Wow! It's been about a couple of months since that trip. Where did the time go? The dust has long since settled for after our final summer trip before we hunker down for the winter... as much hunkering down as one can do in the 'fall temperatures' of the South. Our last trip together to Austin was maybe 4-5 years ago, with not much memories other than several attempts at thrifting and eating every two hours at food trucks. Thinking to plan out a more fun, relaxing, but meaningfully planned trip, I set out with a plan. As an aside, photos were limited as I tried to be more in the moment than be a bystander to it, so photos may be lacking.



STAYED: The Archer Hotel was the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. The hotel was 20 minutes outside of the main city, no city sounds to wake us from our slumber. The His&Her slippers that came with our stay was also ridiculously charming.

One of the best parts of our stay there included curated sweet treats at the end of the day, after the turn-down service. Who could not look forward to gourmet pastries and chocolates from local patisseries? They also threw in $20 credit which Ben and I used on a dessert tray and dessert wine. Money well-spent!

EXPLORED: Hops & Grain Brewing. I booked a tour which was about an hour. It was very informal and the guy leading it was pretty funny.

Covert Park. Little known fact that Ben was actually born in Austin but he hasn't had the chance to really explore the city. I don't really understand my fixation but I thought it would be cool to get to know the city you were born in, especially since I don't have the opportunity to do that right now. Since neither of us have walked up there, we both could enjoy the sights when we arrived. Honestly, I think we spent the whole time speculating on the prices of the homes along the river. Guess we're at that age.

ATE + DRANK: Happy Lobster... a food truck that was right next to the brewery Ben and I checked out on our first day. I had their lobster roll in Chicago during the Goose Island Block Party and haven't forgotten them since. They pack so much lobster into their buttery roll. It's delicious and satisfying.

Brunch at Jacoby's. We shared the house baked scones and seasonal jam (!) and we both ordered the duck confit migas. We don't normally opt to sit outside due to humidity, but that morning wasn't too bad. Although, I must say the mosquitoes were out in full force. So much so, Ben proposed trying out their bug repellent—did I mention there was a mercantile shop connected to the restaurant?—and I bought it right then and there. Locally made, it was like a mini deodorant stick only you swipe it on your wrists and ankles. I never had anymore mosquito bites after that so I guess the impulsive purchase was worth it after all.

The ABGB. We shared the 14" sausage pizza which was heavenly! There was live music and plenty of couples out on the dance floor dancing the two-step and other dances that I should probably know by now but don't.

The Steeping Room. Afternoon tea, can't have too many of those in your life, right? One of the first things I'm looking forward to buying in the future is a tea set and tiers so I can have my afternoon tea whenever I want!

Fukumoto Sushi & Yakitori Izakaya. I cannot recall when my obsession with finding eel yakitori began but that has since been satisfied at this restaurant. The yakitori, especially the eel, was AMAZING. Certainly come expecting to pay for it but I will say, without regrets, completely worth it. The other food was delicious too, the sake plentiful, but Ben and I chose this place specifically for the yakitori scene.

Freedman's BBQ. I've promised to take Ben to Franklin's BBQ but they had had a fire break out in their smokehouse so it was closed down for repairs when we arrived Austin. We'll make it back to that place someday! In the meantime, there were still plenty options to choose from so we ended up at Freedman's. It is a very cool looking place, like walking into an old western. Judging by the big, satisfied grin on Ben's place, the BBQ was a win.

Ramen Tatsu-ya. Our last day, we decided to eat a big bowl of ramen. The wait can get ridiculous but we were lucky enough with our timing that we didn't wait too long. I ordered the Tonkotsu Original and if I recall correctly, Ben ordered the Mi-So-Not. As far as ramens go, I found it savory and delicious. However, my favorite still goes back to High Five Ramen back in Chicago.

OTHERS: A quick stop at IdentoGo for my work and a reserved seats at the Alamo Drafthouse for the movie, It, was also slipped into our week. That movie was terrifying and very glad they didn't take some scenes from the book and put it in the movie (!).

I should have finished this post earlier or at least closer to when the events actually happen. I'll admit, I'm finishing this off in the middle of December but better late than never. I have had other cool events since then so looks like I'll be playing catch-up before the year round-up post. Until then!