One of my best friends has lived in Nashville for nearly two decades and I’ve been lucky to visit multiple times. Every visit is a little different, from young college kid to adult foodie, and it’s been fun returning and discovering more. This list includes places I visited on two visits in the last decade.

See below for recommendations on Nashville food, sweets, and drinks.

FOOD

Audrey

The flagship restaurant of Chef Sean Brock, Audrey celebrates traditional southern food inspired by his Appalachian roots. Named after his maternal grandmother, this restaurant has classic dishes on its menu like cornbread and grits, but the final presentation is elevated by quality ingredients and creative chefs. Their tasting menu, The Feast, is eight dishes served family-style for $75 per person. We were thrilled with the variety and size of the dishes and left very pleased with the meal.

Offering: Dinner, happy hour, weekend brunch

Neighborhood: Northeast, Mcferrin Park

Address: 809 Meridian St, Nashville, TN 37207

Website: https://www.audreynashville.com/

Cafe Roze

This hip yet low-key spot was great for a spontaneous dinner. I’ll be wishing for the smoked trout dip and steak and frites. Both were excellent and among the best eats we enjoyed in Nashville.

Offering: Lunch, happy hour, dinner

Neighborhood: Eastwood

Address: 1115 Porter Rd, Nashville, TN 37206

Website: https://www.caferoze.com/

Five Points Pizza

My friends tell me this is the best pizza in Nashville! I couldn’t verify since it’s the only pizza I had in Nashville but I really enjoyed it. I like that you can get it by the slice and the slices are huge! They have two locations.

Offering: Lunch, dinner

Neighborhood: West, East

Address: 1012 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206 and 4100 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209

Website: https://fivepointspizza.com/

Prince’s Hot Chicken

Known as the original Nashville hot chicken, Prince’s Hot Chicken has seven locations and counting. We tried the X Hot (2 more levels after this) and it was pretty spicy. I think medium or hot would have had better flavor and you don’t want to order tenders.

Offering: Lunch, dinner

Neighborhood: Multiple, including downtown and the airport

Address: See locations here

Website: https://www.princeshotchicken.com

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

While Hattie B’s Hot Chicken has expanded outside of Tennesee (yes, even Austin!), it continues to be a go-to hot chicken spot in Nashville. They have five levels of spicy, from no spice (Southern) to mouth-on-fire spicy (Shut the Cluck Up). I had the medium but probably wouldn’t have minded more heat. Also, you don’t want to miss the Pimento Mac & Cheese! Their banana pudding is also a guest favorite.

Offering: Spicy Fried Chicken for lunch and dinner

Neighborhood: Multiple

Address: Midtown Nashville (original location): 112 19th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203 plus 4 locations in Nashville

Website: https://www.hattieb.com/

Far East Nashville

What a great vermicelli bowl! I had the Bun Fareast with Vietnamese BBQ pork and it came with vermicelli, crispy egg roll, shredded lettuce, bean sprouts, Vietnamese pickled daikon and carrot, sliced cucumber, basil and cilantro. We also started with the tofu fresh rolls, and Abbie got the pork banh mi.

Offering: Vietnamese cuisine, including bun, banh mi, and pho

Neighborhood: East, Watkins Park

Address: 614 18TH Avenue North, Nashville, Tennessee 37203

Website: http://www.fareastnashville.com/

Frothy Monkey

Frothy Monkey is one of the most popular coffee shops in Nashville with multiple locations. They roast their beans so you know they’re serious about their coffee. They’re also a cafe so you can come for a casual meal.

Offering: Coffee; Full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus

Neighborhood: Multiple

Address: 4 locations in Nashville

Website: http://frothymonkey.com

Barista Parlor

We were advised by a local to find the best biscuits here and they did not disappoint! This sleek, modern, and hipster coffee shop is the perfect place to wake up slowly.

Offering: Coffee and snacks

Neighborhood: Multiple

Address: 6 locations in Nashville

Website: https://baristaparlor.com/

SWEETS

Five Daughter’s Bakery

Yes, this bakery is worth all the hype! The 100 Layer Donut (a croissant donut) takes three days to make. You can never go wrong with a Quinn, their version of a kouign amaan. If you’re paleo or vegan, they have treats for you too.

Offering: Baked goods

Neighborhood: Multiple

Address: 6 locations in Nashville. See them here.

Website: http://www.fivedaughtersbakery.com/

Hattie Jane’s Creamery

This small-batch creamery is a Tennesee original and uses local dairy for their ice cream. They have two locations in Nashville, including one at Assembly Food Hall, one in Murfeesboro, and one in Columbia. I enjoyed their classic flavor Cookie Jar Supreme with cookies, brownies, and Oreos.

Offering: Ice cream

Neighborhood: Downtown, Donelson

Address: 5055 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 and 2418 Lebanon Pk, Nashville, TN 37124

Website: https://hattiejanescreamery.com/

Baked on 8th

This bakery is currently being renovated but you can order for pick-up. You’ll have a selection of slices of cake, cookies, treat bars, and more. You’ll find a lot of classic flavors here.

Offering: Baked goods

Neighborhood: Wedgewood-Houston

Address: 1512 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

Website: https://www.bakedon8th.com/

The Cupcake Collection

The cupcake tour continues! We stopped in The Cupcake Collection right when it opened and the bakery smells were so delightful. We got a four-pack with sweet potato, red velvet, blackout, and strawberry. Fans know best – their most popular sweet potato cupcake with cream cheese icing was my favorite! Can’t make it to Nashville? They ship!

Offering: Cupcakes

Neighborhood: Germantown, Lennox Village

Address: 1213 6th Avenue N., Nashville, TN 37208 and 6900 Lenox Village Dr. Suite 15, Nashville, TN 37211

Website: http://www.thecupcakecollection.com/

Fox’s Donut Den

Good ole classic donuts. Because sometimes you don’t need crazy toppings or combinations. You want a classic glazed or a blueberry cake donut. We picked up a few donut holes, and they also sell gigantic, sheet-cake-sized donuts that serve as an alternative to a birthday cake. Stop in if you visit Parnassus Books next door.

Offering: Donuts

Neighborhood: South

Address: 3900 Hillsboro Pike #2, Nashville, TN 37215

Website: https://www.facebook.com/FoxsDonutDen/

DRINKS

Attaboy

The only other location of NYC’s award-winning bar of the same name, Attaboy in Nashville operates similarly to its original location. Expect modern and creative cocktails you order by telling the bartender your liquor and taste preferences. No reservations and you get in by waiting outside the door. They’ll be watching for your arrival. Our cocktails were $18 each.

Offering: Cocktails

Neighborhood: East, East End

Address: 8 Mcferrin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206

Website: https://attaboy.us/visit-us-1

Living Waters Brewing

We stopped in here for an afternoon beer. They have a few IPA options, though they brew all types of beer. They also have a coffee bar program, so you could drink both. It’s a cute spot with spacious table and lounge seating.

Offering: Craft beer, coffee

Neighborhood: East Hill

Address: 1056 E Trinity Ln #101, Nashville, TN 37216

Website: https://www.livingwatersbrewing.com/

Yazoo Brewing Company

One of the oldest breweries in Nashville, Yazoo Brewing Company is about 20 minutes from the downtown area. They have a taproom and tours available.

Offering: Craft Beer

Neighborhood: Madison Park

Address: 900 River Bluff Dr, Madison, TN 37115

Website: http://yazoobrew.com/

Jackalope Brewing Company

One of the most popular breweries in Nashville since 2011, Jackalope Brewing Company moved spaces since I last visited and has a colorful taproom.

Offering: Craft Beer

Neighborhood: Wedgewood-Houston

Address: 429B Houston St., Nashville, TN 37203

Website: http://jackalopebrew.com/

The Patterson House

This upscale bar with speakeasy vibes serves craft cocktails with a smile. While we had to wait a bit to get in (no reservations), the low-key atmosphere at the bar gave our laid-back night the cherry on top. Not to mention – the bartenders know their stuff and will help you find your next favorite cocktail.

Offering: Fancy cocktails

Neighborhood: Midtown

Address: 1711 Division St. Nashville, TN 37203

Website: http://thepattersonnashville.com/

I can’t wait to go back to Nashville again because I still have a list of places to try! Here are some recommended places:

• SS Gai – Thai chicken street food
• Maiz De La Vida – tacos
• East Side Banh Mi – Vietnamese
• Mas Tacos Por Favor – tacos
• Otaku – ramen
• Catbird Seat – tasting menu
• Arnold’s Country Kitchen – Southern cuisine
• Loveless Café – Southern cuisine
• Biscuit Love –  brunch and biscuits
• Pinewood Social – American food and bowling
• The Treehouse – American cuisine
• The Pharmacy – burgers
• City House – rustic Italian
• Vui’s Kitchen – Vietnamese

What are your favorite restaurants in Nashville?

P.S. Want to read more about travel eats? Check out these posts:

• Chef’s Tasting at Rooster & Owl in Washington, DC
• 8 Best Foodie Experiences in Japan
• Eating and Drinking on Big Island of Hawaii
• The Ultimate Austin Foodie Bucket List

The post Best Restaurants in Nashville, Tennessee appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Why an Alaskan cruise?

This cruise has been a long time coming. We had originally planned this family cruise to the Caribbean three years ago, but we know what happened to that. 

It’s been said cruising in Alaska is one of the best cruises to take. You are surrounded by incredible scenery, from whales in the water to towering snow-capped mountains.

5 things I checked off my to-do list:

• Fished for halibut
• Ate king crab
• Marveled the Alaskan wilderness
• Spotted whales and sea lions
• Drank an Alaskan beer

When to visit Alaska

The cruise season is the summer – May through September. This is when temperatures will be warmer. In the other months, most of the state hibernates for winter.

How much does an Alaska cruise cost?

Here’s an estimate per person:

• Cruise: $834
• Round-trip flight from Austin to Seattle: $597
• Base total: $1,431

Other costs to factor in:

• Excursions: These can range from $50-500 per port. We spent about $665 for 3 outings. The cheapest was renting an electric bike for a day and the most expensive was a fishing charter.
• Dining in ports: Try local cuisines and restaurants when you get off the boat.
• Extra expenses on the boat: Things like alcohol, shopping, and the casino are out of your own pocket. You’ll also have a daily fee ($16 per person for my trip) added as crew appreciation.

Pricing will vary by cruise ship. Carnival is one of the least expensive cruises while Princess, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean are about mid-level.

Which cities do you go to on an Alaskan cruise?

We went to 4 ports and spent 2 days at sea. We explored Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway in Alaska and Victoria in Canada.

Some other cruise ports include: Sitka, Haines, Anchorage, Seward, Whittier

What to wear in Alaska

This is a tricky answer. Look at the temperature a week before your trip. We arrived during an unseasonal heat wave, so our temperatures were 45 – 80 degrees F – hot for Alaska! Typically there will be a slight chill but not unbearably cold.

Best Alaska Excursions

In most of these ports, you can find crab and salmon to eat and places to hike. The port has a small selection of restaurants and monuments to see, but if you want to get a more expansive view, I recommend getting a ride outside of the port or booking an excursion. It’s best to book an excursion before your trip since some may take all day and/or get booked up.

Ketchikan

• Fishing for halibut or salmon – We booked a private 5-hour charter with Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charter. While we missed catching huge halibut (either because we’re not great at fishing or because it was the beginning of the season) but we still reeled in three fish. You can ship it home, and companies will fillet the fish and price it by the pound. The minimum is nearly $200.
• Alaska Fish House – We stopped here for lunch after our fishing trip and enjoyed fried cod, halibut, and salmon.
• Bar Harbor Ale House – Before boarding the ship, we enjoyed an Alaskan brew at this portside bar.
• Misty Fjord National Monument – One of the top things to do in Ketchikan is visit this place and it’s usually done by boat.

Juneau

• Tracy’s King Crab Shack – We enjoyed a crab feast at this restaurant right off the port dock. We enjoyed red king crab and golden king crab.
• Whale watching – Our group booked a whale-watching tour with Juneau Whale Tours where we watched whales and sea lions for about two hours.
• Mendenhall Glacier – One of the top things to do in Juneau is explore Mendenhall Glacier, which you can walk near.

Skagway

• Bike tour – We took a self-guided tour of Skagway with an electric bike rental from Klondike Electric Bicycles. We rode about 20 miles (9 miles to the Chilkoot Trail Trailhead and along the Taiya River) and stopped for short hikes at Reid Falls and Dewey Lake Trail.
• Cafe on 5th – We stopped here for coffee and snacks and it was a highlight!
• White Pass Scenic Railway – Taking this train ride is one of the most popular things to do in Skagway. It’s about a 3-hour ride with scenic views.

Victoria, Canada

• Whistle Buoy Brewing – Since we had less than 5 hours in Victoria, we simply walked around the town. We walked along the bay and stopped by the lit-up Parliament Buildings. Eventually a local suggested we go to Whistle Buoy Brewing, where we enjoyed local beer and kombucha.

About the Cruise

It’s been more than 20 years since I’ve been on a cruise, and while it can be a good option for a family trip, especially if your group needs a slower-paced trip, I prefer the way I travel now – land-based, self-planned, and highly active trips. 

Here’s a pro/con cruise breakdown for you.

Cruise Pros

• Visit multiple places with little planning
• Fairly easy planning for group trips
• 24/7 food options
• Variety of activities – shows, gym, casino, shopping, outdoor spaces

Cruise Cons

• Subpar food (quality varies by the cruise line)
• Can be claustrophobic or overstimulating (constantly around people)
• 24/7 food options
• Limited time to explore the place you’re visiting
• Sea days can feel boring and a “waste” of a vacation day

Cruise Quick Tips

• Research ports and excursions before your trip. Many tours get booked months ahead. Knowing about the ports can help you maximize your time and book last-minute activities.
• Bring a water bottle.
• Keep to a 3-meal schedule to avoid overeating. There’s food available 24/7!
• Bring your own must-have foods.
• Bring games for your group. We had dominos, Mahjong, and cards.
• Arrive a day before your cruise departure and book your departing flight after 11 a.m. on the last day.
• Keep your phone in airplane mode (unless you purchase the Wi-Fi plan).

I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to spend lots of quality time with family and to experience the beauty of Alaska! I recommend adventuring to Alaska if you enjoy the outdoors.

The post Alaska Cruise Guide + My Trip Recap appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

This post serves as a recap of our trip and I’ll give additional options along the way! I’ve also updated my Sonoma Travel Guide post if you want to learn more about Sonoma.

Why Visit Napa

For the wine! There are more than 375 wineries in one of the world’s celebrated wine regions. Cheers!

Best Time to Visit Napa

The best time to visit Napa is August through October, though this is also the peak tourist season. Spring – March through May – is also an ideal time.

Napa vs Sonoma

Having visited both places now, I can confirm that I prefer laid-back Sonoma for visiting wineries, but Napa has wineries on incredible estates. It’s all fairly close, so you could easily visit wineries in both places in one trip like we did.

Napa Valley Fires

Before our trip, we were anxiously watching the fires. It is a devastating annual occurrence caused by climate change. When fires are active in the area, businesses and roads can close and the surrounding area can be affected by thick smoke. Wildfires typically happen from May through October.

How Long to Stay in Napa?

Our trip was five days, and we stayed three full days. We did one full day of winery tastings (four wineries) and visited one winery another day. This was more than enough time for us, but if you’re a wine enthusiast, there is plenty of wine to enjoy! For a longer trip, I recommend combining your trip with some sightseeing in San Francisco and some outdoor activities around the Bay Area.

Getting To Napa

San Francisco, where you’ll likely land is about an hour and 20 minutes from Napa. You could take a day trip with a tour coming from San Francisco, but renting a car may be the easiest and most affordable way to get around San Francisco and to/from Napa. It’s an easy drive, though you may encounter some traffic in San Francisco.

Getting Around Napa

While Napa, the town, is about 18 square miles, the Napa Valley includes the towns of Calistoga, St. Helena, Yountville, and American Canyon.

We rented a mini-van to get around. It was about $300 for the five-day trip and fit seven people. With needing to drive from San Francisco to Napa and driving to/from restaurants and wineries, it makes the most sense. Parking is easy and free in Napa.

See the winery section below to learn more about tour options.

Where to Stay in Napa

I haven’t told you one big detail until now – we actually stayed in Sonoma. We were a group of seven people looking for an affordable option with four bedrooms, and we found that in a house in Sonoma. There were more affordable house options in Sonoma than in Napa. We also considered the cancellation policy, amenities (hot tub), and the surrounding area. Since the house was right off Sonoma Square, it was perfect for walking to the grocery store and nearby restaurants and shops. Here’s the house we stayed in – Casa La Paloma. The house had a huge kitchen/living room area and a big backyard.

I recommend deciding which wineries you want to visit and what else you want to do to help pick where you stay. The farthest Napa winery from the house was about a 45-minute drive and most things in Napa were a 20-30-minute drive.

If you would like to stay in Napa, here are some options:

• The Meritage Resort and Spa (4-star hotel)
• Silverado Resort (4-star hotel)
• The Cottages of Napa Valley (B&B)
• Churchill Manor (B&B)
• Downtown Napa House with a Hot Tub (Rental)
• Simple Downtown Napa House (Rental)

I recommend looking at more options on Vrbo and Airbnb!

Where to Drink Wine in Napa Valley

Because of COVID, wineries required advance reservations. This made our day feel like we hurried from one place to another so that we could make it to four wineries. It wasn’t ideal but we still enjoyed the day. Some of the wineries have beautiful grounds to explore, so be sure to allow time to do that if you’re interested. Also, wineries have moved their tastings outside, so you’ll likely be seated with your party to enjoy the grounds. Since the tastings are outside, you might not be able to see the indoor tasting rooms and buildings. Be sure to review a winery’s website for the most current information.

Winery Costs: The cost per person ranged from $30-40 for a three or four-flight tasting to $75-95 for a four to six-flight tasting.

Birthday Boy Dan is a fan of reds, so that was our focus for this trip. He also chose the wineries we visited for the experience and the views. I’ll give a few notes about the wineries we visited.

Far Niente

The most beautiful winery we visited, the grounds are incredible! The drive into the winery is so picturesque. Pricing: $80 for a flight of five wines

Sequoia Grove Winery

This was the least fancy winery we visited. I loved the little sweet treat we got. Pricing: $40 for a single vineyard flight of four wines

Cliff Lede Vineyards

We didn’t see much of this winery (we had a table near the entrance), but we had a great view of the vineyards on the mountain. Pricing: $40 for a flight of three wines with snacks

Inglenook

Inglenook has a long history and you might know this winery as the Coppola winery. The buildings are very cool to walk through. Pricing: $60 for a flight of four wines with cheese pairing

Here are some other noteworthy Napa wineries to consider:

• Robert Mondavi Winery – the one you might know by name
• Nickel and Nickel – for single-vineyard wine
• Domaine Chandon or Domaine Carneros – if you like sparkling wine
• HALL Napa Valley – wine with an impressive art sculpture collection

If you’re looking for a tour option:

• Napa Valley Wine Train
• West Wine Tours
• You could also rent a bus with a driver to follow your itinerary. Check out Wine Tour Drivers and We Drive.

What to Do in Napa Besides Wineries

In case you don’t want to spend every day drinking wine or if you want some variety, here are some fun things to do in Napa besides drinking wine!

• Napa Valley Bike Tours
• Mud Baths in Calistoga
• Napa Valley Paddle
• Hot Air Balloon Ride with Napa Valley Balloons, Balloons Above the Valley, or Napa Valley Aloft
• The Grape Escape Room
• Brewery: Stone Brewing Napa
• Distillery: Napa Valley Distillery
• Self-Guided Tour of the Rail Arts District
• Bottlerock Napa Valley Festival
• Hike at Robert Louis Stevenson State Park or Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
• Shop in Downtown Napa

Where to Eat in Napa

There are plenty of delicious and award-winning options for restaurants in the Napa area. Here are a few we enjoyed.

Oxbow Public Market

Great food hall with a lot of restaurant choices, including Hog Island Oyster Bar, The Fatted Calf, and Kara’s Cupcakes. Fieldwork Brewing Company is available for beer and there are several wine shops nearby.

Oakville Grocery

A place to stop for pizza and gourmet sandwiches

The French Laundry

Read all about my experience here.

Ad Hoc & Addendum

If you can’t make it to The French Laundry, try Chef Keller’s other establishments

For more suggestions, look at this Eater list or the Napa Valley website.

5-Day Napa Itinerary

We had a very leisurely schedule and one full day of wineries. Here’s our itinerary for some ideas to plan your trip.

• Thursday: arrive at SFO at noon, stop at Golden Gate Observation Deck, hike Muir Woods, arrive at Sonoma house around 6pm, Dinner
• Friday: Lunch at Oxbow Market, wine tasting at 3 Sticks (Sonoma), dinner at The French Laundry
• Saturday: Winery tastings at 10 am and 11:30 am, lunch at Oakville Grocery, winery tastings at 2 pm and 3:15 pm, order take-out for dinner
• Sunday: Day trip to nature or other activities – see list above
• Monday: Drive back to SF and fly out in the morning

Conclusion

For wine enthusiasts in the U.S., Napa is a must-visit! Your trip can be as laid-back or exploratory as you make it, and you’ll never be in want of really good food and drinks. I would go back!

P.S. Check out my guide to Sonoma and my San Francisco posts to plan other parts of your trip.

You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

The post Napa Travel Guide & Itinerary appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Pack up your car. Here are 10 spots in Texas to visit.

Fredericksburg and Enchanted Rock

Having visited Fredericksburg annually in the last few years, it’s a favorite for me. There are plenty of cute bed and breakfast places to stay and lots of wineries to visit. Some of my favorite spots in Fredericksburg include Cabernet Grill and Enchanted Rock.

See my Fredericksburg Travel Guide here.
Austin to Fredericksburg: 78 miles, 1 hour 40 minutes

Hamilton Pool

Hamilton Pool is arguably Texas’ most famous watering hole. It’s beautiful landscape and intimate surroundings make it feel like a secret spot. Reservations are required for the summer, so be sure to make them early.

See my post about Hamilton Pool here.
Austin to Hamilton Pool: 31 miles, 52 minutes

Jacob’s Well and Wimberley

Another popular watering hole is Jacob’s Well, the spring where people take brave jumps into a deep, dark pool. It’s about eight minutes from the town of Wimberley, known for its antique shopping. Also, their Blue Hole Regional Park is a place where you can swim and jump in from a swing. If you want to stay overnight, check out Collective Retreat or Yurtopia for glamping.

See my Wimberley Travel Guide here.
Austin to Wimberley: 35 miles, 50 minutes

Distilleries and Breweries in the Hill Country

One of my favorite day trips is driving out to the distilleries and breweries in the outskirts of Austin near Dripping Springs. Remember my visit to Treaty Oak Distilling Ranch? You can also visit Jester King Brewery, Family Business Beer Company, Twisted X Brewing Company, Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery, Argus Cidery, and more. Most if not all have food on-site but if you need other recommendations, stop by Pieous or The Pickle House.

If you want to make it a weekend getaway, stay in a luxury cabin or yurt at Lucky Arrow Retreat, a cute cottage at The Wayback, a treehouse at Cypress Valley, or a simple bungalow at Living Waters on Lake Travis.

See more about the Austin area breweries here.
Austin to Dripping Springs area: 18 miles, 35 minutes

San Antonio

The closest big city away from Austin has plenty of activities. From the history of the Alamo and Missions to plenty of tacos, San Antonio is a fun city for a weekend getaway. Be sure to check out the vibrant Pearl Brewery district and you have to visit the Alamo and Riverwalk at least once in your life.

See my San Antonio Travel Guide here.
Austin to San Antonio: 80 miles, 1 hour 35 minutes

Tubing in New Braunfels

If you lived your 20s in Austin, there’s a chance you’ve been on a few trips to float the river. Tubing for three to six hours can be the most relaxing or crazy experience. It’s most fun with a big group of friends. (I’ve done tube rental through Rockin’ R a few times.) In New Braunfels, check out the Comal River. Other popular tubing spots south of Austin are the Guadalupe River and the San Marcos River.

I’ve stayed at Hideout on the Horseshoe where there’s a two-hour float on the Guadalupe River that lands back at the hotel. Rent a house, book, a room, or stay nearby at the luxurious Wahwahtaysee Resort or Geronimo Creek Retreat. If you don’t stay local, be sure to have a designated driver back to Austin or book a tour through Texas Winos.

See our lakehouse and tubing weekend post here.
Austin to New Braunfels: 48 miles, 1 hour

Waco

The Chip and Joanna empire has caused an increase in visitors to the town of Waco. If you’re a “Fixer Upper” fan or want to see what the hype is all about, stop by Magnolia Market at the Silos for home décor and a cupcake. Book a room at one of the Magnolia properties or stay in a tiny house. The Dr. Pepper Museum, Baylor University, and Balcones Distillery are some other attractions to check out. (The Cell Block is a unique stay – a jail – about 40 minutes from Waco.)

See my visit to Magnolia Market here.
Austin to Waco: 105 miles, 1 hour and 40 minutes

Georgetown

This charming town north of Austin is the perfect day trip or a relaxing weekend getaway. Take a dip in their Blue Hole and visit Rentsch Brewery. Don’t forget to stop by the most beautiful town square in Texas!

See my Georgetown Travel Guide here.
Austin to Georgetown: 30 miles, 40 minutes

Lockhart

This day trip has been on my to-do list for a long time! Grab some friends and go to Lockhart, known as the barbecue capital of Texas. You’ll want to save room to visit a few barbecue spots, including Kreuz Market, Smitty’s Market, and Black’s Barbecue. (If you’ve been to Lockhart, maybe you should try a barbecue road trip to Taylor or Lexington.)

Austin to Lockhart: 35 miles, 45 minutes

West Texas

West Texas is nothing like the rest of Texas. Its expanse and wildness will inspire your adventurous side. It’s farther from Austin than all the other places on this list but you’ll be glad you visited for a long weekend. Big Bend National Park is a must-do if you want to see incredible landscapes. When you visit Big Bend, you’ll probably stay in Terlingua, which has this cool place to stay. Marfa has a really cool art museum, Chinati Foundation, which is also a must-do for me.

Check out my guides for Marfa and Big Bend. Remember when I stayed in a teepee?
Austin to Marfa: 430 miles, 6 hours and 36 minutes
Austin to Big Bend: 474 miles, 8 hours and 5 minutes

Ready for your Getaway?

I know I am! These are some destinations I’ll return to again and again because of the proximity to Austin and there’s more to see.

Where would you recommend visiting in Texas? Do you have any summer trips planned?

You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

The post Best Day Trip and Weekend Getaway Options from Austin appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Disclosure: The Georgetown Convention and Visitors Bureau provided complimentary items. All opinions are my own.

My fiancé and I are counting down the months until we bring all of our friends and family to Georgetown to celebrate our wedding! We looked at so many wedding venues in the Austin area, but we decided on Georgetown because of our budget and it was closer to our house compared to the Hill Country. Georgetown is also an incredibly charming town!

We’ve been getting to know Georgetown with all our wedding planning visits to give the best tips to our guests. So, here are some of the tips and recommendations we’ve found.

Why Visit Georgetown, Texas

A wedding might have you spending some time in Georgetown, but it’s also a sweet place to spend a weekend or a day trip. Home of the “Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas,” it’s the perfect-sized town to explore fully yet not be overwhelmed with the number of places to check out. And yes, the town square is part of the charm, along with its outdoor activities and restaurants.

Quick Tips

While many things are located around the Georgetown Square, you may want to have a car handy (or use ride share) to visit a few things outside of the square.

Getting There

Georgetown is located about 20-30 minutes north of Austin off I-35.

Where to Stay

There are about 50 home options (entire home) you can rent on Airbnb and here are three of my favorites:

• Mint Couple’s Cottage
• The Harty House
• Atomic Ranch House

The newest and largest hotel in town, the Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel is a modern place to stay. Hampton Inn & Suites, Comfort Suites, and Best Western Plus are three other hotel options.

For a bed and breakfast, check out San Gabriel House, a six-bedroom mansion built in 1914.

Where to Eat in Georgetown

Monument Café
I’ve dined at Monument Café twice and they know their breakfast. Pancakes, biscuits and gravy, eggs benedict, and more!

600 Degrees Pizzeria
They’re slinging pizzas over here! If you visit at lunch, you’ll be able to order by the slice and they are huge! My go-to is the City Pie. If you need more, their garlic knots and pork shanks are good appetizers.

Galaxy Bakery
Stop by this bakery on the square for a sweet treat. While I usually don’t dissuade people from eating cupcakes, I think the true winner here is the sticky bun, especially if it’s warm!

El Monumento
Known for their happy hour and margaritas, El Monumento also serves homemade Mexican cuisine. This is the sister restaurant of Monument Café.

Sweet Lemon Kitchen
This sweet spot is a casual place for breakfast.

Wildfire
Steakhouse, wine bar, and a mainstay restaurant that locals love.

John Mueller Black Box Barbecue
If you know Texas barbecue, you’re sure to know the name Mueller. John Mueller followed his grandfather and is showing Georgetown all he’s learned about barbecue from the time he was a kid. Bring some friends and order a few pounds of meat.

Nancy’s Sky Garden
If you’re looking for a healthy option, you’ll find salads and balanced plates here.

Dos Salsas
If you’re looking for Tex-Mex, try Dos Salsas, a family-owned restaurant for nearly 20 years.

Where to Drink

Rentsch Brewery
If you love craft beer and breweries, a visit to Rentsch Brewery should be in your plans. Opened in 2015, the brewery has very drinkable beers and a good double IPA (my favorite).

Georgetown Winery
With a big list of wines, Georgetown Winery is the place to try local wines. Their vineyard is about an hour away in Rockdale.

Grape Creek Winery
Grape Creek Winery is a popular Fredericksburg winery and they also have a tasting room on the Georgetown square.

The Uptown Social
Located on the edge of the square, The Uptown Social is a sports bar that stays open late.

Where to Play

Inner Space Cavern
Found in 1963, these caverns were an exciting discovery as the highway was being built. Since opening the caverns to the public in 1966, Inner Space Cavern has been a place of wonder for visitors admiring the formations that are estimated to be at most 100 million years old! They’ve found remains of a saber-toothed cat and formations of ocean coral, which is pretty cool to me. They have three different tours – beginner, intermediate, and advanced – depending on if you want to go to places that are more or less developed.

Georgetown Art Center
Free to the public, the Georgetown Art Center features visiting exhibits.

Blue Hole Park
For a watering hole you don’t need a reservation for, visit Georgetown’s Blue Hole. This spacious park and scenic swimming area would be perfect with an afternoon dip followed by a picnic dinner.

Lake Georgetown
For boating, fishing, swimming, and more, visit Lake Georgetown.

The Palace Theater
The home for performing arts, this theater first opened in 1925 and was last renovated in 2001. Their season usually includes musicals and plays.

Town Square
You’ll find several of the sights and restaurants above on and near the town square, which surrounds the Historic Williamson County Courthouse. Tours of the courthouse are available on Friday and Saturday afternoons.

Conclusion

If you’re itching for a getaway, plan a trip to Georgetown. I know we’ll be spending a lot more time there and we can’t wait!

Have any recommendations for Georgetown? Leave a comment below!

P.S. Looking for more Texas road trips? Try San Antonio or Wimberley.

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I’ve been to Las Vegas four times now – for a family trip, for work, a conference, and most recently, a wedding – and yet, I still feel like I haven’t fully experienced the city. That’s how it goes when you wake up in Vegas. They were all quick trips with set agendas and not enough free time, but maybe one day I’ll be back and I’ll have this handy travel guide.

Honestly, I don’t think I’m a Vegas person. I’m not a fan of losing money to gambling and I prefer to go to bed early. But if you had paid me to eat everything, I would gladly partake. There are many excellent restaurants in Sin City. If you prefer not to go gambling and partying, there are still things you can enjoy on your visit.

So, if you visit Las Vegas, here’s a guide to help you plan your trip!

Why Visit Las Vegas

Did you know Las Vegas is one of the top 10 visited U.S. cities? They welcome over 40 million visitors annually. In 2017, its casinos reported $26 billion in revenue, which includes rooms, food, and beverage. Simply put, people flock to Vegas and spend lots of money there. Because of this, Las Vegas is built for visitors and nicknamed the “Entertainment Capital of the World.”

When to Visit Las Vegas

The best time to visit Las Vegas is in the spring or fall, March to May and September to November. Summer can be unbearabl hot in the desert but it does make those pool parties more fun.

Getting to Las Vegas

You’ll fly into McCarran International Airport. A non-stop flight from Austin is three hours. Driving from Los Angeles is four hours and from Phoenix is four hours and 45 minutes. Don’t forget, Las Vegas is in the Pacific Time Zone so you may experience a little time travel.

Getting Around Las Vegas

Lyft and Uber are available. The airport has a special section in their parking garage for pickup. Taxis are also available.

Where to Stay in Las Vegas

You bet there are some nice hotels in Las Vegas and plenty of hotels to choose from here. Las Vegas is the city with the most hotels in the U.S. With this many hotels, you might want to do some research to find the one that fits you the best. Maybe it’s location or maybe it’s a quiet night.

If you would like a good night’s sleep, be sure to check online reviews before you book. Hotels tend to be noisier near a club. I still chuckle when I remember the front desk’s response when I asked to be moved to a quieter room – “you’re in Vegas, it’s loud everywhere.” (Maybe for that hotel but not everywhere!)

I’ve stayed in The Flamingo twice, and they’ve recently renovated several floors. It’s a BIG difference and well done. They also have a bunk bed suite if you’re coming with a big group. The hotel is on the strip and a central location to activities.

If you can and want to splurge, Bellagio, Four Seasons, and Waldorf Astoria are some of the quietest hotels.

Best Things to Do in Las Vegas

If you’re looking for things to do, you’ll be lucky to know you’re in the city that never sleeps. (Though the city gets fairly quiet from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m.) “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” as they say, and you’re bound to find some very interesting entertainment. Here are some activities you could put on your schedule.

Gamble

You’ll find casinos on every corner. How to make money, however, is not my forte. Roulette seems fairly easy to play, especially when it’s at a digital table. I also know in some cases, you have to spend money to make money, and of course, be willing to lose.

Party

If you want to enjoy the party scene, look for hotel pool parties during the day and nightclubs at night. The pool and location can help determine which hotel you book.

Shows

In this desert oasis, you’ll also find entertainment. Las Vegas is known for its shows. Here are some you might like:

• Highly-Rated: Absinthe
• Cirque du Soleil: O, Zumanity, The Beatles Love, Michael Jackson ONE, Mystére, KÀ
• Musical Acts (2019 residencies): Celine Dion, Elton John, Aerosmith, Backstreet Boys
• Other Recommendations: Le Rêve, Penn & Teller, Blue Man Group

Art

• Akhob by James Turrell: Call (702) 730-3150 to make a reservation to see this “secret” exhibit. It’s free to attend but reservations are required and go quickly. Reservations open two months in advance. The exhibit is located at the Louis Vuitton store at City Center.

• Bellagio Gallery of Fine Arts: This is a space featuring visiting exhibitions. It is currently showing a Yayoi Kusama exhibit through June 2019. Tickets are needed.

• The Art of Richard MacDonald: With galleries located at the Bellagio and ARIA, Richard MacDonald is known for his contemporary sculptures of expressive figures. Free admission.

• The Arts Factory: Located in the arts district, you’ll find art galleries galore here.

Entertainment

• SlotZilla Zipline: Fly through the streets and see Las Vegas zip by.

• High Roller Observation Wheel: Take a ride on the tallest observation wheel in the world at 550 feet.

Museums

• Neon Museum: Look around Las Vegas and you’ll see glowing neon lights in every direction. The Neon Museum houses a collection of old signs and hopes to share the history and art with visitors. Only one camera is allowed per person and no video recording is allowed. General admission is $22 per adult, $17 for kids and students. Guided tours are $28 per adult, $24 for kids and students. A $48 combo ticket is available and includes a guided tour and admission to the Mob Museum.

• Mob Museum: Officially called the National Museum of Organized Crime & Law Enforcement, this museum gives an interesting look into U.S. history. General admission is $26.95.

Nature

• Red Rock Canyon National Conversation Area: Located in the Mojave Desert, this national area is about 20 minutes away from downtown. Pricing is $15 per car and camping is also available.

• Sloan Canyon National Conversation Area: Also 20 minutes away from downtown, this park is known for its petroglyphs.

• Grand Canyon: That’s right. You’ll see advertisements in Las Vegas for Grand Canyon tours by bus, helicopter, or plane. A bus will take four to five hours one way and a flight will be 45 minutes. If you want a quick visit, this is one way to do it.

Best Places to Drink in Las Vegas

You bet Las Vegas has craft cocktails and craft beer. If you get disappointed by your free casino drinks, here are some places to get something fancier.

• Banger Brewing
• Hop Nuts Brewing
• The Bootlegger
• Velveteen Rabbit

Best Places to Eat in Las Vegas

Being an international destination, Las Vegas caters to all with a wide range of eats. From hotel buffets to the many restaurants on the strip, dining in Las Vegas will cost you, but when in Vegas, you should always be up for the gamble.

Are you really a celebrity chef if you don’t have a Vegas restaurant? The answer appears to be no as you see Gordan Ramsay and Giada de Laurentiis’ faces and names on signs advertising their ventures. If you’re a fan of these TV stars and award-winning names, try some of their restaurants and see if they live up to your expectations. Here are a few of them:

• Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres
• Buddy V’s Ristorante
• Tom Colicchio’s Heritage Steak
• Bobby’s Burger Palace
• Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen
• Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House

If you’d rather some other options, take a look at these. Even if you don’t see the faces of some of these chefs on TV, I’m sure you’ve recognized some of their names.

• Pok Pok Wing – Portland’s favorite Thai restaurant
• Eat – Breakfast and lunch spot
• Raku – Japanese small plates
• Peppermill Las Vegas – Classic restaurant with breakfast, sandwich, and dinner items
• Lotus of Siam – Very popular Thai restaurant. I love my last visit!
• Bouchon Bistro / Bouchon Bakery – Chef Thomas Keller’s Las Vegas restaurants. The bakery is more casual.
• Nobu – Sushi
• Beijing Noodle No. 9 – Casual Chinese dining
• Momofuku – Chef David Chang’s Las Vegas restaurant
• Milk Bar – The famed dessert shop is here too.

Conclusion

Las Vegas seems to be all about excess, so there’s no shortage of restaurants, casinos, pool parties, clubs, and drinks. It’s a lot and it’s definitely a place where your to-do list might have items unchecked when you leave. That’s probably ok as long as you don’t find yourself in a real-life version of the movie ‘The Hangover’ instead!

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There is so much to do in Austin! I’ve taken my 12+ years of living here and condensed all the things I’ve seen, done, and know into this master list to help you plan your trip. I can’t wait for you to see my hometown!

Why Visit Austin

Austin is one of, if not the, coolest cities in Texas. There’s a vibrant, young energy in this town, probably fueled by tacos and the proximity of ambitious college students. The city is thought to be more liberal and accommodating than the rest of Texas.

There are lots of things to do in Austin and a great variety of things. Art, culture, food, outdoors, shopping, nightlife – there’s something for everyone. Speaking of food, Austin is a foodie town with SO MANY options! More on that further in this post.

When to Visit Austin

In short, visit Austin in the spring or fall. That’s March, April, May, September, October, and November. You’ll find the most tolerable and pretty consistent weather in these months. Here and there we’ll have rain and cold snaps. If you don’t mind sweating A LOT, visit in the summer – June, July, and August.

Check out this post for more on when to visit and what events happen throughout the year.

How to Get to Austin

If you’re flying in, you’ll land at our only airport, Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS). It’s about 9 miles or 15 minutes to downtown. Even with its recent expansions, the airport is fairly small. You’ll eat well in the airport as a handful of Austin restaurants have location there. You might even catch some live music playing.

If you’re driving in, it’ll take three hours from Dallas and two hours and 30 minutes from Houston.

How to Get Around Austin

If you’re planning to stay in and near downtown, you can rely on bikes and rideshare to get around. If you want to visit breweries in the hill country or take a day trip to Hamilton Pool, you might need to rent a car.

In Austin, helmets are only required for kids under 18 years old.

Ride Share: Ride Austin (local rideshare), Uber, or Lyft

Bike Rental

• B-cycle: look for red stations around downtown. $12 for a 24-hr rental or $18 for a 3-day access
• Jump Electric Bike: look for red bikes with a basket. $1 for the first 5 minutes, 15 cents for every minute after. Reserved through the Uber app.

Scooter Rental

• Lyft: look for black scooters with pink and purple stripes. $1 to unlock a scooter, 15 cents for every minute. Reserve through the Lyft app.
• Jump: look for red scooters. $1 for the first 5 minutes, 15 cents for every minute after. Reserve through the Uber app.
• Bird: look for the black scooters with a white box that says BIRD. $1 to unlock a scooter, 15 cents for every minute. Reserve through the Bird app.
• Lime: look for the lime green scooters. $1 to unlock a scooter, 15 cents for every minute. Reserve through the Lime app.

Rail: Austin Metro travels north to south, from around the Domain area to downtown

Bus: though it takes time, Austin has an extensive bus system

Where Should I Stay in Austin

Where you stay depends on what you want to do in Austin. If you want to enjoy restaurants and nightlife, aim for downtown and Rainey Street.

If you’re looking to stay in cool, hip Austin neighborhood with restaurants and shops in walking distance, look to stay in South Congress. South Congress Hotel and Austin Motel are your best bets.

East Austin is hipster central and where you’ll find many bars and newer restaurants. There are only small, boutique hotels like Heywood Hotel and Hotel Eleven over there.

Downtown Austin will have the majority of hotels and they’re all fairly close to each other. If you’re visiting Austin for the nightlife, stay downtown or on Rainey Street.

• Big Hotels: Hotel Van Zandt, JW Marriott, Fairmont Austin, Westin Downtown, Omni Austin Downtown, W Austin
• Hostels: Native Hostel, Firehouse Hostel, HK Austin, Drifter Jack’s Hostel
• Boutique Hotels: Hotel San Jose, The LINE, Hotel Saint Cecilia, Hotel Ella

If you want to get out of downtown, try the Domain district, about 20 minutes north. This area has many restaurants and shops. Stay at the Archer Hotel, Lone Star Court, Aloft, or Westin Domain.

Best Things to Do in Austin

When in Austin, I encourage you to enjoy the outdoors, take in the culture, explore landmarks and street art, and of course, indulge in all the good food!

This “Best Things to Do in Austin” post will be very helpful for you. It highlights my top 10 favorite things to do in Austin along with some other recommendations.

Where to Eat in Austin

We are a foodie city, meaning we have plenty of great restaurants. To start your planning, check out my Ultimate Austin Foodie Bucket List. You don’t want to leave Austin without sampling our barbecue and tacos.

I have an abundance of food posts on my blog. Check out these posts:

• My Favorite Austin Restaurants
• 30 Best Cold Treats in Austin
• Best Food Trucks in Austin
• Food Trucks that Now Have a Brick-and-Mortar Restaurant
• Best Pastries in Austin
• Where to Eat Noodles in Austin
• Best Cupcakes in Austin
• Bubble Tea Shops in Austin
• Best Restaurants in North Austin

Where to Drink in Austin

Breweries, distilleries, wineries, and bars – we have plenty of them! Here’s a quick snapshot.

Breweries

• Jester King Brewery – this is the most well-known brewery and for good reason. It’s about 30 minutes outside of downtown, which isn’t convenient if you’re not wanting to make a day trip out of it.
• If you’re looking for a great brewery in Downtown Austin, try Zilker Brewing, Lazarus Brewing, and Oddwood Ales.
• Some of my favorite breweries are a bit outside of downtown but are located in Austin’s “brew-bor-hood,” about 20 minutes from downtown. I would recommend Adelbert’s Brewery and Austin Beerworks.
• See my full brewery guide in this post.
• For great bars with plenty of local beers on tap, go to Banger’s, Craft Pride, Easy Tiger, Hopfields, or Draught House Pub & Brewery.

Wineries

• Austin has two urban wineries: Infinite Monkey Theorem and The Austin Winery
• If you want to try mead, go to Meridian Hive Meadery.
• The best wine bars are House Wine, APT 115, Vino Vino, Aviary Wine & Kitchen, and Winebelly.

Distilleries

If you’re ok with traveling, there are a few distilleries 20-40 minutes from Downtown Austin.

• Treaty Oak Distilling (gin and whiskey) – See my review here
• Deep Eddy Vodka
• Still Whiskey

Cocktail Bars

• A few recommendations: Half-Step, Whisler’s, Peche, Nickel City
• Somewhat hidden in parking garages: Small Victory or Garage
• Speakeasy: Midnight Cowboy (make a reservation), Red-Headed Stepchild (which has Floppy Disk Repair Co. as its front), or Firehouse Lounge (behind a bookcase)

Nightlife in Austin

This section is for everyone who will stay up until last call or at least try. Austin’s bars close at 2 a.m. We don’t have an open container law in Austin, which means you can’t drink in public areas, but there are plenty of bars in these areas.

Keep reading for more on Dirty 6th, West 6th, Rainey Street, East 6th, and Rock Rose. (Quick tip: West and East refer to which side of I-35 the area is and Dirty and West 6th are both on the west side before Mopac.)

6th Street / Dirty 6th

If you’ve never been to Austin, you might have an inkling to visit our “famous street” – 6th Street, also known as Dirty 6th. From 10 pm to 3 am on the weekends, 6th Street is filled with partiers bar-hopping the places that line the street. The street is blocked off for cars during this time. Dirty 6th runs from Red River to Congress. Go to The Library, Maggie Mae’s, and The Chuggin’ Monkey.

West 6th

West 6th runs from San Antonio to West Avenue. This is thought to be a little more grown-up 6th Street. The street is not blocked off from cars here. Stop by Stereotype, The Ranch, or The Dogwood.

Rainey Street

A few blocks away from 6th Street is Rainey Street. This area is great for a nicer dinner before drinks. Half-Step, Container Bar, and Lustre Pearl are recommended stops.

East 6th

East 6th is for a low-key time out. You’ll find drinks, dancing, and less flashy vibes than Rainey or Dirty and West 6th. Go two-stepping at White Horse before dancing to hits at The Eastern next door. Go to The Volstead or Shangri-La for drinks. There are two breweries on this street if you’re into craft beer – Lazarus Brewing Co. and Zilker Brewing Company.

Rock Rose

Rock Rose is what happens when you take Dirty 6th and West 6th and move it up north. Though it seems to have fewer bars, it has the Rose Room, a big dance club with a lighted escalator entrance.

Conclusion

I hope this guide helps as you plan your trip to Austin, and I hope you love Austin as much as I do!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram at WanderlustAnita to stay updated about all the new things going on in Austin. Feel free to message me if you have any questions or need specific recommendations.

P.S. If you’re planning an Austin bachelorette party or girls weekend, I have the perfect post for you! See it here.

You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

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There are many reasons why hundreds of people are moving to Austin every day. One is that there is so much to do here! I’ve taken my 13+ years of living in Austin and condensed all the things I’ve seen, done, and know into this master list of touristy and local things.

Here’s your ultimate Austin bucket list! If you’re looking for things that are essentially Austin, this is it.

My Top 10 Things to Do in Austin

There are a lot of things to do in Austin, so I’ve broken it down to what I think are the top 10.

1. See Live Music

4. Visit a Landmark

We’ve got a few landmarks I think are cool. The Texas Capitol is a fun and free place to explore. It’s a pretty one, unlike capitol buildings in other states. You should also swing by The University of Texas tower and campus. See my post about the Texas Capitol here.

5. Watch the Congress Avenue Bridge Bats

From March to October, 1.5 million bats fly out from under Congress Avenue Bridge a bit before sunset. People gather on top of the bridge, on boats on the lake, and seated underneath the bridge (near the Austin American-Statesman building) to watch this cool and creepy tradition. It’s the world’s largest urban bat colony!

6. Eat at a Food Truck

We might not have invented the food truck craze, but we do have it. I applaud the gumption of food truck restaurants (and am especially proud when they transition to a brick-and-mortar), and there are always new ones popping up. See the list of my favorite food trucks here.

7. Explore Street Art

As much as Austin changes, I believe the city continues to foster creativity and artists continue to share their talents. I like spotting Queen Eli and Mike Johnston‘s work (photo of one mural below). You can find a lot of street art walking around downtown. Follow SPRATX on Instagram to see some of the art around our city.

8. Drink Craft Beer

If you love craft beer, you’ve come to the right city. Our breweries are plentiful and have a great variety. You can easily do a brewery hop in Downtown Austin on the east side. Check out my brewery guide here.

9. Visit the Austin Central Library

Time included it in its “World’s Greatest Places” list, and it’s also being recognized for its architecture. The Austin Central Library opened in 2017, and this building is a behemoth in Downtown Austin. Marvel at the structure and enjoy a stroll through its rooftop space. See more from my visit here.

10. Do something “weird”

Austin’s slogan has long been “Keep Austin Weird,” an encouragement to be yourself boldly. There are a handful of weird things to make this happen. Play Chicken Shit Bingo at Little Longhorn Saloon on Sundays. Yes, you’re rooting for a chicken to poop on your number! Visit the Cathedral of Junk, the South Austin Museum of Popular Culture, or the Museum of the Weird. Browse the eclectic antiques and collected things at Uncommon Objects. We even have a Weird Homes Tour. When in Austin, it’s ok to be a little weird.

Best Things to Do in Austin

Maybe the things above aren’t your style or you’re looking for more recommendations. I’ve got you covered.

Catch a game

• UT Football – college football reigns supreme in Austin. Many tailgates downtown from August – December.
• Any other UT sports, especially basketball and volleyball – if you love sports, there’s plenty to go around with UT’s teams
• Texas Stars – Austin’s hockey team
• Round Rock Express – Austin’s baseball team
• Circuit of the Americas – where the F1 race is held
• Roller Derby – check out the Texas Rollergirls or TXRD

Take a creative or culinary class

Want to learn something new? Here’s a list of over 50 classes you could take, from cooking to crafts to gardening.

See a show

• Esther’s Follies: sketch comedy show
• Cap City Comedy Club: stand-up comedy
• Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar: dueling piano show
• ZACH Theatre: all types of theater shows

Go to a culinary event

We’ve got plenty of them! See my list here.

Visit a museum

• Blanton Museum of Art – one of the largest university art museums in the country; free on Thursdays
• Harry Ransom Center – archive library with art exhibits and museum; free
• Umlauf Sculpture Garden – museum and outdoor sculpture garden focused on American sculptor Charles Umlauf’s work
• LBJ Presidential Library – great place to study the history of Lyndon B. Johnson’s legacy
• The Contemporary Austin – contemporary art museum with cool temporary exhibits

Zipline at the lake

Have a need for speed and no fear of heights? Drive to the lake and zipline over it! See my post here.

Squeeze in a workout or a spin class

Here’s a list of my favorite workout studios plus the best indoor cycling workouts.

Take a photo

• South Congress Avenue – plenty of fun things to photograph here, including the view towards the Capitol
• Pennybacker/Loop 360 Bridge – the lookout point off of Loop 360 will give you a great view of the bridge
• The Texas Capitol – historically beautiful and majestic
• UT Tower – iconic tower; this spot gives you a view of the Capitol also
• Driskill Hotel – a beautiful, historic hotel
• Paramount Theater – beautiful, historic theater

Enjoy the Nightlife

• Dirty 6th – the infamous; great for college kids and people who want to drink a lot for very cheap; you’ll find plenty of bars here
• East 6th (east of I-35) – some describe it as where the hipsters are; laid-back bars in this area; great location for restaurants and food trucks too
• Rainey Street – similar to East 6th but a little older and more dressed up; you’ll find bars and a few restaurants
• West 6th– the grown-up version of Dirty 6th, similar to Rainey Street
• Warehouse district – the heart of downtown happenings; 3rd to 6th Street and Congress to Nueces
• Rock Rose – the newest area for nightlife is up in the Domain area

Go Shopping

• Gloria Collective – a local shop with a few local makers
• A-town – a big shop full of local goods
• South Congress – this street has lots of vintage stores, a cowboy boot store, a candy shop, and more
• BookPeople – our independent bookstore
• Waterloo Records – record store with more records than you know what to do with
• Whole Foods – the flagship store; snacks!

Have suggestions about things to do in Austin? Leave a comment below!

P.S. See my full Austin Travel Guide here.

If you’re planning an Austin bachelorette party or girls weekend, I have the perfect post for you. Check it out here.

If you love food, you should check out my Ultimate Austin Foodie Bucket List here!

The post Best Things to Do in Austin appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

It’s always a good time to visit Austin. A day in Austin is better than a day anywhere else. But really, with mild winters and beautiful spring and fall, Austin is an ideal place for a getaway.

While we recommend you come whenever you can, this quick guide will break down the seasons and activities for you.

When to Visit Austin

Winter – December, January, February

We rarely see snow in Austin. You’ll get days of temperatures in the 30s and 40s and 60s and possibly even 70s in the same week. We never really know in Texas. So, layer up and be prepared. It’s a quiet and somewhat eerie time in Austin around the holidays, about the third week of December until the students come back to the universities and school starts. You’ll get lower hotel rates and a whole city to yourself but establishments with limited hours. February isn’t too bad, especially if we hav a warm winter! Beware of allergies, especially cedar and pollen.

• Holidays to Note: Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Martin Luther King Jr Day, Valentine’s
• Events in Austin
  • Trail of Lights
  • 3M Half-Marathon
  • Austin Marathon
• Best Eats: noodles
• Best Activities: museums

Spring – March, April, May

Following the winter season, the city comes alive even more in the spring. With Spring Break in Texas comes a whole lot of festivals, and the city becomes quite crowded. But we revel in the perfect weather, patio eating, and watching Zilker Park come to life. You’ll see peak hotel rates but who wouldn’t want to be in the middle of all this energy?

• Holidays to Note: Good Friday, Easter, Memorial Day
• Events in Austin:
  • ABC Kite Fest
  • Rodeo Austin
  • SXSW
  • Austin Food + Wine Festival
  • Capitol 10K Run
  • Eeyore’s Birthday Party
  • Austin Fashion Week
• Best Eats: food trucks
• Best Activities: SXSW’s free events, every pop-up event that sparks your interest

Summer – June, July, August

Do you like sweating constantly? Do you like living in a bathing suit? Summer in Texas is exactly as you imagine it but add a few degrees. Temperatures easily reach the 100s, so the swimming holes and snow cone stands are crowded. But if you don’t mind a little bit of heat, it’s also a vibrant, care-free time in Austin, as summers in most places are. Austin loves its outdoors in the summer, strange but true, and with long, sunny days, you’ll find plenty of activities, like free live music concerts.

• Holidays to Note: Fourth of July
• Events in Austin:
  • ATX Television Festival
  • Austin Ice Cream Festival
  • Blues on the Green
  • Republic of Texas Biker Rally
  • Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic
  • Zilker Summer Musical
  • Austin Pride Parade & Festival
  • Bat Fest
  • Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival
• Best Eats: cold treats, peaches
• Best Activities: Barton Springs Pool or any other swimming hole you can find, Austin Central Library

Fall – September, October, November

Fall is not fall in Texas, as much as we want it to be. Summer continues over and there’s a chance temperatures will fall for a few days or maybe a week or two before we find winter. Even with weather’s fickleness, we return to high energy and a calendar full of activities. You’ll find plenty of food, music, and fun festivals. If you love Halloween, you may want to experience the craziness of Halloween on 6th Street, at least once in your life.

• Holidays to Note: Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving
• Events in Austin:
  • Fantastic Fest
  • Texas Craft Brewers Festival
  • Austin City Limits Music Festival
  • Formula 1
  • Austin Film Festival
  • Texas Book Festival
  • Texas Monthly BBQ Festival
  • Turkey Trot
• Best Eats: food trucks, craft beer
• Best Activities: live music, any festival, brewery visits

Conclusion

Ok, when are you coming to visit Austin?

If you need more tips, check out these posts:

• Austin Bachelorette Party Ideas
• My Favorite Austin Restaurants

Have you visited Austin? What’s your favorite thing to do in Austin?

You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

The post When to Visit Austin, TX appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

As you’ve seen from my Miami posts, I really enjoyed my time in the city and think it’s a great place for a weekend getaway. Miami is kind of crazy and really fun! It’s a city with a beach, hot food scene, impeccable style, and a variety of activities. It’s chic, hip, and laid-back, but also anything you want to make it.

Here’s the ultimate post to help you start planning your trip. I’ve linked all my other Miami posts below.

Quick Tips for Miami

• Best Time to Visit Miami – You want to avoid hurricane season June to November, though you never know what will happen. June and September are usually the wettest months.
• Cost – Miami can be very expensive if you’re not careful, especially for alcoholic drinks. Otherwise, there are activities and restaurants for every budget.
• Airport – Miami International Airport or MIA
• Tip – tip is usually included in the check so double-check before you pay

Getting Around Miami

Rideshare is an easy way to get around Miami. (I use Lyft!) Short distances are about $6 while going from Miami Beach to downtown Miami is about $30.

There are also public transportation options, especially if you’re staying downtown. There is a Metrorail that services downtown. A public bus from the airport to South Beach will take about an hour. See more about Miami public transportation here.

Of course, traffic is high during prime times, usually in the morning, around lunch, and post-work commute. I would add an extra 15 minutes to the commute during those times.

Typical commute times:

• Downtown to Wynwood: 10-25 minutes
• Downtown to South Beach: 10-30 minutes
• Wynwood to South Beach: 15-30 minutes

Where to Stay in Miami

Where to stay depends on what your activity priority is in Miami. Staying on Miami Beach may be a little more expensive but you’ll be in walking distance to the beach. Maybe you want to stay in downtown to have easier access to the museums. The previous section showing cost and commute times will help.

There are not many hotels near Wynwood and a home rental would be your best bet if you want to stay in that area. Here’s a place I stayed in and recommend.

For bachelorette parties, I love the idea of everyone staying in the same place. Renting an Airbnb or having conjoining hotel rooms will make the whole experience more intimate and fun! This Airbnb place we stayed in needed a little love but it fit a big group, had multiple bedrooms, and was the perfect location in walking distance to the beach.

Miami Hotels

Hotels easily average around $200 and go up to $260 per night.

Hotels that were below average in price:

• Casa Boutique
• ME Miami
• YVE Hotel

Here are some other Miami hotel recommendations (most on Miami Beach):

• The Confidante
• Faena Hotel
• Mandarin Oriental
• The Setai Hotel
• Kimpton Surfcomber
• Washington Park Hotel

What to Do in Miami

There’s plenty to do in Miami! Check out this list of best things to do in Miami to get art, museum, and outdoor recommendations. I recommend the beach, discovering the street art, and a few museums.

Planning a Bachelorette Party?

For gals that like the beach, good food, and nightlife, Miami is the perfect place to celebrate a bachelorette party. This is a great option if you’re looking for a beach destination inside the U.S. The city is set up like a tamer Las Vegas with a variety of options, depending on what the bachelorette likes to do.

What to Eat in Miami

All my food recommendations are in this post about the best restaurants in Miami. Get ready – you’ll be eating well in Miami!

Who’s ready to go to Miami?!

See all my Miami posts here.

Let’s stay connected! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

The post Miami Travel Guide appeared first on Fearless Captivations.