In May this year, I started my great American road trip with my husband. Of all our travels throughout the states, Austin has been my favorite destination so far. There, I could satisfy my itch for everything I love the most, and although the locals still argue that it has lost a lot of its natural charm (You can see stickers “Keep Austin Weird” on the city streets), for me it is everything I’ve wanted it to be. It surely lives up to its famous title “Live Music Capital of the World”, but it has many other perks too. The combo of great food, beer, and music will always drive me back there. If you ever decide to stop by, here are some places and experiences you shouldn’t miss.
Beer Tasting in Zilker Brewery
As a true beer-devotee, I must start with an amazing brewery, which is also a pub where you can sit and try out various kinds of this fabulous beverage. I see my beer as others see their wine – it should be tasted and made with care. If you’re anything like that, you should definitely try coffee milk stout, honey blond and special bitter. The Brewery is located in Historic East Austin. The bar where the beer is served is unique, interesting, and it almost displays the whole process of beer-making.
Meat Delights at Franklin Barbecue
Now, here’s a piece of heaven placed in Austin just so that I could enjoy in a delicious portion of ribs. No really, if you are into Texas-style barbecue, you will definitely enjoy this restaurant where you can try various meat delights, from pulled pork to famous Franklin brisket. I recommend finishing your meal with tasty lime or pecan pie to get the full experience. The only trick here is – that you have to wait for approximately 2 hours. And that’s on a good day! But believe me – it’s going to be the best piece of meat you have EVER tried in your life. When we arrived at the line it was 11am and the first customers were being served. We asked them how long did they wait, and were told in order to be the first in line you have to be there at 5am!
Shop Until You Drop
Austin is a true shopping Mecca, for those of us who love buying handmade goods. If you plan to embark on this shopping adventure, you should most definitely take an entire day to do that. You will find so many hidden treasures, like authentic vintage cowboy boots, animal miniatures, leather coats, interesting jewelry, clothes and souvenirs (You wouldn’t believe how many of them are shaped like a gun – Texas, right?).
Open Mic Night at Hotel Vegas
Hotel Vegas is one of the favorite hipsters’ gathering spots in the city, and I must tell you, they sure have good taste. We enjoyed the most in comedy open mic, it’s a great way to see the great Texan sense of humor, and get some good laughs. This event is organized every Thursday, and the rest of the weekdays and weekend are packed with good live music and dance parties.
Art for the People Gallery
This is not your usual art gallery, and that’s why I loved it. The original idea of the founders was to create a welcoming space for the local artists to tell their stories and showcase their work, and they really made something special and unique. The displayed works are magnificent, and space is decorated in a way that encourages communication and bonding.
You’ve Got The Blues at Antone’s
One does not simply go to Texas without visiting a real blues bar. Here (well, at a new location but under the same name) once sat the legend, Muddy Waters, James Brown was a regular performer and all the names from true blues and R&B era once set foot here for sure. Sitting at 305 E 5th if offers some of the best live music in Austin, local craft beers, and fine Texan whiskey.
A small town with great dreams, Austin offers world-class entertainment with authentic local feel, and I can wait to find an occasion to go back there again. My man misses the Zilker beer, while I am still mourning the distance of Franklin’s brisket and pork ribs.
