“In central Texas, you got the People’s Republic of Austin with a bunch of hairy legged women and liberal fruitcakes.” - Carthage, Texas resident describing the "5 states" of Texas in the movie Bernie.
As a proud Austinite, I cannot argue too much. While Austin is also filled with cleanly shaven women and some men proudly carrying guns and confederate flags around town, it is different than the rest of Texas. The air feels greener, the sun shines brighter, and the people are always smiling. Austin is incomparable to any other city in Texas. If you live close to Austin, I highly recommend that you visit for a day or a weekend this summer. Here are some gem spots I have found that are a must for everyone visiting Austin:
1. Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In
What is more Austin than a drive-in movie? Girls, you finally get to live out your fantasy of watching a Grease sing-a-long or Harry Potter while snuggling up in your cozy car. A food truck serves food on the side if you dare to leave your car, but there’s no need. Just popping open a bottle of soda and bringing your own dinner will suffice for one heck of a night.
2. Krause Springs
This is the only item on my list that is not specifically in Austin. Krause Springs is 30 miles west of Austin in Spicewood, but the drive is worth it. The reason why this spot is so special is in part due to it’s distance from downtown. Krause is a camping and swimming spot that allows you to get away from the stresses of everyday life. I don’t really need to say much, the picture says it all.
3. The Driskill Hotel
This historic, luxurious, and elegant hotel was built in 1886 and has housed some very famous people, including Lyndon B. Johnson. Despite that, the Grill inside is award winning and legendary. Now, these things aside, you might be racking up the costs in your mind. I am in no way suggesting you stay in this hotel (unless you have the means), but you can walk freely around in it’s haunted hallways. Yes, this hotel, like most ancient hotels, is haunted. Or so they say … I suggest walking in at night after you cruise around 6th street and get done with a full day of people watching. Keep Austin Weird, right?
4. Taking a Capital Stroll
About a 12 minute walk from the Driskill is non other than the Texas State Capital. This beautiful building almost always has its gates open to the public. You can walk in circles around the building or stop and throw a frisbee in the front lawn. Sometimes you can spot a lobbyist coming out of the building. There is truly no better view than that of the State Capital…
5. Sup (Stand Up Paddle Boarding)
… except maybe Lady Bird Lake (Lake Austin). Have you ever tried stand up paddle boarding? In the heat of Austin’s summer, you can relax on the lake and paddle your way up and down the river. When you get tired, lay on the board and float while hopefully getting a nice tan and not turning into a crisp. I have even experienced a live band floating on Lady Bird Lake for all of the paddle boarders and kayakers at moonlight. I do not think I could have made that last sentence more enticing even if I tried.
6. Mozart's Coffee Roasters
Don't go to Starbucks while you are in Austin, just don't do it.
7. KGSR's Blues on the Green
Is there anything better than free live music? Blue’s on the Green is a free concert series at Zilker Park that runs every week during the summer. A lot of people go and set up camp with blankets, food, and drinks. Bring a dog, let loose, and dance a little. Anything and everything is acceptable at Blues. What a great way to spend a Wednesday night, for free.
8. Zocalo Cafe
This little hole in the wall is far from Tex Mex. From its cute interior houses to its stellar tacos and queso, this place will not disappoint. And, every Wednesday is Muy Loco to Zocalo fans. Frozen Zoca-ritas, sangrias, and much more are $2 all day! What is more loco than that? And if you are too tired from your fun filled day, don't worry because they deliver! Treat yourself at night with some authentic Mexican cuisine.
9. Blue Velvet
You can’t visit a new city and not buy a t-shirt. This funky thrift store is one-of-a-kind. Its small window shop has hundreds of clothes that I can describe no better than with the word "unique." You don’t know what you will find there, and whatever you do find, I promise you will not find anywhere else. There is something for everyone in Blue Velvet, you just may have to dig deep to get to the pot of gold.
10. Lick
Have you ever tried beet ice cream, or cilantro lime? Before you say, “Heck no, give me Blue Bell," I challenge you to stroll on over to Lick one night. This honest creamery makes some unique ice cream that stands just as tall as Blue Bell. If you’re in Austin, you gotta be weird for a little bit.
11. El Arroyo on W. 5th’s words of wisdom
