For Easter 2013, my boyfriend and I
decided to drive to Austin for the weekend. Officially our first trip
together, we have packed the two day itinerary with food and nature
splurges. My boyfriend enjoys planning out activities and since one of
the major reasons for the trip was to enjoy his new found hobby:
photography, he has included some of the wonders that Austin and
neighboring cities had to offer.
Day 1:
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| The Pennybacker Bridge a.k.a. Loop 360 Bridge |
First stop was the Pennybacker Bridge.
This large arched through bridge connects the north and south tracts of
Loop 360, thus often dubbed as the Loop 360 Bridge. Standing
majestically over the sparkling green waters of Lake Austin, this steel
viaduct attracts tourists and photographers alike each year. We first
made our way to a nearby parking lot rooftop so he could take a wide
photo of the the bridge before we hiked our way to the cliff perched on
both sides of the north end of the bridge. Designated parking spaces by
the highway allows people to stop by and absorb the view atop the cliff.
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The Oasis, Lake Travis
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By the time we headed down the cliffs
overlooking Lake Austin and the bridge, it was time for lunch. My
boyfriend brought me to a place known for it’s breath-taking views of
Lake Travis. Having gone there before for a friend’s bachelor party, my
boyfriend was oh so excited to come back only to be saddened by the
drought-stricken Lake. Anyways, it was a casual place to dine where
people often found themselves posing for the view at most more than the
food. I ordered the Red Grilled fish which came with vegetables and rice
and my boyfriend did their Beef Fajitas. Both weren’t bad, but nothing
special really. When you go there, don’t forget to bring home with you
the plastic souvenir cups that they serve your refreshments in, like
what we forgot to do.
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The Zilker Botanical Garden
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The third stop was Downtown Austin. We had
a few places in our list that was found in the downtown area. One of
which was the Zilker Botanical Gardens. This another tourist spot is
known as the Central Park of Austin but unlike the one in New York,
people pay 2$/person to enter. Parking was a little bit of a struggle so
be prepared to be diverted to another nearby parking area during busy
periods. The park features different themed areas such as the Isamu
Taniguchi Japanese Garden, Mabel Davis Rose Garden and the Hartman
Prehistoric Garden where the above photo of a man-made waterfalls was
taken. The enchanted effect of the different plants and vines found the
Zilker Botanical Garden invites people to make this a venue for events
and photo shoots.
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The Texas State Capitol, Downtown Austin
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2nd stop in Downtown Austin is the famous
308ft tall historic building that houses both the Texas Legislature and
the office of the governor. The exterior of the site offers exquisitely
manicured grounds surrounding the pink granite legendary architecture,
featuring the Goddess of Liberty atop the dome. On the inside, if you
get past the DPS Capitol Patrol, you can walk through the history of the
Texas government. Use the public bathroom, like I did and enjoy the
view of the dome from the inside.
Day 2:
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Hamilton Pool
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The first destination for Day 2 was the
much loved attraction for both visitors and residents of Austin since
the 60s: Hamilton Pool. Located roughly about 23miles west of Austin, a
10$/car entrance fee and about a quarter of a mile hike leads you to
this stunning hidden natural pool. Regularly regulated, this pool is
open for the public to splash around, only when we came, the water was
way too cold! But anyhow, during the summertime, people enjoy both the
natural structural cave formations and the different interesting flora
and fauna in and around the pool. Be careful though, this place can get
packed so either be there early or brace yourself to be sent away for
there is a limit of 75 cars at a time only.
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The Grotto at Westcave Preserve
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And Voila! the last scenic stop was the
Westcave Preserve. Only a few minutes drive from the Hamilton Pool, this
another beautiful hidden ecological treasure is accessible through an
hour and a half guided tour that will see the visitors through different
ecological systems on the way to the deep-seated cave and grotto.
Unlike the Hamilton Pool, the Westcave Preserve is not open for swimming
anymore in the effort to preserve the site. Tourists however can enjoy
an up close view of the grotto and can even go inside the cave and touch
sacrificial stalagmites.
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Al fresco dining at The Salt Lick BBQ
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After the 2-hour hike at the Westcave
Preserve my boyfriend and I were ready to attack some good food!!! Where
to head? No less than the famous Salt Lick BBQ! We headed to this place
around two in the afternoon but the place was still as packed. After
queuing we were told that the wait was going to be an hour so we decided
to line up for the take out instead and ate at the tables sorrounding
the rustic indoor digs. I got the two-meat combo with the ribs and
sausage which were mouthwatering while my beau went for the Thurman’s
Special with the 3 meats (brisket, sausage and ribs). And you have got
to try that BBQ sauce! For dessert we indulged into a serving of
blueberry cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. My boyfriend wasn’t
as happy with it though. Overall, good food, great atmosphere with
shaded outdoor tables and benches, live band playing on the side, fresh
lemonade and BYOB (oh yeah!), perfect place to relax and unwind when in
Austin!
Photos by Joshua Kevin Koo. Visit his professional profile at
What are y'alls plans for the Easter 2014???
xoxoxo,
thePrincessScarlett
