Guest Post by Michele Schmidt
Q&A Guest Post with Michele Schmidt: Austin, TX 🎸
Q: Why is it so great to visit Austin, TX?
A: Austin has a level of kindness and openness from the people who live here that makes everyone who visits feel welcome. As the Live Music Capital of the world, expect to find musicians performing nearly everywhere you go. Austin is home to multiple concert series and film festivals, there’s always something exciting happening here! ✨
Q: What’s the best time of year to visit Austin?
A: Springtime! From March through June, you’ll find the best weather in Austin. There’s also SXSW, Luck Reunion, Bluebonnet Season, Willie Nelson’s Birthday, and ATX TV Fest that happen during those months.
Q: Best airport to fly/in out of? Any specific airport tips?
A: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. There’s live music daily in multiple parts of the airport. First, head to Gate 16 and get yourself two incredible tacos at Peached Tortilla for $10. Then head to Gate 19 and find a seat at the “Heart of Austin” and listen to the performers at the Asleep at the Wheel Stage. Before you take off, stop between gates 12 and 14 to experience Interimaginary Departures. You just might get yourself a ticket to Narnia!
Q: Once you arrive at the airport, best to rent a car or take Uber everywhere?
A: Rideshare is your best option unless you want to take a daytrip. Avoid the hassle of paying for parking and sit back in your Uber or Lyft and enjoy!
Q: What’s the best area to stay in Austin? Any specific hotel recommendations? Or best to rent a place on Airbnb?
A: South Congress is the most walkable area to stay in Austin with plenty of shopping, great eats, and the best murals in the city.
Another option is to book a last minute hotel deal downtown, and make sure to get one with a rooftop pool! With the visitor center nearby, you can take a bus tour (I recommend AO Tours Austin) to get your bearings in the city and go from there.
Q: What are some must-do activities while in Austin?
A: Listen to live music. Have breakfast tacos. Take a dip in Barton Springs. Eat BBQ! Find every mural on South Congress. Try on cowboy boots and cowboy hats while sipping on free ranch water or beer and listening to live music at Allens Boots. Or head to Tecovas for a more upscale experience. Watch the bats emerge from under Congress Avenue Bridge. Explore Zilker Park. Avoid Dirty Sixth! Dance at Broken Spoke.
Q: How family-friendly is Austin? What are some top activities to do with kids?
A: Austin is very family friendly. Most restaurants, and probably every brewery, have large play areas for kids. The parks in and around the city are incredible, check out Pease Park to get a feel for what Austin has to offer. You’ll find free splash pads everywhere, Austin is hot but that doesn’t stop anyone from going out and having fun. There’s a plethora of museums, many are free or discounted for kids. And the Austin Central Library should not be missed! Check out the butterfly garden and gorgeous views from the top floor.
Q: Tell me about the performing arts scene in Austin. Best places to see live music, dance, and theater?
A: The performing arts scene in Austin is vibrant. The Long Center is known for the classical arts and is home to Austin’s Opera, Symphony, and Ballet. The lawn in front has the World’s First 3D Printed Stage and showcases a variety of performers. ZACH Theatre and Bass Performance Hallare where you’ll find musicals and plays throughout the year. During the Summer, The Zilker Hillside Theater puts on top notch free musicals. The world renowned Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL)program offers free and paid performances at the ACL Live Moody Theater. Smaller, but equally impressive options for live music are Antone’s Night Club 213 W 5th St. Austin, TX!, the infamous The Continental Club, the Elephant Room, and countless other dive bars and honky tonks.
Q: Any off-the-beaten path areas to explore or unique experiences in the Austin area?
A: About 25 minutes northwest of downtown is the Oasis on Lake Travis. With incredible views of the Lake, and kitschy decor and shopping options, this is a fun place to have a drink and enjoy the sunset. Another lake related spot is Mozart’s Coffee Roasters on Lake Austin. With live music daily, family and dog friendly, this year round delight is even more special over the holidays. A family favorite experience of ours was a boat tour of the lake that ended at the holiday light show put on by Mozart’s. We sipped hot chocolate from the cafe that was served to us on the boat, ate bavarian pretzels, and sat in wonder at the beautiful lights and music.
Q: Let’s talk food! What are the best eats in Austin? Must-visit restaurants? Must-eat dishes?
A: There are so many! The very first restaurant we went to still happens to be our favorite, Aba Restaurant – Austin. Mediterranean inspired cuisine with a multi level outdoor patio and terrace, you can sit under the canopy of a 100 year old Heritage Oak Tree while Moroccan lanterns hang above your head. The indoor dining room is just as gorgeous. The menu varies by seasonal items, but you have to try the whipped feta with crushed pistachio, aleppo, olive oil, and lemon zest appetizer. Everything we’ve had there is amazing, and the cocktails are excellent as well. You’ll likely spot a celeb in the mix too, but make sure to keep your cool.
While there’s a big fan base dispute over Franklin Barbecue and Terry Black’s Barbecue, our personal favorite is InterStellar BBQ. Located in North Austin, and recently featured on Somebody Feed Phil, this place has unique takes on familiar fare. For example, the peach tea glazed pork belly is to die for. And the smoked scalloped potatoes are ridiculously good. But even a simple rib will knock you off your feet! Expect to stand in line for at least an hour no matter when you go. Online ordering is available 72 hours in advance.
Other great spots are Emmer and Rye on Rainey Street, sit indoors as it can get quite windy outside, Geraldine’s Austin which has amazing food, live music of course, and a patio with seasonal experiences (winter igloos!), and épicerie which has the best chocolate chip cookies I’ve ever eaten. Even better than Levain on the Upper West Side.
Q: What are some of the best spots to get drinks in Austin?
A: The Roosevelt Room is an absolute must. Set in a beautiful building from the 1920’s, the place embodies dignity and class. Their cocktail menu is unmatched. The Driskill is another one not to miss. This haunted hotel has a Texas Longhorn on the Wall, cowhide decor, guns as lamps, and live music on the regular. And if you don’t mind a venture to North Austin, Prohibition ATX is a fun speakeasy with kickass cocktails and a new outdoor patio. But first you have to find the entrance, which is hidden behind a wall of bookshelves.
Q: Any other must-do or must-know tips for visiting Austin?
A: Austin is most alive with its special events, concerts, and festivals. Book your trip during one of those happenings and don’t be afraid to jump right in. You’ll likely end up hanging out with the musicians, actors, or other people in town for the event by the end of the night.
Thank you so much for your inspiring post about Austin, Michele!