<\/p>\n
Thousands of visitors fly kites at ABC Kite Fest at Zilker Park on Sunday, April 14, 2024 in Austin.<\/p>\n
Aaron E. Martinez\/American-Statesman<\/p>\n
In April, Austin softens. The air feels forgiving, and everything seems on the verge of becoming something else. It\u2019s the month that makes you believe in starting over, or at least starting something. A conversation that goes longer than expected. A glance that lingers. The possibility of new love, or a softer version of the old kind.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
April offers just enough mild weather, just enough bloom, to make simple plans feel like the highlight of your month. These are the weeks for dates that unfold and surprise you.<\/p>\n
Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n
Related: Where to see bluebonnets in Central Texas<\/a><\/p>\n The truth is, a good date in this city has very little to do with how much you spend and everything to do with how you move through it. Consider this a short list of ways to fall in like \u2014 or something adjacent \u2014 without crossing the $40 mark.<\/p>\n $20: Weekend matcha and farmers market<\/p>\n The Barton Creek Farmers’ Market originated on Burnet Road in 1987 and spent many years in Sunset Valley before moving to Barton Creek Square Mall.<\/p>\n Addie Broyles\/American-Statesman, Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n You start with an iced Bluebonnet Matcha from Merit Coffee on South Lamar. It arrives with blueberry lavender on the bottom, basil and milk of your choosing. It tastes like spring in a way that feels slightly engineered but still convincing.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Then you go to the back of Barton Creek Mall, where there’s a farmers market every Saturday. You drift toward the vendors, letting the crowd pull you along. You walk, you sip, you point out things you\u2019d never actually buy. There are samples \u2014 honey, bread, something pickled \u2014 and you both pretend to have discerning palates. It feels, briefly, like a shared life edited down to its most flattering moments. Bonus: The mall parking lot has one of the best skyline views in the city.\u00a0<\/p>\n Barton Creek Farmers Market: 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy. 512-280-1976, bartoncreekfarmersmarket.org.<\/a><\/p>\n Merit Coffee: 1105 S. Lamar Blvd. 512-906-0010, meritcoffee.com.<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n $30: Free yoga and Side Eye Pie<\/p>\n The Side Eye Pizza trailer cooks from a wood-burning oven at Meanwhile Brewing Co. in Southeast Austin.\u00a0<\/p>\n MATTHEW ODAM\/AMERICAN-STATESMAN<\/p>\n At Meanwhile Brewing Co., Sunday morning begins with intention. You lay down your mats for a free community class with Practice Yoga Austin and pretend not to notice how close your hands land during downward dog. Seeing someone try to find balance rearranges your expectations.<\/p>\n Afterward, you order a pizza from Side Eye Pie. Suddenly, you\u2019re sitting in the sun, splitting it like it\u2019s the most natural progression in the world.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Meanwhile Brewing Co.: 3901 Promontory Point Dr. 512-308-3659, meanwhilebeer.com.<\/a><\/p>\n $40: Spring picnic at ABC Kite\u00a0Fest<\/p>\n Nancy Orea launches a kite for Rafael Figueredo at ABC Kite Fest at Zilker Park on Sunday, April 14, 2024 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/American-Statesman<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n