HITTIN' THE ROAD!

Hey guys! This is my blog journaling our cross-country trip in search of the nation’s best CitySecrets. 

The CitySecrets team consists of Matt, Jena, Todd, Cristina, and me -Angie.

I’m obsessed with traveling and seeing new things -so I’m really excited to hit the road with my new friends.

We’ll be road-trippin’ from Los Angeles all the way over to Miami. Our plan is to spend a few days in 3 major cities: Austin, New Orleans, and Miami, stopping to discover new adventures along the way! 

Although these are well-known cities, we plan on showing you the locals’ perspective and hopefully introducing you to some places you’ve never even heard of.

HERE  WE GO!

 

 Check back often for highlights, photos, and tips!

AUSTIN, Texas - Day1: Vampires are So Hot Right Now

We finally made it to Austin after days on the road. (At this point I couldn’t actually tell you how long we were on the road, or what day it is – it’s one big blur – but I’m having fun!)

So, I’ve been going on and on to the crew about how excited I was to head south and feel some real Summer heat.  I mean, I love steam showers and saunas so anywhere with 100 degree days should be like a spa, right?!  Well, it’s definitely hot here – REAL hot. Ok, I’m kinda melting and I feel like I’m getting a laser treatment when I stand in the sun, but I’m down for anything, so let’s do this!

 

My crew has an exciting night planned for us. Matt has an uncle who lives in Austin, so he’s giving us the low-down on Austin’s City Secrets. So, tonight we’re going to check out the bats. -Yes, bats! Like creepy/cute black mice that fly. I’m excited! (because, you know vampires are SO hot right now!)

I’m told every night in the summertime thousands of bats fly out from under the Congress Ave bridge and over the city in search of food (bugs) and it’s a must-see, so off we go!

We arrive at Lady Bird Lake and it's just beautiful! It’s just starting to get dark, and the skyscrapers are glistening and reflecting on the water. Wow. Hundreds of people have gathered to see these little bats! I’ve never heard of this, but apparently everyone here knows this is the place to be on a summer night.

To get the best view, (and to cool off) we rent a boat from Capital Cruises.  Capital provides boat rentals as well as guided tours at Ladybird Lake. We got a "Duffy" rental.  These boats are really cute, easy to operate, and start at $65/hour. Ours' could easily fit 10 people, so it’s a bargain if you’re with a group! 

www.capitalcruises.com

We head out on the water and wait near the Congress Ave bridge. It’s really a beautiful lake and even if there were no bats, I’d be cool just hanging out on the water all day. 

HERE THEY COME...

Like clockwork, as soon as the sun sets, people start cheering and taking pictures and we start to see some bats. Then some more… then LOTS more!!

This is unbelievable. There are so many bats that the sky now looks to be filled with black clouds! They’re so tiny, you have to squint to see individual bats, but they fly together in giant swarms and streaking formations, so the effect is breathtaking. I’ve never seen anything like this!

The display lasts about half an hour.

 

We all loved the show and agree we’d come back again and again. If you're visiting Austin, this really is a must-see! 

Check back tomorrow for Day 2 of our Austin adventures.

AUSTIN, DAY 2: There are WATERFALLS in Texas?! What the "F" (Bomb!)?

Ok, call me naïve, but I was kinda expecting more dirt roads and cows in Austin. I know it’s a large city with a world-famous music scene and diverse culture..but it is in Texas. Turns out, Austin is quite scenic. It’s actually Gorgeous here!
 
In fact, just outside the city you can find large rolling hills, natural springs and even… WATERFALLS!!

Yep, there are waterfalls in Texas! Who knew?!

So, today we get to go see one! It’s at Hamilton Pool just outside of Austin. Now, this is one CitySecret the locals really like to keep to themselves. It’s not even listed on Austin city’s tourism website. Cool. Our local connections are really getting us the goods!

I'm REALLY excited because I’ve actually never been to a waterfall before. I’ve always dreamt of this day --- I just figured it’d be on a tropical island. Oh Texas, I love you already! Yee haw!

When we get there, we park in the public lot at the bottom of the hill and told to follow the path up to Hamilton Pool.
 
HAMILTON POOL TIP#1: Don't wear your cute 5" platforms. The hike to the falls is uphill and rocky. (Not too steep, but best to wear tennis shoes or flat sandals.)

Anyway, we make it to the Pool and it’s this beautiful cove-like beach with giant semi-circle of a cliff shading parts of the water. Very cool. 

People are lounging on the beach, socializing in the water and climbing rocks under the waterfall. Aaah, paradise!
 
Unfortunately, the giant waterfall we saw in the pictures is reduced to a light trickling you can barely see on this hot summer day. Guess the scorching heat that’s dehydrating my body did the same to the poor waterfall. Oh well! It’s still gorgeous – let’s cool off! 

Picture Perfect! 

https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/find-a-park/hamilton-pool

 

Hamilton Pool Travel Tips: Entrance is only $10 per car so load up your friends, pack your picnics and your favorite drinks because you’re gonna want to spend all day at this hidden oasis.

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Time to Get Some of 'Dat Sugar!

After all the sun and swimming, we’ve worked up quite an appetite. Time to get our grub on -and what better way than to chow down on some good ‘ol Texas BBQ.  Yum!

Today, we’re gonna check out the Sugar Shack, a local BBQ joint in Austin known for it’s slow-smoked “sammiches.” (Not sandwiches)

We arrive at the Sugar Shack, and it actually is a shack – on wheels! Interesting. I’m guessing it’s no bigger than 10 feet long by 5 ft wide?! Anyway, who cares! It smells DELISH!! Can’t wait to try it... But first, I gotta make it!

www.sugarshackbbq.com

I meet owner Mark Avalos, who invites me to step into the shack and glove up. There’s a GIANT smoker by the back door, almost as big as the shack itself. Now, it’s already 100 degrees outside. Throw in the giant smoker and squeeze myself, the owner, Matt and Todd (the cameraman) in the 5 ft wide shack and things start to get sticky. Looks like I’m finally getting that steam/sauna I’ve been asking for!

Let’s check out the menu to decide what we should make to eat. Hmm… we have the Notorious P.I.G., the Bama Jama, JJ’s Dynomite, The Texas 2 step, ‘lil Sumthin Sumthin, Piggy smalls, and the "F" Bomb! Each sammich comes loaded with smoked meat and a variety of toppings even more interesting than their names. We’ll take one of each!

Mark takes me through the process of making these famous bbq delights. At this point, I’m a hot mess, and so are these sammiches – but in such a good way!  I’m starting to see why this place draws such a crowd. We used different kinds of bbq sauces (including a white one!)  fresh pulled pork, brisket, chicken breast, - Some of these babies are loaded with more than 4 different meats, with jalapenos, queso, the works!  Yes, yes, and YES!  

We finish preparing the goods and it’s finally time to grub!

Each “sammich” seems to be about the size of my head, so Cristina, Todd, Matt, Jena and I decide to share. We grab our forks and dig in to barbecue heaven!

The sammiches are the most amazing, disgustingly beautiful things I have ever seen. – and the taste is completely mind-blowing. One bite of the F-Bomb and your tastebuds will never be the same.

If you’re in Austin – Get ‘Dat Sugar.  You’re Welcome.

** SUGAR SHACK TRAVELER’S TIP:  If you plan on checking it out, you better get here early. The Shack opens at 11am and crowds line up to get a taste of their famous bbq before it’s gone! Literally! Here at the Sugar Shack, they sell out every single day… and when the food runs out, the shack is closed!  

AUSTIN, DAY 3: Chicken-Fried Steak with a side of Honkey Tonk

It’s our final day here in Austin, and the crew has planned an evening out for our wrap party! Yay!

 

Yesterday, we discovered some of the city’s truly great CitySecrets, but today we’re heading to one of Austin’s most recognizable landmarks – the Broken Spoke!

The Broken Spoke is one of Texas’ oldest and most famous dance halls and it’s supposed to be about as country as you can get – luckily I’ve packed my cowboy boots!

We head over in the afternoon to check out the place and meet the owner, James White. We pull into a dirt parking lot and head into the red wooden building decorated with carriage wheels, neon signs and American flags. A sign on the front door reads “Through this Door Pass the Best country Dancers in the World!”  Aside from the neon, this place looks straight out of an old Western movie. Yes!

Inside, we’re greeted with red checkered table cloths, pool tables, and James White – A real cowboy dressed in full “honkey-tonk” attire. The boots, the hat, and a bright blue scarf. Very flashy!

The walls are covered in beer signs, old photos and their famous quotes like “Home of the Best Honkey Tonk,” and “Cold Beer and Good-looking girls to dance with.”

James shows us around and leads us into his “Country Museum.” The museum section is LOADED with pictures of James and just about every country star you can imagine. James is full of Southern charm and he’s really proud of his Broken Spoke!

I get a sit-down interview with him amongst the memorabilia, and this guy is about as sweet as they come! Although plenty of country stars have performed here, James is clearly the star of the Broken Spoke. As soon as we start the interview James takes over, telling me stories about the history, all the stars who’ve passed through and the Broken Spoke’s long list of accomplishments – including having the Best chicken Fried Steak in town – and to him, that means in the world. We end the interview with a little impromptu dance lesson from the legend. Love it.

The Broken Spoke is family owned and operated. James’ wife came up with the recipe for their famous chick-fried steak and his daughter, Terry runs the two-step lessons – which I’m about to try out!

The Broken Spoke takes their two-stepping real seriously (no line dancing allowed) so I need to learn the ropes before the evening starts!

Daughter Terry leads me past the bar and museum through a single door that opens into the large dance area. There are seats lining the dance floor and a small stage where the musicians perform. Terry is a little spit-fire, with short, bright blonde hair and energy enough to power the place. Let’s get our two-step on!

The two-step is a couple’s dance, and I didn’t have a partner. No worries, little Terry grabs me and pulls me into a close stance taking on the cowboy role. The lesson was great! Terry is a great teacher and fun! Now to try it out before the crowd shows up. The music starts and Terry man-handles me across the dance floor spinning and even "dipping" me. We dance together until the band comes in to set up. Think I’m ready!

Wheldon Henson is performing tonight and is allowing me a quick interview before the show. Wheldon is a tall, handsome drink of Cowboy,  who confidently walks over and shakes my hand while holding a beer in the other. We get in a quick sit-down before the crowds start pouring in and Wheldon takes the stage.

Just as it gets dark, the parking lot starts filling up with pick-up trucks and the dancing commences.  Wheldon and his band really get the crowd going and the dance floor fills up. Before you know it, me and the CitySecrets girls are being whisked onto the dance floor by every cowboy that passes by. Weee!!

The drinks are flowing and the dance floor is on fire. The Broken Spoke does not disappoint.  We loved the Broken Spoke so much, that we partied ‘till they closed the place down. It was the perfect end to an already amazing time in Austin.

www.brokenspokeaustintx.com/

The Spoke was about as authentic of a dance hall as you can get. The cowboys are real, the boots are stomping and the beer is cold. Thank you Austin! We will be back!