If you never have stepped foot in Austin, I’m sorry. Austin is clearly one of the greatest cities in the world, yes, WORLD. It has culture, class, water, hills, and TONS of activities. If you are in Austin and you are bored…something is clearly wrong with you. The only downfall to Austin is the traffic.
Mind you, I live in San Diego and we don’t have any traffic compared to Austin. Urban sprawl has created havoc on the highways. I think this is one of the biggest reasons my husband dislikes going to Austin with me. He’d hide away at Reimer Ranch (rock climbing spot) and Salt Lick (amazing BBQ spot–BYOB, too!) And this is where his family is from, but he hates the sprawl and the congestion that has come with it. I look back to when we met…eighteen years ago (truth)…and we spent endless hours/days/weeks at Reimers Ranch, the Greenbelt, Zilker Park, and Barton Springs. Every time I go there I waves of nostalgia wash over me…smiles, laughs, and young love. Oh to go back in time. Sorry, I’m losing myself here.
Following Brandon Rhyder’s amazing festival I headed home with my sister to Lago Vista…great lake community. We drove into Austin every day and whittled away time at Central Market (a foodies fave spot), Whole Foods (the home store), REI, Chuy’s, Shady Grove, & eating plenty of BBQ! For me, Texas is a treat…a vacation; thus, I venture away from my healthy eating habits to enjoy the local cuisine. Oh you can eat healthy in Austin, and I do, but I also enjoy foods that I can only find in Texas.
Life is about balance, not restriction. Eat the foods you enjoy, but also boost those fruits & veggies to balance some of the decadence.
If you are ever driving through Taylor, Texas…Louie Mueller’s BBQ should be a must stop! Hell, if you are looking for good BBQ go here! Note, when the meat runs out the restaurant closes for the day…get there early!
For the foodie, please note it’s Zagat rated!
Chuy’s is ALWAYS a must stop for me! I love their specials and never get the same dish. Their enchiladas are amazing.
Hatch Chilis…in enchiladas! YUM!
Then we took off to Billy’s Brew Pub for a some micro-brew enjoyment. We all have very different taste in beer!
If you are heading to Barton Springs Chuy’s, Billy’s and Shady Grove are all within walking distance and next door to one another. Ahhh, I miss Austin already!
Big thanks to my sis, R and brother-in-law Steve Statham for letting me run down memory lane. I’m glad y’all live there and I can come home anytime I want to! ;o)
The journey is not over! My music & family journey next takes me to Midland, Texas….
More to come~
Just Wendy Jo
