I wanted to work out Sunday morning but the hotel was charging $10 to use the gym. Meh, no thanks. Not worth it—especially since we were heading to another hotel that had a free gym and pool. It really bothers me when hotels nickel and dime guests. Despite that, the hotel was beautiful and an enjoyable stay.
Michael and I had a quick breakfast with his Dad and stepmom in the hotel restaurant. My cousins Melina and Leah were able to join us! I was so glad I got to see them. They both live in Dallas. The last time Michael and I were in Texas, it was for Melina’s wedding. It was so good to see them.
After breakfast we checked out and rented a car. Destination: Austin. Wedding stuff was over and Michael and I were off to celebrate our 4th anniversary!
The drive from Dallas to Austin is brutal—long, boring, nothing to see. We arrived in Austin around 3:45p.m., checked into our hotel (The Doubletree—very nice, glad we stayed there) and then headed downtown to start our festivities!
We walked around Congress Street—the heart of the action—and it was HOTTER THAN EFFING HELL. Oh my god. Sweat was dripping down my back and face at an alarming rate. It was so uncomfortable. See the above photo? Most restaurants and bars in Austin had these fans and misters to keep people cool. It felt nice.
We finally found refuge in a shaded outdoor patio beer garden. The huge trees shaded the guests and we settled in with some Texas beer (essentially like drinking water) and relaxed.
There was a band playing and it was just such a fun, cool vibe. I had plans to meet up with a friend who moved to Austin a few years ago. Neal met us at the food carts on Congress Sunday evening.
Michael and I got an order from the Fry Baby food cart to-go. It was 2 pieces of fried chicken (which Michael ate) and 1 piece of fried cod (which I ate) and some delicious, salty fries.
The three of us took dinner over to Barton Springs park to eat in the shade. I was so glad that we spent the evening with Neal. He was a fantastic tour guide. He suggested that I return to Barton Springs to go swimming, and took us around town to show us around.
Eventually the three of us ended up at the water front to see the bats. It was clearly a popular event. The place was packed. We ended up waiting over 2 hours to no avail. Perhaps the heat wave made them not want to fly, but we eventually gave up. We were all disappointed.
Despite the disappointment, it was a fun evening with a friend. We dropped him off and then Michael and I headed to 6th Avenue to see the “action.”
6th Avenue was the party. Even though it was Sunday night, the place was popping! It was a row of restaurants, pubs, clubs, drive bars and crowded with people. It had a very Las-Vegas –Strip-vibe. It was just one big party!
We walked around and just checked everything out and then ended up getting a drink at The Driskill hotel. It’s right downtown and totally worth a visit. We both want to stay there next time—granted, if we can afford it. Something tells me it’s pretty spendy.
The Driskill is where the Top Chef contestants stayed last season for Top Chef Texas. It was totally cool to hang out there! The bar was classy and beautiful, and The Driskill does Air Conditioning right! It was like entering a walk-in meat locker. Gorgeous.
We tried the Texas version of an IPA. Yes, I am aware I am a total beer snob. If I can’t get the good microbrews that I like (and can find everywhere in the NW), I usually just drink wine. But I thought I’d give it a try. It was ok but not great. Better than Shiner, for sure.
It was a very, very long day and a late night but I was glad we stayed out and “partied”. If by partied you are imaging we were back at the hotel and asleep by midnight. 😉
QUESTION: Have you ever been to Austin? What was your experience?
Courtney
I’m surprised at how many people were waiting to see the bats.
As for the beer, I totally understand the snobbery =)
Lisa Eirene
Apparently the bats are a pretty popular thing. Bummed we didn’t get to see it!
Yeah, I admit…I was sure happy to be back in Portland with the good beer!
hlk
I think I said something along these lines last time you visited and got stuck with Shiner, but there is some great craft beer here. It’s not quite as ubiquitous as it is in the Pacific Northwest, but it does get a lot more interesting that what Independence offers (like that Stash pictured)–though they were one of the first local microbreweries and I imagine at the time the Lone Star-loyal probably needed something that wasn’t too wild to ease them into appreciation of the good stuff. There’s been a real beer boom over the last several years, and Austin has a lot to offer now, including some solid IPAs (also my favorite style). Sometime you’ll have to visit when the weather’s nicer and we’re not out of town, and we do a proper beer tour of Austin. Late autumn is especially nice!
Lisa Eirene
Yeah I remembered Shiner being less than great from last year’s trip but when it was 100+ degrees out and I was thirsty, I didn’t care. It was kinda nice. LOL
We did end up at a pub that had 100 or so beers on tap and I had a few really good ones that were local. It was nice! Michael and I both wished the dates had lined up so we could hang out with you guys. The food you post on G+ looks amazing.
hlk
I wish they had too! Next time!
Roz@weightingfor50
I’ve never been to Austin, but it looks fantastic. Thank you for sharing the pictures of your adventure with us. (and I’d wait to see bats too!)
Lisa Eirene
Austin is a very cool city. It’s a city Michael and I both agree we could probably move to if we had to live in Texas. Although the heat would definitely take some getting used to.
R.S.
That is cool that you guys split the fry foods. Good idea!
Lisa Eirene
To be honest, R.S., I had zero appetite because of the heat but knew I should eat SOMETHING. I was glad Michael was willing to share one entree with me neither of us had a ton of fried food. The fish was good!
Lisa
I’ve never been to Austin, but I’ve heard it’s a great town with great music. Too bad you didn’t get to see the bats! They are interesting to see flying. Thankfully you were able to sit back from them versus under them.
Lisa Eirene
I bet it’s a crazy place during SXSW!
There were also people in boats and canoes underneath the bridge to see the bats.
Jill
My husband worked in Austin for 1 year when we were dating at the time. I went to visit twice. What you called 6th Ave- we called 6th Street. I assume it is the same place. I have stories from 6th street that I probably shouldn’t share in public. TONS of fun! Keep in mind that I was in my late 20’s then! 🙂
Lisa Eirene
You are probably right about the name.
You’re too funny! Now I want to hear stories!
hlk
Curse those unpredictable bats. Every time I go to the bridge especially to see them, they don’t emerge till it’s nearly too dark to make them out. But when I’m randomly driving past near sunset and can’t stop to take pictures, they’ll be putting on a spectacular show before the light has faded.
Lisa Eirene
I figured the bats would be an iffy thing. There’s no way to guarantee something when it comes to animals! Maybe next time.