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Downtown Retail Spotlight: Lomography Austin

Earlier this month, Lomography, an international store and community dedicated to analog (film-based) photography, opened an Austin location along Congress Avenue.

The Austin Lomography Gallery Store carries the entire line of Lomography products—cameras, accessories, camera bags, shirts and film. They also provide processing services for people to get their film developed, printed and scanned onto a disc. A couple times per week, they offer workshops dedicated to analog photography as well. All workshops include an instructional lecture, loaner camera and one free roll of film. A link to their workshop and event schedule through December is available here. In the New Year, the Austin Gallery Store plans to initiate a regular Happy Hour and DIY series to bring together Austin’s analog photography community.

While Lomography is a global entity with stores all over the world, the Austin Gallery Store stays true to the local culture of our city with their LomoWall, a wall of 4,500 authentic, colorful and beautiful photographs celebrating the city of Austin, all shot by local Austin Lomographers. Visit their location at 912 Congress Avenue to see the wall or to attend one of their photography workshops. 

(Photo credit: Lomography Gallery Store Austin)

 

Additional Holiday Events in Downtown Austin

Now through the New Year, downtown Austin residents and visitors have a plethora of holiday events to choose from in the heart of the capital city. Several events and details follow.

Ice Skating at Whole Foods

 Ice skating on the Plaza at Whole Foods is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for $10 an hour including ice skates. Additional holiday events will take place at the Whole Foods Market’s flagship store each Wednesday and Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. 

Holiday Window Walk on 2^nd Street

The inaugural 2^nd Street District Holiday Window Walk continues on the street, which runs alongside The Austonian, now through Monday, January 2^nd. Window displays have been created by students at St. Edwards University, and visitors to the district may vote on their favorite display. Finalists will be judged to win one of three scholarships provided by Silicon Laboratories. 

Build a Snowflake at Springbox

As part of the Downtown Stroll, Springbox, located at 708 Congress Avenue, created a window display that passersby of all ages can engage with to create their own unique snowflake. Visitors can use their mobile devices to dial into a free, 1-800 number to create their own snowflake and add it to the permanent window display. Participants receive their personally designed snowflake via text to share their creation with friends and family. 

Austin Tinplate Trackers

For the third year in a row, the Austin Tinplate Trackers "O" gauge model train organization has set up their layout in downtown Austin at 117 Lavaca across from City Hall. The display is free for viewing and is open Saturdays from 12 to 5 p.m. except Christmas. 

(Photo credit Texas Tripper)

 

Event Recap: The Austonian Holiday Party

Last week, residents and friends of The Austonian gathered in the 55^th floor Austonian Club for a holiday party. More than 150 guests enjoyed hors d’ oeuvres and spirits while taking in the brilliant views from the highest point in the city.  

(Photo credit: Caroline Mowry Photography)

Downtown Austin Event: Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

Austin holiday tradition the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar opens at the Palmer Events Center this Wednesday. In its 36^th season, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar offers a unique opportunity to shop for the holidays while celebrating and fostering Austin’s distinctive cultural identity.

Over 160 local artists and artisans will exhibit original work from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily from December 14^th to Christmas Eve, offering over 40,000 shoppers unique gift ideas and the opportunity to support Austin’s local economy.

To accompany the shopping, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar creates a complete shopping experience with live music, a dance floor, and a full bar.

For a full list of participating musicians, artists and merchants, and for more information about the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, visit the event’s website. 

 

Downtown Austin Restaurant Spotlight: Muscle Maker Grill

A new healthy lunch and dinner option has opened in downtown Austin. Muscle Maker Grill offers a variety of health-conscious American, Asian, Mexican, and Italian-style dishes. The menu features creative protein-based dishes, a wide selection of smoothies and protein shakes, as well as a range of vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Muscle Maker Grill began in the northeast, where Matthew DeLeon, the owner of the Austin Muscle Maker Grill location, discovered and fell in love with the restaurant and its healthy offerings. He decided to bring the concept to Austin, where he believes the restaurant will thrive amongst our health-conscious culture.

Austin is “such an active and healthy city,” DeLeon says. “I’m confident that Muscle Maker will complement Austin perfectly.” 

The first Texas location of Muscle Maker Grill is located at 9^th and Congress, only two blocks south of the Capitol. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekends. They also offer catering and delivery options.

For more information about Muscle Maker Grill and to view the full menu, visit their website. 

(Photo credit Brian Fitzsimmons)

 

Holiday Events in Downtown Austin’s 2ND Street District

(St. Edwards University's Holiday Window Walk Design Competition in the 2ND Street District. Photo credit Jessica Pages via CultureMap)

Every Tuesday and Wednesday from December 6^th through 21^st, Downtown Austin’s 2^ND Street District hosts “Deck the District” with food, entertainment and fun for the entire family.

Each week’s events include caroling, dancing,  Elvis sightings and more. 2^ND Street boutiques and businesses will host in-store parties with elves passing out bites and beverages throughout the District.

Deck the District begins this evening, and businesses in the district will donate 10 percent of sales from 6 to 9 p.m. to their chosen charities.

For more information and for the full entertainment lineup, click here.