“Surprise!” he said. “We’re going to Austin!”
And go to Austin we did. It was beautiful and refreshing. We ate tacos, ducked into bizarre-o gift shops, drank margaritas, swam in the river in our clothes, and then ate a few more tacos. So it was a glorified taco tour. So what.
I had never been to Austin, so Bjork drew on his knowledge of Austin from the guys’ trip he took there a year or two ago in terms of fun things to do and see, and I found food inspiration from my friends Ali and Kathryne who spent a month living in Austin. I don’t know, when it comes to food, sometimes those things need to be taken into one’s own hands.
Here’s what I loved most from our time in Austin:
- La Condesa – the chiles rellenos, guys. SO GOOD. I am not exaggerating when I say I was as close to licking my plate in public as humanly possible.
- El Primo – classic Austin taco truck. Terrible roadside ambiance and two grungy picnic tables, so in other words: very perfect. We got breakfast tacos all-around (including the spicy, delicious, grease-bomb of a chorizo taco!) and they did not disappoint.
- Elizabeth Street Cafe – it’s just so cute! Also, eating a huge, fresh, salad-like tofu/veggie bún after 48-plus-hours of taco bingeing felt really, really good. The jumbo shrimp and avocado spring rolls were also a very happy experience.
- Juice Austin – just another truck, but we visited this place MULTIPLE TIMES because it feels really good to drink something that is loaded with kale and other healthy things that, in fact, tastes like a milkshake.
- Jo’s Coffee – amazing people-watching on South Congress, especially next to the Instagram-magnet that is the I Love You mural wall. Only nerds like me could so enjoy watching people ‘gram it up.
- South Congress Cafe – when we got to Austin, I told Bjork that I had three goals: a good margarita, a good breakfast taco, and MIGAS. Real-deal migas. South Congress Cafe was my real-deal migas stop, and I loved every bite.
- Texas State Capital – obviously I couldn’t stop yawning, but Bjork really liked it, and then I kinda got into it when everyone showed up to take pictures for the spring formal and I had something to creep for a while.
- Zilker Park and Lady Bird Trail – just hike around the river, okay? We saw so many lovable dogs, a legit game of Quidditch, and a biker with a cat riding on his shoulders. And it’s super fun to watch people paddle boarding with their lifejacketed dogs and get jealous of their lives.
- Bats on the bridge – I did not know this was a thing, but it is a thing. People start coming out around sunset time and waiting for the largest urban bat colony in North America (you read that right) to come flying out from under the bridge. Somewhere around, oh, I dunno, ONE MILLION bats make their way into the sky in a non-stop parade and it is both horrifying and totally incredible.
- Barton Creek Greenway – hiking, swimming, biking, rock climbing… all of it. I did not know that there was so much GREEN in Texas. But my favorite was the swimming. There was a rope swing, and tons of people just hanging out in the water with their dogs, and this is where we decided we probably should go swimming even though we didn’t have suits and so we proceeded to swim in our clothes. 31, don’t care. We floated out into the clear greenish-blue water, and Bjork found a leech on his foot, and I couldn’t stop laughing. We sputtered back over to the shore and perched high up on the bank to dry off. It was basic, but it was a really happy life moment for me.
- Archer Hotel – this was a bit of a hike (er, drive) from Austin proper, but no problem for us since we had a rental car. It’s in a lovely newly developed area called The Domain. There were awesome restaurants, great shopping, and most importantly – calm and quiet. I want to be really adaptable and NBD about it, but true story is that I am kind of panicky and weird when it comes to sleeping on trips. Being away from the bustle of the city at night was a really good thing for me. And no, my love of this hotel obviously has nothing to do with the ON POINT tiny artisan treats (mini donut, cookie bar, coconut bite) that they leave every night at turn-down service. Nope. Nothing at all.
Okay, so I have a few takeaways for you. First: please go on a fun weekend getaway with someone you love. Surprise them, even. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just get out there and spend time together eating tacos away from your regular life.
Second: …May I recommend Austin?
Third: When you go to Austin, just be aware that you must plan to wear yoga pants for many days upon your return because your jeans will feel like leg prison. But no regrets. Life is worth living.
Here are some pics (iPhone! technology is amazing) of our 4 days in Austin. Have a great weekend, guys! ♡
Want to see more travel adventures? Check them out here!
Nice you are in my hood and hit some really good spots. The next ATX weekend try these local favorite spots 🙂 Flat Track Coffee, Juice Society, JuiceLand, Blenders+Bowls, Bird Bird Biscuit, Holly Roller, Sway, La Barbecue, Dolce Neve, Argus Cidery, Prohibition creamery, and the Austin Bouldering Project.
Thanks so much, Lindsay, for your Austin insights. My husband and I recently went for the first time and hit almost all the highlights on your list. Loved, loved the city. Add tour guide to your long list of credits. p.s. I’m addicted to your Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos. Soooooo good…
Giirrrrllll…I have been saving this post for weeks, knowing we would spend a few days in Austin. With all my heart, I wanted to eat at Elizabeth Street Cafe, and it did NOT disappoint!! 24 hours later and I’m still
Thinking about my shrimp and pork crepe! My teenagers want to squeeze in one more visit, they loved it so much. And then Honey Blackberry lattes at Jo’s afterwards. Beyond amazing. Thanks for the tips!
I love that gray short-sleeve dress you’re wearing in the 3rd photo. Do you mind sharing where it’s from?
This post made me tear up scrolling through your wonderful pictures. I’ve been following your journey and to see you and Bjork so happy ( i know, the low lows aren’t pictured ) gave me all the warm and fuzzies. Such a good reminder to take comfort in the ones we do have here on earth and also goes to show just how strong your relationship is. Thanks for the beautiful reminder and thanks for sharing your family’s story. xoxo
I pinned this to my “Travel and other fun stuff” board. And Lindsay, I want you to know that the pin I chose is the one of Bjork looking all artsy in front of the food truck 🙂
This looks refreshing, and like a whole lotta fun!
I’d love to visit Austin, but unfortunately it’s a little far for a weekend visit (4,927 mi to be exact!!).
Lo
http://www.themixtures.com
You are truly an inspiration of both honesty and resiliency. I’m so glad you two got to spend some time away and enjoy Austin together. Thanks for sharing and happy belated birthday!
Love. Love. Love. And beautiful photos.
I’m so glad y’all enjoyed your visit here!! We have a rule #4 though- please come visit, just don’t move here. Austin is full. 😉 Looks like you hit all the right spots. My favorite thing about Austin is that you can eat tacos for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and no one will judge you for it.
Dear Lindsay and Bjork, It is so good to see the both of you smiling. I know the pain isn’t gone, but you have to go through the days and sometimes distraction helps you do that. Little Afton must be so proud of you!
Love from Holland!
I love this post for so many reasons!!
Looks like you had a lot of fun! Also I love the stripy t-shirt dress you wore in a couple pictures! Where did you find it?
I have literally had zero percent interest in visiting Texas but you have completely changed my mind. I’ll hafta look but do you have a travel guide section on your website?
Hi Erin! There’s no official guide, but you can check out Lindsay’s travel posts here: https://pinchofyum.com/category/travel
I’ve live in Austin my whole life- it’s unlike any other place in Texas. Tons of beautiful outdoor space, amazing food and great live music. It’s hard to see and do everything in a weekend, but it’s definitely worth the trip.
It is so great to see you all having a good time. I wish you many more happy times ahead!
prayers and hugs to you both!! So glad that you got away! Austin looks incredible.
As usual, your photos are SO well done! I especially love the noodle bowl, with the out-of-focus stream of noodles being held up from the next bowl behind it. What a perfect reversal on how most people would take that shot!
The photos are stunning! I can’t believe you took those with your phone! I need to get myself an iPhone…
On a different note: you guys look great! Rested and relaxed. And very cute together 😉
your pictures are stunning! and can i ask where your grey dress is from? i love it and it looks perfect on you!
AAHHH….made my heart SOO happy to see the two of you enjoying life and getting out there!
I was telling a dear friend of mine about you both yesterday, although we’ve never met, you’re not too far from my thoughts and I continue to lift you both up in prayer.
Hugs from Maryland!!
I have a question! Can you comment and/or post on how you stay fit while eating what you do? Most of us can’t enjoy food like this and still look like how you do …do you really eat the recipes you post? Do you work out 3 hours a day? Tell us! 😉
You had me at the doughnut truck in the first picture, I must now go to Austin! Thanks for sharing, I’ve never been there and your trip was completely different than what I imagined Austin being like (in a good way).
Thx for sharing! looks like loads of good times! And why is it that Austin is the taco place to be?
Austin is so great! We lived there through college. Recommendations for your next trip in case you didn’t try them: Torchy’s Tacos- complete Austin staple (esp for the breakfast tacos); Franklin’s BBQ- get there crazy early (like hours before opening-they will absolutely run out by the time they open!); Siena- truly some amazing Italian/Tuscan food- about 15 mins from the Domain; and my absolute favorite: Bombay Bistro- 5 mins from Domain and the best Indian food I’ve had across 3 continents (except maybe in Trinidad and the same every time for years; Titaya’s Thai Cuisine; and Promise Pizza right near the Arboretum and also 5 mins from the Domain. We always did the kite festival- good time for a visit or of course Austin City Limits or SXSW 🙂
So, SO happy to see the smiles, and the food… but mostly the smiles!