Bianca & Chris
Things To Do
Rockin' R River Rides
If you’re staying in Austin a few days before or after the wedding, a day trip to New Braunfels to tube the river IS A MUST!! No matter what part of the river you pick to float, the experience is relaxing, beautiful and an insane amount of fun! (Floaters must be at least 6 yrs old and must know how to swim.)
Zilker Metropolitan Park
This Austin institution feels like home to Bianca because of the countless hours she has spent here throughout her life. Zilker is home to Barton Springs, various sports fields, ACL, Blues on the Green, part of the hike-and-bike trail, disc golf, a musical theater, among other treasures.
Barton Springs Municipal Pool
If you grew up in South Austin like Bianca did, you spent endless hours at Barton Springs. It’s a stunning natural pool measuring 3 acres(!) that is fed by an underground spring that keeps the pool a refreshing 68-70 degrees year-round. Barton Springs is a true Austin institution- both cool as hell and fun for the whole family! Barton Springs is in Zilker Park so you can enjoy two ATX jewels at the same time!
Austin Nature & Science Center
Friends with kids, this science museum is the coolest place! (It’s also a very cool place for childless peeps with a love of nature and a thirst for learning.) Bianca went to day camp here a couple of times and still loves the place 4 decades later!
Barton Creek Greenbelt
Austin hiking at its best! The Greenbelt stretches for miles and the shaded trail buffers the sounds of the city and the sun overhead so you feel like you’re exploring a jungle, not walking around 10 minutes from the city center. There’s also rock climbing, biking, a swimming hole (Campbell’s Hole), and boulder sun-bathing. Access points can offer ample or minimal parking, so do a little research about the best access point for you before driving over.
South Congress (SoCo) Shopping District
Because Bianca went to middle school on South Congress in the late 80’s (aka Old Austin- when the district spanned from a nudie theater to Guero’s), it’s hard for her to say “SoCo” without rolling her eyes. That being said, it’s still one of B’s favorite parts of town. Austin Motel, Amy’s Ice Cream, the Continental Club, Tesoro’s, Güero’s, Big Top Candy Shop, C-Boys Heart & Soul are some of Bianca’s Best Ofs. Don’t miss the photo op murals along the way!
Austin’s Bats!
Experiencing the show of Austin’s bats taking flight at dusk IS A MUST. It’s the epitome of the Austin-Weird Bianca loves most: In 1980 the Congress Bridge renovation made it into a perfect and gorgeous bat cave, so Austin rallied around the bats and now celebrates their nightly spectacle with crowds and applause! The website link explains the ins and outs of catching the bat show.
Sixth Street Historic District (Dirty 6th)
When Bianca worked her way through college bartending on Sixth Street, it was Austin’s primary destination for a party scene, the TX version of Bourbon Street. These days, the area has acquired the nickname “Dirty 6th” and Austin boasts district after district of party scenes. If you’re staying downtown, it’s literal stumbling distance from all the hotels and still offers great comedy clubs, Casino El Camino for excellent dive bar burgers, the iconic Driskill Hotel, and live music and liquor all over the place.
Live Music!
As the live music capitol of the world, you can find shows anytime! The Austin Chronicle has any info you need to find any genre of music, day and night.
The University of Texas at Austin
GO HORNS, GO! Bianca and Chris both went to UT and have a deep love for the Horns. Campus grounds house world class museums, DKR Stadium, the UT Tower and more. Bianca’s felt at home on campus since her dad regularly brought her to the student union for movies and live music back in the 80’s. Fun fact: Darden Smith noticed an 8 yr old Bianca reading a book by flashlight during his show at the Cactus Cafe and he had her move onto stage with him so she could read in better light.