Well, as some of you may know (or may discover after reading my bio), I am a Texas native. I spent 9 years in Austin, Texas, attending The University of Texas at Austin (hook 'em!) and starting my real estate career. I went back this weekend for a visit and just wanted to share my love for this great city. If you live in Austin, cosider yourself lucky..very lucky. There is no other place like it on earth. And if you are considering a vacation spot - especially in this depressed economy - Austin is a wonderful option that can easily be done on a budget. I was in Austin for 3 days and barely scratched the surface of things I love to do there! Here are a few of my favorite things that we got to experience on this trip:
*SoCo (South Congress) & South Lamar - I honestly did not spend a lot of time on these two streets when I lived there, but I am amazed at how much both areas have changed, but still managed to maintain that 
eclectic hippie vibe for which they are famous. I love Guero's Taco Bar for Mexican food and margaritas on South Congress and we did hit up Old Alligator Grill Saturday night for some Cajun cooking. We also strolled amongst some shops Saturday and I picked up a new pair of boots at Allen's Boots (also on SoCo)...brown goat skin 1883 by Lucchese...they are SO comfortable!!
*Hula Hut - Although this place ALWAYS has a forever long wait, it's our go-to location for meeting up to head downtown. While the food is nothing to scoff at, it's really all about the atmosphere. On Lake Austin, the pier and deck bars are always hopping..even when it's chilly out (they have plastic panels to enclose the pier and heaters)!
I do love the Montego Bay shrimp tacos.
*The University Co-op & Tyler's - Both on the Drag (Guadalupe Street) across from campus. Great places to shop for anything burnt orange or Longhorn related. Tyler's also has a ton of shoes and is a great place to pick up bathing suits and other surf-inspired clothing & accessories.
*Third Base - Have to include a plug for my friend's sports bar on West 6th. We met up there for Happy Hour on Friday and I was amazed by the televisions!! They even have them in the bathrooms..so as not to miss a minute of your favorite game. The Philly Cheesesteak Rolls are pretty good too...not for those on a diet.
*Town Lake or Lady Bird Lake as it is now called - Running with this view in the morning is nice. This 10-mile loop also includes an off-leash section for your favorite canine companion. 
*Red Fez - If you head to Austin anytime soon, you'll probably be told to check out the bar scene on West 6th where all the newest hangouts are...however, Red Fez on West 5th is a great alternative. This hookah bar/dance club always has great music (especially when my friend Chemise's husband Mark is on the turntables)! I have NEVER not had a good time here.
*Amy's Ice Cream - Not only is their ice cream fantastic, it is an experience just to watch these guys add the mixin's. While we were sitting outside enjoying our ice cream, we saw a guy win free ice cream because he caught a scoop in a bowl after the guy lobbed it across a car and 6th Street traffic. Amazing.
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