If you love good food, great music and excellent people watching, you should make a trip to Austin, Texas. I visited the capitol of the lone star state for a quick 48 trip, but even in that short time I got a great essence of the city. It’s eclectic, green (literally because of the hills and lakes), and colorful. If you’re only going for a quick day trip, here are a few things you can do to get the gist of the city quickly.

South Congress Avenue, also known as SoCo, is the strip in the city filled with boutiques, clothing shops, restaurants and food trucks. I would describe it as funky-meets-country. Places like Uncommon Objects have knickknacks and vintage items hanging from every surface of the place. A couple of stores over, Allen Boots has rows and rows of gorgeous cowboy boots that every Texan should have. I spent the whole afternoon roaming up and down South Congress. I met a family friend, Jazz, to listen to live music outdoors and eat tacos at Guero’s Taco Bar. Don’t forget to stop and take a picture in front of the famous “I Love You so Much” wall. It’s wrapped around the side of Jo’s Coffee, which is small but is noticeable because of the sage green color. One thing to note — you’re going to need to tack on about 20 minutes to find parking near South Congress Ave. It’s rather tricky, but just make sure to read the signs so you don’t get ticketed in the neighborhoods behind the main avenue.

If you’re visiting the capitol of Texas, you must take time to actually explore the Capitol Building itself. I wish I would have made time to go inside, but I’ve heard it’s stunning. You know what they say, “Everything’s bigger in Texas!” Even walking around the grounds outside was so pretty. I love that you can see a view of the capitol standing along South Congress Avenue, too!

I mentioned that Austin was colorful. There are murals and artwork everywhere you turn! I loved getting to see the classic “Greetings from Texas” mural, which is just a quick drive from South Congress. Next time, I want to go see the adorable “You’re My Butter Half” one. How cute is the exterior of the vegan ice cream shop I visited above? Sweet Ritual had such cool flavors, like Cubano Coffee. It was a closer to the UT Austin campus, which you should drive by if you have time. It’s gorgeous!

For the evening of your visit to Austin, you should check out the nightlife scene of 6th Street. I spent my Saturday evening with a family friend, but I have heard that is the place to go in Austin for drinks, dancing and music. It’s on my list for my next trip to Austin.

The saying of the city is “Keep Austin Weird” and I am an advocate for that, too. The mix of bohemian, quaint, colorful and trendy makes the city fascinating. I wish I could have spend more than 48 hours there, but that just means I have to come back. Until next time, Austin…

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela