Austin in the fall is beautiful. It's perfectly crisp and cool with a hint of sun throughout the entire day. During the night you will need a thick jacket or coat if going out and it will make perfect sense to snuggle up with your blanket, hot coco and a movie if you decide to stay in.
You will have an actual fall season!
This was the biggest surprise for me. When you think of Texas the first thought is usually heat - major calor - pretty much one season the whole year. However this is not the case for the Hill country. The picture above is Hamilton Pool Preserve. A preservation that allows a maximum of 100 or so people a day and during the high season requires registration in advance.
When you visit in the fall as I did, there is no need to register. While you are allowed to take a dive in the "pool" it is quite chilly ( although some people did decide to take a swim that day) during the fall months. It is still a gorgeous place to take a nice scenic walk or sit and enjoy the scenery.
You will have an actual fall season!
This was the biggest surprise for me. When you think of Texas the first thought is usually heat - major calor - pretty much one season the whole year. However this is not the case for the Hill country. The picture above is Hamilton Pool Preserve. A preservation that allows a maximum of 100 or so people a day and during the high season requires registration in advance.
When you visit in the fall as I did, there is no need to register. While you are allowed to take a dive in the "pool" it is quite chilly ( although some people did decide to take a swim that day) during the fall months. It is still a gorgeous place to take a nice scenic walk or sit and enjoy the scenery.
Other activities included scouting out good places to eat - Austin is described as a foodie destination when in Texas - I will admit that I have yet to discover great eats. But we did discover good coffee shops. Also a good area to find some good eats is the East side - try 12 street off of East street. There are a ton of places like Bangers - which has tons of beer options with German like sausage and bread. They also have live entertainment. You will also encounter a lot of food trucks (there are many different parks with just food trucks) and of course a variety of bar-b-que shops. If your budget allows please check out as many places as you can! Taco shops, coffee shops, and bar-b-que places. There will be some misses, but there is clearly a ton of hits, it's just finding what works best for you.
Overall - if I ever settle down in Texas --Austin would be a huge contender. It offers city life (which is another post that I need to make) and it offers a true fall season.
Overall - if I ever settle down in Texas --Austin would be a huge contender. It offers city life (which is another post that I need to make) and it offers a true fall season.
A fall day in Austin:
Visit the many natural reserves!
Barton Creek - water is typically cold but if it is sunny you can lay out. Also pretty sceneries of downtown
Hamilton Preserve - Off the beaten path, a nice ride out into the country and also a beautiful scenery all around!
Ziller Park - Great for exploring!
Eat your heart out!
6th street - so of course there is the iconic "6th" street. Really close to the University of Texas. There are a lot of places to eat but also a lot of bars. It really comes alive at night.
East side - Like I said above, has a ton of places to eat! 12 street has a row of restaurants and also a food truck area. But to be completely honest there are a ton of food truck parks/eating areas located throughout the east side - it's just driving around to find them.
All of the bar-b-que - research the best places to find bar-b-que and try not to go to the typical food chain. Look for the Austin specific places. You'll know it's a true Austin bar-b-que if they aren't open on Mondays :)
Tacos galore! I have yet to find the perfect taco place and almost roll my eyes when people suggest Torchy's. Yes- Torchy's is delicious but there are so many independently owned taco shops. Once I discover them I will definitely pass along the info!
Vegan friendly - Austin is super vegan/vegetarian friendly and there are a lot of options. Wish that I had more info on food to give because I know it's out there!
Check out the ArtWork/Galleries - when I visited in the fall there was an art show going on throughout the east side. You had to drive around to different areas and find the different pop up art shops.
Historic Tours - a lot of history. Visit the capitol, visit Lady Bird park so much to check out!
Austin is a weekend trip not just a day. Trying to find the best food spots will take a day by itself. Hope you visit one day!
Visit the many natural reserves!
Barton Creek - water is typically cold but if it is sunny you can lay out. Also pretty sceneries of downtown
Hamilton Preserve - Off the beaten path, a nice ride out into the country and also a beautiful scenery all around!
Ziller Park - Great for exploring!
Eat your heart out!
6th street - so of course there is the iconic "6th" street. Really close to the University of Texas. There are a lot of places to eat but also a lot of bars. It really comes alive at night.
East side - Like I said above, has a ton of places to eat! 12 street has a row of restaurants and also a food truck area. But to be completely honest there are a ton of food truck parks/eating areas located throughout the east side - it's just driving around to find them.
All of the bar-b-que - research the best places to find bar-b-que and try not to go to the typical food chain. Look for the Austin specific places. You'll know it's a true Austin bar-b-que if they aren't open on Mondays :)
Tacos galore! I have yet to find the perfect taco place and almost roll my eyes when people suggest Torchy's. Yes- Torchy's is delicious but there are so many independently owned taco shops. Once I discover them I will definitely pass along the info!
Vegan friendly - Austin is super vegan/vegetarian friendly and there are a lot of options. Wish that I had more info on food to give because I know it's out there!
Check out the ArtWork/Galleries - when I visited in the fall there was an art show going on throughout the east side. You had to drive around to different areas and find the different pop up art shops.
Historic Tours - a lot of history. Visit the capitol, visit Lady Bird park so much to check out!
Austin is a weekend trip not just a day. Trying to find the best food spots will take a day by itself. Hope you visit one day!