Thinking about coming to Austin this weekend...

Discussion in 'Southwest' started by EgadBananas, Aug 29, 2012.

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  1. EgadBananas

    EgadBananas Initiate (0) Mar 18, 2009 Louisiana

    So, this Friday, we had a trip to D.C. planned for the long holiday weekend. Thanks to Hurricane Isaac, our flight is now cancelled. We're probably just going to plan another trip much later in the year, maybe even next year...but we already have the vacation time put in (albeit with an additional 3 day head start thanks to Isaac), so we're thinking of still taking a little vacation and going somewhere relatively close by and Austin (even Houston) fit the bill. I visited Austin about 2 years ago, so I have a working knowledge of the beer scene, but the wife is more concerned with non-beer related activities. I was there for the beer, so I have no idea what there is to do in Austin that doesn't pertain to beer. So I'm hoping some locals can clue me in so I can convince the wife to go. :-)

    Thanks and cheers!
    Evan
     
    #1 EgadBananas, Aug 29, 2012
  2. pwsoldier

    pwsoldier Initiate (0) Apr 26, 2007 Minnesota

    I'll be doing some exploring in Austin tomorrow (never really had a chance to do that despite living here for 6 years), so I'll report back on that later.

    For now, I will recommend setting aside some money for your DC trip. If you've never been there before, the beer selection at the stores out there will leave you (and your wallet) in shock.
     
    #2 pwsoldier, Aug 30, 2012
  3. EgadBananas

    EgadBananas Initiate (0) Mar 18, 2009 Louisiana

    Yea, I am aware of the unique ability to bring in ANYTHING as long as they pay taxes on it, and that equates to bar-like prices at retail shops. DC isn't a beercation, so I planned on only getting about 12-24 bottles and just mailing them back to myself and the bulk of beer would be from eating out and ect...hopefully local beer and beer legitimately distributed to DC is priced normally...

    Cheers
     
    #3 EgadBananas, Aug 30, 2012
  4. Lutter

    Lutter Initiate (0) Jun 30, 2010 Texas

    There's cool shit to do in Austin besides beer...
    -Paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake
    -Eat at food trucks until you die
    -Eat even more at Restaurants
    -Visit the Texas Capitol and Bob Bullock Texas History Museum
    -Hike up Mount Bonnell
    -Keep Driving until you get to Schlitterbahn in New Brawnfels... the USAs' largest water park
    -Browse the shops in the South Congress Area
    -Play hippie/hipster spotting
    -Catch a film at the Alamo Drafthouse

    Then fill up your car with beer at Central Market Westgate, Sunrise Mini-Mart, or Specs Brodie and hit up the Draught House ;-D

    If you're here on Saturday, Jester King has a weekly open house/tasting from 1-4pm. $10 gets you 6-7 6oz samples and a glass... its a very cool farmhouse facility. Stand in the barrel room entrance when it's 104 degrees and go ahhhhh. Austin Beerworks has their tour this Friday night as well (7pm iirc)
     
    #4 Lutter, Aug 30, 2012
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  5. ShameAndFailure

    ShameAndFailure Initiate (0) Mar 26, 2009 Texas

    You can also score a ticket to the Longhorn game. I usually scalp. Great experience if you would like to see a gameday atmosphere.
     
    #5 ShameAndFailure, Aug 30, 2012
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  6. pwsoldier

    pwsoldier Initiate (0) Apr 26, 2007 Minnesota

    +1 on Schlitterbahn and Alamo Drafthouse. The latter is a good compromise if you want good beer and your wife wants to see a movie. Worked great for me when Breaking Dawn came out.

    NXNW would be a good stop as well. They have outstanding food and pretty good beer. And if you like bbq, Franklin's is a must. It's going to be my first stop tomorrow. I also plan on hitting Black Star and Banger's. I'll report back on those later.
     
    #6 pwsoldier, Aug 30, 2012
  7. mhenson42

    mhenson42 Maven (1,409) Nov 20, 2011 Texas
    Trader

    I always hit Guitar Resurrection, Austin Home Brew, Whole Foods and Whip In, in that order. I'm actually heading up this Saturday....thinking about hitting the Draught House.
     
    #7 mhenson42, Aug 30, 2012
  8. turfy

    turfy Pooh-Bah (1,872) Mar 17, 2010 Texas
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Definitely hit JesterKing if you're there Saturday!
     
    #8 turfy, Aug 30, 2012
  9. miikezombie

    miikezombie Initiate (0) Aug 13, 2010 Texas

    You need to talk her into one of the Twilight Master Pancake Theater showings. Hilarious. For those that don't know Master Pancake is a couple of comedians that make fun of a movie live ala Mystery Science Theater.
     
    #9 miikezombie, Aug 30, 2012
  10. Lutter

    Lutter Initiate (0) Jun 30, 2010 Texas

    <3 Master Pancake. We're going to see Fight Club this weekend being mocked by them.

    I like to watch.

    EDIT: Unfortunately for OP, he's going this weekend and all 4 shows of MP are sold out now. <sad tuba>
     
    #10 Lutter, Aug 30, 2012
  11. kevinscott

    kevinscott Zealot (619) Oct 21, 2008 Texas

    If it's a home weekend for the Longhorns you may want to make sure that you can find a hotel room in town. Could be difficult/fairly expensive.

    Other suggestions:
    Barton Springs Pool - spring fed pool with great people watching
    Hike the greenbelt
    Check out the North Loop area for vintage shops and small bars/restaurants
    JMueller BBQ - similar to Franklin but better IMO
    Torchy's Tacos
    Polvo's - my favorite Mexican food in town
     
    #11 kevinscott, Aug 30, 2012
  12. DanzBorin

    DanzBorin Initiate (0) Apr 11, 2012 Texas

    All great suggestions. As commented before, this may be a bad/busy weekend to try to go to Austin.

    School is just back in, UT game, Labor Day. All things that make Austin a bit too busy to be laid back. Just a thought.
     
    #12 DanzBorin, Aug 30, 2012
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