Guest article by Amanda Tatom
There is no shortage of fun and unique things to do in Austin. My job as host of Studio512 has given me countless opportunities to try new places and amazing experiences.
The two biggest parts of my life are being a working woman and a mom of three girls. When the cameras aren’t rolling, I like to take my little ladies out for some fun and frolicking. Recently we’ve explored different places based on my girls’ individual personalities, ages and interests. Get ready to make some special memories of your own with these uniquely Austin mother-daughter date ideas!
Pedicures and Pops
My oldest daughter is 10. She’s still young enough to want to hang with mom, but old enough to explore her interests in fashion and beauty, and also learn to appreciate new foods and flavors.
Retreat Nail Bar
We love a good pedicure! It’s a great chance to sit still and catch up on what’s happening in 4th grade. After all, when you’re in the pedicure chair, you can’t get up and walk around–and why would you want to? Retreat Nail Bar is immaculate and luxurious, without being pretentious. Ahhhhh.
4615 N. Lamar Blvd. #300 – Website
Mary’s Pop Shop
We decided a sweet treat would be the perfect way to top off our outing, so we headed to Mary’s Pop Shop for their signature gelato pops. With a variety of mouth-watering flavors, including Cookie Butter and Pumpkin Spice, there’s something for all tastes.
Enjoy your pops while you gaze at all of the pictures of famous Marys hanging on the wall. (P.S. They welcome additions to the collection.)
3209 Red River Street – Website
Graffiti and Grub
My monkey in the middle is my free spirit and little hippie. Not long after we moved to Austin, we were driving around one Sunday and came over a hill. She looked out before us and said, “Momma, I just feel Austin in my heart!” She has definitely found her mother ship.
HOPE Outdoor Gallery
No better way to tap into her artsy individuality than by going to HOPE Outdoor Gallery for a painting party. Bring your own materials, then spray and brush to your heart’s content. It’s rare a child is encouraged to write on the walls and, believe me, they love it! So will you! After the masterpiece has been created, it’s a great spot for a photo op.
1101 Baylor Street – Facebook page
Fresa’s
All that creative energy can make a girl hungry. Head across the street to Fresa’s for unique Mexican street food. You can sit at the outdoor counter, taking in the scenery, while you munch on delicious tacos and to-die-for Brussels sprouts (kids even like ’em). The perfect end to an authentic Austin afternoon full of fun art and good taste.
915 N. Lamar Blvd. – Website
Slices and Sweets
Little Bit is a funny one. She’s just five, so she still takes in the world with wide-eyed wonder. At the same time, she has two older sisters, so she’s savvy and won’t be fooled into many “little kid” activities.
Home Slice Pizza
Home Slice is perfect for her. She digs being in that groovy, busy atmosphere that IS South Congress, but she also loves getting messy with the giant ball of dough they give kids before their meal. Actually getting to play with her food…and it’s okay? Yes, please! As a connoisseur of Caesar salads, she says Home Slice has the best. Then it’s time for some of the most delicious pizza around.
1415 S. Congress Ave. – Website
Big Top Candy Shop
Afterwards we head to Big Top Candy Shop for a careful perusal of amazing candy and confections. Little Bit makes out like a kid in a candy store.
1706 S. Congress Ave. – Facebook page
High Tea at TRIO
Getting all dressed up and doing something different is always a welcome change. High tea at TRIO at Four Seasons Hotel is a perfectly sophisticated–yet fun–experience that allows your kiddos to feel grown up while still enjoying finger foods and fantasy treats.
From lemon lavender to almond cookie (there’s even hot chocolate), each guest selects their own flavor served in an individual tea pot. Tiers of cucumber sandwiches and smoked salmon rosettes for the adults are joined with peanut butter and jelly, and ham and cheese, sandwiches for the younger ones.
Everyone is included when it comes to the scones, macaroons, miniature fruit tarts and tiny chocolate cakes. And the service is impeccable. The staff made my little ladies feel quite important and special, ensuring a perfect afternoon. Pinkies up!
98 San Jacinto Blvd. – Website
@theAustinot wants to know:
What is your favorite “little ladies” spot in Austin?
Amanda Tatom is the host of Austin lifestyle show Studio512, weekdays at 12:30 PM on KXAN. When she isn’t deciding which shoes to wear, she is thoroughly entertained by her three daughters and endlessly but joyfully trying to find balance between home and career. She seriously loves her job because it never allows her to take herself too seriously. Seriously.
Do you happen to know on average how much it costs for the High Tea at the Four Seasons hotel?
@KaylinVET:disqus, this page doesn’t have pricing, but it does have the menu and reservation number: http://www.fourseasons.com/austin/dining/lounges/lounge_menus/the_lobby_lounge_traditional_tea/.