🍽️ Round Rock's new date night option

One of my favorite things about living here is being close enough to so many little road trip destinations. Sometimes you don’t need a big vacation, just a couple of days somewhere different to make summer feel special.

This past weekend, we headed to San Antonio for SeaWorld and a stay on the River Walk, and it did not disappoint. We’ve been to SeaWorld many times, but this was our first time visiting the water park portion, and it was great! The wave pool, lazy river, slides, and splash areas made it the perfect way to cool off and let the kids burn through every bit of summer energy.

The River Walk is always a highlight too. Walking by the water, watching the boats, finding a spot for dinner, and seeing everything lit up is such fun for the kids. I’d definitely recommend checking it out if you haven’t been in a while, or keeping it in mind the next time you want a fun little getaway without planning a full vacation.

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The Gist: The Ruby Hotel & Bar is getting ready to grow. Construction is expected to start this fall on a 2,500-square-foot expansion in downtown Round Rock, turning a 1965 home on the property into a new event space for weddings, conferences, and other gatherings. The new space is expected to open in 2027.

Why it Matters: The Ruby has already become a go-to spot for weddings, staycations, and special events, and this will give them more room to host bigger gatherings. It’s also another nice boost for downtown Round Rock, since events tend to bring people who may grab dinner, drinks, coffee, or a little extra time exploring nearby shops while they’re in town.

The Gist: Round Rock Public Library has launched Library on the Go, a pop-up service bringing books, movies and activities to Frontier Park and Meadow Lake Park on select Saturday mornings through August. The library also introduced a new 24/7 Hold Locker, making it easier for cardholders to pick up reserved items whenever it's convenient.

Why It Matters: If getting downtown during library hours isn't always easy, these new options make borrowing books a little more convenient. Whether you're already headed to the park with the kids or picking up a hold after work, it's another way to keep reading part of your family's routine.

Read more here.

Grey Orchard recently soft opened in the old Denny’s space on I-35, and it looks like a nice new option for dinner in Round Rock. The menu mixes familiar favorites with a few more creative dishes, including bang bang shrimp, duck bánh mì, basil fried rice, fried chicken with Alabama white barbecue sauce and a double smash burger.

This could be a good one to save for date night, a birthday dinner or any evening when you want to go somewhere a little nicer without driving into Austin. The dining room feels warm and modern, and there’s space for private events and larger groups too.

More details here.

Amazing Animal Adventures Exotic Pet Shop is a fun local stop for anyone curious about reptiles, birds, small mammals, or unique pets. It’s especially great if you have kids who love animals or you’re thinking about adding a new pet and want honest, helpful advice before jumping in.

The shop is clean, the animals are well cared for, and the team is friendly and knowledgeable without being pushy. It’s a place you can browse, ask questions, and turn a quick visit into a fun little family outing.

More details here.

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Thanks for reading Round Rock Scoop! See you next week!