K is for "Keeping Austin Weird"

"Keep Austin Weird" is not just some catchy slogan, it's a way of life. although as to whom said it first is a topic of debate, the slogan was adopted by the Austin Independent Business Alliance as a way to promote small business in Austin and well, it kind of ran from there!

i've said it before and i'll say it again, Austin, TX is a planet unto itself. possibly the thing that makes this city so wonderful, is that is such a rich mixture of ideals coming together to make us who we are.

"Families, kids, professors, students, immigrants, politicians, musicians, state employees, high-tech workers, a large gay community and hippies are living in this city and all of them are sharing the mentality of the slogan “Keep Austin Weird“, this slogan refers to the eclectic and liberal lifestyle of many Austin residents"

Oat Willie's

Oat Willie's has been an Austin institution for over 40 years.

"Owners Doug and Judy Brown of the iconic Austin smoke shop, Oat Willie’s, know a thing or two about Austin, its history, and the way things have worked here over the years. 'We consider this store a cross between a smoke shop and an old-fashioned general store,” says Judy, gushing grandmother to two little boys. “We carry beautiful Tiffany-like lamps; Indian batiked and inked bedspreads; books, boxes and cards; and flowing bohemian clothes,'she says proudly." -excerpt taken from AIBA interview. you can read more of this interview by going to the AIBA website at http://www.ibuyaustin.com/

SoCo-South Congress Avenue

looking at it now, it may be hard to believe that not so many years ago, this vibrant and creative neighborhood was a place where businesses had slumped and a couple of seedy little motels rented rooms by the hour. it's come a long way baby!

i am a native Austinite and not only is this my favorite part of town, but south Austin is a place where i call home. yeah, yeah so we have great Tex-Mex an out of this world music scene, the infamous 6th street and a large bar district but the best part is this eccentric, vintage and wonderful side of town called SoCo with excellent food, clothing, furniture, and you name it randomness!

Eeyor's Birthday Party

Eeyor's Birthday party began in 1963 as a spring party and picnic for students at UT Austin. it was named for Eeyor the lovably, forlorn donkey from the Winnie the Pooh stories by A.A. Miline who in one story believes that his friends have forgotten his birthday only to discover that they have planned a surprise birthday party for him. today, it is a large event held in Austin's Pease Park to benefit local non-profit organizations and yeah, it's kind of weird! locals come out to celebrate this day-long festival and are highly encouraged to dress in costume and enjoy and participate in the festivities. my favorite is the drum circle where you can freestyle dance or play along. there are costume contests, food, games, local musicians (or bring your own non-amplified musical instrument) and lots fun!

Casa Neverlandia

"imagine for a minute if Peter Pan were an architect and Dr. Suess were an interior designer and artist and that the built a home together...this is how i believe their home would look!" that is just one of the many quotes used to describe this wonderful whimsical home.

Casa Neverlandia has been featured in many forms of media such as Plant Green's: World's Greenest Homes, This Old House: World's Wildest Houses, and Natural Home and Garden.

First Thursday

first thursday is a popular monthly event that takes place along South Congress Avenue, generally from Barton Springs Road to Elizabeth Street. it is basically like one big block party, and it is perfect for all ages. on the first thursday of each month, all of the stores along South Congress that normally close early stay open late. first thursday is a smorgasbord of local flavor featuring music, artists, performers, food, drinks and lots of fun! if you are planing on visiting our fair city, this event is a great way to introduce yourself to Austin and all of it's wonderful weirdness.

Toy Joy!

ok, it is no secret that i am a giant child trapped in a man's body! i loooooove Toy Joy!! (hmm...maybe i should add some more "o"'s and exclamation points) this is a great place for kids of all ages to browse, play with, and collect the things that make them smile.

umm...i'm not a big pusher of the whole "you should get high and go do this..." thing, but some of my best...er...memories are of getting puffed with my older sister, before she got all mom and responsible-like, and turning ourselves loose inside the store. bouncing on the inflatable ponies, playing with smurfs, eating candy, and rolling around on the floor giggling like 5 year olds :P

last but not least... Keep Austin Weird Festival and 5k Run think of this festival as the ultimate toast to Austin, a toast to hospitality, fun and a sense of community. the 5k run helps raise funds for the Austin Parks Foundation and there is plenty of fun shenanigans for anyone in attendance.