We’ll be sending you our newsletter for the next five days, but if you’re not feeling it after that, we’ll call it quits — no action required. If you like what you see, click any link in this email, and each morning, we’ll keep sending the most relevant news, events, and updates from around Austin. Our newsletters are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Escape to the Golden Isles this spring
Presented by Golden Isles CVB
Sun, sand, and a little bit of Southern charm await. | Photos courtesy of Golden Isles CVB
Our idea of the perfect getaway includes salty breezes, scenic bike rides, and really good seafood. Sounds like it’s time to take a trip to the Golden Isles of Georgia.
Tucked along the Georgia coast between Jacksonville and Savannah, this sun-soaked destination blends natural beauty, coastal adventure, and laid-back charm in all the right ways.
Whether for a long weekend or full vacay, the isles offer the perfect coastal escape, made up of four barrier islands and a coastal city:
Each spot brings its own personality, from quiet, nature-filled escapes to lively beach towns with shopping, dining, and rich history.
Don’t forget to add outdoor adventures to your itinerary. Spend your days:
Boating
Fishing
Biking
Paddleboarding
Horseback riding
or hiking through maritime forests and along miles of shoreline
Keep an eye out for local wildlife, too — the area’s diverse ecosystems are home to everything from coastal birds to Loggerhead Sea Turtles, which begin nesting in May.
Don’t worry, if you can’t swing a trip this Spring, the islands host a slew of events all year round, celebrating food, music, and family fun, including Fourth of July celebrations, Southern Grown on Sea Island, and the Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival.
When it’s time to unwind, you’ll find accommodations ranging from luxurious beachfront resorts to cozy vacation rentals.
And wherever you stay, one thing’s guaranteed: amazing food. The Golden Isles serves up classic Southern flavors, fresh-caught seafood, and creative coastal twists that keep visitors coming back for seconds — and return trips.
Get ready to laugh — Meg Stalter, Sarah Sherman, and Lucy Darling are just a few of the newly announced comedians coming to this year’s Moontower Comedy Festival in April. View the full lineup.
Development
An eight-building mixed-use development is in the works for the St. Elmo Arts District. Permits were approved for plans containing 200,000 sqft of retail, restaurant, and office space, with Michael Hsu Office of Architecture tapped for the project. (Austin Business Journal)
Number
$1.3 million. That’s how much grant funding the City of Austin’s Climate Action and Resilience Office distributed to expand Austin’s urban canopy. Around 30 local organizations received funds. (KXAN)
Real Estate
Developers broke ground on a $70 million apartment complex last month. The Martin, located next to Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center in east Austin, is expected to be seven stories tall with 375 units total, of which 37 will be reserved for households earning less than 50% of the median income. (Austin American-Statesman)
Concert
Country music star Tim McGraw will bring his “Pawn Shop Guitar Tour” to the Moody Center this fall. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 6.
Ranked
Speaking of apartments, Austin is the No. 3 city in the US for new affordable apartment construction, according to a study from RentCafe. With the completion of 13,343 units in the last five years, the Capital City has seen a 142.29% increase in income-adjusted rentals.
Perelel’s Triple-Support Protein is a clean, doctor-founded and third party tested protein powder, with each scoop delivering 20 grams of protein, three grams of creatine, and five grams of no-bloat fiber. Support muscle, brain, and gut health with 20% off using code 6AMCITY20.*
Health
February is about connection, from intimate dinners to catching the game with friends. Don’t let background noise get in the way. Horizon IX hearing aids use advanced German engineering for crystal-clear sound, all-day comfort, and a nearly invisible fit. No wonder 540,000+ customers love them. Start your 45-day no-risk trial.*
Event Spotlight
You can celebrate all your hard work with Victory Lap’s “finish line.” | Photo courtesy Victory Lap
If running 26.2 miles isn’t quite your speed, Rainey Street announced a different kind of challenge the weekend before the Austin Marathon.
The Rainey .1 Mile Marathon will bring people together for an evening “race” through some of the strip’s locales. Begin your training by picking up a bib on Friday, Feb. 6 and stroll the area from 5 to 7 p.m.
Starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, contestants will visit “refueling” stops at local businesses for deal including $1 off coffee at Daydreamer Café, BOGO eats at Shawarma Point and JABS, 10% off at Veracruz, and finishline flash tattoos at Victory Lap. RSVP to join the race.
The Buy
Merit Beauty’s Signature Lip Blush. Available in eight pigmented shades, it applies like a lightweight balm with smooth, buildable color.
A had a delicious cocktail at the Downtown Taverna location last week. The “Peach N’ Quiet” comes topped with lavender foam, but if you need more than a drink to entice you, the restaurant also has some Valentine’s Day specials coming up.
