Actually we’ve got a nice little Sunday planned. We’re going to Home Depot to pick out some wallpaper, then maybe we’ll hit Bed Bath and Beyond… I don’t know! I don’t know if we’ll have enough time….
That’s what you say if you’re Frank “The Tank” Picard and you live in the ‘burbs.
But, if you’re lucky enough to live in downtown Austin, your Sunday probably looks quite a bit different. I know mine usually does.
Take today, for example. This afternoon, I “trekked” over to Zach Scott Theatre to do a little volunteering, and was then actually lucky enough to be able to see the show that’s currently running on the Kleberg Stage – “Red Hot Patriot,” a play about the revered Texas icon, Molly Ivins (played by Barbara Chisholm). Good show. And, with the 2011 Legislature now in session, this play seems particularly appropriate to see. AND, for the antsy among us, it’s the perfect run time – ~78 minutes, no intermission, and they sell booze at the concession stand before the show. The fast and easy way to get in a little culture!
After the show, I changed into my workout gear (which I stowed away in my handy backpack – a staple for the downtowner on the go), and then took a nice leisurely walk around parts of the trail. I am always pleasantly astounded at the amount of people on the trail in Austin on a pretty day. I love the community outdoor gathering, and it’s something that many cities just don’t have. We’re very lucky to have the wonderful lake and trail amenity here in the heart of downtown; let’s not forget it. I’m planning on volunteering my time to do one of the many lake/trail clean-ups this year, I urge all of us who use the trail to do the same!
Of course, after the walk, I had to visit the new Royal Blue Grocery at 609 Congress to check it out and take some pics (and grab a water). The place is still in its opening stages, but I can tell it’s going to be GREAT.
On the way to Royal Blue, I sadly noticed that one of my fave funky furniture stores, I F + D had been replaced. I snapped a picture of the store now located at 208 Congress, 1020 Glass Art & Décor, frowning a little at the loss:
Anyway, on to Royal Blue – while I was there, I was able to snap quite a few pictures that detail the layout and the offerings:
We know that this location will be an inevitable success, and hope the Royal Blue concept will come to the Rainey Street area soon!
About IF+D: I understand AMLI/Plat.Form raised Kristen’s rent, thus pushing her shop out of the area. She was in Studio 563 temporarily back in November, but has long since moved out. She told me a while back she was planning to stay downtown, and was on the hunt for a new space. It was sad to see such a unique local business get pushed out. That glass shop has some big shoes to fill, as does AMLI.