The Wurst Time in Texas

It's impossible to stay away from Austin for long. The BBQ and cheap fares on Frontier lure us time and time again. Last November we made a quick three day jaunt. We took the red eye and arrived bright and early. Thanks to a glitch I secured an amazing rate for an SUV on Alamo's website, it pays to keep checking rates long after you've booked. We were exhausted and in need of sleep, but first, breakfast. Yelp led me to Snooze an AM Eatery. Despite the great reviews, I honestly thought it was a bit of a dud. A snoozefest, if you will. Nothing was bad, it just lacked that something "special" that could've helped to justify the price ($34).





After filling our bellies, we checked into our Airbnb; we stayed with Alice again. Her place is just too perfect to pass up. Super comfy and superb location in Zilker.



We hit all of our favorite haunts: Cooper's, Rudy's and Torchy's - Always stellar. Plus, a trip to Oasis on Lake Travis is always a must. And a few hours at the Cigar Room has become tradition. It was Frank's choice to hole up there to watch the Sunday football games.

You might remember we made friends with Jim in Grenada, Nicaragua. He was our tour guide at Mombacho Cigar Factory. He's now living in Austin. So, we made plans to meet up at Stile Switch.

[Photo: Yelp/Rashi J.]

It was new to us, we had to try a bit of everything. The Frito Pie was amazing with big 'ole chunks of brisket! The beef rib was outstanding too. We now have a third BBQ joint to add to the list of favorites. It was a delight to catch up with Jim. We ended up chatting to the wee hours of morning over scotch and cigars at his neighborhood cigar lounge.

We took a day trip out to New Braunfels to check out Wurstfest. It's a ten day festival honoring sausage! They say, "everything is bigger in Texas!" so we felt we were in for a treat. It was the wurst. You must go, if given the opportunity. I loved it.







Not only was there sausage galore and pork chop on a stick, but we also found the BEST POTATO PANCAKES!!





The trip to New Braunfels meant a stop at Buc-ees!



I tried not to drool all over the jerky case while making our selections. I want to try them all!!





Frank picked up Topo Chico Mineral Water. I guess it's been around forever, but it was the first we've had it. It was love at first sip. We've searched all over Vegas for it and it's pretty scarce. I have ordered cases from Walmart.com and we bought in bulk when we went to San Felipe, MX. We are hooked.



If that wasn't enough reason to love Buc-ee's there was also this shirt with just the right amount of cheese.



We've traveled to Austin plenty, but we had never been to the capital building and we spent very little time on 6th street. It was time we changed that. The balmy weather was perfect to stroll the beautiful grounds. The gardens attracted dozens of butterflies it was a sight to see. I appreciated the architecture of the capital building; the limestone and granite, deep colored woods, the columns and scroll work - all lovely. The arched doorways & windows were positively dreamy and the rotunda was quite stately.















Over on 6th Street, we were asked to save the bees and the children. Businesses were welcoming West Virginia since many had traveled to see the Mountaineers vs. the Longhorns. We settled into the cigar shop and chatted up a local performer that popped in for a smoke. His life is music. He's happy as long as he's playing. I wish I had passion like that. I've always envied those who know what's needed to fulfill their mind, body and soul. Aside from traveling and to love and be loved, I tend to come up empty. Heck! I'm still searching for what I want to be when I grow up. Anyhow, we always enjoy Austin. This trip was no different.