Adventures in Austin

More than just two-steppin and trailers, in Austin, Texas youll find
slow food cuisine, effortless cool and lots and lots of tequila. Yee ha!

sleep
With
its rock n roll décor and laid-back vibe, the Hotel
Saint Cecilia is like having your own SoCo bolthole. Our poolside
bungalow was fitted with a shower for two (or three), vintage turntable
and mini-bar filled with flatbread and brie. We sat on our private
terrace, sipping spicy margaritas and listening to Al Green records from
the hotel library. Rooms from $350, 112 Academy Dr., Austin, TX,
512-852-2400, www.hotelsaintcecilia.com

eat
The burgeoning 2nd Street District is home to La
Condesa serving up Mexican City street food with a modern edge. Give
them three days notice and theyll roast a whole suckling pig just for
you! We tried mini tostados with squid, tuna and chipotle mayo ($12)
followed by Carne Aasada ($32). With over 80 varieties on offer, do
indulge in tasting flights of Mezcal and Blanco tequilas (from $15)
while the sommelier explains smoky vs. smooth. Muy caliente! 400a West
2nd St., Austin, TX, 512-499-0300, www.lacondesaaustin.com

eat more
Austins
hippest new ‘hood lies east of the I-35 where we discovered East
Side Show Room, a former 1920s grocery store revamped with a breezy
back patio, local art and farm-raised food (all suppliers are listed on
the menu) like antelope tartar ($14) and snapper baked in parchment
paper ($22). 1100 East 6th St., Austin, TX, 512-467-4280, www.eastsideshowroom.com

do
Take yourself to the roller derby show for live
bands and babes on skates. Every weekend the Lonestar
Rollergirls compete on a banked-track, knocking down teams like the
Tonya Hardings and Rhinestone Cowgirls. We wouldnt want to meet these
gals in a dark alley but after a couple of Shiner beers we found
ourselves cheering wildly for the Cherry Bombs. Tickets from $13 at www.txrd.com

see
For something tamer, the LBJ Library and Museum
celebrates the former president and his flower-loving wife, Lady
Bird. Her hosting prowess, elegant gowns and pink-toned office
reminded us that Jackie wasnt the only glam first lady of the 1960s.
2313 Red River St., Austin, TX, 512-721-0200, www.lbjlibrary.org

shop
At modish boutique by
george (524 North Lamar Blvd., 512-472-5951, Austin, TX) youll fawn
over Balenciaga purses, silk Dries Van Noten dresses and sassy platforms
from Fiorentini & Baker. Cant break the bank? We took the staffs advice
and drove 30-minutes south to San
Marcos Premium Outlets (the third largest in the world) for
jaw-dropping deals on Fendi frocks, La Perla panties and Ferragamo
flats. Premium Outlets, 3939 South IH-35, San Marcos, TX, 512-396-2200.

For more on Montreal editor Marianne Wisenthals Austin adventure, visit
todays Editors
Diary.