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Happy New Year, Scoop Fam!
We took a short break last week to enjoy the holidays with our family, but the Scoop is back and ready to bring you the best updates!
This week, it’s back to school, and the chilly weather is here to remind us that winter is officially in full swing. If you’re a cold weather person, this week’s your time to shine! And if not, cozy up by the fire and hang in there until Saturday.
No matter what, have an amazing week and check out the awesome events we’ve highlighted below!
Our family is ready for 2025 with our “word of the year” boards!
In today’s Scoop:
🎉 Trader Joe's Coming to Cedar Park!
🎄 Leander's Free Christmas Tree Recycling
🏗️ Massive Cedar Park Development Coming
🎆 Events to start the year!
This week’s must-know news
🎉 Trader Joe's Coming to Cedar Park!
Big news for local residents! 🍎 It sounds like Trader Joe’s is gearing up to open a 13,500-square-foot store at East Whitestone Blvd and Arrow Point Dr.
While still in the early planning stages with the site plan expected soon, it looks like the store will anchor an exciting eight-acre mixed-use development featuring retail, restaurants, and office space. This project promises new jobs, increased sales tax revenue, and a fresh, vibrant shopping destination for the community.
I know lots of residents are stoked about this one, and we definitely are too! 🎉
More details here.
Thank you to our local sponsors who help make this newsletter possible 🙏
🔥 Your Kids Have Playdates. Why Don't You?
Tired of being the lone wolf at your kid's baseball practice? Join local Leander dads who are finding their crew through Hometown Dads. 🍺
From pickleball matches to craft beer nights, we're building the ultimate dad squad within 15 miles of your front door. No awkward small talk required. 🎯
Zero cost. Zero pressure. 100% chance of dad jokes and genuine connections.
👉 Join the Dad Squad here: Hometown Dads
More local news, but fast
🏗️ Massive Cedar Park Development, 5x Bigger Than Lakeline Mall!
Construction is underway on the massive 118-acre CedarView center near the H-E-B Center, featuring Nebraska Furniture Mart (1.2M sq ft), Scheels sporting goods store (with a 65-foot Ferris wheel!), and a luxury hotel with a convention center.
Opening in late 2026, this game-changer will bring 1,200+ jobs and is expected to generate $435 million in tax revenue over 25 years. More details here.
⚾ Austin Considered as Potential MLB Destination!
Rumors are swirling about the Tampa Bay Rays eyeing potential relocation options, with Austin, Texas, mentioned as a contender. While the idea of an MLB team coming to Central Texas is exciting, challenges like stadium funding and market competition could play a significant role in the decision.
The Rays are exploring various cities as their current stadium lease in St. Petersburg approaches its end. Stay tuned for updates on this big-league buzz! Read more here.
🚧 Austin’s End-of-Year Road Project Update
Austin’s major road projects are making strides!
The $259 million 183A Phase Three project, connecting Leander to Liberty Hill, is on track for early 2025 completion with tolled lanes and a shared-use path. The $612 million 183 North Project is adding free and toll lanes, plus downtown Austin-to-Cedar Park connectivity via new ramps.
Meanwhile, the MoPac South Project is gaining momentum, with potential toll lanes from Lady Bird Lake to Slaughter Lane pending public feedback through CTRMA’s virtual open house. Check out the updates here.
🎄 Leander's Free Christmas Tree Recycling — until Jan. 12!
The City of Leander's Parks & Recreation Department is offering free Christmas tree recycling up until January 12. Drop off your natural trees at Robin Bledsoe Park, 601 South Bagdad Road.
Remember to remove stands, lights, and ornaments. Recycled trees will be turned into mulch for city parks. More info here.
Recommended by Locals 👍
Takara Sushi & Asian Bistro
Known for its flavorful Asian dishes, this is a sushi lover's paradise. Go on Wednesday “Wines-Day” for 50% off wine!
Mighty Fine Burgers
If you’re in the mood for a classic, freshly made burger, this spot hits the mark. The double cheeseburger with crispy fries and a shake is always a winner. It’s one of our favorite places to bring the kids—they love the picnic table setup and, of course, the Pac-Man game!
Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen
This is the perfect spot for a laid-back meal with friends or date night, serving everything from truffle fries to mouthwatering flatbreads. It’s ideal for those who want a touch of elegance without the fuss—and it’s my top pick for brunch meetups with friends!
Spotlighting local businesses we love
931 TX Loop 332, Liberty Hill, TX
One of our favorite spots in Liberty Hill! 🍺 Hell or High Water Brewing is absolutely crushing it with their craft beers and amazing food menu. Their fish and chips (made with their own beer batter!) and Black I.P.A. & Swiss burger are absolutely must-tries.
They have 16 taps, an awesome, casual back porch, and half-price apps during happy hour! Super friendly staff and great vibes - it's a perfect local hangout! 🌟
Discover your next dream home
View on Zillow
Check out this stunning two-story home in the Crystal Falls neighborhood, designed for both luxurious living and entertaining.
The heart of the home is a gorgeous kitchen that flows seamlessly into a cozy living room with a fireplace. Step outside to find a resort-style backyard, complete with a pool, hot tub, and covered patio—perfect for relaxation or gatherings.
With additional features like a media room and game room, this home beautifully combines style with convenience in an ideal location.
Learn about how you can apply AI in your life or business in under 60 seconds
The Power of Custom GPTs
AI gets way more useful when you make it your own. Instead of giving vague answers like regular chatbots, custom GPTs let you teach it exactly what you want it to do, every single time.
If you haven’t used custom GPTs yet, you haven’t experienced the power of AI
Here’s an example: I created a tool to help parents teach their kids 52 life lessons—one for every week of the year. Inspired by Ashley’s idea for our family, it gives you a quote, explains its importance, and includes a thought-provoking question to ask your child.
We’ve been using it with our kids for the past two weeks, and the impact is already clear. Imagine how transformative it could be after a year of intentional conversations sparked by these prompts.
You can try it yourself by clicking here. Just click the link, hit “create my plan,” and you’re all set. Simple, yet incredibly powerful.
(Side note: If the link doesn’t take you to the custom GPT on your phone, try it on your computer!)
Mark your calendar, go have fun!
🧒 Second Saturdays for Kids | Texas Farmers Market at Lakeline | Cedar Park | 01/11
Interactive activities for kids at this vibrant farmers market.
📚 Saturday Storytime | Paper Bark Birch | Cedar Park | 01/11
Enjoy a fun, interactive storytime for kids with a variety of engaging tales.
🪁 Dil Ki Pathang Kite Festival | Lakeline Park | Cedar Park | 01/11
Celebrate the joy of flying kites at this fun festival.
🧟♂️ Survival Skills: Zombie Apocalypse | Public Library | Cedar Park | 01/12
Have fun at this zombie apocalypse survival workshop for ages 8 and up!
👶 Free 2's Day Playgroup! | PAT Center | Leander | 01/14
An outdoor playgroup designed for toddlers, offering a fun and engaging morning.
😂 Can’t Even Comedy Show | The Fieldhouse at The Crossover | Cedar Park | 01/11
Comics from LA and TX providing a night full of laughs.
🏃 Dream Team Training Run | Brushy Creek Lake Park | Cedar Park | 01/11
Kickstart your day with a community running session designed for all fitness levels.
🌸 Floral Shadow Box Workshop | Sweet Pop Boba Cafe | Liberty Hill | 01/12
Create beautiful floral shadow boxes in this hands-on workshop.
🎨 Paper Quilling Card Workshop | Inner Diva Studios | Austin | 01/14
Learn the art of paper quilling while creating handmade cards.
🕹️ Gaming for Grown-ups | Public Library | Leander | 01/14
Enjoy an evening of board games for adults only.
🎤 Open Mic Nights | Red Horn | Cedar Park | 01/09
Enjoy live performances across various genres at this casual open mic night.
🎶 Taking Back Funday | Haute Spot | Cedar Park | 01/11
Relive your emo phase with hits from artists like Fall Out Boy & Taking Back Sunday.
🎸 Dan Whitaker Band | Shooters | Cedar Park | 01/11
Don’t miss this unique blend of country music with jazz, blues, and folk influences.
☕ Coffee Hour | Red Horn Brewery & Roastery | Leander | 01/08
Join local professionals for casual networking over coffee.
🍻 Happy Hour | Whitestone Brewery | Cedar Park | 01/09
Meet new people and enjoy tasty drinks at this relaxed networking event.
💪 UnBreakable Women's Conference | Exchange ATX | Cedar Park | 01/10
Empowering sessions to uplift and inspire women in personal and professional growth.
📸 Picture Your Success | Portrait Design by Esmeralda | Leander | 01/10
Get professional headshots and business tips.
🤝 Mastermind Networking | The Golden Rule | Georgetown | 01/08
Connect with professionals over lunch to share ideas and build relationships.
🎤 Cowboy Killers | Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que | Austin | 01/10
Stand-up comedy show featuring the Cowboy Killers.
🧘 Kids Yoga and Mindfulness | PURE Yoga Texas | Austin | 01/12
Relaxing yoga class promoting calmness and focus for children.
🎶 Moulin Rouge - The Musical | Bass Concert Hall | Austin | 01/14
A vibrant musical production based on the iconic story.
🎸 Smile Empty Soul | Come and Take It Live | Austin | 01/14
Alternative rock band you won’t want to miss!
🏢 Real Estate Sip 'N' Learn | Higbie's | Austin | 01/14
Networking event with real estate insights and refreshments.
Hey, Leander folks! Missed last week’s Scoop? No worries, you can catch up right here! 👇
Big things are ahead! 🚀 Look forward to more issues of Georgetown Scoop this year — and get ready, because Round Rock Scoop is launching soon! More local stories, more events, and even more ways to stay connected to your community.
We always value your feedback and would love your input! If you know of any fantastic new businesses or exciting local events, let us help share the news.
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