East Side Adventures: Your Perfect Weekend of Local Love in Austin

Ready to spice up your weekend plans while supporting some of the East Side's coolest local businesses? I've got the ultimate itinerary for you, packed with delicious eats, unique finds, and a bit of wellness. Let’s dive in and make the most of our vibrant East Austin community!

Rise with the Sun: Move and Groove at Ritual Pilates 🧘‍♀️

If the sun rose at 9 am, that is... I love starting my morning with Pilates at Ritual Moves. Their classes are designed to challenge and invigorate, making it a fantastic way to kick off your Saturday. Whether you're a Pilates pro or a newbie, Ritual offers an inclusive and supportive environment to get your body moving. Check out the class descriptions here.

Favorite Class: Body High, a mat class—cathartic workout, sweaty embodied movement, rhythm-focused, meditative movement, music-driven flow, and embodied meditation to finish. You’ll leave feeling grounded, awake, grateful, inspired, and sweaty.

Saturday Morning: Brunch Love at Paperboy 🥞

After a killer workout, it’s time to refuel with brunch at Paperboy. The vibes are chill, the service is great, and the food is amazing. Be sure to snag a reservation because this place is the place to be! If you can’t grab a rez, no stress—they have a takeout window on the side of the building where you can order your goods to-go.

Favorite To-Go Order: iced matcha with your choice of milk, lightly sweetened with their made-in-house lavender syrup, add cinnamon. If you’re in need of a sugar rush + nostalgia, order the poptart (warmed up, of course).

Late Morning: Unique Finds at Take Heart 🎁

Just a block away is the cutest little shop, Take Heart. Opened in [year], Take Heart is the perfect spot to find thoughtfully designed objects for the home and person. This charming boutique is carefully curated with items from beautiful ceramics to delicate jewelry and unique stationery. Whether you're looking for a thoughtful gift or a little treat for yourself, you'll find something special here.

Favorite Items: Hasami Porcelain Japanese Sandalwood Incense, Los Poblanos Lavender Hand Soap, Living Libations skincare line, and Loco Love Chocolates.

Home Goods Heaven at Apt F 🏡

Time to spruce up your space! Head to Apt F, where you'll find a selection of home goods that perfectly blend style and functionality. From chic decor to cozy textiles, this store has everything you need to give your home that personal touch. The collection of pillows and rugs are all handmade from start to finish, and no two are exactly alike. Apt F is the perfect spot to find items to make your space unique because I know you don’t want that same boring pillow everyone else has from ‘insert big box store here.’

Afternoon: R&R or Bopping Around

Take some time for R&R at home, but if you’re not ready to go home, pop into the many cool bars and restaurants on Cesar Chavez, 6th, and 7th Street. A few honorable mentions: pizza from AllDay, snacks from Royal Blue Grocery, treats from Wolf & Wheat (the s’more is elite!), and record shopping at Drinks Lounge.

Evening: Sweet Treats at Gati 🍦

Your R&R is over, so now we’ll head to Gati Ice Cream for the best vegan ice cream in town. Their flavors are innovative and delicious, making it a perfect evening treat in this hot summer heat.

Saturday Night: Dance the Night Away at The White Horse 🕺

Round off your perfect Saturday with a night out at The White Horse. This iconic honky-tonk offers live music, dancing, and a laid-back vibe that’s quintessentially Austin. Whether you're two-stepping on the dance floor or just enjoying the music with a cold drink in hand, it's the ideal spot to let loose and have some fun.

Sunday: Repeat and Relax 🌞

If Saturday left you craving more, why not repeat your favorites or explore some new spots?

Another local weekend in the books! Thanks for checking out a few of my favorite East Austin local businesses. Enjoy the treats, the finds, and the vibes, all while keeping our community thriving.

Stay cool Austin!

XOXO, America