Claire & Tyler
Things To Do
Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
In the heart of Austin is the Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake. The trail follows the water’s edge and passes by skyscrapers, neighborhoods, and more. With more than 2.6 million visits a year, the 10-mile trail is Austin’s most recognized and popular recreational area. There are multiple locations to access the trail (Austin High School, ZACH Theatre, Auditorium Shores, and more) with several points to cross the lake to create smaller loops. You can also always double-back! We recommend going for a morning walk with a coffee or smoothie in-hand from any number of close by spots (Jo's, Carpenter's Hall, Juiceland, and more)!
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Nextdoor to Barton Springs is the crown jewel of Austin's park system, Zilker Metropolitan Park. You can easily access Zilker from the hike and bike trail. There are lots of nearby coffee and breakfast taco shops if you want to make a morning of it! Zilker is Austin's oldest metropolitan park and is located at the juncture of Barton Creek and Lady Bird Lake. It comprises more than 350 acres of publicly owned land. The park is named after Andrew Jackson Zilker who donated parcels of land to the city starting in 1917.
Barton Springs
Check out one of Austin's natural springs pools! Barton Springs is located close to the heart of downtown with lots of restaurants and bars close by. Over the years, Barton Springs Pool has drawn people from all walks of life, from legislators who have concocted state laws there to free-spirited, topless sunbathers who turned heads in the 1970s. Robert Redford learned to swim at the pool when he was five years old while visiting family in Austin. The pool range from 0’ to 18' with surrounding grassy areas to lounge.
Fonda San Miguel
When Fonda opened in 1975, it became the first restaurant in Texas to focus exclusively on authentic regional Mexican cuisine from Mexico’s interior culinary epicenters: Oaxaca, Puebla, Veracruz and Yucatan. The restaurant also features a carefully curated collection of museum-quality artwork, exotic plants and international décor. Fonda San Miguel is one of our favorites in Austin, and where we took our engagement pictures! Many a graduation, birthday, anniversary, and more have been celebrated here with both our families. We very much recommend making a reservation in advance. If you don't have a reservation, you may be able to snag one of the cocktail tables in the front atrium area, which has access to the full bar and restaurant menu!
Matt's El Rancho
Matt and his wife Janie opened El Rancho in 1952 on East 1st Street in downtown Austin with no employees and seating for 40. Matt worked the front of the house and Janie made everything from scratch in the kitchen. Today the South Lamar restaurant seats more than 500. Matt's El Rancho still makes everything from scratch. Matt's is famous for their Knock Out Mexican Martinis and Margaritas. We recommend starting with their queso (order a Large Bob to sound like a local) and their Asadero or Grilled Fish Tacos, Quesadillas or Fajitas. Matt's is always busy - especially on Friday nights! Don't be afraid if a long wait time is quoted. It's never as long as they say, and you can visit one of their two bars to grab a margarita while you wait.
Flo’s Wine Bar and Bottle Shop
A new favorite , Flo's is a wine bar and bottle shop. Flo's has an attached pizzeria, Allday, that makes some of our absolute favorite pizza in town! And don't miss the Caesar salad! On a gorgeous day, their patio with a glass of wine and a slice of pizza can't be beat.
Ski Shores Cafe
Ski Shores Cafe on Lake Austin was founded in 1954 as a hamburger joint and watering hole on the “beach” with 25 cent beers for water skiers who ventured far up the lake. For over 60 years, Ski Shores Cafe has been a landmark lakefront destination known for its laid-back vibe, family-friendly fun, griddled burgers and fried catfish. Under MML Hospitality, the revamped destination cafe celebrates the history, spirit, and charm of the legendary lakeside spot while introducing property-wide design updates and a new, refreshed menu. Open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week, and breakfast on the weekend. It's a bit of a drive unless you're going by water, but on a pretty day, it's well worth it!
Texas Chili Parlor
Famous for their margaritas and chili, this is an Austin classic that also happens to be where Rich and Cheryl, Claire's mom and dad, had their first date. Texas Chili Parlor's history dates back to its inception in 1976. Founded by Scott Zublin, this celebrated eatery has become a staple in the Austin dining scene.
Güero's Taco Bar
Güero’s Taco Bar is a vibrant part of South Austin. The bar will remind you of the great old cantinas you have visited in Mexico. If you’re looking for interior Mexican food with a hint of Tex-Mex you are in the right spot! You can get everything from handmade corn tortillas and Mole to authentic Tacos al Pastor. Don’t worry if there’s a wait, you can enjoy live music, full bar and appetizers in the Oak Garden (Wednesday-Sunday). Fun fact, this is where Cheryl came with friends for breakfast tacos when pregnant with Claire after walking Town Lake.
Micklethwait Barbecue & Catering
Founded in 2012 by Austin-born chef and pit-master Tom Micklethwait (the “th” is silent), Micklethwait offers oak-fired Central Texas barbecue, made-from-scratch sides, and fresh baked goods, nestled in the heart of East Austin. From humble beginnings as a startup food truck, Micklethwait Craft Meats quickly rose to national prominence as revered food media and local diners took notice of Tom’s exceptionally prepared craft barbecue. Within a few short years, Micklethwait was named to the coveted Texas Monthly list of the “Ten Best BBQ Joints in Texas” and featured in the pages of Food & Wine, New York Times, Southern Living, Wall Street Journal and many more.
Bartlett's Restaurant
Grab a bite to eat where Tyler's parent's Terry and Stacey got engaged! Tim Bartlett came to Austin in 1990 and took ownership of Austin’s Houston’s on Anderson Lane, changing the name in 2010 to his own. Bartlett’s uses top quality meats, seafood, vegetables, and cheeses; grinds fresh chuck for burgers; and make their own soups, buttermilk ciabatta, mustard, and pickle relish. Wine Spectator has also recognized them with an Award of Excellence.
KG BBQ
Many people describe their introductory Texas barbecue experience as "life-changing," but few have the receipts to show for it. For KG, however, that first bite of brisket spurred a move across the globe that set him on an entirely new career path." Leaving behind a corporate finance career in Cairo, KG moved to Austin, Texas in 2016 to follow his passion for BBQ and smoking meats. After graduating from culinary school and learning from the best pit masters in Austin, KG is here to bring the flavors of Egypt and the Middle East to our beloved Texas BBQ.
Lazarus Brewing Co.
Grab a beer where Tyler planned our surprise engagement party! Lazarus is an award winning brewpub founded on Christmas Eve, 2016. They serve beer, wine, coffee, tacos, and a handful of snacks. They're located on a busy section of East 6th street with lots of other great bars and restaurants nearby. We recommend making an afternoon or evening of it by stopping by other close favorites like Licha's, Whisler's, Suerte, or Daydreamer.
Equipment Room
Located in the old equipment room beneath the Hotel Magdalena on Music Lane. Here you will find an intimate space that houses one of Austin’s most special record collections played on custom vintage hi-fi equipment. Blending Japanese Jazz Kissa culture with our Texas take – Equipment Room feels like a wholly new, yet very familiar experience. Whether you come to listen to our collection, or for the cocktails, food and conversation – all are welcome at Equipment Room. Reservations encouraged.
Armadillo Den
Armadillo Den is a neighborhood bar and entertainment concept that opened in the emerging area of South Manchaca in Austin, Texas in December of 2020. Located on three acres, the property boasts a two-story, 8,250 square-foot structure complete with two thoughtfully designed bars with 18+ draft beers, a full bar selection, and four rotating mocktails, an indoor stage, as well as ample options for event rentals. With an outdoor entertainment area and forthcoming outdoor stage, satellite bars, food from beloved Austin food trucks Ranch Hand and Pueblo Viejo, and live music seven nights a week, Armadillo Den is a staple for locals and visitors alike.
Draught House Pub & Brewery
Wayne Overton and his wife Gay managed The Tavern (another Austin bar) before they built the Draught House. To build the Draught House, a home was demolished and a cellar dug for beer. A hand built bar, tables, and chairs were added to the Tudor/Bavarian structure. Exposed cedar beams and wainscoting finished out the rustic “Texas meets the Old Country” pub. Wayne placed eighteen beer towers on the bar top and opened the doors on June 30th, 1969. For 25 years, the Overtons ran what was likely the best place in Texas to drink draught beer. Josh Wilson now operates the pub, personally brewing hundreds of barrels of beer per year and curating the guest taps. “Unprocessed” would describe his philosophy toward making beer. All of the beers are unfiltered and no clarifying agents are used. Our beers are fresh, clean and hoppy in the way that only brewpubs can make them.
The Continental Club
The historic Austin live music destination first opened its doors in 1955 as a swanky private supper club, but in the decades since, it's become a mecca for roots, rockabilly, country, swing, rock and blues music every night of the week. The classic neon sign flashing above the entrance is a landmark on South Congress.
Saxon Pub
Opened in 1990, the Saxon has hosted well over 30,000 musical performances. It has been the location for films, videos, and countless live recordings. On any given night you might see a celebrity from the film or music industry having a beer or sitting in on stage jamming with the locals. This award-winning listening room has helped launch the careers of several prominent entertainers. It is also known for booking some of the greatest music legends around, performing in an intimate atmosphere that Kris Kristofferson likened to “playing in his own living room.” Whether it’s one of the incredible free weekday happy hour shows, a weekend matinee or a late night performance by the next big thing, join us and find out why we are Austin’s choice for live music!
Studtman Photo Service
Studtman Photo Service was the photography shop that Tyler's great grandparents and grandparents built in Austin. They sold and repaired equipment, and took and made photographs. While it's no longer here today, their long time Austin business stood on the exact land that the AT&T Conference Center & Hotel now sits where Claire and Tyler will be married.
i love you so much Mural
In 2010, local musician Amy Cook took a can of red spray paint to write a beautiful and simply scripted love letter to her partner Liz Lambert, majority owner at Jo's. With the already high foot traffic at the location, an immediate influx of people sought out the wall, taking photos with friends and lovers alike.
Mount Bonnell
Located in Covert Park, Mount Bonnell is one of the highest points in Austin at 781 feet. The peak is named for George Bonnell, who served as Commissioner of Indian Affairs for the Texas Republic. The overlook of downtown and the 360 Bridge is more of a tourist destination than a workout and is a great hot spot for picture-taking When you reach the top of the 102-stair climb, you can rest at the view deck and pavilion before making your way back down.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
The University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center uses native plants to restore and create sustainable, beautiful landscapes. We carry out our mission to inspire the conservation of native plants through our gardens, research, education, and outreach programs. In doing so, we improve water quality, provide habitat for wildlife, and enhance human health and happiness. In 2017, we were officially designated the Botanic Garden and Arboretum of Texas. The Center’s 284 acres are a mix of cultivated gardens, an arboretum, managed natural areas and wildlands that straddle the Edwards Plateau and Texas Blackland Prairies ecoregions. Our landscapes and buildings reflect our purpose to conserve native plants, create sustainable landscapes and conserve resources.
Blanton Museum of Art
Founded in 1963, the Blanton Museum of Art holds the largest public collection in Central Texas with more than 21,000 objects. Recognized as the home of Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin, its major collecting areas are modern and contemporary American and Latin American art, Italian Renaissance and Baroque paintings, and prints and drawings.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
The Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum, stylized as the UMLAUF, is a museum and outdoor sculpture garden centered on the artistic works of American sculptor Charles Umlauf. Located in the Zilker neighborhood of Austin, Texas, the garden is adjacent to Zilker Park. In 1985, Charles and Angeline Umlauf donated their home, studio, and 168 Umlauf sculptures to the City of Austin. Six years later, in 1991, the City built a museum to display the artwork on adjoining city property with private funds. The Museum maintains a seasonal schedule including exhibitions of Charles Umlauf and his twentieth century peers and contemporary art exhibitions.
Texas State Capitol
Occupying 22 acres on a hilltop in the center of downtown, the Texas State Capitol is comprised of two three-story wings flanking a central four-story volume capped by a 60-foot-wide cast-iron dome. Upon its completion, the Capitol was touted as the seventh largest building in the world; today it remains the largest (though not the tallest) state capitol in the United States. The Capitol is surrounded by landscaped grounds filled with monuments to Texas history; wander up the oak-shaded promenade to the grand four-story front porch. Passing through a hall of iron columns with Corinthian capitals, you will arrive at the central rotunda, which is actually the inner layer of a “double dome” structure fabricated in Belgium. If you happen to overhear a snippet of conversation, you’re not hallucinating; the rotunda’s shape creates a “whispering gallery,” a phenomenon in which faint sounds echoing across the dome may be heard on the opposite side.
LBJ Presidential Library
Situated on a 30-acre site on The University of Texas campus in Austin, Texas, the Library houses 45 million pages of historical documents, 650,000 photos, and 5,000 hours of recordings from President Johnson's political career, including about 643 hours of his recorded telephone conversations. The museum collection contains more than 54,000 objects donated by the President and Mrs. Johnson, their family, close friends, associates, and the American people. The collection is very diverse and includes objects ranging from Middle Eastern antiquities and coins to postage stamps to Oval Office furniture. The art collection ranges from drawings by schoolchildren to masterpieces by such renowned artists as Americans Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, and Winslow Homer, and Diego Rivera.
Harry Ransom Center
The Ransom Center is an internationally renowned humanities research center at The University of Texas at Austin. Our extensive collections provide unique insight into the creative process of some of our finest writers and artists, deepening the understanding and appreciation of literature, photography, film, art, and the performing arts. The collections include nearly 1 million books, more than 42 million manuscripts, 5 million photographs, and 100,000 works of art. Highlights include Robert De Niro's archive of scripts, notes, costumes, and props; the earliest known extant photograph made with the aid of the camera obscura; original works by Frida Kahlo, including her iconic self-portrait with thorn necklace and hummingbird; some of Albert Einstein's unpublished notes and calculations for his work on general relativity; and one of only 20 complete copies of the Gutenberg Bible in the world.