The Liberty Hill Target countdown is on

👀 We’ve been keeping a secret

We’ve been quietly working on something behind the scenes that goes far beyond our newsletters, and I’m so excited that we’ll finally get to share it with you next week!

I don’t want to give away too much just yet, but one part I can tell you about is a huge local events calendar and a truly local job board. You’ll be able to find nearby opportunities without wading through pages of Austin jobs you’d never want to commute to anyway.

Both will be completely FREE to use, whether you’re browsing local events and jobs or adding an event or job opening for your business.

And that’s only part of what we’ve been building. We’re also creating some exciting new ways to support local businesses, so if you own one, keep an especially close eye on next week’s newsletter. I can’t wait to finally show you!

🛒 Target set to open its new Liberty Hill store

The Gist: The wait is almost over! Liberty Hill’s first Target will officially open October 11 along U.S. 183 near SH 29. The massive 148,000-square-foot store will include groceries, a Starbucks, CVS Pharmacy, an Apple section, alcoholic beverages and EV charging stations, plus Drive Up, Order Pickup and same-day delivery. It is also expected to bring more than 200 jobs to the area.

Why It Matters: Liberty Hill residents have been eagerly watching this one take shape, and soon those Target runs won’t require a drive to Cedar Park. Whether you need groceries, a coffee, a last-minute birthday gift or $100 worth of things you didn’t plan to buy, it will all be closer to home for many of us!

Read more here.

🚀 Blue Origin eyes $650M facility in Hutto

The Gist: Williamson County commissioners have approved an economic development agreement that could bring a massive Blue Origin facility to Hutto. Plans call for approximately 1 million square feet of aerospace and defense research, testing and manufacturing space, with a $650 million investment and up to 2,000 jobs over the next decade. The project has not yet been finalized.

Why It Matters: If completed as proposed, Blue Origin would become Hutto’s largest employer. The company has also committed to offering 15 paid summer internships to Williamson County high school students, supporting Hutto ISD’s career and technical education programs, and partnering with area colleges to prepare local workers for skilled careers.

Read more here.

🍔 A first taste of Leander’s new Hopdoddy

We’ve always liked the Hopdoddy in Cedar Park, so we were excited to check out the new location at Ronald Reagan and 29 on opening night!

The space is clean and modern, with plenty of booths, which is always a win for our family. My only complaint is that I wish they had added a patio. The staff was incredibly helpful and attentive, especially for a busy first night.

I tried my first-ever bison burger, and it was delicious. We also ordered the chicken lollipops, mostly because I needed to know what a chicken lollipop looked like! They’re basically bone-in, wing-style chicken, and they were great too. The kids played it safe with burgers and chicken fingers and were very happy with their choices.

Overall, Hopdoddy is a great addition to this part of Leander, and I have a feeling we’ll be there pretty regularly.

More details here.

🪴 A garden center worth wandering

Barryhill Garden Center is a family-owned local business backed by more than 40 years of gardening experience. Beyond the basics, you’ll find Texas-friendly picks like blooming crape myrtles, milkweed for monarchs and fresh veggie starters.

Not sure what will work in your yard? Bring in a photo of that tricky spot for personalized guidance, or check out an upcoming event, including a kid-friendly fall tree-painting workshop on September 19 and the annual Fall Festival on October 3.

More details here.

🤠 Christian Family Barn Dance | Williamson County Cowboy Church | Liberty Hill | 09/11 | More
Boot-scootin’ fun, family fellowship, and plenty of dancing.

🏀 Open House | Shoot 360 Austin | Leander | 09/12 | More
Pro-level shooting tech, live skills challenges, and raffle prizes.

🏈 College Kickoff | SCHEELS | Cedar Park | 09/12 | More
A live podcast taping and fall sports energy, indoors and air conditioned.

🌍 International Food Festival | 550 Discovery Blvd | Cedar Park | 09/12 | More
Food from all over the world, six hours, one afternoon.

🌻 Second Saturday at Bell | Texas Farmers’ Market | Cedar Park | 09/12 | More
Shop local and enjoy family-friendly activities at the market.

🪔 Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration & Garba/Dandiya Night | Premier Athletic Complex | Leander | 09/12 | More
Celebrate with music, dancing, cultural performances, and family-friendly festivities.

🧠 Nerd Nite | 550 Discovery Blvd | Cedar Park | 09/09 | More
Entertaining talks about wonderful topics from people who know their stuff.

🎲 Board Games & Business Cards | The Secret Lantern: Books & Games | Cedar Park | 09/10 | More
A relaxed networking night where professionals connect over tabletop games.

🎸 The Pictures | The Fieldhouse at The Crossover | Cedar Park | 09/11 | More
Classic rock, country, and party covers to start the weekend. Free.

🌙 Deep Blue Something | Haute Spot | Cedar Park | 09/11 | More
Nineties alt-rock under the stars, with the singalong you already know coming.

🦈 Jaws on the Water | Volente Beach Resort | Leander | 09/12 | More
Watch Jaws while floating in Lake Travis, complete with themed food and a few surprises in the water.

🤖 AI IRL Social | Red Horn Brewery | Leander | 09/14 | More
Connect with local AI builders, entrepreneurs, and curious minds.

❤️‍🩹 9/11 Flag Tribute | Old Settlers Park | Round Rock | 09/04–09/12 | More
Walk among thousands of flags honoring those lost on 9/11, fallen service members, and first responders.

🏕️ Family Campout | Old Settlers Park | Round Rock | 09/11–09/12 | More
Camp under the stars with games, dinner, s’mores, an outdoor movie, and breakfast the next morning.

🍂 Harvest Festival | Williamson County Old Settlers Association | Round Rock | 09/12 | More
Celebrate fall with historical activities, games, demonstrations, and family fun.

🏈 Texas Longhorns vs. Ohio State Buckeyes | DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium | Austin | 09/12 | More
Texas hosts Ohio State in one of the season’s biggest matchups.

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Thanks for reading Leander Scoop! See you next week!