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!
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.
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.)
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!
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!
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!
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 Boutiquethis 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.
Staying close to home doesn’t mean missing out on any of the fun! LIVE, LOVE, LEANDER!
Favorites, Classics & New Adventures
We had so much fun gathering our favorite Spring Break destinations last year, that we are making it an annual tradition! We are bringing back your favorite places, enjoying the classic Leander fun, and taking you on some new adventures! So hang tight, we are going to have a blast!
If you are looking to get away from the house, but keep it close to home, there is no better destination than our own Holiday Inn Express and Suites.
Even if you can’t travel far, you can still getaway! With everything you could want from a Grab-and-Go continental breakfast that includes hot options, to reservable gathering rooms for family fun, the Holiday Inn Leander is just the change of scenery you need!
Shop Local
Check out these local favorites that you can’t find anywhere else!
Have you ever shopped in a vintage AirStream while sipping coffee and eating homemade baked goods? Stop by Wildfire Artisans on a Saturday morning to get the full experience and see why the Wildfire Artisans is your new favorite shop.
Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. you can visit Smooth Village and check out the coolest outdoor market in Leander. From food to flowers, this place has it all, and a Leander vibe that can’t be beat.
Lace and Grace is your go-to bridal and formal wear store. They provide a luxury experience at affordable price points. Whether you are looking for Prom, a formal event, or your Wedding Gown, they have all the style and accessories that will make you shine!
Amazing Free Activites
Leander is filled with free fun and adventures, so we have gathered some of our favorites for you to explore!
Lakewood Park
Leander’s newest park could be the ultimate adventure destination! Featuring a skate park, kayak launch and rentals, a huge playground for all ages, fishing spots, and an extensive trail system, there is something for everyone.
Check out this blog filled with all the info you need to plan your trip!
Robin Bledsoe Park
This 16 acre park is home to all the great outdoor activities you love! Whether you are looking for a playground or sports courts, this park has it all! Check out this link to see everything Robin Bledsoe Park has to offer!
The Leander Trail of Trains
The Leander Trail of Trains continues to grow, and we bet there are some new trains you haven’t visited yet! While on your trail, be sure to stop by one of our newest trains and get some delicious Whataburger!
Find all the locations and information here on our Trail of Trains page!
Visit the Leander Library
Did you know our local library has a full line-up of daily activites for all ages that you can participate in? From their Teen Book club and D&D campaign, to adult workshops, to LEGOs in the library, there is granuanteed to be something that calls to everyone! Get all the important details and find your perfect library match here, at the Leander Library home page!
Travel the Hill Country Passport!
Did you know that Leander is on the Hill Country Passport? With all of the destinations within a days travel, you can make Leander your base camp while exploring all that the surrounding area has to offer! Make it a challenge and see if you can visit them all during Spring Break!
Collect a stamp at every visitors center you go to, and mail your passport in for a prize! Pick your passport up early to plan your adventure! Read more about the Hill Country Passport here. You can pick up your passport and your first stamp at the Leander Visitors Center at:
100 North Brushy Leander, TX 78641 (512) 259-1907
Find Your Next Adventure
From Steam Trains to sporting events, find something fun to-do!
Soulshine Rhythm Experience offers interactive programs that use drums and rhythm as tools for team building, wellness, celebration and connection.
Fun for the 21 & Up Crowd
Looking for your next night out or cocktail? We have the perfect places! Check out the Leander Bars and Breweries guide! It is filled with our favorite places to grab a delicious adult beverage!
Local eats and Treats!
Looking for more delicious things to do? Check out the Leander Dining Guide! From coffee to treats to eats, find your next food stop!
When you are planning your next corporate retreat, conference or event, put Leander, TX on your short list of locations. Located in the heart of the scenic Texas Hill Country and within the greater Austin metroplex, Leander hits the perfect balance between small town comfort and big city amenities.
Contact the Leander Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center to discuss your upcoming event!
Leander has several conference venues and beautiful outdoor retreat or event settings.
The PAC, with a serving kitchen and large rentable indoor space
Contact us at the Leander Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center at (512) 259-1907 to discuss your event. There are many other options, depending on your needs!
Great Nightlife and Local restaurants
In addition a variety of venues, Leander offers nightlife with a great atmosphere and unique local restaurants. Find out more about these great places in our Drinks and Dining guide.
“Leander is a fantastic location to host your next business meeting or social event. There is a cool vibe in Leander with awesome places to go for food, drinks and fun for families and people of all ages. The future is bright in Leander!”
Mitch Fuller, Commander of VFW Post 10427 and member of Leander Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Download our FREE Excel Event Budget Planner or our Printable PDF Event Planner to use with your next event!
Leander has so many places to ring in the New Year that we wanted to help you narrow where you will you will celebrate this year! Whether you are looking for family friendly activities or a place for that champagne toast, we have the perfect place for you!
Maggie Mae’s Live Music & Champagne Toast
In the heart of Old Town Leander, join Maggie Mae’s Leander location for live music and a Midnight Champagne Toast!
WhiteStone Brewery
Whitestone Brewery will be open normal hours on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day (12-10:30pm). For NYE, there will be champagne available for sale, BOGO 25% off Crowler and Growler fills, and their weekday happy hour 12-5pm ($1 off beers).
New Year’s Day their food truck will have a few special food items and they will be showing all the football games that day. Also, enjoy their two imperial stouts going on tap that weekend to help celebrate!
More Great ways to Celebrate!
Looking for more local businesses to celebrate with?
If you want to explore all that Leander has to offer, check out these great guides to help you! They have the websites and contact info for great Leander Bars, Distilleries, Restaurants, and Activities!
Visit the Leander Dining Guide for great Bars and Breweries and Leander’s own Distillery, Leanderthal and Leander’s first Daiquiris Bar, The Thirst Chicken! We know we aren’t the only ones looking forward to wings and frozen drinks!
Looking for something sweet when you Ring in 2022? Maybe a candy shop? Or perhaps something baked full of love? Check out Leander’s Drinks and Desserts for the best places to caffeinate and satisfy your sweet tooth before you start your celebrations!
Check out the Attraction Guide on the Visit Leander Tx page to find the adventure that is hidden in Leander! From Dinosaur tracks to the Trail of Trains, there is so much to see and do in Leander!
Did you know that Leander has its very own distillery with a tasting room (and that they just might serve the best margaritas in town)? In this post (for our 21 and up crowd) we will do a deep dive on the Bars and Breweries that make Leander the best destination for fun! Sip Sip!
Did you catch the beginning of our Food Series? If not, start here!
Have you visited Leander’s very own distillery, Leanderthal Distilling? If you haven’t, why not? Don’t you love amazing margaritas and fantastic, local distilled spirits? Of course you do! Stop by for bottle sales all day and visit the Leanderthal Lounge for your favorite poured beverages!
11894 Hero Way W., Ste. A Leander, TX 78641 Ph. (512) 697-9127 www.leanderthaltx.com
Smooth Village is many things! It is a pop-up market, a salon and a great place to grab a pint and enjoy live entertainment! Visit their website to see their schedule of events! We’ll see you there!
Whitestone Brewery brings together an amazing combination of atmosphere, service and, of course, high quality beer! From happy hour specials that are worth leaving work for to live music that will keep your toes tappin’, we know you can kick back and relax! Be sure to check out their taps!
In the heart of Central Texas you can find a fantastic Winery with a tasting room that feels like home! Be sure to stop by Bent Oak Winery for their prized wines and great pairings!
2000 Windy Ter., Bldg. 2-B Cedar Park, TX 78613 (512) 953-8094 ww.bentoakwinery.com
Maggie Mae’s is opening soon in Old Town Leander, check back for more information on this local Austin favorite!
105 W. Willis Leander, TX 78641 (512) 576-4165
Do you own a Food Truck, Eatery, Sweet Shop or Bar and want to be featured on the Leander Drinks and Dining Guide? Call us at (512) 259-1907 or email office@leandercc.org
If your mouth is watering right now, you are not alone! We loved doing research for this blog post as much as you will love the delicious places we are going to explore in this post! Let’s dig into the Leander Drinks and Desserts Destinations! Did you catch the beginning of our Food Series? If not, start here!
Did You Say Coffee?
When it comes to our caffeine, we are not willing to compromise! We love our local coffee stop, Perky Beans! In addition to some of the best drinks in Leander, they also have a great menu of sandwiches, snacks and treats!
Casa Costa Bake Shop may have our favorite crave-worthy sweets, but did you know they have amazing breakfast and lunch items too? And let’s not forget the all important…COFFEE! (If you get the brownie with it, you’ll be happy all day!)
Weikel’s Bakery located inside of Foodie’s Corner convenience store may not be your first thought in baked foods and delicious treats, but we think it should be! Not only is it an easy stop, their kolaches will make your mouth water!
Leander Nutrition has delicious smoothies and energy boosting drinks! And did we mention coffee and snacks? Yep! You heard right! And while you are there, why not stop for a selfie with your beautiful drink? Tasty and gorgeous!
When it’s sweltering hot (and this is Texas, when is it not?) we head straight for Bahama Bucks to cool off with the colorful, delicious shaved ice! But did you know they have smoothies and – GET THIS – snowballs to-go! Yes! Actual snowballs! We know what we are getting for our next party!
Texas Honey Hole makes us feel like a kid again! Who doesn’t want to relive their childhood in a candy shop made for kids and adults! From unique candy to the brands you already know, find it all, and some unique gifts, at this fun store!
Do you own a Food Truck, Eatery, Sweet Shop or Bar and want to be featured on the Leander Drinks and Dining Guide? Call us at (512) 259-1907 or email office@leandercc.org
Leander has all the iconic favorites that Texans know and love when it comes to fast food and drive-thrus, but there may be a few that surprise you including some delicious food trucks! Let’s check them all out. Did you catch the beginning of our Food Series? If not, start here!
Classic Fast Food Chains
Chick-fil-A in Leander offers fast drive-thru options with the pleasant service they are known for! Drive-Thru and Curbside options.
McDonald’s serves up all the classics you already know and love! Dine-in and Drive-Thru options!
Raising Cane’s has a menu that is simple to love, but we all know you are here for the Cane’s sauce! Order extra for your fries, we won’t tell!
1456 E. Whitestone Blvd. Cedar Park, TX 78613 (512) 260-6454 www.raisingcanes.com
Whataburger – some things are worth waiting for, and Whataburger was definitely one of those things! Leander loves you – and your spicy ketchup! Excuse us while we finish eating our Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit!
Looking for pizza places with dine-in and delivery options? Be sure to check out our Table Service Page!
Restaurants with Dine-In & Drive-Thru
Woks it 2 U opened a second location and, in addition to having the most delicious Chinese food, the new location also has a Drive-Thru in addition to Dine-In & Take-Out! Score!
1101 S. HWY 183 Leander, TX 78641 (512) 591-5457 www.woksit2u.com
Food Trucks
In addition to live entertainment and a Saturday market, Smooth Village also has delicious food trucks! Be sure to check their page for events and schedules!
Wildfire Artisans is not only a local boutique, they also have a Coffee Shop, Food Trucks & a Bakery! Be sure to check their Facebook page or website for more info and schedules!
Perky Beans is the perfect fix for your afternoon slump, and even better, you don’t have to leave the car to get it! Grab a snack and your favorite drink!
Do you own a Food Truck, Eatery, Sweet Shop or Bar and want to be featured on the Leander Drinks and Dining Guide? Call us at (512) 259-1907 or email office@leandercc.org
