Fun weekends always go by way too fast, don’t they? Over the last 10 days, Austin had its annual South by Southwest convention that showcases emerging technology, film, and live music. My parents came to visit the second weekend and we spent our time listening to live music and taking Austin by storm. What’s fun about being a local is that its easier to navigate the free events at SXSW and find cool things to see and do. Last year we discovered a bar called The Ginger Man that rotates new bands every hour. Over the course of the weekend, we visited this spot three times and were never disappointed. It wasn’t overly crowded and they had quite a selection of beer. My parents thought it was perfect!

Highlights from the Weekend:

The Salty Sow: We ate dinner at this highly recommended American Gastropub known for its burger and it was a perfect start for our weekend. I love their charcuterie board and their Farm Salad. And of course their meat! One of my favorite spots.

Don’s Depot: After dinner, we took my parents to Don’s Depot, an old train car now bar that features live music 6 nights a week. Eric and I have been there a few times now and are starting to recognize some of their regulars. We were lucky to see the owner Donn as the musical guest that evening and we listened to him jam out with his son (the drummer) and a guitarist. It was spectacular and probably one of my parents’ favorite parts of their trip!

New Friends: After an hour or so at the Gingerman on Saturday, we decided to meet up with some of our friends at the Rattle Inn. The Rattle Inn didn’t showcase live music but we sat on the rooftop and enjoyed sips while people watching and taking in the live music from the nearby bars. I love introducing my parents to my friends. It’s fun to give them an understanding of our lives down here. And who doesn’t want to hang out with Sally and Jeff?

The Grove: The group moved from The Rattle Inn to The Grove, a fun wine bar and restaurant on West 6th. We shared pizzas and vino and I ordered a steak salad that I somehow finished in less than 5 minutes. SO FRIGGIN GOOD. The Grove is one of my favorite places to meet people for a quick drink or app. It’s easy, affordable, and their wine is awesome.

Foundations: Since moving to Austin and getting married, Eric and I decided we wanted to start attending Church again. After a little research, we found Tarrytown United Methodist Church and started regularly attending about a year ago. So many wonderful things have happened since we joined. Friends recruited us to be part of a Sunday School class called Foundations and that group of people have become like family. It’s had a huge impact on our lives in Austin and I was eager to take my parents to our class. My friend Amelia led the group and my parents were impressed not only by her knowledge & spirit, but by the camaraderie of the whole group.

Micklethwaits: After Church on Sunday, we took my parents to a really neat bbq food truck called Micklethwaits. We sat and ate their delicious craft meats at a picnic table while enjoying the sunshine, scenery, and authentic Texas food. This was my dad’s favorite meal from the weekend.

Austin Rodeo: There’s nothing more ‘Texas’ than a little rodeo show. Sunday afternoon we drove out to Rodeo Austin and explored the General Admission event. We decided to skip that actual rodeo because we had to get back for Eric to attend a work dinner, but we did walk through a vibrant petting zoo of extremely excited pigs, goats, ducks, and llamas. My favorite part was watching the Pig Races. Four little curly tailed hefty animals running for their lives around a track for a snack prize may or may not be one of the funnier things I have seen. So precious!

Hopdoddy: We finished the weekend Monday afternoon eating burgers at Hopdoddy :) One of my favorite spots in Austin! If you’re visiting the area, this is a MUST on your to-do list. Arguably the best burgers in town.

There were many more fun parts to the weekend including hitting golf balls, walking down to Zilker Park with the dogs, exploring Laguna Gloria, and enjoying delicious tacos from a food truck. Cheers to another awesome weekend with visitors!

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