💰 What does Google’s $40B mean for Texas?

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Thanksgiving week always feels like one of the few times the world truly slows down. The kids are out of school, inboxes calm down a bit, and there’s this rare little pocket of space where everyone can breathe and settle in with their people. We’re extra lucky to have my mom in town this week, the world’s best Mimi, and she has a way of reminding us to pause and just enjoy being together.

I hope you get a little time to indulge, relax, and soak up the people you love too. We are so grateful for our community, our family, and weeks like these that make everything feel a bit more grounded. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

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The Gist: Governor Greg Abbott and Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced a massive $40 billion investment that will bring new data center campuses, stronger energy capacity programs, and workforce training across Texas. It’s the largest investment Google has ever made in any state and it’s part of the company’s Investing in America initiative.

Why It Matters: The move brings new jobs, new skills, and major tech infrastructure to communities across Texas. Big news that’s likely to ripple across communities as tech growth continues statewide.

Read more here.

The Gist: Texas Roadhouse is now officially open in Leander, bringing the chain’s loud, lively steakhouse experience closer to home. Think fresh-baked rolls, hand-cut steaks, busy parking lot, and a packed waitlist most nights as word gets out.

Why It Matters: It is another national brand betting on Leander’s growth, adding local jobs and a new go-to spot for family dinners, team celebrations, and birthday nights.

Check them out here.

Moon Beach Crystals and Gifts is a small, welcoming shop filled with beautiful crystals and thoughtful gifts. Everything is organized neatly and clearly labeled, which makes it easy to explore.

Visitors talk about how kind the owners are and how carefully they wrap each item. The prices are fair and the selection is larger than you might expect in a tiny space. It is a calm, friendly place that just feels good to visit.

More details here.

Taqueria Mi Ranchito Jaimes is a food truck that serves Mexican comfort food that keeps you coming back, from tender al pastor and birria to chicken enchiladas and their much-loved quesadillas. Portions are generous, prices stay reasonable, and the aguas frescas are made fresh on-site.

The owners are warm and welcoming, the sauces have real heat, and the setup has a friendly neighborhood feel. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how it stayed a secret.

More details here.

These easy Thanksgiving turkey treats are made with Reese’s cups, pretzels, candy eyes, and sprinkles for a no-bake dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. They’re cute, creative, and the perfect hands-on holiday craft to keep little helpers happy before dinner!

Get the recipe here.

🎉 November’s Parent Night Out | Little Lotus Preschool | Leander | 11/26 | More
A fun kids’ evening with crafts, dancing, pizza, and a festive movie.

🦃 Operation Turkey | The Fieldhouse | Leander | 11/27 | More
A meaningful volunteer event preparing and delivering meals to neighbors in need.

📚 SOPHIBOOKS Fill-A-Bag Book Sale | Lakeline Mall | Cedar Park | 11/28–11/29 | More
Cozy book-hunting weekend with thousands of fresh titles for every reader.

🎄 The Market LHTX: Christmas Holiday Edition | LH Middle School | Liberty Hill | 11/29 | More
Shop 70+ vendors, enjoy live music, and kick off the holiday season local-style.

🛒 Shop Small Leander | 5th Element Brewing | Leander | 11/29 | More
A lively small-business market featuring handmade goods, music, and community spirit.

🛍️ Holiday Around the Hill | Downtown LH | Liberty Hill | 11/29 | More
Shop, stroll, and sip through Liberty Hill’s festive boutique crawl.

🎨 Holly Jolly Family Workshop | Board & Brush | Cedar Park | 11/30 | More
Create festive DIY projects together in this cheerful, family-friendly workshop.

🎄 Sandy Creek Community Christmas Tree Lighting | Round Mountain Community Center | Leander | 11/30 | More
A festive tree lighting with music, cocoa, and joyful small-town holiday spirit.

📖 Tales and Cocktails | Night Owl Leander | Leander | 11/28 | More
A cozy evening of books, gifts, and handcrafted cocktails to start the season.

🎵 Kevin Kelly Live | The Rabbit Hole | Leander | 11/28 | More
A lively night of local live music with upbeat, feel-good energy.

🎁 Small Business Saturday | Glow & Grow Salon & Boutique | Leander | 11/29 | More
Shop, sip, and unwind with local vendors, mini makeovers, and holiday cheer.

📚 Boozy Book Fair | Leanderthal Distilling | Leander | 11/29 | More
A festive night of curated reads, craft cocktails, and cozy bookish vibes.

🎶 Pat Green | Haute Spot | Cedar Park | 11/29 | More
A lively country night with Texas legend Pat Green under the stars.

🥃 Private Stock Release Party | Fire Oak Distillery | Liberty Hill | 11/29 | More
A spirited celebration featuring rare bourbon, live music, and Hill Country vibes.

🍽️ Feast of Sharing Austin | Palmer Events Center | Austin | 11/25 | More
Heartwarming community meal with music, crafts, and family-friendly holiday joy.

🍽 Thanksgiving Celebration Buffet | Kalahari | Round Rock | 11/27 | More
Feast on endless holiday favorites in a festive, family-style dining experience.

🎻 Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour 2025 | The Long Center Dell Hall | Austin | 11/28 | More
Enchanting candlelit orchestral holiday classics in a breathtaking symphonic setting.

☕ Coffee & Cocoa Crawl | The Square | Georgetown | 11/29 | More
Sip, shop, and stroll the Square while sampling warm seasonal brews.

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Thanks for reading Leander Scoop! See you next week!