Keeping Austin Weird

In anticipation of our trip to Austin, I decided to watch David Linklater's Slacker to get a feel for Austin. The movie was one character after another and had little cowboy hats or country. I then found out that the motto for Austin is Keep Austin Weird. So at that point, I didn't know what to expect. Luckily Rachel Ray had made several trips to Austin and reassured us that we were in for some culinary treats.

The BBQ was phenomenal in the Austin area. We enjoyed ribs, brisket, and turkey at Stubb's in downtown Austin. The sushi scene was great too. Lonely Planet gave us the tip to head to award winning Uchi. Foie gras and fatty toro on the same menu, now thats my kind of place. Of course we hit the coffee houses, which boasted many unique and yes weird spots, ala Spider House and Ruta Maya International Headquarters. The common theme amongst the food and drink joints in Austin is a stage and live music, it is the live music capitol of the world.

Wyatt soon discovered my passion for Goodwill as Austin or Texas, for that matter, appears to be the thrift store capitol of the world. He was very patient and even found a beautiful triple X beaver cowboy hat and leather cowboy boots.

We enjoyed two stepping and the rodeo at Cowboy's Dance Hall in San Antonio. Riding a bull for eight seconds takes a very brave individual. The Broken Spoke was reminiscent of Station Inn, our favorite spot in Nashville. With cowboy hats and boots, I'm sure we blended right in with the locals.

If you have any suggestions for locations that have a great two stepping or country dancing scene, let us know while we still have the bug.




Thought for the Day: I got gaps; you got gaps; we fill each other's gaps. Rocky