Far less tourists stopped for a photo at Jo’s Coffee in June of 2009. | Photo via Google Maps
If you’re like us, the “somewhere on Google Maps” trend has taken over your social media feeds.
Here’s how it works: folks search their home address to find special memories captured by Google over time, like their grandfather mowing the lawn, childhood pets in the driveway, or even themselves playing outside.
It got us thinking — what moments in Austin have been memorialized by Google Maps? Here’s what we found.
Jo’s Coffee sans “I love you so much” mural
Somewhere on Google Maps... it’s 2009 and local musician Amy Cook hadn’t yet written the iconic declaration of love on the wall to her then-girlfriend Liz Lambert.
Shady Grove is busy on a spring day
We’d do anything to be on the Shady Grove patio in April of 2009.
Photo via Google Maps
Somewhere on Google Maps... it’s 2009 and the patio of now-closed restaurant Shady Grove on Barton Springs Road is filled with diners.
Rainey Street is almost unrecognizable
These homes on Rainey Street, located across from Clive Bar, have been replaced with apartment buildings.
Photo via Google Maps
Somewhere on Google Maps... it’s 2011 and Rainey Street is a residential area.
Ugly Sweater Pickleball Party | 6-9 p.m. | Dreamland Dripping Springs | $20 | Celebrate the holidays with a game of pickleball — your ticket includes open play on covered courts and a drink.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Winter Solstice “ACOTAR” Paint Night | 5-8 p.m. | The Art Garage Austin | $15+ | Join fellow fans of the “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series to paint cauldrons, star lanterns, book boxes, and more.
Brew Paul’s Drag Show: Slay Bells | 9 p.m. | Meanwhile Brewing Co. | Cost of purchase | Enjoy a special holiday-themed menu while you watch the holiday extravaganza from a blanket on the brewery’s astroturf.
Sunday, Dec. 22
Christmas Cheer Christmas Beer | 12-5 p.m. | Jester King Brewing | Cost of purchase | Make your way to the brewery for a holiday market and concert presented by Hue Marketplace.
Whether you’re celebrating someone special or just want an excuse to get dressed up, Tea at The Adolphus is a can’t-miss experience. | GIF by FTWtoday
From scones and finger sandwiches to an elegant setting, no detail is overlooked at Tea at The Adolphus. We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try this storied tradition for ourselves at the historic hotel located in downtown Dallas.
Served in the beautiful French Room dining room, the tea service is filled with delight + surprise and is exquisitely executed, from the carefully curated menu to the custom china and friendly staff.
We enjoyed a three-course menu featuring tea sandwiches, scones, and pastries paired with loose leaf teas from Zakti, a local purveyor.
The Adolphus staff also made sure to make our champagne wishes and caviar dreams come true. The newly debuted Caviar Service adds an extra special touch to afternoon tea.
Interested in experiencing this yourself? Tea is served daily, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. (last seating). Solo diners are welcome. For parties of six or more, reservations can be made by emailing reservations@thefrenchroom.com or by calling 214-651-3615.
Austin is the No. 10 best city and the No. 3 most underrated in the US, according to a new study by Clever. To rank the cities, Clever asked 1,000 Americans to rate 50 US metros on key metrics like desirability and the friendliness of residents.
Seasonal
It’s your last chance to experience Diagon Alley ATX: a spellbinding, Harry Potter-themed holiday light display in southwest Austin. After eight magical years, the creators will hang up their sorting hats after this season, so head to the Circle C Ranch neighborhood now-Wednesday, Jan. 1.
Open
Texas Coffee Traders has a new home at 3223 E. 7th St. with an expansive patio + cozy interior. The cafe and retail shop moved from its longtime location on East 4th Street into the former site of cocktail bar Bosses Office, which permanently closed in the fall.
Pets
Looking for a new furry friend?Austin Pets Alive! is running a holiday adoption promotion now-Sunday, Dec. 22. Adoption fees are waived for all dogs and cats on-site and in foster.
Trending
Can Taco Bell beat Tumble 22 in a chicken taste test? We doubt it, but you can decide for yourself now that Taco Bell has released its crispy chicken nuggets nationwide. If that doesn’t hit the spot, dive into more food news.
Sports
Julian Champagnie is making waves this season — could his rise be the key to the Spurs’ success? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the San Antonio Spurs with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Housed in its original bottling plant, the Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room is a lively venue that offers laid-back vibes + refreshing sips. Pro tip: Don’t miss out on unique experiences. Shake things up with bartending classes or stir up creativity at paint-and-sip events — perfect for a holiday gift that’s worth toasting to.*
Job
Hiring? Our new community job board could help you find that perfect candidate. Bonus: your first job posting is free! Give it a try.
Tech
Transform your potential into prosperity with 100 innovative side hustle opportunities. HubSpot’s expertly curated database matches your unique skills with high-potential ventures, from creative enterprises to digital solutions. Get your free access to discover your next big win.*
We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions like the Thinkery to hidden gems like the Dinosaur Trail, there’s something in the Capital City for children of all ages.
You’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 31 kid-friendly activities around the 512.
The Art Garage, multiple locations Let the kids tap into their creativity by painting pottery, creating a mosaic, or attending an art workshop.
Austin Duck Adventures, 602 E. 4th St. Bring the kiddos on a 75-minute tour of Downtown + Lake Austin via an “unsinkable” aquatic vehicle that splashes into the water from the road.
Tiny Tails To You, multiple locations Bring a petting zoo to the playdate — or any location you choose. Children will love meeting the bunnies, hedgehogs, chicks, blue-tongued skinks, tortoises, guinea pigs, bearded dragons, and miniature chickens.
Pet insurance. No longer worry about surprise vet bills when you get a plan that reimburses up to 90%. See Money’s list of top providers and get covered for as little as $15 per month.
Want to try the Google Maps trend on your own? Simply plug an address into Google’s search bar and click “street view.” If you find something in Austin you’d like to share, drop me a line.
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