Hey Friends!, We just got back from a weekend trip to Austin, TX where it was H-O-T, hot! We’ve been in Denver so long I forget how much humidity there is until I’m immersed in it again! So, I wanted to share a few of my favorite food / scenic spots so be sure you spend your best weekend in ATX!
The Chive Headquarters – Downtown, Austin. OK, I’m a touch biased here, but it’s downtown, only blocks from the South Congress Bridge – so just stop in! My husband is a board member of Chive Charities which is also headquartered here-so go check out their message! On Fridays they offer free tours with a reservation. It’s about as dude-tastic as you’d imagine it might be!
Watch the Bats at the South Congress Bridge – While you’re on South Congress, this is VERY close to the South Congress bridge, where you can watch the bats fly at sunset!
Travel by Scooter – Austin has TONS of electric scooters available downtown for quick & easy transportation rather than grabbing an uber – just scoot! This was so much fun scooting around on Sunday afternoon- although a little scary! I’d recommend NOT doing it in heels, and be careful crossing the street!
Austin Beer Works – North Austin. If you’re a beer person, check this place out while you’re up north! Obviously local, they have some cool & unique craft brews available, and a great back patio that actually stayed pretty cool with the misters!
The Domain – North Austin. A really cool outdoor shopping and eating spot in North Austin! Other than the heat in June, it’s a great day spent shopping & eating!
Wonderbar – The Domain – North Austin. If you visit one spot strictly for the photo ops alone – this is it! Talk about psychadelic. I can’t imagine this place at night. They have a tube system into a private room, where you can order shots (cash only) via the bar. There’s also a spinning wheel – think Price is Right – where you can win everything from a free drink, to a warm shot of gin, to getting escorted out of the bar. Ha! And an entire rubber ducky room!
The Erin Condren Store – The Domain – North Austin. Talk about photo ops!
The Rainbow Staircase at Erin Condren – Since it’s just down the street, at the Erin Condren Store, go take a quick pic at this totally instagrammable staircase. (My husband is such a tolerant photog! )
Cyclone Anayas – The Domain – North Austin. – A staple of mine, but lets be honest, all Tex Mex is a priority when I’m in the region! Cyclone Anayas was a favorite of mine when I lived in Houston, and I was lucky enough to snag a meal here. Do yourself a favor and get a delicious Marg while you’re here! I’m a girl who can never have enough cheese, so I’d recommend the Spinach Enchiladas or basic Cheese Enchiladas – which are anything but. (PS I cannot find good Tex Mex in Colorado, and it’s the pits.)
Culinary Dropout – The Doman – North Austin. While I can’t speak for the food other than the look of it, the craft cocktails and beer selection available here were delicious. I went with one of my favorites – a French 75, and it was 100% on point.
Jo’s Coffee / “I love you so much” Mural – South Congress – [Old Photo] Who doesn’t love a great Iced coffee? I can’t get enough cold brew either, now that I’ve mentioned it!
Greetings from Austin Texas Mural – South Congress – [Old Photo] But a staple for at least once in your life! And Funny enough, wearing the same kimono! Ha!
A few of my other faves we didn’t get to this trip:
- Torchy’s Tacos – South Congress – an Austin staple if you’ve never been! Though they’re expanding to other states, it’s still best to check out the original. I’d call this a taco stand with some Tex Mex influence. Grab some queso – it’s spicy!, Ask for the Secret Menu, and be sure to order a “trashy” taco.
- Nightlife – Rainey Street – Downtown Austin. This is where the party is! Several blocks of bars, most of which are open air.
- Nightlife – 6th Street – Downtown, Austin. – Touche’s Bar (Get a Flaming Dr. Pepper! Get a photo at the Jackalope, and Check out the Aquarium.
- Float the Guadalupe – San Marcos, TX. If you have a chance, drive down about 1.5 hours to San Marcos and get in a river float on the Guadalupe River! I’ve done this with my girlfriends several times and we always have a blast!! We use Don’s Fish Camp for rentals.
- Texas Wine Country – Fredericksburg, TX. Depending on the length of your trip, make some extra time to check out some wineries and vineyards in Texas Hill Country!
What are your favorite things to do/places to visit in Austin? In other words, what contsitutes your best weekend in ATX? I’ll be back in about 6 months and would love some new places to try!
