Texas (Austin)

Overall, it’s music, barbecue, and Tex-Mex wrapped up in Southern hospitality.

Where I went:

Austin (JW Marriott)

What I wore:

I had fun with this trip and embraced my Texas heritage. I wore my distressed Ariat boots on the flight and brought a packable cowboy hat (on-line purchase from Cavender’s).

Additional accessories included plenty of silver and turquoise jewelry, bandanas, and oversized belt buckles. I completed my look with denim jeans, jacket and shorts, graphic tank tops from Tyler’s (some of which I turned into crop tops with a pair of scissors I purchased from CVS on arrival), and a classic white sundress. With these staples, I was able to create many different looks.

What I did:

This trip was about music, food and fun! I created my own urban art excursion by searching “Austin murals” on Instagram and then plotting out my route using a map app. The first stop was across the street from my hotel :) It’s easy to do and customizes the tour to your own personal tastes.

I also spent hours at Wild About Music, playing various instruments and hunting through stacks of music treasures. I splurged on a few treasures before I left!

I saw one of my favorite bands, Twiddle, at Mohawk and Remember Jones at Austin City Limits. The music was amazing and the venues were both within walking distance from my hotel. Both venues allow entries for teens, but you’ll need to show a proper ID if you want to order cocktails. It was a late night of dancing and getting to know Austin locals.

Austin has a laid-back bohemian vibe, and there are plenty of clothing stores that cater to a wide spectrum of fashion trends—from eclectic to designer. At a minimum, it’s a great place to invest in your first pair of cowboy boots.

What I ate/drank:

Tex-Mex and Barbecue, of course! I indulged in brisket from Terry Black’s Barbecue (be ready for a long wait) and practically swam in a vat of Bob Armstrong Dip at Matt’s El Rancho. The legal drinking age in the US is 21, and the local beers are Lone Star and Shinerbock.

Social media musts:

It’s all about the murals. Austin is full of artists, filmmakers and musicians. The city is bursting with creativity. Make sure to capture Austin’s funky, nonconformist persona in your posts. After all, it’s motto is “Keep Austin Weird”.

A Few Songs From My Travel Playlist From Austin

Whiskey River - Willie Nelson

Long Time Gone - Dixie Chicks

That's My Kinda Night - Luke Bryan

Jamflowman - Twiddle

Follow Your Arrow - Kacey Musgraves

Don’t Touch My Hat - Lyle Lovett

Body Like a Back Road - Sam Hunt

Orlando's - Twiddle

Die a Happy Man - Thomas Rhett