alright alright alright

I’m in Austin for a few days this week for work. My company is based here, so I’ve been lucky to come into town a few times over the past few months. Traveling for work can wear on me at times but the silver lining is that it has allowed me to take advantage of sneaking in some exploring time around the city.

Austin is well known for live music, Longhorn football, food trucks and weirdness. It certainly is unlike any other city I’ve visited in Texas and, honestly, it sort of feels like it’s in the wrong state. My affinity for Austin has developed for other reasons, too. I happen to be a lover of neon signs and street art which, as it turns out, Austin has plenty of both throughout the city. Add in the cowboys (the men with the hats and boots…not the football team in Dallas), art and nostalgia and I’ve managed to build up a pretty sweet #austinbucketlist. Here are a few of my recommendations of things to check out in Austin.

It doesn’t take too long to realize that Austin sure is feeling herself. There are countless murals, signs and art pieces proclaiming her love and reminding you exactly where you are. I’m all for hometown pride and the charmingly egocentric artsy vibe only adds to her delight.

Austin has several diverse and fun neighborhoods but no visit is complete for me without roaming around South Congress. This neighborhood (and street) is close to downtown and is one of the most lively and eclectic in the city. Art abounds, along with plenty of unique restaurants and shopping.

Another extraordinary spot to check out while around the SoCo neighborhood is Roadhouse Relics. This is the studio for neon artist, Todd Sanders, who creates incredible modern vintage neon art pieces. Todd works exclusively on his art now but his presence is still seen all around Austin, with the many signs he designed during his commercial career.

It’s probably a crime to visit Austin and not partake in some authentic local bbq. I’m certainly no connoisseur but I’ve found a little joint that’s quickly become a favorite and I’ve ended up coming back to visit on each trip to town. The Green Mesquite is a long-established spot with friendly staff, yummy bbq and good Austin beer.

This visit to town was an extra special experience because I was able to drop into the Little Longhorn Saloon, a honky tonk bar and an infamous local staple. This adorable cowboy dive bar has a great vibe with outstanding local country musicians, plenty of two-steppers, a fab craft beer selection (no liquor sold here!) and the world-famous Chicken Shit Bingo that’s been a tradition for over 25 years!

Chicken Shit Bingo is probably the most redneck thing I’ve ever participated in but it is good, wholesome fun and draws a huge crowd every Sunday. Folks fill the saloon and outside behind the building and they run several raffle/bingo rounds.

Austin has a lot of cool stuff going on and I feel as though I haven’t even scratched the surface with all the things to experience in the area. It’s too much to cover all in one post, so stay tuned for a future post sharing more fab murals, gorgeous nature spots, awesome museums and hardcore Austin weirdness!

And remember, if you haven’t already made it out to check out Austin…it’d be a whole lot cooler if you did