AUSTIN GETAWAY: TRAVEL GUIDE

BEFORE YOU GO & GENERAL ADVICE:

Every time I travel to Austin, it’s HOT! That hasn’t stopped me from wearing my cowboy boots to UT football games. Pack accordingly, and be sure and bring layers, as the A/C is often cranked up inside restaurants. I have a ‘restaurant sweater’ I keep with me for just this purpose. The downtown area is clean and walkable, so be sure and bring comfortable shoes. You can also pick up an electric scooter for transportation, but I’d still wear comfortable shoes.

WHERE TO STAY WHEN TRAVELING TO AUSTIN

There are many places to stay when you travel to Austin, but here are my favorites.
The Line Hotel. If you love a trendy hotel with a great rooftop bar, this is your place to stay. The hotel was revitalized and originally was home to a jazz club that broadcast live radio in the 1960s. Start your day with a coffee from LA-based Alfred Coffee in the lobby or a Veracruz breakfast taco. I usually have both. I long for a Veracruz taco when I return home. Lines are long, but they move quickly and are worth the wait. Take a dip in the pool overlooking Lady Bird Lake. After a busy day, settle in to watch a Texas sunset with views of the lake, locally-sourced appetizers, and a seasonal cocktail. I love the location as it’s within walking distance of South Congress and downtown.
The Fairmont. If you prefer an elegant, classic vibe, book the Fairmont Hotel when you travel to Austin. I love the live music in the Fulton lobby bar and discovered the ‘Birds and Bees’ here. No…it’s a play on an old gin cocktail called the Bee’s Knees, made with Grey Goose, lemon, and honey. Yum. And it arrives in a coupe-style glass. I love an old-fashioned couple. Take the elevator up to the elegant rooftop for lovely city views. Enjoy the pool or watch the big-screen TVs in the lounging space with some Latin-American fare from the poolside cabana bar. Cruise around the city on one of their complimentary house bikes or enjoy an afternoon at the spa.
Stop at Rules and Regs next door for a cocktail and sweeping views of the city. Can you tell I like a rooftop bar?

Omni Barton Creek. This resort is the place to go for golf or a spa day. The grounds are gorgeous, and the surprise Unkle Kracker concert on the lawn was one of my best days ever. We stayed here when we dropped our son off at college at the University of Texas, and it made it a little less painful.

LIVE MUSIC

Where to start? After all, Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World. I have a list of my go-to places when I travel to Austin. I’m sure I haven’t even touched the surface. Warning – I like a honky-tonk just as much as a fancy rooftop bar, so there’s a pretty good range here.

• San Jac Saloon. Live country music, a little dancing, or a Miller Lite at the bar. It’s an authentic Texas bar in a historic building on Sixth Street.
• Antone’s. This ‘World Famous Home of the Blues’ is not at the original location but has hosted Muddy Waters, and BB King, among others.
• Rainey Street. Walk down the street filled with renovated houses turned into bungalow bars; This entertainment section is tucked into what used to be a residential area. Stop at Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden for a brat, beer cheese, and live music.l They vary the genres and have a cool outdoor space with picnic tables and plenty of cold beer. Or hit Half Step for jazz or blues. Icenhauer’s is inside one of the oldest houses on Rainey Street and has a firepit too.
• Continental Club. ‘Rockin’ South Austin Since 1955′. It’s a piece of history, and I like that. Check their calendar to find your favorite genre – they play them all!

• Broken Spoke. When traveling to Austin, don’t miss this classic. Another piece of history, this dance hall has been open since the sixties, or maybe before. Willie Nelson, George Strait, and plenty of country greats before them.
• ACL Live at the Moody Theater. We caught a concert on a Sunday night to experience the home of the longest-running music series in television history – Austin City Limits. I remember watching it with my great-aunt and uncle as a kid.
• Stubb’s Barbeque. Don’t miss their gospel brunch—there’s nothing like having brisket for brunch and listening to live music. It almost feels like church.

SHOPPING

I’m not a big shopper, so this section is often short…but I love little boutiques and quirky stores, so South Congress is a favorite when I travel to Austin. Look for Allens Boots for lots and lots of quality cowboy boots and live music to boot. Lol.
Wander in and out of the shops on 2nd street District after Joe’s coffee and a breakfast taco.
I also like Book People on North Lamar and hitting the Domain for high-end fancy shopping.

WHAT TO DO IN AUSTIN

• See the bats. They fly out of the Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset from March through early fall. Best seen from a boat cruise on Lady Bird Lake. Crazy right?
• Lady Bird Lake. Take out a kayak or paddle board and enjoy views of Austin from the water. I’ve also done a narrated river cruise, a fun way to learn the city’s history.
• Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool. Fed from underground springs, you can swim here year-round.
• Bullock Texas State History Museum. It tells the ‘story of Texas’ through three levels of interactive exhibits.
• Texas State Capitol. I’m sure it’s full of history as well, but I enjoyed the marble and the architecture.
• The Blanton Museum at the University of Texas. When traveling, I always like to see art museums, and this one showcases art from ancient Greek pottery to abstract expressionism.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN AUSTIN

• ALC Steaks. An old-school steakhouse that’s been open since 1933. Can you tell I like a classic? Delicious steaks, traditional atmosphere. We try to have dinner here every time we travel to Austin. Make sure you have a dirty martini too.
• Fonda San Miguel. You can’t go to Texas without eating Mexican food. I could eat it every day. And sometimes I do. I’ve never been there for brunch, but I hear it’s good. I love their chili relleno and their festive atmosphere. Be sure and make a reservation.
• Torchy’s Tacos. ‘Damn Good Tacos’ started as a food truck. I’m obsessed with Torchy’s Tacos’ green chili queso. In fact, I’m hungry just writing this…Try the ‘trailer park’ or the ‘fried avocado’ on a soft corn tortilla. I also like that they give back to the community. A portion of every Taco of the month goes to one of their causes that support national and local charities.
• Geraldine’s. We like to go on Sundays and enjoy their live jazz music brunch.
• Summer House on Music Lane. Perfect for brunch before shopping on South Congress. I like the ‘eggs in purgatory,’ a bloody mary, and their pretty patio.
• Perla’s. Great oak-shaded outdoor patio, fresh oysters, and fish flown in from both coasts. They make a good margarita too.
• Loro Asian Smokehouse and Bar. We took our son and a bunch of friends here when he turned 21. This was a find! It’s a collaboration between James Beard award winners from Uchi’s Asian food (also delicious) and Franklin Barbeque. Seriously? Yes, it’s that good. Flavors of the Southeast Asian, Japan, and Texas served as small bites on a pretty shaded outdoor patio.
• I’d be remiss not to mention Texas Barbeque having some when traveling to Austin. I’m not a Texan and, therefore, not an expert, but I do love brisket. I’ve never been to the world-famous Franklins, but if you’ve got the time, I’m pretty sure it’s worth all the hype. However, my son took me to to Terry Black’s BBQ and I loved it. Brisket with a side of mac and cheese and a Lone Star Beer. It’s a fun experience to grab a beer, stand in line, and enjoy the atmosphere.
• The Driskill Hotel. You know I love a historic hotel lobby, and this one is beautiful. I LOVE the cozy bar filled with leather and cowhide. We always stop for a drink and enjoy the live music and I hear the Sunday brunch is good too.

Want to read more travel guides? Or see the art inspired by travels to see the Texas wildflowers?