from diablomag.com
Weekend Adventure in Austin
While temperatures are still mild, experience the Lone Star state’s barbecue, cocktails, live music, and shopping.
BY RACHEL ROSS THOMPSON
Known for its Western charm, live music, and flavorful food, Austin, Texas is a gem of its own on the map of Lone Star cities. Sports nuts, history buffs, foodies, and concert-goers soak up the southern hospitality in Texas' capital city, also known as the live music capital of the world. Go now to take advantage of the mild winter climate, which makes the early months of the year a perfect time for a weekend visit.
Getting There
To get there, catch a flight and rent a car or hail a cab for the roughly 20 minute drive into the heart of the city. On your way downtown, quench post-travel hunger with a late-night bite at Magnolia Café. Try the whole-wheat banana pancakes for a healthy pick-me-up before settling into your hotel (see suggestions below).
Amy’s Ice Creams // Brandon Bergara
Experience Downtown
Amy’s Ice Creams // Brandon Bergara
For a little caffeine to kickstart your day, head to Jo’s Coffee Shop on Second Street. The relaxed vibe is perfect for a weekend morning breakfast, whether you opt for the quick and popular Iced Turbo or a more leisurely plate of migas—spicy scrambled eggs with tortilla strips and cheddar, served with griddled potatoes, black beans, and flour tortillas.
Following breakfast, meander down historic Congress Avenue for a free, self-guided tour of the Texas State Capitol, a majestic building complete with sunset red granite and limestone, second in size only to the National Capitol in Washington, D.C. Walk a few more blocks to reach the campus of the University of Texas at Austin, where sports fans can explore Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium and admire its case of Heisman and National Championship trophies.
Grab lunch to go from the deli case at Annie’s Café and Bar, where you can find an array of fresh salads and pastries, and take a walk to nearby Lady Bird Lake, formerly known as Town Lake. An entrance at North Congress and West Cesar Chavez offers a serene view of trees and the calm waters. A post-lunch stroll on the jogging, biking, and walking trail is the perfect complement to a full belly.
If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, head to Amy’s Ice Creams on West Sixth Street for an authentic Austin experience. Flavors range from buttered beer to the alcoholic waterloo lavender gin, and enthusiastic servers are eager to impress with ice cream scoop tricks. In mid-February, the Amy’s facility transforms into a production site for chocolate strawberries, which you can pick up from February 12–14.
Chuy's // Fosforus
Post dinner, head to Sixth Street for a weekend bar crawl. Start at the historic Driskill Hotel, a classy old-time Texas lodge with a cozy lounge for grabbing drinks. Check the live music schedule to see if you’ll have a chance to hear a singer croon while you relax on an overstuffed leather sofa. Continue to nearby Haddingtons, which exudes an upscale tavern feel with its dark wood and brick interior. The classically trained mixologists utilize house-made tonics, fresh fruit, and premium ingredients to craft cocktails on the seasonally changing menu, which has previously included a duck fat–infused Sazerac and Elwood Sour—bourbon, Combier, grapefruit, egg white, and decanter bitters. If you’re eager to test out your Texas two-stepping skills, end the night at the Stage on Sixth, where live bands play country and rock tunes in front of a wide-open dance floor.
Austin Favorites
Start your last full day right with brunch downtown at Moonshine Patio Bar and Grill. During its buffet-style Sunday brunch, load up on signature Texas comfort food such as migas, cornflake-fried chicken tenders, sweet potato casserole, and buttermilk biscuits. Healthy eaters will appreciate fresh salad and delectably light poppy seed yogurt with seasonal fruit.
Post-brunch, catch a cab to South Congress Street for a stretch of nonstop shopping. Start by exploring a variety of bedazzled costumes at Lucy in Disguise. For antiques, check outUncommon Objects, where the rooms are filled with everything from old posters to vintage jewelry to taxidermy. If you’re eager for a signature Texas souvenir, continue on to Allens Boots and find your fit amongst rows and rows of authentic cowboy boots. Head a few blocks down the street to New Bohemia for an array of vintage clothing.
The Stage on Sixth // Jo McCaughey
Mid-afternoon, relax at one of the many Alamo Drafthouse Cinema theaters, where you can catch the latest films and treasured classics. Beer and snacks are served during the movies for thirsty customers, and servers will bring your selections to your chair, allowing for an authentic old school movie-going experience.
If you’re up for a drive for dinner, head 30 minutes down I-35 for a visit to the Salt Lick for its signature brisket and sausages. The treasured venue has won numerous awards for its barbeque, sauce, and family-friendly hospitality. With a group? Try Salt Lick’s family style deal, which offers all-you-can-eat brisket, pork ribs, and sausages alongside tangy cole slaw, potato salad, and beans. Soft, fluffy sesame bread is offered on the side, so be sure to ask for it.
Waving Farewell
Head back to the airport in time to grab some food to take on your flight. Austin-Bergstromfeatures a live music venue and local restaurants, including coffee house Austin Java for scones and muffins, and Tex Mex staple Maudie’s for a quick breakfast taco. Bidding farewell to Austin may come easier with one last cup of queso in your hands.
Seasonal Picks
Visiting Austin in the spring, summer or fall? Early winter isn’t the only good time to visit. Austin is hospitable and happening every month of the year. Here are a few seasonal favorites to check out.
SXSW Music and Film Interactive: This famous festival generally takes place in March and offers live music, independent films, and more.
Congress Bridge Bat Watching: Marvel from your spot on Congress Bridge as more than a million bats, part of the largest urban bat colony in North America, emerge from beneath the bridge. Best times to watch are summer and early fall, just before dusk.
Austin City Limits Music Festival: This three-day, two-weekend festival has featured headliners such as The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stevie Wonder, and Florence + The Machine, and takes place in Austin’s Zilker Park in the fall. Tickets go fast, so plan ahead for this one.
Texas Football: Experience the thrills of a packed stadium with 100,000 fans screaming “Texas Fight” at the University of Texas at Austin’s Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium. Burnt orange just may be your color.
from embassysuites.com:
Where to Stay
Embassy Suites Austin Arboretum
9505 Stonelake Boulevard
Austin, TX 78759
512-372-8771
The premier All Suite hotel of Austin's Northwest. All guests enjoy:
- Free cooked to order breakfast
- Complimentary Evening Reception
- Two Room Suite
- Packages that include Bonus Hilton Honor Points, Free Internet Access, Gift Cards, Discounts and more
Click Here to begin your Weekend Adventure in Austin
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