In July 2023, Crimson Creek Smokehouse brought its barbecue to the Dripping Springs area showcasing an Oklahoma influence with some Chicago-inspired sides.

The backstory: The eatery is owned by husband and wife duo Jamie Dickens and Marcus McNac, who started attending bar pop-ups and cooking competitions in 2013. The couple moved to the Dripping Springs area in 2020 and found a way to stay connected with their old neighbors by sharing a home cooked meal.

The pair accepted the requests, crafted barbecue meals and delivered them to their old neighbors in the Lake Creek area. After expanding deliveries beyond their old neighborhood, the couple’s journey in the Austin barbecue scene took off.

The eatery first launched a food truck in October 2020 on Nutty Brown Road before planting roots at its current location outside Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room in Dripping Springs.

• 2250 E. Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs

Wellness options are expanding in Southwest Austin with the opening of Amara Luxe Head Spa in the Oak Hill Plaza.

What they offer: Owned by local Mae Fu, Amara Luxe is a scalp wellness spa providing customizable treatments.

The signature ritual includes:

• Precision Scalp Health
  • An analysis of hair and scalp conditions to create a customized treatment plan
• The Sensory Experience
  • Personalized treatments under the “waterfall head bath,” hydrotherapy and an acupressure massage.

• My Salon Suite, 7101 Hwy. 71, Unit U-2, Austin

The first Care Bears Play Area in the U.S. opened this January in Barton Creek Square.

The details: The new indoor playground is designed for toddlers through age 6, and offers opportunities to slide, balance, climb and more with Care Bear characters, according to a news release.

In addition to the playground, the space near Pandora includes lounge seating, device charging stations and stroller-friendly access, according to the news release.

• 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin

Texans will see candidates for 18 statewide positions on the March primary ballot, including one state railroad commissioner, the state land commissioner and the state agriculture commissioner.

The overview: Despite its name, the Railroad Commission of Texas does not govern the state’s railroads. So what do railroad commissioners and the leaders of other Texas agencies do?

Community Impact compiled information about various state agencies to help inform Texans before they head to the polls for the March primary elections.

At the polls: Early voting runs from Feb. 17-27, and primary election day is March 3.