Explore Austin

Merfolk's Specialty Coffee

Merfolk’s Specialty Coffee on South Congress brings a whimsical twist to Austin’s café scene with its imaginative “Alchemy Bar” and myth-inspired drinks. The menu blends creativity with craft, offering playful options like the El Chupacabra mocha, the Nessie matcha with blackberry, and the elderflower-infused Mothman latte. Whether you’re grabbing a quick espresso or lingering over a custom creation, the welcoming “Alchemists” behind the bar make every visit feel like an experience. 

Idlewild Coffee

Idlewild Coffee blends specialty brews with skate culture in a tight and welcoming downtown Austin space. Tucked inside No Comply Skate Shop, it's a vibrant meeting point where expertly made cold brew, lattes, and cappuccinos…

Buying and decorating holiday trees has been a tradition since 1851 and today there are over 32 million trees sold each year in the US. Whether it’s an artificial tree or hand-picked from a tree farm, it can be hard to choose or find the right tree for you and your family. Use our comprehensive list to find the perfect tree for all your holiday traditions this Christmas in Austin. After all, it’s not officially the holiday season until you have found the perfect tree to adorn with light displays, ornaments, and garlands!

AUSTIN OPTIMIST CLUB

2813 San Gabriel St, Austin, TX 78705

The Optimist Club of Austin has been selling beautiful trees for Christmas for over sixty years, since 1952! Located at the corner of San Gabriel and North Lamar on 2813 San…

Photo courtesy of the Diner Bar

Crimson Creek Barbecue

Crimson Creek Smokehouse in Austin, Texas, is Pitmaster Marcus McNac's ode to a lifetime of barbecue passion. Raised in Lawton, Oklahoma, McNac learned the art at his uncle's juke joint, later evolving into the vibrant Crimson Creek. Named after his Muscogee Indian heritage, this spot infuses Oklahoma-style barbecue into Texas. McNac, a former athlete, faced the challenges of the pandemic head-on, launching his dream with a unique rub recipe. Assisted by his wife and mother-in-law, Crimson Creek thrived through social media, catering, and a food truck, bringing a distinct taste to central Texas.

Aster’s Ethiopian Restaurant

Aster's Ethiopian Restaurant originally opened in 1991, but the…

Franciscan missionaries introduced winemaking to West Texas in 1662. Fast-forward to today, and Texas is in the midst of a grape-growing and winemaking renaissance. The demand for locally produced, Texas-made wine continues to rise, and more and more vineyards are being planted in Texas every year because of it. It's also the perfect opportunity for a staycation because of all its relaxing qualities. Too hard to choose a winery to visit? Check out our list of wineries and vineyards and start drinking glasses of reds, whites, and rosés while visiting the gorgeous wineries across the Texas Hill Country!

24 Best Vineyards in Texas:

• Becker Vineyards
• Bending Branch Winery
• Calais Winery
• Driftwood Estate Winery
• Duchman Family Winery
• Fall Creek…

There are many benefits to working from home, but it also comes with its challenges. Check out these tips to help you be more productive during your workday!

Best Tips for Working from Home

• Start your morning with a walk around the block
• Avoid working in your pajamas all day
• Create a to-do list
• Have a designated workspace
• Set office hours
• Be in contact with your team
• Take regular breaks
• Turn off the TV
• Burn candles or use aromatherapy diffusers
• Stay off social media
• Meal prep and keep your fridge stocked with healthy snacks

Start your morning with a walk around the block

 Use this time as your “morning commute” to wake up and prepare for your day. Starting your day walking outside has proven physical and psychological…

Carnitas El Güero

Carnitas El Güero is a beloved spot in Austin, renowned for its authentic Michoacan-style carnitas. At their Stassney location, they serve a variety of traditional Mexican dishes that promise a taste of culinary heritage. The menu features highlights such as their signature slow-cooked pork carnitas, mushroom quesadillas, chicharrón gorditas, and doraditas—a dish of tortillas filled with carnitas and fried until crisp. They also have locations on Lamar in Austin and Bastrop, San Antonio, Dessau, and Kyle, catering to a broad audience across Central Texas. It's a must-visit for anyone looking to explore genuine Mexican flavors. 

Paprika ATX

Paprika ATX is a vibrant Mexican food truck located in Austin, Texas, known for its "Comida…

Celebrate warmer weather with a refreshing mocktail! Just because a mocktail is non-alcoholic doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Packed with fresh fruit, delightful flavors, and bright colors, these mixed drinks are just as exciting and tasty as any cocktail. Whether it’s for yourself or your kids, check out this list of the best mocktail drink recipes that you can make from the comfort of home! Best Spring and Summer Mocktail Recipes to Make at Home

• Arnold Palmer
• Blackberry Lime Soda
• Blueberry Ginger Cooler
• Cranberry Kiss
• Disneyland’s Mint Julep Copycat
• Hibiscus Iced Tea Sparkler
• Honey Blackberry Mint Mocktail
• Margarita Mocktail
• Mimosa Mocktail
• Moscow Mule
• Peach Bellini Mocktail
• Piña Colada
• Raspberry Mojito
• Raspberry Peach…

For families with young children, one of the most important decisions during Halloween is choosing the best neighborhood for trick-or-treating. While some may assume that wealthier neighborhoods hand out the most candy, there’s more to finding the perfect spot than property values alone. Factors like safety, walkability, and the number of families with kids also play a key role. 

In our list of Austin's best trick-or-treating neighborhoods, we looked at walkability scores, crime rates, and population density. Check out our top picks for the best places to trick-or-treat in Austin and enjoy a safe and fun Halloween!

Suburbs for Trick-or-Treating

Suburbs and planned communities make excellent trick-or-treating spots, as they typically have more…