I had never been to Texas before this trip so I thought the best place to start would be Austin and then I rented a car and drove down south to Mustang Island, along the Texan Gulf Coast for some rest and relaxation after spending time in the city.
Austin
Where to Eat and Drink
- La Condesa
- Le Politique
- Hillside Pharmacy
- Launderette
- Hideout House: coffee shop and improv theater
- Jo’s Coffee: an Austin classic
- The LINE Austin: great rooftop for drink
Jo’s Coffee
The LINE Austin
Hideout House
Where to Stay
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Proper Hotel Austin Texas – Downtown Austin Hotel
If you haven’t been able to tell by now, I’m a huge fan of the Proper Hotel Group. Although they may not have many locations, the ones they do have are incredibly designed and gorgeous. This is a must if you want to stay downtown.
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Hotel Granduca Austin
For those who’d rather stay a bit outside of downtown, Hotel Granduca Austin is an absolute Oasis in Texas Hill Country, just a 20 min drive to downtown. It truly feels like an Italian villa, surrounded by lush greenery and trees. The pool is gorgeous and their restaurant Visconti offers delicious dishes. I loved my stay here.
What to Do
- Allen’s Boots
- Congress Ave Bridge
- Barton Springs Pool
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
- Texas State Capitol
- Visit the historic Driskill Hotel dating from 1886
- Mount Bonnell
Texas State Capitol
Barton Springs
The Driskill Hotel
The Driskill Hotel
The Driskill Hotel
Cinnamon Shore
I stayed in the most charming beach cottage at Cinnamon Shore in in Port Aransas, TX, a pedestrian-friendly beach community and seaside village with a wide array of amenities, luxury villas and vibrant town centers.
Just a few hours from urban hubs like San Antonio and Austin, it’s also a quick trip from Houston, and people in Dallas don’t mind the 6.5-hour drive when compared to the much longer trek to Florida. Cinnamon Shore also makes a great alternative beach spot when flying from Dallas, Lubbock, or places in between, as Port A is close to the Corpus Christi airport.
Cinnamon Shore North From Kiera’s Pool, the gorgeous infinity-edge pool on Lake Gavin, to the community Dune Pool, located in the shadow of a natural dune landscape, the beach isn’t the only place to lounge by the water as they also offer the quiet Stillwater Pool for relaxed lounging.
Guests can choose from a wide array of seaside villas or beach cottages that can accommodate anywhere from 2 guests to 7+
BEACH CRUISER BIKES:
Rent their charming bikes right on site so you can cruise the beach and the charming streets of Cinnamon Shore.
BEACH CARTS: You and your guests can take a quick drive down the boardwalk to the beach with your own personal Cinnamon Shore beach buggy!
BEACH CHAIRS AND UMBRELLAS:
Enjoy a private piece of the beach with a pair of beach lounge chairs and an umbrella, designated with your name. Rent more a set of two or more to accommodate your group!
ELECTRIC CAR CHARGING STATIONS:
The community has public charging stations available to homeowners and guests. Four of those are Tesla chargers, which you won’t find anywhere else in Port Aransas.
TOWN CENTER:
A spacious green, encircled by Social Circle, this popular common area features built-in games and a stage called Terry’s Place for entertainment that includes live music, movies under the stars.
GREAT LAWN:
An open space that helps the community breathe, this area offers a fire pit for S’mores Nights and plenty of room for games, special events, concerts, or weddings.
SHOPPING AND RESTAURANTS:
Cinnamon Shore offers fun ways to dine out or stay in―all right here within the community.
Lisabella’s Bistro:
home to fine, Mediterranean, coastal cuisine served by award-winning Chef Spencer Cox, patio dining and cozy indoor seating, wine-pairing dinners, and a seasonal menu of the region’s best
Dylan’s Coal Oven Pizzeria:
offering a great selection of authentic pies, along with pastas, sandwiches, salads, and more
Coffee Waves:
a satellite location of a Port Aransas favorite offering favorite coffee drinks and light breakfast fare, plus a selection of gelato for an afternoon treat
The Market,:
providing a quick, one-stop shop for select, cheeses, frozen meat, sundries, and more
C Bar:
Located at Kiera’s Pool and offering shrimp salad, PB&J sandwiches, other light bites, and bar services
C Treats:
Open on the Town Center during outdoor movie nights and other special events, housed in an Airstream® trailer, and offering snacks and ice cream
