We enjoyed a weekend in Austin to celebrate our friend Brighton’s wedding two weekends ago. Being less than 3 hours away, Austin is an accessible and incredibly enjoyable spot for us to escape to. We used to go all the time, but we actually hadn’t been since I was pregnant with Maxi. I had to poll you all for your latest and greatest hot spots in this eclectic city. For those headed to Bachelorette parties or weekend retreats, here is where we sipped mocktails and munched!

What We Did:

• Tiny Boxwoods– We had been to the one in Houston and LOVE it. Why is this not in Dallas?! If you love a chic lunch date spot, this is a must. I ordered the Southwestern Salad and Paul got the burger.
• OlaMaie– My friend that writes for food and travel publications told us we had to go to OlaMaie, and as always, she was right. The biscuits, the broccoli salad, the shrimp and red rice- it is all just beyond!  It’s southern food, but you don’t feel like they need to carry you out after you finish eating. I would say this is my favorite meal I’ve ever had in Austin.
• Grove– We popped over to The Domain to see how it had grown, and ate at The Grove. I wouldn’t say you have to go out of your way to eat here, but if you are at The Domain, enjoy their pizza on the patio or their Avocado BLT.
• Mattie’s– Before the welcome party, we did a little double date with Austin and Ashley at Mattie’s. This is a great group spot, and the mocktails {or cocktails!} were festive. The ambiance is absolutely stunning and you feel like you are at a restaurant in Alabama and not Texas. It’s an old Austin farmhouse they converted into a gorgeous restaurant.
• Le Politique– Austin has fabulous brunch spots, but you can wait quite some time. We wanted a quick bite to eat before getting ready for the wedding, so we headed to Le Politique. You can enjoy a bread board {oh yeah, not just a cheese board}, macarons, and delicious fries. FYI, if you are looking for a spot to grab an Instagram, the side of the restaurant by the bar is perfect for it.
• Tiny’s Milk & Cookies– Tiny Boxwoods is known for their cookies, so you want to stop at Tinys Milk & Cookies next to Tiny Boxwoods. Grab a chocolate chip cookie and mint lemonade!

Shops:

• Valentine– Hands down, the most gorgeous boutique I’ve ever been in. Nothing would have fit my baby bump {probably best for my wallet- ha!}, but if you are at Tiny Boxwoods, it is next to it. Lots of Golden Goose, Isabel Marant, and statement jewelry. It’s worth browsing to see all the beautiful pieces.
• Hearth & Soul- I never got to make it here, but my girlfriend said y’all have to go here and I trust all her recommendations!
• by George– We went to this location after stopping at Tecovas on South Congress. It’s a pricier boutique, but they have a mix of everything from Celine bags to fragrances. Definitely a fun spot to browse if you grab brunch at Perla’s before.
• Picket Fences– I was told by many moms that if you like smocked clothing, this had the best selection in Austin! They had plenty to browse from between newborn and toddler clothing and we stocked up for baby brother and Maxi girl.
• Olivia Shoppe– This was another highly recommended baby boutique. This shop has many European brands and a fabulous shoe selection!

Recommended By Y’all:

{This isn’t a full-Austin list, most are just newer spots since we hadn’t been there in a few years}

• The Austin Proper Hotel
• The Line Hotel- P6 on roof
• Perla’s for Brunch
• Clark’s for Brunch
• Launderette for Brunch
• Josephine House for Brunch
• Elizabeth Street for Lunch
• Swedish Hill
• Spread & Co. for cheeseboards
• Suerte
• JoAnn’s
• Red Ash
• Jeffrey’s
• TenTen
• Ranch 616

I always love to share your listed recommendations, so if you are headed down soon, I hope you are able to enjoy a spot or two!