Adventures In Austin
EXPLORE
Words & Photos by Hannah Lacy - @theblessedlittlelife
“Texas is the finest portion of the globe that has ever blessed my vision”- Sam Houston.
Nowhere is this statement truer than in Austin TX. Though I’m not from Austin I have made countless trips through the years with my husband, friends, and family. It is where we go for beautiful places to swim, good music, quirky hangouts, delicious food and a good time because Austin has both natural and man made wonders it is the perfect place to have an adventure.
EXPLORE
Texas Capitol
You cannot go to Austin without seeing the Texas Capitol. The 1888 granite and marble structure has stunning architecture. You will gain appreciation for TX history as you walk the House and Senate chambers. The Texas Capitol parking garage has the best prices downtown.
Barton Springs Pool
One of Austins best swimming spots is the Barton springs pool. The spring fed pool maintains a 68 degree temperature year round. There are walking trails and on a sunny day it is the perfect outing. Plan on bringing snacks and drinks and paying for admission and parking.
Graffiti Park at Castle Hills
On a recent trip my husband and I found a really cool place. Graffiti park at castle hills ( also called Hope Garden) is an ever changing outdoor gallery/artist space. You can hike and climb the terraces, take photoshoots, or bring your own spray paint and add to the murals. The attraction is free though parking is tricky.
6th Street
Sixth street is one of the most infamous locations in Austin. It is a historic street and entertainment district in Austin. There are places to shop, eat, and especially drink.
SXSW
If you want too have an extra crazy time visit Austin during South by Southwest.The yearly conference and festival celebrates the interactive film and music industries. You need to purchase a badge to see one or all of the events specifically associated with the conference itself. There are live shows taking place throughout the city as well. My husband and I had the privilege of seeing Roger Jaeger play live at the handle bar during SXSW 2017.
Bluebonnets
Nothing is more welcoming than the Texas roadside sprinkled with bluebonnets. Bluebonnets in the springtime are a major attraction in Austin. Families, couples, and photographers will hunt for the best places to take a yearly bluebonnet photo.
Zilker Park
Zilker Park is a great place to lose track of time. It is a spacious place to walk dogs, push strollers, play basketball, volleyball, read a book, or walk and sip your coffee. There’s walking trails alongside the river and you canrent canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards with cash.
EAT
Torchy's Tacos
One of my favorite places to eat in Austin is Torchy's Tacos. An Austin original that serves speciality tacos with flair. Started by an executive chef who left his job for his dream, the very first location was a food trailer. My personal favorites are the Fried Avocado and the beef fajita. They also feature a creative taco of the month.
Whole Foods HQ (Lamar)
The whole foods flagship store is in downtown Austin and is every foodie’s dream.
The coffee bar and taco station open at 6pm. They serve a mean matcha almond milk latte. The selection of organic and natural products is unbelievable.
The Ingredient Store
An unconventional neighborhood grocer offers package free produce and encourages you to bring your own containers for the bulk bins in an effort to be completely zero waste. They are open 7 days a week and have a kids play area.
Nearly every trip I make to Austin with its colorful environment and unique culture reminds me what it is to be young and to explore. Whether driving through the city or walking around downtown you never know what you will see, who you will meet, or what story you might uncover through a local business or musician or artist. With its natural and man made wonders Austin is one of my favorite places to have an adventure, and as Helen Keller once said “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”
For the dreamer - For the adventurer