First way: as tourists.
Since this was our first opportunity to check out this much-talked about city, we consulted travel sites, talked to current and former Texans and settled on an itinerary that included their top suggestions and also appealed to us. We were fortunate to have friends join us for what I believe was one of the best days of sightseeing (because we were with them – thanks, Nick & Robin!).
Our day began at the LBJ Library. It was very well curated. They did a wonderful job putting events in context and did not shy away from the controversial or unpopular aspects of Johnson’s life and tenure as president.






After time at the museum gift shop we followed a recommendation from a LBJ Library staffer and headed to Hoover’s for barbecue – a natural choice for Texas dining. It is a local spot and quite popular. The creamed spinach with jalapeños was a unique side dish.
After lunch we went over to the University of Texas campus to go through the Blanton Museum of Art. They had an outstanding exhibit titled “Art and Civil Rights in the Sixties”. It was a perfect companion event to the LBJ. No photos were allowed in that set of galleries so I have nothing to show in the blog. You will have to take my word for it: Fabulous!!!




We followed up our museum visits with a walk along South Congress Street, called SoCo by locals. It is a very hip area and the weather was perfect for window shopping, a purchase of locally roasted coffee from Tom’s, and happy hour at “The Snack Bar”.

We ended the day with a late dinner at Stubb’s – another barbecue restaurant. We got there at 9p and the joint was jumping’. We were lucky to get a table. I recommend the beef brisket. Servings are generous and I was able to take some home to enjoy with our breakfast eggs.
Second way: a wedding and time with family.
We stayed in a VRBO and had a car, so were happy to provide transportation for arrivals. Picked up son, Alex, and daughter-in-law, Melissa, from their morning flight and went directly to breakfast at Magnolia Cafe. It was on our list of recommended restaurants, and those folks were spot-on. Since A & M couldn’t get into their lodgings until later that day we went out to see the Lady Bird Wildflower Center. (I must say they were troopers – straight from a VERY early flight to sightseeing.) In spite of the intermittent showers we got to see some interesting flora and fauna.






That evening, after a Happy Hour at The Four Seasons, we went out to dinner. Happily, it had stopped raining and we were able to enjoy outdoor seating at a quirky restaurant called Fabi + Rosi. It bills itself as a neighborhood restaurant offering European dining. We loved it!
And then the wedding itself. The bride (who was marrying Melissa’s brother) had chosen a unique location – a ranch about 22 miles outside of Austin. How her planners got everything coordinated was nothing short of amazing. They actually created the entire venue in a pasture, even cutting a road for the shuttles that delivered the guests.




And now we are back home thinking about our next outing: Virginia in May. Another wedding, gatherings with friends, and helping Alex and Melissa move into their new home. The beat goes on…