Summer Friday Getaway #3: Austin, TX

Moving west in our RSP Summer Friday Getaway series, the next stop is a place that will always be very near and dear to the RSP's heart---Austin, Texas.  Nestled on the Hill Country border, Austin is the capital of the great state of Texas and all things live music, outdoor sports, and queso.  Sporting an infectious state of mind that is relaxed, welcoming, and non-traditional, this "town" is a convenient, affordable destination for a summer weekend getaway. 

Yet another mastermind of funky, yet very chic hotelier Liz Lambert, the Hotel St. Cecila (named for the patron saint of music and poetry) offers very private accommodations within Austin's South Congress District. With 5 distinct suites, 6 poolside bungalows, and three studios, the Hotel St. Cecila approaches each room with an artistic lens and distinct point of view. The Hotel is the perfect spot to champion an Austin state of mind. http://www.hotelsaintcecilia.com/

One could spend years eating his or her way through Austin without getting bored. Alas, the RSP has done its best to pick the must sees for a summer weekend getaway: 

* Ski Shores: Hop in your boat (fingers crossed you can snag one while in town) and zip up Lake Austin (past 360) on your skis or wakeboard to Ski Shores for a cold beer and some burgers. Park your boat out in front, eat, and then be on your merry way. http://www.skishoresaustin.com/

* Home Slice: New York Pizza--Austin Style--this So-Co neighborhood spot is a must.  http://www.homeslicepizza.com/

* Musashino Sushi: Don't be turned off by the fact that its building facade says "Chinatown" (and not "Musashino") or that you have to take a longer than normal grub-distance journey up Mopac to get there, this is a gem of a sushi spot. Start with the Avacado Kama and then load up on the maki rolls (Texas Road Kill and Spicy Lobster Tempura Rolls) and you are good to go. They even have the warm cloths to greet you as you sit down. Love! http://www.musashinosushi.com/

* Maudies: The line in front will affirm that this ordinary looking Tex Mex spot is nothing of the sorts. Bring a hungry stomach and start with the Diablo Sol Food.  http://www.maudies.com/

* Lamberts Downtown Barbecue: Gourmet BBQ with a Texas twist, Lamberts is a great spot to take a break from the ever present Austin Tex-Mex scene. Check out the Green Chili Cheese Grits and Maple Brioche Bread Pudding. Ask for the bar menu to see even more (often more affordable) options. http://lambertsaustin.com

* Uchi: This upscale sushi restaurant will leave you shocked that you are in Texas. Some of the freshest and most cleverly crafted sushi dishes that the RSP has ever seen, Uchi is well worth the often hour plus wait. http://www.uchiaustin.com/

Like I said above, Austin is the capital of all things live music and the outdoors. To get involved: 

* Go Stand Up Paddle Boarding on Lake Austin: http://www.supatx.com/

* Live Music: Check out the set lists at Emos (http://www.emosaustin.com/), Stubb's (http://www.stubbsaustin.com/), Antone's (http://www.antones.net/) and Momos (http://www.momosclub.com/) for while you are in town and catch a live show. Make sure to get tickets to Stubb's Sunday Gospel Brunch. 

* Walk down South Congress: Spend the afternoon checking out all the local shops, stream line trailers, and restaurants. 

* Run/Bike/Walk Town Lake: The RSP's happy place for all things running, Town Lake is truly a special spot for such a large city. Equip with water coolers compliments of local running store RunTex, Town Lake sports a variety of distances for all types of workouts: http://www.runtex.com/townlake_2006.pdf. Too hot? Cool off at Barton Springs mid-run. Also check out the Barton Creek Greenbelt for other running and hiking routes: http://www.texasoutside.com/bartongreenbelt.htm

* Lake Austin Spa: Rated the #1 Destination Spa for 2010 by Conde Nast, The Lake Austin Spa is the perfect place to de-stress and restore your well being. While a touch pricey, it is worth every penny. http://www.lakeaustin.com/

Comments

[Meredith]

Thanks for depressing me all over again.

[Liz]

great ideas for stuff to do with my summer visitors!

[Jen]

Thank you for this. I'm moving to Austin in a couple weeks and can't wait to enjoy your tips.