Sign in with Facebook"Austin-Off the Beaten Path" Top 5 Page for this destination Austin by butterfly_girl
Austin Travel Guide: 1,401 reviews and 1,671 photos
"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." Abraham Lincoln
Austin has it all...live music, cool people, great restaurants, beautiful nature and plenty of sunshine... it's the kind of place that you visit and never leave.
There are many hidden treasures here. There is so much more to Austin then Sixth Street and Barton Springs. If you go a little off the beaten path, you can find the unique, beautiful, and funky side of Austin. Look at my tips for my list of must see, taste and experience when in Austin. Enjoy!
If you are short on cash or just looking for a good deal in Austin, I have a few suggestions for dining, drinking, enrichment and fun:
In the dining category, Zen is one of my favorite spots in town for good, healthy and cheap Japanese food. Dishes range in price between $4.00-$6.00 and my favorite items are the California rolls, the veggie bowl, and the side salad with fresh ginger dressing. Zen is located at 1303 S. Congress, 444-8081, www.eatzen.com.
For authentic Mexican food on a shoestring, go to one of the Taqueria Arandas. This is a great place to brush up on your Spanish skills and have a feast for $3.00-$5.00. My favorite items are the football size burritos and the overflowing tostados for about $2.00 each. Taqueria Arandas has several locations, but the one I like is on 2448 S. First Street, 707-0887.
If you want to splurge a little, for $6.95 you can have the most incredibly delicious Indian feast at the Clay Pit during their lunch buffet. This meal of tandoori chicken, entrees, salad, naan and dessert should satisfy you for the entire day. The Clay Pit is located at 1601 Guadalupe Street, 322-5131, www.claypit.com.
If you are a thrift store junkie like I am, the Salvation Army at Congres and Ben White is loaded with deals. Most days, everything in the store is half price and you could walk out of there with a whole new wardrobe for under $20.00. I have found Old Navy Jeans and Levis over there for about $2.00 or $3.00 each.
Ruta Maya coffeehouse is a top pick for entertainment, snacks and free enrichment classes. This place is the ultimate Austin establishment. Buy a drink in the Café and you can attend several free classes throughout the week, such as Yoga, Tai Chi, Spanish and French. I went to the Yoga class and it was great. They also have live music and poetry readings throughout the week and most events are free or have a minimal cover. Check their calendar for upcoming events at www.rutamaya.net. Ruta Maya is located at 3601 S. Congress, 707-9637.
- Pros:The beautiful river for kayaking, the hike and bike trail,the cool culture
- Cons:The Texas Summer Heat, allergies
- In a nutshell:"Keep Austin Weird"
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butterfly_girl
“I am not the same having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world. ~Mary Hershey~”
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Comments (52)
Wishing you a very happy birthday.
Happy happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday, Kym!
Great Picture and a lot of tips!
Thanks for the nice comment. Jerome is nice except for winter. I've been through Austin several times. It's pleasantly different from other parts of Texas. Keep Smiling!
Butterfly, you've really opened up my eyes about Texas' possibilities. Thanks for sharing your images and words about Austin
Actually the "Keep Austin Weird" slogan was developed more as encouragement to shop local independent stores. It isn't all about being strange.
You have some nice pictures of Austin yourself!
Missing your company here on VT :) Hope life is treating you better than well, it had better be rocking your world!
My boy and I will be here in October for an all too brief layover. Wish I had time explore a bit.
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