I love East Austin and I have loved it since I moved here in 1996. It has experienced a lot of growth and change since then. The challenge we face is how to manage the growth without harming what makes it so great in the first place.
If you love it too, you can support our current businesses so we don't lose them. I have provided several links on this page to find out more about local businesses. Also, the following link provides more information about the challenges facing the community, http://www.utexas.edu/lbj/news/spring2007/east_austin_forum.php. Another site that profiles East Austin residents and businesses and addresses the issue head on is www.lasimmons.com/eastbecomescentral.
East Austin is also home to one of Austin's most impressive redevelopments. Transforming the area surrounding the old Robert Mueller airport, (www.muelleraustin.com) the city has worked to create an attractive community accessible to all income levels. The development includes Dell's Austin Children's Hospital, single family homes, townhomes, affordable housing, apartments, retail and plenty of green space with walking trails.
A unique partnership between the city of Austin and the Austin Film Society recycled our former airport into a 20 acre film/video production facility with old airport hangars now acting as sound stages. Just more proof we live in one of the coolest towns in America. For tour information and a list of on-site businesses, see http://www.austinfilm.org/.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO SEE AND DO ON THE EAST SIDE
Restaurants: EastSide Cafe - serves fresh food and they have a garden and gift store on site; Hoovers - some of the best homestyle cookingin Austin; Vivo Cocina; Blue Dahlia Bistro is serving breakfast lunch and dinner on East 11th with organic options; Bossa Nova is a Brazilian bakery and cafe owned and operated by second generation bakers from Brazil making yummie goods from their native country; Progress has great coffee drinks, light lunch and breakfast offerings and an impressive periodicals selection. The whole vibe makes me wish I worked there. At Mr. Natural Cafe, I can eat vegetarian and be full! Cafe Mundi is just a welcome escape from whatever you are escaping and great for the community. El Chilito on Manor is a great place for a quick breakfast, lunch or dinner. Try the amazing puffy tacos. The owners have developed their own little restaurant row and you can't go wrong with any of their venues including El Chile, El Chilito and Red House Bar and Lounge.
Retail: Texas Coffee Traders - ask for Vanilla Nut, it's usually in the back and check out the cool scooters; Big Red Sun - tasteful Home and Garden gifts, many from local artists.
Not to be missed: East Side Stories documentaries from UT film students, http://www.eastaustinstories.org/; East Side Studio Tour; Boggy Creek Farm - The Farmer's market to Austin's best chefs and an Austin treasure. East End Fourth Fridays - starts around 5 PM and includes the area of East 11th from Branch to Angelina. Check it out for great music, food and more.
These are only a few of my favorites. There is so much more to love and treasure you'll just have to explore. Call me if you need more ideas or check out http://www.eastaustinonline.com/.
