Travel & Recommendations

What do we like in Austin, Texas, gang? I've read through other posts in the thread but they're a few years old so want to take the current temperature.

My girlfriend and I are going this Thursday through Monday. Going to see Delta Spirit at Mohawk on Saturday night and have a reservation at Arlo Grey on Friday. Only other plan, generally, is a dip in Barton Springs.

Things we would like to do: something touristy like a fun museum or tour, any good shopping (especially vintage/thrift stuff), Tex Mex recs, and any outdoor activity in addition to Barton Springs like a bike ride or kayaking or something. We both prefer wine and cocktails over beer so would love any recs there as well.

Finally... would this weekend be a good time go see the bats? And if so... is that even worth it?

We've got an Airbnb near Blunn Creek Nature Preserve (South of the river, near I-35) if that helps.

Thanks!

WAY better choice! 

My wife and I just got our Half Dome lottery results this morning and we’ve been chosen to hike it in September. It will be a short trip, just us without the kids, but I’d like to fit Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia in there as well. Depending on logistics, i really want to add Death Valley too. I’ll be pushing my wife hard to fit it into the itinerary. If anyone has any recommendations on great places to stay, must-see spots or hikes at each park, would greatly appreciate it.

I was planning on holding off a little until planning everything, but perhaps you’re right. I’ll start looking into it tonight, then. Thanks.

I don't know restaurants in the Loop too well but West Loop/Fulton Market is a trendy food neighborhood. Little Goat Diner and Chikatana are both big brunch places. You might have better luck if you branch out to Pilsen or River North though.

The Infatuation does a good job of breaking down recommendations by neighborhood. Check out their brunch guide for some more ideas www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/guides/the-chicago-brunch-directory

Flight was too good to be true and they cancelled it on me 😢

Going to Peru for a couple weeks starting tomorrow! Few days in Lima, Paracas/Pisco, and Cusco. Finishing with a 5 day trek on the Salkantay to see Machu Picchu. Have a basic framework of when were going places, but don't have the days mapped out other than travel.

Any dining/sightseeing recommendations for the cities?

Ok, this made me roll off the bed laughing.

And I hate Lima beans.

Woah just two nights ago I was saying Limas are a premium side dish. I love Lima beans.

I’ve gone there for the electronic music fest they have at the end of this month (not going this year because flights are too expensive) but Windsor is a DUMP. It’s the Trenton of Ontario.

The Charles Wright museum is outstanding, and the DIA is worth is for the Diego Rivera mural room alone (shout out to worker’s rights!) but they also have a lot of other famous pieces. Also the Motown Museum is worth checking out. Eastern Market is fine but I don’t know their hours - it’s more of a weekend morning thing I think? Also the block where the rundown art houses are is really cool but I forget the name of the project - I think it’s Heidelberg? Go to Lafayette Coney Island for a coney dog with chili.

original Gus Fried chicken
Memphis BBQ (I enjoyed Central, Rendezvous is the famous place)
National Civil Rights Museum (a must)
Rock and Soul Museum

Avoid Graceland at all costs. I can't even think what would be in contention when I say it was the biggest waste of money I've ever spent.

I thought the Stax Records Museum in Soulsville was pretty rad. You get to see Isaac Hayes's purple Cadillac.

And go to the Bass Pro Shop. It's wild.

I once saw my most granola of friends kick a pigeon and then berate it afterwards, in Savannah. She kept screaming at it “YOU’RE A DIRTY FUCKING FUCK” over and over. I haven’t talked to her since that trip, honestly.

As to actual things to do there, I’ll get back to you.

great trip to NYC. few highlights:

staying on the UWS was nice. cool to go someplace chill after a hectic day, but still with tons of places to eat etc.

food:

made in new york pizza (UWS) - sounds like a tourist place but it was great. margherita and pepperoni slices were great, but the square deep dish eggplant slice was incredible.

pig heaven (UES) - walked here after the met. clean, quiet, comfortable, great chinese food.

katz deli (LES) - duh. pastrami sandwich, latke, blintz. the only time i overate to the point of pain.

mott eatery (chinatown) - place with a handful of different vendors and plenty of seating. got some dumplings that were great.

trattoria del arte (midtown?) - pretty good italian. large chicken parm. great service and atmosphere.

sushi nonaka (UWS) - really tasty sushi but unfortunately we didn't eat a ton, this was the day we had breakfast at katz and we were all still full by dinner time.

totto ramen (hells kitchen) - we ate here 4 years ago per the recommendation of some inforooer, maybe Fred? anyway melody and i generally regard it as the best meal we've ever had on vacation, but it was at the end of a particularly magical day so we wondered if that influenced our perception. it might have a little bit but rest assured this place is really really fucking good.

ate ice cream at a few places, all good but nothing that really knocked my socks off.

shows et. al.:

beetlejuice - the most fun i've had in a theater. super funny, great music, amazing actors, great production. knowledge of the movie not a pre-req, my niece knew nothing and had a blast. my wife is a MASSIVE beetlejuice fan, so i knew we had to go to this. probably wouldn't have considered it otherwise, really glad we went. plenty of profanity and a handful of mild sex jokes but also felt strangely family friendly? for "a show about death" it was really light on it's feet.

sleep no more - my second time seeing sleep no more and it was just as wonderful as the first time. i already want to go again. i saw the orgy 3 times from beginning to end this time. everyone should experience this. KN95 masks were required, and they provided them to you which is cool. KN95 masks + the other mask you have to wear + me having glasses made the whole face situation pretty damn uncomfortable but it was worth it. the good news is the actors didn't wear masks, i was worried they would have to. happy to wear a mask if it means the actors don't have to. 3 hours just flew by.

king pleasure - basquiat exhibit put on by his sisters. never before seen works. linear exhibit. really wonderful and a highlight of the trip.

the met/moma - the best as always. if you can only do one do the met.

summit one vanderbilt - a crazy observation deck, but with all other kinds of wild shit. google some pictures if you are curious. we went at 8pm so got to see the sunset and the city after dark. really wonderful experience, would definitely do it again.

mass at st. patricks - we were with my niece who is still a practicing catholic so we went to mass. honestly it was pretty cool, st patricks is beautiful and the priest had this thick new york accent which was a treat to listen to. sermon was quick and to the point. was nice to sit someplace quiet for 35 minutes in the early evening.

overall an awesome trip, love new york. this was my 6th time up there i guess, i could probably go there for every vacation.