Lindsey & Abe
Things To Do
South Congress
South Congress, near our hotel, is one of the can't-miss spots in Austin. There are tons of restaurants and quirky shops selling handmade or antique goods, and there are bustling flea markets held on the weekends. Güero's has great Tex-Mex, plus live music in an oak grove. Home Slice has the only good New York-style pizza in Austin. Also try Jo's Coffee, Amy's Ice Creams, and Hopdoddy for gourmet burgers.
Congress Bridge Bats
Walk a block from the hotel at dusk, and you'll see thousands of bats streaming out from under the bridge. We were enchanted by the horde of winged creatures the first time we visited Austin!
Hyde Park
This is our neighborhood! We love the historic homes, Hyde Park Grill fried chicken, Vino Vino happy hour, Quack's baked goods, Dolce Vita gelato. The Elisabet Ney Museum is a (free!) hidden gem in the sculptress's castle-like abode. On nearby Airport Blvd., you'll find Tyson's Tacos, Mrs. Johnson's Donuts, and the Coldtowne comedy theater.
Zilker Metropolitan Park
This "Central Park" of Austin is home to Barton Springs Pool, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden, kayak rentals, and plenty of outdoor summer arts events. You can also access the Greenbelt trailhead here -- a more rugged oasis for hiking.
The Continental Club
An integral part of the legendary live music scene. If Dale Watson is playing (and he frequently is), you're in for a treat.
Dai Due
We celebrated our sixth anniversary together here this past October. The restaurant-butcher shop offers a contemporary taste of Texas. The supper club menu is a splurge, but totally worth it.
Easy Tiger
You'll probably find yourself on "Dirty Sixth" at some point, so make it worth your while. This bakery/beergarden is a diamond in the rough. They serve up tasty pretzels and sausages in a lively outdoor space.
Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ
A little bit of a hike from downtown Austin, but well worth waiting in the hot July sun for melt-in-your-mouth brisket (served barbecue-style or in taco format).
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que Austin
We had our first taste of Texas barbecue here, and it still does not disappoint. So conveniently located!
Freedmen's
Freedmen's serves exquisite brisket, focaccia, and old fashioneds in a historic building. Their happy hour is one of the best in town, if you like whiskey and barbecue sandwiches.
Stay Gold
We came here on our first trip to Austin, and it's one of our favorite places to catch live music with no cover or crowds. There's (of course) a food trailer in the courtyard, and next door is the famed La Barbecue.
Fredericksburg
If you rent a car, you'll definitely want to drive out into the Hill Country to the southwest of Austin. Fredericksburg is an adorable German settlement in "wine country," where you can drink on the streets just like in the Old Country. You'll pass by plenty of wineries and breathtaking scenery along the way.
Lockhart
If you rent a car, drive about 30 miles southeast of Austin to this little town renowned for its barbecue. Our favorite is Kreuz Market for its brisket and sausage. Black's is another big name. There are some quaint antique stores that are worth a visit, too.
Lake Travis
The Oasis is a great spot for sunsets and live music under the stars. There are some "beaches" nearby, too.