All About Austin
Here’s where we’ll tell you fun things to do in Austin. Once we figure them out. But you should probably go to the Alamo Drafthouse, Amy’s Ice Cream, and Chuy’s (Editor’s note: GO TO THERE) at a minimum.
In addition, here’s a handy map we’ve created of downtown Austin, highlighting some of the city’s finer points.
(click on the map to enlarge)
And here’s what we put on the map and why:
Guadalupe Street – The main drag across from the UT campus (in Texas, there is only one UT) with lots of stores, restaurants, and things to see. Go here to: get a UT shirt, a bagel, and some street fair jewelry.
UT Campus – Where the kiddies go for learning, the UT campus is huge and actually quite pretty. Fun fact: they have a dorm (Jester) that has its own zip code. More people live in Jester in a year than went to Elizabeth’s entire school, and more people live on a single floor than lived in her freshman year dorm. Go here to: learn things and see what the kids are doing.
Texas Capitol – Often called the most beautiful building in the world (by Elizabeth), the Texas Capitol is built of Texas red granite and stands 19 feet taller than the US Capitol. Fun fact: Texas is the only state in the US who can fly its state flag at the same height as the US flag. This was negotiated when Texas became the 28th state in 1845. Go here to: learn a little Texas history. (For more Texas history, visit the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.)
Omni Hotel – Where you are likely staying, if you followed our careful instructions. Go here to: sleep.
IC Hotel – Yes, we have a second block of rooms at the Intercontinental Hotel. Go here to: sleep… if you’re staying here.
Whole Foods & Shopping Area – Ordinarily, pointing out a grocery store would be odd but as the original Whole Foods, this store defies the definition of a grocery store, what with its sushi counter and many quick service food options. As Yelper Kelly J. puts it, “Just take my money. No need to belabor the point. Can I just direct deposit my paycheck?” In addition to Whole Foods/Heaven, the area around W. 6th and Lamar is abuzz with fantastic shopping and an Austin original: Amy’s Ice Cream, home of avant-garde ice cream flavors like Shiner Bock. Go here to: grab a quick bite, buy some lululemon leggings (for Elizabeth), and indulge in some Anchor’s Away (sweet cream ice cream blended with Mexican Vanilla, Dr. Pepper, and Sailor Jerry’s Rum) or maybe some Campfire Treat (sweet cream ice cream blended with graham crackers, chocolate chips, and mini-marshallows).
Chuy’s – A Texas institution, Chuy’s is some of the best Tex-Mex around with delicious margaritas, amazing queso (aka cheese dip for all you yankees), and some crazy photo-worthy decor. It’s a must-do in Austin. Why the name? According to Yelper Laura F: “After two Texas Martinis, you’ll sound like Chewbacca.” Go here to: find Tex-Mex nirvana, buy a tshirt with a fish on it, eat chips and salsa out of the trunk of a car, buy the happy couple a giftcard, finally understand good Mexican food.
Alamo Drafthouse – Even though they’re opening a Drafthouse around the corner from Chris and Elizabeth’s apartment (sidenote: have you visited them yet?), you’ll want to experience the original. Why? Because it’s a movie theater that serves food and beer. And moreover: it’s the original movie theater serving food and beer. Yelp reviewer Kiera H. says Drafthouse is, “always consistently good with service and strict with their no talking policy.” Sounds like a winning combination. Go here to: watch a movie and have some beer. Did you not get that? (Bonus: there are TWO Alamo Drafthouses on this map, denoted by their red logo.)
South Congress – South Congress (an area denoted by Congress Street south of the river) is full of bars, restaurants, shops, and an entire area dedicated to food trucks. We recommend picking up new cowboy books at Allens Boots (when in Texas, after all), grabbing some tacos at Gueros, and a cupcake from the famous cupcake truck, Hey Cupcake! for dessert. But if you don’t like boots, are sick of tacos, and think the cupcake trend is SO over, there’s plenty more to do. Stop by Hotel San Jose (where you’d be staying if they weren’t already booked, grr) for a drink at the courtyard bar. Go here to: eat, drink, and shop! Our favorite things!
The Bats – You may have noticed an image of some bats by Congress Avenue and the River. That isn’t a reference to Chris’ favorite superhero, Batman, but instead, Austin’s famous (and North America’s largest) bat flight, with close to 1,000,000 bats flying the nest every night from March to early fall. “If you’re visiting Austin and don’t mind the smell of bat feces, then go,” says Yelp reviewer Nick K. Good enough for us! Go here to: see all the bats around sundown! For best times, call the Bat Hotline at 416-5700 ext. 3636.
Stay tuned for more important Austin stuff like: food, shopping, food, things to do outside of downtown, food, Texas wine country (yes, it exists), food, San Antonio, and yes, more food.
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