Austin - I LOVE This City!

With my past couple of jobs I have had the opportunity to travel across the US.  It is a great experience no matter where I go, but it's a wonderful experience when I really feel connected to the city.  I have been to Minneapolis, Columbus, St. Louis, New York, Orlando, Chicago, Las Vegas, Denver, Sacramento, West Hollywood, Atlanta, San Francisco, San Diego, Dallas, Austin, and Boston for my jobs. And while I have had fun in every city, I have to say I left my heart in Atlanta and in Austin.  Both of these cities have some of the nicest people I've ever met.

Downtown Austin skyline at sunset

One of many guitars scattered about the city

Live music on 6th Street

The city of Austin is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States right now; therefore, I will forgive the horrible traffic and just hope they get it sorted out.  Their love of music and food is unlike anything I've ever experienced.  They have live bands tucked into the must unassuming spots.  They stand in line for hours for food and have food trucks spread out all over the city. 

Texas barbecue - Salt Lick

Dining on South Congress

 

While my co-worker indulged in a Son of a Peach, I refrained...not sure I'm so proud of that now!

 

 

Chef at Paul Qui's restaurant

Chef at Paul Qui's restaurant pulling fresh herbs from plants on the countertop

Living in Scottsdale I've become accustomed to the fake breasts, plumped lips, and stagnant foreheads.  And I'm not judging...anyone who knows me knows I've wanted "breastesess" my whole life!  But the women in Austin are so natural it reminded me of what true beauty is...being yourself.  One type of needle that IS used in Austin quite often, however, is the tattoo needle.  This city is one of the most tatted cities I've been to.  I think having a tattoo is a requirement to live here.  And the tattoos are beautifully colored and vibrant pieces of art.  (I WISH I had a new one to show you...soon).

 

Similar to their colorful tattoos, the city is also known for their iconic graffiti art plastered on the sides of buildings throughout the streets.

I hope to get back to Austin sometime with my girlfriends for a weekend girls trip.  From SoCo to Rainey Street to Dirty Sixth; from flip flops to cowboy boots; from food truck lines to Uchi; we are guaranteed to have a great time!! 

Until next time, dear Austin!

Congress "Bat" Bridge - everyone lined up to see the bats swarm from under the bridge

Stay Weird!

“I like it here in Austin. Anybody got a room?”
  -Keith Richards

 "Texas is a state of mind. Texas is an obsession. Above all, Texas is a nation in every sense of the word"
-Author John Steinbeck

Some Links:
Dirty 6th 
South Congress Cafe 
Chuggin' Monkey
Rainey Street 
Paul Qui
Bat Bridge 
Sale Lick BBQ
Gordough's

Family + Austin = Faustin (or Keep Austin Weird Like Me!!)

I don't have a lot of family...at all.  So when I have the opportunity to spend time with some it's a sweet thing.  Broc and I grew up together from diapers until around age 12 or so.  Our Dad's were cousins and the best of friends. He currently lives in Austin, Texas...which now happens to be one of my most favorite US cities!  Thank you, cousin, for showing us your city and for making time for us.  Love you!

Here's Austin!!

People in Austin LOVE to wait in line for their food!  They even count the steps til they get there!

Salt Lick Cellars...it's either this or B.Y.O.B to the barbecue

The Barbecue!!

Broc and Eric at the Chuggin Monkey on 6th

Austin is also known for their music...I like the purple one!

Lot's of mural's in Austin...I want to photograph more on my next trip

Okay...not the best artwork upon immediately entering a bar, especially when you've had a couple cocktails!

New bar on Rainey Street called Container Bar... made up of old shipping containers...pretty cool!

LOVE the rental bikes!  Just hope I don't get the same one the naked guy rides!

Food trucks everywhere!  http://www.littlelucys.com

This kitty was craving some food truck pizza...me too!

The bars on Rainey are old houses that they've converted...this is the backyard of one

Craft Pride...Eric finally found a local beer he liked!

Loved the decor in Craft...HUGE, thick, wooden bar and a big state of Texas on the ceiling

The 16oz from the glass reflected into the beer

Another food truck on Rainey

Met the sweetest bow-tie wearing bartender at Half Step who custom made us these cocktails based on our likes and dislikes

You picked a fine time to leave me Lucille

Grandpa Munster on the sidewalk on South Congress....yes, please keep Austin weird!

South Congress Cafe...great brunch!

I did say I wanted to see an armadillo!

And Eric HAD to buy a pair of boots from Allens! 

  Always drink upstream from the herd.-- Will Rogers