A Trip To Austin May Be The Foodie-Inspired Vacay You Didn't Know You Needed
Live music, great restaurants, a hip art scene, and welcoming atmosphere; the city of Austin is the perfect girls getaway or romantic hideout because there's something for everyone to enjoy. It is currently becoming one of the fastest growing cities in the country—probably due to its eclectic vibe and the fact that the food scene has become increasingly popular over the years.
I recently found a two-day, mid-week flight and hotel package for two people at the four-star Lakeway Resort and Spa for $600. And since there was so much to experience, we rented a small economy car to make the most of everything the Texas State Capitol had to offer.
Here are some of Austin's must-see spots:
Eat at Salt Lick Bar-B-Que
Courtesy of Tiffany D. Smith for xoNecole
Austin is no stranger to great barbecue; some of the city's restaurants boast lines that are hours long. And please believe me, a drive to Salt Lick Bar-B-Que (located in Driftwood, TX about 35 minutes from Austin) is well worth the wait and the drive!
The meat is smoked over a giant pit that greets visitors upon entering the establishment and the menu assortment (including the mouthwatering beef brisket) is surely something to write home about. I suggest you have a Y.O.L.O. moment like I did and splurge on the $25 dollar "all-you-can-eat" option that provides a little of everything on the menu (plus sides). The restaurant is BYOB and is conveniently located next door to Salt Lick Wine Cellars so that you can experience some delicious Texas wine to pair with your meal.
Tour of the City’s Food Truck and Art Scene
Courtesy of Tiffany D. Smith for xoNecole
Austin is no doubt what I like to call "food truck country." You can't turn the corner without seeing one. From tacos to Thai food, the scene is about as diverse as the residents. The city is also known for some of its cool neighborhood street art, and for $35 dollars, you can explore both!
Austindetours.com provides visitors with an up-close look at some of the coolest local landmarks, graffiti art, and food trucks. Visit the state capitol, check out the "Greetings from Austin" mural and more! They also offer a variety of other tours that include wine tasting and music crawls.
Listen to Live Jazz at Elephant Room
Terry Hagerty Photos
Dubbed one of Austin's most popular jazz bars, The Elephant Room has been serving up sexy smooth grooves from both local and national acts since 1991. The small, narrow room that sits below street level gives the feel of a speakeasy (which I love) and is the perfect vibe for a date night. There's nothing overly pretentious about this club, as patrons are allowed to show up in jeans and enjoy a delicious craft beer while listening to the music. Wine and cocktails are also available.
Enjoy the Restaurants and Shops on South Congress
South Congress (or the "SoCo" shopping district) has some of the hippest shops and restaurants that Austin has to offer. Before burning through your wallet and purchasing those cool retro threads at one of the many boutiques or grabbing the perfect accent piece for your home, stop and have brunch at the South Congress Cafe. It'll give you all the fuel you need to shop till you drop! The short rib hash with two eggs, fingerling potatoes, red bell and poblano peppers is highly recommended. This dish is large and decadent enough for two to share. But the popular carrot cake French toast with cream cheese pecan syrup is the show-stopper. Be sure to wet your palate with a glass of their froze' (frozen rose).
Enjoy Some Down Home Cooking at Hoover’s
Courtesy of Tiffany D. Smith for xoNecole
Located in East Austin, this black-owned establishment is sure to make you reminisce about your grandmother's kitchen. Hoover's Cooking draws crowds from all walks of life and has been serving up mouthwatering southern delights for two decades. The biggest dilemma you'll have at this establishment is which dish to order. Whether it's the pinto beans, fried okra, crawfish etouffee or the golden flaky catfish platter, each and everything on the menu is a hit! Be sure to wash your meal down by ordering a "glass" of lemonade that is actually served in a mini pitcher with a straw.
Have a Purple Margarita at Baby Acapulco
Courtesy of Tiffany D. Smith for xoNecole
What exactly is in a purple margarita? Who cares if it puts you exactly where you need to be, right? This popular Mexican chain serves up a deliciously strong frozen purple concoction that they say is as mysterious as the Bermuda Triangle! The fact that they only allow two per customer says it all. And for those of you who are unable to decide which of the many other flavors on the menu you'd like to enjoy, the frozen margarita flight is the perfect solution. One flight is equivalent to a regular-sized drink. Salud!
Visit Desert Door, The Only Sotol Distillery in the U.S.
Courtesy of Tiffany D. Smith for xoNecole
Also located just outside of Austin (in Driftwood) is a must-see operation—America's only Sotol distillery, Desert Door. The brand was started by three military vets who met at the University of Texas and is a distilled spirit that is affectionately nicknamed tequila's "crazy little brother" and mezcal's "cousin" because it is made from a plant similar to the agave. For just $10, you can receive a tour and tasting of this one-of-a-kind distillery and get a first-hand look at how the spirit is prepared from start to finish. Tequila lovers BEWARE! This 80-proof concoction is NOT for the faint of heart! Luckily there are cocktail recipes on their website because a straight shot of the stuff might have you dancing on the bar!
Featured image courtesy of Tiffany D. Smith for xoNecole.
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Tiffany D. Smith is a TV journalist by day and food and travel influencer by night from Chicago, IL. Since being bitten by the travel bug a few years ago, she uses her blog TheLoveofFoodandTravel.com to encourage people to release their fears, step out of their comfort zones, and explore new places and great food. When Tiffany isn't working in live TV or blogging, she enjoys kickboxing, watching 70's shows, and spending time with friends and family. Keep up with her @loveoffoodandtravel on IG.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage