Kyle’s Weekly Travel Guide: Austin, TX

I missed another week. Get over it. I should rename this blog Kyle’s Occasional Travel Guide. Anyway, this week, we are going domestic for the first time. I wanted to do my hometown but fellow camp writers Tasso Annos and Nick Hedges thought it was stupid because no one travels to Houston. So get bent Nick. I’ll just do your hometown then. This week, lets get weird:

Austin, TX

Things To Do

Shout out @WillyBeansMMA, a current Austin resident himself (am I allowed to dox Will like that?). He will probably disagree with half of this blog and be pissed that I ruined the “secret” in the other half. There is plenty to do in the city of Austin outside of drinking; but you will probably drink while doing these activities as well. 

Barton Springs

Barton Springs is the most popular of natural watering holes in the City of Austin. People typically hang out here all day doing whatever they please. The water is absolutely bricked so if you don’t like frigid water, then just enjoy the park surrounding it. 

South Congress Ave

South Congress is the place where everyone brings their friends who have never been to Austin. It’s a pretty cool street with nice shops, restaurants, and oddities that hold some semblance to pre-tech takeover Austin. Not bitter about the tech takeover but the city used to be a lot cooler. 

Zilker Park

If you go to Zilker Park on a weekend with perfect weather, it will be PACKED and understandably so. It is a beautiful park where you can do so many outdoor activities. Playing beer die in Zilker Park is a high quality activity and if you can get your hands on some plywood and a foldable table I recommend trying it out. 

Lake Travis

Lake Travis is a very fun spot for activities in close proximity to Austin. Outside of all the boating and shoreside activities one could find themselves in, there are hiking trails littered throughout the hills surrounding the man-made lake. 

Texas State Capitol Building

Very cool building controlled by stupid people. That’s all I’ll say about that. 

Restaurants

Austin is one of the US’ best food cities, boasting world-class barbecue, tex-mex, and multicultural fusion. 

The Salt Lick

Located a bit outside of Austin, The Salt Lick is one of the best barbecue restaurants in Texas, and therefore, the world. It is an old restaurant, and it does not take reservations. So if you decide to try it out on a weekend, you may encounter a long wait. Trust me, it’s worth it. You can also BYOB while you wait to be seated. 

Matt’s El Rancho

Matt’s El Rancho is an Austin classic. Located on Lamar Blvd, El Rancho features classic Tex-Mex that is sure to leave you stuffed and happy. There is plenty of parking here, which is quite rare for Central Austin. 

Franklin’s BBQ

If Salt Lick is the second-best BBQ in the world, Franklin’s is first. It is not listed first in the guide as the wait to get in SUCKS. They cook until they are out of stock, so people line up during the early hours in the morning. I recommend “tailgating” Franklin’s, bring some beer and things to do while you wait. 

Food Trucks

Austin and food trucks are synonymous. There are food trucks in seemingly every corner, and they are delicious. I will not recommend any, mostly because many are secret and half of the fun is discovering delicious trucks on your own and keeping a slice of Austin’s secret cuisine to yourself. 

Nightlife

This edition of nightlife will be typical of domestic locations since I know the nightlife in these cities much more than an international one. Austin has widely acclaimed nightlife that I have enjoyed immensely. Each of these bar streets have their own personality. Although, I would recommend avoiding Dirty 6th. 

East 6th

East 6th is probably my favorite bar area in Austin. It is not as well known as other parts of 6th Street and Rainey, but because of this you will be surrounded by mostly locals. The best bars on this street are Hotel Vegas, Lucky Duck, Low Down, and the Grackle. 

Hotel Vegas and Lucky Duck are larger bars with dance floors and bigger crowds, whereas Low Down and the Grackle are classic dives. The best happy hour in the city is Low Down where you can get $2 Coors Banquets between 3-9. 

West 6th

West 6th is probably the nicest part of 6th street, but also extremely busy. Here you will find a range of classic bars, college bars, chains and clubs. The best bars here are The Cat’s Pajamas, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, Green Light Social and The Rustic. Other bars include Concrete Cowboy, Unbarlieveable, and Little Woodrow’s. Avoid Bufords. I’ll repeat. Avoid Bufords. 

Dirty 6th

If you have ever been to New Orleans, you have probably found yourself inebriated on Bourbon St. Dirty 6th is like all the bad parts of Bourbon Street with shittier cops and none of the good parts of Bourbon Street. Avoid unless you are very about the dirty and the gritty. 

Rainey Street

Rainey street is one of the cooler bar streets in the country, if not the world. Most of the bars have been renovated from old houses, as the street used to be a residential neighborhood. Unfortunately, this street is being bought up by commercial real estate developers to build massive apartments due to increased demand, so this block is slowly dying and returning to its residential status. If you find yourself in this area, check out Clive, Unbarlievable, and Icenhauers.

Live Music

Austin is also widely known for its live music. While you are visiting it would behoove you to take advantage of the many venues this city hosts to take in some live music. Or don’t. Your call. 

Safety and Don’ts

Austin is quite safe if you are not dumb. I have always found the bar crowds to be quite nice. Watch out for yourself if you find yourself on Dirty 6th. 

Do not swim in Lady Bird Lake. That water is just filthy.

Getting Around

Austin is quite easy to access from almost every city in the United States. The airport is also not far from downtown, and Ubers are abundant.

I would recommend renting a car, as like most cities in Texas, Austin was built to be very car dependent. However, if you are staying downtown and have no plans to leave, walking is very easy. 

Language

Hello — Howdy (if you see someone with a maroon hat that says aTm you must say this back at risk of angering them and their people)

You guys — Y’all

About to — Fixin’ To (Fix- in- tuh)

Maybe — Might Could

Over there — Yonder

Think — Reckon

NOTICE- If someone says Bless Your Heart, they think you are stupid, annoying, or an asshole.