Austin, TX

Wow, Scott and I slept in until 10:30am Austin time this morning. I can't believe it! I guess it is two hours earlier here than Phoenix.

We had a fun day today once we actually got moving. Laura made us a delicious egg scrabble breakfast. We then headed out to the lake for a nice walk with the dogs. On the walk we also went to Barton Springs, a popular swimming hole in Austin. The people side was closed but the dogs enjoyed a quick dip.

After the walk Laura took us over to West Austin. West Austin is really nice because it's so hilly. After the trek out west we went for our first BBQ at the Salt Lick.

The Salt Lick is such a cool spot and I can definitely see how on the weekends the place is packed. It's about a twenty minute drive from Austin and is a very rustic restaurant. When you first walk into the restaurant you are greeted by a huge wood fire grill/barbecue pit about 10-12 feet in diameter. You are also greeted by an incredible aroma that just gets your mouth watering! You sit at long or short picnic type benches and tables. The menu is fairly basic with anything from beef brisket to pork ribs. For most of the plates you can choose two sides, let me just tell you that the potato salad is amazing and not mayo based. On the same grounds as the Salt Lick there is also a small winery. We didn't check it out, but it also looked very rustic. In addition to the inside seating you can also sit outside under huge trees (had the weather been cooler we probably would have taken advantage). The grounds are beautiful with trees all around, grassy areas, and the vineyards. Laura mentioned that it's a popular place for weddings and I can believe it.

After the Salt Lick we headed over to the Flagship Whole Foods store in downtown Austin. I love Whole Foods and this one puts all of them to shame! We all had to do some wine tasting while at the store and of course ended up buying a few bottles. It was so good.

Later, Laura and I headed over to her friend's place who is a hair stylist and I finally got a much needed haircut and color. Meg did an awesome job and I'm sure she will be very successful.

We then headed back to the house to pick up Scott to check out the local scene. Laura took us to Rainey St. It was awesome. Pretty much imagine a residential street where slowly, properties are being zoned commercial and bars are opening in the houses. Definitely a unique and cool scene however I wouldn't want to live on that street!

Overall it's been a great first day in Austin, two more to go!