When? March 2011
Why? Family Wedding
This was my first major trip anywhere, so it was a big deal for me. It was absolutely
beautiful in Austin in the spring. The weather was nice and warm, and we could
enjoy everything this college city had time for. It was quite a debacle when we
showed up, however. It started with me getting sick on the flight, and needing
to purchase a clean t-shirt in the Austin airport. Then, we found out we had no
hotel and our reservation never went through. Luckily, my aunt had a nice big
suite to share for one night. Day one was scrapped pretty much just figuring out
the logistics of everything, but day 2 we were on a mission. Find a hotel. Find
some wheels. Get into the city.
We got an awesome suite the second day there at the Double Tree down town. It was
so nice to have a place, and we checked in and they gave us warm chocolate
cookies. These things represented everything good in the world at that time. Our
stay at the Double Tree was comfortable. We had a large room; there were helpful
staff and wonderful views.
I must admit I was a fan of the nightlife there. They close down
6th street pretty much entirely to cars on Friday and Saturday nights, and its straight pedestrian traffic. We were able to drift from bar to bar, popping in one for music, and
leisurely going from place to place as we pleased. There is quite the scene of
people down there, who were all much friendlier than the city crowd I’m used to
in Philadelphia.
Here are some highlights from my stay:
South Congress
This place was so much fun. There are tons of small, local
shops along the strip. It was a nice place to go for a walk, so some shopping,
and hang out during the day while waiting for our family events to take place.
Also, food trucks gather there. Eat from the food trucks. It was delicious, and
easy. Everyone could pick what they wanted, and we were all able to sit together
outside in the gorgeous weather. I highly recommend Might Cone if they are still there.
6th Street
Just Like I mentioned above, they close off the
portion of the road for the swarm of pedestrian traffic. You can drift easily
from place to place, and find whatever entertainment you want. However, be
warned, I heard if you try to do this during the SXSW festival, there are covers
at the door. I bet they make a fortune that week.
Duck Boats
Yes, my and my sister got all touristy and went on a duck boat
ride. This was just so ridiculous it was actually fun. It was a nice little tour
around town, and then a little dip in the Colorado River.
Kerby Lane Café
This was a great place to breakfast, and it was packed! My
breakfast was so delicious and my sister surprised me with a mimosa. Nothing
says vacation like drinking at 10:00am.
Hop Doddy’s
Yum. Yum yum yum! I talked to a couple locals who think this place isn’t worth the
hype, but I beg to differ! I am not a meat eater, and this was the most
delicious burger I have ever had! They do everything right in front of you, and
make everything themselves. I also am one who eats their burgers cooked until
they have reached hockey puck consistency, but I got halfway through this
gorgeous burger before I realized it was medium rare.
Why? Family Wedding
This was my first major trip anywhere, so it was a big deal for me. It was absolutely
beautiful in Austin in the spring. The weather was nice and warm, and we could
enjoy everything this college city had time for. It was quite a debacle when we
showed up, however. It started with me getting sick on the flight, and needing
to purchase a clean t-shirt in the Austin airport. Then, we found out we had no
hotel and our reservation never went through. Luckily, my aunt had a nice big
suite to share for one night. Day one was scrapped pretty much just figuring out
the logistics of everything, but day 2 we were on a mission. Find a hotel. Find
some wheels. Get into the city.
We got an awesome suite the second day there at the Double Tree down town. It was
so nice to have a place, and we checked in and they gave us warm chocolate
cookies. These things represented everything good in the world at that time. Our
stay at the Double Tree was comfortable. We had a large room; there were helpful
staff and wonderful views.
I must admit I was a fan of the nightlife there. They close down
6th street pretty much entirely to cars on Friday and Saturday nights, and its straight pedestrian traffic. We were able to drift from bar to bar, popping in one for music, and
leisurely going from place to place as we pleased. There is quite the scene of
people down there, who were all much friendlier than the city crowd I’m used to
in Philadelphia.
Here are some highlights from my stay:
South Congress
This place was so much fun. There are tons of small, local
shops along the strip. It was a nice place to go for a walk, so some shopping,
and hang out during the day while waiting for our family events to take place.
Also, food trucks gather there. Eat from the food trucks. It was delicious, and
easy. Everyone could pick what they wanted, and we were all able to sit together
outside in the gorgeous weather. I highly recommend Might Cone if they are still there.
6th Street
Just Like I mentioned above, they close off the
portion of the road for the swarm of pedestrian traffic. You can drift easily
from place to place, and find whatever entertainment you want. However, be
warned, I heard if you try to do this during the SXSW festival, there are covers
at the door. I bet they make a fortune that week.
Duck Boats
Yes, my and my sister got all touristy and went on a duck boat
ride. This was just so ridiculous it was actually fun. It was a nice little tour
around town, and then a little dip in the Colorado River.
Kerby Lane Café
This was a great place to breakfast, and it was packed! My
breakfast was so delicious and my sister surprised me with a mimosa. Nothing
says vacation like drinking at 10:00am.
Hop Doddy’s
Yum. Yum yum yum! I talked to a couple locals who think this place isn’t worth the
hype, but I beg to differ! I am not a meat eater, and this was the most
delicious burger I have ever had! They do everything right in front of you, and
make everything themselves. I also am one who eats their burgers cooked until
they have reached hockey puck consistency, but I got halfway through this
gorgeous burger before I realized it was medium rare.