Following our recent trip to Austin, Texas to partner with Fylí and Nova Impact for International Women’s Day at Soho House Austin, we were able to explore the city, while talking to those at our event about their favorite spots in town. We compiled it all to create our perfect itinerary for a weekend in Austin.
Friday
3 PM: Check in at The LINE Hotel. Located where Town Lake meets downtown, the LINE Austin draws influence from the surrounding natural beauty as well as the creative energy that feeds the city. It was once home to a jazz club in the late 1960s, making it part of downtown Austin history. Don’t miss lakeside dining at Kristen Kish’s Arlo Grey, open air drinks at P6, tacos from the beloved Veracruz All Natural and so much more… eating and drinking at The LINE could be a vacation all on its own.
8 PM: Dinner at Canje in East Austin for new age Caribbean cuisine. Highlights include the Tilefish and the Curry Wagyu Beef. Be sure to also try one of the unique cocktails like the T’i Punch.
10 PM: A cocktail at Higher Ground, a cocktail bar with “enlightened spirits with elevated soul.” Try the Lust cocktail made with Altos tequila, Vida mezcal, lime, house made strawberry syrup, blackberries, and absinthe.
Saturday
10 AM: We’ll start the day with a cup of coffee from Cookbook Bar & Café, which is located within the Austin Public Library, and inspired by culinary publications. It is home to food editor Virginia B. Wood’s Memorial Cookbook Collection, and there is access to 500 cookbooks.
11 AM: We’ll continue the day with a little retail happiness. Hat Shopping at Maufrais on South Congress is a must-do during a trip to Austin, where they sell a wide variety of Stetson hats. You’ll be sized and the hat will be shaped and you’ll be able to customize and style it however you’d like with pins, feathers, and hat bands. While you’re in the area, stop by Allens Boots to complete the look.
12 PM: If your dates line up with the Austin City-Wide Vintage Sale be sure to take advantage. The sale is located at the Palmer Events Center and has served treasure hunters for decades.
1 PM: Lunch at Terry Black’s Barbeque. Terry Black has passed down generations of barbecue knowledge to his twin sons Mike and Mark who run the location. Go for the brisket or rib eye.
3 PM: Next up, Waterloo Records & Video, a classic record shop that opened its doors in 1982. The shop hosts local and touring artists and record release parties, so be sure to check the schedule and modify itinerary accordingly.
4 PM: A stop in at Central Machine Works beer hall is a perfect spot for craft beer fans as they have an impressive menu of brews to be enjoyed in an elevated and beautifully renovated warehouse setting.
7 PM: Head to Congress Avenue bridge for the sunset and bat show. It happens to be home of the world’s largest urban bat colony. Austin Bat Refuge provides direct care for the bats and also gives information about viewing spots and time predictions.
8:30 PM: Dinner at Red Ash Italia for handmade pastas, seafood, and locally sourced meats made on the restaurant’s custom-built wood-burning grill, oven, and plancha.
10 PM: We’re off to The Continental Club, a legendary club that opened its doors in 1955, for a night of live music in the Live Music Capital of the World.
Sunday
11 AM: Brunch at Taverna by Lombardi to indulge in Nutella pancakes or orange vanilla French toast.
2 PM: Stroll the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum, which exhibits the work of artist Charles Umlauf and other visual and performing artists.
5 PM: A stop at Wanderlust Wine Co., the world’s largest self-pour wine on tap winery — which is located in what was once an abandoned warehouse in the heart of the city — offering wines from around the world. The company’s sustainable practices have cut down on waste to the tune of 24,000 bottles of wine.
7 PM: Dinner at Suerte in East Austin. It’s an award-winning restaurant with a passion for masa, an ingredient that is at the heart of Mexican cooking.
