My post-grad life has been nothing but being exposed to the sun everyday. That's mainly because I ran away to Austin, Texas for a few days as a mini "treat-yo-self" vacation with my buddy Conor. We picked Austin because we wanted to explore the southern part and heard this city has a rich art culture.
As a East Coaster, I had no expectation coming into Texas. As it turned out, Texans are ridiculously friendly. Too friendly to the point where I wish East Coasters could do a whole lot better. My favorite reward of the trip was not my "Don't Mess With Texas" shirt but rather the southern hospitality. Everyone we met has a southern charm. Everyone genuinely cares about other's well being.
As you imagined, we did all the possible touristy things—bar hopping on Dirty 6th (bars/clubs on 6th Street), Barton Springs, bat watching (which they never appeared. #disappointing), eating barbecue and shopping at South Congress. Barton Springs pool was closed on Thursday due to weekly cleaning. However, we were able to go to the other side to swim and enjoy the sun for free. This place is very scenic—a place you would see in a Nicholas Sparks movie. It was 90 degrees everyday while we were there; swimming at the Springs was a good way to cool off. Did I mention people brought dogs?! Austin is a very pet friendly city. Additionally, if you're into street arts and graffitis, HOPE Outdoor Gallery is a must-go.
No one travels to Texas without trying its barbecue. Conor and I tried smoked briskets at both Rudy's Bar-B-Q and Terry Black's. Rudy's is a chain while Terry Black's isn't. I'm not a BBQ expert but both places had amazing food and services in my opinion. If you're a first-timer, employees will let you try samples of meats before you choose the ones you like. And may I add: CREAM CORN IS DELICIOUS. Wide selections of beer and Mexican sodas are some of the beverages you can enjoy along with your meal.
Other days we went shopping at South Congress, a higher end shopping district. We also tried to go bat watching but unfortunately the bats never appeared. One of the highlights of my trip was reuniting with my friend Aimee who I interned with last summer. We spent some time getting happy hour at Irene's (A+ for aesthetic), delicious breakfast tacos at Flat Track, and cute plants at a local succulent garden. Through Aimee's recommendation, Conor and I visited a bar called Parlor and Yard. There, we met two guys who we clicked immediately. One of them happened to live in San Francisco! They both also have their own ad agencies. I love meeting new people; I believe meeting those who share the same interest with you makes any trip even more memorable. David & James, if you happen to read this, thank you for your hospitality, please stay in touch!
Conor and I made a reservation at a speakeasy called Midnight Cowboy. The entrance is nothing but a worn out door, but inside is magnificent. The ambiance has a old London look. Fun fact: this place used to be a brothel prior to 2011. After you make a reservation they send you instructions on where to find the place and how to properly request to enter—pretty interesting. We spent our last night in Austin on Dirty 6th. I discovered my favorite shot at Buckshot—Dirty Girl Scout. It's basically drinking a thin mint milkshake; highly recommend that bar. Bachelorette parties and graduation celebrations made 6th Street even more lively while we were there. The street reminds me of Bourbon Street in New Orleans, except it's cleaner and wider.
4 days went by quick when we were having fun. As Conor said, Austin is a certainly a city we see ourselves returning back. Austin has a slogan called "Keep Austin Weird", which is to encourage others to promote small businesses. On South Congress there are several dozens stores that sell local art, t-shirts, socks... you name it. Austin is a city made for artists. I can't wait to see how this city will expand in the near future. In the meantime, keep being weird, Austin.