🌵 COTALAND has an opening date!

What makes somewhere feel like home?

I’ve watched Austin change a lot. And yet, it still feels like home.

I think a lot of that comes down to roots.

Family. Friends. Church. Neighbors. The people you run into at the grocery store. The gas station you’ve stopped at 500 times. Knowing which roads connect without looking at a map.

Tourists know Barton Springs and the Capitol. But home is knowing the boring stuff.

The deeper your relationships and familiarity with a place become, the more it becomes yours.

I’m grateful my roots are here.

Cheers,
Nolan

The Gist: Mark your calendars! COTALAND Theme Park officially opens Sept. 26 at Circuit of The Americas, bringing more than 30 attractions to the Austin area. Expect roller coasters, mini golf, karting, a zip line, rides along the Formula 1 track and plenty of food along the way.

Why It Matters: This is shaping up to be a seriously fun new family destination. Between the thrill rides, games, racing experiences and treats, COTA is about to become much more than a place you visit for special events. It may be time to start planning that first trip!

Read more here.

KAPATAD Kitchen and Cafe is a family-owned Filipino restaurant serving traditional dishes from Pampanga, the Philippines. The menu includes crispy fried pork, sizzling chopped pork, pancit noodles, Filipino-style stews, lumpia and the colorful shaved-ice dessert halo-halo, with generous portions that are easy to share.

The family connection comes through in the food, and the restaurant has a warm, welcoming feel. The crispy pata and sizzling sisig are popular places to start, especially with a side of pancit for the table.

More details here.

From roaches to scorpions, TOPS Pest Control offers smart, serious results with no contracts and a 100% satisfaction guarantee from Austin to Dripping Springs.
Call 📞 (737) 338-7540 or visit 🌐 Topspest.com to protect your family today!

Kinda Krazy Kids & Kompany is a great local stop when you need something for a little one and aren’t quite sure what to pick. The store is packed with kids’ clothing, books, toys, dolls, stuffed animals and gifts, including plenty of educational options.

The staff is happy to help you find something age-appropriate, and they’ll even wrap your gift. It’s nice having that kind of selection right here in Westlake.

More details here.

🌱 Fall is the time to get planting

If you’re a planner (or want to be one), this is your moment.

Most people think spring is the best time to plant, but in Central Texas, fall is often better. Cooler temperatures and warm soil give new plants a chance to settle in and focus on what really matters:

ROOTS. ROOTS. ROOTS. 🌱

Here’s why fall planting has an edge:

Planting now gives trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants a chance to establish before next summer's heat comes roaring back.

Check it out HERE.

🌕 Luna Alignment Hike | Hotel Viata | West Lake Hills | 08/28 | More
A peaceful Hill Country hike blending mindful movement, breathwork, and reflection.

🧘 Toddler Yoga | Laura's Library | Austin | 08/28 | More
Playful yoga, movement, and mindfulness designed especially for little yogis.

🎶 Musician Holly Frost | Library | Lakeway | 08/28 | More
Enjoy fresh, nostalgic takes on beloved classics.

🎺 Mariachi Party for Ms. Meliss | Public Library | Bee Cave | 08/29 | More
Celebrate Ms. Meliss with lively mariachi music, treats, and family fun.

🎸 Rippleberry | Jester King Brewery | Bee Cave | 08/29 | More
Groovy, psychedelic sounds with a playful, offbeat edge.

🎙 Maverick Drive | Little Woodrow's | Bee Cave | 08/29 | More
Enjoy a lively mix of rock, country, and crowd-pleasing favorites.

🎵 Heartsong Music | Westbank Library | Austin | 09/02 | More
Sing, move, and make music together in this playful family experience.

🌸 Tissue Paper Flowers | Westbank Library | Austin | 09/03 | More
Get crafty after school with a colorful, hands-on project.

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