🥩 Dinner plans? These Leander spots are going all out

Happy Valentine’s Day weekend, if you celebrate!

If you’re looking for something fun to do or a sweet spot to check out, we’ve got some great options for date nights.

TJ and I always celebrate a week late since our wedding anniversary is Feb. 20 (10 years this year!), so we use it as an excuse to skip some of the Valentine’s crowds. On Feb. 14, we love keeping it simple and doing something sweet with the kids.

But if you’re making plans for this weekend, take a peek below for some great local ideas, including Viva Day Spa, which I truly can’t recommend enough. It’s TJ’s go-to gift for me, and I always look forward to it. If you need a thoughtful last-minute option, their digital gift certificates are perfect.

Valentine's Day is almost here! Pamper the people you love with the self-care they deserve at our favorite spa, Viva Day Spa + Med Spa. Here's why Viva gift certificates make the perfect Valentine's gift:

✨ Viva offers award-winning treatments like muscle-melting massages, pampering facials, luxe Valentine's Spa Packages, and more. Make it for two with a couples massage!
🤳 Shop gift certificates online - available 24/7 for instant gifting.
💘 Perfect for your Valentine or Galentine. And don't forget about you, too!

Spend $300 on any combination of gift certificates and receive a $50 Valentine's Voucher for future spa or med spa services through Feb 16, 2026. Best of all, gift certificates never expire.

Thank you to our local sponsors who help make this newsletter possible 🙏

The Gist: BASIS Leander is getting ready to welcome more than 1,400 students this fall, bringing a brand-new tuition-free charter school option to town. The campus will serve K–12 across two locations: BASIS Leander Primary (K–5) and BASIS Leander (grades 6–12), with the upper school adding one grade level each year.

The 94,125-square-foot campus is packed with features families will love, including classrooms, STEM labs, art and music rooms, a gym, a black box theater, an exercise room, and plenty of outdoor play space.

Why It Matters: This is a big win for Leander families looking for more high-quality school choices close to home. BASIS is known for its strong academics and focus on STEM and the arts, and many parents are excited to see these new opportunities opening up right here in our community.

Read more here.

The Gist: Unofficial results from the Feb. 7 special election show Na’Cole Thompson won the race for Leander mayor with 57% of the vote. Challenger Mike Sanders received 25.9%, and Kathryn Pantalion-Parker earned 16.9%. Thompson, who currently serves as Place 4 council member and mayor pro tem, will step down from that role to serve the remainder of the mayoral term through May 2027.

Why It Matters: Leander voters turned out in strong numbers to choose their next mayor, who will now guide the city through the remainder of the term and help steer ongoing projects and future initiatives. With the election decided, attention now turns to what’s ahead for city leadership and the community.

Read more here.

Jail to Jobs empowers justice-involved youth to find purpose, build skills, and break the cycle of recidivism. Volunteers help students gain confidence and celebrate achievements.

🧑‍💼 Mock Interviews practice job interviews
🎓 Graduation Night set up, clean, and serve
🤝 Mentorship guide youth with skills
💌 Event Support assist at programs

Your time helps youth succeed and thrive.

For more details or to sign up, visit Jail to Jobs.

These mini heart-shaped cakes are bite-sized, chocolatey delights topped with creamy frosting and festive sprinkles, perfect for Valentine’s Day. Fun for kids to decorate and impossible not to nibble along the way.

Get the recipe here.

Estância Brazilian Steakhouse brings a full-on feast experience that delights from start to finish. Think perfectly grilled steaks, endless meats, vibrant salads, and cocktails that steal the show, like a table-side Carajillo with Bailey’s. The atmosphere is elegant yet inviting, and the staff makes every visit feel special.

This Valentine’s weekend, enjoy their special promo with a complimentary lunch or dinner card and a dessert per couple. Don’t skip dessert, the s’more tower alone is worth a return trip. A true celebration spot.

More details here.

House of Chettinad is turning Valentine’s Week into a poetic journey through love with a five-course tasting menu inspired by the ancient Tamil landscapes of Tinai. Each course represents a different stage of love, from the excitement of first meetings to the warmth of reunion.

Guests can choose from vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, with thoughtfully paired drinks and desserts that bring the story to life on every plate. With limited seating available, reservations are highly recommended. This is love, Chettinad style.

More details here.

🧹 WE’RE HIRING: City of Leander

The City of Leander is seeking a facilities services janitorial technician to maintain cleanliness of city buildings and sidewalks. Early morning shift with hands-on duties. Learn more here.

💼 WE’RE HIRING: FF Inc Cedar Park

FF Inc is seeking a customer success assistant to manage client portfolios, drive product adoption, and support growth. Competitive pay, bonuses, and flexible work options. Learn more here.

💆‍♀️ Pure Remedy Massage Therapy Liberty Hill

Pure Remedy Massage Therapy seeks front desk staff to greet clients, manage appointments, and support daily spa operations. Part-time, $15/hour. Learn more here.

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Thanks for reading Leander Scoop! See you next week!