I went to Texas (Austin, to be exact) for the first time recently for a business trip. Check out this vlog following my adventures for the few days I was there–from BBQ, to brews, to ice cream, and beyond!

The first thing I noticed about Austin (or Texas in general, rather) is that there is so. much. open. space. A refreshing change–being from the Bay Area where grandiose office buildings seem to be popping up every month and filling up what open space there is.

I stayed at the Archer Hotel in a newly developed area called The Domain which featured retail shops as far as the eye can see as well as a quite hipster selection of mid to high-end restaurants and bars.

     

Speaking of hipsters, did I mention that the hipster scene in Austin seems to be pretty happenin’? Part of me wondered when I arrived in Austin whether I should’ve invested in some cowboy boots or other attire of the like for the occasion, but I soon realized that that was not the case.

There are many different neighborhoods in Austin, and during my short stay I got to explore a bit of SoCo (South Congress Ave). This is a great area for a brisk walk to see some great sights and do some window-shopping (or actual shopping!). The neighborhood is strung with numerous boutique shops and locally iconic murals.

Sugar-y deliciousness from Amy’s Ice Cream. I got the flavor called “Butterfly” which consisted of sweet cream ice cream, ladyfinger biscuits, and a butterscotch drizzle. Can I get an amen?

View while walking across a bridge looking towards the Congress Building.

I only got to spend about 5 working days in Austin so I definitely didn’t get the full Austin experience (though I did still have a fun time exploring what I could in that time!). I’d love to go back some day and see some more of the city. Since I came here for a business trip and not out of my own planning, it was refreshing to travel somewhere that I would’ve never thought to go. Perhaps a US road trip sometime in the future?…*adds to bucket list* Until next time!

So what are your next travel plans? Let me know in the comments below! As for me, I’ll be heading to Korea in just over a month 🙂 Stay tuned for a vlog series I’ll be filming during my time there. Let me know if you have any suggestions or tips for traveling to Korea, as well!