Tim & Cody
Tim & Cody
Things to Do
FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURERS
Over 20 miles of relatively easy hiking throughout Austin; this link takes you to info on the Barton Creek section.
A spring-fed three-acre pool in central Austin that has a year-round average temperature between 68 and 70 degrees.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Despite it being winter, some things are still in bloom in Texas!
For any F1 fans who would like to see the home of the U.S. Grand Prix and drive a high-powered go kart around a small-scale replica of the circuit.
Much further afield, but an absolutely beautiful pink granite dome you can hike. Tim's favorite place in Texas outside of Big Bend.
FOR LESS-ADVENTUROUS TYPES
Perhaps the most popular/trendy shopping and dining area in Austin. It also provides beautiful views looking north of downtown and the state capitol.
If you've ever used instagram, then you've seen some influencer in front of one of Austin's many famous murals. This link takes you to a self-guided tour.
Regardless of what those in this building produce, the state capitol is an amazing building and has what is perhaps the best gift shop in all of Austin.
Located on the UT-Austin campus, it features a museum with exhibits on civil rights, the Great Society, and Vietnam, as well as a full-scale replica of the Oval Office. Additionally, it has nice views of downtown and the Hill Country further in the distance. Further out of town is the LBJ Ranch.
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Texas' official history museum; it is located just north of the state capitol building.
FOR DINING
In the last few years, Austin has developed a reputation for its dining. Here are some options for both fine dining and barbecue... for the former list, be sure to make reservations, and for the latter, be prepared to wait in line to order! We're also not providing recommendations for Mexican/southwestern food, as our celebration's menu will feature it.
Some Fine-ish Dining Favorites
- Arlo Grey: lakeside dining for fans of Top Chef host Kristen Kish
- Barley Swine: located in north Austin; it's Michelin-starred!
- Birdie's: not terribly fancy, but it has won both a Bib Gourmand from Michelin for its food and a James Beard Award for its beverage service [note: no reservations]
- Bouldin Creek Cafe: an Austin classic and fully vegetarian [note: no reservations, but there is a wait list on the website]
- Este: seafood on Austin's near east side
- Foreign & Domestic: a farm-to-table restaurant and regular go-to for us
- Mongers: seafood and amazing oysters in Hyde Park (our neighborhood!)
- Odd Duck: Barley Swine's sister restaurant; it's a particular favorite of ours
- Olamaie: modern Southern food
- Red Ash: scratch pasta and wood-fired Italian
- Salty Sow: for those who like their meals pork forward
- Uchi/Uchiba/Uchiko: three sister restaurants offering a variety of takes on Japanese
- wink: an Austin institution where Cody once worked!
Popular Barbecue Joints
- Franklin (get there early and be prepared to sacrifice a good chunk of your day!)
- la Barbecue (get there early)
- Micklethwaith (it has a Bib Gourmand from Michelin)
- Stiles Switch
- Terry Black's
- If you're up for a longer drive, we also really love Louie Mueller Barbecue in Taylor
FOR LATE NIGHT
4th Street
For all our gay friends joining from out of town, the majority of Austin's gay bars (Rain, Oilcan Harry's, Highland Lounge, Coconut Club, etc.) are located within two blocks of each other. Other options downtown include Cheer Up Charlies and The Iron Bear.
East 6th
For those looking for a laid-back vibe, we recommend the bars along East 6th (east of I-35), including Shangri-La, Bar Mischief, and Whisler's.
Rainey Street/Dirty 6th
If you're seeking to relive your undergraduate days or first few years post college, these are the places to go... alas, we don't have any specific recommendations!