Fun at ACL & Austin Getaway

We landed early morning, and while my husband headed to his Austin office, I enjoyed working at the tranquil, groovy Hotel San Jose's patio area. I took a break or two to experience the action on Congress Blvd, where Hotel San Jose is located. I grabbed an iced Turbo coffee just next door at Jo's for an afternoon pick-me-up.

We headed out to meet up for a gorgeous dinner with friends at the Austin Guest House. The cocktails are next level–I loved the mezcal Duchess...and the mushroom pizza. The table went crazy for the buttermilk chicken tenders. Not realizing the delicious signature brioche bread was coming, we ordered the caviar toast. Next time I would skip this, quite heavy. We ended our night with a little live blues at The Continental Club across from our hotel. So fun!

Morning coffee at Jo's where I enjoyed the best doughnut of my life. Crusty chocolate cake so I though but with pink dough on the inside. Whoa. I enjoyed seeing the locals with their dogs on the benches chatting. Great vibes and coffee ;). It was a super hot day, so I grabbed some shorts at the upscale By George boutique. It's one of the pricier on the strip–but if you're looking for something special–it's likely they have it. Lunch at Guero's Tacos is great...the shrimp mushroom tacos did not disappoint.

ACL was so good! Foster the People, Leon Bridges, Nora Jones, Chris Stapleton. Sadly, I missed the next two nights, but those artists are reserved to see with my girls. We decided this festival will be an every-year occurrence for our family including our kids–the chance to see great music & their uncle! It's not crazy crowded, clean, and feels safe. Post-concert cocktails at Barton Springs Saloon. Playlist was perfect–fun people of all ages. Such a great time!

Paperboy for breakfast came highly recommended, and it didn't disappoint!!! Yep, we shared the cheddar hash and the best pancake I've ever had (I'm dramatic, but I speak the truth).I got a tattoo-the artist (I forgot his name) did a great job 😄. Basically, it's a line, but still. Popped into Imogene and Willie, a very cool men's shop on Congress with great brands I'd never heard of. Left with a I luxuriated in the hotel pool, had a fun scene, and had great pina colada. Yumm. Headed to the burbs for what was rumored the best sushi in Austin. I believe it. There were no maki rolls on the menu, only hand rolls. SO GOOD. The restaurant is in a strip mall, but you'd never know it. The staff were exceptional!!

Sad to leave Hotel San Jose–but staying at the conference hotel was important to maximize my time. Another Jo's coffee and a quick pit stop at another favorite boutique I discovered on Congress called "Daughters." Really cool comfortable clothing with an edge. LOVE!! Brunch at a vegetarian restaurant, Bouldin Creek Cafe. My brother is a foodie and denied my request to dine at a 1950s-style greasy spoon on Congress. Bouldin Creek Cafe..wow. This neighborhood gem wasn't far and was stellar! Share the blueberry cornbread with maple syrup! Needed nails done, Dazzle Nails was great. I stumbled upon United Apparel Liquidators walking back and was floored. Truly upscale, new apparel for a fraction of the original price. New Ulla pumps for less than $100. I appreciated Gabby's help–she is a lovely, talented stylist!

I was delighted with my corner King room at Hyatt Regency in Austin–sunset views, the Austin skyline, and Ladybird Lake right below. The food was very good at this Hyatt. However–they are "making sustainable strides" featuring water bottle fillers, etc.. which I appreciate, but room service food is handed over in a brown bag with disposable containers and plastic cutlery. Yes, these containers are eco-friendly, but I'd rather have my food on a real plate with real cutlery. The containers are more cost-effective, I'm guessing, but = more waste.

Good Morning, Austin! The 5:30 AM run along Lady Bird Trail felt safe along the river with the other runners, and room service again-delicious overnight oats. The team organizers of the Digital Travel Summit did an outstanding job–the list of attending companies was impressive and the content was outstanding.

The speakers were high level travel-industry leaders, as were the marketing experts there to share their expertise in helping travel businesses grow and scale. I enjoyed a great in-house lunch sponsored by the fabulous team at Brevo.

Happy Hour at Aba, off of Congress, was a wow-gorgeous, intimate setting perfect for spending time with top travel industry professionals sponsored by LiveRamp and their exceptional team!

Goodbye, Austin! Morning at the conference, then a quick walk to grab some needed fall staples for my teen daughter...how nice is that? **Brandy Melville and Urban Outfitters are nearby. A tea from Jo's Coffee -again, their downtown location. I arrived at the Austin Airport early to catch up on work. Easy airport with nice services. I Love Austin, lots of love and kindness in that city. ♥️