Kelsie & JJ
Things To Do
Bat Boat Cruise: Lonestar River Boats -or- Capital Cruises
Our #1 Activity Recommendation. Take a boat cruise and see the bats (yes, you read that right: BATS) who live in Downtown Austin. Tickets are $12. Book early because they sell out. Pro tips: the cruise is BYOB and get there early for seats together!
Hike and Swim the Greenbelt
Hike Austin's famous Barton Creek Greenbelt. It offers miles of trails along the creek with multiple swimming holes and waterfalls (e.g. Sculpture Falls and Twin Falls) if you want to cool off! Bring your own water or adult beverage of your choice but be sure to pick up after yourself to preserve this special place :) It also can tend to dry up depending on how much rain we've gotten so check ahead of time.
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Actually, this museum is cool and also right downtown. We learned so much about the Lone Star's state history, you might need to call us Texas Natives (jk... California for life)
Barton Springs Pool
A classic Austin activity if the weather is hot. The man-made pool is a three acre controlled reservoir, fed by a natural spring that keeps the water at a cool 68 degrees temperature. **Pro Tips: It is CASH ONLY. Bring your cash beforehand or else be prepared to wait in line for the ATM machine. They are also VERY strict about outside food and beverages (one of the only places that has this rule).
Stroll around South Congress Avenue
With the Capital building's rotunda towering in the distance, take a tour of one of Austin's most famous and lively streets, South Congress Avenue (SoCo for short). SoCo offers tons of options: Grab a bite at Home Slice Pizza, see a show late night at The Continental Club (bring cash for the cover charge), shop at top designer boutiques and local vintage stores, or stop in at Jo's for a coffee and take a pic at their famous "I love you so much" sign.
Paddleboard or Kayak Ladybird Lake
Take in the beautiful city views from the water. Does it get better than that? Rent a kayak or paddleboard to venture up and down Ladybird Lake and check out the different bridges, creeks, and backdrops. Just don't ask JJ to paddleboard with you :)
Peter Pan Mini-Golf
In the mood for some old-school put put? Head over to "Peter Pan Mini Golf" aka the place where Kelsie scored two hole-in-ones (and who said she wasn't sporty?) It's also BYOB.
Smoothies at JuiceLand + Walk around Lady Bird Lake
Looking for a healthy boost after all of your taco consumption? Head over to one of our favorite smoothie shops, "JuiceLand" to detox before you re-tox. Make sure you go to their Barton Springs location because you can grab a smoothie and then hit the trail for a breezy walk around Lady Bird Lake.
Breakfast Tacos (many locations)
Breakfast Tacos are an absolute Austin staple and make up most of our diet. 1) Maria’s Taco Express - Casual. Some of our favorite tacos in town. The funky feng shui definitely keeps Austin weird. It was featured on the infamous "Diners Drivers and Dives" featuring the one and only Mr. Guy Fieri. 2) Torchy’s --- They have both truck and brick&mortar locations all over town. Order the Dirty Sanchez. Weird we know but It’s a great breakfast taco. 2) Veracruz all natural -- a couple food trucks sprinkled around town. They can have a serious wait unless you’re there early. An absolute dynamite taco truck though. 3) Tacodeli 5) El chilito 6) Fresas
Uchi / Uchiko
By far, our hands down, number one spot in Austin. I know what you're thinking: "sushi in Texas?? NO THANK YOU" but trust us, it's the best. The price tag is worth it if you can swing it. Get a rez asap for dinner. Otherwise, you can try and walk in for their Happy Hour. If Uchi is booked, try their sister restaurant "Uchiko" -- equally as good but just a little further from downtown. If you really want the full dining experience just tell the waiter: "feed us" and they'll take care of the rest.
Irene’s
Do you like a casual, but also insta-worthy lunch or brunch spot? Then you'll love Irene's. Don't forget to try the biscuits. Saturday and Sunday is: "Rose all day" You don't really need a rez here---we walk in all the time!
ATX Cocina
Walking distance from the JW, this spot has a fun atmosphere, and a fun take on Mexican Food in Downtown Austin.
Suerte
Get a rez. A great, fun dinner option if you're planning on staying out on East 6th for the evening, Suerte offers a funky menu with a cool vibe. Big pro tip: if you're going with a group, get more orders of the "Suadero Tacos" than you think you need.
Red Ash
Walking distance from the JW and Aloft. Amazing Italian Food in a cool, downtown, airy spot. Get a Rez ASAP if you'd like to dine here.
Swift's Attic
Walking distance from the JW and Aloft, this hip joint is ideal for smaller parties. Get the edamame pop rocks for a fun appetizer you can't get anywhere else. If you want to make a night of it, head to Swift's Attic for dinner first and then either downstairs to Elephant Room or across the street(ish) to Parker Jazz Club for a night of live music.
Comedor
Bone Marrow Tacos? Cool architecture? Good drinks? We say "yes" to all of them! If you like to say "oh, this is different" when you look at a menu then this brand new restaurant is for you. Walking distance from both Aloft and the JW.
Terry Black's Barbecue
You’ll probably smell this local landmark before you can see it. Coming from one of the most famous barbecue families, Terry Black’s definitely delivers the Texas barbecue experience you can only get in the Lone Star state. Pro tip: be wary of the line at peak dining times.
La Barbecue
La Barbecue is consistently ranked among the top BBQ joints in Texas. Hailing from some of the most famous pitmaster lineage in the state, there’s no doubt you’ll be satisfied when your finished. Pro tip: you can order online ahead of time at least 3 days in advance to skip the line.
Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden
A 15-20 minute walk from the JW and Aloft. This is a casual picnic table lunch and brunch spot with LOTS of beers on tap. They do not take reservations so get there before noon to avoid the rush.
Rainey Street Historic District (many bars)
Good for parents, 20-somethings, and 30-somethings. Rainey street is a very "uniquely Austin" spot. As far as specific recommendations go? All the bars are awesome but the biggest pro-tip is: avoid any bar with a line. Especially Container Bar (do not go to container bar).
Blind Pig Pub (located on "Dirty 6th")
Where the two of us met when we were 22(ish). Enter if you dare!! The Blind Pig is on the famous Austin Strip that locals call "Dirty 6th" aka "Dirty" for short. One step onto this street and you'll see why. Maybe not the most romantic place to meet, but 5+ years later look at us now!
East Austin (many bars)
Another cluster of bars, East 6th is home to the more "hipster-y" part of town. A more cool, and funky vibe, it's where you'll find most locals on a Friday/Saturday night. But don't let the "cool" vibe fool you, East has some of our favorite spots. Try "Shangri-La" if you want to play some pool, "White Horse" if you feel like dancing, "Whisler's" for a great cocktail, "Stay Gold" if you want some live music, or honestly any of the bars on East.
West 6th Street (many bars)
And yet, another strip of bars. West 6th is home to the post-college, post-frat crowd. While we have moved away from journeying to "West" every weekend, we still like: "Rustic Tap" for the live music and a country feel, "The Cat's Pajamas" for their Tiki-style decor, and "Dirty Bills" because we love a good dive bar. Is Dirty Bills packed? Head over to "Stereotype" for a nostalgic night at this 90's themed bar. AVOID: Lux, Pop, and Concrete Cowboy.
Ego's
Do you like Karaoke? Do you like Dive Bars with pool tables? Do you like a mean wait staff? Then you'll love this place. Just over the Congress bridge and tucked cozily behind a gas station, Ego's offers a dive bar like no other. JJ and I have sung our share of "Country Roads" here. Pro tip: get there around 9 if you want to have a chance at going on stage -- the line can get crazy. Pro tip #2: they don't have cell reception in there so plan your night accordingly.