Austin, TX
ELLE Escapes: Austin
Take a quick stroll through the streets of Austin, Texas, and you’re guaranteed to find the city’s slogan “Keep Austin Weird” plastered across storefront windows and bumper stickers. While the saying was first coined by the Austin Independent Business Alliance to promote small businesses, it’s since become a full-blown lifestyle for natives and visitors alike. Of course, Austin is weird in the best possible way, with an eclectic mix of bars and restaurants, kitschy stores, elegant hotels, and a renowned live music scene. The city’s also home to some of the biggest events nationwide, drawing thousands of guests across state and national borders for festivals including South by Southwest, Austin City Limits, and the Texas Book Festival. For your reading pleasure, we compiled these spots in a guide to having fun—and, of course, keeping it weird—in the heart of the South. Enjoy!
What to See
Greetings From Austin Mural
Did you even go to Austin if you didn’t post about it? For a grid-worthy Instagram moment, stop by this colorful wall mural at 1720 S. 1st Street, inspired by a postcard from the 1940s. Snap a pic, then quiz yourself on whether you can ID famous Austin landmarks in the painting: Keep an eye out for the Texas State Capitol and the Congress Avenue Bridge.
Barton Springs Pool
Austin gets hot in more ways than one, and chances are at some point on your journey you’ll take up any offer to cool down. The locals love to swim, and when they do, they go to Barton Springs. The 900-foot-long outdoor swimming pool located in Zilker Park (where Austin City Limits is held each year) is filled with water from several underground springs. It’s an ideal place to unwind after dancing all day under the blazing Texas sun.
South Congress Avenue
South of Lady Bird Lake is South Congress Avenue, a buzzy neighborhood better known as SoCo to locals. A walk through this area is mandatory for some of the best shopping, live music, and sight-seeing Austin has to offer. Snap a photo in front of the iconic “I Love You So Much” mural, catch performances at Guero’s Oak Garden, or succumb to the Western trend and buy a pair of real-deal Lucchese cowboy boots at Allens Boots (you know you want to).
Where to Eat
Perla’s
An umbrella-shaded, fairy light-adorned patio makes Perla’s a must-see spot, day or night. Located on South Congress, the seafood restaurant is known for its raw bar and decadent lobster rolls, with La Grande Dame champagne to pair with both. We recommend stopping in during happy hour from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to beat the evening crowd and cash in on deals (like oysters on a half shell for $4).
Matt’s El Rancho
You’ll find classic Tex-Mex fare and delicious cocktails at this low-key, no-frills eatery that’s been an Austin staple for 70-plus years. If you’re overwhelmed by the plethora of menu options at Matt’s El Rancho, order one of the combination plates, a Matt’s Knockout Martini (tequila, Cointreau, and fresh lime juice in an ice-filled shaker), and the signature Bob Armstrong queso dip for the table.
Terry Black’s Barbecue
If you’re looking for some of best barbecue in Texas, locals will say this is it. Owned by twin brothers and fourth-generation pitmasters, Terry Black’s serves up some mean brisket, giant beef ribs, mac and cheese, and, for the grand finale, banana pudding. Warning: Like most BBQ, this stuff is more filling than it looks.
Where to Drink
Soho House Austin
When a Soho House opens in a city, you know it’s having a moment. Although Austin has been gaining popularity for years, the latest addition to the cult chain of private members’ clubs, situated in the Music Lane shopping mall just off South Congress Avenue, has all the essentials: an elaborate wood-carved bar, a rooftop pool, and live music from local and visiting artists courtesy of its new concept, Dante’s Hi-Fi.
Clive Bar
Located on the nightlife mecca that is Rainey Street, Clive Bar is casual yet scene-y, serving up local beer and cocktails on a sweeping outdoor patio and upper deck against the backdrop of live music.
Goldie’s
If you’re looking for decadent craft cocktails in an opulent setting, stop by Goldie’s in the Austin Proper Hotel. Maybe it’s the sunken marble bar and velvet chairs talking, but something about it screams fancy.
Where to Stay
Austin Proper Hotel
Situated in downtown Austin, the sophisticated Austin Proper Hotel offers a host of amenities to ensure an unforgettable stay. Boasting views of the Colorado River and within walking distance of the famous 6th street, the hotel’s prime location is perfect for exploring the city on foot. The property features multiple restaurants and bars; we recommend the Crispy Shallot Hummus at the Mediterranean-inspired The Peacock. Additionally, guests can take advantage of the hotel’s fitness center, rooftop pool, and the indulgent full-service Verbena Spa. (The spa staff’s commitment to their clientele shows, as they offer treatments using the natural beauty brand Monastery, which prides itself on using organic and wildcrafted ingredients chosen for their ability to deliver the best results. Not to mention, the products’ scents are heavenly.) After a night out on the town, unwind with the spa’s signature “The Gua Sha Facial” or “The Proper Massage,” leaving you feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready for your next adventure.
The Line Hotel
Located at the crossroads of Lady Bird Lake and downtown, this fun and trendy hotel attracts young crowds for its poolside DJ and bustling brunch at P6. Suites feature lakeside views and a stacked mini bar. For more to snack on, stop by Veracruz All Natural for authentic tacos and queso. (The migas breakfast taco is a must.)
Miraval Austin
A soothing retreat from the bustle of downtown, the gorgeous Miraval Austin property is nestled in the surrounding Texas hills, outfitted with sweeping rock formations and lush walking paths. The digital, device-free resort (don’t fret: designated areas allow the use of your cell phone) promotes rest and rejuvenation via fitness and yoga sessions; pools, trails, and climbing gym courses; guided meditation classes; and a full menu of massage, facial, and body care offerings at the Life in Balance spa. Nutritious meals, including smoothies and snacks, are included in the cost of your stay, and a nightly resort credit can be applied to spa services and fee-based activities. To make the most of the inclusive packages, get up early to attend one of the morning sessions in the Yoga Barn or Solidago buildings, then peruse the Sophia or Serenity Labyrinths before snagging a spot by the pool. Don’t forget to reserve a dinner slot at the Hilltop Crossings Kitchen—you won’t want to miss anything on the ever-changing menu.
Beauty Picks
Austin, TX
Texas advances to supers after sweeping Austin Regional
No. 1 Texas softball and head coach Mike White swept the Austin Regional with a 7-0 win in the final on May 19 over the Northwestern Wildcats. Texas won all three games by a margin of no fewer than five runs to advance to super regionals for the fourth year in a row.
Mia Scott led the way for the Longhorns with a three-run home run to solidify the run support for Teagan Kavan on the mound. Kavan was the star of the game, though, for the Longhorns in the final game of the Austin Regional on Sunday afternoon.
The freshman Kavan registered her third complete-game shutout win of the season, allowing just one hit and two walks over seven innings on the mound against Northwestern.
Kavan joined Mac Morgan as the two Texas pitchers to register shutouts in three games for the Longhorns in the Austin Regional. Morgan registered a perfect game in seven innings in a 5-0 shutout win for the Longhorns in Game 1 of the Austin Regional against Siena on May 17.
Texas defeated Northwestern by a combined margin of 19 runs in the last two days to complete its sweep of the Austin Regional this weekend. The other win over the Wildcats was a 14-2 run-rule victory in five innings at McCombs Field on May 18.
With the win over Northwestern on May 19, the Longhorns become the first team to advance to supers this postseason. The Longhorns have advanced to supers in each of the last five seasons, excluding the COVID-shortened 2020 season.
Only two wins sits between Texas and their second Women’s College World Series trip in the last three years.
Texas now awaits the winner of the Bryan-College Station Regional between the No. 16 Texas A&M Aggies and Texas State Bobcats to determine its super regional matchup next weekend.
Texas A&M currently leads Texas State in what could potentially be the final game of the Bryan-College Station Regional on May 19.
Austin, TX
Rising golf star Swetha Sathish captures 6A gold medal
AUSTIN, Texas — At just 3 years old was when Swetha Sathish first got introduced to golf by her father. She was swinging a club that was bigger than she was.
“It was at 5 years old they really saw something in my swing,” says Sathish. “From there, we discovered every step of the way.”
Sathish says she got her first lessons through a Groupon deal, and that’s when her golf career really began.
“I knew this is what I’ve wanted to do since I was 8 years old,” says Sathish, “I’ve always had a dream of going pro.”
When she was younger, Sathish says playing golf was a lot about spending time with her father. She says that is still the case, but now, it’s also her thing.
Growing up in Ontario, Canada, she started to take golf more and more seriously as she got older. She began traveling to tournaments and testing her skills against other top young players. In 2022, her family decided to move to Texas and allow more opportunities for her to get better at golf.
After a year of taking classes online, Sathish decided she wanted to join a team, so they started looking for schools across Texas. They saw that Vandegrift High School had won the 6A state golf title in 2023, and that was going to be her new home.
“I knew that’s the kind of girls I want to be around and play with,” says Sathish. “It was definitely one of the best decisions for sure.”
Sathish says coach Aaron Ford and the rest of the team made it easy for her to fit in with the group. She helped Vandegrift win a second straight 6A golf title recently, while she was the individual champ shooting a 70 and 68 at the state tournament to win by 4 shots.
“I’m speechless, that last putt I was shaking,” said Sathish after the tournament. “I’m so happy, and I have to give everything to my team and my coach and my family.”
Sathish will have a chance to come back as a senior next year and defend her title. After high school, she’ll head off to play in college and has already committed to Arkansas.
“Arkansas is a beautiful college town. I loved the campus,” says Sathish. “The coaches are great, and the facilities are some of the best you’ll ever see in the country for college golf.”
If she continues to follow the plan, the dream of going pro could be within her reach. She’s put a lot of work in having the success on the course that she’s already had.
“The motivation is just to be the best at my passion,” says Sathish. “That’s what my motto is, and that’s what my parents have taught me.”
Austin, TX
Austin, TX's Rising Pop Star Aline Garza Empowers Bullying Victims With New Single “Superhero” – That Eric Alper
After Aline Garza’s successful kickstart in music with her heartfelt breakout single “Day One” while going viral on Instagram with over 2.4 million views, the Texan artist now captures a tremendously powerful and utterly necessary message in her new single “Superhero”.
On top of an upbeat, hopeful and catchy melody, Aline Garza evokes nostalgia with a 2010’s Pop/R&B sound and spreads a heartwarming message to all bullying and harassment victims:
They only talkin’ cause they’re jealous
They so unhappy with themselves
They insecure so they’re projectin’
So don’t be tough on yourself
And, much like a warm ray of sun on a freezing day, Aline Garza shows her unconditional support for all going through a tough time in the chorus:
I wish I was a superhero
Who could save the day
A superhero
to make everything OK
A superhero
To stand by your side and take
All the pain away put a smile on ya’ face
Sadly, like millions of kids across the globe, Aline Garza experienced an isolating feeling at the age of 10, which sparked her to write and sing about it: “Writing Superhero at 10 years old was a feeling of being left out” and addresses how bullying has evolved in many other dangerous ways: “Now as the years have come, I see bullying happening more frequently in different ways including rumors, cyberbullying, physical contact, teasing, emotional, social, and verbal.”
The artist also shares that people who bully are actually reflecting their own internal fights in others: “People can be insecure so they’re negatively projecting”, and sheds light on the importance of self-confidence: “First believe in yourself, then others will too”, as well as addressing our own mental health: “Bullying causes people to not socialize and stay to themselves which can later cause mental issues”.
Aline’s musical journey began almost before she can remember, at the age of 5, and she’s won awards such as “Best New Artist” in her age group at the Vocal Star New Year’s Gala Competition and emerged as a finalist in prestigious competitions like Dream Night in 2021.
Now, following the guidance of her label XOXO Entertainment Corp. and relying on the endless support from her family, she’s ready to make a difference in the music industry! From pop to R&B, to even Gospel music, be ready for versatile and timeless hits from the young Texan artist.
Apart from her label and family, Aline expresses her gratitude to producer and co-writer Adam H. and mixer Orlando Calzada, 5x Grammy Award Winner with credits including Lady Gaga, One Direction, Beyonce and Destiny’s Child.
Ultimately, it is vital to have artists who bring attention to unjust situations, share a message of hope and, above all, who have the charisma and sensitivity that Aline has. In her own words: “I like to make music that people can relate to and has a positive message”. Aline is the true meaning of a Superhero!
-
World1 week ago
India Lok Sabha election 2024 Phase 4: Who votes and what’s at stake?
-
News1 week ago
Skeletal remains found almost 40 years ago identified as woman who disappeared in 1968
-
Politics1 week ago
US Border Patrol agents come under fire in 'use of force' while working southern border
-
Politics1 week ago
Tales from the trail: The blue states Trump eyes to turn red in November
-
World1 week ago
Borrell: Spain, Ireland and others could recognise Palestine on 21 May
-
World1 week ago
Catalans vote in crucial regional election for the separatist movement
-
World1 week ago
Europe matters to consumers, and so does your vote
-
Politics1 week ago
North Dakota gov, former presidential candidate Doug Burgum front and center at Trump New Jersey rally