I spent some time with friends this week. These days, that feels like a gold medal achievement.
Every time we try to meet up, something gets in the way. Kids. Work. Exhaustion. Some random scheduling mess. One of them said:
“Life is just trying to get four people to play cards and saying, ‘I can’t this week’—and then you die.” Honestly, that feels about right.
Still, we pulled it off. We got together. There was wine. I stayed up too late. I was tired all week. Totally worth it.
Hope you’ve got people to laugh with too. And if not, maybe this is the week to say yes, even if you're tired.
Cheers,
Nolan
In today’s Scoop:
🍝 Hidden Italian charm on 290
💸 One-time tax bump for flood fix
🎒 Bubbles, backpacks & back-to-school vibes
🍷 Sips, songs & summer sendoffs
🍷 Cozy Italian gem off 290
9521 US-290, Austin
You don’t expect world-class gnocchi in a strip mall off 290, but here it is. Amici Cucina Italiana brings serious Italian pedigree to Austin, run by a husband-and-wife duo who treat every guest like family.
The lobster ravioli is rich and delicate, the pizzas hit all the right notes, and yes, the gnocchi is worth the hype. The bar is charming, the portions are generous, and the warmth is unmistakably real.
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!
💸 Travis County Flood Tax Hike Approved
The Gist: Travis County has approved a one-time 9.12% property tax hike to fund recovery from recent severe flooding. The average homeowner will see about a $200 increase on their next tax bill, with roughly $72 tied directly to flood-related costs.
Why It Matters: The temporary hike helps cover $42 million in emergency repairs without a public vote, keeping critical recovery work moving after widespread storm damage.
Read more here.
This week’s got range: we’re going from mosquito patrol to tree ring philosophy. First, the bugs. Thanks to recent rains, mosquito season is booming, and even a bottle-cap puddle can host hundreds of larvae. Time to dump the water table and birdbath!
Then there’s the trees. One leaning cedar log told a quiet story in its rings: growth, stress, adaptation. Wider rings mean rain, tighter ones mean grit. Funny how trees and people aren’t so different.
Check it out HERE.
🪴 Brought to you by Top Choice Lawn Care
🫧 Closing Weekend Foam Party | Laura’s Library | Austin | 08/08 | More
Backyard bubbles, music, and summer joy for the whole family.
😂 Family Laughter Yoga | Westbank Library | Austin | 08/09 | More
High-energy play and mindful laughter for all ages, no yoga mats needed!
🎒 Blessing of the Backpacks | Lakeway Church | Lakeway | 08/10 | More
A heartfelt back-to-school blessing for students, teachers, and families during worship.
🧸 Teddy Bear Clinic at Preschool Story Time | Library | Lakeway | 08/11 | More
Stuffed animals get checkups to ease kids’ fears about real doctor visits.
🥂 Tears & Cheers: Kinder Parent Meetup | Lost Creek Park | Austin | 08/13 | More
Celebrate the first day of Kinder with coffee, connection, and a few happy tears.
🍹 End of Summer Bash | Hops & Thyme | Lakeway | 08/08 | More
Celebrate with live music, free cocktails, and festive farewell-to-summer energy.
🎭 InterPlay | Wood Haven ATX | Austin | 08/09 | More
Improvisational movement, story, and song for joyful connection and stress release.
🎸 Maverick Drive Live | Little Woodrow’s | Bee Cave | 08/09 | More
Rock and country vibes fuel this high-energy debut show under the Texas sky.
🛍️ Sip & Shop Society Social | SAF Wine Bar & Nosh | Austin | 08/12 | More
Wine, luxury finds, and social media inspo with Women of Austin and Spill the ATX.
📸 West Austin Leading Ladies | Tacara Steiner Ranch | Austin | 08/13 | More
Savor a vibrant brunch with hands-on Mexican and Spanish-inspired recipes.
🎨 Free Indeed Paint Party | MK Art + Design | Bee Cave | 08/14 | More
A fun, no-experience-needed painting session with step-by-step guidance and good vibes.
🌕 Full Moon River Ride | Bob Bryant Park | Bastrop | 08/08 | More
Paddle under moonlight and watch it rise over Bastrop’s historic bridge.
💌 Dating After Dark: Upscale Singles Mixer | Higbie's | Austin | 08/09 | More
Find sparks and smiles through mystery cards and real-world connection.
🎨 Karol G Paint and Sip | Taquero Mucho | Austin | 08/10 | More
Create, sip, and sing along to Karol G in this art-meets-music experience.
If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.
Thanks for reading West Austin Scoop! We’ll have more updates for you next week!
