Retail Roundup: River Pointe Area Shopping, Dining and Entertainment

River Pointe homeowners have plenty of choices for shopping within 15 minutes of home. One popular grocery option is Whole Foods Market at the Gateway Shopping Center. Whole Foods Market is the nation’s leading natural and organic foods retailer, featuring grass-fed beef, hormone-free chicken, a large organic fruit and vegetable selection, and a full inventory of healthful grocery items. Randalls and HEB also operate stores not too far from the community.

The Arboretum at Great Hills, located 15 minutes north of River Pointe, features more than 40 stores. There is a Barnes & Noble, Pottery Barn, Amy’s Ice Cream, and California Pizza Kitchen, all in a delightful park-like setting with trails, large oaks, fountains, public sculpture and even a picnic area. Gateway Shopping Center, just across the highway from The Arboretum, hosts Crate & Barrel, The Container Store, Best Buy, a large multiplex cinema, and many other shops.

There are three more major shopping malls within a 20-minute drive: The Domain, Lakeline Mall and Barton Creek Square Mall. Together, these major retail centers include over 430 stores and restaurants.

Slow-Cooked Savory Ribs, Fresh Baked Bread and Tempting Blackberry Cobbler

The County Line, a legendary Austin favorite for over 25 years, sets a table with some of the best Texas barbecue fare in Central Texas and serves it family style. Ordering the “Cadillac” family style meal means the table will receive bottomless portions of sides and five different BBQ meat choices. Choice of meats includes all-you-care-to-eat brisket, ham,chicken, turkey, sausage, pork ribs and the County Line’s hallmark beef ribs — slow-cooked, savory, and fall-off-the-bone tender.

Traditional sides of coleslaw, ranch style pinto beans, potato salad and fresh-baked bread complement the main course. If anyone exercises enough restraint to find room for a bit of dessert, the tempting blackberry cobbler á la mode is always a winner.

Sangria, Comfort Food and Stunning Views over the Lake

River Pointe residents are only about 10 easy minutes away from a little watering hole other Austinites take pains to reach.  Ski Shores Cafe, a popular local restaurant and family favorite, provides a place to dock a boat, enjoy a bite to eat and watch activity on the lake.

An Austin icon, this 1950s waterfront cafe has dining patios extending over the water, vintage décor, and a long history in the local community. Tacos, wings and a pizza named after a cat are just a few of the attractions that make this a legendary Austin destination. The sangria at Ski Shores is made fresh daily using their own special recipe and is highly recommended for relaxing on the dock at sunset.  Early morning diners at Ski Shores enjoy delicious migas tacos. Filled with eggs, jalapeño, onion, tomato, cheese and crushed tortilla chips wrapped in a warm tortilla, migas tacos are a great way to start a day of fishing or paddle boarding on the lake.