Austin, Texas 2018 | offthebeatenpress.com

I always look forward to Memorial Day. Not only is it my birthday but I tend to take vacation that weekend and explore a new city. Over the past few years, I have done Honolulu, Chicago, Seattle, Portland, New York and San Francisco! Austin was an awesome place to travel in May. It wasn't TOO TOO hot yet and we got gorgeous weather. Overall the city reminded me a lot of Richmond and felt more like a relaxing staycation more than anything else. Even this skyline over the water was very Richmond-esque.Over all we basically spent the days eating and drinking away. We slept in late and stayed out late and it was a blast.When we first got there we went shopping & got bbq, of course. I got my boyfriend his birthday present from Will Leather Co. (one of our favorite stores). And then we headed to our Airbnb for the first time.The only reservation we made was for Midnight Cowboy the night we arrived. This cocktail bar was a hole in the wall on Dirty 6th but was one of the best decisions we made. They had amazing drinks and were a huge relief from the craziness that is 6th. As a souvenir, I bought one of the menus to bring home.When we were out the night before, I noticed a bottle of liquor on the bar for Still Austin. This distillery wasn't too far out of the city so we drove to see it. Turns out this whole area was really cool and reminded me a lot of Scott's Addition in Richmond. This whole railroad yard was converted into several workable buildings.In one fell swoop we tried a distillery, winery and brewery. There was even a coffee shop. So no matter what your vice, you can find it walking distance.The next day was my birthday and we kicked it off with Biscuits + Groovy - an awesome little food truck.Then we drove to Waco! We figured that this was the closest we would ever be to it so why not head on over and check out Magnolia.The market was beautiful. Well curated and gorgeous. I could see something like this working really well in Richmond actually.We had cupcakes and cookies and wandered the shop before taking a quick drive through downtown Waco.The downtown was small but we found a cute coffee & cocktail shop to relax in. After we went and met up with a friend of mine to watch the hockey game at a bar called Haymaker where we had poutine!Here is a little collection of restaurants and shops we ate in.We woke up late the next day and went to Barton Springs! This swimming pool is all water from a natural sprint. It was cool and crisp and such a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.While we went into the ACTUAL pool, there was a swimming hole on the other side that was just a little more free flowing.We showered and found a cidery around the corner paired with a brewery next door. I loved the variety of ciders they had and their flight was on point!We had a great dinner downtown and then walked a little bit before watching a movie and relaxing. We found Flitch Coffee the next morning and enjoyed meeting Jake the Coffee dog!We also found a place called Prohibition Creamery that afternoon that had Boozy Ice Cream!I also loved how much street art we found around the city! My kinda place.And right before hopping on the plane we made sure to see the bats underneath congress bridge!All over the city you found these tall light structures called Moon Towers! They are some really random historical pieces. Google them. You won't be disappointed.Overall Austin was gorgeous and fun to explore. I would certainly consider going back and passing some more time in the city.

Travel: Austin, Texas

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