Keeping Austin Weird in The Lone Star State

New Orleans made a great first impression but it just keeps getting better. Austin was the next stop on our tour of the West and I have fallen in love! This being my first time, I didn't know quite what to expect, I mean it's Texas - cowboy boats and trucks... right?

Wrong! Austin seems to have everything bundled into one beautiful, friendly city. When we arrived in town we went to grab a bite to eat and have a cold beer at The Broken Spoke. It was a blast watching locals and tourists do the two-step to some authentic honky tonk music.

Tired from the 8-hour trip from New Orleans, we retired to our hotel for the night.

This morning we woke up to the big sky of Texas, full of sunshine just calling our names. After some quick research we found Barton Springs Bike Rental, around the corner from our hotel. Sara and I spent the morning exploring the banks of the winding Colorado River from the comfort of our cruisers.

 Austin has an amazing Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail that meanders through the lush greenery of surrounding parks and recreational areas. A complete bonus was the opportunity to cool down at the Barton Springs Pool. This was no ordinary pool, as it is filled by natural spring water from the fourth largest spring in Texas. It was a chilly 68 degrees but exhilarating and refreshing after a long, hot bike ride.  Did I mention it was 101 degrees today?

After all that recreation, we had worked up quite an appetite.  Since Whole Foods originated right here in Austin, we figured why not visit the mecca AND have a healthy, delicious meal?

The flagship Whole Foods store on Lamar Blvd. in Austin

Austin is also home to the beautiful campus of the University of Texas. We were able to park and explore the campus just as if we were students (both wishing we still were). The architecture along with the clear blue sky made it worth the stop.

The University of Texas Tower

We returned to the hotel to escape the elements for a little while before heading out to dinner on 6th street in downtown Austin. We ended up at The Dogwood Bar and Restaurant and enjoyed the food while live music played on the patio. As the sun set we worked our way back to the car, popping in and out of the bar-lined streets. It seems that whatever you are looking for you could find it here, as all different types of music floats across the bustling streets and is sure to have you swaying to the beat.

Sara breaking in her cowboy boots

The beer of choice for locals

We've really enjoyed our time in Austin. San Antonio tomorrow! We'll keep you posted.