Under $100: Austin, Texas, Winter Edition

Winter in Austin, Texas, brings ideal weather conditions with mild and dry temperatures, enabling visitors to stay outdoors and enjoy activities without sweating buckets and big crowds. Check out the following itinerary for a warm weather getaway, and remember to do as the city’s motto says and “Keep Austin Weird.”

For your first taste of the incredible food scene, head to Juan In A Million, a no-frills eatery featuring delicious breakfast tacos, traditional Mexican dishes and an outdoor patio where you can enjoy it on the east side of Austin. The spot is known for its Don Juan El Taco Grande — a huge tortilla with “a secret combination” of potato, egg, cheese and bacon ($4.60). Pair this with a bottle of sweet Mexican soda ($2), beer ($2.75) or a spicy bloody Mary ($4.99) to start your day on the right foot.

© Steve Lagreca | Dreamstime

Down the street from Juan In A Million sits Hops & Grain, an award-winning sustainable craft brewery renowned for its Greenhouse IPA series that changes its hop varieties monthly. The taproom opens early at 10 a.m. seven days a week. Here, visitors can sip on several samples for about $10 in the taproom or on the outdoor patio and enjoy four tours of the brewery.

Head to the Whole Foods Market headquarters in downtown Austin for lunch, where the range of food options is endless. Find something new to try while browsing the many buffets of prepared food; rather than choosing one dish, you can put a lot or a little of an item you want and pay by the weight of your plate. Swing by Bar Lamar in the store for a pint, glass or flight and some nibbles in the beer and wine department.

For some free afternoon fun in the sun, head to Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail, boasting 10 miles of trails bordering Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, and Zilker Park. Rent a bike from nearby Barton Springs Bike Rental, providing bikes starting from $7.50 per hour. Renters may keep the bike after three hours for no extra charge until the end of the business day.

Hope Gallery © Bryan Roschetzky | Dreamstime

Another free activity to enjoy in the nice weather involves a visit to HOPE Outdoor Gallery, a three-story educational art project and one of the largest outdoor galleries in the United States. Here, locals and visitors tag the concrete walls with their artwork, and you can walk around the area and admire the beautiful and unique large-scale art pieces free of charge.

If you find yourself in the city in January, check out Austin’s Free Week, providing 10 nights of free music and comedy at varying locations and different times. If you’re not there at that time, don’t worry, as bars and restaurants on the city’s famed Rainey Street feature live bands free of charge or for a small cover charge. Stop by one or several of the area’s incredible food trucks like Art of Tacos, Tapas Bravas or Bacon for dinner.

End the night at Friends Bar, located in the heart of Austin’s Historic District on its world-famous Sixth Street. The spot features live local bands seven nights a week and a live DJ dance party every weekend starting at 10:30 p.m., and never charges a cover.

Container Bar, Rainey Street © Hunter Cash | Flickr