Austin: Part I

ATX. The Nashville of Texas.

I have been quite the jet-setter these days, and now that the dust is somewhat settling, I am finally getting around to sharing my travel adventures. 

After reading "100 Things To Do In Austin Before You Die,"  I created a jam packed, fun-filled, 4 day itinerary.  

Just about a month ago I headed to Austin for a girls weekend with one of my best friends/roommates from college.  And oh my, it was love at first sight! 

Upon arrival we checked into our oh-so-quaint boutique hotel, The Heywood Hotel, where we were welcomed with a personalized notecard and yummy chocolate. 

With only 7 rooms, the hotel offers freshly brewed coffee first thing in the morning, free wi-fi, free off-street parking, custom architecture, amazing Archipelago soy milk soaps & lotions, easy access to the hip East Austin neighborhood, and more...

...including an amazing shower,

a relaxing courtyard, 

AND free bike rentals from 7am-7pm {but DON'T BE LATE...as its a $1/min after 7pm}. 

Immediately upon arrival, we dropped off our suitcases and hopped on bikes...headed for Damn Good Tacos at Torchy's. 

After maneuvering our way through construction, trying to figure out the lakefront bike path, and huffing it up a hill we ARRIVED! And oh my was it worth...hello fried avocado taco! The only thing missing were margaritas, so we set off on our bikes in hopes of finding some...

...and we ended up at Maddy Maes.  No margaritas, but the ice cold beer, live music by johnPRATHER  and rooftop seating were perfection! 

The clock was about to strike 7, so we headed home to freshen up {I got in a quick run...no bueno following tacos & beer} and head back out for dinner! 

Destination: Rainey Street

We dined outside while enjoying live music at NO VA, and then headed to Banger's  Sausage House & Beer Garden to enjoy a beer from the largest tap wall in Austin.  

Travel Tip: During the week, most of the live music wraps up round 10pm, so make sure to get out early 

FRIDAY: More adventures await

After enjoying a cup of freshly brewed coffee, we jumped on the bikes and headed to Town Lake/Lady Birdie Lake {evidently everything is Austin has 2 names} for some paddle boarding! This was Erin's first time and she rocked it! 

The lake was full of paddle boarders and kayakers...so fun!

We found some kayakers who kindly offered to take our picture! 

After surviving our paddle boarding adventure we headed to another Austin must-see...

Destination: South Congress Ave {SOCO}

We hit up all of the hot spots, including Jo's Coffee, 

where we stood in line to be complete tourists and take our pictures in front of the infamous "I love you so much" graffiti {I mean mural} wall. 

And then we stood in a line around the building {that is always a good sign, right!?} for an all natural & local Hopdoddy Burger & a lil skinny dipping! 

A trip to Texas isn't complete without a little boot shopping, so we hit up the best of the best: Allens Boots .

Say what!? A TOMS Coffee Shop!? YES PLEASE!!! 

Coffee for me, water for all! 

And once again 7pm was quickly approaching, so we headed back to get ready for another night out on the town! 

Destination: The Driskill & Stubb's BBQ.

Travel Tip: The bikes were great for getting around during the daytime.  And while we felt safe to walk, most nights we used lyft to get downtown.  It was anywhere from $5-$6 each time. 

We started the night off at the historical Driskill Hotel for you guessed it, drinks, before the concert. {Are you sending a theme for the weekend yet!?}

As die hard Bachelor Fans, we couldn't pass up a selfie opportunity in front of The Dizzy Rooster, on our way to... 

Stubb's BBQ for the Josh Abbott Band, where we ended up viewing the show from the VIP section! It pays to act like you know what you're doing.  

Stay tuned for more ramblings about the sights, sounds, eats & drinks of Austin!

To be Continued...