Austin, Texas

South Congress Avenue

Austin is renowned for its vibrant music scene and popular location for the bachelorette craze. Given its reputation, my friends and I decided to head for a girls' weekend in springtime. The weather was perfect for the season, with warm temperatures and a gentle breeze that made it a great springtime destination. However, we also sought refuge from the heat by using as much air conditioning as possible. Despite the weather, the experience was delightful and well worth the trip.

One of the things that we particularly appreciated about Austin was its accessibility. The airport is conveniently located about 30-45 minutes from the city center and is easy to get around using ride-sharing apps like Uber. We found this to be especially helpful when we wanted to explore the different parts of the city, as it allowed us to see more in a shorter amount of time. Overall, we had a fantastic time in Austin, and I’d recommend this Fi-tinerary to anyone looking for a fun and exciting getaway.

Friday

Morning

We headed straight to Summer Moon for some moon milk coffee. This monopoly is a Texas-made brand with about 20 locations in the city. Their signature sweet cream paired with an espresso creates a decadent latte unique to Austin. It's a must-visit spot for coffee lovers, especially those seeking a local coffee experience.

After our coffee, we headed downtown for classic Mexican tacos at Veracruz. This place is famous for its homemade tortillas and fresh ingredients. It's a great spot for breakfast or lunch and a must-visit for anyone visiting Austin. We chose the location in the LINE hotel, known for its modern and chic ambiance. Another fun item in this hotel is P6, the rooftop bar on the hotel's top floor, which offers some of the city's best views. You can enjoy your drinks while taking in the panoramic views of downtown Austin.

Afternoon

The classic South Congress Avenue, aka SoCo, was an excellent street for shopping with girlfriends. It offers a mix of local boutiques and big-brand stores that melds well together. We grabbed a drink from Jo's Coffee and strolled down the avenue for retail therapy.

Evening

For dinner, we headed to The Tillery on the Colorado River. The cuisine was new American, and the views were beautiful as the sun went down and they brought out the heaters. The outdoor seating area is perfect for a romantic evening, and the food is absolutely delicious.

As young 20-something-year-olds, we then hit the bars. We started at the White Horse in East Austin for a classic Texas feel. There was live music and a dance floor, which made for a great start to our night. We then headed to the Native Bar and Cafe located in a hostel. It's a unique spot that combines locals and out-of-towners alike. Its laid-back vibe and friendly staff make it a great spot to hang out and meet new people.

Then we headed to West 6, one of Austin's hotspots. We checked out Wyld, Kung Fu Salon, and Bufford's. The bar scene ranged from mechanical bull riding to a Game of Thrones speakeasy, which made for a fun and memorable night.

Saturday

Morning

Got our coffee fix at Merit and then took a 1-hour drive to Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg is a charming town with a rich German history. It's known for its wineries, shopping, and outdoor activities.

Afternoon

We made reservations at Signor Vineyards for the afternoon. It's a beautiful winery with stunning views of the Texas Hill Country. The wine was excellent, and we enjoyed trying different varieties. If you are hoping to try other wineries in Fredericksburg, I’d recommend Grape Creek Vineyards for a beautiful vineyard that offers a variety of wines to taste. Or another winery to try is Luckenbach, known for its live music and laid-back atmosphere. It's a great spot to relax and enjoy live music while sipping a cold beer. After the wine tasting, we took a 1.5-hour drive back home. On our way back, we stopped at In-N-Out, even though it's a California classic.

Signor Vineyards

Evening

We headed to Cosmic Coffee and Cocktails for a casual dining vibe. It's a unique spot that offers a mix of coffee, cocktails, and food trucks. It's a great spot to hang out with friends and enjoy live music. We then went out on Rainey Street. We started at Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden, which had live music and a wall full of beer options, then walked up and down the street. We went to the bar Unbarlievable, known for its craft cocktails and mini slide. Then the Tipsy Alchemist, a speakeasy-style bar with innovative cocktails. We ended our night at the collection of food trucks that had the best late-night munchies.

Slide at Unbarlievable

Sunday

Morning

The morning started with a nice walk around Mueller Lake Park. The park is a beautiful spot with a variety of amenities to enjoy. We started our day with a delicious cup of coffee while reading on a lake bench. The scenery was breathtaking, and the atmosphere was peaceful. We then decided to stroll on one of the park's walking trails, a great way to stretch our legs and take in more of the natural beauty.

Later, we ventured to the local Texas farmers market at Mueller, which was bustling with activity. The market offered various local produce, crafts, and food to explore. We spent our time perusing the different vendors and purchasing breakfast items and handmade crafts. The vendors were friendly and knowledgeable, and we enjoyed chatting with them about their products and the local community.

Mueller Lake Park

Afternoon

One of the highlights of our girls' weekend in Austin was paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake. It was a refreshing and enjoyable activity that provided stunning city views. The calm waters of the lake and the gentle breeze made it a perfect springtime activity. We paddled around the lake and took in the beautiful scenery, including the city skyline in the distance.

After our paddleboarding adventure, we headed to The Domain Mall, where we found a unique and memorable experience. At Nina Berenato Jewelry in the mall, we received permanent bracelets zapped onto our wrists. The bracelets were personalized with our individual styles and personalities, representing our friendship in a special way. We loved the idea of a permanent reminder of our trip and bond.

Evening

After enjoying Sweetgreen, we caught our flight home, feeling satisfied with a weekend full of great food, drinks, and activities. Austin is truly a city with something for everyone, and we can't wait to come back and explore more. Overall, we had a fantastic time in Austin and recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and exciting getaway. Its vibrant culture, delicious food, and live music make it a city that will leave a lasting impression on anyone visiting.