Will you be attending the upcoming AfroTech Conference in Austin? We know you’ll be looking for other cool and unique things to do while visiting Texas’ capital. With its unofficial motto “Keep Austin Weird,” the city is full of interesting, one-of-a-kind stays and experiences.
Travel blogger Olubukola “Bukky” Sobayo is something of an expert on the topic. When the 29-year-old Nigerian registered nurse is not caring for patients, she is out exploring new places and foods in her city, Dallas, and elsewhere. She recently visited Austin to find out if it truly lives up to its famous slogan.
“Austin has unconventional neighborhoods, quirky themed restaurants with amazing food, and such a welcoming atmosphere,” says Bukky. “The people remind me of my hipster cousins that live in the happy world they created for themselves.”
Like Dallas, Bukky found that Austin is home to lots of parks that make great hangout spots as well as plenty of places to enjoy live music. She stayed at one of the most unique accommodations in the city, The Bloomhouse, an architectural masterpiece whose structure mimics ‘the flow of air and the gentle rise and fall of nature’s melody.’
Lodgewell
It is definitely one of the homes helping keep Austin weird and I had to check it out for myself. It’s an 1,100-square-foot structure built in the early 1970s by two friends who wanted to construct something extraordinary. It took 11 years to build. What I found to be the most unique about this house other than its structure was its location. Your sense of adventure is bound to heighten once you park your vehicle and discover the house tucked downhill amidst a bluff of cedar trees with a steep winding path leading to its front door.
The Bloomhouse contains a bedroom that sleeps four, one bathroom, a living room area with a fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, an outdoor shower, and an open patio overlooking West Lake Hills. It is available for booking on www.lodgewell.co at a rate of $560 per night.
Casa Neverlandia
While in Austin, another unique home Bukky recommends visiting is Casa Neverlandia. This whimsical home located in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood of Austin was constructed in a colorful playscape design with secret passages, a hidden concert stage, an elevated plank bridge, and other surprises.
“I highly recommend this home tour to anyone intrigued by magical places and sustainable architecture. It costs $15 (cash only) to schedule a tour of this house. The owner, James Talbot can be reached at [email protected] to schedule a tour.”
Blanton Museum of Art
Another attraction on Bukky’s must-visit list for Austin is the Blanton Museum of Art, a large museum with more than 21,000 works in its collection.
“It is recognized for its modern and contemporary American art, European paintings, and comprehensive collection of prints, which art lovers are bound to love. Tickets are $5-$12, however, the museum is free to visit on Thursdays.”
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
“Speaking of free things to do in Austin, Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve is a place for nature lovers to explore a colorful cottage garden, beautiful peacocks, water lilies, and palm trees at no cost. The preserve is located in the middle of Austin and is another of my highly recommended places to visit in Austin. The only thing I found weird about this spot was the fact that we got in to see these stunning peacocks for free!”
When it comes to food, Bukky was very impressed with Austin’s culinary delights. Topping her list of local restaurants she visited are Honey Moon Spirit Lounge and Tamale House East.
Honey Moon Spirit Lounge
“Honey Moon Spirit Lounge serves modern American and French-forward comfort food, wines, local craft beer, and cocktails while Tamale House East serves authentic fresh Mexican food. The dress code is casual and you can expect both restaurants to serve sumptuous meals at affordable prices.”
Bukky adds that there are many more cool things to do and see in Austin, such as the Texas State Capitol, Cathedral of Junk, Austin Zoo, The Austin Winery, Wonder Spaces Austin, and Museum of the Weird. You can explore more destinations with Bukky by following her journey at @herdreamplaces.
Want more?
For more places around Austin, check these links out:
5 Black-Owned Food Trucks To Support In Austin, TX
How To Spend 48 Hours In Black-Owned Austin, Texas
Artsy Traveler: 5 Places In Austin, Texas To View Black Art
The Ultimate Austin, Texas Bucket List Guide For Black Travelers
5 Black-Owned Restaurants In Austin, TX That Are Worth Visiting
