Keep Austin Weird. If you're from Texas, chances are you've heard of Austin's city slogan. I lived in the hippie city for 19 years until I left for college and my parents left for Colorado (traffic is getting rough). But experiencing the city was my go-to weekend and summer activity in high school, so I'm going back over spring break to relive the good times.
1. Northside Domain
The Domain started to become popular when I was in middle school, and over the years the gravity of the shops and size of the venue has just grown. In Fall 2016, the popular Austin outdoor shopping mall welcomed a whole new area for couture shops, the best department store in the world (Nordstrom), and neat, organic eateries. You can find the beauty-lovers favorite skincare shop- Lush- along with swimwear store Everything But Water in the new Northside. There's also a Free People, California native shop Brandy Melville, hot cycling spot Peleton, a cupcake ATM called Sprinkes, fun place for sunnies Warby Parker, and so much more. If you are in Austin and do not go to the Domain, more specifically the Northside, you are missing out big time.
2. Barton Springs
If you're okay with the occasional topless woman, this natural spring pool located in the heart of Austin is the same temperature year round. While the weather isn't going to be spanking hot this March, if you're OK with the breeze this is a relaxing place to lay out for a tan or wade through the cool water.
3. SXSW
South by South West is one of the biggest attractions the state capital holds each year. Find their website for a full list of events, but it's a great place for new bands to showcase, new movies to promote, and scholars to speak. You may even run into some celebs at one of the many downtown venues SXSW is hosted at. Don't believe me? A couple years ago, Zac Efron was in town to promote one of his new movies, and not only did my friend meet him, but she was in a selfie he posted on Instagram. Yes. The most attractive man in the world, Zac Efron.
4. Voodoo Doughnuts
If you don't love doughnuts... you're still not going to love these. But if you are a fan of the cake-like snack, Voodoo not only is a tasty treat, but is a beautiful model for your Instagram or VSCO pics, as they are adorably decorated. The popular dessert store also has a location on 6th street, in case your downtown during the day or turning up at night.
5. P. Terry's
Founded in 2005, the vintage-styled hamburger drive-thru and restaurant not only has delicious burgers and fries that are comparable to In-N-Out, but you can also get delicious frozen lemonade, tasty cookies, and nutty banana bread.
6. 360 Overlook
Pics, views, and more pics. You can't miss out on this staple Austin picture spot, or the fabulous views that it displays. Located in Westlake, Texas, it's close to North Austin and downtown, so might as well stop by between other outings you take.
7. Torchy's Tacos and Kerby Lane
Like I am this year, Obama also came to Austin for Spring break back in 2016. While he was there to give a speech at SXSW, he also visited a place that is one of the reasons Austin is so famous for tacos- Torchy's Tacos. (In case you were wondering, he ordered The Democrat, The Republican, and The Independent- how diplomatic of him!) There are 14 locations in the city- and a reason why they have been able to expand so much since 2006- and it's because of how tasty the food is. I'm not even going to try to explain it- you're going to have to try it for yourself. But don't forget to add queso to your order!
8. Amy's Ice Cream, Baked, and Phil's Icehouse
Amy's is an Austin favorite, and if you've ever been to this city or know a native, chances are you've heard of or tried the delicious ice cream shop. But did you know the franchise also has a bakery- with cakes, cookies, macarons, etc, and a hamburger restaurant? All three of the stores are located right next to each other off the Anderson Mill exit of 183, so if you're in North Austin, make sure you give Phil and Amy (a married couple) some of your well-deserved business.
