These restaurants are treating veterans tomorrow!

Hey, neighbors!

I wanted to share a little reminder about something we've been working hard on behind the scenes: WilCo Guide!

We introduced it a little while back, but in case you missed it, it's our website dedicated to helping you discover local businesses, find fun things to do and stay connected to everything happening around Williamson County.

Here's what you'll find:

📍 Local business directory: Discover restaurants, shops and services throughout Williamson County.

🎉 Events calendar: Find festivals, family activities, live music and other fun things happening nearby.

💼 Local job board: Explore job opportunities right here in our community.

📰 Local news & guides: Catch up on local happenings, explore our recommendations and find helpful guides to the best of WilCo.

And if you're a local business owner, we'd especially love to hear from you!

You can claim your business listing or add your business for free, plus participate in a free business owner interview to share your story with our readers in your own words. You can also submit local events and job openings!

If you're interested in getting your business in front of more local customers, we have advertising opportunities available, too. Just reply to this email, and I'd be happy to share more information!

We're excited to keep growing WilCo Guide into something useful for our neighbors, and we'd love for you to be part of it. Thanks for supporting what we do and helping us celebrate this community we love!

🍽️ Where veterans can eat for free tomorrow

Veterans Day is tomorrow, and several restaurants are saying thank you with free food and drinks for veterans and active-duty military members! Applebee's and Chili's are offering free dine-in meals from special menus, while Cotton Patch Cafe is serving up free chicken fried steak or chicken fried chicken. Torchy's Tacos is also offering a free taco and fountain drink.

Starbucks is joining in with a free 12-ounce hot or iced brewed coffee for veterans, service members, and military spouses. Most meal offers are dine-in only, and some require proof of service, so it's a good idea to check with your local restaurant before heading out.

And to all the veterans in our community, thank you for your service and sacrifice. ❤️

🦃 Thanksgiving: a place to eat and a way to help

Still figuring out your Thanksgiving plans? Now's a great time to get them squared away! St. Luke Serbian Orthodox Church in Leander is welcoming everyone to a free Thanksgiving celebration on Nov. 26. Doors open at 2 p.m., with dinner served around 4 p.m. It's a wonderful option for anyone looking to enjoy a holiday meal with neighbors.

And if giving back is part of your holiday plans, Operation Turkey is looking for volunteers! They'll gather at The Fieldhouse at the Crossover from 8 a.m. to noon on Thanksgiving morning to prepare, pack, and deliver meals to those in need. Just be sure to register through Operation Turkey ahead of time.

Operation Turkey is also accepting requests for Thanksgiving meal deliveries for anyone who could use a little extra help this holiday. Requests are open through Nov. 20, or until available meals are claimed, so be sure to sign up early.

🎮 A new way to play indoors

Looking for something fun to do with the kids over the upcoming break? InteractX has opened in Cedar Park, offering a new way to get the whole family moving! You'll be jumping, throwing, and testing your reflexes through interactive games that track your score. Take on challenges solo or team up for a little friendly competition. Check out their website for session details and reservations.

🍳 A scratch kitchen inside a pickleball club

Inside Apex Pickleball Club, 501 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park, TX 78613

Whether you're grabbing a bite after a match, meeting friends for lunch or heading out for dinner, PickleDilly's Kitchen & Bar is worth knowing about. Located inside Apex Pickleball Club in Cedar Park, the restaurant serves scratch-made food led by Executive Chef Ron Matty.

The menu includes smash burgers, sandwiches, wings, fried pickle chips and cocktails, with views of the indoor pickleball courts. And you don't have to play pickleball or be a member to stop in for a meal!

Meet Papa P

🐶 Name: Papa P
💙 Sex: Male
🎂 Age: 13 months
🐾 Traits: Cuddly, energetic, friendly
🏠 Shelter: Texas Humane Heroes, Leander

🥋 A new place to try jiu-jitsu

Photos: Gracie Barra. Liberty Hill school: 201 St. Joseph Court, Suite 510.

Thinking about trying something new? Gracie Barra Liberty Hill has opened its doors, offering Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes for kids, teens, and adults. Whether you're completely new to martial arts or have some experience, there's a class for you.

Students can learn self-defense skills, build confidence, and get a good workout along the way. Interested in giving it a try? Reach out to the school to ask about a free trial class and find a time that works for you.