DAY ONE
BREAKFAST
jo’s
Grab a Belgian Bomber (iced coffee and sweet hazelnut mix), a fresh baked pastry, and a photo in front of the iconic “I love you so much” mural at the South Congress location to get your day started on a high note.
DO
BARTON SPRINGS POOL
This public pool is unlike any other with its fresh spring water (68 degrees!), natural river bottom, and rotating cast of only-in-Austin patrons. Soak up the sun until you’re ready for a plunge, then enjoy a quick trip off the diving board for a truly refreshing experience.
LUNCH
torchy’s
Let’s face it: when in Austin, you’ve got to eat tacos, and you’ve got to eat at a food trailer – this ever-popular spot checks off both musts. Don’t forget a side of queso and a bubbly Topo Chico.
PLAY
THE THINKERY
Learn through play at this innovative children’s museum, which features a range of delightful exhibits for all ages. $9 per person (infants under 2 free).
SHOP
MOCKINGBIRD DOMESTICS
Gorgeous furnishings and textiles abound in this one-of-a-kind gem. Small treasures like local jewelry and paper goods make perfect souvenirs.
DINNER
ENOTECA VESPAIO
This Italian eatery’s standout is, not surprisingly, their pasta! I love to people watch from their sunny patio while enjoying a glass of wine or a cappuccino.
DESSERT
DOLCE NEVE
Cool off with a scoop or two of the inventive flavors at this darling gelateria. If you grab a cone to go, there are lots of cute places to explore along South 1st street – be sure to grab a photo at the Austin postcard mural!
DRINK
THE ABGB
Seeing as Austin is “the live music capital of the world,” it’s only fitting to enjoy a cold glass of beer, cider, or wine at this cool and casual south Austin venue
STAY
THE DRISKILL
We are blessed with many a gorgeous (and uber expensive) boutique hotel here, but this downtown gem has been the place to stay since 1886 and will give your visit to Austin a dose of historic Texas style.
MOCKINGBIRD DOMESTICS | DOLCE NEVE* |
ENOTECA VESPAIO | POLVO’S* |
DAY TWO
BREAKFAST
WALTON’S FANCY & STAPLE
The pastry case is certainly enticing, but it’s the savory breakfast options that are the real standouts here, especially the shrimp and grits or the biscuits and gravy.
DO
TEXAS ROWING CENTER
It’s a treat just to walk around beautiful Town Lake, but this boat rental company takes the experience to the next level. Take a kayak, canoe, or SUP (stand up paddle) board out for a spin to cool off and get one of the best views of the Austin skyline.
LUNCH
ELIZABETH STREET CAFE
Austin has no shortage of delicious Asian cuisine, but this Vietnamese spot is a perpetual favorite, not only for its cute atmosphere but for its amazing food. Fuel up for the rest of the day with a banh mi and a sweet Vietnmaese coffee.
SHOP
JM DRYGOODs | SPARTAN
These fabulous shops are located right next door to each other and both feature items too beautiful to miss, from leather goods to delicate jewelry.
PLAY
ZILKER PARK
Whether you’re flying a kite, riding the Zilker Zephyr train, or just enjoying the view of downtown from a shaded picnic blanket, Zilker park is a fabulous, quintessentially Austin place to be.
DRINK
WHISLER’S
Venture over to the wonderful east side of Austin for a cocktail at this hip spot. If you’re into Mezcal, there’s a whole bar dedicated to it upstairs!
DINNER
POLVO’S
Authentic interior Mexican food (and lethal margaritas to boot). Enjoy fajitas or a chile relleno at this hoppin’ south Austin favorite.
DESSERT
GOURDOUGH’S
Their slogan is “Big. Fat. Donuts.” and they mean it. With classic and crazy flavors, everyone is sure to find something they’ll love to devour. Be sure to visit the trailer location!
Unknown says
Nice article but PLEASE stop extolling the virtues of what used to be a nice town. After the flood of immigrants from Northern and Western states, Austin is no longer nirvana. Thanks to the new people ( a realtor told me about 500 new people a day), Austin's traffic is worse than Houston, Dallas, London. It takes me almost an hour to drive the 4.75 miles to my office! The air pollution makes me wheeze, and just try to get a seat in those great restaurants, a meal from food trucks or enjoy anywhere else. By the time you drive 12 miles in two hours, you no longer care about the food or the sights. So many new residents have arrived without jobs (or any intention of getting one) and add burden to our already burdened welfare rolls, which means the taxes on our homes and sales taxes will climb higher. Yes, tourism is great, but we were better off without it and certainly better off without the tourists who decide to stay. Austin was a small town benefitted by all the great attributes of The University, but now it's a large city with no infrastructure, no services, and a real estate market as ridiculous as that in California.
Morgan Apfel says
I'm going to Austin this weekend to visit my Mom (she recently transferred there for a new job just FYI "unknown") and pretty much the only thing on my list is to go to Gourdoughs! What did you get???!
xo. Morgan / morningappleblog.com
audreycdyer@gmail.com says
You can't go wrong! The Mama's Cake à la mode is a classic that's perfect for a hot day, but the Son of a Peach is amazing too. You can check out the whole decadent menu here:
http://gourdoughs.com/menu/gourdoughs-donuts-trailer
Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre says
Saving this post!!! Austin is on my list and your 36 hours sounds exactly like how I like to travel!