Meet Leander's 300-year-old resident

TJ started working out mostly in the garage this summer, and somehow Charlie has become his tiny workout partner. Most days you can find them jumping rope, doing box jumps, sprinting up and down the street and whatever else TJ has planned, always with Rocky playing in the background.

And Charlie is officially obsessed. Rocky IV, in particular, has been on more times than I could count over the past few months, and the music has basically become our constant soundtrack.

So when I saw that Dolph Lundgren, aka Drago, was coming to Austin for a book signing, there was absolutely no way Charlie was missing it.

He got to meet Drago, came home with a signed book and poster, and was about as happy as any 7-year-old could be. Definitely one of those core memory moments! 💙

🏫 Leander ISD outlines major campus updates

The Gist: Leander ISD trustees reviewed several major campus projects, including plans to transform the former Faubion Elementary into the future home of New Hope High School. The district is targeting the 2027–28 school year for the move, with plans to potentially bring Early College High School to the same site by August 2029.

Two new elementary campuses are also in the works. Elementary School #31 is targeting an August 2028 opening, while Elementary School #32, planned near Travisso, is expected to become the new home of Mason Elementary.

Why It Matters: These projects are part of the district's long-term response to changing enrollment and growth. The new elementary campuses would help serve growing neighborhoods, while the former Faubion site could provide more permanent spaces for New Hope and Early College High School.

🏮 Central Texas Asian Pop Culture Festival returns

The Gist: NightMarket.fun returns to Lakeline Park in Cedar Park on Nov. 14 for an evening celebrating Asian food, art, music and pop culture. This year’s festival will feature 100+ vendors and makers, food from dozens of kitchens, 20+ live performances across two stages, plus anime, gaming, K-pop and Cinema by the Lake.

Why It Matters: The festival has grown into one of Cedar Park’s larger cultural events, bringing together local food, artists, performers and community organizations in one place. The City of Cedar Park is partnering with The Lunar Foundation and Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce to host this year’s event, with free shuttles running between H-E-B Center and Lakeline Park.

🌳 One of Leander's oldest residents is over 300 years old

The Gist: Move over, longtime locals! One of Leander's oldest residents has been around for roughly 300 years, and it's still standing strong in the Crystal Springs community.

Meet Hashukana, a massive live oak that was already growing long before Leander became a city. The Leander Foundation has partnered with Texas A&M's forestry experts to document some of the city's oldest trees, hoping to protect these natural landmarks as development continues.

Why It Matters: The tree project is just one way the Leander Foundation is working to preserve what makes the community special as it grows. The nonprofit has also supported youth scholarships, special-needs playground equipment, the Leander Public Library's seed library and other community initiatives.

🍗 Louisiana comfort food with a Texas twist

1821 S Lakeline Blvd #104, Cedar Park, TX

Mouton’s Bistro brings Cajun and Southern favorites to Cedar Park, with plenty to choose from whether you’re stopping in for brunch or a hearty dinner. Weekend mornings bring pecan pancakes, fried green tomato Benedicts and crunchy fried pickles, while the regular menu includes Ben’s gumbo, chicken-fried steak and grilled Cajun chicken.

There’s also a full bar with cocktails, including espresso martinis, making it an easy option for brunch, dinner or drinks.

Meet Pearl

If you are looking to welcome a sweet new friend into your home, Pearl might just be your perfect match. This gentle adult pup is small in size and ready to find a loving family to call her own.

🐶 Name: Pearl
🎀 Sex: Female
🎂 Age: 1 year
📍 Location: Texas Humane Heroes
🐾 Weight: 12 pounds

🛍️ A family-run shop with a little bit of everything

704 Main St, Liberty Hill, TX 78642

Main Street Marketplace is a family-owned Liberty Hill boutique with clothing, home decor, gifts, local artisan goods and gourmet pantry items spread throughout several rooms. You’ll also find jewelry, bath products, toys and plenty of seasonal finds, making it easy to browse for yourself or knock out a few gifts in one stop.

There’s also a garage area where shoppers can grab a complimentary margarita while they look around!

The boutique is taking part in Liberty Hill’s annual Christmas Stroll Boutique Crawl in December, when several downtown shops team up for a festive day of local shopping, so stay tuned for that.