I know that Austin is known for its outdoor activities, but for those of us who aren’t as interested in biking every Saturday morning, I know of some great alternatives.
The 23rd Street Artists Market is a great place to do some shopping and people watching. It is an open-air crafts market, located just across from the UT campus on “The Drag.” Artists can rent space to show and sell their unique arts and crafts. Everything is featured here from paintings to clothes and jewelry. Saturday is the best day to go and be sure to bring cash, because some of the items there are too good to pass up!
If you are like me, you probably don’t want to spend your weekends walking around a museum, but the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is different. This museum has three floors of exhibits and the best parts are the special effects Texas Spirit Theater, the café and IMAX theatre. This museum is home to Austin’s only IMAX theatre and if you have never been to an IMAX before, go tomorrow. Right now they are showing Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs, its both educational and entertaining. It doesn’t get much better than that.
March 28th, 2007
Austin is home to some delicious restaurants, which makes it even harder to stay on a diet when you live here. I know this may be bad to write about, but I just wanted to share five of the best restaurants that the capital of Texas has to offer.
- Whenever I eat sushi I feel just a little bit healthier, as long as I stay away from the fried tempura rolls. Finn & Porter is a great restaurant located in the Hilton, with an excellent sushi bar. They also have a great happy hour—the perfect place to relieve a little stress after work.
- If you like Cuban cuisine, Habana is a great place to go. Located on Austin’s famous Sixth Street, it is located in the heart of all the downtown action. For an appetizer, try the plantain chips, they are a Cuban specialty and Habana does them just right.
- There is nothing I love more than a big plate of pasta. Carmelo’s Italian Restaurant is the best place for authentic Italian cuisine in downtown Austin. The lasagna with meat sauce is one of my favorites, even though I shouldn’t eat it too much on my diet.
- If you need a fancy place to take a date on a Saturday night in downtown Austin, look no further than Driskill Grill. With white table cloths and an impressive wine menu, this elegant restaurant is the place to go. And if you need a recommendation, try the chocolate cake for desert, you won’t be disappointed.
- My last (certainly not least) favorite place is not a fancy restaurant, but instead an Austin classic—Texadelphia. This place makes the best philly cheese steak sandwiches outside of Philadelphia. And the extra sandwich sauces they provide are heavenly. Whether you live in Austin or are just visiting for the weekend, don’t miss an opportunity to eat at Texadelphia.
March 22nd, 2007
When you start a diet, sometimes it is hard to stay on track, especially when you see yummy, sugar filled treats at the grocery store. But there is one place I can go for groceries, where I know it won’t completely wreck my diet: Whole Foods Market.
Whole Foods Market was originally established in Austin, Texas. It boasts healthy eating choices and organic, natural foods. The second you walk through the door, you feel a little healthier. At least I do. You are surrounded by fresh, crisp produce and the smell of fresh baked breads from the bakery.
Every time I shop there, I just want to buy tons of vegetables and fruit, even though I would normally just like to buy a roll of cookie dough. So if you are on a diet like me and looking to eat more healthy fruits and veggies, I would highly recommend stopping by Whole Foods to not buy healthier items, but also feel a bit healthier by association.
March 16th, 2007
