New businesses coming to Southwest Austin include a simplified taco concept from the owner of P. Terry's as well as several child-centered businesses, a produce market dedicated to helping veterans re-enter civilian life and more. Here's a few tidbits to know this week:

  • Hill's Cafe to host musical tribute to trees
    In honor of Texas' trees, a free concert will be held Tues., Aug. 1 from 6-10 p.m. at Hill's Cafe, 4700 South Congress Avenue. Hosted by TreeFolks and the Texas Campaign for the Environment, the event's lineup includes Eliza Gilkyson, Butch Hancock, Johnny Nicholas and Jamiee Harris.

  • Dripping Springs farm will house businesses focused on holistic, sustainable living
    This fall a 31-acre farm in Dripping Springs will become home to a variety of naturopathic businesses. The Enchanted Woodlands, located at 10802 Kit Carson Road, will house three child-centered businesses, along with an apiary, a “market garden,” horse-boarding stables, a petting zoo, a produce market, and a catch-and-keep pond.



  • City staff releases Austin's draft pedestrian safety plan
    As part of Austin’s Vision Zero plan aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities, city staffers released Tuesday a draft of the pedestrian safety action plan. The plan recommends 21 action items to improve the safety of residents walking throughout the city.




  • Austin Community College's expanded schedule includes more weekend classes
    ACC announced July 27 the campuses of Highland, Round Rock and Riverside are adding new weekend college degree and workforce certificate programs starting this fall. The programs provide students the option to complete an associate degree in general studies or specialized workforce certificates with weekend-only coursework.



  • Cities along I-35 corridor form coalition
    Following a slew of bills in the Texas Legislature's special session that could diminish San Marcos' power as a municipality, the city formed a coalition with Georgetown, Round Rock and Buda to focus on bills related to local control, including one that addresses tree ordinances. After corresponding largely via email, city officials met in person for the first time July 25 with Rep. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, who represents San Marcos and Buda residents, and Rep. Larry Gonzales, R-Round Rock, who represents the cities north of Austin.



  • Owner of P. Terry's to bring revived taco concept to Southwest Austin
    By the end of the year, P. Terry’s Burger Stand will bring a revived taco concept, known as Taco Ranch, to Southwest Austin. Located in the former Burger King at 5033 Hwy. 290, Taco Ranch will revive the simplistic taco menu typical of Austin in the 1950s and '60s, according to P. Terry's owner Patrick Terry.