72 Hours in Austin

D.C. blogger Alicia Tenise styles the Calypso St. Barth Blue Paisley Dress from Rent the Runway

Shop the Post:
 
What to Do in Austin TX

How to Wear a Paisley Dress

Where to get Donuts in Austin

Gordough's Public House Fried Chicken Donut

Kendra Scott Roni Bracelet, Selima Optique Amanda Sunglasses, Taudrey Social Media Plate Necklace, Gorjana Kylie Drop Earrings

Allen's Boots in Austin Texas

Where to Buy Cowboy Boots in Austin

Tory Burch Fleming Bag, Vince Camuto Sendra Bootie

Dress: ℅ Rent the Runway | Boots: Vince Camuto (more colors and sizes here)| Bag: Tory Burch | Earrings: ℅ Gorjana | Necklace: Taudrey | Bracelet: Kendra Scott | Sunglasses: Selima Optique

This past Veteran’s Day weekend, I decided to take advantage of the long weekend hopped on a flight to Austin, TX. Austin has been on my bucket list for years — I really want to head to Austin City Limits one day, but before I go to ACL, I really wanted to explore Austin first. Music festivals are an all day affair, and you don’t have that much time or energy to actually explore the city when you’re at a fest!

I ate all the tacos, took a stop by Kendra Scott’s HQ, went to a black tie gala, and managed to squeeze a football game in at UT – Austin (which by the way, was my very first football game ever!) Here’s a summary of what I was able to pack in in 72 hours, but clearly I need to head back because there were a million more places I wanted to eat at!

Also, it was pretty warm in Austin (75 and Sunny the entire time I was down there!), and since I had packed all of my summer clothes away, I decided to get a dress from Rent the Runway shipped down to my friend’s apartment. This dress was so lightweight and breezy, and perfect for a day of brunch and exploring!

Eat
  • Gordough’s Public House: I brunched here on my very last day in Austin, and A. it was super cheap, B. it was crazy delicious! I got their fried chicken donut, which basically tastes like chicken and waffles, AKA heaven. 
     
  • Lucy’s Fried Chicken: Oh my ‘lanta: this place was absolutely delicious and I will absolutely eat there again when I go back! We enjoyed a delicious family-style southern meal. Grab a bucket of chicken, mac n’ cheese, sweet potatoes and collard greens. I basically pregamed for Thanksgiving with those sides!
     
  • Caffe Medici: I was walking around downtown and stumbled upon this coffee shop. Coffee was on point, but guys: they served breakfast tacos with coffee. Taco Deli breakfast tacos, to be exact. Why did I leave Austin? Where can I get breakfast tacos in D.C.?
     
  • El Ama Cafe y Cantina: It was hard to pin down my favorite Mexican spot in Austin, but I think this one took the cake. Great cocktails, delicious tacos, and some of the spiciest guac I’ve ever had. 
Shop 
  • The Gypsy Wagon: Some of the boutiques on South Congress were a little pricey, but this one was super affordable *and* had the cutest pieces! I picked up a velvet/lace tank from there that I hope to get up on the blog soon!
      
  • TOMS: Okay, not a local shop. But the TOMS store in Austin is a hybrid of a coffee shop and shoe store, which is pretty legit!
      
  • Allen’s Boots: I’m not from the south, so I never really understood the appeal of cowboy boots — until I visited Allen’s. These were the craziest, most intricate boots I’ve ever seen: from studded boots to embroidered boots, I fell in love with a million pairs!
     
  • Uncommon Objects: It’s a super eclectic antiques store, where you can find amazing, one-of-a-kind pieces for your home. If I had room in my suitcase, one of their trunks would have gone home with me!
Play
  • Floppy Disk Repair: This was a super-hip, ~secret bar~ in Downtown. You needed a code to get in, but they’re semi-lax. Great place to chill and catch up with friends.
     
  • Handlebar: Handlebar has two floors, and you can occasionally catch live music here. Overall I just loved the vibe of this place, and the rooftop is perfect to hang out on when it’s nice out!
     
  • Rainey Street: If you want a Sunday Funday in Austin, this strip of bars is where you need to go!

Have you been to Austin? Where were your favorite places to go?

Leave a Comment

20 Comments

  1. Jenn McClure wrote:

    First off: I love the color of your hair! It’s beautiful! You’re beautiful! ((sorry for the word vomit))

    I have always wanted to visit Austin. I grew up in Dallas/Ft. Worth and moved to Florida when I was 10 and haven’t been back since. I really hope to be able to go visit there some day and seem some of these places that you’ve shared with us.

    Thank you so much for sharing!

    Love, Jenn

    Posted 11.15.16 Reply
  2. Belle Bermudez-Tubel wrote:

    Love those boots and pictures are beautiful!

    One Awesome Momma

    Posted 11.15.16 Reply
  3. Tuyet wrote:

    I’ve never been to Austin but am dying to go! Seems like you had a great time! http://kimballandkedzie.com

    Posted 11.15.16 Reply
  4. Looks like it was a blast! Love this look, your dress is so pretty.

    Great photos!

    xx, Elise
    http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com

    Posted 11.15.16 Reply
  5. Gorgeous in every way! So fun! I love austin but haven’t visited many of the spots you found. I’ll be ching them out next trip!

    Posted 11.15.16 Reply
  6. Mistle wrote:

    Love your outfit!! I visited Austin for my 30th birthday and had a blast. I wish I would have had more time there. Hoping to go back soon. I will have to check out these places you mentioned!

    Posted 11.15.16 Reply
  7. shannon wrote:

    Austin is one of the top places on my travel bucket list! Your trip looks and sounds like it was a blast!

    Shannon
    Clothes & Quotes

    Posted 11.15.16 Reply
  8. Lavenda Memory wrote:

    That dress couldn’t be more stunning! Looks like you had a blast babe 🙂

    Posted 11.15.16 Reply
  9. Crystal Marie wrote:

    I love your outfit.The pattern and colors of this dress are lovely. I really like the boots too 🙂

    Posted 11.15.16 Reply
  10. Nicholle Brainard wrote:

    Your pictures totally capture the feel I thought Austin would have! Still a place on my list to visit!

    Posted 11.15.16 Reply
  11. Sounds like such a fun trip! I want to go!
    xo, L
    livingincolorblog.com
    @livingincolorstyle

    Posted 11.16.16 Reply
  12. Ruthie Ridley wrote:

    I have never been to Austin but it looks like a GREAT time!! Love the outfit too!!

    Posted 11.16.16 Reply
  13. Meggan wrote:

    Love Austin so much!

    Posted 11.16.16 Reply
  14. Kamara H wrote:

    Such beautiful photos and I LOVE your dress. Austin looks lovely!

    Euriental

    Posted 11.16.16 Reply
  15. Nicole Parise wrote:

    Love your outfit! It is so cute, love the print!
    xx nicole
    http://www.nicoleparise.com

    Posted 11.16.16 Reply
  16. Amanda'sApothecary wrote:

    Fun pics! Austin is on my list, thank you for sharing!

    Posted 11.17.16 Reply
  17. Stesha wrote:

    Austin is one of my favorite places ever!

    xx,
    Stesha

    Posted 11.17.16 Reply
  18. You are gorgeous and so are your photos. Makes me want to book a trip to Austin!

    Posted 11.18.16 Reply
  19. Sarah Louise Zerbe wrote:

    I have never been but it is definitely on my list, looks like a lot of fun!

    Posted 11.19.16 Reply
  20. Austin seems awesome! I am totally jealous of your travels lately!

    Posted 11.20.16 Reply