Traveling during the pandemic wasn’t something I was looking forward to. My husband and I are shopping for a new home in Austin, Texas from San Diego, Calif. We’ve been working with a realtor in Austin and having virtual house tours.
Although I’ve been to Austin a few times, I’ve never driven through all the different areas especially up by the Lake. I didn’t know how the neighborhoods looked like in person and what types of businesses and shopping are nearby.
We narrowed down a few homes to look at IRL (in real life) and flew to Austin. I booked our weekend stay at The Fairmont in downtown so we can make sure to have some fun while we house hunt.
If you only have a couple days, like the weekend to visit ATX, then book mark this guide to help you decide where to stay, dine and what to do.
STAY
The Fairmont Austin
The Austin Proper
The Line Austin Hotel
DINE
June’s – Great spot for breakfast off S. Congress Ave. or if you pop in mid-day they offer the snacks menu which I highly recommend the fried baby eggplant with salsa verde and aioli.
Magnolia’s – Another great spot for breakfast off S. Congress Ave. You won’t go wrong with the Flaco Tacos and Banana Pecan Gingerbread Pancakes.
Veracruz All Natural – Simple walk up spot for tacos with spit-grilled meats or veggies, plus a vast menu of juice blend concoctions.
The Alibi – We ate here during happy hour time. It’s a great place to chill, have some drinks and share some plates. The dishes are an interesting combo of Tex-Asian fused together.
The Peacock – located in The Proper Austin Hotel, this is a MUST DO dinner. Don’t skip the dumpling appetizer, it’s seriously unforgettable!
ACTIVITIES
South Congress Avenue – This is where you can spend half a day or the whole day at your own leisure. Enjoy popping into thrift shops, specialty boutiques, dining for breakfast, lunch or dinner and listening to live music.
The Domain – If need your fix of shopping, this is where you’ll want to spend your time doing so. This outdoor and newly renovated mall has everything.
Capital Cruises – Rent a donut boat for $100 an hour and have fun going down Lady Bird Lake and hearing the bats under the Congress Bridge Bats.
The Boardwalk Trail – Walk or run in the morning or later afternoon along the river in downtown ATX. This gives you a different view of Lady Bird Lake in downtown.
Pool Lounging – The Fairmont has an amazing outside pool to lounge, sip drinks and take a dip in the pool while having music pumping through surround sound.
The Blanton Museum of Art – One of the largest university art museums in the U.S. with 189,340 square feet, located at University of Texas at Austin. Don’t miss the Ellsworth Kelly structure, it’s a photo worthy of the ‘Gram.
