I always hear people say Texas is different. A state that big with a unique history is supposed to be different. Last time we went to Texas was three years ago, also in March, but Austin didn't leave me an outstanding first impression. To be honest, I was not fully convinced that I'd go there again.
Turns out I am glad I did, because this time I found Austin a charming beauty. :)
Where to Sight- seeing
A short drive took us to Mt. Bonell, where you could enjoy a magnificent view of colorado river, and compare which mansion had the best location and nicest looking pool.
I think if a capital is in walking distance from downtown or where people hang out, it's very cool. Not only because it's good to a post-dinner stroll, to me it also means the government is to serve the people by being close to the community (or am I thinking too much?).
Texas' capital building is at the end of Congress Ave. On the other side of the avenue, that's where the famous bat bridge is. Too bad we didn't gauge a good time around dusk to be able to see tons of bats flying around - I bet it's unbelievable!
Where to Get Coffee
When you live in a city like Seattle, you'll cherish and appreciate local coffee places. Why? Because Starbucks is originated from Seattle (you learned something new today?) and we have them almost around every corner of the city! In Austin, you'll see how the local coffee places are blooming and becoming places where people work and hang out.
Lazarus serves coffee in the morning and beer in the evening
La Patisserie serves custard donuts
There are so many other good coffee places, definitely check them out.
Where to Drink and Eat
We stayed around East 6th, where there were at least a handful craft beer and whisky places in walking distance, like Grackle.
What's more is that a lot of bars are connected to a food truck that serves amazing specialties, like Tumble 22.
How about a roasted cauliflower pizza (from Bufalina) in the sun? Yes, sign me up!
When you are in the pacific northwest, people are bragging about what an awesome food truck scene it is in Portland...... Until we were walking in Austin, and I realized this place is a truly food truck city!
This place is called Veracruz All Natural. A breakfast taco with cactus (for real?), egg and cheese, paring with a beet and carrot juice! (photo shot in our apartment, hehe)
Roadtrip Destinations
The day after we got to Austin, we took a drive to San Antonio.
Walking around Alamo help me learn a bit more about that piece of history involving Mexico, Texas and United States.
Riverwalk is where you see all the modern cuisine, riverside hotels, and bars just one after another. We didn't eat here, because.... a gordita join is where we are going!
The first and only time I had gordita was on a trip in California. These thick corn pockets were filled with juicy chicken, chorizo and stewed pork. Who invented these things? They should be proud!
Dona Tota didn't disappoint, although the corn pastry was not as thick as California's and meat was not as juicy as California's, but guess what, there's no place that I know in Seattle where you can get gordita. So we are grateful!
The last weekend we went to Corpus Christi, a town by Mexico gulf... where people run by the water, palm trees grow strong, and beef ribs are served!
Warning
Yes, there are legit warnings. First, watch out for those grackles. They chirp in the day, and they chirp throughout the night as well. We had to change hotels because the first place was apparently right besides some trees grackle live. We barely slept. Food truck scene makes it worse. These birds are all over the streets eating food crumbles, and they seem to be not afraid of people!
So make sure to ask your hotel about surroundings and see if there are rooms away from trees/woods,etc. Or bring earplugs for a good night sleep.
Second warning - a lot of food trucks and even some restaurants (Bufalina for example) are opening on weekends, but take Mon and Tue off, so be planful about your itinerary and schedule if you want to hit some popular spots on a weekday!
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