Picture an
eclectic city where hipsters and cowboys coexist together in perfect equilibrium.
Imagine a utopia where people regularly indulge in calorie-laden barbecue and
top it off with a scoop of ice cream made from natural and organic ingredients.
Excite in the interactive experiences that result from uprooting some of the nation’s
upcoming tech and mobile geniuses and transporting them to the center of the
“Live Music Capital of the World.” Hop on a bicycle and enjoy a scenic view of
college students, young professionals and trendy families engaging in community
and appreciating the often-forgotten “great good places” such as the local
coffee shop or spectacular public park.
This urban paradise is Austin, Texas. Austin has arrived,
and it’s here to stay.
On a
breezy, late afternoon in March, the Zilker Metropolitan Park proved to be a
great introductory location for basking in Austin’s bright blue skies, perfect
70 degree weather and not-so-far sights of humble but impressive sky line. The
atmosphere pulsed with energy as families, large groups and individuals alike spread
across the 351 acre park riding bicycles, flying kites, having picnics and
simply relishing the outdoors. Zilker Park, located literally in the heart of
Austin, includes Barton Springs Pool, a public swimming area fed by natural,
underground springs.
After paying a $5 parking fee, my
eager group of college spring breakers leapt from our vans and ran towards the
open, beautifully manicured area of grass. After quick deliberations, we
retreated to the waterfront and caught the last wave of kayak and paddle board
rentals for the evening. Each boat rental cost $12, seats three people and
includes a life jacket for each visitor. The sun set over Austin’s city
backdrop as we paddled and raced along the lake.
In search
for a vegetarian-friendly and casual, outdoor dining experience where we could
sample traditional Texan BBQ, we headed towards Barton Springs’ nearby “Restaurant
Row.” Our GPS led us to the parking lot of Shady Grove, a restaurant with a funky
patio decorated with Christmas lights and Austin-inspired memorabilia. The
hostesses and wait staff donned tie-dyed shirts emblazoned with Austin’s
signature slogan, “Keep Austin Weird.” While taking our order, our waiter
cheerfully informed us that the term was coined by Red Wassenich, a college
librarian frustrated and displeased about Austin’s developing culture.
Shady Grove’s
relaxed atmosphere and fun menu has something to satisfy every palette. Those
searching for southern comfort food can enjoy traditional favorites such as
chicken fried steak. Others pumped up the authentic Tex-Mex flavors by asking
the waiter to “make it shady,” a request that amps up your entree with jack
cheese and Hatch green chili sauce. Vegetarians and health-conscious diners can
opt for lighter options such as a protein-packed dinner salad or the ‘Hippie
Sandwich.’ This crowd favorite paired a delicious medley of roasted and sautéed
vegetables with melty mozzarella cheese and hearty rustic bread.
Although our entire party left full
and satisfied, we were determined to experience dessert from Amy’s Ice cream, a
well-known, artisan ice cream shop. According to the brightly illustrated board above the cash register, Amy’s rotates over 350 flavors ranging from a peculiarly
fantastic avocado flavor to an undeniably-sinfully-perfect bourbon pecan spice.
Their ice cream not only uses local and natural ingredients, but also has dairy
free fruit and low fat frozen yogurt options.
I did not think my taste buds could
handle anything too extreme, so after a few samplings I decided on a small size
of their world famous Mexican vanilla mixed with cookie dough. Although I
expected a weird, spicy kick, the ice cream was the best vanilla I have ever
eaten. I was subtly reminded of Austin’s quirky and tech-conscious character as
I chatted with my curly red server about spirit animals and signed my signature
on the electronic receipt of an iPad.
Being in Austin during SXSW, we
would have felt cheated out of the experience if we did not take an evening
stroll along 6th street. On almost every corner there was craft
beer, artisanal cocktails, food trailers and live music showcasing the city’s
superior nightlife. Parties and concerts spilled over from the venues and poured
onto the streets, creating the vibe of an after hours block party. Despite
being exhausted from our travels, the electricity buzzing through 6th
street immediately charged our spirits.
Suddenly, the sidewalk was crowded
with a rowdy group of twenty-something’s frolicking through the streets in high
socks, thick-framed glasses and bottom-revealing shorts; their take on modern Flinstone costumes. As I gazed wistfully at their odd, and frankly obnoxious antics, I
knew that I would have to return to this unrivaled Weird-dom.
What to do:
Zilker Park Boat
Rentals
2100 Barton
Springs Road
Austin, TX 78746
(512)
478-3852
Where to eat:
Shady Grove
1624 Barton
Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78704
Amy’s Ice Cream
6th Street
1012 W. 6th St
Austin, TX 78703
Festivals to
check out:
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