Searching for the perfect honeymoon locale? Look no further than these great American cities!
AUSTIN
While Dallas and Houston may have the world-class museums and glitzy shopping, Austin’s got them beat by a mile when it comes to charm. Over the last couple of years, Texas’s capital has become the 15th-largest city in the U.S., thanks to an influx of new residents drawn by its relaxed pace, lively music and dining scenes, and its scenic setting at the gateway to the lush Hill Country. Just ask celebs like Sandra Bullock and Lance Armstrong, who have lived here for years.
Austin's beautiful Barton Creek Resort. (Photo Courtesy of Barton Creek Resport & Spa)
BY DAY: Austin’s story comes alive during a free guided walking tour through downtown, where historic 19thcentury buildings, like the Milett Opera House and Old Bakery, live alongside modern skyscrapers. Or stroll on your own past notable sites like the Texas State Capitol building, and down South Congress Avenue, lined with shops, restaurants and live music spots. Enjoy the temperate weather with a hike or bike ride around Lady Bird Lake; kayaks and paddle boats can be rented there. Don’t miss the top must-do for locals and visitors: converging on the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk to gawk as more than a million bats fly out from the world’s largest urban bat colony—yikes!
WHERE TO EAT: The birthplace of Whole Foods, Austin is a true foodie paradise. You’ll find everything from stellar Tex-Mex, creative fine dining and down-home comfort food to gourmet bites served out of trucks. On the upscale side, nationally lauded Chef David Bull’s new dual-concept eatery, Congress, a prix-fixe fine restaurant, as well as the more casual Second bistro; its Bar Congress serves creative cocktails. At Sandra Bullock’s charming Bess Bistro, the eclectic menu includes Wagyu burgers and Croque Monsieurs, served alongside bacon, shrimp and grits, all made with local ingredients. Authentic BBQ and Hill Country wines are the big draws at the popular Salt Lick, while post-night out, nothing beats green chili eggs Benedict at Austin Java.
AT NIGHT: Officially recognized as the world’s Live Music Capital (because it has the most live music venues per capita), Austin features well-known festivals like Austin City Limits and South by Southwest, as well as nightly shows on Sixth Street and in the Warehouse District and South Lamar. For straight up partying, avoid the packed bars on Sixth Street and head to the up-and-coming East Side, home to The Liberty, with a beer garden and backyard food trailer, and The Scoot Inn, Austin’s oldest beer bar and the site of movie nights and skee-ball tournaments.
WHERE TO STAY: Located downtown the new W Austin has 251 stylish, colorful rooms, a poolside Wet Bar and the Trace Restaurant. Bonus: The new home of the Austin City Limits is next door (room rates start at $289 a night; starwoodhotels.com). Just outside of town, the Barton Creek Resort & Spa entices guests with a championship golf course, re-done spa, well-appointed rooms and panoramic views of Texas Hill Country (room rates start at $165 a night; bartoncreek.com).
