Things To Do
Jo's Coffee
If you know Pete, then you know coffee is his love language. Jo's Coffee is an iconic spot in Austin featuring the famous 'I love you so much' mural on the side of the building. There are two locations, the one on South Congress with the mural and another on West 2nd Street a short walk from the hotels with our wedding room blocks.
Güero's Taco Bar
This is an Austin STAPLE! Our recommendation is put your name in and then head to the outdoor patio area next door for some live music and a margarita while you wait for your table. Also you have to order the Queso Flameado, trust us.
Pelons Tex-Mex
We consider Pelons one of the many hidden gems in Austin! Great margaritas, tacos, and chips and queso. Fun fact, this is also where the Stanley family had dinner after Peter's graduation from UT-Austin. So it's a perfect spot for celebrating special occasions!
Perla's
The seafood, drinks, and atmosphere makes Perla's one of the best restaurants in Austin! At least we think so. You can sit on the gorgeous front patio or inside. Be sure to stay for dessert... it's Peter's favorite of all-time, the butterscotch pot de crème. Or maybe just come for dessert!
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Zilker Park is in the heart of downtown Austin located right off of Lady Bird Lake. It's a great spot for a walk, run or picnic on the lawn. There are also bike tours you can sign up for if you're interested. Not to mention, the park has spectacular views of the Austin skyline.
Barton Springs Pool
Within Zilker Park's 358 acres lies one of the crown jewels of Austin - Barton Springs Pool. The pool itself measures three acres in size, and is fed from underground springs with an average temperature of 68-70 degrees, ideal for year-round swimming.
Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake is just a short walk or drive from Downtown Austin. You can rent kayaks, canoes and paddle boards. There is also a trail around the lake if you want to simply take in the views on a scenic walk.
Franklin Barbecue
Franklin's has been hailed as the pinnacle of elite Texas BBQ, and the crowds that line up each morning are hopeful that they joined the line early enough to get a taste of greatness. One of Pete's greatest regrets of his time in Austin is not enduring the early morning and long line to experience these legendary smoked meats. If you have the patience, it's recommended to show up as early as 6am to secure your spot in line. Franklin BBQ serves customers from when they open at 11am until they run out (which happens daily).
LBJ Presidential Library
On a wedding planning visit to Austin, Amelia and her parents checked out the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and Museum located on UT-Austin's campus. They were blown away by the exhibits and incredible view of downtown Austin from the third floor of the museum. It's also a great way to escape the heat or rain for a few hours if needed! Tickets are around $16.
Rainey Street
Renovated houses turned into bungalow bars reign supreme on Rainey, the increasingly popular tucked-away street. Day or night, you’ll find relaxed bar-goers strolling from bar to food trailer to bar again, often with their dogs in tow looking for a kicked back sip and a bite.
Sunset with Austin River Bats
A 1980 renovation transformed the Congress Avenue Bridge into an ideal bat cave, soon attracting migrating Mexican free-tailed bats. Decades later, Austin's bat numbers have swelled and locals have adopted the beloved creatures as neighbors who happily handle the city's bug mitigation and provide an amazing nightly show. The bats begin to wake up and start their night flight around sunset. The first few bats begin to trickle out from under the bridge then. After the sun sets, the show really begins, and hundreds to thousands of bats pour out and cascade East over Lady Bird Lake. The best time to witness the bats is around sunset, but the nightly show can take place anywhere from 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. It can take as long as 45 minutes for all of the bats to exit the bridge for the night. Plan to arrive early in order to find parking and get your spot.