A Well-Rounded Weekend in Austin, Texas

There are many things to do in Austin, but how does one fit it all into just one weekend? If you’re visiting Austin in the fall, you may be coming for ACL, F1, or to experience some pleasant weather once it’s cooled down after the hot summer heat. Austin is known for its hospitality and great culinary scene, so why not spend some of your time visiting some of the coolest and trendiest places while you’re here? The Resplendent team has put together a guide for a well-rounded weekend in Austin, filled with our favorite activities and places to eat and drink while enjoying the best two days of the week. In preparation, lace up your shoes, wear loose pants, and gather your troop for the best weekend in ATX. 

To start the day off on a high note, Heather would go to Patika on South Lamar for a caffeinated beverage and homemade pastries. South Lamar is a long stretch of store vendors and restaurants, so whether you’re looking to stay in the area for a bit while you enjoy your coffee or walk around a bit to work off the delicious pastries they make in-house every day, you’re in the right place. 

To get the blood moving and grooving, Jennie would then walk down South Lamar and onto the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail that surrounds Lady Bird Lake. Bring your furry friend along if you wish, but grab your walking shoes and bring your hydration bottles! Lady Bird Lake is the place for paddle borders and kayakers to dip in the water during the summer months, but walkers and runners use the trails surrounding the lake year-round. The trail allows ongoers to see the city as they pass downtown’s skyscrapers, surrounding neighborhoods, and fields for activities and attractions. Connecting to the trails, the Boardwalk on Lady Bird Lake is another great lookout spot to take yourself to and admire the scenery of the lake, downtown, and nature that surrounds it. 

From there, Melissa would stop into Viniagarette on South Congress for lunch. The sustainable salad restaurant comes from Santa Fe, New Mexico, and touched down in Austin in 2016. Sit under the ginormous live oak on the patio or inside the colorfully decorated restaurant space while you eat one of Austin’s freshest and brightest lunches. Owner and founder Erin Wade has put together a beautifully crafted menu that can satisfy any and all tastes while staying completely sustainable. 

To take up the afternoon, Kayla would take her friends to Whislers on East 6th. On-site, you can take yourself up to the bar and order a craft cocktail, beer, or wine, or find your way upstairs to the Mezcal tasting room, Mezcalería Tobalá. Be prepared to come out smelling smokey! If you get hungry while there, Golden Tiger food truck is also available on-site for a quick bite before dinner. 

Skyler would be attending Four Record Friday at Higher Ground in downtown Austin (you can find her there almost every Friday, actually). They choose four albums to play each Friday and play them all the way through to the end, so rest your voices for the weekend and order a cocktail or two while you listen to your favorite genres with friends. 

After singing the night away, Jacqueline would get a bite to eat at ONETACO. It’s a quick and perfect grab-and-go dinner, or stay a while and order a margarita! ONETACO. has a few locations in Austin but no matter where you choose, the service is always fast and friendly. 

To cap off the night, Julia would treat her friends to Drinkwell for award winning cocktails and the bar ambiance. Drinkwell is first come, first serve so get there early on in the night to reserve a table for your party! Drinkwell is also available to host private events and special gatherings. Happy hour is every day until 5:30!

This concludes Resplendent’s guide to a well-rounded and action-packed weekend in Austin, Texas. Whether you’re here alone or with friends, you’ll be sure to meet some along the way as this town is full of the friendliest (and sometimes weirdest) folks you’ll ever meet! Would you expect anything less? It’s ATX!

Jennie M.