Austin, Texas Guide During Austin Food & Wine Festival

April 25, 2019

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Luxury Travel Advisor & Founder of Passport To Friday. Follow along on my travels and let me help you plan your dream trip or honeymoon!

I'm Chelsea.

It’s that time of year again!

Each year in April, Austin Food & Wine Festival descends upon the city and puts on one of the best events of the year. This years marks the eighth year of this annual festival which showcases over 100 chefs, restaurants and wine & spirits experts over three days.

While the main festival events take place on Saturday April 27th & Sunday April 28th, there are events on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, making it truly a full weekend affair. Events throughout the festival include cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs, pitmasters cooking over an interactive Fire Pits, a live fire experience from Contigo Catering & friends, tastings from local restaurants & beer/wine/cocktail tastings, live music (and the legendary end of day dance party!), book signings, and more. While this year’s festival is sold out, each year the Weekender ticket which includes Saturday & Sunday festival access is $250 per person.

Due to the festivals amazing downtown location (at Auditorium Shores and Fair Market) and the Austin Food & Wine Festival being a destination within itself, I thought I would put together my Austin Travel Guide focusing purely on my favorite spots within walking distance or a short Uber ride from the festival!


WHERE TO STAY

Four Seasons Hotel Austin

This recently renovated hotel will always be the epitome of lakeside luxury in Austin, with spacious rooms with lake views, a fabulous spa, and newly reimagined food & beverage concepts (including a stunning rooftop deck space!) And you can’t forget fun touches like the on-demand margarita cart and complimentary Taylor Guitars lending program.

Book your stay at Four Seasons Austin with Passport To Friday (anytime of the year) and receive daily breakfast for two in CICLO, $100 food & beverage credit, upgrades & more!

Hotel Saint Cecilia

Arguably the most *swoon worthy* hotel in Austin, this hidden (literally) gem houses only 14 accommodations and the grounds are only open to hotel guests keeping it very exclusive. Located right off of South Congress, this gorgeous oasis is still close to all of the action and nearby the festival.

Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt

Hotel Van Zandt’s prime Rainey Street location not only lends itself as a hotspot for live music and an amazing meal or cocktails at Geraldine’s, but also an ideal place to rest your head. See more in my blog post on Hotel Van Zandt here!

Line Hotel

The newest hotel on the block, the Line Hotel has competitive rates, a great location, trendy dining outlets (hello, Alfred Coffee & rooftop hotspot P6), and a pool with a South Congress & lake view.

W Austin

Located in the 2nd Street District and next door to the famed Austin City Limits music venue, W Austin is the perfect choice for those who want to see & be seen. The rooftop Wet Deck pool is a great place to cool off in the Texas heat, and drinks in the Living Room or brunch at TRACE is always a good choice.

Book your stay at Four Seasons Austin with Passport To Friday (anytime of the year) and receive daily breakfast for two in TRACE, $100 spa credit, upgrades & more!


WHERE TO DINE

  • ATX Cocina: Modern Mexican with a great happy hour 7 days per week & amazing homemade tortillas.
  • Eberly: Pre-festival brunch with great vibes
  • El Primo: Some of my favorite breakfast tacos in the city, located down the street from the fest on South First! (not open on Sundays)
  • Elizabeth Street Cafe: Instagram-worthy spot on South First with a focus on Vietnamese/French fusion cuisine.
  • Emmer & Rye: This small plates hotspot is not only very well respected in the Austin dining scene, but also a great place to dine before checking out on Rainey Street (or try their dim sum brunch!)
  • Fareground: Austin’s first food hall located downtown!
  • Fresa’s South First: Casual spot with outdoor seating on South First with healthy bowls, tacos, and delicious prickly pear frozen marg.
  • Irene’s: Love their brunch on the weekends, perfect before heading to the fest!
  • Juice Society: Healthy juices, smoothie bowls, toasts & more!
  • June’s: One of my favorite wine lists in Austin.
  • La Condesa: Another modern Mexican spot in 2nd Street District, love their margaritas!
  • Le Politique: French cuisine, and a cute as heck restaurant & patio.
  • Lenoir: Love their wine garden for happy hour or sharing a casual bottle of wine.
  • Perla’s: The best people watching on South Congress with seafood cuisine.
  • Uchi: Arguably one of Austin’s all-time best restaurants, indulge in chef Tyson Cole’s fine dining sushi.


WHERE TO DRINK & CAFFEINATE

  • Jo’s Coffee: An original in Austin; go to the South Congress location for the “I Love You So Much” sign, or the 2nd Street location if you just want a good cup of jo!
  • Juiceland: When you just need something healthy, great juices and smoothies. Closest one to the fest is the location on Barton Springs Rd.
  • Merit Coffee: My favorite coffee shop in the city!
  • Midnight Cowboy: Hidden speakeasy off of Dirty 6th… be sure to make reservations!
  • P6 at Line Hotel: Newest rooftop bar in Austin with a gorgeous design & views
  • Rainey Street: Too many great spots on Rainey Street, so I suggest walking around and checking them all out! I specifically like the craft cocktails at Clive Bar, the space at Lustre Pearl, and Sunday Funday at Icenhauers.

WHERE TO SHOP

  • Allen’s Boots: Legendary cowboy boot shop on South Congress
  • By George: Luxury fashion that makes me want to buy the whole store
  • Cove: Travel-inspired women’s boutique to fuel your wanderlust
  • Kendra Scott Flagship Store: Kendra Scott recently opened her *stunning* flagship store on South Congress Avenue, complete with a Sips & Sweets bakery that also serves rose!
  • Outdoor Voices: This hot activewear brand houses its flagship in Austin and will make you want to be #DoingThings with how adorable it is
  • Sunroom: One of the most well curated boutiques located in the South Congress Hotel
  • Tecovas: This local Austin boot brand just opened their flagship on South Congress!


WHAT TO DO

 

Safe travels y’all!

Chelsea Rose Martin

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Hi, I'm Chelsea Martin, Luxury Travel Advisor & Founder of Passport To Friday. I've been planning bespoke luxury vacations and honeymoons for almost a decade now. I can't wait to help you plan the trip of a lifetime! 

A true Cancer, hotel-slipper-obsessed gal whose IG Explore page is full of dogs.

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