South Austin for SXSW: 78704 Hot Spots

Pin ItWhether you’re in town for SXSW, or just an adventurous local, you’ll never run out of things to do in Austin!  Our amazing city is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World” and draws visitors from all over the country.  The city is always filled with an eclectic and lively atmosphere, making it perfect for music festivals and weekend getaways.  It’s also home to eccentric restaurants, an active nightlife, and countless local businesses.  Not sure where to start? We’ve put together a must-see list for the one and only Austin, Texas.

Pin ItThere is no shortage of exceptional eateries here in the heart of Texas.  You can find everything from a classic breakfast to an unexpected mix of French and Vietnamese food, all within the 78704 zip code!

Magnolia Cafe is open “24-hours a day, eight days a week.”  This Austin institution serves breakfast all day long, so sample some of their famous pancakes whenever your heart desires.  (Magnolia Cafe landed on Texas Monthly’s Top 40 restaurants for breakfast!)  Home-cooked favorites accompany decadent desserts, Tex-Mex specialties, and bison burgers.  We recommend the queso…it’s to die for!

The city of Austin has completely embraced the food trailer culture, and the South Congress Food Trailer Park is one of the best showcases of this phenomenon.  Hey Cupcake!, Crepes Mille, and The Mighty Cone are a few of the Austin classics that set up shop in a parking lot on South Congress.  With this gorgeous spring weather, who wouldn’t want to dine outdoors?  Food trailers are all over the city, so you’re sure to find one during your visit!

Elizabeth Street Cafe on South 1st Street only opened a few months ago, but it’s already turning heads.  A fusion of Vietnamese food and a comforting, French-inspired atmosphere makes for a truly unexpected restaurant.  Pop in for short rib pho, a pork and shrimp crepe, or a classic French eclair.

Recent Top Chef winner Paul Qui began his Austin journey at Uchi.  He offered to work in the kitchen for free because his meal impressed him so much!  That’s reason enough to stop by and experience innovative Japanese food at its finest.  Uchi ships seafood into Austin every morning from the Tsukiji market in Tokyo, Japan to ensure optimum freshness and excellent flavor.  The menu changes every day!

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Originality doesn’t stop with Austin dining. The city also offers a quirky variety of activities and attractions to keep you entertained between meals!

For starters, the city is home to America’s largest urban bat colony.  Up to 1.5 million bats emerge from underneath the Congress Avenue bridge around sunset each day.  It is definitely a site to see!  The Congress Avenue bats overtaking the sky is an unforgettable experience…so don’t miss out on this unique Austin attraction!

Take a trip back in time at Big Top Candy Shop, a vintage-inspired candy store.  Classic sweet treats meet contemporary favorites in this South Congress gem.  Big Top Candy Shop was featured on the Food Network for its nostalgic charm and uncommon candy offerings.  The store soda jerks can even whip up authentic root beer floats and milkshakes.  Satisfy your sweet tooth with saltwater taffy, egg cremes, and even chocolate-covered bacon!

If you’re in the mood for a little outdoor fun, try your hand at kayaking in the middle of the city.  Lady Bird Lake offers kayak and canoe rentals as a unique way to experience Austin.  The view of downtown from the water is breathtaking!

High Ball on South Lamar was named Austin’s Best Bowling Alley in 2011 by the Austin Chronicle.  It also offers amazing food, skee-ball, and karaoke.  With events like a Sunday Jazz Brunch and a West Coast Swing dance class, High Ball definitely has something for everyone.

You’re sure to get a taste of Texan flair no matter where you go in our fabulous city.  As always, be sure to visit our Kendra Scott flagship store located oat 1400 South Congress Avenue.  We’re thrilled to call Austin home, and we can’t wait to share it with you!

**images: {1} Austin skyline {2} Magnolia Cafe, South Congress Food Trailer Park, Elizabeth St. Cafe, Uchi {3} Congress Avenue bats,Big Top Candy Shop sign, Big Top Candy Shop, Lady Bird Lake, High Ball