Branch+Bird Home Interiors has opened in Davenport Village at 3801-D130, N Capitol of Texas Highway. Shop for curated home accessories, furnishings, and décor – and full service interior design. Perfect holiday gifts for this season. On Facebook at Branch+Bird
Junior League of Austin has kicked off its 39th annual Coats for Kids Drive, running through Dec. 1. Coats can be dropped off at any Jack Brown Cleaners through Dec. 1, and will be distributed to 30,000 kids and teens in Central Texas through Dec. 10. To donate $20 toward the purchase of a coat or to purchase a coat, go to jlaustin.org/coats/
Drive a Senior ATX has joined with Chariot and Senior Access to become one unified organization – Drive a Senior. The newly named Drive a Senior will continue to office at Tarrytown Methodist, 2601 Exposition Blvd, and Jill Skinner continues as executive director of the new, expanded coverage organization, which offers free transportation and daily check-ins and light home repairs for seniors. At driveasenioratx.org and 512-472-6339 to volunteer or for services
Mazur Coffee at 4207 Medical Parkway joins handcrafted coffee and tea with fashion, community, and connection with its Mazur Boutique. A Parisian-inspired space to meet friends, gather your book club, or scan a few emails in the indoor lounge or relaxed outdoor space. And holiday lattes are here: sugar cookie, gingerbread, or peppermint mocha – and don’t forget your almond croissant
Church of the Good Shepherd is sponsoring an Esperanza Community Holiday Open House at 760 Bastrop Hwy SB, Austin 78741 on Dec. 17. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Other Ones Foundation Board of Directors invite community members to gather for food, meaningful conversation, and to meet some of the previously unhoused residents of Esperanza Community. Members of the Church of the Good Shepherd will lead in singing carols, and guided tours of the community will be available. “Seven Acres of Asphalt” documentary will be previewed as well.
Fin’s First signs have gone up on three of Austin’s Thom’s Market locations, and new owner Rofin Maknojia will continue the long tradition of offering locally-sourced foods and products. Fin’s First Market locations are 1418 Barton Springs Rd, 160 E Riverside Dr, and 5901 Burnet Rd. See @finsfirstmarket
Rocco’s, your favorite neighborhood joint, has opened at 5001 Airport Blvd, with dinner menu now seven days a week. Cozy neighborhood Italian eats featuring handmade pasta, traditional antipasti, and fresh ensalata. Chef Owner Nic Ford comes from a long line of Italian immigrants and brings lots of family recipes with a twist of Texas soul, so come for dinner, come with date, sit at the bar, bring your family. See @Roccosaustin or Rocco’s Neighborhood Joint on Facebook
Shipley’s Do-Nuts put up a sign at Balcones and Northland at what used to be Prosperity Bank – and that is literally all I know, except that I love donuts (full disclosure: Alana speaking) and a Shipley’s within three blocks of my house is a big ol’ gift to me. I’ll report back soon, because Shipley’s is Coming Soon
Luby’s Café - Granger has opened at the Travis County Ned Granger Administration Building at 314 W. 11th St. This littler Luby’s is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday – and it “hits the nostalgia button,” says one Insta poster. See luby’scafegrangeraustin – eat in or order for pickup or delivery
Giving Tuesday is Dec 2, all of Austin’s chance to support Central Texas nonprofits with generosity, doing good, and monthly giving. I Live Here, I Give Here is the official community leader of Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving that has spread to more than 150 countries since 2012.
