One of my favorite parts of traveling is supporting the local community while I’m there. By that, I mean shopping at local boutiques, eating at independently owned local restaurants, and spreading the word about how much I love that destination. Considering how everything has been this year, it’s more important than ever to support the tourism industry and small businesses, even if you can only travel across your own city. When staying at a hotel on a quick getaway, you’re still helping the local community just by being there. You’re supporting the hotel to keep locals employed and the city’s tourism industry alive.
Thanks to my friends at Hotwire, I was able to get out and explore my own city of Austin and support the community I’m in. I actually live in North Austin, so I rarely get out to explore downtown! And thanks to Hotwire’s Hot Rates, I was able to score the amazing Hotel Ella for only $100/night. Pro-tip: browse on the Hotwire app, which narrows each mystery deal down to two potential hotels so you have more control of what you get! Booking my hotel with Hotwire helps me to save money, which I can use on other purchases while traveling – like dining, shopping, and activities!
I decided to spend my time exploring as many local businesses as possible during my stay. Here’s a guide to some of my favorite spots I hit up. They’re great small shops and restaurants to support whenever you’re in Austin!
Table of Contents
Taquero Mucho
This pink Mexican restaurant has been all over Instagram in Austin lately, and for good reason! And the good news is it’s as delicious as it is photogenic. Taquero Mucho is located in heart of downtown Austin just off of West 6th. Make sure to try crispy shrimp tacos, the chile con queso, and the tres leches for dessert. And for bebidas (aka your drinks), don’t miss the Actin’ Kinda Shady (that comes with adorable pink heart sunglasses) and Fresa Frosé (a strawberry frozen rosé served in a pouch).
Succulent Native
One thing I’ve been really into lately is plant shopping, so I had to hit up a few locally owned plant stores. My first stop was Succulent Native on North Lamar! Outside, they have a pink gradient mural with cacti across it that they’re Instagram-famous for. Inside, you’ll find mainly succulents and cacti, as well as a small curated gift shop section. I walked out of there with the cutest succulent arrangement in a Lady Face vase to put in my sunroom!
Suerte
Located on East 6th Street, Suerte is a popular local modern upscale concept bringing you traditional tastes from Mexico. Some highlights of the menu include their chips and salsa trio, Campechano quesadilla, Suadero tacos, and the Chocotaco for dessert (seriously, it’s delicious). It’s also probably a good idea to grab a reservation for here, as Suerte can be quite popular! I recommend sitting on the patio too if you have the option. It’s quite nice for Happy Hour!
Consuela
Consuela is an Austin-based designer bag brand that embraces vivid colors and prints. They have two locations in Texas – one in Smithville and one in Austin. I’ve been a fan of Consuela and all they stand for since they first started out. I love their mission to celebrate women (they regularly give away bags to nominated women deemed “Viva Babes” through their It’s Not About the Bag program). I also love that their team is located in Austin and Mexico, with products being produced in Mexican-owned factories by artists and their communities. It doesn’t hurt as well that their bag designs are super fun, and the interior design of their store is pretty great too!
Plant Party
Plant Party is another awesome small plant shop located in East Austin! They sell a variety of houseplants (seriously, the shop kind of looks like a jungle), and other fun things like terrarium kits. They’re really plant experts, and answered all my questions of what kind of plant would be able to survive in a room with strong light vs. low light, what would be pet safe for my cat, and more. I ended up purchasing a lovely Snake Plant that I’m very excited about.
All the Food Trucks
Instead of naming just one food truck, I wanted to mention that Austin is really known for our food truck scene. Seriously, we’re famous for it. And that means it’s hard to just name ONE food truck in the whole city as one to highlight. You can find just about any type of food in our food trucks, from BBQ at spots like Mickelthwait Craft Meats or J. Leonardi’s, gourmet donuts at Gourdough’s, Mexican street tacos at Cuantos Tacos (pictured below), Thai street food at Dee Dee, the all-vegan truck The Vegan Nom, Southern comfort food mixed with Asian cuisine at The Peached Tortilla, and even pancakes at JP’s Pancake Company, just to name a few of the over 1000 food trucks we have in the city. So don’t come to Austin without eating from at least one food truck!
Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with Hotwire. All opinions are my own.
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