Austin,Texas is the next stop in our city guide series and our tour guide "de jour" is Austin-based, lifestyle blogger, Jesse Coulter. Learn where Jesse found Frye wedges for $20 (what?!) and her go-to spot for pancakes. And when you're done reading Jesse's thoughts on common misconceptions regarding Austin, make sure check out her blog!
AUSTIN RESTAURANTS
Austin Diner – My favorite meal of the day is by far breakfast. Waffles, pancakes, eggs, french toast, bacon, biscuits, hashbrowns, oatmeal…you name it, I love it. I have been on the hunt for the best breakfast spot in Austin the past few years, and Austin Diner has won my vote for best pancakes.
Moonshine Patio bar & Grill – My go to for fine dining with a laid back feel. I usually never order steak at a restaurant, but here I do. Try the Texas Flat Iron steak w/blue cheese butter and port wine sauce. Smacznego!
Olive & June – The most amazing Italian food in a romantic outdoor setting. The hand made pasta is to die for.
Rounder’s Pizzeria – 2 words: GARLIC KNOTS! Alex and I can always happily agree on Rounder’s. He gets his giant calzone, and I get my garlic knots and a yummy greek salad.
AUSTIN SHOPPING
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| Jesse perusing her local Langford Market |
Buffalo Exchange: Some of the best second hand finds in the city. I’ve scored some Frye wedges for $20!
Langford Market: Great spot for that unique item that sets you a part in a crowd. Spotted the cutest gold sequin blazer on my last visit.
Burnet Road: A famous Austin street for antiquing, thrifting and my favorite - furniture hunting. Check out Austin Antique Mall just around the street. I could spend ALL day in there.
Etcetera, etc.: The prettiest boutique in Austin that has the sweetest shop owner, Emma. Emma curates the most amazing pieces from designers all over the world such as London and Australia.
AUSTIN ATTRACTIONS
Zilker Park: Austin’s most loved park hosts some of the best events in the city. Austin City Limits, Austin Food & Wine, Austin Kite Festival, Blues on the Green, and many more amazing events.! Barton Springs is also located in Zilker park, which is natural spring-fed pool which stays around 68 degrees year round. You might spy a few topless ladies there, wink wink.
Whole Foods - People watching at the original Whole Foods. I used to take my lunch almost every day at this location when I worked downtown. You see all the uniqueness Austin has to offer at this spot and the food is amazing.
West 6thStreet– Austin is infamous for 6th Street (dirty six) but if you head west you’ll find some wonderful restaurants and laid back bars that are great for a night out on the town. Dirty sixth is more appropriate for those nights you want to take jello shots from sleezy bouncers and bar hop till your feet hurt so bad your walking bare foot on the street with your heels in hand. Not many late nights for me anymore, since I've got a baby ready to party at 6:30 am.
Movie @ Alamo Draft house: The perfect place to take a date, dinner, and a movie combined! Alamo Draft house is an iconic spot to catch intricate films, and you don’t want to miss their sing-a-longs (Rocky Horror Picture Show might be my favorite). There is nothing like watching a movie and enjoying a cocktail with a basket of fried pickles in front of you.
AUSTIN BASED BLOGS
Triple Max Tons Kirsten is hilarious, beautiful and her posts always make me smile. Check out this awesome tutorial for a DIY mid-century modern coffee table!
Camille StylesCamille and her team inspire me everyday with their amazing posts on beauty, fashion, food, entertaining, and more.
Adored Austin: Indiana speaks to me as a mom and fellow Austinite. I love her openness and honest humor. This is one of my favorite posts (I WISH my labor was that fast)!
Keep Austin Stylish: Joanna keeps Austin up to date on local fashion events and keeps me entertained with her street style photos.
TOURISTY PLACE THAT IS STILL FUN TO VISIT
Mount Bonnell: This view of Austin never gets old. It’s my go-to place to take family and friends that have never been to Austin before. It’s also a wonderful place to hike.
IDEAL DAY IN AUSTIN
- Start with breakfast at Magnolia café (blueberry pancakes and oatmeal)
- Stroll down South Congress for some shopping. Grab me a new pair of two-stepping boots at Allens Boots and pick up a unique find for my home at Uncommon Objects.
- Grab a nutella & strawberry crepe from the Flip Happy Crepes Trailer.
- Head to Milk & Honey spa for a massage & facial.
- Get dolled up for dinner and dine at the five star Driskill Grill located inside the historic downtown Driskill hotel on Sxth street.
- End the night attending a live taping of Austin City Limits
- Rest my head at Hotel Saint Ceciliato end the most perfect day.
Everyone is a tree-hugging vegan. While there are many of those, there are also meat-loving people. My favorite thing about Austin is that I never feel the need to keep up with the Jones’s. You wouldn’t know a bum from a millionaire here, and that’s the way I like it. People do what they want, and don’t worry about impressing others.