Austin Highlights

As a way to properly say goodbye to Austin, I have compiled a list of my top 10 favorite things! Enjoy!


#10  Lone Star Beer: I am usually a beer snob, but I really came to enjoy Lone Star Beer. This was due to two reasons: First, it usually came with a $1 or $2 price tag and second, I loved the ads that showed the intense Texas pride.

#9  Lazy River Rafting on the Comal River: I had the pleasure of floating down a beautiful river with my best friend Leah. We were not drunk like everyone else, but still had a blast! There were even a few small rapids.

#8  Flightpath: This neighborhood coffee shop was just down the street from my house. The furniture was simple, but great craftsman quality. On the walls were the works of local artists. And what really counted was that they had the best quality coffee and baristas I found in Texas, plus they served beer!

#7 Shady Grove Unplugged: Each Thursday Evening the KGSR would host a free concert at Shady Grove restaurant. Everyone lounged in the heat, sipped on beers as the sun set, and made new friends. I found it to always be relaxing and enjoyable.

#6 Alamo Draft House: This new movie theater has taken the idea of "Dinner and a Movie" back to what I think it should be. The theater is designed to serve you a meal and drinks at your seat, which has a table in front of it. In addition, the movie theater sets the mood. They create a compilation of related video clips relating to the movie you are about to see. It was such an exciting event.

#5  Barton Springs: Barton Springs was a place I looked forward to visiting before I arrived in Austin. Barton Springs is a beautiful man-made pool that sits in the Barton Creek channel. It is also home to Salamanders, which may not sound appealing, but Salamanders rely on a continual clean flow of water, meaning Barton Springs will always be a clean place to swim! It was also wonderful to see all ages enjoying the sunshine, water and the company of others.

#4 Pappasitos Cantina (Houston): By far the best Tex Mex I found in Texas. Please eat here when you are in Houston!

#3 Trivia Night at the Highball: Geeks Who Drink hosted a trivia night at the Highball every Wednesday evening. The question categories and themes were always fun and original. Geeks Who Drink host trivia all over Austin, I would highly recommend attending if you have the chance.

#2 Blues on the Green: A free blues concert in Ziller Park every other Wednesday evening. Everyone brought their blankets, booze, and dogs. I found it to be more about enjoying a relaxing evening with a gorgeous view than about the music. This is also hosted by KGSR, so you know the music is great!

# 1: Hamilton Pool: Hamilton Pool is a natural pool, or swimming hole, in Hamilton Creek, surrounded by a half done of limestone. It looks like it should be inhabited by nymphs and fairies. I found it to be enchanting and peaceful despite the numerous people there. 

 

 In summary, Austin is an amazing city with something to offer to everyone. I hope you can experience it someday!

Adieu Austin

On Saturday I said a tearful goodbye to Austin. I enjoyed my time immensely in the beautiful city.  I wasn't the best at taking pictures in Austin, nor blogging, but I think that shows how easily entertained one can be in the city.

I thought a compilation of my Austin favorites would be wonderful closure and a great way to share with you my summer. So this will be coming to you later in the week!

Record Player

 I was so excited to use the record player, that came with our amazing home, but when we put on a record it only produced a cacophony of sounds. So today, Leah and I went to Antone's Record Shop, just a few blocks from our house to get a new needle. And now she works like a champ!

While at Antone's I couldn't help but purchase my first record: The Greatest Hits of Simon and Garfunkle. And while checking out, the sales woman suggested that we dress up like them for Halloween! What a great costume idea!

What is your favorite album??

24 Hours in Houston: Puppies, Kittens and Dinosaurs

I took my first (mini) visit to Houston on Sunday. I was promised puppies, and I got them! Scout had her first litter the Wednesday before we arrived. Eight in all. It was adorable to watch them blindly find their siblings, make dog piles, and yelp here and there.

 Leah and Larry were also there to soak up the cuteness. We all tried to hold as many puppies at once. I think the record was four. But personally, that was too much cuteness to handle at once. 

 Leah and I got to stay at her friend's place, just outside of Houston. How adorable!

 

It even came with a rambunctious kitten!

 

 

While Leah went to her dentist appointment, I explored Houston. I choose to go to the Museum of Natural Sciences. Their collection of dinosaurs was extensive and educational. I highly recommend it!

http://www.hmns.org/

On our way back, we stopped at Blue Bell Creamery. A must if you are visiting Texas. Their scoops were only $1! and, if you are shameless like me, can try many, many samples.

My New Place!

I would like to introduce you to my new summer home! Leah and I are subleasing from a really cool couple who are traveling to Brazil for a documentary. There is even a record player!

 

 

The best part is our garden! We have tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, carrots, and a pineapple! Yum!

 

Where is your ideal place to rent a house for a summer?

Farewell Los Angeles! Hello Austin!

I grew up in Southern California and always wanted to travel and live in other cities.

 I hit the road a few days ago with my best friend Leah, destined for bigger and better... yes that's right Texas! I said my tearful goodbyes to my family, friends, and the fair weathered city of Los Angeles. 

The road was long, but I made it. And Austin is worth the wait!

How old were you when you first moved away from home?