Travel Diaries: Austin

The lowdown on a Lone Star must-see. Pack your bags, and bring your appetite.

I headed to Austin on a whim in the dead heat of summer. My decision backed by a cheap flight, and a stay with a close childhood friend.

For 5 days I got to pretend I was a local. Waking up in a modern East Austin studio, grabbing coffee with my book, and seeing where the day went from there.

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Austin is all about eating, meaning my trip was largely centered around where/when/what my next meal was going to be. Please consider this to be the “Anything but BBQ” list, which I realize is sacrilegious, but a shoutout to non-meat eaters nonetheless. 

Veracruz All Natural  

Justine’s 

Perlas Oyster Bar

Mattie’s 

Patrizi’s 

...make room for more at Black Swan Yoga

Of course you want to catch some music, so make sure you go to Rainey Street. Banger’s is a classic, serving up your Led Zeppelin dad bands in the best way possible. If the blues are more your jam, Half Step won’t disappoint. 

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I found myself wandering all over the city. The Contemporary has an impressive collection of sculptures, and is a true modern art Mecca. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more classic, brush up on your American history at the LBJ Presidential Library. (The current Motown exhibit should not be missed!) Go cool off at Barton Springs, or lose yourself browsing at Book People. 

If you’re not here for the food and music, then surely you’re here for the shopping. I took the vintage scene quite seriously, and yes I did find cowgirl boots. My closet thanked me; my bank account did not. You’ve been warned. 

Vintage:

Passport Vintage 

Laced with Romance

Prototype Vintage 

Uncommon Objects 

Contemporary:

By George

House of St. Clair 

Allen’s Boots

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