A new destination?

Oasis Texas: More than just a pretty view

Uncle Billy's Brew and Que
Blue Genie
Zoltan David

When was the last time you visited the Oasis? If you can't remember you're in for a treat. There's been a lot of changes along Camanche Trail, the path so many have taken since 1982 in order to experience the breathtaking sunsets that put Oasis on the map.

One of the most obvious changes you'll notice is the number of restaurants now available to visitors. It's not just about the Oasis anymore.

Last November Uncle Billy's Brew & Que and Soliel opened their doors offering the same magical views with menus that are a bit more focused. The smorgasbord of options at the Oasis can be a bit overwhelming so guests can opt to try Uncle Billy's Texas Bar-B-Que and beer or Soliel's Mediterranean seafood, pasta and wine.

"If you think you know about the Oasis, you are likely running on 'yesterday's information,'" says Robert Axelson, President of Isis Investments, L.P. and partner in the development.

So why all the changes? Well, in June of 2005 lightning sparked a fire that caused about $2 million in damages to the restaurant paving the way for new construction and the creation of Oasis Texas. Developers hope people see Oasis Texas as a destination, not just a restaurant.

"Everyone needs to come out and get up to date with all of the new things to see," Axelson says.

Some of the other new businesses you'll find are Zoltan David (fine jewelry), Blue Genie (handcrafted arts) and Texas Treasures (Texas inspired gifts). Visitors can check out these stores while drinking a hot up of coffee from Austin Java or eating some frozen yogurt from Chill, two other new vendors now on site.

Opening next fall are Lakeview Winery and Longhorn Balls, offering unique chocolate. Axelson said there are three other vendors in the works but could not give much more details.

While Oasis Texas may be a trek to most city dwellers, it may be worth a trip if you haven't been in awhile especially during the next few weeks. In an effort to attract more visitors, Oasis Texas built a 1,760 foot ice skating rink for their Holidays on Ice.

"We thought the ice rink was a great way to reintroduce everyone to the new Oasis Texas. Everyone who comes out can’t believe how much has changed since they last visited."

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CultureMap Austin is a sponsor of Oasis Texas Holidays on Ice, open through January 1st. Toys for Tots will have drop boxes for donations on site throughout the holiday season. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the rink and get $1 off each skate ticket.

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Getting Deep

Popular Austin deep massage clinic opening new location near Westlake

Photo courtesy of AUSTINDEEP

AustinDeep is known for an intensive approach that gets results.

A gentle massage can be lovely, but some stressed Austinites need some extra oomph. They can get it at AustinDeep, a local massage clinic that specializes in a propriety technique called the Deep Method. There will soon be a third location in the Barton Creek neighborhood — the farthest outside of Austin and the largest so far.

The new location will be at 2700 Barton Creek Blvd., Ste. 110. It'll span 3,000 square feet at the Barton Creek Village, which is near the Barton Creek Country Club, St. Michael's Catholic Preparatory School, and the Barton Creek Greenbelt. This is a new market for the brand, since the existing two locations are relatively close to each other on Congress Ave and Lake Austin Boulevard.

Jessica Price AusitnDeep Masseuse Jessica Price developed a proprietary technique for AustinDeep.Photo courtesy of AUSTINDEEP

The Deep Method targets the fascia, the connective tissue that holds our muscles and other organs together. Ideally, the fascia should be flexible, but sometimes it gets tight from inactivity, overuse, or other issues, causing pain or soreness. When masseuse Jessica Price opened AustinDeep in 2002, she used her background in myofascial release — a very gentle technique — to create a new process that starts with a warming technique, and then adds in deep tissue and trigger point therapy.

The result is more rigorous and may leave clients sore afterwards. As AustinDeep practitioners explain, breaking up all that fascia is an intense workout, even though the therapist is doing much of the work. Price also learned from physical therapists, so this exacting approach that prioritizes results makes a lot of sense.

That might not sound relaxing (and fans of any intense massage techniques will confirm that they usually aren't), but the aftermath is where things start to open up. This clinic calls it getting "Massage Drunk."

Jessica Price AustinDeep Clients may leave feeling drunk.Photo courtesy of AUSTINDEEP

Despite a tough-love massage approach, the new location sounds cushy: There will be 10 therapy rooms with electric lift tables; a lounge with relaxing music and a bar for tea, wine, or even custom flower arrangements; a veranda to enjoy nootropic drinks (brain supplements) or wine; and a retail selection.

The interior design also reflects the departure from the potentially sterile massage clinic norm with lots of plants and jewel tones.

So far there is no opening date set, but AustinDeep is sharing updates when they're available on Instagram. Services start at $85 for 30 minutes. More information is available at austindeep.com.

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