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electric scooter

A Guide to Great Bend’s Go-To Places

August 16, 2022 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Disclosure: Explore Great Bend sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.

When you’re looking for fun places to explore in Kansas, all roads should lead you to Great Bend. With an abundance of things to do, especially during a summer festival weekend, there’s never a dull moment. Whether you follow my trip itinerary exactly or use my experience to create your own, you’re going to love Great Bend’s go-to places.

bicycle Great Bend

REPERKS COFFEE SHOP

I had the pleasure of starting my Great Bend experience at RePerks Coffee Shop (1216 Main St.) in the heart of downtown. What is it about a coffee shop that seems to calm and center oneself? The smell of the roasted beans. A glass case is full of delectable desserts. Add a friendly barista, and it’s the ultimate start to the day.

RePerks
Look for the rooster to find the café. The coffeeshop’s new owners have renamed it RePerks although the original name remains on the building.

RePerks is a local hangout that attracts residents and out-of-towners in search of a scratch-made breakfast served all day. But that’s not all – the lunch and dinner menus promise hearty portions appealing to those who want down-home comforting meals. Known for Fried Chicken Friday and Prime Rib Saturday, the quaint coffee shop will exceed your expectations.

BLT Sandwich
Make a point of checking the dessert case prior to ordering. Inside, you’ll discover towering pies sold whole or by the slice.

Apparently, I didn’t read the menu close enough because I inadvertently ordered a BLT sandwich for my breakfast meal, but hey, it was delicious. I talked to the owner between bites and learned that they are also building another restaurant on the premises, Teller’s 1972. The steakhouse will open to welcome guests in October 2022.

PARTY IN THE PARK

Wet/Dry Parade

A big draw of visitors to Great Bend during the summer is Party in the Park. With minutes to spare after breakfast, I drove over to Veterans Memorial Park to watch the kickstart of the Wet/Dry Parade. My contact from Explore Great Bend picked me up in a golf cart, and we sped off to position ourselves on the “dry side.”

water paradeThe town’s first responders led a long trail of trucks and cars pulling floats. Kids sat in truckbeds poised with Supersoaker water blasters ready to spray parade bystanders. But the onlookers also had their own water canons! The energy was palpable as groups took their place on both sides of the railroad’s tracks that separated onlookers.

Later, we decided to drive the golf cart at the tail end of the parade. Just as I thought we were in the clear, an onery firefighter released a firehose in our direction soaking us from head to foot. Needless to say, it was a blast.

parade onlookers

Anything That Floats Race

I love a challenge, and clearly, the town’s residents were up for a challenge as well. Multiple teams showed up at the park’s 12-acre lake to compete in the Anything That Floats Race. As each team dropped in their float, you could hear teams ribbing each other in the competitive spirit of the race. Would the town’s police officers win? The mother-son team? Who would take home the trophy?

Anything That Floats Race
Fun Fact: The town was named “Great Bend” after the bend of the Arkansas River.

I laughed as I watched boaters paddle their way through the designated path on the water. It was a lot of fun to watch townies cheer on race participants, especially as “the interns” paddled their way to first place. People gathered on the shore to snap pictures of them with the trophy.

Interns

Car Show

Party in the Park’s car show was impressive with over 80 cars and trucks. Don’t you love a car show? If only we could take our pick of the selection and drive off in one, right?

If you’ve never been to a car show, you can expect the owners to sit in chairs behind their vehicles eagerly waiting to answer questions. Take a look inside and under the hood. Imagine yourself cruising down the road with the windows down. It’s the quintessential event of the summer.

Car Show

VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK

The site of the festival, Veterans Memorial Park, offers quite a bit to do any time of year. I took note of a fitness trail, newly added playground, sand volleyball area, baseball parks, paddleboat & kayaks, disc golf course, and tennis courts. I was drawn to the monuments honoring the veterans located near the front entrance, which showcased a tank on display.

disc golf Great Bend
The Great Bend Disc Golf Course at Veterans Memorial Park includes 18 tees and three short tees. Tournaments take place every spring.

The park is large enough that you may want to drive and park your car depending on the areas you choose to explore. With ample shade trees and plenty of parking, you’ll find it easy to navigate to the ideal spot.

HANDLEBAR BAR & GRILL

I was feeling energized after the festival’s morning festivities and ready to eat lunch. Handlebar Bar & Grill (807 10th St.) is open six days a week serving classic sports bar grub with a full bar of cold drinks.

When I pulled into the parking lot and scanned the area for open space, I didn’t find one and instead created my own under a shade tree. Inside, vintage motorcycle helmets and Harley Davidson relics dangled from the ceiling.

The restaurant is incredibly popular with locals who bring their families to dine on everything from buffalo wings and nachos to ribeyes and street tacos. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it on the menu. The Shrimp Po’ Boy hoagie sandwich came recommended, so I didn’t hesitate to order it. The addictive sriracha mayo and crispy breaded shrimp were appetizing.

If you arrive during the peak lunch or dinner hour, expect to wait for a table. If dining alone, it’s easy to snag a seat at the bar. Happy Hour is 4 pm -6 pm Tuesday-Friday. Ask about the bartender’s drink special and the featured menu item.

PoBoy Sandwich

DOWNTOWN SHOPPING

Make the most of a road trip to Great Bend by making your way downtown to shop locally. The first stop? Heart of Kansas Mercantile and Miss Pretty Pickles (1212 and 1214 Main St.).

With a little something for everyone, the Heart of Kansas Mercantile store carries a large selection of home decor and specialty foods made in The Sunflower State. Tables and shelves are stacked with jellies and jams, jarred pickles, candles, kitchen towels, artwork, and more. Walk past the register and you find yourself inside Miss Pretty Pickles, a boutique store that stocks plush toys and children’s clothes.

candle
Kansas Earth & Sky Candle Co. is located in Ellinwood, a 13-minute drive from Great Bend.

Sweet Dreams Candy Shop (1403 Main St.) is a family-owned and operated store specializing in gummy candy, gum, retro hard candy, and flavorful sodas. The smell of sweet treats hits you as you enter the front door. Rows upon rows of brightly colored packaged candy await purchase on store shelves.

I chose to build my own six-pack of cream sodas and root beers to use for an at-home soda flight. If you love fudge, this is the place to shop for it. Loaves of Pecan Turtle, Belgian Chocolate, and Mint Chocolate fudge sit in a glass case ready to be sliced and sold.

Note: At the time of publication, Sweet Dreams Candy Shop was for sale. According to their Facebook page, if a buyer doesn’t take over the store, it will close by December 23, 2022.

candy shop

Rosewood Wine Cellar (1901 Lakin Ave.) is a shop devoted to vino enthusiasts. Of course, you’ll find a wine tasting bar (free samples!) as well as rows of handcrafted wine bottles for sale, but the store is much more than another retail store. Rosewood Wine Cellar’s products are made or harvested by client-employees with disabilities. Each time you make a purchase at the shop, you sustain employment for them.

The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the award-winning wines. They carry two dozen varieties of wine that are grown a short drive west of town. I was pleased to discover that they carried dry wines that were not overly sweet. However, if you’re someone who appreciates fruit-forward sweeter wines, you’re in luck. The store is an excellent place to bring a friend or purchase a gift for one.

wine

You won’t leave empty-handed at Rosewood Winery Cellars. The inventory includes jars of gourmet relishes, salsas, honey, crackers, and more. If you’re on the lookout for a housewarming gift for someone, bath products, kitchenware, or aprons make shopping a breeze. Seasonal displays beckon home decor shoppers in search of accessories.

wine tasting

MURALS & SCULPTURES

Calling art lovers! Lace up your sneakers and head out on the Great Bend Mural Walk to see street art created by students, community artists, and professional painters. Several locals encouraged me to find the newest installment by artist Ryan “ARCY” Christensen. Located at the corner of Forest and Williams, the scene is aviation-themed and was partially inspired by a 1940s poster.

Originally from Connecticut, Christensen has painted murals in urban areas across the country. His trademark? He paints a “hidden” Mickey Mouse in all of his murals. Do you see it?

mural

Located nearby, I spotted a brightly colored Kansas landscape painted on the side of a commercial property by artist Melanie Ryan. The scene depicting Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area took up the entire west side of the building and wrapped around its backside. Located five miles north on US Highway 281, Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area is a marsh where birdwatchers flock to see shorebirds and waterfowl. In fact, 356 of the 482 species of birds currently known to occur in Kansas have been spotted at Cheyenne Bottoms.

farm mural

A short drive across downtown led me back to Main Street to view “Starting Line,” a 3,000-square-foot mural serving as the perfect backdrop for race fans. If you’re headed to the dragstrip west of town, make a detour to this mural for a selfie or group photo.

starting line mural

Directly across the same parking lot is another beautiful mural on the side of the building housing Dilly & Doc Creative Studio (1110 Main Street). The paint-your-own creation studio welcomes wannabe artists and hosts private parties.

These large-scale paintings are a small sampling of the new and old ones you’ll discover in the area. For a map and self-guided tour of the murals, reach out to the City of Great Bend at 620-793-4111.

The sculptures outside of Barton County Courthouse in the center of downtown dot the landscape. Great Bend has been the county seat since 1867; however, the courthouse that exists today wasn’t built until 1918. According to its website, “Barton helped to provide medical supplies to soldiers during the Civil War and founded the American Red Cross in 1881.”

monument

Situated in front of the Great Bend Library (1409 Williams Street), you’ll spot sculptures with natural patina. Nestled amongst native grass, shrubs, and river rock, each sculpture depicts children enjoying reading or playing in a garden setting. Go inside the library to inquire about scheduled events such as movie night for adults. statue

If you’d prefer not to walk or drive to each public art installation, consider renting a free electric scooter. You’ll spot groupings of scooters sitting around the downtown corridor. Simply download The Bird app and take a ride.

Each downtown planter features a hand-painted birdhouse.

PARTY IN THE PARK

In a hurry after viewing public art, I raced back to Veterans Memorial Park to partake in more of the festival’s entertainment. The sun was shining and it was hot. I spotted a shade tent with a crowd of people preparing for an event. It was the annual eating contest.

FRUIT LOOP EATING CONTEST

If you could choose one food to eat in a hurry to beat the clock, what would it be? This year, the festival’s eating contest served a pan of Fruit Loops marshmallow treats and boy were the contestants pumped to compete. After snapping a few photos, I had to look away out of fear of what could happen. The winner was the person I predicted to win. She took her Fruit Loop speed eating responsibilities seriously.

food contest

BEST MULLET CONTEST

If you had told me that I was going to serve as a guest judge for Party in the Park’s Best Mullet Contest, I would have immediately raised my hand for a high-five. “Yes!” The hair trend is back, and it was a complete thrill to join others in judging contestants’ hair that screamed: “business in the front, party in the back.”

We asked them questions like “Can you, please turn and move your hair?” and “Where do you get your hair cut?” of each contestant. In the end, each age group’s winner won a trophy and entrance to the festival’s evening live music show and fireworks display. Party on, man!

judges
As judges, we gave points based on the following categories: Length, Quality, Style, Presentation & Flow, and Overall Outfit & Look.
CONCERT IN THE PARK

Rock on! Party in the Park always ends with a live music performance followed by fireworks. This year, Fool House – The Ultimate 90s Dance Party had festival goers jamming in their seats. After the band’s first set, people danced their way to the stage and boogied down to cover hits by the Backstreet Boys, Madonna, Spice Girls, and Blink 182. If attending the annual outdoor concert, tote a collapsable lawn chair and a BYOB cooler.

festival goers

THE PAGE

Earlier in the day, I appreciated a relaxing dinner at The Page An American Bistro (2920 10th Street). Another local favorite, the inconspicuous restaurant sits directly behind Perkins Restaurant & Bakery. If you blink, you might miss it.  For those craving a more upscale meal for a romantic dinner or gathering with friends, The Page is the place.

The ribeye steak came with one choice of vegetable side and complimentary warm rolls with butter. Although I asked for medium rare, my steak was cooked medium. That didn’t take away from the steak’s flavor made better by the herbed butter on top. It also came with a bourbon sweet dipping sauce, but I preferred to stick with the herbed butter. The restaurant’s menu also features burgers, wraps, and pasta dishes.

ribeye

Before the main course arrived, I devoured a dinner salad and sipped a glass of Kendall Jackson Chardonnay. The bar has a decent selection of wines including the town’s ever-popular Rosewood Cellars selections. House wine by the glass is $6.

The dining room is small in size so once it’s full, chatter from other tables creates white noise as diners enjoy their meal underneath a wall of TVs broadcasting sporting events. I recommend arriving early to beat the dinner rush.

salad

BRIT SPAUGH ZOO

During the early morning house of Day 2 of my Great Bend adventure, I drove to Brit Spaugh Park for a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo (2200 Main Street). Regular zoo-goers know that the best time to catch most of the animals active is during the breakfast hour. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

The zoo features species from all over the world. Unlike some small town zoos I’ve toured, Brit Spaugh Zoo impresses with the number of mammals on-site. Big cats, grizzly bears, and monkeys keep it interesting. Animal lovers in search of wild birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates will find it equally impressive.

zoo entrance

I observed several grizzly bears in a tall grass habitat lounging on rocks and inside a man-made pond. The siblings played with one another and splashed around under the waterfall providing an opportunity to observe the bears’ natural behavior. Later, I was given the chance to use a slingshot to toss apple slices to them, which they happily enjoyed. Would you feed a bear if given a chance? Watch a video of the experience here.

grizzly bear

Another amazing animal encounter was when I had the privilege of meeting a Great Horned Owl named Thurston. Raised in captivity since it was a baby on a Kansas farm, it wasn’t skittish around humans. In fact, I stood six feet from it as it mimicked the sounds a zookeeper called to it. It mimicked clucking sounds like a chicken! Today, Thurston comes along for zoo presentations to school children and small groups.

owl

The sister lions in the photo below took an interest in me. Perhaps it was because I was tagging along with a zookeeper. Whatever the reason, it was fascinating watching them sun themselves and flick their tails. The male African lion was inside a building out of sight, but I heard that he is large for his size and most certainly dominates his territory.

lions

After winding your way through the zoo (look for the colorful murals painted by school children!), head inside to check out the reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates housed in aquariums. The education center consists of informative displays to aid visitors in understanding the life of raptors. If you’re lucky, you may see a veterinarian at work on the other side of the display window.

zoo interior

lizard

Overall, you’ll find the zoo’s animals awe-inspiring and the staff to be cordial. They welcome school groups if reservations are booked in advance. Please consider making a donation near the cashier’s counter inside the gift shop. A surprise awaits those who choose to drop in bills or coins inside the box.

BONUS PLACES TO VISIT IN GREAT BEND

GREAT BEND COMMUNITY THEATRE

The Great Bend Community Theatre is an Art Deco architecture wonder in the center of town. Plan a stop at Rosewood Wine Cellar and then head next door to watch a live theatre production. View the current season’s upcoming show calendar here.

THEATRE

BRIT SPAUGH PARK

Looking for a place to splash in a pool on a hot summer’s day or take the kids to run around on playground equipment? Brit Spaugh Park (2303 Main Street) near the zoo is the ideal location. Wetland Waterpark is open for the season on the Saturday before Memorial Day. With plenty of areas to retreat from the sun, parents can watch as kids take to the slides or play under the tipping bucket.

pool
Fun Fact: The swimming pool opened in the 1930s and underwent a significant renovation in 2005.

You’ll also discover a Santa Fe train engine on full display near the entrance. The town was home to an Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe railway station at one time served as a connection between Los Angeles and Chicago.

santa fe train

The park is also home to softball fields, horseshoe courts, picnic shelters, and a skateboarding arena.

LODGING 

It’s always nice to put down your bags after time on the road. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Great Bend (3821 10th Street) set the tone of a fabulous road trip the moment I arrived. The front desk staff was eager to welcome me to town and tell me about the accommodations. Located on 10th Street, a major highway through town, it’s an ideal place to stay overnight for its proximity to attractions like the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, Brit Spaugh Zoo, and the Wetlands Water Park.

hotel room
My fourth floor window view was the ideal spot to watch Party in the Park’s illuminating fireworks display while enjoying the air conditioning.

My king suite room was spacious enough for two people to enjoy and included copious amenities. I set down my bags and gave myself a tour noting a fully equipped mini kitchen complete with a refrigerator and single-serve coffeemaker. Near the hotel’s lobby, you can enjoy a free self-serve breakfast in the lobby every morning. An indoor swimming pool, 24-hour fitness center, and on-site business center provide all that you’ll want and need during your stay.

The room was complete with furnishings and plenty of room to relax, which is what I was seeking after a long day exploring Great Bend. The hotel was bustling with families visiting for a wedding party, but I didn’t hear a sound once in my room. The peace and quiet were delightful.

bathroom

During a return visit to Great Bend, I hope to spend time at Dry Lake Brewing (1305 Main Street). Unfortunately, it wasn’t open before I had to leave for home. You know me – I love craft beer! I’ll add it to my bucket list of places to check out the next time I’m in town.

sculpture Main StreetSo much had changed since my childhood visit to Great Bend. It’s more than just another Kansas town surrounded by farm fields. Located 95 miles outside of northwest Wichita, it is worth the two-hour drive.

You can expect to be wow-ed by its attractions, summer festival, and restaurant and shopping scene. The downtown corridor has a delightful surprise around every corner. Are you ready to experience it for yourself?

 

 

Filed Under: Kansas, Travel Tagged With: bar and grill, bear, cafe, candy, car show, coffee shop, electric scooter, festival, Great Bend, Kansas, live music, Main Street, Midwest, mullet, murals, parade, park, Santa Fe, sculpture, steak, street art, swimming pool, tasting room, theatre, train, winery, zoo

48 Hours in Austin, Texas

February 25, 2019 by Vanessa 18 Comments

When someone asks me, “Hey, do you want to go to Austin with me?” I don’t hesitate. Would you?

The live music capital of the United States is one of my all-time favorite destinations because of its unapologetic and unique culture. Locals don’t try to be anything other than their fashion-forward, on-trend natural-selves. They city beckons travelers looking to explore a high-energy city that appeals to outdoor enthusiasts by day and band-chasing, craft cocktail sipping visitors by night. Austin is just my brand of city.

With a population pushing almost 1 million, the city’s neighborhoods are distinctly different much like the people who live there. I prefer to explore the downtown district since it is a hub for live music clubs and within walking distance of food trucks and restaurants. If you consider yourself a bit against-the-grain or counter culture, then Austin will feel like a home away from home.

View of downtown Austin from our hotel room on the 16th floor.

ACCOMODATIONS

The downtown area is crowded with high-rise hotels. We chose to stay at the Sheraton at Austin adjacent to East 11th Street, a gateway into the center of the city. Having booked our room only a couple days before our visit, I was impressed with the accommodations. (Note: Visitors can expect to pay a pretty penny during festival weeks and will need to reserve a room well in advance.) Fortunately, we stayed in the city during the off-season and were able to find a room (and request a skyline view) without issue.

Lobby

Upon check-in, I made sure to update my registration with my Marriott Rewards member information that upgraded our stay to include free Wi-Fi. The room came fully stocked with standard hotel amenities plus a view extras including a soft, cotton robe and quality bath towels. Although the room included a refrigerator, it did not include the promised microwave, an extra some travelers appreciate. I thought the room was quiet (I don’t mind the woosh-woosh white noise from the elevator) and the bed was super soft and comfortable.

Ask for the 16th floor for the best view of the city. The room was spacious!

The hotel features a library lounge, The Yard (a downstairs restaurant and bar), heated indoor pool and crystal clear hot tub, as well as an outdoor entertainment area complete with an Airstream trailer and chairs to stretch out and enjoy the Texas sunshine. Travelers seeking a grab-and-go breakfast or coffee will appreciate the on-site Starbucks cafe in the lobby. To be clear, we didn’t eat at the hotel’s restaurant The Yard because we wanted to save our appetite for a day of visiting downtown food trucks, an absolute must when in Austin!

By the way, valet and parking garage parking is available at the hotel. Although we expected to pay $30 a day for parking garage access, we didn’t pay a dime upon checkout. Bonus!

We enjoyed a Texas craft beer from the Library.
The bar near The Yard restaurant.
The Sheraton has two pools, and this heated one is located outdoors adjacent to The Yard.
Outdoor patio
A fun place to relax in the morning is the Sheraton’s outdoor courtyard. Grab a Starbucks coffee in the lobby and enjoy the scenery outdoors.

NAVIGATING THE CITY

A car is a necessity if you’re planning on traveling to the outskirts of the downtown area to explore parks or shopping districts and don’t want to use public transportation. To navigate from the airport, one could use an airport shuttle to their hotel and then rely on the use of rental, electric JUMP scooters or bikes in the downtown area. Of course, walking the downtown district is an option but I would recommend wearing comfortable shoes and stopping mid-route for a breather since you’ll likely want to traverse different pockets of the urban area. The rental electric bikes and scooters are meant for short distances.

Renting a Jump bike is as easy as downloading the app and scanning the bike’s QR code.
Available across the city, Jump electric scooters are best used for A-B, short distances. Once you use the app to scan the bike’s QR code, you will discover how much charge is left on the bike for your use.

Now, more about those speedy, on-demand scooters and bikes! They are everywhere. There’s no need to try to find a “rental station” to check one out using the JUMP app since people simply abandon them anywhere and everywhere they want. In fact, it’s almost overwhelming how many scooters you see standing (and fallen over) on the side of the road. Renting a scooter is 15 cents a minute so they make a smart option for someone who just wants to head to and from a bar or explore the city a bit. The Uber app recommends wearing a helmet (and you might want to because they are a bit unstable), but no one does. Ride at your own risk and have a blast!

FOOD SCENE

Consider yourself a “foodie” who likes to taste a variety of ethnic cuisines? Austin is the mecca for an authentic, chef-prepared food truck scene. You can’t walk too far before spotting a food truck or ten! Sometimes hidden behind another business, some of the city’s best food trucks, like Via 313 Pizza are nestled in the backyard of another business like Craft Pride. It is tucked away but deserves to be found!

Via 313 Pizza located behind Craft Pride on Rainey Street features free music most days of the week.

We also enjoyed walking up to a grouping of trucks that included Tex-Mex standards, pizza by the slice, smokey barbecue dinners, gourmet hotdogs, and Mediterranean faire. Honestly, I could’ve watched the cook at Ditty Dog prepare hotdogs with layers of toppings all night. She moved at lightening speed adding cream cheese, crumbled chips, and sauces to each order. ::Excuse me while I wipe drool from my face::

Interested in hunting down the Austin food truck scene? I recommend using Eater Austin to plan your meals and read up on the city’s favorites.

Diggity Dog
Next door to the Diggity Dog, we had to try a slice of pizza as well!

Looking for award-winning cuisine? Welcome to Austin! Whether you’re on the search for fresh seafood or an artfully stacked sandwich, the city’s kitchens are putting out delicious meals. Check out a few online resources prior to your visit. The sheer number of restaurants is overwhelming. Resources like Thrillist, Eater Austin or Yelp Austin are good places to start.

Note: Austin is known for its Sunday brunch specials. Keep this in mind when doing your research. Many restaurants serve bottomless mimosas and craft cocktails with a deep menu of breakfast options. I appreciated the fully-loaded, mouthwatering tacos from Torchy’s Tacos and the Taco Joint. I ate two breakfasts in one day just because I couldn’t resist the food options!

Torchy’s Tacos
At Torchy’s Tacos, order at the counter and they will bring your delicious tacos to you at the table.
Not sure what to order? The employees are super friendly and will give you advice on what most people enjoy from the breakfast taco menu.
Taco Joint
Taco Joint – Order a variety of tacos! Sauces are complimentary.
Taco Joint
Paperboy
Paperboy – Signature breakfast menu items.

Our first dinner downtown was spent at Moonshine Grill — talk about historic vibes! Located on the corner of 3rd Street and Red River Street, the building dates back to 1852. Originally a trading mercantile used by visitors traveling across Texas, the restaurant’s ambiance harkens back to its early days. Stone walls, wood accents, and historic photographs set the vibe. Instead of waiting at least an hour for a table on a Saturday evening, we stalked the open seating in the bar area and quickly nabbed two vacated chairs.

Because it was National Margarita Day during our visit, I ordered a salty margarita made with Pepe Zevada Tequila Resposado. It was phenomenal! Later, I asked the bartender the same question I recommend all travelers ask, “If it were your shift meal, what would you order from the menu?” Having served in restaurants for years, I appreciate knowing what meal the staff wants to eat, not necessarily the special for the evening of what the manager wants pushed to patrons. We dined at the dimly lit bar on savory chicken sandwiches and copious amounts of steak fries. The meals are huge!

CRAFT BEER SCENE

Always a sucker for a hazy IPA or locally-crafted lager, I did my research before visiting Austin to find what the locals consider the best craft brewery in town. Craft Pride and Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden were mentioned favorably numerous times, and since our hotel was a short drive from the Rainey Street District, we had to try them.

Craft Pride is a Texas-only beer bar with 54 taps, and it’s adjacent side room includes single cans and bottles of even more beer! To access the bonus beer room and patio, exit the main tasting room and follow the signs. While I appreciated learning more about the brews from the bartender, I wanted to spend the most time drinking leisurely and listening to bluegrass music outdoors. Visitors will fall in love with the permanent food truck, Via 313 Pizza, open every day in the rear of Craft Pride. Have you ever tried Detroit-style pizza? They serve authentic square pies that are thicker than New York style pizza but less carbolicious than Chicago-style pizza. It is delicious and even better with a cold beer to wash it down! I recommend ordering The Carnivore loaded with two kinds of pepperoni, ham, Italian sausage, and bacon.

Look at all those glorious taps! Ask for a sample.

The outdoor patio scene is vibrant in Austin – in every neighborhood! The warm weather beckons townies and tourists to the Rainey Street’s Banger’s Sausage and Beer Garden. I went for the beer (they have 100 taps!) but stayed for the people watching. Known for Austin’s largest tap wall, visitors order their beer using a number that corresponds to their brew of choice. I appreciated that our bartended, one of a half dozen or so, was patient and took as much time as we needed to order. The choices were overwhelming.

Banger’s patio is extensive and wraps around the courtyard out of sight of this photo.

You’ll enjoy the outdoor patio that stretches wide and up close to Rainey Streets main drag as it is the perfect vantage point to watch visitors celebrating sunshine, tasty beer, and delicious eats. Order a bierwurst sandwich and enjoy the scene from your perch sitting high above the bustling sidewalk.

Simple food is good food. Order a bierwurst (or two) on white bread and add the sauces of your choice.

NEIGHBORHOODS

While I haven’t been to every Austin neighborhood, I can speak to what it’s like to experience the downtown district, Rainey Street, and some of the surrounding suburbs. Keep in mind that Austin is a big city. I recommend planning your excursions.

Not all Rainey Street bars or restaurants have long lines outside of them, but it does make for great people gawking…I mean, watching. Most patios are considered dog-friendly.

The downtown area has numerous big name hotels intersected by high-end restaurants and live music bars. A tourist attraction, Dirty 6th (6th Avenue) is dotted with high-energy bars boasting everything from happy hour specials to pulsating live music every night of the week. In my opinion, I’ve outgrown the hard rock, punk rock vibe scene and would much rather have a great meal coupled by relaxing, live music. No matter your preference, you can find the vibe you’re looking for along downtown Austin’s streets.

If I had a dollar for every mural in Austin…
Adjacent to the Sheraton hotel in downtown Austin, you’ll find many preserved historic homes not open to visitors.
Don’t forget to swing by the capital building to snap a few pictures. Street parking is limited.

My favorite shopping district is South Congress. Lined with eclectic clothing boutiques, home good stores, and locally owned restaurants, the area is several blocks long. Street parking is available but you’ll need to reverse into your spot. Because I was traveling light, I brought home a few tiny gifts for myself including a Anthony Bourdain drink coaster. I strongly encourage you to take an hour out of your Austin stay to peruse the retail shopping on South Congress.

I’m going to have to put this restaurant on my brunch list next trip to the city.

Willing to wait hours to dine on Texas bbq? Bring your own chair and a six-pack of your favorite beer while you wait in line at Franklin Barbecue, a popular local joint. Rumor has it that visitors wait over two hours to dine there. We didn’t, but I suppose that’s because we were already full from a day of eating. The restaurant is located in a humble suburban neighbor not far from downtown Austin.

Franklin Barbecue

OUTDOOR FUN

Love to exercise and explore? Austin is an active community! We saw hundreds of people enjoying the weekend’s sunny weather at Zilker Park. The area was dotted with runners, scooter riders, bikers, kayakers on the water, and dog walkers along the Lady Bird Hike and Bike Trail.

Residents and tourists enjoy the area because beautiful trees and the river help it feel like they’ve escaped the bustling city.

Don’t forget to bring your swimming suit so you can take a dip in the city’s crown jewel, the Barton Springs Pool. Visitors and locals flock to the banks of the area to picnic, sunbathe, read a book while relaxing or play outdoor games with friends. Note: Starting during the spring (later in March), visitors must pay an admission fee to take a swim but if  you’d rather avoid the price, you can enjoy a small waterfall area for free near the edge of the pool. Ask the customer service attendant for details.

This photo was taken in early March and people were swimming in the water! Lifeguards watched swimmers do laps up and down the waterway.

We enjoyed our time in the city. You’re guaranteed to love Austin! In fact, you’ll love it so much you’ll probably start planning your next visit while you’re still there. I’ve barely scratched the surface of all that Austin offers for fun. Have a fun suggestion to add? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

Happy travels, friends!

Filed Under: Texas, Travel, United States Tagged With: Austin, barbecue, Barton Springs, brunch, craft beer, Craft Pride, electric bike, electric scooter, food scene, food truck, live music, Moonshine, mural, pizza, Rainey Street, scooters, Sheraton, South Congress, tacos, Tex-Mex, Texas

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Ammar
Hello! I'm Vanessa. Welcome to One Delightful Life, a blog created to add more delight to your life with delicious recipes, travel destinations, and lifestyle improvement ideas. Thanks for exploring my blog!

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