The good news is that there are so many Austin real estate options for when people need indoor protection from the sun in June, July and August. Relocating to Austin shouldn’t be postponed to avoid the hotter months. Our lakefront properties will be hopping as more people flock to the city’s water attractions. Austin probably has some of the most in-demand lakefront real estate in the entire state. For those on the commercial side of real estate, summer in Austin is a huge tourist season. Renting out investment properties is great business during these months.

Affordable rates and the fast pace of urban movement in summer mean homes for sale in Austin are very budget-friendly. Foreclosures can be snatched up, and downtown condos and other properties may become empty as people travel or return home. Downtown Austin changes its entire character with the loss of a large percentage of the University of Texas college crowd, creating multiple opportunities overnight.

So while the air conditioner might have to be cranked a little higher for a few months, Austin’s real estate market is much more forgiving than the heat. Prospective buyers shouldn’t let the temperature sway you; people are surprised by how fast they get used to it.

Swimming Holes

Barton Springs
Forget about the best swimming spot in Austin. Barton Springs may be the best swimming spot on earth. Cool, clear, and teeming with life, this 1,100 foot-long spring-fed pool is one of the largest non-chlorinated swimming pools in the country. Ducks, bass, crawfish, and double-crested cormorants splash alongside lap swimmers and UT students desperately working on their tans. Open year round. Subject to closure during times of heavy rainfall, Call (512) 867-3080. From Sam to 9am and 9pm to 1 0pm, you can swim, but there are no lifeguards on duty. From 9am to 9pm, the red-suited lifeguards will watch your every move. Closed 9am to 7pm on Thursdays for cleaning. Admission: Adults, $2.50 weekdays, $2.75 on weekends, 75 cents for ages 12 to 17 and 50 cents for 11 and under.


Hamilton Pool
Hamilton Pool Preserve. There are many reasons to visit this spot: a sand beach, a 75-foot waterfall and a huge rock formation that can be explored from the water or from a path that circles the pool. Hun¬dreds of cliff swallows live above the pool in tiny nests and are con¬stantly coming and going. The park also has good hiking trails and numerous species of birds. From Highway 71 in Bee Cave, take Hamilton Pool Road south 13 miles. Open from 9am to 6pm. No glass, camping, fires, or pets are allowed. Be sure to take drinking water. Admission is $5 per vehicle. The pool is usually closed to swimmers after heavy rains. Call (512) 264-2740.


Deep Eddy Pool
The huge shallow end, cool water, and massive cottonwood trees make this place a family favorite. Lap swimmers have their own pool, so the kids can frolic to their heart’s content without getting in the way of the serious swimmers. From May 24 to August 1 0, adult lap swimming will be available from 8am to 1 0am. Recreational swimming and lap swim¬ming available from 1 0am to 9pm. Admission: $2 for adults, 75 cents for ages 1 2 to 1 7 and 50 cents for 1 1 and under. Call (51 2) 472-8546. Located west of Mopac, north of the river at 401 Deep Eddy Dr.


San Marcos River
Tube it, snorkel it, or swim it. This spot is worth the 30-minute drive from Austin. Fed by San Marcos Springs, there are several spots that are fun to explore along this river. The falls just below Peppers Restaurant have long been a favorite of the locals. Wear a lifejacket, swim mask, and snorkel and float down the river a mile or two. The river is full of wildlife, including rare plants, turtles, and fish. However, the river has many cans and glass bottles in it, so be sure to protect your feet.


Sculpture Falls on Barton Creek
When the creek is flowing, this is an urban oasis. You’ll quickly forget you’re in the middle of town, as the waterfall drowns out the noise of the city. Located about 1.3 miles upstream of the Mopac bridge, the only way to get to Sculpture is by walking or cycling, which keeps the amateurs at bay. Curfew on city trails is from 10pm to 7am. Also remember that alcohol and glass containers are illegal in city parks.


Stacy Pool
This is the place to swim during cold weather. Heated by a natural warm spring, this pool has been around since it was built by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s. It’s not big, and there’s not a lot of shade, but it’s still popular, particularly with lap swimmers. Open 6am to 8pm during the week and noon to 7pm on weekends. During the week the pool is reserved from 6am to 8am for adult lap swimming and from Sam to 10am for swim team practice. Run by the city’s aquatics department (512) 476-4521. Admission is free. Located at 800 E. Live Oak


Krauss Springs in Spicewood
This is one of the best, least-known swimming spots around. Privately owned, Krause has a regular cement swimming pool as well as a rustic swimming spot on Little Cypress Creek. Overnight camping is available. Take Highway 71 west to Spicewood. Once you get into the small town, look for the signs to Krause Springs on the right. Call (210) 693-4181 for more information.


Hippie Hollow
In addition to being one of the best places on earth to see the rare black-capped vireo, a federally protected songbird, Hippie Hollow is one of the few public swimming spots in Texas where clothing is optional. Located on Lake Travis, the swimming here isn’t as good as some of the other parks on Lake Travis, but it’s still an interesting stop. No one under 18 admitted. Admission: $5 per vehicle. Open from Sam to 9pm. No camping, cooking, glass or pets. From FM 620, go west 1.5 miles on Comanche Trail just past the Oasis Restaurant, at 7000 Comanche Trail. Call Travis County Parks Department, (512) 473-9437.


Blue Hole in Georgetown
Blue Hole in Georgetown. Located on the San Gabriel River, this spot is underdeveloped, but worth the effort. A small dam near the Austin Avenue bridge keeps water in this stretch of the river year-round and there’s a grassy area on the riverbank that’s good for picnics. From the Williamson County Courthouse in Georgetown, go north on U.S. 81, (Austin Avenue), turn left on 2nd Street then right on Rock Street to the river. Admission is free.


Blue Hole in Wimberley
Located on Cypress Creek one quarter mile east of the town square, this privately owned campground/swimming area attracts people from all over Central Texas. Rope swings hang from the huge cypress trees that line the spring-fed creek. Admission for a group of up to five costs $50 for a seasonal membership plus $1 per head; for more than five people, admission is $3 per person plus the seasonal membership. Day use hours are 9am to 7pm. No pets are allowed for day use. No minors without parents. No glass. Camping is available with fees starting at $15 per night, plus a weekly membership for an additional $15. Kid friendly.
Call (512) 847-9127.

Parks & Greenbelts

Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center
A trip to the LBJ Wildflower Center is educational and fun. You can hike around the grounds, and if you go in April when the flowers are blooming, it’s awesome. There is also a huge rainwater collection system built in that is inspiring to learn about. A butterfly garden was recently added, and there is an area where plants are grown in groups, so you can learn to identify them easily.


Zilker Park
Zilker Metropolitan Park is Austin’s premier park. It is located along the shores of Lady Bird Lake, with beautiful Barton Springs running through the center. From fine art to hiking trails, swimming to environmental education, this park has it all.


Pease Park
Open from early morning until 10:00 PM, the park is frequented by University of Texas at Austin students. Every spring, it plays host to the annual Eeyore’s Birthday Party celebration, a favorite event for Austin’s hippie subculture dating back to the 1960s. The park is located at 1100 Kingsbury St. in Austin, Texas.


Shoal Creek Greenbelt
This part of the Shoal Creek Greenbelt begins at the north end of Pease Park and continues north to Sieders Springs at 34th St. There is an off-leash dog area from about 24th St. to 29th St.
Continued effort by Austin Parks Foundation volunteers is making a big impact on this area!


Onion Creek District Park
Onion Creek District Park is one of several parks in south east Austin that doesn’t tend to get much attention. The trail here follows along Onion Creek as it meanders its way towards McKinney Falls State Park, not far away on the other side of East William Cannon Drive. The trail starts at the waypoint “Trailhead”. A short spur heads straight to Onion Creek, but the main trail heads south paralleling the creek’s path. This is one of the best but little known dog parks in town!!


Windy Point Park
Windy Point Park was founded in 1980, by Bob Barstow and his family. Just a 30 minute drive from downtown Austin, the park is located on Comanche Trail Drive, 2 miles below the Oasis Restaurant on beautiful Lake Travis. Windy Point Park offers large shade trees on a natural grass lawn, which overlooks the wide open waterfront on Lake Travis. A few cool features at Windy Point, Courtesy carts to move your gear, Courtesy air to inflate rafts and mats, Free Wi-Fi and On-site SCUBA air fills just to name a few. Plus, they are open year-round, 365 days a year.


Mabel Davis District Park
Mabel Davis District Park is a large (50-acre) park featuring a skate park, municipal swimming pool, playground, basketball court, and picnic tables. This former landfill from the 40′s and 50′s has been completely cleaned up and is now a bustling good time for all ages.


Bull Creek District Park
Just north of the Farm Road 2222 exit and on the east side of Loop 360, Bull Creek is a small district park complete with a volleyball court and hike-and-bike trails. Picnic tables are available when your stomach calls and bathrooms when nature calls. The epicenter of Bull Creek is, of course, the creek. The creek is low in the summer months, but draws the most swimmers in the spring when rains fill the creek.


McKinney Falls
McKinney Falls is a popular and inviting respite from Texas’ bustling state capital. The 641-acre park features over 80 campsites, including developed (RV) and hike-in sites. Screened shelters, group shelters and a group dining hall are also available.
Outdoor recreation opportunities include hiking, mountain biking, bicycling, swimming, birding and wildlife observation. Onion Creek, which flows 1.7 miles through the park, offers both swimming and fishing opportunities. Fish species in the creek include perch, catfish and bass. Wildlife observation opportunities exist for armadillos, rock squirrels, white-tail deer and many bird species. During the fall, winter and spring, shorebirds and ducks are fairly common.


Emma Long Park
The 1,147-acre park named is Austin’s largest city park, and offers a variety of recreation opportunities — most notably, mountain biking. The steep trails of Emma Long Park, originally established for moto-cross motorcycle use, prove irresistible to experienced mountain bikers seeking to test their technical skills and endurance. The 9.13-mile bike course, consisting of steep and rocky single-track, is accessible only to mountain bikers and moto-cross riders. Hikers and walkers can enjoy the 1.97-mile Turkey Creek Nature Trail.

Nearly two dozen RV campsites are available, as well as fifty primitive (tent) campsites. Facilities include restrooms with showers, a day use picnic area, and basketball and volleyball courts. Lifeguards patrol the swimming beach on Lake Austin during weekends and holidays from May 26 through September 3 from noon to 6 PM. A one-lane boat ramp provides access to Lake Austin, and one mile of Lake Austin’s shoreline is located within the park. All water recreation activities are popular on Lake Austin, including waterskiing, sailing and fishing.

Outside Activities

Mount Bonnell
With documentation as far back as 1850, Mount Bonnell is one of Austin’s oldest tourist attractions. It’s the highest point within Austin City Limits at 785 feet, but is actually smaller than Mt. Larson directly across Lake Austin from Mt. Bonnell but located in West Lake Hills. It’s a great place to picnic, and has some of the best views of Lake Austin and the Pennybacker or 360 Bridge as well as downtown. There is a legend that Mt. Bonnell was once called Antoinette’s Leap, named after a damsel who leaped to her death to avoid capture from Indians that killed her lover, who fought to his death to defend her.


Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trails
Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trails stretch along the lake and contains more than 10 miles. The main trail, which winds around the entire lake, is the most popular in town. It was first built in the 1970s and is the city’s largest trail designed for runners and peddelers. The main trail is quite wide and extremely popular, especially on the weekdays after work and on the weekends. Many locals bring their dogs out for a jog or walk. There are other trails that branch off the main one. The trails are smooth, primarily flat, and mostly made of crushed granite (with a few areas of concrete).


Explore Lady Bird Lake with a Kayak or Canoe
Because the lake is very calm and placid, it is a popular place for kayaking, rowing and canoeing. You can rent paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, and other gear from companies on the lake. Motorized boats and jet skis are not allowed on Lady Bird Lake, and neither is swimming.


Standup Paddle Board
Austin’s top paddle spot is Lady Bird Lake (aka Town Lake). Since no motorized boats are allowed on this lake, it’s a dedicated playground for human-powered crafts. The lake flows for about seven miles through the heart of Austin allowing paddlers to be in the downtown action while having their toes in the water. Few sights can match the serene beauty of a sunset paddle on Lady Bird Lake in late summer. The buildings downtown glow with the reflection of the setting sun in the west, all mirrored in the glass smooth waters under foot.


Play Disc Golf
This city is jam-packed with courses, one of the most popular is probably Zilker Park – they do seem to encompass all of Austin’s favorite outdoor activities. You do not have to be a God Given Athlete to have fun. Check with the city’s park web page for a full listing of all the disc golf courses in town. While Zilker may be the most popular, it’s also a fairly easy course. Other courses like Circle C and Mary Moore Searight are much more technical.


Full Moon Swim At Barton Springs Pool
To experience Barton Springs Pool like a true Austinite, you must take part in at least one “Full Moon Swim.” During every full moon at 9:00 p.m., when pool admission becomes free, the grounds are suddenly taken over by swimmers, dancers and people that like to howl at the moon. For this hour before closing on full moon nights the pool becomes an all-out pool party that is so Austin you have to see to believe.


Moon & Stargazing at Wild Basin Preserve
Several months of the year, Austin Astronomical Society members and Wild Basin volunteers conduct special astronomy tours at Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, weather permitting. On an evening when the Moon is a crescent, there may be a “Star Gazing” tour. On an evening at or near the full Moon, there may be a “Moonlighting” tour. Members of the Austin Astronomical Society volunteer telescopes for viewing at many of the Wild Basin Astronomy Tours.

Tour admission is $5.00 per adult. The proceeds benefit Wild Basin.


Volente Beach
Volente Beach has gotten a facelift and a new name. Shore Club Volente Beach or SCVB for short is located on the shores of Lake Travis and is the perfect getaway for children and adults alike on a hot summer day. They have pools for children and an adult only pool with a swim up tiki bar. Also, their own sandy beachfront and 3 volleyball courts (2 lighted, 1 not).

Local Sports

Texas Football
Nobody knows football like the great state of Texas and there isn’t anywhere better to see a big time game than DKR Texas Memorial Stadium. The Texas Longhorns are regulars in the top ten at just about every college sport and have many National Championships across the board. Some say “you haven’t experienced football until you attend a Texas game”. Come Early, Be Loud, Stay Late!!
Texas Basketball
Texas is a football state but don’t say that to Texas Basketball coach Rick Barnes. Since coming to Texas in April 1998 he has guided the Horns to a school record twelve consecutive NCAA tournament appearances and a school-best twelve consecutive 20-win seasons as of February 6, 2011. With Barnes’ knack for recruiting superstar talent like T.J Ford, LaMarcus Aldridge and now two-time NBA scoring champ Kevin Durant; you can always count on seeing some of the best college b-ball in the country.
Texas Longhorn Baseball
You want baseball? Then you won’t want to miss a Longhorns Baseball game at the newly renovated UFCU-Disch-Falk Field. The Texas Baseball program is the winningest program in college baseball history in terms of winning percentage and ranks 2nd in total wins with over 3000. The Horns hold the record for most appearances and games won in the College World Series and their six NCAA National Baseball Championships rank 2nd only to USC. Texas Baseball has sent many superstars to the majors including Roger Clemens and Greg Swindell just to name a couple. Root, root, root for the home team!!
Austin Toros Basketball
The Austin Toros are the city’s semi-pro basketball team owned by the San Antonio Spurs. This is a great opportunity to see some young raw talent before they get called up to the big leagues. There’s never a dull moment at a Toros game!!
Round Rock Express Baseball
Just 15-20 minutes from downtown Austin Real Estate is the city of Round Rock. Many consider RR and Austin to be one in the same. The Round Rock Express are a top class organization owned by Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan that plays ball at the Dell Diamond in RR. As a the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers you can catch some great young talent before going to the big leagues and also have a chance to catch some of the big leaguers finishing up rehab games before heading back to the Rangers. Friday night games end with a spectacular fireworks display and the Saturday summer concert series is always a blast with Live music immediately following the game.
Texas Ski Ranch
Have an appetite for wakeboarding, wakeskating, or skateboarding? Get on down to the Texas Ski Ranch located just 20 minutes or so south on IH-35 in New Braunfels. They have a cable, boat lake and skatepark. This is a great option for the boat impaired and a great way to spend the day!! From personal riding to huge Pro events like Cablestock, you will always have a GREAT time at TSR!
Waketoberfest
This is the granddaddy of all grassroots wakesport events. Started back in 1998 by the 360 Wakeboard Club, now just known as 360Wake, this event has grown every year. The early years found the event somewhat close to downtown on Lake Austin at Emma Long Park but after 7 years the event had out grown it’s home. Waketoberfest is now held at the massive, beautiful Pace Bend Park on Lake Travis. Pro, Outlaw riders and lake lovers ascend to central Texas for the last big blow out of the season. The event is held over the course of a weekend in October with the majority of the attendees camping out in tents, rv’s and tour buses. The main attraction of the event is held on Saturday with fun activities on land, boat demos from all the participating local dealers and Pro-style tournaments in wakeboarding, wakeskating and wakesurfing. You MUST experience this event!!

Fine Dining

Family Dining

Texas BBQ

Uncle Billy’s Brew &Que
6550 Comanche Trail
(512) 248-9583
1530 Barton Springs Rd.
(512)4760100

Blue Ribbon Barbecue
120 E. 4th St.
[512]3693119

County Line
5204 FM 2222
[512]3463664
6500 W. Bee Cave Rd.
[512]3271742

Franklin Barbecue
3412 N. 1-35
(512) 6531187

Iron Works BBQ
100 Red River SI.
(512) 478 4855

Lamberts
401 W 2nd SI.
(512) 1494 1500

Ruby’s BBQ
512 W 29th SI.
(512) 477 2529

Salt Lick
18001 FM 1826
(512) 858 4959

Stubb’s BBQ
801 Red River SI.
(512) 480 8341

Sea Food

The University of Texas’ Performing Arts Center and other world-class facilities attract nationally and internationally renowned artists and performers throughout the year, as well as Broadway shows. Concerts and public events at UT’s newly renovated Frank Erwin Center feature everything from the latest pop and rock artists and country music legends to the Ice Capades and the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus. During the basketball season the Erwin Center is also home to the nationally ranked UT men’s and women’s basketball home games.

The Newly constructed Long Center for the Performing Arts will serve more than 250 performing arts groups in Central Texas as well as area school children. The Austin Symphony, along with Ballet Austin and the Austin Lyric Opera, offer a variety of programs and concerts throughout the year. You’ll find music to suit your mood from Orchestral to intimate.

The Austin Symphony

Austin Lyric Opera

Paramount Theatre

UT Performing Arts Center

Ballet Austin

Esther’s Follies

Salvage Vanguard Theatre

Zachary Scott Theatre

The Baron’s Men

Proper send-off:
Use recycling bins and drop-off spots for responsible disposal

Evidence of Austin’s commitment to the environment is everywhere. Take recycling. Since 2000, the amount of refuse diverted from Austin’s trash has risen steadily, with nearly 30 percent of all trash now being recycled. With the new single-stream recycling system allowing more items to be recycled than before, that percentage is bound to increase. Since the program’s inception, however, many readers have expressed confusion about what new items can be recycled. Here, you will find information about what is accepted in the single-stream bins, as well as where to take items that are not.

What is new?
In addition to the paper, glass, metal and plastic containers that were recyclable under Austin’s old program, the following items are now recyclable in single-stream bins:

• Paperboard. In addition to corrugated cardboard, recycle cereal boxes, six-pack holders and other food packaging. Cardboard egg cartons also are accepted.

• Plastics. Recycle any plastic container (not bags) marked Nos. 1 through 7, including yogurt and margarine containers (must be clean).

• Wrapping paper (not metallic)

• Phone books

• Aerosol cans (must be empty)

• Bottle caps. Plastic screw-top and metal flip-top are both accepted.

• Shredded paper (preferably inside a paper bag or other recyclable container).

• Envelopes. Plastic windows are acceptable.

These items are not recyclable in the single-stream bins. When available, weve listed other options for recycling:

• Plastic bags. Most H-E-B, Randall’s, Target and Wal-Mart stores accept clean plastic bags, including shrink wrap from packaging.

• Foam. Cycled Plastics accepts Styrofoam (cups, egg cartons, take-out containers) and other kinds of foam for recycling. Foam-in-place, yellow foam with gray bagging is not accepted. Clean food residue from items first. Plastic foam take-out trays with any type of oil stain is not recyclable. If you have foam packing peanuts to recycle, bag them separately (shipping/mailing businesses sometimes accept foam peanuts as well). Drop off items at 10200 McKalla Place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Do not drop off on weekends. 339-8787.

• Foil, including foil food containers. Ecology Action, Ninth Street and Interstate 35. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.

• Pizza boxes

• Yard waste/leaves (set out for yard trimmings pickup by the city, which will recycle it into compost or mulch.)

• Food waste. For tips on composting, visit www.ci.austin.tx.us/sws/compost.htm. If composting is not an option, the City of Austin recommends disposing of food waste in the trash rather than the garbage disposal.

• Large metal items, including frying pans and large metal pipes.

• Large plastic items. Plastic containers must be gallon-sized or smaller.

• Wire coat hangers. Most dry cleaners, including Jack Brown and Ricks, accept metal hangers.

• Incandescent light bulbs. Dispose of in the trash.

• Wax-coated paper milk or juice containers.

• Wax paper.

Electronics
Many electronics, including television sets and computers, contain mercury and other pollutants and should not be disposed of in the trash if possible. If you are concerned about donating a computer that contains private data, visit www.statesman.com/lifeguide for information on clearing hard drives.

• Computers. Project Reconnect, a partnership between Goodwill Austin and Dell Computers, accepts computers and computer accessories, such as keyboards and printers, for recycling. Drop off items at any Austin-area Goodwill location. Goodwill Computer Works, 1015 Norwood Park Blvd. 637-7501, www.austincomputerworks.org.

• Television sets. Also accepted at Goodwill locations, or put on curb during Austin’s solid waste services bulk pickup day.
Ink jet cartridges

• Ecology Action, 707 E. Ninth St.

• Megabyte Express, 6500 Burnet Road. 452-8855. Helps groups such as the Humane Society raise money through cartridge recycling.

Cell phones
Cellular phones can contain pollutants, so it’s best not to throw an old or broken phone in the trash. Because functioning cell phones can be used to dial 911, they are sought by some charities. To erase the data on your phone before you donate, visit www.recellular.com/recycling/data_eraser to download model-specific, step-by-step instructions.

• Megabyte Express, 6500 Burnet Road. Allows donors to choose a charity to get profits from the phones value.

• SafePlace, 1515 Grove Blvd., Building D. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays.

• Cell Phones for Soldiers, www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com or any AT&T store

• Travis County Sheriff’s Office, 5555 Airport Blvd. Phones are donated to domestic abuse victims for emergency use.

Eyeglasses
The Lions Club places eyeglass donation boxes in various locations. For a complete list and information on how to get a box, visit www.austindowntownlions.org/eyeglasses_recycling.php.

• Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Eighth St.

• Senior Activity Center, 2874 Shoal Crest Ave.

• All Lens Crafters locations, including 2901 S. Capital of Texas Highway (Loop 360)

Magazines

• Check with your local hospital or health clinic. Seton Northwest Hospital, 11113 Research Blvd.; University Medical Center at Brackenridge, 601 E. 15th St.; and Peoples Community Clinic, 2909 N. Interstate 35, accept magazine donations. The magazines must be family-friendly and current. Seton Northwest does not accept magazines older than six months. The organizations also request that donations are kept small.

• The Carver, Oak Springs and Spicewood Springs branches of the Austin Public Library offer a magazine exchange program for patrons.

Fabric

• University Medical Center at Brackenridge Volunteer Services Office, 601 E. 15th St. 324-7584. Accepts donations of cotton or flannel fabric to make blankets and pillows for patients.

• The Senior Mitzvah Knitters of the Jewish Community Association of Austin accept donations of four-ply yarn to make baby blankets for the children’s hospital and other projects. Contact Lisa Quay, 735-8086 or lisa.quay@shalomaustin.org.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs

• City of Austin Hazardous Waste Facility, 2514 Business Center Drive. The facility is open from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays and from 7 a.m. to noon the first Saturday of each month. For more information, visit the Solid Waste Services Web site at www.ci.austin.tx.us/sws.

• IKEA, 1 IKEA Way (off Exit 256 on Interstate 35 North), Round Rock.

• Home Depot locations, including 1200 Barbara Jordan Blvd., 10515 N. MoPac Boulevard and 3600 S. Interstate 35.
Paint, motor oil, cleaning products

• City of Austin Hazardous Waste Facility, 2514 Business Center Drive (see entry above).

Additional resources

• Ecology Action, Ninth Street and Interstate 35 (southbound access road), accepts all items accepted by the City of Austin as well as foil and plastic bags during business hours. For directions and more information, visit www.ecology-action.org. Ecology Action has closed its centers in Manor and Cedar Park due to lack of funding. The Bertram location, a 24-hour station at the water tower off Texas 29, remains open.

• The Williamson County Recycling Center accepts used oil, scrap metal (including washed tin cans), cardboard, newspaper, aluminum, cell phones, plastic and e-waste, including computers, monitors, keyboards and cables. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays. (512) 846-2756.

By Peter Mongillo AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Sunday, April 19, 2009

At Austin City Living, we know that relaxing after a long day is important. But with the economy like it is we thought we’d share some great happy hour specials from some local favorites. Enjoy!

Eddie V’s Edgewater Grill
301 E. 5th Street
472-1860
www.eddiev.com
Sun-Mon 4:30pm til close
Tues-Sat 4:30pm-7pm
1/2 priced ahi tartare,
a Maryland crab cake,
Main lobster & shrimp bisque + more. $1 off drinks.

El Arroyo
1624 W. 5th Street
474-1222
www.ditch.com
Mon 5pm til close:
Burgers are 2 for 1,
and Tecates are $1 all day.
Tues 5pm til close:
Cheese enchiladas are 2 for 1,
margaritas are $1 from 2-6pm

Freddie’s Place
1703 S. 1st Street
445-9197
www.freddiesplaceaustin.com
Monday All Day:
$2 frozen margaritas,
well drinks,
Jack+Lemonade slushies & tall boys.
Tues-Fri 4-7p.m.:
$2 frozen margaritas,
well drinks,
Jack+Lemonade slushies & tall boys.
Mon-Fri 6pm-”until it runs out”:
free brisket & wings.

Imperia
310 Colorado Street
472-6770
www.imperia-austin.com
Sun & Mon All Day
Tues-Fri 4pm-7pm
Sat 5:30-7pm
$5 sea bass skewers (reg. $12.95),
$5 specialty martinis,
& $5 small plates (Black Angus rib-eye roll).

The Jackalope
404 E. 6th Street
469-5801
www.jackalopeaustin.com
Tues 1/2 priced pizza.
Wed 2 for 1 burgers,
including the fiery
4-chilies burger
& crimini mushroom burger.

Louie’s 106
106 E. 6th Street
476-1997
www.louies106.net
Mon-Fri 4pm-7pm:
1/2 priced appetizers,
20% off cocktails
& wines by the glass.
Sunday nights:
1/2 priced bottles of wine.

Manuel’s
310 Congress Ave.
472-7555
www.manuels.com
Every Day from 4pm -6pm:
1/2 priced appetizers
& $4 house margaritas.

McCormick & Schmick’s
401 Congress Ave.
236-9600
mccormickandschmicks.com
Mon 4pm til close
Tues-Fri 4pm -6:30pm
& 9pm til close;
Sat from 4pm-6:30pm
Sun from 5pm til close.

Parkside
301 E. 6th Street
474-9898
www.parkside-austin.com
Wed 5 til midnight 1/2 priced champagne & oysters.

Roaring Fork
701 Congress Ave.
583-0000
www.eddiev.com
Sun-Mon All Night
Tues-Sat 4:30 pm -7pm:
$6 green chile pork stew,
$8 giant hamburger,
$8 fondue with
lamb chops.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse
300 Colorado Street
495-6504
www.sullivansteakhouse.com
Thursday:
1/2 priced bar entrees,
1/2 priced cigars,
& $5 martinis at the bar
& lounge area.

219 West
219 W. 4th Street
474-2194
www.219west.com
Mon-Fri 5pm-9pm
Sat-Sun 6pm-9pm
1/2 priced appetizers from
6 themed menus,
martinis from $5,
select wine flights for $12.

Z Tejas
1110 W. 6th Street
478-5355
www.ztejas.com
Mon-Fri 4pm-7pm:
1/2 priced appetizers,
$1 off margaritas.

Austin is proud of its natural beauty and resources, like the Edwards Aquafer that provides abundant fresh water. Austinites have committed to living green individually and as a city. The results speak for themselves, and Austin is leading the way for other cities to follow.

Austin Among Top 10 Greenest Cities

http://northloop.14gram.com/austin-among-top-ten-greenest-cities

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003926617_greenaustin05.html

City of Austin Programs:

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/environmental/

http://www.austinenergy.com/Energy%20Efficiency/Programs/Green%20Building/index.htm

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/growgreen/

http://www.greenbuilder.com/general/articles/gbp.html

http://www.smartcommunities.ncat.org/success/austingn.shtml