Austin, TX- Where to stay, what to do, where to eat?

[Anonymous]

We're traveling to Houston for the holidays and my husband and I are hoping to sneak away for the weekend and let the grandparents watch the kiddos. It's been ages since I've been to Austin. I'm looking for ideas - Where would you stay? What would you do? Most importantly - Where would you eat?!?!

[Anonymous]

Oh I love that place! I have stayed at the Driskill, Four Seasons, San Jose(SOCO) and the Stephen F Austin. I am actually considering having my wedding at the Driskill!!! I would definitely have dinner at the Driskill one evening.

For BBQ, I would drive to Taylor and go to Louie Muellers. His BBQ beats Stubbs and Ironworks hands down!! For Mexican I would go to Guerros. I also like Iron Catcus. Go to Amy's for ice cream in SOCO.IF you like doughnuts go to Round Rock. Round Rock doughnuts have been featured on Food Network. Try the Oasis for great sunsets off of Lake Travis! Those are the places I can think of right at the moment.I am sure I can come up with more!

I would just spend time walking around SOCO. They have some great funky stores! Also look at the spa at lake travis---heaven!!!! It is kinda pricey but worthe every penny! There is also lakeway spa and resort. We have stayed there as well.it is ok..but not near as good as the lake travis spa!!

My fiance is from Austin. So we have spent a lot of time there! I LOVE it there!!!

If you have any questions, feel free to ask!!! HAVE A GREAT TIME! I will be there Thanksgiving!! I cannot wait!

[Anonymous]

To eat:
Chicken Fried Steak or anything else at Hoover's
Breakfast late or early at Kerbey Lane or Magnolia Cafe
Cinnamon rolls at Upper Crust
Migas at Trudys
Veggie Heaven
Austin Land and Cattle
Casual upscale dining at Mirabelle
Fonda San Miguel for Sunday brunch
ice cream at Amys
bbq at Ruby's or head to Louis Mueller like the PP recommended
a burger at Casino El Camino
breakfast tacos at Taco Deli

To do:
Checkout any shows or events at the Alamo Drafthouse Downtown location
Checkout the Austin Chronicle for music listings
Texas History Musuem
Mt. Bonnell
Trail of lights
Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center
Laguna Gloria
Umlauf Sculpture Garden
Zilker Park Botanical Garden
Waterloo Records then Book People
UT campus - 40 Acres
South Congress area for shopping

I hope yall enjoy and have fun in Austin.

[Anonymous]

If you can, book a treatment at Lake Austin Spa -- then stay for lunch and to use their facilities all day! It is SO gorgeous -- be sure to walk all over the property before figuring out how you want to spend the day. There's lots there that doesn't meat the eye at first. Conde Nast rated Lake Austin #1 in its last rating.

Obviously, you have to go hear live music. Best venues are: Antone's, The Paramount, The Continental Club. (But honestly, you can throw a rock without hitting some would-be troubadour -- even at public parks, the airport, and City Hall).

Great place for cocktails: the courtyard at the San Jose on South Congress. Then walk up to either Vespaio (Italian food) or Guero's (best Mexican food).

The Salt Lick is such an institution that it's worth the drive to Driftwood for BBQ. Order family style. Go at dusk.

If you're going to Mt Bonnell, stop first at Laguna Gloria and walk around the property. This is an old home on the shores of Lake Austin that is used as a satellite exhibit space and art school by the Austin Museum of Art (skip the main museum). Across the street is the Westwood Club where Andy Roddick (an Austinite) belongs. You can usually drive in and walk around. After you've headed up to Mount Bonnell, don't make the mistake of turning around and driving straight back down the hill. Continue on down Mount Bonnell Drive, and then west on 2222. Fabulous views.

If the weather is mild, rent one of the Duffy electric boats and float around Town Lake for an hour with a bottle of wine or two.

If you stay at the Stephen F Austin, you have the best balcony (and bar) to view holiday parades or one of the many 10K runs that usually go down Congress Avenue. It's such a great place to catch what's going on, that this is where I listened to Obama give his front-of-the-Texas-capital address last spring. While I drank martinis.

[Anonymous]

THANKS! I am so excited about our trip now. We might have to stay a little longer or make this a holiday tradiditon for years to come.