💡 Google’s Texas-sized surprise ($40B big)

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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!

PetVet365 in Georgetown is flipping the script: friendly faces, cozy rooms, and zero cold exam tables.

🐾 Fear-free experience for cats + dogs
📅 Weekend hours that fit real life
📱 Text-friendly scheduling (seriously!)

👉 Call or text 512-316-7056 to get started or check them out here!

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

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 is the largest investment Google has ever made in any state and is 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 North Texas, West Texas, and the Panhandle. Big news that feels like a boost for towns watching tech expand across the state.

Read more here.

The Gist: Round Rock’s Operation Front Porch is back now through December 19. Residents can ship their holiday packages straight to the Round Rock Police Department at 2701 North Mays Street and pick them up for free. Pickup runs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., plus two Saturdays on December 6 and 13.

Why It Matters: It helps locals avoid porch theft during the busy holiday rush. It is one of those small but thoughtful services that makes the season feel a little less stressful.

Read more here.

Hometown Gift and Decor is a cozy shop with cute finds and thoughtful handmade pieces. The space feels warm and easy to explore, and the staff is kind and ready to help.

Shoppers enjoy the seasonal displays and the mix of local items, from home accents to small gifts. It is a simple, relaxed place to pick up something special for a friend or your own home.

More details here.

Goodfolks is an easy place to enjoy a good meal, with its bright dining room set inside the old 1896 Lockett Building. The menu leans into fried chicken, big sandwiches, and fresh salads, and everything tastes like it was made with care.

The servers are friendly, the bar has plenty of choices, and the space has a relaxed charm that suits a slow lunch or dinner. It’s simple, tasty, and definitely a spot you’ll want to return to.

More details here.

This turkey fruit platter is a bright, festive display of fresh fruit arranged into an adorable turkey that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. It’s colorful, wholesome, and the perfect centerpiece to balance out all those Thanksgiving sweets!

Get the recipe here.

Meet Amora, a 3-year-old large mixed breed with a stunning black and brown coat and a heart as warm as summer sun. This playful girl loves patrolling the yard for squirrels, splashing in her kiddie pool, and carrying her favorite stuffie wherever she goes.

She’s learning how fun it can be to have dog friends and would make a great lake or river buddy. Located at Red Poppy Adoptique. Adoption fee: $150.

To learn more about this sweet girl, click HERE.

💨 Turkey “Trail” Trot | Hippo Social Club | Hutto | 11/27 | More
A Thanksgiving trail run with music, games, and pajama-themed giving.

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

🦃 Round Rock Turkey Trot 2025 | Old Settlers Park | Round Rock | 11/27 | More
A family-friendly Thanksgiving run supporting local charities and community spirit.

🧵 Annual Black Friday Sip~N~Shop | The Sewing Station | Pflugerville | 11/28 | More
Sip, shop, and support local makers with raffles, food, and festive fun.

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

🎅 Santa VIP Afternoon | Santa’s Jingle House | Round Rock | 11/30 | More
A magical, VIP Christmas visit with Santa in a festive wonderland setting.

🤠 KOKE Night Before Thanksgiving Dance | Backporch Social | Round Rock | 11/26 | More
Boot-scootin’ country tunes and two-steppin’ fun to kick off Thanksgiving week.

🎀 Black Friday PINK Sale! | Pink Poppy ARTisans Boutique | Georgetown | 11/28 | More
One-day shopping spree filled with bright deals and boutique treasures.

💿 Record Store Day Black Friday 2025 | Piranha Records | Round Rock | 11/28 | More
A vinyl lover’s dream with exclusive limited releases and true indie shop vibes.

🛍️ Black Friday Sale | Blue Diamond Boutique | Round Rock | 11/28 | More
A fun holiday shopping day with special deals, gifts, and sweet treats.

😂 Comedy Night | Spirit of Texas Brewstillery | Pflugerville | 11/29 | More
Craft drinks, BBQ bites, and stand-up laughs from a touring comedy crew.

🎸 Shakedown Live | Bar Louie Round Rock | Round Rock | 11/29 | More
High-energy rock and soul grooves perfect for a fun night out.

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

🎻 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.

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

🎅 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.

🛍️ City-Wide Vintage Sale | Palmer Events Center | Austin | 11/29–11/30 | More
Eclectic vintage treasure hunt with unique finds from statewide vendors.

Thanks for reading! See you next week!

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