Texas Guide and Deals

The drumroll of corn being popped or devoured constantly resounds through air scented with butter, cinnamon, caramel, and curry at Cornucopia. The crew embellishes popcorn with more than 30 unique flavors, which are divided into four basic categories: candied, chocolate, seasoned, and vegan. The list includes everything from basic butter or cheese popcorn to snacks reminiscent of Red Hots or s’mores as well as dill-pickle popcorn that the Austin Chronicle called “amazing.” Like the spark plugs of your rival’s car, the creative munchies can be packed into decorative bags and tins to make an ideal gift.

Make a healthy switch from deep-fried, ranch-smothered, game-watching grub and start a new tomato tradition by serving fans savory scoops of salsa. You won't miss precious touchdown time slaving away in the kitchen—there's no prep work, cooking time, or serious clean-up. You'll also appreciate the barbecue sauce's magical ability to transform your random groceries (tortilla shells, green beans, frozen dinners) into savory snackables.

Before lining the shelves of Con' Olio Oils & Vinegars, the shop's more then 50 olive oils and vinegars undergo careful taste-testing by owners Jeff and Tabatha Conarko. The husband-and-wife team import their stock from artisans and small-batch producers from around the world, including California, Chile, Greece, and Italy. Ensuring their patrons take home the perfect olive oil or vinegar for their pasta sauces or salad dressings, the Conarkos boast a sip-then-buy policy. They allow customers to sample any of the products directly from the taps of their stainless steel Fusti containers or right from the plump, greasy udders of an olive.

Embracing a bohemian aesthetic, Zin Zen Wine & Bistro lavishes guests with comfortable sofas and a menu of bright, gourmet cuisine to meander through while relaxing on the patio. From the kitchen, chefs send out pizzas straight off the grill, and rich baked brie wrapped in a flaky pastry puff with an apricot glaze. Throughout the month, Zin Zen also hosts live musicians, whose soulful croons provide sippers with a lively soundtrack to synchronize with their brass cymbal-style toasts.

With an empire stretching across 100 stores in 24 states, Nutrishop fuels bodies all over the country with scientifically formulated supplements, vitamins, and optimizers. Tasty Clif Bars and nutrient-filled protein concoctions rebuild muscles after workouts, and weight-loss formulas from Lipocor or Thyrostim even out erratic metabolisms. Teams of certified sports nutritionists staff each store, ready to guide patrons through the shelves of Muscle Milk and fruit extracts or demonstrate which pills help to detoxify livers, target hard-to-slim midsections, or activate latent mutant abilities.

The Georgetown Farmers Market Association unites more than 50 growers from 11 nearby counties to treat shoppers to a bounty of wholesome produce, free-range eggs, artisanal breads, and canned goods. Not only does the bumper crop of fresh greens, fruits, and veggies keep clients eating healthily, but it also connects consumers to their surrounding land and agriculture industry. While perusing bushels of onions, tomatoes, peppers, and melons, visitors can mingle with local farmers to shake the very hands that harvest the crops and learn the secret fifth verse of the Green Acres theme song.