It’s the holiday season! Even for Texas, it’s a liiiiiitle warm outside for this time of year. I’m trying to maximize the mild weather, what about you? There are so many great things to do outdoors this time of year. I may not be able to wear a sweater, but I’m happy I won’t be freezing my butt off when I go to Trail of Lights this year! If you’re looking for a few festive things to do with family or friends, look no further than below.
ATX Fall Bucket List 2022
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it forever - there’s nothing better than fall in Austin! Festival season, patio season, pumpkin spice season, you name it. When the city cools off and the sun starts to set earlier, we make the most of weekend days and enjoy our nights out even more. Add a few of the following to your calendar for a fall you’ll revel in!
Austin City Limits
October 7-9 & 14-16 | Website
No description needed! Enjoy a weekend, single day, or after show during ACL. Check out my ACL guide for more info!
Blended Festival
September 24-25 | Website
This nationwide social event not only features food, craft cocktails, and immersive activations but performances by The Chainsmokers, G-Eazy and Gallantis.
Texas Book Festival
November 5-6, 2022 | Website
My personal favorite! Free entry gets you into tons of events and author signings at this celebration of literary arts.
Photos at Sweet Eats Fruit Farm
Grab a camera and head to the pumpkin patch at this picturesque farm.
Banger’s Oktoberfest
October 6-8 | Website
Celebrate Oktoberfest at Banger’s’ annual three day event. Oompa bands, schnitzel, and malty goodness galore!
Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In
Enjoy a night under the stars at this adorable ATX Drive-In!
Fall Pecan Festival
September 17-18 | Website
Visit the longest-running arts and crafts show in the nation and presented by The Pecan Street Association (nonprofit).
Discover Texas Wine Tour
Book a hill country wine tour with your friends this fall and get a taste of local Texas grapes.
Visit Bevo Blvd on Game Day
Bleed burnt orange at Bevo Blvd during Longhorn home games - complete with a street parade, food trucks, happy hour, and more.
Buy Tickets for Creek Show
November 11-20 | Website
Enjoy a stroll by Waller Creek and take in dazzling light installations from local architects and artists.
Where to Grab a Pumpkin Spice Treat in Austin
Pumpkin spice season is here! If you don’t LOVE a good pumpkin spice latte (my current seasonal drink is the pumpkin spice cold brew from Starbucks) then head to one of these local coffee shops/bakeries for a different fall treat.
Radix House
Try: Pumpkin OG Latte
Russell’s Bakery & Coffee Bar
Try: Pumpkin Tea Bread (Gluten Free Available)
Zucchini Kill Bakery
Try: Pumpkin Scream Cheeze Cupcake (Vegan)
Mozart’s Coffee
Try: Pumpkin Cheesecake
Kerbey Lane Cafe
Try: Pumpkin Pancakes and Pumpkin French Toast
Quack’s Bakery
Try: Pumpkin Tea Bread and Pumpkin Pie
Amy’s Ice Creams
Try: Pumpkin, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Pumpkin Custard, Pumpkin Pie, and Pumpkin Praline Swirl ice cream.
Jack Allen’s
Try: Smashed Guacamole With Pumpkin Seeds
Jo’s Hot Coffee
Try: Pumpkin Spice Latte
P. Terry’s
Try: Pumpkin Shake
ATX Summer Bucket List 2022
Summer time is finally here, y’all! My favorite time to be an Austinite. There are so many free ways to enjoy the city, and with the longer evenings I feel like I can cram so much more into a day. I spent the past weekend on South Congress with a sweet friend of mine, and we put together a little summer bucket list for 2022!
Where to Hike in Austin This Spring
When I first moved to Austin, I had a hard time connecting with the city. I wasn't used to living so close to downtown, and wasn't sure how I felt about my friends' obsessive need to drink copious amounts of alcohol on this place called "dirty sixth" every night? It took me a while, but I eventually found solace in two things: The Blanton Art Museum and Barton Creek Greenbelt.
Spring is by FAR the best time to hike in Austin. The city comes to life as the landscape starts to bloom, and with it comes some of the best scenery to visit and explore. In case you're a seasoned pro like me when it comes to hiking around central Austin, there are a few more spots listed on the outskirts that you might want to check out this year!
Barton Creek Greenbelt
3918 S Mopac Expy (South) | Easy to Difficult | 7mi | Website
What to Expect: Several access points, unofficial unpaved trails, small rapids and falls, and rock climbing.
Bull Creek District Park
6701 Lakewood Dr (North) | Moderate | Website
What to Expect: Springs and waterways, scenic cliffs, waterfalls, and archaeological features.
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
12138 N Lamar Blvd (North) | Easy to Moderate | Website
What to Expect: Long winding trails, varied terrain, sports centers, picnic areas, and a swimming pool nearby.
River Place Nature Trail
8830 Big View Dr (Northwest) | Moderate to Difficult | 5.5 mi | Website
What to Expect: Boardwalk, rocky stairs, hiking trail, elevation changes, views, trickling streams, wildlife, rock formations.
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
24518 FM 1431 (Northwest) | Easy to Difficult | 7 mi | Website
What to Expect: Rugged terrain, Hill Country landscapes, native wildlife, and great bird watching.
McKinney Falls State Park
5808 McKinney Falls Parkway (East) | Easy to Moderate | Website
What to Expect: Multiple trails and watering holes, historic sites, rock climbing, and entry fee.
Covert Park at Mount Bonnell
3800 Mount Bonnell Rd (West) | Easy | Website
What to Expect: Sweeping views, steep stone stairs, a loose gravel-paved trail, side trails leading down the hill, and a wonderful photo opportunity.
Austin’s 360 Bridge & Overlook
5100 N Capital of Texas Hwy (West) | Moderate | Website
What to Expect: Steep but short hike to the top, views, and a wonderful photo opportunity.
Emma Long Park Turkey Creek Trail
1600 City Park Rd (West) | Moderate | 2.8 mi | Website
What to Expect: Rough terrain, creek access, bike trails, and hilltop views.
Violet Crown Trail
5524 Bee Caves Rd Ste G4 (West) | Easy to Difficult | 6 mi | Website
What to Expect: Dirt trail, Greenbelt access, close proximity to neighborhoods, shopping centers, and schools.
Mayfield Park/Nature Preserve
3505 W 35th St (West) | Easy | 1.5 mi | Website
What to Expect: Leisurely stroll, access to Colorado River, wildlife, and roaming peacocks near the cottage grounds.
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
805 N Capital of Texas Hwy (West) | Easy | 2.5 mi | Website
What to Expect: Native wildlife, looping paths for a longer hike, a few lookout areas, and suggested donation upon entry.
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
24518 FM 1431 (Marble Falls) | Easy to Moderate | Website
What to Expect: Wildlife, walking trails, hills, and peaceful atmosphere.
Canyonlands Trails
115 Trophy Dr (Lakeway) | Difficult | 10mi | Website
What to Expect: Technical trail, climbing, running trail, jeep trail and service road crossings, and high points.
Smith Greenbelt
1102 Lohmans Crossing Rd (Lakeway) | Easy to Moderate | 4.5 acres | Website
What to Expect: Short hiking trail, creek access, and terrain fit for mountain biking.
Pace Bend Park
2805 Pace Bend Rd N (Spicewood) | Moderate | Website
What to Expect: Multi-use trails, views, and entry fee.
If you're looking for a full-on camping trip, make sure you take a look at the 9 best places to camp in and around Austin by CultureMap! I'm a huge fan of McKinney Falls... I've shot grad and personal photos there, hiked those trails with countless loved ones, and soaked up the sun from the watering holes like summer would never end. I can't wait to spend some time in nature this spring!
List originally published on One More Thing.
Where to Grab a Taco in Austin
If you know me, you know I LOVE ME A GOOD TACO. Like I'm so close with tacos that one time I ate them 12 times in ONE week. You read that right. My empty post-ACL fridge was sad and El Chilantro is on the way home so I shamefully spent about $75 on tacos in a single week coming and going to work.
When I'm not grabbing a Cherrywood from El Chilito and bracing myself for a stomach ache from eating eggs and gluten, I'm likely grabbing a veggie breakfast taco with spinach and black beans on a corn tortilla from Tacodeli. Here are a few local favorites around town for you to try!
Taco Joint
Various Locations | Website
Try any of the four breakfast tacos with jalapeño ranch.
Juan In a Million
2300 E Cesar Chavez St | Website
Try the Don Juan el Taco Grande.
Joe’s Bakery and Coffee Shop
2305 E 7th St | Website
Try the Miga Taco Con Todo from this Eastside gem.
Taco Shack
Various Locations | Website
Build your own breakfast taco, or opt for a breakfast bowl with up to four toppings.
Tacodeli
Various Locations | Website
Try The Otto and be sure to grab their creamy salsa Doña.
Maudie’s
Various Locations | Website
Try Pete’s Tantalizing Taco.
El Chilito
Various Locations | Website
Try the Cherrywood taco.
Veracruz All Natural
Various Locations | Website
Try the La Reyna taco.
Mi Madre’s
2201 Manor Rd | Website
For a vegetarian option, try the #8 vegetarian migas and cheese.
Torchy’s Tacos
Various Locations | Website
Try the Ranch Hand.
Taco Mex
2611 Manor Rd | Website
Taco Mex is a walk-up window on Manor Rd. Try any of the simple, authentic breakfast tacos.
Tacos n’ Tequila
Various Locations | Website
Create your own taco from the Street Taco Bar.
Texas Honey Ham
3736 Bee Cave | Website
Try the Taco Ranchero.
Every day is Taco Tuesday in Austin, and I'm a big supporter! You can't go wrong with any of the above eateries, and being adventurous is a must -- Try their specials and be sure to grab a yummy sauce since each restaurant has something completely different to add to your tacos!
List originally published on One More Thing.
Austin's Top Tourist Attractions
If you only have a limited amount of time in Austin, you probably feel overwhelmed with your options when it comes to sightseeing, eating, and Instagram-ing! Don't stress. I've put together an EASY Austin guide for you to use to make the most of your time.
From the University of Texas campus to one of the most well-renowned coffee shops in the city, everything you need to see is on this list!
Destinations:
University of Texas Campus
Since my friend had never been to Austin, I had to show him the best part of campus--the tower! Notable buildings to see include the Texas Union, Main Building, and buildings surrounding the South Mall. The clear blue skies made for some perfect photos.
Hope Outdoor Gallery (Austin's Graffiti Park)
Hope Outdoor Gallery is a space where local street artists and individuals can showcase their graffiti on a series of cement walls near Castle Hill. Some graffiti is done by experienced professionals and some is just considered tag art, but the graffiti wall is always a must for tourists. Did you even go to Austin if you don't have pictures from the graffiti wall?
Jo's Coffee
This quaint coffee bar is located on South Congress, and is home to the famous "I Love You" street art that numbers of people pose next to for a picture each day. Not only does Jo's serve coffee, but they have food, beer, and cute rustic outdoor seating. From Jo's you can easily walk up and down South Congress. Since this area is always crowded, I recommend parking on back streets such as James St behind Jo's.
"Before I Die..." Wall
Off the beaten path of South Congress and located on a back road, the "Before I Die..." wall is part of a greater art movement by artist Candy Chang. The original "Before I Die..." wall is located in New Orleans, but they have since become an international project. There is always chalk located around the wall, so stop by and write your hopes and dreams!
Restaurants:
Whole Foods Austin
The original Whole Foods Market remains, in my opinion, the best Whole Foods Market there is. Whole Foods is half grocery store half restaurant, and has a variety of foods to pick from in the cafe area. Pizza, sushi, tacos, salads--this is a great place to go if you are running into problems trying to decide on a restaurant, or if you're in the mood to experiment with foods you haven't tried before. I always get a large brown box and fill it with food from the salad and food bars, paying by the pound.
Mozart's Coffee Roasters
Since we weren't hungry for a big lunch, we settled for a light snack at Mozart's. Sitting lakeside, this huge coffee shop is easily one of my favorite places in Austin. It's perfect to talk with friends, study, or clear my mind on even the most hectic day. They offer indoor and outdoor seating, both upstairs and right over the water, and even put up a Christmas lights display outside each year. For parking I recommend the Oyster's Landing parking lot, located right across the street from Mozart's.
What I love about Austin:
Not only is it Texas' capitol, but Austin is a great city to visit with a variety of things to do from live music, to art and outdoor activities. While this post doesn't even begin to cover Austin, I hope you enjoyed reading about what I did the past few days! For more information on visiting Austin, what to see, and where to eat, feel free to contact me!
Austin Summer Guide
Summertime in Austin is one of the most glorious things on this planet (minus the fall in Austin, because it's just as wonderful and exciting for different reasons.) I have a summer routine in the city, and it includes: Morning iced coffee, weekly visits to an outdoor space, and OF COURSE the farmer's market on Sunday mornings after brunching at a local eatery.
If you're visiting the city between June-September, take a look at this list of things to do.
Events:
Mueller Farmer’s Market
This weekly East Austin farmer’s market is always fun, even in the light downpour that occurred Sunday morning. Mueller Lake Park was still hopping with families, and we were able to salvage a solid amount of good produce. My favorite part: Buddah's Brew Kombucha, of course.
Restaurants:
Blue Dahlia Bistro
Walking into Blue Dahlia is like walking into a Parisian bistro with an Austin flair. They offer a large variety of pastries, salads and tartines, not to mention macarons for dessert. My personal favorite are the Chicken Salad Tartines, which are served on wheat bread, topped with dried cranberries and served with fresh cantaloupe and cucumber.
Wright Brothers Brew & Brew
I was first exposed to this awesome little coffee shop at the beginning of the year, and was amazed by not only the coffee but the atmosphere of the place as well. Brew & Brew, which has a distinctly urban feel, serves both coffee and beer, making it a great place for millenials to hang out.
East Side Café
East Side Café has been my favorite brunch spot for quite some time. The small antique house offers reservations if you don’t want to wait for a seat, and has the best eggs benedict I’ve ever had. They serve most breakfast plates with small muffins as well, and the staff is extremely personable. If you do have to wait for a table, Elaine’s Pork & Pie is located directly across from the restaurant and serves coffee, pork and pie.
Shops:
Charm School Vintage
The deep smell of leather hits you as you walk through the tall glass doors of Charm School Vintage on East Cesar Chavez St. There are fine crafted pieces such as shoes, bags and belts along with eccentric and beautiful pieces that are totally wearable.
Take Heart
A cement floor and stark walls are contrasted with the sweet handcrafted items that can be found inside Take Heart. The shop offers a mix of modern and vintage pieces from home décor to books and essential oils. Not to mention the fact that this store smells amazing!
Studium
Described as a “co-disciplinary space for art and objects”, this gallery and gathering place has areas to sit and sip your coffee while listening to music and looking at records. They have a great assortment ofbooks, cards, jewelry and knick knacks as well.
Destinations:
Zilker
Before heading to Inspiro Fest, we went to sit down in Zilker and enjoy the sunny weather, eating apples (and attempting to feed them to the squirrels as well.)
Texas State Capitol
I was super surprised to find out that Sydney had never actually been inside the state capitol, so we decided to take some time and see the inside. Luckily for us we found a parking meter with 45 minutes left on it, the perfect amount of time to spend visiting the Texas State Capitol between Inspiro Fest and lunch!
Laguna Gloria
Laguna Gloria is one of those places that you don’t know exists until someone points it out. Located here is a branch of the Contemporary Austin, where many sculptures adorn the winding paths over the property. It’s a great place to take a break from the business of Austin, and peace can be found on a number of benches which are scattered on each path.
Pease Park
Picnicking in Pease Park was a great way to close out a long day of running around the city. We packed my favorite picnic blanket and stopped at Whole Foods, then found a shady spot to sit and enjoy our meal. Pease Park looks small from the outside, but there are many places to wander off and find solitude as well.
If you want to get a vibe of the city in the summer, check out my video on YouTube (or watch below)!