Stefanie & Daniel
Things To Do
Congress Avenue Bridge Bats
Austin is famous for, among being weird, the 1.5 million large colony of bats that live under the congress avenue bridge. Seeing them leave the bridge area at sunset to feed is quite the sight. You can do this by standing on the bridge or by a river tour (we both highly recommend the boat) and November is still in season for them. https://do512family.com/guide-to-seeing-the-bats-in-austin/
Uchiko - Japanese Farmhouse Dining
Japanese Farm Table Small Plates - we went here on one of our first dates (along with seeing the bats!) and it is amazing. We highly recommend it. However, it is not cheap. Our favorites were the brussel sprouts and the nasu tempura.
Paddleboard or Kayak Ladybird Johnson Lake
Weather depending, this is South Texas it could be nearly snowy or it could be a lovely summer day in November, paddle boarding or kayaking Lady Bird Johnson Lake is very enjoyable and convenient. In the middle of downtown Austin there are several access sites to rent equipment and spend an hour or two in the exploring this area of the Colorado river with dense trees on either side, but also with views of downtown Austin. This is an area closed to motorists and the lake is all for paddlers and swimmers (we recommend more paddling than swimming). We also recommend groupon.
Cava - Eats
Delicious and much more affordable than Uchiko. Stefanie: Cava was one of my favorite places to eat in DC, and they haven't made it to San Antonio yet, but Austin is blessed with them! This place is like a Mediterranean Chipotle, except...their ingredient options include things like baby spinach, organic arugula, brocolli, brussel sprouts, and...so many flavorful green veggie options. Falafal, spicy lamb, braised beef, grilled chicken, eggplant, harissa, crazy feta (feta with olive oil and jalapenos), cucumber, mint, cauliflower, quinoa, and sriracha greek yogurt....obviously I really like this place. I even go here just to get a salad, and if you know me...that's saying a lot. I recommend looking at the menu prior to your visit, it can be overwhelming. My go to: supergreens, arugula, crazy feta & harissa (you get 3 scoops), spicy lamb, pita crisps, cucumber, quinoa, feta, cabbage, and top it with sriracha greek yogurt. Which is what is in the photo.
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Zilker Park is a 361-acre park nestled in the heart of downtown, right off Lady Bird Lake. The park was founded in 1917 and is home to picnic facilities, bike/canoe rentals, a disc golf course, a large playground for children, the Zilker Zephyr train and Barton Springs Pool, an urban oasis where swimmers plunge into 68-degree, spring-fed waters. The park is also the host to great events like the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Austin Kite Festival.
Texas State Capitol
Free tours, beautiful architecture, and history.
Barton Springs Bike Rental
If you know anything about Austin, you know that it's not fun to drive in. Bike rentals are available to explore Barton Springs park areas. We have never done this, but it looks like fun.