🌵 Is this the most controversial 'A' in Austin?

I went to Denver last week and got to meet my nephew for the first time. The kid’s got potential.
Current projections:

🎩 50% chance he’ll be President
🧪 30% chance he cures cancer
🤸 63% chance he nails a standing backflip by age five
📜 84% chance he can recite the intro to the Aeneid in Latin before kindergarten
💯 100% chance he’s the best nephew I’ve ever had

LIMITED TIME OFFER: I am selling autographs (his handprint in ink) for $65 - two for $100. 

Cheers,
Nolan

Inside Hotel Viata, Laurel Restaurant is an elegant spot where polished service and thoughtful details shine. From breakfast through dinner, the menu leans fresh and flavorful, with standout touches like burrata with focaccia, salmon, and indulgent pistachio ricotta cake.

The cocktails deserve their own spotlight, especially a perfectly balanced espresso martini that feels crafted, not sugary. Live music and a warm, relaxed vibe make evenings special, while staff like Juliana and Caden turn great meals into memorable experiences.

More details here.

Fill out this form or call 512-291-7050 to get your first mow for $1 (when you sign up for regular service). Just mention this newsletter to get your deal!

The Gist: Austin rolled out its first unified city logo on Sept. 4 as part of a $1.1 million rebrand meant to replace more than 300 department marks. City leaders say the wavy blue and green “A” will create a consistent identity across services. Critics blasted the cost and design.

Why It Matters: A single brand can make city services easier to recognize, but the price tag and aesthetics are drawing scrutiny at a time of high public interest in core services and costs.

Details: The budget totals about $1,117,558, including roughly $200,000 for design, $640,000 for vendor work, and $115,000 for outreach. Officials say digital uses switch on Oct. 1, with uniforms, vehicles, and signage phased in over time to limit budget impact. Designers say the palette nods to Austin’s hills, rivers, bridges, and “violet crown” skies.

Read more here.

This week’s short and sweet, just like a vine in bloom. We’re spotlighting star jasmine, a fast-growing Southern favorite with fragrant white flowers and a knack for climbing fences and trellises. Just watch out for hard freezes on exposed corners.

Plus, a smart irrigation tip: MP rotator nozzles deliver better water coverage with less waste, but they need longer run times than old-school heads. Bonus: you might even score a rebate.

Check it out HERE.

🪴 Brought to you by Top Choice Lawn Care

🎨 Man’s Best Friend Paint Night | The Art Garage | Austin | 09/12 | More
A creative 16+ night with themed pottery, music, and a complimentary drink.

🌿 Community Clean Up Event | City Park Pavilion | Lakeway | 09/13 | More
Join neighbors to beautify the park and keep Lakeway shining.

🎺 Concert in the Park | Hurst Creek Sculpture Garden | Lakeway | 09/13 | More
Enjoy an outdoor concert by Great Hills Brass Band surrounded by art and community.

🎶 Jim & Hilary Live | Jester King Brewery | Austin | 09/14 | More
Relax with live music, great food, and fun for the whole family.

🥕 Bee Cave Farmers Market | Hill Country Galleria | Bee Cave | 09/14 | More
Shop local goods and enjoy a family-friendly market with live community spirit.

🎸 Live Music Fridays: Michael Ingalls Band | Little Woodrow’s | Bee Cave | 09/12 | More
Kick back with rockin’ tunes, cold drinks, and laid-back Friday vibes.

⛳ Sip & Swing: Full Swing Refresh | Falconhead Golf Club | Austin | 09/15 | More
Sharpen your golf swing with pro tips and a refreshing drink in hand.

🌮 Taquiza – Noche Mexicana | Don Mario Mexican Restaurant | Austin | 09/16 | More
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with tacos, tequila, music, and dancing.

🎨 Morning Meow Paint Party | MK Art + Design Studio | Bee Cave | 09/18 | More
Enjoy a guided cat-themed painting session with all supplies included.

📚 Romance Author Book Signing | Flutter Romance Bookstore | Austin | 09/18 | More
Meet bestselling romance authors for conversation & book signings.

🎬 Community Cinema: Lilo & Stitch | Community First! Village | Austin | 09/12 | More
Free outdoor family movie night with concessions supporting local neighbors.

☄️ Life and Death by Impact | Welch Hall, UT | Austin | 09/12 | More
Explore asteroid impacts and their role in Earth’s past and future.

👑 Austin Princess Day | Red Oak Ballroom | Austin | 09/13 | More
Fairytale fun with stories, sing-alongs, crafts, and princess meet & greets.

🐉 Austin Chinese Culture Festival | AISD Performing Arts Center | Austin | 09/13 | More
Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival with dances, mooncakes, and cultural performances.

🎤 ZOMBIES – Cast Live | Moody Center | Austin | 09/15 | More
High-energy pop hits and fan favorites in an electrifying live show.