Texas National Outfitters debuted its handmade cowboy boots and western wear in Austin on Nov. 16.

A new entry into the Austin market, Texas National Outfitters, 1115 S. Congress Ave., also has a location near Houston in Katy, where the company established in November 2012, co-owner Chris Conrad said. He and his wife, Christy, started the business out of a love for Texas culture and western wear.

"We decided to open a store and really dedicate everything we did to Texas culture and really support real, handmade products," Conrad said. "We're the outlet for the guy making the handmade leather wallets, pistol cases, bible covers and boots."

Conrad describes the business as "part art gallery, part unique gifts and heavily western wear boots" with more than 50 artists' work on display, he said. Customers can also use a special design center to create their own custom boots. Other inventory includes custom leather items, western wear, whiskey barrels and other Texas-themed gifts.

The business plans to incorporate live music from Texas-based musicians in the future. The shop had its soft opening Nov. 16 at the former Storyville location before its official grand opening Nov. 23. 281-392-2668. www.t-n-o.co.

Other Impacts:

COMING SOON—A new museum exhibit, 'Extreme Mammals: The Biggest, Smallest and Most Amazing Mammals of All Time," will debut Nov. 23 and run through March at Herzstein Hall in the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave. The exhibit showcases various mammals that have roamed the planet, including the largest and smallest known mammals. Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m. $12 (adults), $10 (students and senior citizens), $8 (children ages 4–17), free (age 3 and younger). 512-936-4649. www.thestoryoftexas.com/extrememammals

IN THE NEWS—The inaugural Austin Meatball Festival will take place 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Nov. 23. The food competition is being hosted by Winflo Osteria, 1315 W. Sixth St., and will benefit nonprofits Fresh Chefs Society and Citizen Generation. Multiple meatball concoctions will be judged, varying from traditional, non-traditional, meatball sandwiches and sliders. Four judges will rank the restaurants—up to 15 participating so far—and live music will be performed by The Rocketboys, Dan Dyer and Nelo. $15 (advance), $20 (door), $35 (access to live performances), $300 (VIP). www.austinmeatball.com