Hot Town, Summer in the City

An ode to Austin, TX

a favorite hiking spot, Walnut Creek Park

Next month will mark 15 years living here in Austin, Texas. During this time, I have grown to love Austin deeply. I defend her when people say she’s changed too much. I say that the heat doesn’t bother me. Which is mostly true. (It’s worth it! The winters are so mild!) I love the music, the green spaces, the food. When asked what I love about this city, I can’t help but go on and on about how casual it is. When I moved here from Dallas I placed all of my heels up on a shelf and never took them down. One by one (or two by two?) they were sent to goodwill.

It is of course, not only casual in dress, and excuse me for what I’m about to say — but it’s a whole vibe, you know? It feels laid back and easy. There is room for so many ways of living, so many ways of loving. So many ways of being.

It’s certainly not perfect, but I love it! With that said — here is a list that no one asked for of some of my favorite spots in town:

Austin Favorites:

• A great stop if you’re traveling here with or without kids is Mayfield Park and Laguna Gloria. Mayfield is home to peacocks and beautiful gardens. Laguna Gloria is right on the lake and is a home for all kinds of sculpture (including the kind you can climb on!).

• A walk around Town Lake (Lady Bird Lake), and if you play your cards right you can stop by the downtown Central Library and not have to move your car.

• My kids and I love a trip downtown to Book People, a huge independent bookstore — and they sometimes talk me into getting waffles at 24 Diner. In the last few years we’ve really enjoyed their book events and heard authors like Kate DiCamillo and Kazu Kabiushi give talks — and I’ve seen poets Kate Baer and Maggie Smith with friends!

• We live nearby to Walnut Creek Park and have spent many hours there hiking. Other favorite spots (most of these are in northwest parts of town, but there are great spots all over) are Lower Bull Creek and St. Edwards Greenbelt.

• My husband and I love happy hour at Uchiko — best deal and some of the best food in town!

• The whole city is full of great food, but here are a few restaurants in my neighborhood that I love — Peace Bakery and Deli (don’t miss the incredible hummus or coriander potatoes. I’ve also been known to grab a piece of baklava before school pick up.) Turnstile Coffee - I love the outdoor tables for meetings they have great coffee and breakfast tacos. Rosen’s Bagels — with only two Austin locations we were thrilled when one landed nearby (my favorite is a rosemary bagel with plain schmear). Taquero Mucho - this all pink Mexican restaurant is perfect for dinner with girlfriends or even valentines day lunch. :)

What about you? What do you love about Austin or the place you live?

Alongside you, even (especially!) in 100 degree temps -

Holly

P.S. This summer has been so very summer-y, as I wrote about a little here. My kids start back to school in just another week or so, and I’m looking forward to finding rhythms again and sharing with you some of what’s been happening this summer with my spiritual direction practice! Until then, you can check out my new website.