Things To Do in Lakeway

As members of the NBA Development League, the Toros serve as the minor-league affiliate of the San Antonio Spurs, fostering the NBA's future stars from the moment they hatch from their locker-room cocoons. In 2012, the franchise won its first-ever D-League championship, spurred by the home crowd's raucous celebrations, which are led by the Capital City Dance Team and mascot Da Bull. As an extension of their commitment to developing young talent, the Toros also host youth development camps, providing players in grades 4–9 with the opportunity to develop their potential before high-school physics class teaches them that slam dunks are impossible.

Stretching across more than 6 miles, Lady Bird Lake's tranquil waters reflect the Austin skyline, the cliffs at Red Bud Isle, and the Congress Avenue Bridge, home to the largest urban bat population in the world. Throughout the year, Rowing Dock’s instructors take visitors into this manmade lake and teach them to paddle in kayaks or row within stand-up paddleboards. For customers who feel comfortable with their paddling prowess, the staffers rent everything from one-, two- and three-person kayaks, paddleboats and paddleboards, and canoes. As these human-powered vessels float across the lake, passengers can view the area's many native birds or canoodle with their oars at sunset.

Organized by the Austin Sports and Social Club, Downtown Dash TX unleashes teams on a race across the city rife with physical challenges, social interactions, and mental puzzles. The undefined course lets participants choose their own route, but with a catch: travel must be completed on foot or by public transportation, not on bicycles, rollerblades, or stolen emus. While following a clue sheet, teams attempt to topple up to a dozen challenges all while encountering some of Austin's most historic and renowned sites. Upon crossing the finish line, the top three teams receive a special prize, but everyone wins during a postrace party that stretches the day's festivities into the evening.

SUP LT floats water wranglers out to the waves, where they can enjoy a relaxing and watery excursion. Standing aboard a fresh new fleet of paddleboards, which resemble large surfboards, lake-bound wayfarers navigate Lake Travis using hand paddles and their own inner GPS systems. Paddlers of all ages and ability levels are welcome to ride SUP LT's buoyant vessels, which glide around Lake Travis' glassy, scenic surface for two hours before returning safely home. Veteran instructors are also on-hand to help beginners learn the basic navigation and balance skills necessary to have a fun and safe ride and to avoid purse-snatching trout.

Sail & Ski Center's amiable staff of sports enthusiasts and shipwrights keep outdoor voyagers plying the waves and skimming down mountainsides with boat-maintenance services and an array of watersport and snow-sport accouterments. Like snagging an entire tray of cheese samples, the vast emporium of snowboards, skis, and wakeboards allows visitors to try out wares before they buy, sending thrill-seekers sailing over seas and snowdrifts atop such brand names as Hyperlite, Liquid Force, Saloman, and Mission 7. The talented servicefolk at Sail & Ski Center also sell, repair, and refurbish a broad spectrum of watercrafts, including yachts, jet skis, motorboats, and rocket-powered dinghies.

In 2009, Linda and Greg Racino were reaping the benefits of more than two fast-paced decades in the tech industry. Something was missing, though—creativity. So in February of that year the couple left behind the cold digital world for a brightly colored studio warmed by a blazing kiln. Lining their shelves with finished and unfinished clay and glass pieces, the Racinos today deal solely in creation. They guide customers through pottery painting and glass fusing—from picking out a blank bisque piece to arranging a unique design of glass pieces. Guests can also check out the calendar of events to learn about upcoming discounts and special projects, or to find out what day it is.