Blog: What’s New

2023 Spring Break Staycation Guide

Posted on by Leander Chamber and Visitors Center in Attractions

Enjoy a spring break vacation without leaving town! With this list of incredible ideas and events during the week of spring break, you’re sure to have a blast with all the fun activities and places to go in Leander!

FIND A “STAY” (for Your Staycation)

Holiday Inn Leander

Check out this amazing advance saver rate! By booking 14 days in advance, you will receive the max discounted rate available! Get more info here: Holiday Inn Leander

Marriott Leander

Want to get the hotel experience in Leander? Check out Marriott Leander’s discounted booking link to save more on your stay!

click here to book today!

KOA Leander

Going camping is one of the best ways to spend spring break. KOA Leander campgrounds offer beautiful RV sites, tent sites, lodging, and more. Book your stay now before you miss it! Get more info here: KOA Leander

SHOP LOCAL

Wildfire Park

Shop Local at the Wildfire Park Farmer’s Market for goods, food trucks, and arts & crafts. They hold events every weekend and have a variety of amazing vendors to choose from. Get more info here: Wildfire Park

Ranch Road Jewelry

Need a watch repaired or a personalized experience in picking the perfect piece? You’ve come to the right place! You can trust Ranch Road Jewelry for experienced care and reasonable prices. They have new arrivals every week so make sure to check them out! Get more info here: Ranch Road Jewelry

Sweet Cupfe

This home-based Cupcakery that’s known for delicious Gourmet Cupcakes, Customized Specialty Cakes, and Sweet Treats. Pick between their abundance of flavors taste the freshness! Get more info here: Sweet Cupfe

GET OUTDOORS

Trail of Trains

This Scavenger Hunt is one of the most fun Leander activities to participate in over Spring Break. Use the clues to find all 8 of the 15 trains and be sure to post a picture on Instagram!

Get More Info & Download the brochure Here

Lakewood Park

With so much to offer, Lakewood park is filled with adventures. Enjoy fishing spots, a skate park, kayak rentals, and never-ending trails to explore! Read more about it here.

Cap Metro

Want to explore the beauty of downtown Austin but not deal with traffic? Get on a Metrorail train to downtown Austin for under $4 one-way. Get more info here: Cap Metro

Mason Days

This one hits right after spring break but check it out since it’s FREE! Leander Parks and Recreation is offering tours to explore the historical Mason Homestead on March 24th and 25th.

Adults, enjoy an evening out that is just for the 18+ crowd with food, games, and historical house tours. More info: Mason Days, March 24th.

Bring the family on March 25th to enjoy demonstrations of roping, branding, candle making, planting, and more!  Get more info here: Mason Days, March 25th.

UNLIMITED FUN!

Freedom Fun

Freedom fun is offering 10 incredible deals this spring break. For $299, you can get a bounce house, 10 nerf laser tag guns, and 4 inflatable barricades to keep overnight, They are also offering 2 nights for the price of one or $75 off on outdoor movie screen packages, including delivery, pickup, and setup. Mention you saw it on Visit Leander to get this great price. Get more info here: Freedom Fun

Austin Spurs

Looking to watch a basketball game close to home? Be sure to check out the Austin Spurs at the HEB Center. To access their multigame ticket link for 3/10, 3/15, and 3/16, click the link below.

Ticket link

Texas Stars

Check outdoor other sports teams local to Austin! Check out this schedule to plan your next Texas Stars hockey game! Get more info here: Texas Stars

Fannie’s Farm Friends Mobile Petting Zoo

Spice up kids’ parties with a mobile petting zoo! Get more info here: Fannies Farm Friends

GRAB A BITE

Maggie Mae’s

Looking for local live music? Come to Maggie Mae’s for delicious burgers and sandwiches and specials every night. Check out their Facebook page to see what they have planned!

Visit Leander’s Dining Guide

Check out Visit Leander’s Dining Guide for the best local treats!

Dining guide link

ADVENTURE

Shady Oaks Gun Range

Check out the best gun range in Austin offering pistol, rifle, and shotgun lanes from beginner levels up to advanced. With their state-of-the-art equipment and knowledgeable staff, Shady Oaks Gun Range is filled with entertainment. Get more info here: Shady Oaks Gun Range

All Aboard for the Leander Trail of Trains Photo Scavenger Hunt

Posted on by Leander Chamber and Visitors Center in Attractions, Visit Leander

This spring, come experience Leander’s Trail of Trains by completing our NEW photo scavenger hunt. You’ll explore Leander while hunting for 8 of our uniquely decorated trains displayed throughout our community. This experience is free and available to everyone!

How to Play

First, you’ll need our Trail of Trains guide available for download here or by visiting the Leander Visitors Center for a paper copy. Come inside during regular business hours, or grab copy from our brochure center outside our front door. The guide includes a full list of all of Leander’s trains as well as clues to find the 8 trains in our scavenger hunt.

To participate, follow the clues to a train, take a photo or selfie with each train you find and be sure to include any prize you get from the business hosting the train. Then post your picture to Instagram and be sure to:

  • Mention @VisitLeanderTX
  • Mention the business or organization you visit
  • Use the hashtag #LeanderIs in your post

When you’ve found all the trains, come by the Leander Visitors Center during regular open hours to claim your final prize for completing the scavenger hunt. Happy hunting!

Fun for Leander Visitors

The Trail of Trains Photo Scavenger Hunt is available year-round and we invite all our visitors to this experience while in Leander. Following our scavenger hunt will lead visitors to all different areas of Leander to explore and you’ll leave with unique pictures from your adventure! Learn more about the area’s rich history and thriving businesses as you make your way around town searching for each train.

Planning Activities for Kids this Spring Break?

The Trail of Trains is a fun activity for all ages! It’s a perfect outing for church groups or kids camps to add to their lineup of Spring Break events, and parents and grandparents will enjoy this unique activity as well.

For kids to try out the Trail, we’re offering a special custom version of our scavenger hunt for kids available during Spring Break. Groups of all sizes are welcome, but we ask groups over 5 participants to contact us so we can plan for your visit and ensure prizes are available!

For group scheduling, contact the Visitors Center at
512-259-1907 or visit@leandercc.org to schedule
and customize your hunt.

Leander Visitors Center

100 N. Brushy St.
Leander, TX 78641

(512) 259-1907

Hours:
Monday-Friday
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

History of Leander and the Trail of Trains

Leander was established in 1882 on land sold by the Austin and Northwestern Railroad Co. The town was named in honor of Leander “Catfish” Brown, one of the railroad officials responsible for the completion of the line. The railroad established Leander, and today it is the only stop outside the city of Austin on the Capital Metro rail.  

To commemorate and honor both our past and future, the Leander Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center introduced the Leander Trail of Trains. We commissioned the creation of concrete trains to be displayed throughout Leander by businesses and organizations with the goal to support the community. The hosting business chooses how their train will be decorated and each is unique and trademarked.

Celebrate Your Friends with Galentine’s (& Palentine’s) Day

Posted on by Leander Chamber and Visitors Center in Attractions, Living Leander, Visit Leander

The (slightly unofficial) date to shower those in your life that warm your heart and make it full is February 13. We think friends are worth celebrating, and we LOVE the trend of an entire day dedicated to these platonic bonds! We’ve gathered some of our favorite gift ideas for a day of fun. Let us know how you celebrate in the comments!

A fun day of shopping and pampering might be the perfect way to start your day!

Boutiques & Stores
Salons
Massage

A sweet treat dropped off with a hug is a great way to show you care! Here is a list of great bakeries in Leander we think you will love!

Bakeries

Use our handy Leander Attraction Guide & Leander Dining Guide to find something unexpected to do in Leander or a new favorite food stop!

Dining Guide
Attraction Guide

You can totally send your sweetie flowers on Valentines day as well, but flowers make a thoughtful gift for your friends.

Florist

Who says you can’t get friendship necklaces as adults? Splurge on yourself and your besties with a matching set. We are sure these local jewelers will be able to help you find just what you are looking for.

Jewelers

Christmas tree Lighting Contest 2022

Posted on by Leander Chamber and Visitors Center in Old Town Christmas Festival

We are ready for the 2022 Christmas Tree Lighting Contest! This Thanksgiving break is a great time to get creative! Download this form for all the details and be sure to get your entry to Texas Pawn & Jewelry by November 28th. We can’t wait to see what you create!

Old-Town-Christmas-FestivalDownload

YOU GOT QUESTIONS? WE GOT ANSWERS!

Posted on by Leander Chamber and Visitors Center in Old Town Christmas Festival

By: Nikki Bhamidipati and Saanvika Katakam
Rouse High School DECA Interns

THE OLD TOWN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL IS A PLACE FOR SO MUCH FAMILY FUN! IMMERSE YOURSELF IN DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES INCLUDING EATING, DANCING, SHOPPING AND SO MUCH MORE AND A GUARANTEED HOLLY JOLLY EXPERIENCE!

WHEN?

Saturday, december 3rd @ 11 am

WHO?

everyone! bring your family! (yes, it’s kid friendly :D)

WHAT?

Old town christmas festival a.k.a. a bunch of family fun 🙂

WHERE?

100 N Brushy leander, tx

PARKING?

Towing is strictly enforced

  • Along streets that surround Old Town (non-residential areas)
  • In Leander ISD parking lots (unless indicated otherwise)
    • Handicap parking: all LISD lots
  • All vehicles left in any lot or on any public street overnight will be towed at 5:30 am on Dec. 4th

SCHEDULED CLOSURES

Closures begin @ 5:30 AM on Saturday, December 3rd and streets reopen @ 12 AM on Sunday, December 4th

Closed streets (all day): N. Brushy, W. South, Willis (Baghdad and Atkins closed for portion of the day)

RAIN?

The festival will go on rain or shine!

RIDES!!

Children’s rides will be available at a per-ride fee or with an armband.

ARMBANDS:

Armbands for unlimited rides will be available for purchase for $35 from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Armbands will be valid from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

(From 6 pm to closing time, rides will be priced per ride)

What can you bring? What can you not?

HANDMADE GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Posted on by Leander Chamber and Visitors Center in Old Town Christmas Festival, Uncategorized

By: Risha Myadala and Dhanush Mittapalli

Vista Ridge DECA interns

Come join us at our annual Old Town Christmas Festival for a fun and festive time! While you’re there, check out some of our amazing vendors to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones just in time for the holiday season! These vendors specialize in beautiful handmade creations which are all locally crafted and sold.

MICHELLE EAST ART

Gift your loved ones Michelle East’s beautiful handmade pottery pieces! All her pottery is either thrown on the wheel or hand-built. Items include functional ware like mugs, bowls, platters, berry bowls, etc. as well as garden markers and some jewelry. Michelle’s husband Matt creates handcrafted leather goods (belts, wallets, key fabs, etc.) which are available in their booth as well.

MichelleEastArt.com: HANDMADE GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

TIPSY SISTERS CANDLES

Shop high-quality hand poured all natural soy candles, dried floral wreaths and arrangements at Tipsy Sisters Candles!

http://www.instagram.com/tipsysisterscandles: HANDMADE GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

SHINING STONE DESIGNS

Find stunning stone jewelry pieces all handmade with rare and exotic stones from all over the world. Specializing in Turquoise jewelry such as necklaces, pendants, earrings and custom rings, these gorgeous cut and polished pieces make the perfect gifts for anyone!

http://shiningstonedesigns.com: HANDMADE GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

DaleBCraft

Shop breathtaking wire-wrapped jewelry and original artwork at DaleBCraft!

http://www.fb.com/WireandIceJewelry: HANDMADE GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

PEACOCK CREATIONS

Gift your loved ones handmade accessories like jewelry purses shoes and clothing found at Peacock Creations!

https://www.facebook.com/Ravioli2525: HANDMADE GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

CHELLY CREATIONS BOUTIQUE

This local artist creates beautiful, one of a kind, hand made, glittered stainless steel tumblers and koozies! Not only will you be supporting a mom’s dream of owning her own boutique but you will also be supporting fellow Texas business owners from where she purchases her supplies!!

http://facebook.com/chellycreation: HANDMADE GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

MINDY’S MOSAICS

Shop hand-made mosaic items including fine art pieces, decorative hooks, coasters, mosaic jewelry, wine stoppers, bird houses and other home decor, and garden items such as stepping stones and flower pots at Mindy’s Mosaics!

https://www.facebook.com/MindysMosaics: HANDMADE GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

FINCH & ARMOR

Find beautiful wood and leather jewelry, laser-cut and engraved woodcraft, and soy candles at Finch & Armor!

https://www.facebook.com/finchandarmor/: HANDMADE GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

WHAT

OLD TOWN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

WheN

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3RD @ 11 AM

WHERE

100 N BRUSHY LEANDER, TX

WHO

EVERYONE! BRING YOUR FAMILY! (YES, IT’S KID FRIENDLY )

The 2022 Rudolph Run 5K

Posted on by Leander Chamber and Visitors Center in Events and Conferences, Old Town Christmas Festival

The 2022 Rudolph Run is filling up fast! Be sure to sign up soon to guarantee your spot & a really fun t-shirt.

This year’s theme and shirt is…ELF!

Our theme this year for the Old Town Christmas Festival is ELF! and our shirts are full of Christmas cheer. Sign up for the Old Town Rudolph Run by Nov. 12 at 5 pm to guarantee a shirt in our fun theme in your size. This race sells out every year, so sign up soon.

Red Christmas shirt that says, "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all the hear."
2023 Old Town Rudolph Run Shirt
Run Sign-Up

Awards & Costumes

Every year we love seeing your creative costumes and we think this year’s theme will take it over the top! Dress your best for the run and you could win the Best Dressed Runner award. (Both groups and individuals can win).


Every finisher will get a fun medal. The top Male and Female finisher in each of the following categories will receive an additional medal:

  • 0-12
  • 13-19
  • 20-35
  • 36-45
  • 46-55
  • 56-64
  • 65+

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is…running wild for all to hear! Come run with us!

Old Town Christmas Festival

December 3, Old Town Leander comes alive to spread Christmas joy throughout the community. The Old Town Christmas Festival is a free event that includes the Old Town Rudolph Run 5K, parade, activities for the kids, local school performances and entertainment, artisan food trucks, local vendors, and more.

More Info

2022 Old Town Christmas Parade

Posted on by Leander Chamber and Visitors Center in Old Town Christmas Festival

The Old Town Christmas Parade captures the magic of Christmas and the spirit of the community! Read on the find out how to enter, where the best viewing spots are, and what kind of fun we have in store for you.

Parade Entry

Parade entry applications need to be turned into the City of Leander no later than November 28th. You can mail or email them in or turn them in in-person during normal business hours at the Leander Activity Center located at:

11880 Hero Way West,
Leander, TX 78641.

Once you are entered, start planning your float. This year’s theme is ELF! While you can’t throw toys and treats, you can have someone walk and hand them out! Christmas music is allowed and encouraged, so add some sound to your float.

Parade Entry & Info

Best Viewing Spots

Here are some of our favorite viewing spots. Make sure you stay for the whole parade so you can see the “Big Guy” make his appearance!

  • Our favorite viewing location is in front of Pat Bryson Municipal Hall. Not only do you get to hear the announcer as the floats and exhibits come in, most participants will make sure they are dancing or singing or cheering as they come through!
  • Another great location is in front of the churches along S. West Dr and N. West Dr. It is the beginning of the parade, so everyone is full of energy! Plus, you get to be one of the first to view Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Parade info

Operation Blue SantA

The Leander Police Department will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for Operation Blue Santa at the Old Town Christmas Festival. You can also drop off toys at the Leander Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center during regular business hours.

Central Texas Fall Bucket List

Posted on by Leander Chamber and Visitors Center in Attractions, Living Leander, Visit Leander

We are going to take the slightly cooler temperatures as a sign that fall has officially arrived! We are putting together our ultimate fall bucket list of must-do activities with a printable checklist at the end so that you can join us!

1. Visit the Texas Pumpkin Fest

Do all your favorite fall activities in one place! Rides, pumpkin pics, magic shows, pumpkin smashing, axe throwing, face painting, activities, find it all and more at the Texas Pumpkin Fest, now at their new larger location at the VFW in Leander.

Texas Pumpkin Fest

2. Take the Ghosts and Legends Tour in Granbury, TX

Find out why they say that the Ghosts and Legends tour in Granbury, TX is the show where Texas history never left! While you are there, stop by the wineries and sample their fall treats!

Granbury Tours

3. Go on a Fall Family Scavenger Hike at Lakewood Park

Lakewood park has something for everyone and is the perfect place to collect leaves, take pictures and complete your very own Fall Photo Scavenger Hike. Be sure to see the newly opened Sculpture Garden!

Lakewood Park

4. Walk the “Tricks and Treats” Haunted Forest at Devine Lake Park on October 29th

The Leander Parks and Recreation and the Police Department invite you to enter the haunted forest…if you dare! But fear not! Everyone can wander the path and stop to get candy in the SPOOKTACULAR event. Stick around to watch Hotel Transylvania and take part in the costume contest!

Tricks & Treats Devine Lake Park

5. Brave “Last Stop Haunt” and bring canned goods for HCCM

Bring your bravery (and canned goods to donate to Hill Country Community Ministries) to Last Stop Haunt! Get your fill of fright and fun and maybe pick up some candy too!

Last Stop Haunt

6. Don Your Lederhosen and Celebrate Oktoberfest in Fredricksburg, TX

Founded on its German heritage, you won’t find a better place to celebrate an authentic Oktoberfest event than in Fredricksburg! Make your plans now!

Oktober Fest

7. Attend An ACL Weekend

Nothing is more iconically Austin than the Austin City Limits Music Festival! Get in the spirit and keep Austin weird!

ACL
Visit Leander Blog Header (2200 × 1200 px) (8.5 × 11 in)Download

Let us know when you check an item off the list in the comments! And don’t forget to post your pictures and tag us on our social channels so we can go on your fall journey with you! You can also use the hashtags #leanderis and #visitleandertx in any of your posts and we might repost you!

Back to School Basics

Posted on by Leander Chamber and Visitors Center in Living Leander, Visit Leander

Can you believe the 2022-2023 school year starts next week? Summer has flown by! We know the planning that goes into getting ready for a new school year, so we are helping to lighten that load. We reached out to everyone we knew and gathered our best finds here for you.

We also included these printable daily and weekly planner pages that will fit into any three-ring binder or folder to help you or your student get organized!

Back-to-School-PlannerDownload
Weekly Planner pages PDFDownload

Training for Your Athlete

D1 Training

D1 Training in Cedar Park is offering a special for you or your student: 7 days for $7.

Whether your child is looking to make a competitive team or be a starter on their High School varsity team, this is their competitive edge… 

D1 Training Cedar Park

Get all the info here:

D1 TRAINING SPECIAL

Phoenix Athletics

Phoenix Athletics can’t wait to see you on Saturday, August 20 for their Back-To-School Bash with giveaways!

Back-To-School Haircuts and styles

Southern Sugar & Brow

Southern Sugar & Brow in Leander is offering specials to get you ready for a FABULOUS school year.

Get Your Lessons, Activities & Tutoring Set Up!

Learnlee tutoring

LearnLee knows how important a Homework routine is for a successful school year! Save your spot in their Homework Club, and get this school year off to a great start!

Sense & Color School of Music

Sense & Color School of Music has a great deal for your budding musicians! Get your first 45 minute lesson for $25 with no commitment.

Premier Martial ARts Leander

Premier Martial Arts Leander knows that martial arts have proven to add focus, concentration and discipline, all things that will aid your student in school and life! Reach out to them to find out which program will work for your family.

Invictus

Invictus is offering tours several times in August. Reach out today to schedule yours!

Get those Smiles Ready!

Leander Orthodontics

Leander Orthodontics is offering a fantastic discount for back-to-school to get you or your student ready for all the photo moments.

Renken Dentistry of Crystal Falls

Renken Dentistry of Crystal Falls is offering a free consultation for Invisalign to get those pearly whites all straightened out!

Let Someone Else Get Dinner On The Table

Dream Dinners of Northwest Austin

Dream Dinners Meal Kits has a great idea, let them get dinner ready! Back to school means practices, extra curricular, homework and more. Take advantage of their meal prep starter pack, $99 for 6 medium meals or 3 large meals!

Sharks Burger

Sharks Burger is celebrating 5 years in Leander on August 19, which happens to be the Friday of the first week of school! Celebrate with them and take a night off food shopping, cooking and cleaning!

Get the Info HEre

Get stress relief

Apex Sports Medicine

Apex Sports Medicine knows the importance of moving well and living well, it’s their specialty. Just in time to relieve back-to-school stress, this month get $15 off any length Massage Therapy session, 60, 90 or 120 minutes!