Entertainment

Lions, tigers and … dinosaurs?

Zoocade offers interactive fun for the whole family Article by Julie Royce | Photography by Zoocade Zoocade, the first of its kind in the United States, opened its doors this past February. It offers an exciting, family-friendly experience with holographic zoo exhibits and arcade games. Located on Middle Fiskville Road, this unique attraction is quickly becoming a go-to destination for school field trips, birthday parties, corporate events and even date nights. "Zoocade was the highlight of...

Education

Breaking the mold

Texas Sports Academy reimagines education through athletics and AI Article by Julie Royce | Photography by Courtesy of Texas Sports Academy At Texas Sports Academy in the Lake Travis area, the traditional school bell has been replaced by a whistle — and a mission to revolutionize how students learn. Blending cutting-edge educational technology with athletics and real-world skill-building, TSA is one of several campuses launched by the 2-Hour Learning Organization that are turning the...

Local Services

Pet-friendly staycations

Luxe Texas stays for you and your pup Article by Julie Royce Pet owners craving a getaway that includes their furry companions need look no further than these three top-tier, dog-welcoming destinations — two within city limits and one along the Gulf Coast. Hotel Van Zandt, nestled in Austin’s Rainey Street district, offers a no-restriction policy on dog size, breed or weight — up to two pets per room stay free — and provides YETI dog beds and bowls through its amenity fee. Social media buzz...

Life + Culture

Paws. People. Partnership.

Donation drive supports rescue pets and local families Article by Julie Royce | Photography by Courtesy of Ally Medical ER Ally Medical ER is partnering with Austin Pets Alive! this August to host a donation drive benefitting animals in crisis. The initiative reflects a growing alliance between the physician-led emergency care provider and one of the city's most impactful no-kill rescue organizations. Dr. Arthur Abello, an emergency physician and APA! board member, sees the partnership as a...

Wellness

Helping children heal

Inside the Child Life Program at Austin's Texas Children's Hospital Article by Julie Royce At Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus, healing goes beyond medicine. Through its Child Life Program, certified child life specialists, like Sarah Hibbeln, CCLS, provide emotional and developmental support to pediatric patients and their families, transforming clinical settings into spaces of understanding, comfort and play. “Our mission is to help families cope with the stress of...

Local Services

Volunteers deliver life-changing care

Austin Smiles brings comprehensive cleft care to children in Veracruz Article by Ellise Perry | Photography by Austin Smiles Austin Smiles is a nonprofit providing sustainable surgical and post-surgical care for children born with cleft lip and palate in Central Texas and Latin America. In June 2025, a team of 33 volunteers traveled from Austin to Veracruz, Mexico, donating more than 1,400 hours to deliver 175 services to 91 patients from 38 municipalities. The group performed 70 surgeries and...

Arts + Culture

Theater for a lifetime

Zach Theater’s youth programs build confident and compassionate performers Article by Julie Royce When Raegan Gonzales took the stage in New York City in June for the Jimmy Awards® — Broadway’s most prestigious high school musical theater showcase — she wasn’t just chasing a dream. She proudly represented Austin as a 2025 Heller Awards for Young Artists Winner for her standout performance as Catherine in Pippin at Weiss High School. “Zach Theater has prepared me for this moment more than I...

Life + Culture

Deep in the heart

Discovering Texas hidden gems in our own backyard Article by Zack Fogelman When people think of adventure, they often imagine plane tickets, passports and far-off destinations. However, for Chet Garner, host of The Daytripper , the best journeys start in your own backyard — especially when that backyard is Texas. “There’s this idea that adventure requires a flight,” Garner said. “But you don’t realize how much magic is sitting right around the corner. Texas has everything — culture, food...

Travel

Family-friendly destination

Austin to Hot Springs makes the perfect road trip Article and Photography by Julie Royce It’s summertime, so you know what that means? It’s time to load the family up and hit the road for a classic road trip.  However, any good road warrior knows that a car ride of more than seven hours with kids is pushing their luck. You have to be strategic and figure out some cool sights to see along the way, or there has to be at least one Buc-ee’s en route to your final destination.  That’s why Hot...

Food + Beverage

Sip by sip

Explore tea and music with Teakeasy Article by Julie Royce | Photography by Teakeasy Tea When Tara and Duane Godby set out to create Teakeasy Tea, their vision wasn’t just to sell tea — it was to create an experience. As a woman-owned, veteran-owned business, their mission combines luxury, community and a shared love for music, blending the richness of tea culture with a unique speakeasy twist. Teakeasy Tea invites locals and visitors to explore the world of fine, full-leaf teas and enjoy an...