On our second installment of all things Austin, we decided to compile a list of places that are much more local. Don't get us wrong, if you've read our last post, the Must-Do list for first timers, we certainly visit those places frequently. However, this list consists of things that cater more to the residents of Austin. Anyone can partake, so read on and explore some of the events Austinite's usually explore. Like we said last week, Austin is growing. The growth is bringing big changes and new things to the city, like the Formula1 race track. However, some things are still cherished by locals as well as the newbies, like the Greenbelt and trusted watering holes around town. Below is our list of more unique and local spots to experience when you're in Austin. 1. Staying Cool During the Texas Summers - our summers here are long and hot. One of our favorite places to cool off at is Barton Springs Pool. The pool is technically a channel of the Barton Creek. The city dammed it off, put concrete walls and sidewalks around the creek bed, and instantly created a popular swimming hole that many locals cool off at year round. And cool off you will! Because it's spring-fed, Barton Springs stays a refreshing 68 degrees. One dip in there will keep you cool for the day. Another favorite watering hole is Deep Eddy Pool. Much more on the traditional side, Deep Eddy looks like a long lap pool but it's water is also spring-fed from the Colorado river via a man-made well that brings in the water. Just like Barton Springs, the water is cold, usually around 70 degrees but can increase in temperature because there isn't a current constantly pushing new water through it. 2. Conquering Texas BBQ - There is no shortage of smoked meats in Austin, but finding the perfect purveyor of delicious barbecue has been a never ending quest for us since we moved here. In our previous post, we mentioned two spots to stop for some good BB'cue, Lambert's and Rudy's. The best thing about these places are that they will have food for you no matter what time you stop by, that won't be true of our all time favorite joints. If you've heard one name in Austin barbecue, I'd wager its Franklin's. This restaurant has enjoyed national attention in the form of commercials and usually ranks number one in top lists. Don't be fooled, this place is good but it's not Austin's finest and is heavily supported by tourists who believe they are getting the best in town. Let me share a little secret, it's called La Barbecue. Not L.A. Barbecue, but La as in Fa La La La Barbecue. This brisket is stupid delicious, fall apart tender, and covered in a black pepper infused rub that makes getting up early and standing in line all worth it. If the line turns you off, I recommend following La Barbecue on Twitter and waiting 'til they inform you when the line's died down and the food is waiting. Our second favorite barbecue trailer, yes both are trailers, is Micklethwaits (and the 'th' is silent). These guys know their sausage with 3 unique options that rotate daily and beef ribs that would make Fred Flintstone jealous. This place is usually a little less packed than La and if you get their right at 11 when they start slicing the meats, you should be able to snag yourself some of Austin's best, and I mean life changing best, barbecue. 3. Enjoying Some Free Music - we have self-proclaimed ourselves as the Live Music Capital of the World. There are several bars and venues in Austin that offer cheap or even free concert tickets, you just have to know when and where to go. The Saxon pub, Continental Club, and the Elephant room are all great options for free or low cover concerts, Stubbs on 8th offers a gospel brunch every Sunday morning/afternoon, and simply walking down 6th street you will hear musicians playing covers of rock and blues favorites. If you are here for SXSW (early March), the city hosts live concerts at Auditorium Shores, just make sure and get a free wristband from a local vendor around town (the list changes every year and is found on the SXSW website). If you are here anytime during the summer, check out KGSR's concert series, Blues on the Green. It used to be a bi-weekly Wednesday night concert series that took place in Zilker park. This year, they changed it to just once a month from May-August. Regardless of the reduced amount of concerts, it's still a blast to go picnic down at the park and then listen to some awesome free music from some of Texas' favorite musicians. There are also local food vendors selling great snacks and drinks but bringing food is allowed, just no alcohol. Check out the KGSR website for the list of dates and artists playing. 4. Partaking in First Thursdays - if you are lucky enough to be in town for the first Thursday of the month, head down to South Congress and check out the local vendors and artists selling anything and everything from jewelry to soaps and clothing. South Congress shops usually close early but every First Thursday, they stay open late so don't forget to stop in. Many stores will have specials and sales while restaurants and bars will sometimes have free samples. The hardest part of First Thursday is always the parking. We'd suggest parking in one of the out-skirting neighborhoods of south congress and walking. It'll be easier to get in and out on foot then in the car. 5. Eating from a Food Truck - this probably should have made the list for first timers but... What can ya do? We have an abundance of food trucks and trailers that have put themselves in such high demand that they now have brick and mortars. The food trucks around town have some amazing food being cooked up inside so make sure and hit one of the trailer foodcourts to get local favorites and popular newcomers as well. A few of our favorites are South Austin Trailer Park and Eatery which houses the original Torchy's Tacos, The Picnic (formerly Barton Springs Food Cart) with some yummy bites from Mighty Cone and Hey!...You Gonna Eat or What?, who won a food truck award for their Monte Cristo sandwich, and finally East 7th Eats with our favorite food trailer in town, Baton Creole.
These are some of our monthly spots to hang at around town. If you are planning on making a trip to Austin, comment below or email us with any questions about the city. Until Next Time, C + D
1 Comment
1/9/2023 11:14:14 am
100 tl deneme bonusu veren siteleri öğrenmek istiyorsan tıkla.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorChase & Dani here, providing Categories
All
Archives
April 2024
|