🌵 Trader Joe’s in Bee Cave? Dreams Do Come True. Also - Funny memes

Remember that feeling on the last day of school? Blasting “School’s Out for Summer” with the windows down like you just got paroled? What a feeling. If only we knew how good we had it.

It got me thinking about my favorite summer spots. Barton Springs is iconic, sure—but we’re a Deep Eddy family. My wife prefers it, and she’s usually right. It’s a little more low-key, a little more family-friendly, and just the right kind of cold. Plus, the parking situation won’t make you question your life choices.

And while we’re settling summer debates: best snow cone in Austin? I’m team Sno Beach (this is where my wife is wrong. She prefers Jim Jim’s).

Hope you’re enjoying the slower mornings and staying up a little later with your crew. Summer’s here. Let’s enjoy it like it’s still the last day of school.

Cheers,
Nolan

In today’s Scoop:

• 🥫 Trader Joe’s Coming to Bee Cave

• 🧸 Child Care Help Coming for Travis County Families

• 🚫 Austin Advances Vape Shop Restrictions Near Schools

• 🍽️ Dining options to check out!

🌭 Dog Haus Biergarten – Four Points

This laid-back hangout serves up crave-worthy hot dogs, burgers, sliders, and chicken tenders with a gourmet twist—think all-beef dogs piled high with toppings and hearty burgers like the “Hangover.”

The bar offers an impressive craft beer list, and the 3–6pm happy hour delivers real value. Kid-friendly, sports-friendly, and great for casual nights out, it's a solid go-to for comfort food with a little attitude. Check it out here.

💪 Alloy Personal Training – Bull Creek

Tucked at 2222 and Capital of Texas, Alloy offers small group strength training with a warm, supportive vibe. With no more than six per session, workouts feel personal—great for anyone looking to build strength safely without the intensity of a big-box gym.

Trainers are knowledgeable, encouraging, and quick to modify moves. It’s popular with the over-40 crowd, so the focus is more on smart fitness and less on showing off. You'll get stronger—and meet some great people too. More details here.

📸 Kim Ortiz Portrait Art – West Lake Hills

Known for her soulful pet portraits and heartwarming community work, Kim Ortiz brings out the best in every subject—two-legged or four. Whether it’s a family session, real estate listing, or your pup’s big photo debut, Kim’s calm presence and artistic eye ensure stunning results.

She's also a big supporter of local causes, often donating her time and talent to fundraisers. A warm, thoughtful pro who captures moments that matter.
More details here.

🥫 Trader Joe’s Coming to Bee Cave

The beloved grocer is officially opening a new location at Shops at the Galleria, taking over the former Office Max space. This will be Trader Joe’s fourth Austin-area store, joining locations in downtown, Rollingwood, and Arbor Trails. Renovations are underway on the 17,000-square-foot space, which will sit alongside neighbors like Mandola’s, Spec’s, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Marshalls.

Just across the highway is Hill Country Galleria, home to Whole Foods. Expect shelves stocked with cult favorites, in-house brand staples, and plenty of samples when it opens—we’ll keep you posted when a launch date is set. Read more here.

🧸 Child Care Help Coming for Travis County Families

Up to 1,000 new child care slots could be available in Travis County as early as fall 2025. The first round of funding from the $75M CARES initiative—approved by voters last year—will support expanded infant, toddler, and after-school care, especially in underserved areas.

The county aims to partner with Workforce Solutions and school districts like Austin ISD, with contracts expected this summer. Demand remains high, with more than 5,000 children on the subsidy waitlist. Read more here.

This week's landscaping update explains why your lawn is about to look absolutely amazing following this week's lightning storms - turns out lightning actually creates natural fertilizer from nitrogen in the air that gets delivered straight to your grass via rainwater.

You'll also learn about the beautiful blooming cycle of Texas sage plants and see some hilarious photo evidence that not everyone in the family has inherited the photography gene.

Check it out HERE.

🛍️ Lakeway Indoor Garage Sale | Activity Center | Lakeway | 05/31 | More
Hunt for deals on clothes, toys, tools, housewares, and vintage treasures.

💦 Splash Day | Southwest Family YMCA | Austin | 05/31 | More
Free pool party fun with games, music, snacks, and a cannonball contest!

🧜‍♀️ Mermaid Day | Lakeway Swim Center | Lakeway | 06/01 | More
Swim, play, and meet real Lake Travis mermaids—family fun under the sun!

🎯 Kids Eat Free + Double Arcade Points | High 5 | Lakeway | 06/01 | More
Sunday family fun with free kids' meals and double arcade points!

🐶 Blueeeey's Weekend Brunch | Pikopye's Town | Lakeway | 06/01 | More
Playtime, brunch treats, and photo ops with Bluey for littles and their grownups!

🎸 Southern Shade Live | Little Woodrow’s | Bee Cave | 05/31 | More
Outdoor show with classic 80s and 90s covers all evening long.

🌞 Kevin Kelly Live | Hill Country Ice House | Austin | 05/31 | More
Kick off summer with Texas tunes, craft beer, and chill Hill Country vibes.

🍷 Wine & Food Festival | Hill Country Galleria | Bee Cave | 05/31 | More
Sip curated wines, savor bites from local chefs, and enjoy live jazz—all for a good cause!

🌿 Forest Bathing | Wildflower Center | Austin | 06/01 | More
Experience the Japanese art of Shinrin-Yoku with guided mindfulness and meditation, ending with a calming tea ceremony.

🍺 St. Elmo Kolsch Service | Austin | 06/01 | More
Enjoy nonstop Kölsch beer served table-side all day from 11 AM to 5 PM at both St. Elmo locations. Food trucks will be open!

🎸 Joseph Deeb & the VooDudes | Waterloo Ice House | Austin | 06/03 | More
Slide guitar, Americana vibes, and live tunes every Tuesday night.

🍹 Networking Happy Hour | Oasthouse Kitchen + Bar | Austin | 06/05 | More
Mingle with local pros over drinks, ideas, and casual conversation.

If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.