Round Rock's Hairy Man is back!

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! 💙

🐶 Williamson County approves $2M shelter expansion

The Gist: Williamson County commissioners approved up to $2 million in funding to improve the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter's expansion plans. The additional money will help add 12 more large-dog kennels and upgrade building materials to make the facility more durable and reduce future maintenance costs.

Why It Matters: Since merging with the Georgetown Animal Shelter in July 2025, the regional shelter has taken on an even bigger role in caring for local pets. These improvements will mean more room for dogs in need and a better-equipped shelter to serve our growing community.

🏆 Round Rock, it's time to vote for your favorites!

The Gist: Voting is underway for the 13th Annual Best of Round Rock Awards! With 197 categories covering everything from favorite restaurants and local shops to hairstylists and hometown businesses, there's plenty to weigh in on. New categories this year include Best DJ, Best Med Spa and Best New Business. Nominations are open through October 25, and voting continues through October 31.

Why It Matters: Here's your chance to show some love to the local businesses and people who make Round Rock special! Whether it's your go-to taco spot, favorite coffee shop or the mechanic you trust, your vote helps recognize the best of our community.

🚀 Blue Origin plans $650M manufacturing campus in Hutto

The Gist: Aerospace company Blue Origin has selected Hutto for its new $650 million manufacturing campus, known as Constellation Park. The 1.3-million-square-foot facility will be located along Highway 79 between Innovation and Alliance Boulevards, producing satellite and communications technology. The project is expected to bring up to 2,000 jobs to the area over the next decade.

Why It Matters: The development marks another step in Williamson County's growing technology and manufacturing industry, bringing potential job opportunities and economic growth to the region. Blue Origin also plans to partner with Hutto ISD on paid internships and career training programs, creating opportunities for local students to explore careers in aerospace.

🍹 Sunset ritas and farm-fresh Southwestern plates

211 Co-Op Blvd, Hutto, TX 78634

Jack Allen’s Kitchen is one of our family's longtime favorites, and its Hutto location in the Co-Op District has plenty to love! Known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and Southern comfort food with a Texas twist, Jack Allen's serves up everything from chicken-fried steak and barbacoa enchiladas to fried green tomatoes and delicious weekend brunch options.

The spacious patio is a great spot for sunset margaritas, with flavors like prickly pear, cucumber jalapeño and mango habanero. There's also a lively bar, a great happy hour with half-priced appetizers, and convenient garage parking right next door!

🐾 Meet Riley

Riley is a sweet, playful girl who loves sniff walks, pool time, cuddles and, most of all, tennis balls. She can be a little shy at first, but give her some patience and her fun-loving personality quickly comes out. This medium-sized cutie also lived with other dogs previously and walks nicely on leash.

🐶 Name: Riley
♀️ Sex: Female
🎂 Age: 2½ years
📍 Location: Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter, Georgetown
🎾 Personality: Playful + cuddly

🔮 Oddities, ancient fossils & a little magic

100 E Main St Ste 102, Round Rock, TX

UnEarthed brings something a little different to downtown Round Rock! Located on Main Street, this unique shop is filled with crystals, colorful gemstones, minerals, ancient fossils, dinosaur bones and plenty of witchy reads. Whether you're a collector or just curious, there's a lot to explore, and the friendly team is happy to answer questions along the way.

With Halloween around the corner, it's an especially fun time to stop in and browse. The shop is also sponsoring the grand prize for the Round Rock Pride Halloween decorating contest!