How I Did Austin My Way
When I travel solo, I don’t overplan. I usually just land, drop my bag, and start walking. For me, it’s always about finding the places where locals hang out, grabbing something good to eat, and treating myself to a few low-key moments. Austin was easy to love. Here’s what I got up to. No fluff. Just solid recommendations from someone who likes to keep it simple.
Where I stayed: Fairmont Austin
I checked into the Fairmont Austin, and it honestly set the tone for the whole trip. The check-in was smooth, and the staff at the front desk were quick to accommodate a few little requests I had. The room itself? Pure comfort. Clean, classic, and exactly the kind of old-world luxury I expect from a Fairmont. It even smelled crisp in that fresh-hotel-linen kind of way.
There’s a great little coffee bar in the lobby, and yes, I’m one of those people who notices the quality of hotel lobby coffee. It was excellent. The view from my room looked right out over the city and reminded me how much Austin blends new and old.
The highlight of the hotel stay had to be dinner at Garrison, their award-winning restaurant. I tried the Lobster Bucatini and the Cacio e Pepe with grilled chicken. Both were amazing. Our host Samantha was warm and welcoming, and our server (wish I caught his name) was on point the entire time.
Morning Vibes at Cosmic Pickle
One of the first places I ended up was Cosmic Pickle I wasn’t even looking for it. Just saw a bunch of people hanging out under these trees with string lights and thought, yeah, that looks like my kind of place.
Coffee’s great. It’s strong, no nonsense. There are food trucks nearby if you’re hungry, and the whole place has this laid-back backyard energy. I brought a book, stayed for longer than planned, and left smelling slightly of brisket. Worth it.
Catching the Sunset at Mount Bonnell
This one’s popular for a reason. Mount Bonnell is easy to get to and takes maybe ten minutes to climb. Nothing dramatic, just stairs and a nice lookout at the top.
I went around sunset. The light was golden, the air cooled off, and the view over the river and the massive houses lining the water was unreal. It’s quiet up there, and somehow it makes you slow down a bit. Bring water. Maybe a snack. Sit a while.
Unexpected Gem: Foot Massage
I wanted a massage but didn’t feel like booking anything fancy. I stumbled on this spot called i Foot Massage Spa in a strip mall. Doesn’t look like much from the outside, but don’t let that stop you.
Walked in, no appointment, got a great massage at a very fair price. They actually know what they’re doing. Zero spa music, zero fuss, just solid work on my tired legs and sore shoulders. If you’ve been walking or working out, this place is a blessing.
Wrapping It Up
I didn’t try to do everything in Austin. I just found my pockets of calm, ate well, got a good massage, and caught a couple of views that made me pause and take it in.
If you’re planning a trip and like the mix of good food, mellow energy, and no-pressure exploring, this city delivers. Got any Austin tips I should check out next time? I’m all ears.
