The Right Kind of Weird: Hoppy Friendsgiving from ATX
A year ago was my first visit to ATX, and it was an experience that led me to fall hard for the Texas capital. From breakfast tacos to bar hopping and paddle boarding, I left knowing I would need to return, and that one day, I would hopefully be able to call the worldās vibrant Live Music Capital home.
As the weeks drew closer to Thanksgiving, I realized I was once again antsy for adventure. While Iāve recently had an incredible time hitting the road on weekends and continuing to explore my home base of California, a larger change of scenery was needed.
Booking this yearās ticket to Austin promised an opportunity to eat more fantastic food, drink local beer, and partake in Friendsgiving fun. It wouldnāt take long for me to find out that this trip would resonate deeply because of the Austin vibe and community more than anything else.
The night of my arrival, the destination was Sahara Lounge for Africa Night. After a pit stop for pizza and an Austin Beer Works War Monger pale ale at King Bee Lounge, I was on my way to a truly unique event. The bands on stage played authentic African music, and the overall vibe was unlike anything Iāve ever experienced. From soccer moms to hipsters and neighborhood locals, people of varying ages and backgrounds uninhibitedly shared the floor and at times even joined the bands on stage to dance. The outdoor patio had a fire pit, which was perfect for mingling and keeping warm on an evening that was fairly cold by Austin [and California] standards. A hot toddy in my hand was the final addition to make the night a success.
One of the greatest things about Austin is the community. Austin is a place that attracts people who are curious, creative, introspective, artistic and bright. Hands down, Austinites are one of the top reasons to visit or live here. They are truly unique and wonderful, as evidenced by the Africa Night experience. Brew & Brew, one spot that the locals love, also embodies so much of what makes Austin welcoming.
Specializing in coffee and draft beer, Brew & Brew combines the cafĆ©/coffee shop vibe with the relaxed atmosphere of a beer bar. People here come to chat, work or simply unwind. Even the music is a perfect hipster blend without being too pretentious. With beautiful drinks and an atmosphere that is a thousand times cooler than that place that begins with āStarā and ends with ābucks,ā Brew & Brew is a true gem. Added bonus: people bring their dogs and hang on the open-air patio. Iād like to move in, please and thank you.
Itās sad just how much it floors me to meet people who are deep and genuine after living in LA. While LA has served its purpose in my life by providing me with creative opportunities, I canāt shake feeling out of place in a city that revolves around fame and narcissism. Austin is comfortable; the locals are more likely to wear flannels and beanies than suits or stilettos.
The cityās Austinites are down to earth but cultured, intelligent and reflective in the best way imaginable.
In the few days I spent in Austin, I discussed books, politics, music and the importance of being surrounded by people who are a positive influence. I drank microbrews by bonfires, attended a beer and art benefit event, participated in Friendsgiving and contributed a spiked, spiced apple cider featuring bourbon and orange slices. I got to know locals from a wide variety of different backgrounds, but all of their individual paths had led them to ATX, no matter how winding or disparate their journeys.
While my time in Austin was cut shorter due to an exciting roadtrip adventure to Louisiana, the experience of the people was no less valuable. The journey to Prairieville, LA followed fellow Austinites who were homeward bound for Thanksgiving. I felt so grateful to tag along and experience a new state surrounded by incredible people, even if our time knowing each other wasnāt extensive.
The local beers and after dinner games made for a great sequel to the community vibe Iād experienced in ATX, and it was incredibly special to feel the closeness between the people around me, something I feel I really lack in LA. Thereās a warmth to the people I was fortunate enough to be around for the week, and their kindness and penchant for profound conversationsāas well as silly onesāmade the week incredibly well-rounded.
Plus, stopping in Baton Rouge on the way back to Texas was the perfect excuse to try a calamari po boy and some fried green tomatoes before crossing state lines.Ā
While seven hours in a car (per leg) might seem like a long time to be on the road, it was the perfect amount of time to reflect on the past, present and look ahead. Austinites BREATHE. They love their city and all of its food, beer and weird. Locals attend poetry readings, go to concerts and venture on hikes into the great Texas wilderness. They are hospitable and appreciate life and the world around them.
Although Austin has the title of Ā āLive Music Capital of the World,ā Iāve found that itās the Austinites themselves who have the voice that continues to draw me back over and over again.
Cheers to La Vida Bohemia,
-War Monger pale ale ā Austin Beerworks (4.5/5)
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā A lot of citrus on the nose. Not super flavorful, but a nice beer you could drink all night.
-A Pale Mosaic ā Hops & Grain Brewing (4)
-Little Boss ā Blue Owl Brewing (4.5)
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Wheat meets sour. Awesome.
-The One They Call Zoe ā Hops & Grain Brewing (4.5)
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Delicious pale lager.
-Van Dayum! ā Blue Owl Brewing (4.5)
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Not too sourā¦ Super solid!
-Ginger Perry ā Argus Cidery (3.75)
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Smells super weird, but tastes good. A little medicinal, though.
-Dancinā Monks ā Adelbertās Brewery (4.25)
Dangerously tasty for how strong it is.
-Honey Blonde ā Zilker Brewing Company (3.5)
-Coffee Milk Stout ā Zilker Brewing Company (3.75)
-Bombshell Blonde ā Southern Star Brewing Company (3.75)
-90 Shilling ā Odell Brewing Co (4.5)
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Delicious Colorado beer.
-Strawberry Ale ā Covington Brewhouse (4)
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Light fruit beer. (Louisiana local)
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