It's been pretty exciting around our neighborhood in south Austin as we have seen a number of new stores open within the past two weeks that are very close in proximity to our every day paths.  While I do not want to see south Austin turn into what Round Rock (south Dallas) is becoming, I am excited to see some convenient favorites and new places popping up.  Here's a quick list:

• Starbucks at Slaughter & Escarpment - we got to attend the grand opening and got free drinks.  It's hard to turn down free Starbucks.  This one is unique in that it is a "green" Starbucks, meaning they have a sort of garden planted on top of the second story that it is connected to. 
• HEB at Slaughter & Escarpment - we can theoretically walk to the grocery store now, even though that would be rare to need to. 
• Whataburger at Mopac & William Cannon - if anyone knows me at all you know that I am a Whataburger loyalist.  I've been waiting for a convenient location for a while.
• Costco - coming soon!
• 24 Hour Fitness - coming soon!  There needs to be a better alternative to Gold's Gym because their customer service and facilities are both lacking.