It’s been a busy week in Texas, from the Formula One race in Austin, to the annual Round Top Antiques Fair (that stretches along 11 miles of highway) the latter of which is fantastic for those who scout finds, from vintage art to interior design items, in their spare time, like I do. I have seen everyone from boutique hoteliers to designers scouring these tents, given the sheer amount of items that make this event.
As a big road tripper, Texas can be overwhelming due to its size, which can take days to cross, but I have managed to do parts of it - beyond it’s main cities of Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin. So I am reposting some my previous blog posts here for travel inspiration.
*In good conscience, I must add that all travelers should review the ever-changing laws of the land, given a number of discriminatory bills that have recently passed in places like Texas and Florida, so review for your safety if you fall into certain vulnerable groups.
Austin: Austin is the state capital of Texas, and while it is smaller than Dallas and Houston, it has an abundance of charm, art, and a progressive attitude. The city has exploded with new residents over the past decade, driving up prices but keeping its core allure in tact. The laid back nature of the people, the food, the music scene, and the general functionality of a big tech City (ie. SXSW festival) with a small town feel (in all the right ways). Kayak or paddle board on the river, Shop South Congress, happy hour drinks on Rainey Street, watch some live music. Eat, eat, eat: food trucks! Tex Mex & BBQ! The trucks are everywhere, Nomad Dosa, Gourdoughs donuts, and Torchy’s Tacos (on S. 1st) is a good one. Uchi for sushi, Sway for Thai, Pearla’s for seafood, and if you can handle a 4+ hour wait, Franklin BBQ. There are no shortage of places to stay, but I am partial to the entire Bunker House Hotel Group properties (Hotel Saint Cecilia, Hotel San Jose, Hotel Magdalena, Austin Motel). Explore here
Outside Austin: I went exploring for antiques, BBQ, and swimming holes last time I was there, so here were a few of my stops.
LOCKHART: I had heard rumblings about a the Fields Stable Antiques and it did no disappoint! I am constantly sourcing and this shop was jam packed full of gems I need to bring a truck back for. It also happens to be located in the adorably historic time square that boasts a lovely library. It is also home to a trifecta of BBQ joints: The Original Black’s Barbecue, Smitty’s Market and Kreuz Market.
DRIPPING SPRINGS: Although Barton Springs is THE place to swim in Austin, head out of town to dip into the gorgeous Hamilton Pool Preserve, and float in beautiful nature.
DRIFTWOOD: I had heard that local resident Matthew McConaughey (who will now be a professor at the UT!) has his favorite BBQ joint here: Salt Lick Bar-B-Que (BYOB and cash only, but worth it). Good stop post swimming.
WIMBERLY: A charming town that hosts weekend markets, has lavender farms and options for hiking & swimming too!
Waco/Magnolia: Like many of you, I used to enjoy the HGTV smash show “Fixer Upper” and have followed Joanna & Chip Gaines as they have rapidly expanded their Magnolia brand across their hometown as well as the rest of America. Home Design & renovations, real estate, book, shops, cafes, target collaborations, and more - as one of my inspirations for our Wild W/E Home, I knew next time I was in Texas, I would have to make the drive to Waco to see it for myself….and I did. Waco is a small town about 1.5 hour drive north of Austin (or South of Dallas depending) that to the surprise of residents, now regularly brings nearly 30,000 visitors a week seeking some time spent at Magnolia’s Silos, which sits on 5 acres. First of all, the set up is genius. It is created to give a whole experience to being part of Joanna & Chip’s world. There is a cafe to the right of the entrance, as you walk by into the Magnolia store and giant warehouse space in the back of it (everything from home decor to t-shirts to mugs to bags to their books). Behind the warehouse, is a wide open environment, which a giant lawn (and beanbags!) with the Silos looming in the background, multiple food trucks (hello Alabama Sweet Tea!), multiple picnic tables in the gardens, and then the Seed & Supply store. They also have a local B&B and restaurant, Magnolia Table, about 10 minutes away from Magnolia Market. As a fan, I think it is well worth a stop as long as you are adding other stops into the mix on the way there as Waco (sorry guys) doesn’t have a lot of appeal for tourists (it’s a fairly residential college town). That said, I did find some cute antique stores, a live music garden for a drink, and an adorable Vintage candy store up the road.
Marfa: This art hub in a small desert city in west Texas, has big things going on in a Wild West setting. Marfa isn’t a town you just stumble upon. The West Texas desert destination is pretty much in the middle of nowhere (the closest airport is a 3-hour drive). While many go to get away from it all, you’re also right in the thick of it, immersed in art, culture, and locals with a passion to create. Bring clothes and shoes built for the dusty desert (it can get cold at night), actual cash (ATMs are limited), maybe a map (cell service is spotty), and an adventurous spirit. (P.S. Don’t plan your stay for a Monday or Tuesday, when next to nothing will be open). In recent years, plenty of independent shops, restaurants, and stays have moved in for unique experiences, and there are a number for local festivals around art and music. Explore here
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