We asked our friend and native of Austin, Texas, Nikki of Fling Before The Ring to share her recommendations for a perfect Austin bachelorette weekend. And Nikki is something of an expert since she started her own personalized planning and design service customizing Austin bachelorette parties. Nikki says, “Although it’s almost impossible to tell you all my favorite things in this city without writing a ten-chapter novel, I was up to the challenge! I’m giving you the lowdown on my favorite iconic sites, posh places and hidden gems that help ‘Keep Austin Weird’. No matter what you envision for your big trip, you’re not going to want to miss this!” Need more help? Contact Nikki for details on personalized party agendas for your Austin bachelorette party.
Where to Stay
Hotel Van Zandt: The chic, modern gothic boutique hotel is within walking distance to the popular bars on Rainey Street. Plus, check out the secret fourth floor where you’ll find Geraldine’s restaurant and a rooftop pool with a roaring fireplace.
Hotel Saint Cecilia: This quaint boutique hotel is every girl’s dream. Grab a cocktail in their pretty garden or snap a pic by their famous neon “SOUL” sign out by the pool.
Airbnb: Snag a cool Austin pad on the East Side for easy access to neighborhood coffee shops and feel like a true Austinite.
Where to Eat
Walton’s Fancy & Staple: A great spot for a lazy Sunday brunch. Get there early though as they often run out of the scrumptious weekend specials as the day goes on!
La Condesa: For a special dinner, try this Tex-Mex institution with a modern flair. Keep the tapas and margs coming!
Josephine House: This picture-perfect neighborhood bungalow-turned-restaurant makes for a quaint lunch spot. Dress up their picnic benches with your own custom tabletop décor.
Wu Chow: Great atmosphere, even better food.
Bangers: Beer, sausages and outdoor live music. Say no more.
Gourdough’s Food Truck: If you can dream it, this place will put it on a donut. The strawberry shortcake and the Fat Elvis (with peanut butter, bananas and bacon) are some of our faves.
Craving something sweet? Check out Austin’s favorite Amy’s Ice Creams, or swing by Moojo for the best ice cream cookie sandwich of your life. Or take it up a notch and have dessert cocktails and tableside s’mores at Halcyon.
What to Do
South Congress: All things weird are found on this strip. Explore funky shops like Kendra Scott’s very first jewelry store, grab an iced turbo at Joe’s Coffee and take a picture in front of the “I Love You So Much” wall with your gals.
Milk & Honey Spa: A local Austin favorite for a day of pampering
Sweat it out at local yoga studio Wanderlust, or find a barre or cycling class (ask about private classes for your group ahead of time!). Or if you feel like being a bit touristy, rent those cute red bikes to ride around the lake.
Up for day drinking? Book a tour out to Deep Eddy Distillery for some delicious flavored vodka cocktails. Or take your pick of local breweries, like Austin Beerworks if you’re trying to pace yourself.
Picture a bunch of cute old houses that have been turned into bars complete with corn hole and live music in the backyard. That’s Rainey Street in a nutshell. Check out the famous Banger’s Sausage House for live music, pop over to Lucille’s and order a Ruby Mule (you’ll thank us later), then be sure to end at Craft Pride for some late-night Food Network-featured pizza at the food truck out back, Via 313.
Austin’s music culture is seriously on point. People travel from all over the world to experience it. If you aren’t lucky enough to travel during the largest music festivals (SXSW in the spring and Austin City Limits in the fall), not to worry! Go catch some good live music any weekend at venues like Stubbs BBQ or go dance the night away anywhere on the “Dirty 6th” strip. Head west on 6th Street for something a bit classier. You might even spot a famous Bachelor who happens to own one of the bars!