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On our Thanksgiving road trip across the U.S. from Florida to California, we made a pit stop in Austin, Texas. Austin has been gaining popularity recently, and we were curious to see what all the buzz was about. With just one day to explore, we packed our schedule with fun activities, starting bright and early.
7 AM: Breakfast at 1886 Cafe & Bakery
We kicked off our day with a delicious breakfast at the charming 1886 Cafe & Bakery, located inside the historic Driskill Hotel. This Victorian-style cafe has a cozy atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Crystal was excited to try their famous Texas-shaped waffles.
At 1886, everything is cooked to order, so we had some tasty options. Candy went for the steel-cut oatmeal, served with raisins, toasted pepitas, almonds, and fresh berries, while Crystal enjoyed the Texas-shaped pecan waffles with fresh berries. Both were great choices, but we were a bit bummed we didn’t try any of their bakery items, which weren’t displayed very well or listed on the menu.
9:30 AM: Texas State Capitol Tour
Location: 1201 San Jacinto Blvd.
Since we’d visited the state capitol in Sacramento, we figured it would be fun to check out the Texas State Capitol in Austin. This iconic building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark.
Before heading to the main capitol building, we stopped at the Visitor’s Center, which houses an impressive Lego replica of the Texas State Capitol. Built with 65,000 Lego pieces, this replica is a unique way to showcase the architecture of the building.
The capitol itself is stunning, and the guided tours are free. The tours run regularly from 9:30 AM to 4 PM (Monday through Friday), and from 12:30 PM to 4 PM on weekends. We got there in time for the 10 AM tour, which lasted about 30 minutes. Afterward, we had time to explore on our own. Our tour guide was charismatic, and we learned a lot about Texas history and the building’s fascinating architecture.
12 PM: Lunch at Sixth and Waller
Location: 1108 East Sixth St.
After our morning of sightseeing, we headed to Sixth and Waller, a trendy cafe inside the East Austin Hotel. This boho-chic spot is full of vibrant colors and quirky decor, making it perfect for photos. They offer a variety of dishes, including vegan and vegetarian-friendly options, along with sandwiches, salads, and breakfast items.
We ordered a grilled chicken sandwich, which was served quickly—too quickly, actually, which made us think it might have been pre-cooked. However, the sandwich was surprisingly moist and tender. While the flavors were fine, we felt we were mostly paying for the ambiance rather than the food itself.
1:30 PM: Shopping on South Congress
Location: South Congress Avenue
South Congress is Austin’s main street for shopping, dining, and entertainment, and we were excited to explore the area. The best part? Many of the stores here are dog-friendly, so we could bring Kuma along for the fun.
One of our first stops was Allen’s Boots, a classic Austin store with over 4,000 pairs of cowboy boots. We tried on a few pairs, and they were surprisingly comfortable. We also checked out TOMS Shoes & Coffee Shop, where we were delighted to find that TOMS has a coffee shop inside. It was a cozy space with a lovely porch and, fun fact, the company has a “One for One” model where they donate a pair of shoes for every pair sold.
Next, we went to Parts & Labour, a quirky shop with Texas-themed souvenirs, creative T-shirts, jewelry, and handmade cards. If you’re looking for unique Austin gifts, this place is a must-visit.
We also swung by Kendra Scott’s flagship store, known for its beautiful gemstones and elegant designs. The store also houses The Sips & Sweets Café, where we grabbed a coffee and enjoyed seasonal bites from local bakers.
Another stop was Maufrais, a custom hat shop where you can design your own hat. Watching the employees shape hats with steam machines was mesmerizing! If you’re after a truly one-of-a-kind accessory, this is the place to go.
Lastly, we took some time to admire the murals around South Congress, including the famous Greetings From Austin mural, the Willie for President mural, and the Before I Die wall.
5 PM: Dinner at Guero’s Taco Bar
Location: 1412 S. Congress Ave.
After a busy afternoon of shopping, we were ready for a delicious dinner, so we made our way to Guero’s Taco Bar, a local favorite. Though there was a bit of a wait, the service was quick once we were seated. We snacked on chips and salsa while we waited, and the salsa was so good, it was hard to stop!
Crystal opted for enchiladas, while Candy went for Caldo De Pollo, a traditional chicken soup. The soup was flavorful, loaded with veggies, and topped with rice. The enchiladas were tasty but not particularly memorable.
If Tex-Mex isn’t your thing, here are a few other highly-rated restaurants in Austin:
- The Meteor: A coffee, food, wine, and bike shop combo.
- The Peacock: A Mediterranean restaurant with a great ambiance.
- Fukumoto: A Japanese izakaya specializing in yakitori.
- Launderette: A cool gas station-turned-restaurant.
- Josephine House: A charming cottage restaurant with excellent food.
7 PM: Drinks at The Roosevelt Room
Location: 307 W 5th St.
To cap off the day, we headed to The Roosevelt Room, a chic cocktail bar a few blocks from our hotel. With its speakeasy vibe and expertly crafted cocktails, it was the perfect spot to relax. We ordered the Cigar Box, a signature drink that comes with a flamed cinnamon stick for a classy presentation, and the Zombie, which was garnished with cinnamon powder, mint, and flowers for a dramatic effect. The non-alcoholic Castaway cocktail was refreshing and minty—perfect for anyone not drinking alcohol.
If You Have More Time…
If you find yourself with extra time in Austin, here are some additional activities to consider:
- Congress Bridge: Watch the stunning bat show from late March to October.
- Ann and Roy Butler Bike Trail: A scenic trail with great views of downtown Austin.
- Wonderspaces: An immersive and interactive art show.
- Museum of Ice Cream: A fun, sweet celebration of ice cream.
- Rainey Street District: A great area with dog-friendly bars and eateries.
- Mount Bonnell: The highest point in Austin with a fantastic view.
Where to Stay in Austin
We stayed at the Canopy Hilton Downtown Austin and had an amazing experience. The hotel is located near many bars, restaurants, and entertainment options. It also has an on-site restaurant, Verbena, and is dog-friendly, providing dog bowls and beds with a dedicated pet-relief area.
If you’re looking for other great places to stay in Austin, here are a few recommendations:
- Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt: Located near the Congress Ave bridge, about a mile from downtown.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Austin: Close to the Colorado River and downtown Austin.
- South Congress Hotel: Located right in the heart of South Congress, ideal for exploring the area.
Austin is an exciting city with a lot to offer, whether you’re into food, shopping, history, or just soaking in the unique atmosphere. We had a blast exploring, and we hope you’ll love it as much as we did!