Austin, Texas: A Weekend in the Weird Capital

The laid-back city of Austin feels like a hipster oasis in the middle of the diverse Lone Star State. Popular streets lined with eclectic boutiques, live music venues, colorful murals, Tex-Mex restaurants, and bungalow bars draw in tourists from all over the United States. Even though sightings of cowboys and longhorns are rare, you'll undoubtedly come across curious characters to reinforce the cultural "Keep Austin Weird" slogan.

Brad and I lived in Austin for three years before moving to Galveston for a bit of salty air and seafood. While our local status was short-lived, we explored as much of downtown as possible to make the most of our new Southern home. Below I round up our top highlights and favorite eateries to help you plan an unforgettable weekend!

Brunch

The food portions in Austin are as big as a ten-gallon hat! Grab a partner and split a hearty plate of chicken enchiladas smothered with vibrant tomatillo sauce and melty cheese at Juan in a Million. This no-frills Tex-Mex joint has been serving classic recipes since 1980. Prefer a spicy kick with a touch of sweetness? The made-to-order fried chicken buttermilk biscuits at Bird Bird Biscuit are the definition of country cooking. Try the Queen Beak with drizzles of black pepper honey and bacon-infused chipotle mayo. Wash either meal down with a crisp Dr Pepper or sparkling Topo Chico for the full ATX experience.

Lady Bird Lake

Check out the greener side of Austin with a walk, jog, or bike ride along the gravel paths on both sides of Lady Bird Lake (Colorado River). The reservoir bisects the city and beautifully contrasts with the glittering skyline. Keep an eye out for monk parakeets, small lizards, and sunbathing turtles. This refreshing playground is a treasured area for locals, especially on weekends. Fill a cooler with some drinks and snacks before renting a stand-up paddleboard or kayak from the Texas Rowing Center for a few hours.

Beat the sweltering summer heat by making a splash at the nearby Barton Springs Pool! This natural swimming hole is fed by underground springs and maintains a crisp average temperature of 69°F. Soak up some Vitamin D with a towel on the grass, read a book under a shady tree, or listen to a relaxing playlist in between dips. Opening hours are Friday-Wednesday, 5:00 AM-10:00 PM, and tickets cost $9 USD for non-residents.

South Congress Avenue

Looking for the perfect souvenir? Pick out a tie-dye t-shirt at Prima Dora or find a pair of leather cowboy boots at Allens Boots on the most touristy street in Austin! South Congress Avenue (SoCo) has a variety of vintage shops, tasty restaurants, retro signs, and boutique hotels. Order an Iced Turbo (creamy coffee with chocolate and hazelnut flavors) at Jo's Coffee and take a picture in front of its iconic "i love you so much" mural. Devour a massive taco at Torchy's Tacos or messy donut at Gourdough's if you need a snack after all of the shopping.

Texas State Capitol

Built during the 1880s, the Texas State Capitol features a red granite façade, impressive rotunda with dome, and portraits of state officials. Wander the manicured grounds to admire dynamic bronze statues and monuments commemorating historic figures and events. Free guided tours are available Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM-4:15 PM, and Sunday, 12:00-4:15 PM.

BBQ

Roll up your sleeves and keep a stack of napkins within reach whenever you dig into a platter of Texas BBQ! Salt and pepper dry rubs, low and slow techniques, smoky aromas of oak and mesquite, and cuts of prime beef take center stage. Each pitmaster has his/her own signature style, secret preparation, and claim to fame. While we still mourn the melt-in-your-mouth brisket tacos at Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ (permanently closed), legendary spots remain such as Franklin Barbecue, Black's Barbecue, and The Salt Lick BBQ.

Downtown

Make your way to the heart of downtown, which transforms every March into the global stage for South by Southwest (SXSW). Watch a music performance at Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater, reminisce about your childhood at the Texas Toy Museum and Arcade, or check out oddities at the Museum of the Weird. For a touch of Texas luxury, find a leather chair at the bar inside of The Driskill hotel and order a classic Gold Rush cocktail made with bourbon, honey, and lemon.

Sixth Street (Dirty Sixth) is the epicenter of rowdy nightlife in Austin with boisterous patrons, dive bars, and rooftop patios. If you want to avoid the college crowds, opt for a masterfully crafted cocktail at The Roosevelt Room in the Warehouse District. The small renovated bungalows along Rainey Street serve up creative concoctions in backyards and porches lit by glowing string lights. Play a round of cornhole, listen to local bands, share some laughs, and order a snack from one of the many food trucks. Don't miss a round at the Parlor Room, Lucille Patio Lounge, or Half Step!

Mozart's Coffee Roasters

Nurse a morning hangover or jumpstart an afternoon slump with a caffeine fix and homemade pastry at Mozart's Coffee Roasters. This idyllic café on Lake Austin has a multi-level deck with towering trees, picnic tables, and festive decorations. My guilty pleasure was the pistachio cannoli, but savory quiches and breakfast tacos are also available. It's a relaxing place to meet up with friends, enjoy live music, or get some work done while watching the turtles and ducks.

Bats of Congress Avenue Bridge

Perhaps the weirdest activity you can do in Austin is watch a swarm of Mexican Free-tailed Bats spiral into the night sky. The expansion cracks of the Congress Avenue Bridge create an urban habitat for approximately 1.5 million bats. This slightly smelly tradition happens every evening at dusk between March-November. Join other spectators on the bridge, claim a spot on the banks of Lady Bird Lake, paddle out on a kayak, or board an eco-friendly Capital Cruises boat. This one-of-a-kind sight is truly remarkable!

Chuy's

Sizzling chicken fajitas with all of the fixins, fluffy hand-pressed tortillas, bottomless baskets of crunchy chips with zesty salsa, and tangy lime margaritas await at Chuy's. This consistent Tex-Mex chain has generous portions, friendly service, and a funky atmosphere with hubcaps and wooden fish on the ceiling. Brad and I often daydream about the creamy jalapeño ranch, a sinful dipping sauce that is delicious on just about everything on the menu!

Final Thoughts

Austin is a progressive and growing capital that somehow continues to hold onto its signature small-town vibe. Pockets of walkable neighborhoods surrounding Lady Bird Lake are full of quirky attractions, casual eateries, and upbeat energy. Whether you want to kick back outside with a cold beer while listening to live country tunes, hunt for the tenderest slice of BBQ brisket, or embrace the weird side, this city is sure to deliver a weekend to remember. So giddy up and make a plan to visit this entertaining destination!