I went to Austin for six days to attend a conference. I hear “bleisure” travel is a thing – so says Jack and Ferdie who curate a bleisure travel app that I sometimes write for. Anyway, it’s important to get out and explore a new city, even if you’re there for work. Evenings were usually free and explore we did. Here are some of the highlights of Austin, Texas.
THE BATS!
Ok, yes, bats may creep you out, I understand. However, these little creatures eat mosquitoes – and if you’ve been watching the news and hearing about the EEE virus and how a single mosquito bite can end up being the death of you, you might look at bats differently. I’ve always thought they were kinda cute. So I had to go see what the fuss was about at “bat bridge” as they call it in Austin. Every night at dusk, the bats come out from their home under the bridge to feed on the mosquitoes over the river. Hundreds of people gather with their phones and cameras to capture the magical moment as they swarm and fly casting a shadow over the sky. It’s truly something unique. It was a short walk from our hotel and we waited about 20 minutes, but it truly was worth it. There are bat tours you can go on via boats in the water or you can kayak or canoe out yourself and be on the river as it happens. My only regret is I didn’t go back and see it twice.
The BBQ!
You must always try the local food wherever you travel. That’s my number one travel rule. Texas is known for their BBQ, so the first night there, that’s where we headed. I read online that many of the famous BBQ joints experience lines out the door. We were hungry, no time for lines. Thankfully Cooper’s was just downstairs on the same block as our hotel, so we just drifted over after spending some time on the rooftop pool. BBQ in Texas is an experience. You line up just inside the door, order your meat from the first station, then your sides, then pay and find a table. We got ribs, and brisket and mac and cheese and coleslaw and the customary side of white bread. It ain’t fancy, but boy is it tasty!
THE MUSIC
Austin is known as the live music capital of the world. On 6th St. you can find live music pouring out of every bar any night of the week. Home of the Moody Theater where they shoot PBS’s famous Austin City Limits – there is a show there every night. We were lucky enough to have Dr. Joe play just for our conference. It was a great time. Dr. Joe is rock/funk/gospel outfit that does a great cover of “What I Like About You” the 80s song by The Romantics. They rocked!
Austin has been home to many musicians, notably Willie Nelson, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Janis Joplin, The Dixie Chicks and too many more to list. We didn’t hit too many bars, but I ended up hearing a band I actually have fallen in love with while there. Check out the The Black Angels.
THE MEZCAL
The best way I can describe mezcal to you is that it’s a smoky tequila. Tequila is made from a certain type of agave, mezcal can be made from ANY type of agave, but it hails from the Oaxaca region of Mexico and its smokiness is what I particularly enjoy. You can learn a lot more than I can ever tell you here.
My favorite mezcal story from our trip is how my coworker scored us free mezcal palomas from a hotel staffer. She saw him overseeing the set up a free drink station for our conference. It featured Tito’s Vodka, an Austin product, but we’re tequila girls, so she asked, “How about some mezcal?” and he said just come see me when you’re ready. So we headed over before going up to the pool and he just gave us a look, and returned with two glasses of smoky grapefruit concoctions. Amazing!
THE MEXICAN FOOD
Being that close to Mexico, Austin has some delicious Mexican food ranging from very traditional, non-Americanized Mexican cuisine, to street tacos, to classic American-friendly Mexican dishes like Enchiladas and Burritos. We tried a range of them and they were all delicious. Some of our favorites were El Naranjo and La Condesa. Just know that these were two that happened to dine at and love. I know there is so much more out there, and plan to experience more on my next visit.
THE MOONSHINE
All you have to do to convince me to go to a restaurant is tell me there’s chicken and waffles on the menu. I never claimed to have fancy tastes or be difficult. I love Southern food almost as though I was born there. So when the food trucks weren’t out on Rainey Street the night we went and we went looking for an alternative, we found the Moonshine Grill. A taste of Southern heaven in Austin.
And don’t get me started on how much I love moonshine! That’s a real Texas thing and the moonshine at the Moonshine Grill was so smooth!
THE ARCHITECTURE
From skyscrapers to bars built out of shipping containers, Austin has some phenomenal buildings. I loved being back in a city and bending backwards to catch the tops of those skyscrapers. Every hotel seems to have a rooftop pool. It’s hot, but it’s a dry heat. So they say. That said, maybe if you’re a Yankee, like me, go in the Fall or Winter.
THE SCOOTERS
You’ll dodge them and their riders as you’re walking down the street, you’ll clasp a hand to your mouth as you watch them nearly escape being run over in traffic and you’ll find just the scooters, abandoned (sometimes even hanging from trees) all over the city. It’s a problem. And if you’re inclined to try one out, do be careful!
THE PEOPLE
Friendly, with that sexy southern drawl, Texans are open, proud and welcoming. However, the city has a bad homeless problem and the homeless people can be downright aggressive if you aren’t carrying cash to give them. We found that a little off-putting. It’s one thing to ask for money, it’s another to get hostile if the tourist just has no cash (which in 2019 is common). Austin Bird Man as he called himself above was a homeless soul who I had to stop and chat with because he had a rooster on his shoulder. He also told me he had pigeons in an abandoned theater a few blocks over. Overall, I found Texans to be a friendly bunch. Shop owners were happy to chat with you and that’s unusual in a big city.
THE SHOPPING
I didn’t do a lot of shopping while in Austin, but I heard Allens Boots is the place for cowboy boots and western wear. Sure enough, you can find a pair of boots and maybe a hat to go with’em here.
Also, ModCloth has a brick and mortar store on 2nd Street. There are several unique, local shops on 2nd Street including Toy Joy (full of fun unique gifts) and Yummi Joy (candy) and little clothing boutiques.
THE MURALS
Austin is known for its murals. Colorful artwork can be found gracing buildings all over the city. Many are famous. Most are perfect for an Instagram photo opp and you have to wait your turn.
Happy Travels!
