Austin got me straight in the heart. Within minutes of walking down 6th, the quaint restaurants and busy bars had me smiling.
We ate dinner at Whole Foods - which is much like Woolworths back home, but if Woolworths took steroids, and worked out a lot. After walking around it for a good 25 minutes with my jaw on the floor, we finally opted for DIY tubs of salad and veggies, and a mini pack of sushi as a starter.
We'd planned to eat back at the hotel, but were fatigued and starving by the time we walked out of the food store, and ate right outside it, in the ambient table-and-chairs area set up just by the front door.
26 October 2012
The next morning was a slow start. That hot weather that I'd been so worried about had been completely blown out by a cold front, and instead of slipping on shorts and a tank, I wrapped up in boots, scarf, jersey and jacket. Brrr.
The tag-line round here is 'Keep Austin Weird', and it seems to be something the city takes to heart - everyone seems to be a little bit offbeat, a little eccentric, and very much an individual. Which feeds into the area, and the businesses - quaint restaurants, tons of vintage stores and intriguing decor shops.
We start our day heading uptown - to Buffalo Exchange, and Cream Vintage. We're in search of cowboy boots, and hats, as one does in Texas.
Buffalo Exchange is a new and vintage store. It is huge, fresh and packed full of wonderful treasures. Unlike other vintage stores I've been to, the stuff is all very good quality, and mixed in with all the new clothes, it's very tempting. Husband finds an awesome grey coat, and some blue jeans. I find too many good things, but I'm waiting to find my cowgirl boots and hat, so I hold back.
Next up, Cream Vintage. A smaller vintage store, not quite as impressive as Buffalo, but somehow both Husband and I find a perfect pair of cowboy boots! How about that?
After a very small breakfast in our hotel room, and all this shopping we're starved! I've heard good things about Elizabeth Street Cafe, so we jump straight in the car.
Elizabeth's does not disappoint. Escaping the sharp cold wind outside, the white walls, blue tables, and arches instantly have me hooked. We start with fresh giant lump crab and chilli spring rolls
Luckily we'd already found our perfect pairs (and much more reasonably priced pairs) at Cream Vintage. But you can't argue with those boots - a great percentage of them are handmade, and very fetching. Each pair is unique. The smell of leather hangs in the air. These things feel like the real deal, and look like it too. I found myself walking aisle-by-aisle mesmerised.
The lowest priced boots came in at about $180 (about R1500), and went high over $1000 (about R8600)! They even have boots for kids (too cute!), a whole lot of cowboy-wear, and hats. Lots and lots of hats. Which we proceeded to try on. Until we each found our perfect hat - a long time later.
Next door to that, I had a quick walk-around Uncommon Objects. This store was bewitching, loaded with exquisite antiques, home decor and collectibles. I loved how each section had been colour-coded, creating tantalising pockets of objects.
I'm kinda embarrassed to admit that we spent our second night also at the hotel, eating more Whole Foods for dinner. We had a huge list of restaurants and music spots that we wanted to visit, but Husband was feeling ill with flu, and I was just feeling, well, shattered. And everyone needs a good night in every once in a while.
We both agree we'll be back anyway - Austin needs more than two nights and one day! And our list for our next visit is extensive.
Thank you Austin.
Buffalo Exchange
| 2904 Guadalupe Street Austin, TX 78705 |
2532 Guadalupe Street Austin, TX 78705
Allens Boots
| 1522 South Congress Avenue Austin, TX 78704 |
| 1506 South Congress Avenue Austin, TX 78704 |
| 1512 South Congress Avenue Austin, TX 78704 |
525 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin
Elizabeth Street Cafe
1501 South 1st Street Austin, TX 78704(512) 291-2881
[Map from Google Maps]
2 comments:
Amazing boots! (I have always secretly wanted a pair of cowboy boots, but don't tell anyone). send us a pic of yours and Theo's boots, Robyn? mom
I will do! Though ours aren't nearly as exciting as the ones from Allens Boots. We both got plain black ones. Love them though!
Post a Comment