Of the nineteen States and countless cities I have visited in the U.S., Austin, Texas is one of my favorite places to go. Its eclectic and diverse vibe, live music scene, food trucks, Airstreams, and Texas charm won me over the first time I visited and have drawn me back numerous times since. In fact, Jesse and I could see ourselves living in Austin and often dream about relocating here. There’s so much to see and do. Here are a few of my favorite things:
Uncommon Objects
Whether or not you like antiques, you must visit Uncommon Objects, which is one of the coolest and quirkiest antique stores in the U.S. If vintage treasures are your thing, click here for a list of 29 shops in the Austin area.
The Driskill Bar
Visit The Driskill, one of Texas’ most famous hotels, and enjoy drinks at The Driskill Bar, which Southern Living named the Best Bar in Texas and USA Today voted it as one of the 10 Best Hotel Bars in America.
6th Street
For an array of live music, honky-tonks, and an all-around great time, bar hop along Austin’s Dirty Sixth Street.
Rainey Street
If you prefer a more laid-back bar hopping experience, walk down Rainey Street and visit old homes that have been turned into great bars and restaurants. Two of my favorite places to eat on this street are Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Bar and El Naranjo.
Bat Bridge
Austin’s South Congress Bridge is famous for its bats, which graces people with their presence each night as the sun sets between March and November. Stand on the bridge and watch the bats take flight into the night sky.
Murals
No trip to Austin is complete without taking pictures at one of its famous murals. Most mural locations appear on your phone’s maps/GPS setting and are easy to find.
Barton Springs Pool
If you’re in town during a hot day, take a cool plunge at Barton Springs Pool, fed by natural underground springs.
A Day Trip to Magnolia Market
If you are one of the millions of viewers who love HGTV’s Fixer Upper, you have likely considered visiting Magnolia Market in Waco, Texas. The drive from Austin to Waco is a straight shot along highway 35, which makes it almost impossible to get lost.
Eat Your Heart Out
Austin is known for its famous BBQ and delicious food options. If you are a foodie like me, you will not be disappointed. Click here for a list of restaurant recommendations.
Where To Stay
There’s no lack of accommodations in the area and you have a great selection to choose from. Some of my favorites include:
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AirBnB – Especially in the South Congress area
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Hotel San Jose – South Congress
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Hyatt Place Austin – Downtown
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Hyatt Regency Austin – South Congress
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The Driskill – Historic hotel downtown
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The Line Hotel – Super swanky hotel right next to the bat bridge
Wishing you peace, love, and adventure,
Jen