It’s difficult to write about travel when you’re uninspired. It’s also difficult to find inspiration while wrestling a budget. It’s rather depressing actually. I couldn’t justify a summer international excursion while attempting to fund a month long Europe trip in the fall. But I tend to get antsy with weeks of routine, especially when trying to live more spontaneously. The draw of the staycation is two-fold. You not only save money by not driving/flying elsewhere, which allows for a splurge on hotel stay and activities, but it also encourages you to explore your city like a tourist. Nic and I wanted to spend our weekend resting, eating and having a bit of Austin fun. Here is how we spent our weekend!
Friday
5 pm – Check in to W Hotel and face-plant on to bed in our adorable corner room (thanks Emily!)
7 pm – Walk(!!) to Gourdough’s Public House to share The Breast Lift and The Puddin`
8 pm – Head to ACL Live for Quinn Sullivan + Buddy Guy concert (because who goes to Austin without listening to some live music!?)
12 am – Have a way too expensive Mexican Mule while people watching at The Living Room bar
Saturday
9 am – Get our sweat on at the most amazing hotel gym I have ever seen
11am – Head to 24 Diner for brunch and subsequently end up poking around Waterloo Records while waiting/complaining of how hot/hungry we are
1 pm – Walk around the Farmer’s Market and do some damage at Urban Outfitters
2 pm – Hit the Wet Deck at the W Hotel to roast and spend time in a $350 cabana, subsequently sneaking away when realizing it isn’t free
5 pm – Nap time, duh.a
7 pm – Drive (because 1 mile is too far to walk in Texas heat) to 40 North on S. 1st to fall in love with a Pineapple and Margherita pizza and then hit up with convenient store next door for some hard cider in preparation for our next activity
9pm – Drink cider and subsequently lose at Peter Pan Mini-Golf (okay I lost because Nic had two hole in ones…)
11pm – Park car back at hotel and appreciate Austin nightlife while walking off food/drinks
Sunday
9 am – Starbucks, obviously
10 am – Arrive at Congress Avenue Kayaks for stand up paddle boarding, where we are quickly reminded of how draining it is
11:30am – Drive past the block long line at Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden, relieved we can come here on any old weekday
12 pm – End up at our local Taco Deli, thankful for the short drive home