Is Trader Joe’s Finally Opening?

Plus plenty of fall markets and festivals

Today’s current water level: 83.6%

From Pronto Markets to Two Buck Chuck. Trader Joe’s began in 1958 as a small Los Angeles chain called Pronto Markets. By 1967, founder Joe Coulombe rebranded with a nautical theme, Hawaiian shirts, and a name that stuck — Trader Joe’s. His idea was simple: fewer products, all unique, private-label, and priced right.

Today, with 600+ stores in 43 states, Trader Joe’s is known for surprise seasonal finds, its cheeky Fearless Flyer newsletter, and of course, the cult-favorite “Two Buck Chuck” wine that made bargain bottles famous. In just a few days, Bee Cave’s old Office Depot will reopen with a new life — as Trader Joe’s, complete with island vibes and freezer-aisle treasures.

The grand opening may be TBD (scroll to Community Bulletin for the rumored date), but your weekend plans don’t have to be - here’s what’s happening this week.

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BEE CAVE LIBRARY TOWN HALL | October 9, 6-7pm | Bee Cave City Hall | FREE | Info 
Get the scoop on Bee Cave’s proposed new library and what’s shelved for the future.

2025 LAKE TRAVIS READS: KATE WINKLER DAWSON | October 9, 7pm | Lake Travis Library | FREE | Info 
Local author talk for true crime book lovers.

HALLOWEEN POTTERY NIGHT | October 10, 7pm | Tumbleweed Studios | $75 | Info 
Channel your inner ghost and learn to carve and glaze a ceramic pumpkin.

Photo from Tumbleweed Studios website

13TH ANNUAL HILL COUNTRY HARVEST MARKET | October 11-12, 10am-4pm | Dripping Springs Ranch Park | FREE | Info 
Local vendors, tasty treats, and fall finds you didn’t know you needed.

ST. MARY'S FALL FESTIVAL | October 11, 10am-3pm | St. Mary's Catholic Church | FREE | Info 
Gather the gang for a fall fest full of shiny cars, cute animals, and tasty bites.

POP-UP SHOP | October 11, 12-4pm | Lucky Rabbit | FREE | Info 
Shop local, support small businesses, and discover handmade treasures.

DIWALI FESTIVAL | October 11, 1-11pm | Hill Country Galleria | FREE | Info 
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with color, culture, and community right here in our backyard.

TREATY OAK FARMERS MARKET | October 11, 1-7pm | Treaty Oak Distillery | FREE | Info 
Fresh produce, local vendors, and scenic Hill Country views at one of the area's favorite distilleries.

MAINTAINING & ENHANCING NATURAL BEAUTY | October 11, 1:15-2pm | LakeHouse Spa | $25 | Info 
Wellness tips for looking good without looking like you tried.

SUPPER CLUB EXPERIENCE | October 11, 6pm | Treaty Oak Distillery | $125 | Info 
Elevated Mediterranean dining experience for those who appreciate good food and great spirits. Pun intended.

HAUNTED TRAIL PREP | October 12, 8:15-10:15am | Bee Cave Central Park | VOLUNTEER | Info 
Lend a hand - and maybe a scream - setting the trail for Bee Cave’s spooky side.

FALL ARTISAN MARKET | October 12, 1-6pm | Lago Vista Brewing | FREE | Info 
Craft beer, handmade goods, and relaxed north shore vibes.

MORNIN' MAHJ | October 14, 12:30-2:30pm | MorninGlory | $35 | Info 
Afternoon mahjong session disguised as a morning event for those who love the game.

DRIFTWOOD FALL FESTIVAL | October 15 → November 2 | Vista Brewing | $5-$15 | Info 
Multi-week fall celebration with pumpkins, photo ops, artisan market, and festive curated events.

LIL GARDENER'S TEA PARTY | October 11, 10am-11am | The Natural Gardener | FREE | Info 
Tiny tea drinkers meet magical herbs - costumes welcome, fun guaranteed.

LITTLE YOGIS | October 10, 4-5pm | Bonfire Yoga | $25 | Info 
Where little ones learn to find their zen before they even know what stress is.

BOO AT THE ZOO | October 10, 5:45pm → October 11, 9pm | Austin Zoo | $24 | Info 
Spooky strolls with friendly beasts - costumes encouraged.

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Photos courtesy of A New Day Child Development Center

Excellence in Early Learning. Tucked right here in Spicewood, A New Day Child Development Center has been helping tiny humans grow big hearts and curious minds since 2009. With Texas Rising Star’s highest 4-star rating, kids ages 12 months through Pre-K learn from experienced teachers who blend academics with real-life values like kindness, honesty, and respect - preparing them not just for school, but for life.

Programs that Grow with Your Child. Every child learns at their own pace, with Spanish woven into daily lessons and enrichment options like gymnastics (and soon, art!) that make learning both well-rounded and fun.

Why Families Love It. Teachers celebrate milestones, cheer kids on, and create a safe, happy space where children feel loved and confident to explore.

My only goal is to see all of our babies successful and ready for the world when they graduate our program - and no matter how old they get, they will always be our preschool babies.

Irma Arrambide, Director

Want to Learn More? Enrollment is open year-round, and families can schedule a tour anytime to explore the classrooms and meet the teachers. Read our full interview with Center Director Irma Arrambide and Assistant Director Brandi Young for a deeper look inside A New Day.

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What's your favorite breakfast spot around the lake?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Last Week’s Poll Results. We asked what your favorite pizza spot is and Lake Travis readers have spoken - Via313 took the top spot, proving love for Detroit-style runs deep around here. Craig O’s, Jersey Giant, and Tony C’s also made strong showings, while several of you kept things interesting with plenty of write-in love for Winston’s and ‘ZZA.

Photos from Via313 website

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Oct 9th - Oct 12th

ANGEL’S ICEHOUSE (Spicewood)
Fri: Aname Rose | 7pm

FRONTYARD BREWING (Spicewood)
Fri: Live Music | 6-8pm
Sat: Live Music | 6-8pm

HOPS & THYME (Lakeway)
Thu: Robert Klein | 6-8pm
Fri: Rudy Villareal | 6-8pm

JULES DESIGN BAR (Bee Cave)
Fri: Benji Lamar | 8-10pm
Sat: Trevor Helt | 8-10pm

LT CORNER PUB (Lakeway)
Thu: Shawn Austin & Skeeter Van Meter | 9pm-1am
Sat: Chris Max Band | 9pm-1am

LUCKY RABBIT (Jonestown)
Thu: Luke Daniel | 6-9pm
Fri: Van Wilks | 7-10pm
Sat: Keepers of The Rock | 7-10pm
Sun: Bron Burbank | 3-6pm

MUSIC ON MAIN (Marble Falls)
Thu: Jesse Tratton | 5-8pm
Fri: Todd Roth & A. Wright | 5-8pm
Sat: Jaime Varela 12-3pm | Chris Reeves & Lonely Hearts Club 5-8pm
Sun: Billy Scott | 1-4pm

PATRIZI’S (Cuernavaca)
Thu: Open Mic | 6-9pm
Fri: DJ Tropicana Joe | 7-10pm
Sat: SoCo Jazz Collective | 6:30-9:30pm

POODIE’S ROADHOUSE (Spicewood)
Thu: Adam Johnson 6pm | TG Express with Alan Haynes 8pm
Fri: Guy Forsyth 8pm | Wolf Trax Blues Band 10:30pm
Sat: Will Rhodes 8pm | Mescaleros 10:30pm
Sun: Travis Green 4pm | John Carroll 7:30pm

STEINER RANCH STEAKHOUSE (Steiner Ranch)
Thu: Robert Wagner | 6-9pm
Fri: Howlin’ Waters | 6-9pm

THE GRAMERCY (Lakeway)
Thu: Tylor Brandon | 8-11pm

Photo from Gramercy Lakeway’s Instagram

THE OASIS (Lake Travis)
Fri: Chantel Deniese | 7-10pm
Sun: X-Factory | 5:30-8:30pm

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COMING SOON (MAYBE)
Rumor has it Trader Joe’s opens Oct. 17 in Bee Cave - but we’re keeping our carts on standby until it’s confirmed.

ROAD TO RELIEF
RM 620 is getting a $249M glow-up from Hudson Bend Rd to Hwy 71.

NEW FOOD TRUCK
Esuki Esquites just rolled into Fetch Food Park, serving Japanese-meets-Mexican street eats that seriously wowed us.

PICTURE THIS
Kim Ortiz Portrait Art is packing up for a fresh new home inside the Hill Country Galleria.

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What AI Thinks of Us. Lake Travis isn’t just a place - it’s a whole cast of characters. We asked ChatGPT to personify our local areas, and its answers were oh, so good.

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