Whether you’re visiting on a business trip, seeing friends and family or exploring just for fun, Austin, Texas, is the new place to be. From classic barbecue joints to trendy oyster bars, you might not find a better city for foodies. Of course, you can’t forget all of the museums, bars, theaters and parks that “keep Austin weird,” either.

If you’re looking for some recommendations for your next trip to the state’s capital, keep reading for our list of the top things to do in Austin, Texas.

Things to Do in Austin

No visit to Austin is complete without checking out a few of the city’s best attractions:

The Continental Club

The Continental Club is a small dive bar that’s been around since 1955, famous for its live music every night of the week. The club helped launch the careers of several notable musicians, and books acts that play a wide variety of musical genres including roots, rockabilly, country, swing, rock and blues.

Barton Springs Municipal Pool

Within Zilker Park is one of the most fun things to do in Austin, Texas. The Barton Springs Municipal Pool is a large natural spring that maintains a comfortable temperature of 68-70 degrees. Austin is notorious for its sweltering heat, so the pool feels amazing during peak summer days.

Allens Boots

Allens Boots is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. With over 4,000 cowboy boots in the store, you can smell the leather from the outside. Allens also sells belts, hats, leather jackets and other accessories you can pair together to make an entire outfit. Even if you don’t intend to buy anything, you may want to go just for the experience.

Lady Bird Lake

Kayaking, paddleboarding, walking your dog, fishing and bat-watching are only a few of the fun activities you can do when visiting Lady Bird Lake. This lake sits along the Colorado River, and its stunning view of the city makes it popular year-round. Whether you enjoy relaxing or want to do something active, Lady Bird Lake is a perfect place to visit.

The Moody Theater

The Moody Theater hosts Texas’s most famous concert series, Austin City Limits. Before the show, you can grab a drink or some food at the venue. Once you’re inside, you’ll get to see famous musicians play their music up-close and personal. Check out the performance calendar here.

Wimberly Glassworks

If you’re more interested in seeing creative and crafty attractions in Austin, Wimberly Glassworks will probably be one of your favorite stops. Wimberly Glassworks is a hand-blown glass lighting and art glass studio. Feel free to enjoy their outdoor patio, tour their art installations or watch a live glass blowing demonstration.

Sightseeing Tour

A tourist favorite in any city is sightseeing. These tours come in all shapes and sizes, including double-decker bus tours, boat tours or self-guided walking tours. The Austin and Hill Country Sightseeing Tour covers 30 miles with over 50 attractions in 90 minutes.

Top Sights to See

If you don’t have enough time to participate in Austin’s best activities, you should try to fit a few sights into your schedule while you’re in town:

Congress Avenue Bridge

This bridge sits above Lady Bird Lake and is one of the top things to see in Austin, Texas. It’s a famous scenic spot for viewing Austin’s urban bat colony. Approximately 1.5 million bats fly out from underneath the bridge each night from the months of May through October.

Blanton Museum of Art

The Blanton Museum of Art is located at The University of Texas and has an extensive collection of art. A prominent part of the museum experience is walking through the front doors and seeing Teresita Fernandez’s “Stacked Waters” covering the entire atrium, making it feel like you are submerged in water.

Rainey Street

Rainey Street may not seem special from the outside, but you’ll want to head here when looking for a place to party with friends. The homes on Rainey were renovated and turned into bars and restaurants, making it the place to be after dark. There are tons of great nightlife spaces and food trucks to keep you up all night long.

Mount Bonnell

If you love hiking and the outdoors, Mount Bonnell of Covert Park has stunning views. A staircase leads up to the overlook that views Lake Austin. This walk is perfect for all ages and skill levels, making it a wonderful way to spend a nice afternoon.

“I Love You So Much” Mural

One of the top attractions to see in Austin, Texas, is the famed “I Love You So Much” mural. If you love mural art, you may want to consider doing a whole mural tour, stopping here along the way. It’s turned into the most famous street corner in Austin, with people lining up down the street just to get a picture.

Cathedral of Junk

The Cathedral of Junk, completely invisible from the street, is a structure built from used furniture and other miscellaneous items. It’s estimated to contain over 60 tons of junk, making the structure a unique art installment.

Best Places to Eat

What’s a trip to Austin without grabbing a bite to eat? Here are a few of the best places to eat in Austin, Texas:

Franklin Barbecue

Franklin Barbecue is arguably Austin’s most famous barbecue joint. The line is typically out the door, so if you want to stop here, you’ll have to come early. Luckily, you can now preorder up to six weeks ahead of time as long as you order at least 3 pounds of food, so you may want to do that if you’re in a rush.

Guero’s Taco Bar

Guero’s Taco Bar is a popular Tex-Mex restaurant in Austin. If you want a table, you’ll have to show up early — a two-hour wait isn’t unusual on the weekends. However, they have a self-serve salsa bar you can enjoy with a margarita while you wait.

Odd Duck

Odd Duck is known for serving traditional Texas dishes with a twist. Two of Odd Duck’s most popular dishes include their pork belly sandwich and their goat chili Frito pie.

Justine’s Brasserie

If you’re looking for a late dinner, Justine’s Brasserie is the place to be. The kitchen doesn’t close until 1:30 a.m, serving classic French dishes. This could be the perfect place to end your night out.

Slab BBQ & Beer

Slab BBQ & Beer is known for its huge barbecue sandwiches. This restaurant is completely casual, so if you’re looking for a nice, chill place to relax during a long day of work or sightseeing, Slab is the place to be. Check out their delicious selection of smoky barbecue sauces that go great with their smoked meat sandwiches.

Barley Swine

If you like trying new things, you should add Barley Swine to your list. Barley Swine uses local ingredients to create unique dishes on a constantly rotating menu.

la Barbecue

la Barbecue is yet another fantastic Austin barbecue spot. This restaurant specifically specializes in Central Texas-style barbecue, so if you’re doing a barbecue tour of Austin, you’ll definitely want to include it in your experience.

Clark’s Oyster Bar

Clark’s Oyster Bar is a trendy spot that always has people visiting for a meal. It’s perfect for a wide variety of events, whether a business meeting or a late-night date. The oysters are flown in daily, so even though Austin is a few hours inland, you can enjoy a delicious seafood spread.

Order Apple Spice in Austin for Your Corporate Team

Whether you’re visiting Austin, Texas, on business or hosting out-of-town team members in your Austin office, we at Apple Spice can help you and your team make lunch a snap. For more than 30 years, we’ve been delivering individually wrapped, boxed lunches for offices throughout the United States. Order corporate lunch for your company with peace of mind. Find a location to start your order today!

3 Beautiful Hikes in Sandy, Utah

With mountain views, sparkling waterfalls and fields of wildflowers, Sandy, Utah, is a hiker’s paradise. The area is abundant with trails for hikers of all types, including beginners and families, and each one promises a scenic view.

Let’s take a look at some of the best hiking trails in Sandy, Utah.

Why Go Hiking in Sandy, Utah?

The city of Sandy is near bustling Salt Lake City and is the ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking in Sandy, Utah, means enjoying:

• Unbeatable views: Enjoy everything nature has to offer, with lakes, forests, mountains, valleys and fields of colorful flowers — perfect for a weeknight getaway or an inspiring artistic adventure. Keep your eyes open for some of Utah’s wilder residents, like moose, deer and goats.
• Fun hobbies: Local hiking trails are a safe, socially-distant way to stay active and take in some fresh air and sunshine. In addition to hiking, trails are also a great place to learn mountain biking, skiing, climbing and backpacking in Sandy, Utah.
• Year-round entertainment: Each season offers something unique to scenic hikes in Sandy, Utah. Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming greenery, and the summer sun is perfect for lakeside picnics. During autumn, trails are lined with colorful foliage and unforgettable mountain views. Winter means winter sports or winter hiking — great for staying warm and gaining a new perspective of the Beehive State.

Top Hiking Trails in Utah

Whether you’re an experienced backpacker or seeking leisurely nature walks in Sandy, Utah, you’ll find it here. Take a look at a few of the most scenic trails in the area.

1. Bells Canyon Trail

Bells Canyon Trail — sometimes called Bell or Bell’s Canyon Trail — is a scenic reservoir and waterfall destination where you can embrace nature to the fullest. This moderate 4.8-mile hike is a popular place for families and hikers because of the beautiful views. Beat the crowds with an early morning trek.

Choose from one of two trailheads — The Boulders trailhead on South Wasatch Boulevard or the Granite trailhead on Little Cottonwood Road.

The first part of Bells Canyon Trail is beginner-friendly and takes you to a small reservoir, where you can go catch-and-release fishing or bring a picnic to enjoy by the water. Please note, swimming and dogs are not allowed here, since it’s a water supply for local towns.

You can either turn around after you’ve had your fill of the lake view or continue hiking past the reservoir for the waterfall. This portion of the journey is best suited for intermediate hikers. It’s more strenuous, but the views are worth it. Beyond the waterfall, you can continue the challenge with an even more difficult trek to the reservoir’s upper portion.

From start to finish, expect mountain and valley views and glimpses of Salt Lake City. Mountain goats are also common here. Practice caution near the lakes and falls, which have strong currents and extremely cold temperatures. Some parts of the trail have loose dirt, so wear shoes with traction. Follow all posted signs and restrictions, as it’s both a watershed and designated wilderness area.

2. Lisa Falls Trail

Lisa Falls Trail is a 0.22-mile hike in Little Cottonwood Canyon. It’s a brief, family-friendly hike that’s ideal for beginners. You can lengthen your time on the trail, though, by using it as a starting point for other Cottonwood Canyon trails.

This area is popular, especially during spring and summer, because that’s when the falls are at their fullest. Access the trailhead about 3 miles up Little Canyon Road — it’s an unmarked trail in the small parking lot on the left side of the road.

Pack a lunch and bring the kids for a fun afternoon at a granite quarry. The trail takes you to a cascading, stone-faced waterfall and large boulders that are ideal for climbing. Lisa Falls Trail is not too steep, but it does require some uphill movement. Dogs are not permitted.

3. Albion Meadows Trail

Albion Meadows near the Albion Basin — home of the annual Wasatch Wildflower Festival in July — is just a short trip from Sandy. The trail is a 3.6-mile round trip that starts near the Alta Ski Resort. Mid-summer months are the best time to go for flower viewing, but it’s also a hotspot for mountain biking and wintertime skiing.

Though catching the sunrise or sunset over Devils Castle is a sight you won’t soon forget, the real reason people travel to Albion Meadows Trail are the vast wildflower fields. The area is home to more than 120 different flower species — including paintbrush, Jacob’s ladder, penstemons and lupine flowers — creating a colorful palette of purples, blues, yellows, pinks, oranges and whites. It’s also a gathering space for moose, mule deer, birds and mountain goats.

If you can’t get enough of the landscape, continue your journey another 1.6 miles beyond the meadows to Cecret Lake. It’s a slightly more challenging journey, but the sparkling water makes it worth the extra time.

Practice caution around wildlife, especially moose, and leave your four-legged friends at home. Be mindful of your footsteps in the meadows — protect the flowers around you and do not pick them or leave trash behind.

Hiking Safety in Sandy, Utah

Stay safe on your hike with these tips:

• Bring a friend: Always bring a friend or family member along for your first few hikes on an unfamiliar trail. Avoid hiking in unfamiliar territory after dark, and always tell someone back home where you’re going and when to expect your return.
• Be prepared: Never hike without researching the local area — including possible wildlife and environmental risks — and pack your daypack full of everything you need for a full day outdoors. This includes plenty of cool water, sunscreen, high-quality hiking shoes, insect repellant and trail snacks. Check the weather before leaving home and dress for the temperature.
• Take it slow: Start hiking on trails that match your fitness and experience levels. Enjoy a slower pace and easier terrain as you work your way toward moderate and advanced journeys.

Choose Apple Spice Catering for Your Office Box Lunch Delivery

Hiking is a fun way to stay active and enjoy nature at its finest. No matter the season, there has never been a better time to get outdoors and enjoy everything Utah has to offer. Fuel up for your next outdoor outing with a boxed lunch delivery from Apple Spice Catering.

Apple Spice Catering specializes in crafting delicious meals delivered straight to your office. Every boxed or catered lunch you order from us — whether it’s five or 5,000 — promises on-time arrival and individual packaging. Find an Apple Spice Catering location near you to browse a menu and place your order today!

Whether you are visiting Jacksonville for a work trip or a local to the area, it’s nice to get outdoors and explore new and beautiful spots. Below are a few beautiful parks and attractions worth checking out around the city.

Little Tabolt Island State Park

Come walk the peaceful grounds of Little Talbot State Park featuring five miles of magnificent beaches, bike paths, and camp facilities. Enjoy a nice picnic in the majestic san dunes or a nice bike ride along the ocean coast.

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

A place to indulge in the arts and beautiful gardens. If you love learning about history through the arts, Cummer Museum has over 6 thousand works of art to see and to learn about. Make sure to end your time with a nice stroll through the lovely gardens. This place is a 2 in 1 treat!

Amelia Island

An island with years of history, gorgeous beaches, golf, restaurants, nature, and more. This is a perfect spot to be for a romantic getaway or for a family outing on a sunny day.

Spend most of your time downtown in your work office? You are in luck! Apple Spice here in Jacksonville offers box lunch delivery and corporate catering for business meetings, events, or special occasions. Head over to our full menu to see what looks good to you! This is the answer to all your long afternoon meetings with easy online ordering and the freshest ingredients!

When it comes to dining, there are a lot of hidden gems to know about. Whether you love pubs or fancy tapas, we got a list of 3 must-try restaurants here in Grand Rapids.

Butcher’s Union

If you are a meat-eater, this is the place for you. Locally sourced ingredients and inspired cocktails and whiskey. Other dishes include sandwiches, shareables, desserts, and more. Stop in between 3 – 6 PM for some happy hour drinks and small plates!

Maru Sushi & Grill

Indulge in Japanese culture and experience delicious sushi, entrees, daily specials, dessert, and more. Their signature rolls are one of a kind featuring a variety of ingredients and flavors. Some of the favorites are the soy joy, sexy bacon, madagascar, and the ocean’s eleven.

San Chez Tapas

An authentic bistro tying together flavors from European, Latin American, and Mediterranean cultures. Tapas are a creation from Spain that brings a sophisicated fine dining experience. Tapas are usually best eaten if you order 3 to 4 small plates that are meant to be shared with friends or family.

Discovering new restaurants can be such a treat. If you want to keep browsing, check out more restaurants to broaden your horizons when it comes to eating out. What about restaurants that cater? Great question! Apple Spice here in Grand Rapids offers fresh box lunches and corporate catering perfect for business meetings, corporate events, special occasions, or an everyday individual lunch at the office. Check out our menu options to see what looks good to you! We make online ordering simple and quick or if you’d rather hop on a call, you can reach us at (616) 805-3288.

Being outdoors in Utah sure is a treat. Whether you are skiing, trail running, or hiking, Salt Lake has quick access to making any of these an outdoor adventure. If you are into hiking, below are 3 of the finest hiking trails to check out here in Salt Lake Valley.

Mt. Olympus

If you’re looking for great views, this hike towers over 4,000 feet of the city and is the perfect mountain to watch the sunset from. This is a medium to difficult hike with a total of 7 miles. The best time to take on this spectacular hike would be in the Fall or Summertime.

Grandeur Peak

A delightful hike that trails into the beautiful green trees and forest. There are two ways to access this hike which is between Parley’s Canyon and Millcreek Canyon. The other way is to start on the north side of Wasatch Blvd. This is a moderate level hike and also has great views from the summit.

Neff’s Canyon

If you have dogs, this is a pet-friendly hike that you’re little furry friend will love. This is a 7-mile hike round trip that starts as a street road and later will turn into a dirt trail. Not to mention this is a great hike during the wintertime to get beautiful views of the white winter wonderland snow.

The list doesn’t stop there. If you are looking for more hikes to discover, here are 7 more amazing hikes you’ll want to check out around the Salt Lake Valley area. If you are local to Utah and spend your days in an office on the weekdays, Apple Spice offers fresh box lunch delivery and catering options for business meetings, corporate events, and special occasions. Browse our menu options to see what delicious menu items we offer!

Charlotte is an exquisite destination when it comes to fine-dining. Whether you’re a seafood lover, southern comfort foodie, or here for the brunch, they’ve got it all. Take a look at a few of the top restaurant recommendations to try in Charlotte.

Haberdish

The perfect southern kitchen selection featuring high-quality craft cocktails to spice up the evening. Known for their amazing chicken and waffles, you can’t go wrong with the classics! Haberdish offers brunch, lunch, and dinner with a wide variety menu with online ordering available if you don’t have time to dine-in.

Sea Level NC

For all the seafood lovers, Sea Level NC’s seafood is sourced right from the North Carolina coasts to give their customers the best quality seafood there is. Their dinner menu includes cocktails, oyster shooters, soups, salads, house favorites, sandwiches, and more. Make sure to make a reservation because this restaurant fills up quick. Come enjoy a nice drink after work at their happy hour which runs from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM on weekdays.

The Cellar at Duckworth’s

For those who enjoy speakeasy type restaurants, this gastropub is the place to be. Well known for their steaks and chops, you can’t go wrong on choosing a meat plate. You can also enjoy small plates to share with your table and stick around for their marvelous dessert selections. If you enjoy a unique and crafted cocktail, make sure to try one of their signature cocktails to go with your meal.

If you want to continue the search for the best restaurants in the area, here are several more options to choose from! Want to find food this good that offers catering options? Apple Spice here in Charlotte features boxed lunches and corporate catering perfect for business meetings, events, special occasions, or an everyday lunch at the office. Check out our delicious menu options to find exactly what you’re looking for. We can’t wait to serve you!

Looking for some new restaurants to try out in Alpharetta? Georgia is a prime dining destination with lots of unique flavors to choose from. If you are visiting or local to the Southeast, below are 3 restaurants that are highly recommended in Alpharetta, GA:

Table & Main

The best Southern Tavern in the area featuring delicious appetizers, entrees, desserts, and a phenomenal brunch menu. This is a great spot for private dining for dinner parties, meetings, or a romantic evening with a loved one. You can’t go wrong with these fresh flavors, wine, and most of all, their famous bourbon.

1920 Tavern

An all-around great restaurant offering brunch, lunch, and dinner featuring small plates, soups, salads, seafood, and more. 1920 Tavern has a lovely ambiance and sophisticated cocktails to spice up the night. If you are into the pub and speakeasy atmosphere, this is definitely the perfect spot for you.

Branchwater

For all the meat lovers, Branchwater is known for their great steaks and seafood. Come enjoy the local ingredients, patio dining, and live music that brings the perfect amount of entertainment to your dining experience.

Looking for more options to choose from around the area? Here are several more hot picks to take a look at. If you are ever looking for restaurants that offer catering, Apple Spice here in Alpharetta features box lunch delivery and corporate catering perfect for work events, business meetings, special occasions, or an everyday lunch at the office. Browse our menu options to book your first order with us. We look forward to serving you!

If you are visiting or local to the Capital City, it is important to embrace the meaning of fine dining! Columbia has a wide variety of amazing restaurants to check out. Get in the loop and check out a few of the best restaurants here in Columbia, SC.

Halls Chophouse

Your ultimate steakhouse destination with an exceptional menu, relaxing atmosphere, and live entertainment to give you the best dining experience. They offer a dinner, wine, brunch, and lunch menu to give you the option to dine at every given time of the day! If you are a meat lover, this is a must-try restaurant to try.

The Mousetrap

The Mousetrap is back! This neighborhood oasis closed down for a while but has now opened back up serving food and drinks all day long. If you like chef recommendations, they have a special chef selection menu that can help you decide on the perfect entree. Mousetrap is also well-known for its phenomenal appetizers and burgers.

Home Team BBQ

Home Team BBQ brings the freshest local ingredients that leave their customers satisfied after every meal. From salads to combo platters, this menu has got it all. This is a great spot to grab drinks and dinner with friends or family that creates the perfect atmosphere for every guest. If you are too busy to dine in, they offer catering!

The list doesn’t end there. Discover 4 other restaurants to check out that are the talk of the town in 2019. Speaking of catering, Apple Spice here in Columbia offers box lunches and corporate catering for meetings, events, or an everyday lunch at the office. Don’t waste any time and check out our catering menu options to book your first order. Our reliable and professional staff members are here to bring you the best catering experience!

New to the city of Minneapolis and looking for some recommendations on things to do in the area? Whether you like the outdoors, museums, nightlife, or good restaurants, they’ve got it all. Take a look at this list of the best things to do while spending your time in Minneapolis.

Head to Uptown

This is a great trendy spot where young professionals like to hang out and enjoy themselves. Here you can find hip bars, restaurants, and boutique shops. Great for a daytime activity to post up at a coffee shop and indulge in the local hang out scene, or great for night bar hopping and having a fun night out with friends.

Visit the Institute of Arts

If you are into the art scene, this is definitely not something to pass up. Works of antique and modern art brought to you all over the globe. The great thing about this art center is it is free of charge, although special events or exhibits may cost an additional fee.

Eat at Matt’s Bar and the Juicy Lucy

Did someone say burgers? Experience this comforting and juicy burger created in the 1950s with cheese found inside the cooked meat. This invention has become iconic and is a must-try spot in Minneapolis. Prepare to be amazed!

Speaking of delicious eats, if you are local to the area and always on the lookout for new places to eat lunch or cater from during your long work weeks, Apple Spice here in Minneapolis features fresh box lunch delivery and catering options perfect for business meetings, corporate events, special occasions, and more. Head over to our menu’s to pick what you like and book your first order with us! If you are looking for more things to discover in the great city of Minneapolis, check out more fun and entertainment here.

Being one of the largest cities in America, Houston has a lot of great things to offer. From historic sights to world-class dining, this is a city worth exploring. Speaking of dining, the Houston food scene is hot on the charts right now. If you are a foodie, I encourage you to check out 3 of the best restaurants in 2019:

Tropicales

Bring on the Latin fever! This tropical restaurant offers the best Cuban food in town featuring tacos, ceviche, Cubano sandwiches, unique cocktails, and more. This is a great spot for a group of family or friends to enjoy a nice meal on the lush patio.

Truth BBQ

The hottest BBQ spot in Houston who brings on the meat game strong! Known for their smoked meats, you can’t go wrong with the brisket, pork ribs, or the turkey. Add a delicious side to go with your meat to have the perfect BBQ experience.

Indigo

For all the soul-food lovers, this is a place for you. Every dish is built to perfection and made with high-quality ingredients. Indigo offers communal tables for a guided tasting that will take you through all of the game-changing dishes.

The fantastic food doesn’t end here! If you are wanting a bigger list of restaurants to try, browse here. Local to Houston and always on the lookout for new corporate catering options for you busy work weeks? Apple Spice here in Houston features box lunch delivery and catering perfect for business meetings, work events, or an everyday lunch at the office. Check out our menu options to book your first order with us!