The Best Things About Austin, Texas

We're rolling out excerpts from our new book Travel North America (And Avoid Being a Tourist) all summer long. Chapter six, "Bright Lights, Big Cities," has a section called "Cities We Love and the People Who Love Them." What makes a city special? Because no one knows that answer better than the creative spirits who help define them, we asked a few people we admire to share the best of their hometowns.

Here's Kelly Krause, a writer, community builder, and brand strategist, talking about her beloved Austin.

Kelly at Lady Bird Hike and Bike Trail on Lady Bird Lake. Photo courtesy of Kelly Krause.

Best thing about Austin: The amount of green space, trails, and water activities at your fingertips.

Best people-watching: Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail.

Favorite neighborhood: Bouldin Creek.

I don't want tourists to know about: River Place Nature Trail Canyon Trailhead.

Most underrated in Austin: Donn's Depot.

Most overrated: The heat.

Dream meal: The Suadero tacos at Suerte, two to three plates from the dim sum cart at Emmer & Rye, and biscuits from Olamaie.

Favorite local institution: Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater.

The library at Commodore Perry Estate. Photo courtesy of Commodore Perry Estate / Auberge Resorts Collection.

Best movie based in Austin: I'm going the obvious route with this: Office Space and Dazed and Confused.

In the city escape: If I want to chill, Commodore Perry Estate. If I want to move my body, Mount Bonnell stairs, with a peaceful and mindful moment at the top of the hill.

Nearby escape: Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge.

No trip to Austin is complete without a morning sunrise dip in Barton Springs Pool, followed by breakfast tacos at Veracruz All Natural or Pueblo Viejo. Definitely make room to squeeze in Ellsworth Kelly's Austin installation at Blanton Museum of Art, and follow it up with a great meal and music.

Don't Stop There. Read the Whole Book!

Buy Travel North America (And Avoid Being a Tourist) from your preferred local bookseller or online from Amazon.com or Bookshop.org.

Excerpted with permission from Travel North America: (and Avoid Being a Tourist) by Pavia Rosati and Jeralyn Gerba, published by Hardie Grant Books, June 2021.

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