5 Reason Why I Love Austin!

AUSTIN, TEXAS: Offering a perfect blend of artsy flare and urban living, Austin has become one of the fastest growing cities in America.  It’s no surprise that nearly 1.9 million people call the “Texas Capitol” home.  It is always a treat for me to visit the city! Here are some of my top reasons why Austin ROCKS!

 1.  South Congress Street: Along with the fun thrift stores, you will find eclectic boutiques filled with funky knick-knacks on South Congress Street!  This shopping district is centrally located, just half a mile away from Downtown Austin. With several artisan shops along the strip, I felt like a kid in a candy store!  

I found a yarn shop called Hill Country Weavers with amazing fibers!  The best time to check out the local shops is “First Thursday!” That’s when South Congress turns into a big block party, with tons of music, shopping and people watching!

  2. Southern Food: You know the saying, “Everything is bigger in Texas!” That’s definitely the case when you feast on the delicious food.  You can’t come to Austin without trying some amazing Barbeque. You have to make a stop at Franklins and Salt Lick. If you’re still hungry, check out brunch on Congress. The Blackened Gulf Shrimp with Grits at South Congress Café was scrumptious.

3. Texas Capitol: During my college days, I spent a semester interning for former Governor Rick Perry.  While working at the Capitol, I learned tons of fun facts about the Texas State Capitol. Did you know that the Texas Capitol is BIGGER than the U.S. Capitol? It’s almost 15 feet taller! My nephew absolutely loved the historical tour.

4. Walking Trails:  Austin is graced with scenic trails and breathtaking views.  There are several areas where you can explore the great outdoors.  All the trails are FREE and are only 20-30 minutes from the center of the city.

5.  Bats: Hundreds of thousands of bats fly out early in the evening to search for food.  You’ll get a great view of the bats from the bridge over Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin.