your landscaping, head to Living Desert Ranch. Just up Highway 71 in Spicewood sits this quaint greenhouse and shop run by cactus aficionado Darrell Dunton. You may have recognized their shop in Bee Cave but they have since moved onto this private property just a few miles up the road. The extra space has given the grower a lot of room to expand his operations and business.

[Read more…] about Living Desert Ranch: An Eclectic Cactus Shop in the Lake Travis Area

I’ve heard my girlfriends rave about Pure Barre for years, so I finally decided to experience it for myself. I’ve always been an athletic person, but due to a badly herniated lower lumbar disc (L5), the past six months have been harrowing to say the least.

Thanks to time, patience and physical therapy, I’m finally working out again. So I connected with Pure Barre owner, Denyse Kroll, who is the happy face behind the bar at the Lakeway studio located at 2300 Lohman’s Spur.

[Read more…] about Pure Barre in Lakeway: Transform Your Body

If you live in Lake Travis, you’ve probably experienced the thrill of Games2U. This mobile entertainment company has forever transformed the event world with on-the-go gaming for kids and adults. Their motto is “We’ll bring out the kid in anyone.” Yep, they nailed it.

Games2U, founded in Austin in 2007, was already seeing a lot of success with their gaming concept when they garnered national attention by appearing on ABC’s Shark Tank in 2011. Brothers and owners Stuart & David Pikoff walked into the tank and pitched their investment deal to entrepreneurial moguls Kevin O’Leary, Jeff Foxworthy, Barbara Corcoran, Daymond John and Robert Herjavec. They went back and fourth, but eventually the brothers declined the offer on the table and continued building the business themselves. I would say they made the right decision.

[Read more…] about Games2U: Mobile Gaming Utopia in Lake Travis

There’s a colorful new party supply store that has made its home in The Hill Country Galleria. Welcome to Party Couture, your one-stop-shop in the Lake Travis area for everything you need to get your shindig off to a great start.

Rows and rows of latex and foil balloons, from simple birthday balloons to Disney character-themed, you definitely have your pick of over 100 styles. A virtual rainbow of party goods, tables cloths, goody bags, and catering goods fill the aisles, ready to match with almost any color combination you might have.

[Read more…] about Party Couture: Party Supplies in the Lake Travis Area

“If you can count to four, you can play the drums,” laughed Tony Walsh when he saw my six-year-old’s eyes light up, enamored with the shiny drum set.

Walsh, one of the owners of The Musicians Woodshed asked, “Have you ever played the drums?” “No? Well, give it a go!” My son hopped on the seat and Walsh started teaching him the basics. Ten minutes later, my son was grinning from ear-to-ear, happily chanting “1-2-3-4…” and playing the drums. Rock on.

We had stopped by the Woodshed for an impromptu visit and immediately understood why it has such a stellar reputation. The Musicians Woodshed, located at 3698 Ranch Road 620 South, is more than a music store — it’s an experience. They offer something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned rocker or a classical pianist. The atmosphere is laid-back, fun, funky and very friendly.

[Read more…] about The Musicians Woodshed: A Store and School that Rocks Lake Travis