Was this e-mail shared with you? Sign up here.

Don’t miss your chance to reach 7,000+ local readers next week- click here!

South Congress, Then and Now

My favorite street in Austin used to be South Congress.

It still might be. It’s still iconic. Still walkable. Still full of life.

But if I’m honest, it feels a little more… Dallasy than it used to.

It’s more polished and less weird. It’s busy. It’s successful. But there was something about the old South Congress; the slightly scrappy, locally-owned, keep-Austin-weird version—that felt more ours.

Maybe that’s just what happens when a place gets popular. The rough edges smooth out. The rent goes up. The vibe shifts.

Still, I’ll take a sunset walk down Congress over most streets in America.

Just don’t make it too shiny.

Cheers,
Nolan

In today’s Scoop:

📚 Schools weigh voluntary prayer
🍽️ Generous plates, genuine welcome
🏺 Antiques & treasures galore
🎉 Fun’s around the corner

🥙 Fresh Flavors

17499 Hamilton Pool Rd, Austin

Leyla’s Kitchen serves some of the best Mediterranean food in Austin from a food truck. Everything tastes homemade, from chicken shawarma wraps and lamb plates to stuffed grape leaves and falafel. Portions are generous and full of flavor.

You are greeted with real hospitality, and the food comes out hot and fresh without a long wait. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a post-adventure meal, Leyla’s Kitchen is a reliable go-to for fresh, satisfying dishes.

🌱 Spruce Up Your Yard with Mulch!

Give your garden a fresh, polished look this month! Mulch is ground cover, usually wood or plant matter in central Texas. It keeps your landscape healthy, moist, and looking great.

💸 February Mulch Month Special:

🌰 Brown mulch just $5
⚫ Black mulch just $6
⏱️ Installed by the hour or with a custom quote
🌿 Your yard, your way!

Just Opened:

🏺 Vintage Finds Await

12703 Hwy. 71, Ste. A, Bee Cave

Lake Hills Antiques and Vintage is now open in Bee Cave, offering a carefully curated mix of antiques and vintage treasures. Located across from the Hill Country Galleria, shoppers can explore unique décor, collectibles, and one-of-a-kind pieces.

Whether you’re hunting for home accents or timeless finds, this new spot is perfect for vintage lovers looking to add character and charm to their collection.

🕊️ Eanes, Lake Travis ISDs Vote Against Prayer Period

The Gist: Eanes ISD and Lake Travis ISD boards voted against implementing a Senate Bill 11 resolution that would have created a voluntary period for prayer and reading of religious texts during the school day. District officials cited administrative requirements, such as consent tracking and scheduling, and noted that current policies already allow voluntary student prayer and religious expression. Schools will continue to allow voluntary religious expression without adopting the SB 11-specific procedures.

Why It Matters: The decision reflects how districts interpret state law while managing practical considerations for staff and students. The districts are making choices that work within their current resources and policies.

Winter in Central Texas means your Bermuda is sleeping, but the weeds are wide awake. From henbit and Poa annua to nutsedge and crabgrass, this guide helps you identify what’s taking over and how to stop it. Learn when to use pre-emergent, when to go post-emergent, and how to prevent next year’s weed explosion.

Check it out HERE.

🪴 Brought to you by Top Choice Lawn Care

🚀 Grand Opening at iCode | 11805 Bee Caves Rd, Suite 600 | Bee Cave | 02/28 | More
Hands-on coding, robotics, and STEM fun for kids with giveaways and live music!

🛍️ Farmers Market | Hill Country Galleria | Bee Cave | 03/01 | More
Shop local vendors, enjoy fresh goods, and relax with family in the plaza

📚 Preschool Story Time | Library | Lakeway | 03/02 | More
Stories, songs, and sweet morning fun for little learners.

📖 All Ages Storytime @ Laura’s | Laura’s Library | Austin | 03/03 | More
Stories, songs, and playtime fun for kids and families alike.

🎨 Art for Teens: Paper Gilding | Westbank Library | Austin | 03/05 | More
Creative after-school gilding project for teens and tweens.

😂 Comedy Wham | Meridian 98 | Bee Cave | 02/27 | More
Sharp stand-up, craft cocktails, and big laughs with Hill Country views.

🎶 Live Music with Benji | JULES DESIGN BAR | Bee Cave | 02/27 | More
Indie folk, blues, and rock ’n’ roll with heartfelt, soulful vibes

🎨 The Art and Soul | Austin Zoo | Austin | 02/28 | More
Enjoy food, drinks, and a silent auction featuring art by our amazing animals!

🌿 Plant and Pottery Spring Market | Hill Country Galleria | Bee Cave | 02/28 | More
Shop artisan pottery, vibrant plants, and fresh spring décor locally.

🦞 Crawfish Boil | Little Woodrow’s | Bee Cave | 03/01 | More
Spicy crawfish, cold brews, and lively zydeco vibes all afternoon!

🧧 Lunar New Year Festival | Chinatown Center | Austin | 03/01 | More
Vibrant lion dances, firecrackers, and festive cultural performances.

🌮 Sazón Latin Food Festival 2026 | The Fieldhouse | Leander | 03/01 | More
Celebrate Latin flavors with music, food, and family-friendly fun all day.

🐶 Austin Pets Alive! Dog Adoption Day | Neill-Cochran House Museum | Austin | 03/01 | More
Meet adoptable pups, enjoy "30 Wet Dogs," and find your new best friend!

🤝 Amplify Wilco on the Square | Tecovas | Georgetown | 03/04 | More
Discover local nonprofits, collect stamps, and celebrate generosity downtown.

Ever thought about advertising with us? Hit reply and tell us about your business!

Thanks for reading West Austin Scoop! See you next week!

How did you like today's newsletter?

Login or Subscribe to participate

Keep Reading