Longtime Liberty Hill resident Tami Spearman opened Simply Home Boutique in 2012 to give back to the community and expand retail offerings. 

Quote of note: “The store created a place where we can love on women locally and share Jesus with them and that was really the premise of why we opened,” Spearman said. 

What they offer: The faith-based business sells a selection of apparel, accessories, home goods, cookware, packaged food, gifts and holiday decor. Shoppers can find brands like Caren Bath and Body and enewton jewelry at the boutique. 

Dig deeper: Spearman’s favorite aspect of owning a business in Liberty Hill is having loyal customers who have grown into friends and family. 

“Our Liberty Hill community is so unique and special and we all love living there and being a part of it,” Spearman said.

• 15280 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

From new dining hotspots to places to get a workout, there's no shortage of new places now open or coming soon in Leander and Cedar Park.

Now open
The Baked Crust Pizza and Taproom
The Baked Crust offers stone-fired pizzas ranging from classics, such as pepperoni, Hawaiian and supreme pizzas, to more eclectic flavors, such as tandoori chicken, chili paneer and truffle mushroom. In addition to pizza, the restaurant offers salads, sliders, wings and a variety of sides. The location also features a full bar stocked with wine, specialty cocktails and a large selection of draft beers.

• Opened Oct. 2
• 14105 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 304, Leander

Ross Black, a retired Georgetown firefighter, launched First Responding Home Inspections to offer comprehensive home inspections, elevation measurements, sewer scope inspections and irrigation/sprinkler evaluations, according to a news release. Black worked at the Georgetown Fire Department for 12 years and has lived in Central Texas for most of his life.

Dig deeper: First Responding Home Inspections is based in Round Rock and serves cities in both Travis and Williamson counties, including Austin, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Cedar Park and more, according to the website. 

The first official inspection was completed Sept. 27, according to Cheryl Black, business operations manager. 

Learn more: Types of inspections include the Buyer’s Home Inspection, which is the most popular service, according to the website. The inspection includes checking foundation, roofing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, insulation and interior spaces with a starting price of $395.

• Started operations in September

Travis County Chief Fire Marshal Gary Howell lifted the burn ban for the unincorporated areas of Travis County on Nov. 25.

The ban had been in place since September due to the excessive temperatures and dry conditions that hit Central Texas this summer.

After an exceptionally dry start to the fall, conditions have improved recently with rain and adequate humidity levels, lowering the immediate wildfire risk throughout the county, a news release states.

Also of note: Even with outdoor burning now allowed, residents are advised to remain careful and aware of potential fire dangers. Officials urge residents to keep water nearby in case a fire spreads and call 911 immediately if a fire gets out of control.

Travis County residents can receive text alerts about burn ban status by texting TCBURNBAN to 888777.