When we’ve been invited to our friend’s wedding in Austin, we didn’t know what to expect about Texas, I mean we had the typical, stereotypical I’d say, idea of desert, cacti, cowboys, BBQ and country music. Well it is not just like that… We haven’t explored the rest of Texas so we can’t really say much, but Austin and surrounding are very green, fun, laid back and weird! Yes, the city motto is Keep Austin Weird and we like that!
The city itself is not the best looking ever, but you won’t get bored, there is a lot to do and if you like live music, outdoor activities, etc. you’re in the right place.
Getting around
Hiring a car is a good idea, it’s the easiest and cheapest way to go around and discover as the distances are wide. Uber is very much available, but if you’d like to visit several places in the same day it won’t be the cheapest option.
Eating
There are a lot of options, of course BBQ is a big thing and we were looking forward to try some legendary ones, but my garlic allergy prevented me to do so. BBQ meat is marinated with spices and the dipping sauce has garlic in it so I had to be on the avoidance side. Although, Stefania had a chance to try it and it is pretty amazing.
Anyway if you have allergies or particular dietary requirements don’t worry Austin offers any kind of food and craft beers.
We loved:
Drinking
Every food place has an extensive list of craft beers for every taste and the breweries and taproom are all over, you won’t be disappointed. Most breweries sell food or there are food trucks right outside, other places allow you to bring your own food.
Due to the warm weather condition, every place has plenty of outside space which is quite pleasant.
We loved:
Uncle Billy’s Brew and Smokehouse
The Austin Garden Brewing Company
Live Music
Austin live music scene is quite unique, the city offers a full schedule of live music all day every day, we had the chance to attend some events and some proper rockabilly country live music events and dance.
A must:
What to see
South Congress, go for a stroll on the main street there are some extravagant independent shops and cafes, cowboy boots stores and street art.
Congress Avenue Bridge, a colony of 1.5 million bats live underneath the bridge and every day, around sunset time, they fly out and there is always a big crowd watching. We’ve been unlucky as the bats started flying when was already dark and we couldn’t see them anymore, you might be luckier.
Street Art, Spread all over the city, some famous ones. Soon a map with most of them.
Outside Austin
San Antonio, 80 miles south of Austin, about one hour and twenty minutes driving, is a very nice day out trip.
San Marcos Premium Outlets, Amazing deals, pretty big place, allow at least a day if you’d like to visit almost every shop.
Gruene, pretty small town halfway between Austin and San Antonio, it’s a perfect place for a stop on the road, we had lunch at the Gristmill River Restaurant and we loved the food and the location. If you plan to go there in the late afternoon a must-see is the Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest dance hall.
Outdoor and Swimming
If you’re planning a dip, better check the websites first as swimming might be forbidden due to weather conditions. Some of these places need to be booked in advance, entrance and parking fee are applied.
Thanks y’all for our amazing time in Austin.