All Aboard for the Leander Trail of Trains Photo Scavenger Hunt

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

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!


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!


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


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


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.

Central Texas Fall Bucket List

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

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!


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:


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 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!

Plan Your Adults’ Night Out This Weekend

Are you looking for a fun, adults’ night out? We have the perfect combo for you! Check out Way Off Broadway Community Players as they put on Venus in Fur at your favorite local distillery, Leanderthal Distilling.

This 21-and-up-only performance is running for the next two weekends! Get your tickets and find out more.

More Great Adults’ Night Out IDeas

Find more great bars, breweries and distilleries in the Leander Dining Guide. You can dine and celebrate with wings and daiquiris at the Thirsty Chicken or enjoy live music while you eat before you go out at Sharks Burger (get all the info here).

Head out after you meal and enjoy live music this Friday and Saturday night at Maggie Mae’s Leander. Get more info here.

Next Weekends Adventure

Can’t make it out this weekend? Don’t worry, Way Off Broadway will be at Leanderthal Distilling next weekend, starting August 5, or you can check out the Comedy Showcase at Smooth Village. (Get all the info here.)

Christmas in July

Texas is heating up, so we are celebrating Christmas in July with an early bird discount on Specialty Vendor fees for the Old Town Christmas Festival! Now through August 15, specialty vendor booths start at $150 for a 10×10 booth!

If you’ve been to one of the Old Town Festivals, then you know just how popular they are! This December, we are bringing the magic of Christmas to the Old Town Square once again. 

Vendor Applications

Find the correct vendor application from the list below. Be sure to read the vendor forms before you apply. This is a juried festival. The committee meets around the beginning of each month the evaluate applications, so apply before August 1st to be in the first round. 

NEW this year…Old Town Street Festival is looking to bring in new vendors. We will only be bringing back 50% of our previous vendors, so this is the perfect year to apply for the first time! Be sure to include your best picture(s) and item descriptions in your application!

Vendor Forms

Applications

Specialty Vendor:

Food & Beverage:

Beer & Wine:

Sponsors

This is the perfect festival to sponsor! The Old Town Christmas Festival brings out locals and visitors alike, making it a great opportunity to invest in your community and show your customer and clients how much you love where you live! Get more information in the Sponsor Application below or email us at the office and we will reach out to you. 

EMAIL

Thank you to our presenting sponsor: Honda Leander

Sponsor:

Stay Cool (All Day) For The Summer

Here in Central Texas things are heating up. We know you can’t wait to hit every activity during your summer break, so join us on our perfect Cool (All Day) summer bucket list!

Sunrise

Start your summer morning off with a sunrise trip to kayak or paddle board at Lakewood Park!

You can bring your own and use the launch or rent your equipment at Lakewood Park.

Check out this blog to get all the latest information on Lakewood Park.

Don’t forget your coffee from Perky Beans on the way. We recommend ICED in this heat! If you want to grab a treat with your morning joe, head over to Casa Costa Bake Shop for Brazilian coffee and baked delights.


Breakfast

Waffles at Mouton’s

After working up an appetite, your crew is going to need food! Time to head to one of the many Leander hotspots for a great bite to eat. You can get breakfast sandwiches at Sharks Burger, brunch at Mouton’s Southern Bistro or Blue Corn Harvest, or try out the new PB Café. Bonus points for finding a patio to enjoy the morning breeze!


Poolside at Noon

Dive In Movies in Leander, featuring The Spongebob Movie on July 22

The best way to unwind after a big breakfast is to head to the POOL! Leander has a great public pool at Robin Bledsoe Park, complete with a diving board. Don’t forget to check for special events like Leander’s “Dive-In Movies” coming up on July 22nd or the “Itty Bitty Beach Party” on the 23rd.

Pool a little out of your depth? Leander also has two public splash pads! One is located at Robin Bledsoe Park and the other is at Lakewood Park. Both are a great way to keep the littles cool all summer. If you happen to be at Lakewood Park on July 8, celebrate National Freezer Pop Day with the City of Leander. They will be handing out cool refreshments starting at 11 a.m. 

Delivery for Lunch

Don’t forget to get your lunch delivered! We have so many great options here in Leander, use this guide to help you narrow it down.


Afternoon Ice Skating

Hot summer afternoons are made for indoor activities, and nothing is cooler than ice skating at a local hangout. We love that the Crossover has a fantastic ice skating rink so close! Use the link for Public Skate times, but the late afternoon is usually available.

Ice skating not your thing? Never fear, the Crossover has you covered either way! Check out their Esports Cave for an inclusive place for all gamers.


Pre-Dinner Icy Sweet Treat

Summer fun calls for something frozen, sweet & refreshing. We suggest a shaved ice from Bahama Bucks or a frozen lemonade from Chick-fil-A to keep the summer vibes on point and extra icy. We think this Shark Attack Sno looks extra…chilling!

If you want something to treat your tastebuds and your health, try Leander Nutrition for a smoothie!


Dinner On THe Patio

Family dinner outside enjoying the late evening break from the heat is the perfect end to this family fun day!


Looking for a Cool Grown-ups Night Out?

The end of a perfect summer day should feel like a party, and we think you’ll agree that dinner at The Thirsty Chicken is just that. Their frozen daiquiris will keep you cool and their wings and atmosphere are always hot!

Then we suggest you head over to Maggie Mae’s Old Town Pub or Leanderthal Distilling after dinner for refreshing cocktails and delicious drinks to end your night.

We hope that we kept you cool all day on this summer bucket list journey through Leander! Did we miss any cool summer stops? Let us know in the comments!

Shop like a local at the Local-motive event

This week, June 26 through July 2, shop local in Leander and be rewarded for the things you purchase! We love our local businesses and want to show them and you!

This week, whenever you shop, save your receipt(s) and bring it by the Leander Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center for your chance to win great prizes! Receipts are due by Wednesday, July 6 at noon, but you can bring them by as soon as you finish shopping to get your raffle tickets!

Leander Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center
100 N Brushy St.
Leander, TX 78641

Hours:
M-F: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Member List

Not sure which businesses are members of the Leander Chamber of Commerce? Stop by the Visitors Center for a directory, or you can use this digital directory to search by business name or category!

So EAT, DRINK & BOUTIQUE all week!

Great Prizes!

Here are some of our great prizes for the raffle! Don’t forget to save your receipt from your morning coffee stop at Perky Beans, your lunch stop at Sharks Burger or dinner at Mouton’s for a chance to get rewarded for the things you were already going to purchase. ANY Leander Chamber of Commerce member business qualifies.

Those happy hour drinks from Maggie Mae’s and The Thirsty Chicken count too! Save your receipts and bring them by for your raffle tickets!

We will be drawing most of these prizes next week after July 6, but we will be drawing for the Fourth of July bag and shirt from Tourquise Peacock Boutique this Friday, July 1! So be sure to bring your receipts by early!

We know a lot of you are eyeing the impact driver and the toolbox from Cashway Building Materials for those summer DIYs and the artisan bowl and napkins from Wildfire Artisans to decorate your space. We are too!

Old Town Leander Gift Shop

Don’t forget to shop at the Old Town Leander Gift Shop at the Visitors Center for all your favorite Leander merch and gifts.

All purchases made at the Old Town Leander Gift Shop are eligible for a raffle entry.

Our fantastic Leander postcards are in we adore them!

One raffle prize will be to pick any pillow or tea towel from the gift shop.


Let’s get shopping!

Old Town Street Festival 2022

Kick off the summer festival season with the Leander Old Town Street Festival on June 4, 2022! From shopping to rides with live performances all day, you will find something for everyone in your crew to do. This fun wine festival also has a wine and craft beer competition with the competitors selling their sippable beverages all day!

As always, you don’t need tickets to attend this free event but downloading your free tickets helps plan for your visit! RSVP to let them know you are coming!

EXCLUSIVE VIP tickets are available for purchase for the Headliner, Lee Roy Parnell! Download your free ticket(s) and purchase your VIP tickets here.

Saturday, June 4, 2022, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Texas Hill Country is In Bloom in Leander, Texas

Spring is in the air, and Leander is in full bloom. Warm weather and rain showers have brought out the full beauty of the wildflower season in the unexpected Texas Hill Country!

Plan your visit using our handy lodging and dining guide!

The iconic Texas bluebonnet is filling fields with waving stalks creating the perfect backdrop for your Texas travel photos. For years, families have searched for the perfect location to take this coveted picture.

Leander is home to both open fields and naturally rolling hills, creating the perfect destination to get your colorful photos.

Spring is host to a multitude of the gorgeous wildflower that Texas is known for. From wine cups to Indian blankets, you can find flowers of all shapes and colors.

Since the TXDOT began its wildflower conservation program, even the highways and roadsides in Texas are covered in these beautiful blooms.

Conveniently situated between FM 1431 and TX-29 along the Texas Department of Transportation’s recommended wildflower drive, Leander is the ideal basecamp for all your favorite wildflower day trips and evenings spent relaxing. 

The Texas Department of Transportation has created this guide to help you identify all the gorgeous flowers you see.

While you are here, stop by the Visitors Center and get your Hill Country Passport and collect your first stamp! Do you love the art work in the header? Be sure to get your photo with Leander’s newest instagram worthy photo-op! Find out all the details here!

Be sure to let us know your favorite wildflower in the comments!