Travel Guide: Austin, Texas, for Design Lovers
You'll find fantastic food along with incredible art and architecture in this capital city, deep in the heart of Texas
Recently a friend claimed that Austin has the highest number of architects per capita. While I have been unable to confirm this statement's veracity, it definitely feels true. This is perhaps due to Austin's being home to the University of Texas, with its highly regarded School of Architecture. Folks get their degrees, fall in love with the fun city and decide to stay.
Now, just because a city boasts a large population of design professionals does not guarantee great design or architecture, but I would argue that Austin is indeed home to some incredibly innovative residential architecture and, increasingly, notable commercial projects. Austin also lays claim to the nation's first residential green building program, which is still going strong after 22 years. Whether you're a designer or an architect, or simply love great design, this city has plenty to offer.
Now, just because a city boasts a large population of design professionals does not guarantee great design or architecture, but I would argue that Austin is indeed home to some incredibly innovative residential architecture and, increasingly, notable commercial projects. Austin also lays claim to the nation's first residential green building program, which is still going strong after 22 years. Whether you're a designer or an architect, or simply love great design, this city has plenty to offer.
"Greetings from Austin" postcard mural: Popular spot for a photo op
Location: Exterior wall of Roadhouse Relics gallery at 1720 S. First St.
Noteworthy: Created by Billy Brakhage and Rory Skagen in 1997, this 10- by 20-foot mural features many of Austin's iconic buildings and sites. Neon artist Todd Sanders' studio, Roadhouse Relics, is also worth a visit.
More info: Roadhouse Relics
Location: Exterior wall of Roadhouse Relics gallery at 1720 S. First St.
Noteworthy: Created by Billy Brakhage and Rory Skagen in 1997, this 10- by 20-foot mural features many of Austin's iconic buildings and sites. Neon artist Todd Sanders' studio, Roadhouse Relics, is also worth a visit.
More info: Roadhouse Relics
Agave/969: Housing development featuring row after row of brightly hued, modern and sustainably designed homes
Location: East of downtown on Sendero Hills Parkway off Martin Luther King Boulevard/FM 969
Noteworthy: This one you are going to need a car to get to, but for fans of modern residential architecture, it's a fantastic neighborhood to check out.
Another must-see: Take a self-guided tour of midcentury modern architecture using local architect and educator Riley Triggs' map.
Location: East of downtown on Sendero Hills Parkway off Martin Luther King Boulevard/FM 969
Noteworthy: This one you are going to need a car to get to, but for fans of modern residential architecture, it's a fantastic neighborhood to check out.
Another must-see: Take a self-guided tour of midcentury modern architecture using local architect and educator Riley Triggs' map.
John Bremond House: Second Empire–style mansion in the Bremond Block Historic District
Cost: Free, but the interior of the home is not open to the public. You can arrange a walking tour to view the exterior as well as other historic buildings in the neighborhood.
Location: 700 Guadalupe St.
Noteworthy: Built in 1870 for prominent businessman John Bremond, the late-Victorian mansion is purported to be the first home in Austin to have an indoor toilet. It is now home to the Texas Classroom Teachers Association.
Cost: Free, but the interior of the home is not open to the public. You can arrange a walking tour to view the exterior as well as other historic buildings in the neighborhood.
Location: 700 Guadalupe St.
Noteworthy: Built in 1870 for prominent businessman John Bremond, the late-Victorian mansion is purported to be the first home in Austin to have an indoor toilet. It is now home to the Texas Classroom Teachers Association.
Chateau Bellevue: French Romanesque mansion and headquarters of the Austin Woman's Club in the Bremond Block Historic District
Cost: Free; however, tours must be booked in advance: (512) 472-1336
Location: 708-710 San Antonio St.
Noteworthy: Built in 1874 by merchant Harvey North and his wife, Catherine, Chateau Bellevue is one of the oldest and best-preserved mansions in Austin.
More info: Chateau Bellevue, Austin Woman's Club
Cost: Free; however, tours must be booked in advance: (512) 472-1336
Location: 708-710 San Antonio St.
Noteworthy: Built in 1874 by merchant Harvey North and his wife, Catherine, Chateau Bellevue is one of the oldest and best-preserved mansions in Austin.
More info: Chateau Bellevue, Austin Woman's Club
Willie Nelson statue: Monument to the country music legend, who has resided in Austin since 1971
Location: Near the entrance to the Moody Theater, the new home of the Austin City Limits Studio, at 301 Willie Nelson Blvd. in downtown Austin
Noteworthy: Get your picture taken with Willie and then duck inside the adjacent W Hotel to have a delicious brunch in the beautifully designed Trace restaurant. Or visit later in the day for a cocktail or dinner before taking in a performance at the Moody Theater.
More info: W Hotel, Moody Theater
Location: Near the entrance to the Moody Theater, the new home of the Austin City Limits Studio, at 301 Willie Nelson Blvd. in downtown Austin
Noteworthy: Get your picture taken with Willie and then duck inside the adjacent W Hotel to have a delicious brunch in the beautifully designed Trace restaurant. Or visit later in the day for a cocktail or dinner before taking in a performance at the Moody Theater.
More info: W Hotel, Moody Theater
Must-Dos:
Arthouse at the Jones Center, Austin Museum of Art (AMOA): Contemporary art space
Cost: Adults: $5; seniors and students: $3; under 18 and military: free; Tuesdays: Free
Location: 700 Congress Ave.
Noteworthy: Recently renovated by LTL Architects, the building itself is worth checking out, as is taking in a film on the outdoor rooftop theater.
More info: AMOA Arthouse
Arthouse at the Jones Center, Austin Museum of Art (AMOA): Contemporary art space
Cost: Adults: $5; seniors and students: $3; under 18 and military: free; Tuesdays: Free
Location: 700 Congress Ave.
Noteworthy: Recently renovated by LTL Architects, the building itself is worth checking out, as is taking in a film on the outdoor rooftop theater.
More info: AMOA Arthouse
Congress Avenue Bridge bats: Largest urban bat colony in North America
Location: Ann. W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge
Noteworthy: Every evening around sunset from roughly March through November, more than a million bats head out for their evening feeding. It's quite a spectacle to see the bats shooting out from the bridge, forming thick black clouds in the sky. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Austin, so show up early to snag a good viewing spot along the Lady Bird Lake Trail near the bridge, or on the bridge itself.
Tip: One of the best ways to see the bats is from a boat cruising the lake. You can book a bat-viewing cruise through Lone Star Riverboat or Capital Cruises.
Location: Ann. W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge
Noteworthy: Every evening around sunset from roughly March through November, more than a million bats head out for their evening feeding. It's quite a spectacle to see the bats shooting out from the bridge, forming thick black clouds in the sky. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Austin, so show up early to snag a good viewing spot along the Lady Bird Lake Trail near the bridge, or on the bridge itself.
Tip: One of the best ways to see the bats is from a boat cruising the lake. You can book a bat-viewing cruise through Lone Star Riverboat or Capital Cruises.
Lady Bird Lake hike and bike trail: 10 miles of trails along Lady Bird Lake
Location: Southern edge of downtown Austin
Noteworthy: Visitors and residents alike flock to this scenic trail to walk, run or bike around the Colorado River reservoir, formerly known as Town Lake. The more adventurous can try their hand at stand-up paddling on the lake.
Location: Southern edge of downtown Austin
Noteworthy: Visitors and residents alike flock to this scenic trail to walk, run or bike around the Colorado River reservoir, formerly known as Town Lake. The more adventurous can try their hand at stand-up paddling on the lake.
American Institute of Architects (AIA) Austin homes tour: Annual tour organized by AIA Austin. The home pictured here was designed by Furman + Keil Architects and was featured on the 2012 tour.
Cost: $30 in advance; $35 at the door; $5 each individual house (2012 tour prices)
Location: Throughout Austin
Noteworthy: See the latest and greatest in residential design by Austin architects. The tour takes place each year in the fall; the 2013 tour is planned for the weekend of November 2–3.
More info: AIA Austin
Cost: $30 in advance; $35 at the door; $5 each individual house (2012 tour prices)
Location: Throughout Austin
Noteworthy: See the latest and greatest in residential design by Austin architects. The tour takes place each year in the fall; the 2013 tour is planned for the weekend of November 2–3.
More info: AIA Austin
Modern Home Tour Austin: Annual tour founded by Krisstina Wise of the GoodLife Team. The home pictured here was designed by Tom Hurt Architecture in collaboration with Minguell-McQuary Architecture and was featured on the 2013 tour.
Cost: $25 in advance; $30 at the door (2013 tour prices)
Location: Throughout Austin
Noteworthy: If you love modern homes and can time your visit for the tour, which takes place during a weekend in February, this is not to be missed.
More info: Modern Home Tour Austin
Another must-do: One of my favorite annual events is the East Austin Studio Tour (E.A.S.T.), which takes place over two weekends each November. It's your chance to see the incredible works of art being created in Austin by the actual artists in their own studios, many of which are normally closed to the public or open by appointment only.
Cost: $25 in advance; $30 at the door (2013 tour prices)
Location: Throughout Austin
Noteworthy: If you love modern homes and can time your visit for the tour, which takes place during a weekend in February, this is not to be missed.
More info: Modern Home Tour Austin
Another must-do: One of my favorite annual events is the East Austin Studio Tour (E.A.S.T.), which takes place over two weekends each November. It's your chance to see the incredible works of art being created in Austin by the actual artists in their own studios, many of which are normally closed to the public or open by appointment only.
Must-Stays:
Kimber Modern: Boutique hotel
Location: 110 The Circle, off South Congress Avenue
Cost: From $265 per night
Noteworthy: Winner of the 2012 Texas Society of Architects Design Award, the Kimber Modern is a breathtakingly gorgeous place to call home while visiting Austin.
More info: Kimber Modern
Kimber Modern: Boutique hotel
Location: 110 The Circle, off South Congress Avenue
Cost: From $265 per night
Noteworthy: Winner of the 2012 Texas Society of Architects Design Award, the Kimber Modern is a breathtakingly gorgeous place to call home while visiting Austin.
More info: Kimber Modern
Austin Motel
Location: 1220 S. Congress Ave.
Cost: From $85 per night
Noteworthy: You can't beat the location of this iconic family-owned property that's been in business since 1938. A good affordable option for those who want to be close to the action on South Congress Avenue.
More info: Austin Motel
Location: 1220 S. Congress Ave.
Cost: From $85 per night
Noteworthy: You can't beat the location of this iconic family-owned property that's been in business since 1938. A good affordable option for those who want to be close to the action on South Congress Avenue.
More info: Austin Motel
Driskill Hotel
Location: 604 Brazos St.
Cost: See website for details
Noteworthy: Built in 1886 by a wealthy cattle baron, the landmark Driskill Hotel is the oldest operating hotel in Austin. Even if you opt to stay elsewhere, it's worth checking out for its old-time Austin charm. Have a drink on the outdoor patio and soak up the ambience.
More info: Driskill Hotel
Other must-stays: Hotel San Jose, Heywood Hotel
Location: 604 Brazos St.
Cost: See website for details
Noteworthy: Built in 1886 by a wealthy cattle baron, the landmark Driskill Hotel is the oldest operating hotel in Austin. Even if you opt to stay elsewhere, it's worth checking out for its old-time Austin charm. Have a drink on the outdoor patio and soak up the ambience.
More info: Driskill Hotel
Other must-stays: Hotel San Jose, Heywood Hotel
Must-Eats:
Lenoir
Location: 1807 S. First St.
Noteworthy: Popular for its delicious food, excellent service and the funky interior design, by McCray & Co., Lenoir is a tough reservation to get but well worth the effort. Husband-and-wife team Todd Duplechan and Jessica Maher offer innovative locally sourced dishes at reasonable prices.
Photo by Ryann Ford
More info: Lenoir
Lenoir
Location: 1807 S. First St.
Noteworthy: Popular for its delicious food, excellent service and the funky interior design, by McCray & Co., Lenoir is a tough reservation to get but well worth the effort. Husband-and-wife team Todd Duplechan and Jessica Maher offer innovative locally sourced dishes at reasonable prices.
Photo by Ryann Ford
More info: Lenoir
Sway
Location: 1417 S. First St.
Noteworthy: Taking Austin by storm since opening earlier this year, Sway specializes in modern Thai cuisine that is, in a word, sublime. Be prepared to wait for a table during peak dinner times, though, as Sway does not take reservations for parties of less than 10.
The handsome space was designed by Michael Hsu's Office of Architecture, which happens to be the firm behind many of my other favorite Austin must-eat picks, such as the contemporary Japanese and sushi restaurants Uchi and Uchiko; La Condesa, which specializes in modern Mexican food and serves arguably the best margaritas in town; Icenhauer's, a popular house of cocktails on Rainey Street in downtown Austin; and, one of my favorite brunch spots in town, Olivia. These places attest to the winning combination that is good food, good drinks and good design.
Photo by Jody Horton
More info: Sway, Uchi, Uchiko, La Condesa, Icenhauer's, Olivia
Location: 1417 S. First St.
Noteworthy: Taking Austin by storm since opening earlier this year, Sway specializes in modern Thai cuisine that is, in a word, sublime. Be prepared to wait for a table during peak dinner times, though, as Sway does not take reservations for parties of less than 10.
The handsome space was designed by Michael Hsu's Office of Architecture, which happens to be the firm behind many of my other favorite Austin must-eat picks, such as the contemporary Japanese and sushi restaurants Uchi and Uchiko; La Condesa, which specializes in modern Mexican food and serves arguably the best margaritas in town; Icenhauer's, a popular house of cocktails on Rainey Street in downtown Austin; and, one of my favorite brunch spots in town, Olivia. These places attest to the winning combination that is good food, good drinks and good design.
Photo by Jody Horton
More info: Sway, Uchi, Uchiko, La Condesa, Icenhauer's, Olivia
Austin Barbecue
Texans take their barbecue very seriously, and everyone has their favorite go-to joint. My top picks are Stiles Switch (shown), Franklin Barbecue and La Barbecue. My advice regarding the latter two spots is to get in line early, because the food at these places runs out in the blink of an eye. It's not unheard of to see the queue at Franklin Barbecue form between 8 and 9 a.m., and La Barbecue's line usually starts around 10 or 10:30 a.m. Trust me, they're worth the wait.
More info: Stiles Switch, Franklin Barbecue, La Barbecue
Texans take their barbecue very seriously, and everyone has their favorite go-to joint. My top picks are Stiles Switch (shown), Franklin Barbecue and La Barbecue. My advice regarding the latter two spots is to get in line early, because the food at these places runs out in the blink of an eye. It's not unheard of to see the queue at Franklin Barbecue form between 8 and 9 a.m., and La Barbecue's line usually starts around 10 or 10:30 a.m. Trust me, they're worth the wait.
More info: Stiles Switch, Franklin Barbecue, La Barbecue
Austin Food Trucks
In addition to barbecue, Austinites are big fans of gourmet food truck fare. If you are a budget traveler, this is a great way to discover tasty eats in Austin without spending a small fortune. Check out the popular Torchy's Tacos truck at the South Austin Trailer Park & Eatery, Hey Cupcake! on South Congress Avenue at Elizabeth Street, the Chicken truck on South Congress Avenue (shown), East Side King (various locations) and Turf N Surf Po' Boys at West Fourth and Lavaca Streets, downtown.
More info: Torchy's Tacos, Hey Cupcake!, Chicken truck, East Side King, Turf N Surf Po' Boys
Other must-eats: Contigo, Hopdoddy Burger Bar, Foreign & Domestic, Eastside Cafe
Great places for drinks: Lucy's Fried Chicken, Bar Congress, Perla's Seafood and Oyster Bar, Peché, Gibson, Drink.Well.
In addition to barbecue, Austinites are big fans of gourmet food truck fare. If you are a budget traveler, this is a great way to discover tasty eats in Austin without spending a small fortune. Check out the popular Torchy's Tacos truck at the South Austin Trailer Park & Eatery, Hey Cupcake! on South Congress Avenue at Elizabeth Street, the Chicken truck on South Congress Avenue (shown), East Side King (various locations) and Turf N Surf Po' Boys at West Fourth and Lavaca Streets, downtown.
More info: Torchy's Tacos, Hey Cupcake!, Chicken truck, East Side King, Turf N Surf Po' Boys
Other must-eats: Contigo, Hopdoddy Burger Bar, Foreign & Domestic, Eastside Cafe
Great places for drinks: Lucy's Fried Chicken, Bar Congress, Perla's Seafood and Oyster Bar, Peché, Gibson, Drink.Well.
Must-Visit Shops
TreeHouse: Home improvement store touted as the "Green Home Depot"
Location: 4477 S. Lamar Blvd.
Noteworthy: A home-improvement store may seem like a strange place to send visitors to, but if you happen to be in the throes of a major home construction or renovation project, it's worth stopping in to get inspired by the well-curated selection of finish materials featured at this not-so-big box store. I frequently bring design clients here to browse the beautiful kitchen displays and sustainably sourced products. TreeHouse will work with out-of-towners to ship anything you like.
More info: TreeHouse
TreeHouse: Home improvement store touted as the "Green Home Depot"
Location: 4477 S. Lamar Blvd.
Noteworthy: A home-improvement store may seem like a strange place to send visitors to, but if you happen to be in the throes of a major home construction or renovation project, it's worth stopping in to get inspired by the well-curated selection of finish materials featured at this not-so-big box store. I frequently bring design clients here to browse the beautiful kitchen displays and sustainably sourced products. TreeHouse will work with out-of-towners to ship anything you like.
More info: TreeHouse
Allen's Boots: Extensive cowboy boot store
Location: 1522 S. Congress Ave.
Noteworthy: Stop here on your way into town to find your perfect pair of boots, then head to the Broken Spoke dance hall to learn and do the Texas two-step.
More info: Allen's Boots, Broken Spoke
Location: 1522 S. Congress Ave.
Noteworthy: Stop here on your way into town to find your perfect pair of boots, then head to the Broken Spoke dance hall to learn and do the Texas two-step.
More info: Allen's Boots, Broken Spoke
Yard Dog: Art gallery
Location: 1510 S. Congress Ave.
Noteworthy: Specializing in contemporary, folk and outsider art, this is one of my favorite galleries in Austin.
More info: Yard Dog
Location: 1510 S. Congress Ave.
Noteworthy: Specializing in contemporary, folk and outsider art, this is one of my favorite galleries in Austin.
More info: Yard Dog
Mockingbird Domestics: Home goods boutique
Location: 2151 S. Lamar Blvd.
Noteworthy: Adored by local designers, relative newcomer Mockingbird Domestics features unique furnishings for the home, like this pendant light made from repurposed chicken coop materials.
More info: Mockingbird Domestics
Other must-visit shops: The Burlap Bag, Parts and Labour, Uncommon Objects
Location: 2151 S. Lamar Blvd.
Noteworthy: Adored by local designers, relative newcomer Mockingbird Domestics features unique furnishings for the home, like this pendant light made from repurposed chicken coop materials.
More info: Mockingbird Domestics
Other must-visit shops: The Burlap Bag, Parts and Labour, Uncommon Objects
More Picks by Local Experts
Adrienne Breaux: Noted writer, photographer and contributor to Apartment Therapy
Breaux recommends checking out Big Medium gallery, Tiny Park art space and Wardenclyffe gallery.
Her shopping picks include Rosewood Collective, Busy-Being, Urbanspace Interiors, Nannie Inez and Remixologie.
Among her favorite places for a bite to eat are the popular Elizabeth Street Cafe (shown), Lavaca Teppan, Winflo Osteria and Hillside Farmacy. As for places to stay in Austin, she highly recommends the fabulous Heywood Hotel.
Adrienne Breaux: Noted writer, photographer and contributor to Apartment Therapy
Breaux recommends checking out Big Medium gallery, Tiny Park art space and Wardenclyffe gallery.
Her shopping picks include Rosewood Collective, Busy-Being, Urbanspace Interiors, Nannie Inez and Remixologie.
Among her favorite places for a bite to eat are the popular Elizabeth Street Cafe (shown), Lavaca Teppan, Winflo Osteria and Hillside Farmacy. As for places to stay in Austin, she highly recommends the fabulous Heywood Hotel.
Michael Hsu: Principal architect at Michael Hsu Office of Architecture
Hsu is the man behind the design of some of Austin's best restaurants and bars, including Malverde (shown). He recommends checking out the new artists' studios and galleries at Canopy. Also worth a visit is the amazing custom and vintage motorcycle shop and store Revival Cycles. In addition to the aforementioned Mockingbird Domestics and Burlap Bag, Hsu recommends shopping excursions to Olive Vintage and Canoe. His hotel picks include the lovely Saint Cecilia as well as local favorite Mansion at Judges' Hill, which is about to undergo a remodel that Hsu's office is overseeing.
Hsu is the man behind the design of some of Austin's best restaurants and bars, including Malverde (shown). He recommends checking out the new artists' studios and galleries at Canopy. Also worth a visit is the amazing custom and vintage motorcycle shop and store Revival Cycles. In addition to the aforementioned Mockingbird Domestics and Burlap Bag, Hsu recommends shopping excursions to Olive Vintage and Canoe. His hotel picks include the lovely Saint Cecilia as well as local favorite Mansion at Judges' Hill, which is about to undergo a remodel that Hsu's office is overseeing.
Randall Owen: Architect and partner at Hatch + Ulland Owen Architects
Owen recommends a visit to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center; spring is the best time to go see the Texas bluebonnets in bloom. Another of his favorite spots to take out-of-town guests to is the Sunday Gospel Brunch at Maria's Taco Xpress (shown). For design professionals and fans of design alike, he recommends checking out the Design Center of Austin.
Owen recommends a visit to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center; spring is the best time to go see the Texas bluebonnets in bloom. Another of his favorite spots to take out-of-town guests to is the Sunday Gospel Brunch at Maria's Taco Xpress (shown). For design professionals and fans of design alike, he recommends checking out the Design Center of Austin.
Despite its length, this ideabook is a very abbreviated list of some of the more architectural and design-related things to do and see in Austin, so my best piece of advice to visitors is to offer up a big friendly smile and engage with the locals to get even more recommendations. The people of Austin are proud of their city and are more than happy to share the name of their favorite barbecue joint or hole-in-the-wall bar. Just be forewarned — you might be chatting for a while!
Tell us: Hey, Austinites, what did we miss? Share your picks for things to do and see and places to eat, drink, and shop at.
Tell us: Hey, Austinites, what did we miss? Share your picks for things to do and see and places to eat, drink, and shop at.
But Austin is a fairly compact city, which means you can really get around quickly and see lots of great sites during a long weekend. My advice is to ditch the car, stay downtown or in one of the central Austin neighborhoods and explore the many interesting landmarks by foot.
Must-Sees
Texas Capitol: Austin is the capital of Texas, and this is the granite-clad home to the chambers of the state legislature as well as the office of the governor.
Cost: Free
Location: Downtown Austin at 112 E. 11th St.
Noteworthy: The Renaissance revival building was completed in 1888 and is a registered National Historic Landmark. It is the largest state capitol in the United States and stands taller than the national Capitol. It is open daily to visitors for both guided and self-guided tours.
More info: Texas Capitol