Insider’s Guide to Austin

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From the quirky to the quaint, Austin, Texas is the destination for live music, art, and a world-class food scene. It also happens to be home to Nabewise’s one-and-only brick-and-mortar store on bustling Second Street. We had a chance to catch up with this month’s #StyleForAll brand ambassadors (all Texans!) at our latest photoshoot. Check out their insider tips for Austin newbies and old-timers alike.

Things to do in Austin:

“Most of the year is good walking weather. Sometimes I walk from Hyde Park to the Capital building just for the heck of it (that’s about 80 city blocks roundtrip). And there are tons of neighborhood swimming holes to cool off in when it gets too hot.” – Amanda Dimova, designer and creative genius behind Austin-based jewelry line Vinca

“No trip to Austin is complete without stopping by the Barton Springs Pool!” – Kam Franklin, lead singer and frontwoman for the soul band The Suffers

“Watch a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse – bonus points if it’s Quote-Along night!”– Amanda Dimova

“Laguna Gloria is a bit like a secret garden full of sculptures. You can sign up for paid art classes in the studio, but it’s free to walk around. If it’s closed, you can go to Mayfield Park next door and see the peacocks.” – Amanda Dimova

Fave Austin restaurants and dishes:

“Try the blueberry blintzes at Blue Dahlia or the Travolta (a white pizza) at Frank & Angie’s.” – Nicole Seligman, style blogger extraordinaire and self-love advocate of Writes Like a Girl

“I love Mongers here in East Austin. They have some of the freshest seafood in town and their happy hour is one of my favorites in town! My go-to dishes are the peel & eat shrimp, shishito peppers and ahi poke tacos. – Pei Sim, founder and owner of The Paper Craft + Pantry, Austin’s very first locally owned stationery shop and workshop studio

“Do not miss the steak frites with house red wine at Justine’s Brasserie.”– Jane Ko, aka A Taste of Koko, Austin’s fave food and travel blog featuring the hottest restaurants and weekend getaways.

“My fave was Veggie Heaven (RIP), but now it’s Juan in a Million!”– Kam Franklin

Best Austin coffee spots:

“Cenote on Cesar Chavez has the very best almond milk chais. Get it iced in the summer, and you can thank me later!”– Pei Sim

“So many local options. Just in my neighborhood are Flightpath, Quacks, Dolce Vita, Monkey Nest, Epoch, Pacha, and Upper Crust, several of which bake their own treats as well.” – Amanda Dimova

Best Austin bars and nightlife:

“Garage is this cool hidden bar inside a garage with killer cocktails and delicious menu. It’s Drake’s favorite nightspot in Austin!” – Jane Ko

“I have three go-to spots. The first is Yard Bar – it’s a bar where you and your pup can play. Boom. The second is Pinballz, an old arcade filled with tons and tons of old pinball machines. For about five dollars, you can have a whole day’s worth of fun. And finally, Rainey Street. Yes there are tourists, but there’s a bar in every direction you look. Every night is a bar crawl.” –Anna O’Brien, the voice and face of Glitter + Lazers, a plus-size fashion, lifestyle, and body positivity blog

Fave places for vintage fashion:

“I love Prototype Vintage Design!” – Kam Franklin

“Austin’s vintage scene is amazing. Charm School Vintage, Pieceology Vintage, and Blue Velvet are a few of my favorites.” – Nicole Seligman

Art scene:

“East Austin Studio Tour (aka EAST) is a must. Wander all around the east Austin studios of artists, designers, makers, and all sorts of hidden gems you never knew were there. It is like an artist scavenger hunt.” – Amanda Dimova

“Weekend popups! My calendar is full of popup events where local vendors sell their goods. Great vintage, catchy tees, handcrafted jewelry – Austin makers have it all!” – Nicole Seligman

“From Greek pottery to abstract impressionism, check out the Blanton Museum of Art on Thursdays – it’s free! And don’t forget to look for Vinca jewelry in the gift shop.”– Amanda Dimova

+Did we miss a hotspot? Share yours in the comments below. We’d love to hear!

One Response to Insider’s Guide to Austin

East 6th is a great going out spot with tons of live music spots and White Horse for some good ol’ fashion two stepping. There are SO MANY great restaurants: BBQ at La Barbecue, tacos and queso from torchy’s, Sushi Fusion at Uchi, farm to table and brunch from Odd Duck, and a fancier take on southern comfort food from Fixe.

If you like the outdoors, the green belt is great for hiking and I love paddle boarding and kayaking on town lake. And if you feel like going on a little more of a drive, Pedernales Falls is beautiful!

There are also some really good breweries to try! My favorites are Live Oak, Jester King, 512 and Hops and Grain (which has a great little Cajun place called Ophelia’s right next door).