Tips to Enjoy Austin Like a Local
admin • September 30, 2016
The people, the attitude, the winter weather, the music–there’s a lot to love about Austin. So, how do locals narrow down what to do when entertaining out-of-town friends and family?
Whether visiting for a few days, traveling for work, or enjoying Austin’s signature festivals and events (ACL, SXSW, F1, The University of Texas Longhorn games, and more), our Top Trip Rentals’ staff members can guide visitors to live like a local.
Here to help are some of our favorite places and things to do in ATX. #goplaystay
Rebecca’s Top 5
- Walking the Barton Creek greenbelt (and stopping for swims in Barton Creek along the way).
- Wednesday night margaritas and “Texas Radio Live” at Guero’s Oak Garden.
- Shopping the monthly specials at Room Service Vintage.
- Counter Cafe’s brunch (she recommend the mango mimosas and Counter Benedict).
- Strolling Lady Bird Lake trail in the evening, with a stop at Alta’s Cafe for a drink.

Sandra’s Top 5
- Drinks at Javalina Bar on Rainey St.
- Mountain biking at Walnut Creek Park.
- Exploring Barton Creek greenbelt with my dog (with snacks and water).
- Barbacoa tacos from La Esperanza, across from St. Edwards University on S.Congress.
- Dancing the night away at Highland Lounge.

Brenda’s Top 5
- Enjoying the show at Esther’s Follies.
- Angie’s Mexican Food on East 7th Street.
- Visiting the Texas State Capitol (the grounds and the building).
- Time with friends at Grove Wine Bar.
- Climbing the steps at Mt. Bonnell.

Rene’s Top 5
- A trip to Mayfield Park to see the peacocks.
- Touring the outdoor exhibit at AMOA’s Laguna Gloria location.
- Dining at Fonda San Miguel Restaurant.
- Austin City Limits!
- October weather.

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Lodgewell Blog

Camp Blanco boasts an 18 acre property that’s the perfect getaway spot for your “pod” with 2 separate homes, a bunkhouse, a game room and two camping tee-pees (13 beds total!) and tons of outdoor space to roam. We used this gorgeous space as our baby moon getaway and it was the quintessential setting to spend quality time together and enjoy the beautiful open air. This dreamy and secluded spot used to be a Girl Scout campground in the 1940’s, and you’ll see several nods to the historic space throughout the property. From The Ranger stone house, The Brownie bunk house, and The Tagalong luxury tents, you’ll feel like you’re in an adult glampground!

I'm sure we can all agree that last year was a doozy, and while we're all excited to move forward, I did want to take a moment to recognize some accomplishments Lodgewell made over the last few months: ➡️ We launched the Lodgewell brand ➡️ Established what we stand for ➡️ Expanded into new cities ➡️ Added 4 new properties to our portfolio (see below) ➡️ Partnered with exclusive brands (see below) ➡️ Welcomed hundreds of guests safely to professionally sanitized homes ➡️ Hosted amazing media personalities ➡️ Featured in countless publications ➡️ And even transformed one of our lofts into a holiday wonderland!

If you remember, I rented a condo in downtown Austin to ring in the New Year with this fabulous rental company. Click here to read about that trip. At the time, they were under the name “Top Trip Rentals”. Top Trip Rentals has rebranded to Lodgewell, and well we lodged indeed! Lodgewell and their incredible team will forever be my go to for destination home rentals in Texas. For this family trip we chose Lodgewell’s newest property, The Good Morning Ranch . The Good Morning Ranch is a Rural Ranch Retreat boasting 10 acres of unadulterated Texas Hill Country. It’s nestled down a dirt road just minutes outside of Wimberley, TX which is the CUTEST and COOLEST Texas town. You’ll feel like you’ve fallen off the grid which is exactly what I was looking for in this family vacay! When we walked through the door we were we were greeted with retro, GREEN kitchen cabinetry, vintage country music posters, quilts and mounted deer heads! So very Austin, and so very cool! The bag of chips and queso (and my FAVORITE salsa) on the counter made me smile from ear to ear. Lodgewell has a history of making me feel at home, and their amenity boxes did the trick!

Recently, we had the pleasure of hanging out with Susie Robb, interior designer, business owner, and blogger. She also runs a Texas-based nonprofit where she spreads encouragement and joy to families and individuals who have gone through hardships like divorce, widowhood, illness or unexpected life difficulties with no-cost interior design services. It was an absolute…

Look what has made the January cover of Austin-based magazine Tribeza this month? Yep. That’s the fantastical Bloomhouse in all its offbeat splendor featured in the magazine’s Interiors Issue. The Bloomhouse continues to impress and bemuse our guests, the media and travelers to this one-of-a-kind home. To spend time in this work of art, check…

Austin’s normally rocking entertainment options kick into high gear during the holidays. Local media event calendars are bursting at the seams with great ideas. At Top Trip, we’ve rounded up ways for you to twinkle a little brighter this season with our “Five Festive Favorites” recommendations from holidays past. Top Photo: Mozart’s coffee shop sparkles…