Discover the Best Things to Do in Austin, Food & Drink deals and more!
Though they’re overlooked in the bakery case, in favor of trendier desserts, there are few things as transcendent as warm-from-the-oven chocolate chip cookies. One bite into a perfectly baked, handcrafted cookie, and it’s obvious why this humble dessert is an American classic.
Armed with a giant glass of milk and a deep love for all things sweet, I uncovered a few Austin bakeries that have been churning out these swoon-worthy cookies by the dozen, some for decades.
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So many soups, so little time (Credit: Favordelivery.com)
Austin lucks out this time of year in terms of weather. Our porches and patio spaces remain vibrant meeting places, even through the winter months. As I wrap my scarf around my neck, I relish the excuse to indulge in my favorite decadent, warming soups. Whether it’s a spicy posole or nutritious chicken broth ramen, these seven Austin soups make the chilly evenings feel that much cozier and delicious.
Have you ever found yourself at the south end of Lamar, perplexed at the inexplicable change in scenery, suddenly surrounded by trees, walking trails and wider streets? Yeah, me too. Chances are, you have come upon the city of Sunset Valley. This tiny, eclectic city within a city is sandwiched between Westgate, Brodie Lane and Jones Road.
For those who have found themselves wondering what unexpected Bermuda Triangle of gravel trails, wide roads and tree-canopied streets they have come upon, fear not! This one-square-mile city south of downtown Austin packs a punch as a satisfying destination for a laundry list of adventures. [Read more…]
Credit: soultga via sxc.hu
I love the holidays in Austin. This is the time of year that locals bask in the mild weather, enjoying unparalleled nightlife minus the frostbite, while the rest of the country hunkers down and endures another snowy winter.
What better way to celebrate this amazing time of year than with some incredible, can-only-happen-here holiday events? These are my favorite picks for getting into the festive spirit this season. [Read more…]
Wall of handcrafted art at Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Marchesa Hall hosts this sprawling bazaar
After the turkey has settled and the pumpkin spice lattes have transitioned to frothy peppermint mochas, grab your wallet and reusable tote bags because it’s holiday craft fair season until we land with a thud in 2016.
Austin hosts a range of fairs in November and December, but if you’re looking to score that neon dinosaur planter or Velvet Underground vinyl record wall clock at 9 p.m. on a Tuesday night, I recommend you make your way to North Austin for one of Austin’s longest-running craft shows, Blue Genie Art Bazaar. [Read more…]
Combozola Black with Sweet Onion Jam and Saba at Driskill Grill. (Credit: Susannah Haddad)
Roll up to The Driskill Hotel and try not to feel giddy. I dare you.
Located smack in the heart of downtown, this stately, behemoth of a hotel woos even the most cynical hipsters among us. The Driskill is the luxe southern darling here in the Capitol City, and the Driskill Grill is its culinary heartbeat. [Read more…]
Discussion before dinner in the dark during The Blind Cafe (Credit: The Blind Cafe)
Standing outside the American Legion, watching the sun set against a showy peach sky, I am equal parts hungry and excited. I have arrived with fifty other Austinites for a multi-sensory pop-up dinner at The Blind Cafe.
I have to admit I’m just a bit nervous, though. I eye my plus one, Lisa, secretly praying she’s excited and not about to bail before we head in. Our chef-prepared vegetarian feast, complete with an after-dinner concert and discussion is going to be amazing, but it will be enjoyed in utter, complete darkness.
The Blind Cafe facilitates unique, pop-up dinner events across the United States that promote positive social change and host legally blind keynote speakers. What that means is that dinner guests are guided by blind waitstaff into a pitch dark dining room where tables of six to eight people sit together. There they enjoy dinner, listen to gorgeously curated live music, ask questions about what it’s like to be blind and listen to the experiences of the blind facilitators hosting the event. All of this in the dark without a single glimmer of light or distraction. [Read more…]
Stroll through The Great Outdoors and prepare to be inspired (Credit: Susannah Haddad)
You’d have to be buried under a rock not to notice the shift in temperature this week. The cool morning air and luminous afternoon light has arrived in Austin, making this the perfect time to dig into fall rituals.
In addition to breezy scarves and pumpkin-flavored everything, this is my favorite time to head outdoors, trowel in hand, and revamp my garden beds. Whether you garden in your backyard or on your back deck, now is the perfect time to plant!
One of my favorite aspects of calling Central Texas home is that we get to cheat the system a little when it comes to gardening. Because of our scorching summers and relatively mild winters, the shoulder seasons—fall and spring—are optimal times to plant the vegetables, herbs and flowers you’ve been dreaming about. [Read more…]
Have an afternoon to spare? Stroll through Pease Park (Credit: Jim Allen via Flickr CC)
As undeniably charming as Austin is, it’s difficult to get a feel for our town without jumping in a car. Like it or not, a vehicle is standard issue here in the heart of Texas. But while you can’t trek the entire city on foot, Austin boasts several neighborhood enclaves that are full of great restaurants, tree-lined parks and window shopping, all within leisurely walking distance.
This fall, as the the late afternoon light draws you outside and the evenings cool, park your car, grab your walking shoes and experience a few of these neighborhood gems for yourself. [Read more…]
La Grange, Texas along the Colorado River
You might already be familiar with La Grange, Texas—the cozy town just one hour southeast of Austin—from the ZZ Top song “La Grange” that mentions the infamous Chicken Ranch brothel, now defunct.
Despite what these rockers have to say about the town, La Grange is one of my favorite spots to kick back and soak in the small town vibes. It’s hard to believe it’s so close to Austin because, after a quick road trip down Hwy 71, you feel like you’re in a whole other Texas.
This small town is nestled along the Colorado River, and the rolling hills, historic architecture and restaurants make for the perfect day trip from Austin. Here are some of my favorite things to do when I visit La Grange. [Read more…]