Is Austin calling your name? The bustling Texas metropolis has become quite the destination in recent years, thanks in large part to its vibrant music and food scenes. Whether you're headed down for one of the area's seemingly endless music festivals — Austin City Limits is underway — or simply to escape the impending winter chill, Austin is a great town for living it up in style. Here's how.
Where To Stay
The Hotel San José is a lush oasis in the heart of the city. Located on South Congress street, one of Austin's main thoroughfares, the hotel's charming courtyard features a pool and oh-so-stylish Garza Marfa furniture. Even if you don't book a room, be sure to stop by for drinks. Other great options include Hotel Saint Cecilia, a stylishly secluded retreat, and the newly opened South Congress Hotel, a midcentury-modern hot spot seemingly made for Instagram.
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT
Where To Shop
Veronica Ortuño's Las Cruxes is a low-key standout, tacked onto the end of East Cesar Chavez street. Ortuño's artfully curated wares include found ceramics, art, vintage clothing, EPs, and a formidable natural-beauty shelf. Michelle Teague's JM Dry Goods is another great spot to stock up for your impending spirit quest, whether you need a bar of soap or a poncho. On the other end of the spectrum is Katie Kime's first brick-and-mortar shop — a preppy, pop-y retail haven in the city's downtown shopping district.
Where To Eat
To say there are a lot of great places to eat in Austin would be an understatement. You can't walk three feet without getting pegged in the face with a breakfast taco, and the line for barbecue at some of the more popular spots can get up to three hours long. If you're looking for a gorgeous spot to post up for some serious eats, check out the 14-course tasting menu at Barley Swine. Justine's makes a mean steak frites and has a backyard so perfect you'll be hard-pressed to find a reason to leave. Last, but not least, make sure you you swing by Uchiko for sushi and a dessert menu that might very well blow your mind. What are your favorite Austin hot spots? Let us know in the comments!