A Few Of My Favorite Places In Austin Texas

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So many of you have asked about our trips to Texas so I wanted to share A Few Of My Favorite Places In Austin Texas with you in this quick overview.  In just writing this I’m missing all the great times we’ve had in Texas, and especially Austin.  Who doesn’t think of Texas and think of great food?  

No plans are in the works right now for a return trip, but it seems like Texas is always talked about when we start talking about road trips. 

Not To Miss Restaurants

EL ALMA

We found this small Mexican Restaurant on a trip a few years ago.  It’s located across the street from the Convention Center where Don loves to attend the Austin Record Show.  We went twice on that trip and made sure we made a stop this past trip.  

Suggestions:  Sit on the rooftop, have Margaritas – so many types to try, must have the Queso Fundido (extra toppings encouraged like shrimp and mushrooms) and it’s served in Lodge Cast Iron (locally made).

 

BRUNCH AT THE DRISKILL HOTEL

The Driskill Hotel is an icon in Austin.  If you can’t stay there, make sure to at least enjoy brunch at the 1886 Cafe and Bakery.  I was blown away with their Quiche Lorraine, which came with a tomato – leek jam.  It will now be a must visit every time we make a trip to Austin.   Yes, it’s that good.  

I did have a friend who said she went here for brunch after seeing my social media.

This is a grand hotel which will warrant a visit just to see the great hall and lobby.  I can’t wait to visit again.  Maybe I can stay there one of these days. 

 

SALT LICK BBQ

Located a little north of downtown, it’s well worth the drive for this iconic BBQ.  You will begin to smell the aroma when you pull in the parking lot as if you need more reasons to be hungry.  Seating is offered inside and out, with live music on weekends.

Plates of brisket, sausage and ribs were ordered so we could sample a little of everything.  

 This place is everything you think of when you talk about Texas BBQ.  Of course you have to have brisket in Texas.

AUSSIE’S AUSTIN

After our Capital Cruise, we were ready for lunch and wanted something besides Tex Mex or BBQ.  Luckily, we found Aussie’s and enjoyed the burger and salad.  They were just what we wanted and delicious. 

A bonus while enjoying our lunch was watching beach volleyball. Of course, when I got up to take a picture the game had ended, and another wasn’t starting for a couple of hours.  Who knew you could see beach volleyball in Austin?

 

TORCHY’S TACOS

If you mention tacos in Texas, most will ask if you went to Torchy’s.  Why of course we did at the Congress Ave. location.    Yes, they were good and anytime I want a taco in Austin, this is my place to go to.

 

VOODOO DOUGHNUTS

This was a must stop for my husband as he’s such a sweet eater.  It’s probably hard to choose between a good donut, a cupcake, or Key Lime Pie.  I think it depends what type of place he’s at what his choice of the day is.

 

PLACES TO VISIT AND TOUR

You might think we eat all the time, well close, but we do find time to do a little sightseeing and touring in between all the great food.

TOUR THE GOVERNOR’S MANSION

These free tours must be scheduled so you can pass security at least a week prior to your visit.  A tour guide gives you a lot of history of the families who have called this home, and the home itself.  

The interiors you see are as gorgeous as you would imagine.  

I was obsessed with all the chandeliers as well.

 

TEXAS CAPITOL BUILDING

Another free tour is to walk around the capitol building.  Portraits of all governors are on display and moved when a new governor is elected.  There are times a guided tour is available.  If you are going in May, try to go Monday – Wednesday, as Thursday and Fridays are popular days for school field trips.

You won’t forget where you are.  Different tours are available, or walk around on your own.

 

CAPITAL CRUISES

Taking a relaxing 90-minute tour on Lady Bird Lake is just one cruise they offer.  No motorized boats or watercrafts are allowed on the lake in this area.  

It’s a great way to see sites and the skyline of Austin. 

You pass under bridges where the bats come out at night.  They offer these tours also.

 

VISITING CONGRESS AVENUE

This is a must at least once in Austin.  Keep Austin Weird is a phrase heard around, and South Congress Avenue is just the place.  You never know what you will see.

From a tame boot store –

To music and street performers.

Plus you will find a variety of restaurants to your liking.  We visited Torchy’s while there.

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS CAMPUS

We love visiting college campuses when we can, although more restrictions are in place now.   Although they are called UT, since they are now part of the SEC Conference, it’s referred to many as “that other UT.”

This tower has a dark side from a shooting in 1966 but stands proud on the UT Campus.  It has been closed during all of our visits.  The weekend in May we usually go is normally the UT graduation, so the whole city is very busy. 

Don’t forget a stop at the bookstore because isn’t it on your list to see a burnt orange longhorn?

 

MURALS ARE EVERYWHERE

It doesn’t matter where you travel these days, and with everyone posting to Instagram, Murals are the thing to find.  And new ones are popping up everywhere.

They will come in all shapes and sizes.  Let’s see how many you can find on your next visit.

 

RIDING THE DOUBLE DECKER BUS

We have done this in other cities as well.  One of the best ways to see a lot of the sites and get around a city, is with one of these buses.  Park your car and ride all day.  Get off for sites or food, then get back on.  

You pass by many of the sites I have mentioned above, and seeing how big things are in Texas.

 

PLAN IN ADVANCE

As with any travel plans, double-check the hours of operation.  Many are requiring tickets or reservations to be made online.  Don’t be disappointed and walk up for a ticket and you can’t get one.   As with any capitol city or college town, there’s so much to do, so make the best of your time.  

 

A Few Of My Favorite Places In Austin Texas

Now, who’s ready for a trip to Austin?  No plans yet for a return trip, but I’m sure there will be.

The Otis Hotel Austin – our favorite hotel

Of course, most any trip to Texas, means a stop in Waco.  Things to do in Waco

 

 

 

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