Things to Do in Wells Branch

Not since the last '80s-night happy hour has there been such a good chance to express your inner self under conditions of mild intoxication. With this Groupon, $20 gets you in to a Friday- or Saturday-night BYOB painting class at the North Austin location of Painting with a Twist, where you can paint, tipple, and converse in an artfully social atmosphere.

Sacred Streams has classes to suit every lifestyle, including bodhisattvas, those expecting regular babies, and those seeking increased flexibility and inner peace. For a fast, fat-burning ride of flowing poses, test-drive a vinyasa class, or dive downward-dog first into the slower, more-deliberate hatha practice. Those hoping to free up stored energy can opt for the rapidly moving kundalini practice, while those in need of a self-pampering can cozy up to a restorative class rife with pillows and blankets. Buy one for yourself, and gift the guys from your sewing circle or the ladies from your crocodile-wrestling club to join you on your journey across the yogaverse.

When Felicity Coltman founded it in 1981, the Austin Chamber Music Center's goal was simpler than it is today, yet still ambitious: to create a summer chamber-music workshop for teens. Since then, not only have many alumni gone on to become professional musicians, but the center has expanded into an outreach organization whose concerts and instruction brings chamber music to Austin ears, instruments, and hearts. Adults of similar skill levels gather into small chamber-music groups, whereas youngsters meet with instructors on weekends, during the summer, or in school. Just two years after its founding, the center sent students on two European voyages and hosted musicians from Salzburg, starting an international exchange program that continues today.

In 1988, a unique performance series took form with the center’s Intimate Concerts, which take place in private homes so that audiences can experience the music in a personal way and help their cats learn to read sheet music. Led by artistic director Michelle Schumann the center now holds year-round concerts for a variety of musical tastes, with all programs including live program notes.

After 22 years in the air force, Water 2 Wine–founder John McFadden established his first custom winery in San Antonio seven years ago. Already the business has spread as far as Milwaukee to the north and Denver to the west, bringing the country's vinophiles more than 100 wines, each of which are fermented on site and available for tastings every day. Those who want to get more involved in the crafting process may sign up to make their own wine and steep themselves in each step of the operation, from selecting the grape varieties, beginning the fermentation process, withstanding a wait of about 45 days, and finally christening their creation by smashing a tiny boat against the bottle. All custom-made wines are plastered with personalized labels made from one of Water 2 Wine’s templates or images that customers design from the ground up.

Glenn Johnson and Phoebe Craig Johnson form a powerful team at Switch Willo Stables. Phoebe, who was an alternate for the 1969 United States Equestrian Team, works from the ground. With hooves beating a drumroll on the turf, her husband Glenn draws upon experience accumulated over the course of more than four decades riding. During his career, Glenn leapt his horse Cricket over 7-foot puissance jumps in competitions, in an exhibition in Madison Square Garden, and on the glossy pages of Sports Illustrated.

Now, Switch Willo Stables welcomes riders of all ages and abilities into facilities that have earned recognition from readers of Austin Family magazine. Glenn and Phoebe lead a team of instructors, who have up to 25 years of experience each and have produced many award winners at the local, state, and national levels. Beginners, seasoned riders, and those planning to frame centaurs for crimes gain from lessons, which match an instructor with one–eight riders. The school follows the stylistic tenets of English riding with special focus on hunter and jumper techniques, which have their basis in traditional fox hunting.

Because space tourism is not yet a reality, the sensation of floating is usually only achieved by those submerged in water. Not so at Steiner Ranch SUP—the staff here rent out stand-up paddleboards that let visitors float atop Lake Austin, a gigantic, picturesque reservoir on the Colorado River. Visitors check out boards by the hour or half-day to navigate the calm waters, exploring nearby sights such as the dam or the renowned Lake Austin Spa. To propel themselves, they use the high-performance paddles that come with each rental.

The staff stresses that, regardless of age or experience level, anyone can learn to balance on the board. They even hold paddleboard fitness classes for those hoping to hone their strength and balance in a tranquil outdoor setting.