Summer Getaway: Austin, Texas

Texas is home to many things we love -- Chase Crawford, fried Twinkies, men who actually hold the door open for you (and would never dream of borrowing your hair products), and of course, one of our favorite cities in the country: Austin.  While the Lone Star State may not be top of mind as the best place to visit amid the sweltering temps of summer in the Southwest, its abundance of boutiques, museums, outdoor activities, great music, and longneck-sipping opportunities make this offbeat capitol city the perfect destination for a weekend escape. With tickets in the $300 range, you don't have to marry an oil baron to make it happen. And think about it -- you'll finally have a chance to wear those cowboy boots you impulse purchased (outside of costume parties and drunken bull rides at Saddle Ranch).  

Flying time: 3 hours

Transport to/from airport: A taxi. The airport is located just minutes from downtown, or numerous hotels located near the city's hustle and bustle.

Where to stay: Get a great deal on accommodations when you book a vacation rental by owner (visit VRBO.com for more info). If comfy sheets and tiny shampoos are more your style, get a room at The Driskill, one of Austin's oldest and most beautiful hotels. Rooms start at $135 a night, and the bar at the convenient downtown location is a known celebrity hotspot.

Where to eat: Salt Lick (the BEST barbeque you'll ever eat, a 40-minute drive from town in rustic Driftwood, TX), Chuy's, Uchiko (not necessarily broke girl-friendly, but a girl's gotta splurge on at least one meal, and this should be it), and Alamo Drafthouse. 

Where to eat late at night: The Best Wurst, Kerbey Lane Cafe.

Where to eat like today is your last: Threadgill's. Have the chicken fried steak. You won't be sorry.

Where to shop: Walk along the Second Street district to peruse newly-opened boutiques like Plain Ivey Jane, where you’ll get 15% off all apparel items, even sale, if you bring in this email. For more eclectic fare, hit up the shops along South Congress and browse through vintage treasures.

Must-see: While you don't necessarily go on vacation to see a movie, the off-the-wall, cocktail-addled experience at The Alamo Drafthouse can't be beat. Enjoy a full menu of mouthwatering movie-themed treats (the Blue Hawaii Pizza is our favorite) and sample some of Texas' finest beer and wine.

Little-known fact: Sure, in LA we're all used to bumping into celebs left and right, but Austin is quickly cementing its place as a hotbed for TV and movie locations. Recently, NBC's adored Friday Night Lights called Austin its home, and many of the (insanely attractive) cast members have decided to stay put. So, put your best face forward in this town, as you may just run into Tim Riggins.

Nightlife: For a rowdy, collegiate crowd, hit up Sixth Street, Austin's world-renowned drinking spot. On weekend evenings, the streets close down at sixth to allow for unobstructed stumbling down this usually busy street. For a more refined bar-hopping experience, visit the 4th street warehouse district, which caters to a slightly more laid-back clientele.

What to Pack:
1. Paprika Swallow Embroidered Frill Dress $49.99
2. Polaroid PIC-300B Instant Analog Camera $82.94
3. Braided Seed Bead Headband $3.80
4. Neutrogena Sunblock $6
5. Lonelyland $12.98
6. Ralph Lauren Woven Straw Fedora $59.50
7. J Brand Low Rise Cut Off Short $156 or American Eagle High-Waisted Shortie $24.99
8. ASOS Festival Purse Detail Belt $34.48
9. ASOS ‘The Swing’ Tank $20.69
10. Tkees Foundations Flip Flop $48
11. Friday Night Lights on DVD
12. Mini Travel Fan $13.95
13. Vibrant Island Bangles $2.80

written by Mikela Floyd