07.11.2024

Today’s Forecast

🚧 Take a detour

A rendering of a lattice bridge above Waller Creek, surrounded by trees.

The Confluence has three lattice bridges like this one in the plans. | Rendering courtesy Waterloo Greenway Conservancy & Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc.

Listen up trail users — you can expect detours along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail over the coming months.

There will be alternate routes in place around Waller Creek while construction for The Confluence — aka Phase II of Waterloo Greenway — continues.

The first detour will begin where the creek meets the trail on Monday, July 22 and last through August while crews work to install new lattice bridges, plus the Lagoon Overlook and Leaf Deck.

A rendering of the Lagoon Overlook and the Leaf Deck in progress at The Confluence — The Lagoon Overlook and Leaf Deck are coming up in the construction process.
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Rendering courtesy Waterloo Greenway Conservancy & Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc.

That route will take users on a 12-ft wide crushed granite trail, which will be fenced on either side. Folks using the detour between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. may need to stop for construction workers. Future detours will take pedestrians over the creek in different routes.

The vision

With an estimated completion by spring 2026, The Confluence will form a completely off-street trail from 4th Street to Lady Bird Lake along 13 acres of Waller Creek.

A map rendering of Waterloo Greenway — Need a refresher? Phase I of Waterloo Greenway is already complete.
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Map courtesy Waterloo Greenway Conservancy & Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc.

Other upcoming projects include:

An elevated walkway connecting Palm Park (Phase III of Waterloo Greenway) to the trail
Lakeview Terrace and Explorers Garden
A new creek connection at 4th Street with the Cypress Grove and Trailhead Plaza

A new opening

But when one area closes, another one opens. The Rainey Street Trailhead and park — near the corner of Rainey Street and Cummings Street — will open to the public on Friday, July 12 and host a public celebration from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 13.

The trail is going through lots more changes — view a complete list of detours.

Asked

What questions do you have about Waterloo Greenway’s development?

Submit them here and we’ll do our best to get an answer for you.

Greenway Q + A

Events

Thursday, July 11

Workshop: Visible Mending | Thursday, July 11 | 12-2 p.m. | Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave., Austin | $13 | Learn how to mend textiles with ornamental stitching — bring your own items or use provided materials.
Emmer & Rye Breaking Bread Collaboration | Thursday, July 11 | 5:30-10 p.m. | Emmer & Rye, SkyHouse, 51 Rainey St., Unit #110, Austin | Cost of purchase | Break bread with Chef Peter Klein of Holiday for special collaborative dishes.

Friday, July 12

Kris Allen | Friday, July 12 | 8:30 p.m. | The 04 Center, 2701 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin | $25 | The American Idol winner will serenade Austinites at the South Austin music venue.
“Legally Blonde: The Musical” | Friday, July 12 | 8:15-10:35 p.m. | Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater, 2206 William Barton Dr., Austin | Free | Follow Elle Woods as she charms her way into Harvard Law School to get him back after dumping her.

Saturday, July 13

African Violet Society Summer Exhibit and Plant Sale | Saturday, July 13 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin | Free with admission | Learn about this low-maintenance houseplant + buy supplies at this one-day-only sale.
Jhené Aiko | Saturday, July 13 | 7:30 p.m. | The Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr., Austin | $90-$320 | See “The Magic Hour Tour” with special guests Coi Leray, Tink, Umi, and Kiana Lede.

Plan Ahead

Third Eye Blind | Friday, Aug. 2 | 6:30 p.m. | Germania Insurance Amphitheater, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin | $28-$110 | The rock band is bringing the “Summer God Tour” back with special guest Yellowcard.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Travel

Need a weekend away from the 512? Head to Conroe.

A scenic Lake Conroe dinner cruise is a can’t-miss experience on your weekend itinerary. | Photo provided by Visit Conroe

Pack your bags, Austin — the state’s fastest-growing city is just ~three hours away (read: the perfect distance for an escape).

During your trip, explore the 22,000-acre Lake Conroe, hit the trails at Sam Houston National Park, or visit the Heritage Museum of Montgomery County.

Our other recommendations include:

Enjoying live tunes around the music-friendly community
Strolling the Main Street Market held every Saturday
Learning about Conroe’s history on an art bench walking tour

Psst... Take a look at the events calendar before you go.

Hit the road

News Notes

Community

Residents of northwest neighborhood Steiner Ranch have a new evacuation route — five years after it was approved. County commissioners originally approved the route in response to a destructive wildfire in 2011, which left locals with only one road to safety. (KVUE)

Event

Dirty Martin’s will celebrate 98 years in business today and they’re doing it right: with cake. Head down to the restaurant, 2808 Guadalupe St., at 7 p.m. today for free mini milkshakes and a cake cutting, plus happy hour specials all day. (KVUE)

Try This

Garbo’s North Lamar’s Next Gen Chef’s Series begins this weekend, highlighting young chefs from around town in support of Austin Community College’s Make It Center. Bacalar Chef de Cuisine B Loza will kick off the series with a lobster pambazo from 2 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 14.

Eat

Nashville-style hot chicken truck Dang Hot 89 has moved from Jollyville to north Austin. Don’t be chicken — get your fix (bone-in or boneless) at Celis Brewery, 7221 McNeil Dr.

Award

Almost two dozen Austin restaurants were honored in Wine Spectator’s 2024 Restaurant Awards. If you like to have a glass with dinner, head to Hestia, The Lonesome Dove, The Peacock Mediterranean Grille, El Raval, or any of the awardees.

Trending

This is all the buzz right now — Austinite and actor Matthew McConaughey surprised his Instagram followers with a post showing a swollen bee sting on his eye. We hope he’s alright, alright, alright.

Sports

The Houston Texans begin their training camp in a week and the defensive line might end up being the team’s strongest position. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Houston Texans with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Health

“The clarity is insane.” That’s what we’re hearing (loud and clear) about this best-selling hearing device. It makes conversation effortless, even in background noise. Join 350,000+ happy customers with a no-risk trial.*

Finance

If your last credit card bill sent a chill down your spine — even in this heat — it might be time for a balance transfer. The Ascent recommends these four cards with 0% APR for up to 18 months. (You could have almost two years to avoid interest charges.)*

Sports

🏈 From athletes to aprons

NFL Players will wait tables for Celebrity Waiter Night at The Guest House

Have your meal served to you by NFL players at The Guest House’s Celebrity Waiter Night. | Photo by ATXtoday

A handful of high-profile NFL players will swap their jerseys for aprons at The Guest House this weekend.

The players will wait tables in support of The Fair Catch Foundation and some local charities during Celebrity Waiter Night from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, July 12.

Players include Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys, CJ Stroud of the Houston Texans, Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers, Justin Fields of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Jalen Ramsey of the Miami Dolphins.

Tunes will be provided by DJ Jamaal Charles, a former running back for the Kansas City Chiefs.

It’s a fitting charity, providing underserved youth with quality equipment and removing financial barriers to getting involved in sports.

Interested in attending? Tickets range from $2,500 for two, $4,000 for four, and $5,500 for six guests — email faircatchfoundation@gmail.com to secure your reservation.

The Buy

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More worth The Buy

The Wrap

City Editor Figi poses with an adorable goat.

Today’s edition by:
Figi

From the editor

I’m trying my best to become a plant lady, even though it doesn’t come particularly natural to me. I’m currently keeping a string of pearls and a dragon tree alive, so I think I’ll swing by Zilker Botanical Garden and pick up an African violet this weekend. Come say hello if you plan to do the same.

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