Hi Y'all!
I know most of you consider me the food gal, but I’m also an avid traveler and am a DEEP researcher when it comes to picking my activities, shows, and restaurants when I head out of town. I always write my travel guides and recommendations on the plane home as a way not only to reflect on what I learned about myself, but also to share what moments stood out the most and where you MUST go. I just got home from this yoga retreat in Sicily, plus a short stint in Paris (dude, AirFrance from Austin to Paris is the best deal to get to Europe), so if you’re using your summer season to travel like me, I’m shouting out a few of my favorite travel guides from my blog below so that you know the best places to eat, drink, see, and where I beg you to visit. If you want to support this free newsletter, you can purchase my bright colorful prints of Barton Springs + Town Lake or a full digital book of my recs in my Austin Playbook in my shop!
~AR
TRAVEL GUIDE
Lisbon
When I set out to plan a Portugal trip, everyone had different opinions on can’t-miss cities and what to do or what not to do, but after a few weeks of researching and spending time figuring out transportation and that I’d have to pick north or south spots to make it easiest, I landed on doing 3 nights in Lisbon, 3 in Comporta, and 3 in Porto, and it was perfect! I wouldn’t change the order or any of the places or the amount of days, and I’m highlighting Lisbon here as it’s the #1 itinerary that people have been asking me for the last two summers. We stayed in the Alfama neighborhood, within walking distance of everywhere we wanted to go, saw gorgeous views at the São Jorge Castle, and ate and drank at Rocco, O Velho Eurico (a local favorite with my friend who lives there), and plenty more. That being said, I actually liked Porto more, and I’d beg you NOT to miss this hotel we stayed at in Comporta.
TRAVEL GUIDE
Paris
The Olympics are coming, and I somehow accidentally made it to Paris twice this year, once in the winter to stay with a friend living there and just now for a few days before Sicily. The first time I went to Paris, I was highly disappointed (gasp!) I wondered where all the cute French style outdoor chairs like they have at June’s All Day were, and why did I have to try so hard to find a boulangerie — I WAS IN THE WRONG AREAS? However, after my most recent visits, I found the romance and as I squealed from eating each croissant, babka, and laminated pastry I imagined growing up. I was in the right area this time — I love the Marais, living the local life instead of hitting the pavement only around the Seine by the museums, leaving the city for a champagne tour, or making a daily visit to Versailles (I’d skip this). I’m letting you in on all my golden tips for food, pastries, and shopping, so your Paris trip can be dreamy as can be! Do not miss the Opera House — the most memorable interiors by Chagall I’ve ever seen in Europe.
TRAVEL GUIDE
Mexico City
If you think Mexico is just about la playa and tacos, you need to check yourself and book a flight to Mexico City. There are tons of fancy and low-priced hotels, art galleries, museums, architecture, ancient pyramids outside the city to climb, craft markets, ceramics, Frida Khalo’s house, farmer’s markets, and more to see. If you want to plan your trip around food, I’ve compiled my list of the best restaurants and bites to grab while you are there! The flight is shorter than going to LA or NYC, and you make it to another country, so no excuses!
TRAVEL GUIDE
Denver
For a stateside getaway that will save you from the Texas heat, Denver is one of my favorite American cities that I have actually only been to once in the summer vs. the winter ski season as a transit stop. This city is rich in the amount of activities, restaurants, and breweries it has to offer and reminds me a lot of Austin. Hiking is my all time favorite activity, so we drove to Boulder to hike Mount Sanitas, and caught a show at Red Rocks Amphitheater, probably the coolest venue to see live music as you are surrounded by 738 acres with incredible views and a naturally occurring acoustically perfect sound system where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains. The food scene really impressed me, especially Mister Oso and Safta, making this all-in-all a perfect summer trip that can be made with cheap Southwest flights!
TRAVEL GUIDE
Brooklyn
Brooklyn has become my favorite food borough in NYC (especially Fort Greene and Greenpoint neighborhoods), so I created a guide for you to discover the top places to eat since most people only think of Manhattan when visiting! There’s some classic favorites and a lot of new hot spots as I’m always updating this list as I find the most creative dishes here that don’t seem to always blow up in the press. Right now, Theodora, Radio Bakery, Di An Di, Rule of Thirds, and Suzume make me smile the most. One weekend is never enough time to eat, walk, see shows, and friends, so I try to have week-long periods in the city so I can do it all! If you want the recs for restaurants across the whole city, click here for that article, or if you want to get the best cookies and cakes in the city, click here.
TRAVEL GUIDE
San Agustinillo, Mayakoba, and Todos Santos
Everyone loves to visit Cabo, but Mexico has SO much to offer outside of that more touristy area in places like San Agustinillo, Mayakoba, and Todos Santos. I talked about Mexico City earlier in this newsletter, but these other beach towns really bring adventure and nature to the forefront. San Agustinillo is definitely the most immersive and adventurous with a beach, and Mayakoba is a great place for a weekend group or family trip.
TRAVEL GUIDE
Lake Austin Spa v. Miraval
My most asked question besides where to eat on any given night is, “Should I go to Lake Austin Spa or Miraval?” I’m primed to answer this as I’ve been to both multiple times, although I’ve been to Lake Austin more times than Miraval, and I’ve done MIraval for day trips and overnight. For both, it’s worth it to spend the night so you get the whole relaxation vs. having to come back to your real life so quickly, and in the end, I prefer Lake Austin Spa because it’s more serene with a lake view, water activities, and all the greenery. What does draw me to Miraval is the more unique activities, like acrobatic yoga, photography, and workshops, but overall, I’d say I prefer the space, cottage rooms, and comfort of Lake Austin Spa. If you're looking for a reason to book a weekend at Lake Austin Spa, fitness trainer Isaac Boots is hosting a wellness retreat here from July 28 to Aug. 1 with fitness classes, cold plunges, lake and pool time, and more activities. Get more info here!
TRAVEL GUIDE
Getaways Near Austin
If you’re staying close to home this summer, you can book some incredible spots within just a couple hours’ drive from downtown. Some of my favorites are The Yurtopian in Wimberley, which impressed me with its beautiful design and access to swimming right on the Blanco River, and La Cantera San Antonio, a family-friendly spot in a city I love! If you’re looking for a spot in Fredericksburg, Honeytree is the most adorable getaway with outdoor homes on Ranch Road 965, a close 10-minute drive from town. I have a whole guide if you stay there for what to do on a weekend in the summer when it’s hot here.
⭐ Don’t forget, to support this free newsletter, you can purchase my bright colorful prints of Barton Springs + Town Lake or a full digital book of my recs in my Austin Playbook in my shop! ⭐
