Girlfriend Getaways The 30s Itinerary

Nothing like $3 mimosas and Bellinis to start the day on a celebratory note. With Northern Italian, farm-to-table breakfasts, this inviting patio restaurant is likened to tavernas in Italy known for treating customers more like friends and family.

What started as a food truck delivering sweet treats has blossomed with an additional brick-and-mortar locale in north Austin. Serving hot, fresh mini-donuts in a wide variety of new and exciting infused sugar flavors, Little Lucy’s creates bite-sized donuts made with natural ingredients.

Handcrafted coffee beverages, made-to-order fruit smoothies and pastries offer a quick jump-start for a day of shopping.

Share memories and delicious Italian tapas, savory plates and rustic pizzas in this industrial-chic restaurant. High ceilings, exposed brick and cascading Edison bulbs are a rich backdrop for the locally sourced, sustainable ingredients and eclectic wine list.

Authentic Japanese ramen is all about rich, slow-simmered broths. Jinya’s signature stocks start with Fiji water, whole pork bones, chicken or vegetables and just the right amount of bonito, dashi, kombu and other quality ingredients that simmer for more than 10 hours. These rich broths are perfectly balanced with handmade noodles aged to perfection over three days and a variety of traditional toppings for a flavorful, healthful, unforgettable meal.

Lunch, happy hour, dinner — each is a sushi treat at Blue Sushi Sake Grill. There’s plenty to choose from: raw and not raw maki, nigiri and sashimi, all of which go down well with a specialty cocktail. A favorite is China Doll, with Skyy blood orange vodka, scratch jasmine tea syrup, pomegranate, lime and Fever-Tree club soda.

The L.A.-based cupcake shop that started it all, this social spot offers everyday favorites and fun surprises. Traditional flavors juxtapose with chai latte, banana dark chocolate and triple cinnamon. Gluten-free and vegan options are available, as are cookies and ice cream and an unbelievable all-hours cupcake ATM. It delivers instant miniature cakes on demand and is oh, so conveniently located directly across from Archer.

Sometimes, the best vacays are right where you are. Archer’s 2nd-floor alfresco pool patio showcases a star-bottom splash pool — ideal for cooling off (and taking cool Instas) — a ginormous TV above an outdoor fireplace, fun bar games (corn hole, ladies?) and shaded cabanas. Second Bar + Kitchen eats and buzzy drinks are available poolside, as well.

Utilizing a combination of recycled and fairly mined materials, Mejuri creates fine jewelry meant to be worn every day. A classic-and-cool example? The Diamonds Open Ring, with ethically sourced stones and a delicate elegance.

Ready to wear, accessories and footwear are refined and modern yet simultaneously vintage in feel — with an Italian flair. The company’s manifesto? Perfect imperfection, along with positivity, energy and shared values.

The Canadian-born fashion brand offers “beautiful clothes in aspirational spaces with exceptional service.” Both classic and on-trend pieces easily transition from work to play without missing a beat.

Luxury retailer with an always-reliable selection of something special, fun and fashionable. Book a personal stylist (24- to 48-hour notice) for a customized shopping adventure complete with a special GIRLS group dressing area. Drinks, food, mini facials and makeovers are easy adds. Your Archer decade hostess can set you up.
 

Within walking distance to the hotel, you’ll find one of the three Austin stores of local fashion-lifestyle brand Kendra Scott. Looking for a unique vacation memento? Customize your own jewelry at the signature Color Bar, an in-store experience where personal style meets instant gratification.

This iconic avenue has a shotgun view of downtown Austin and hosts homespun shopping, dining, art and a constant supply of music. Great for strolling and discovering such places as Allens Boots, Big Top Candy, Lucy in Disguise and Magnolia Café.

Quirky urban décor, live music and lawn games make this a fab indoor-outdoor space. Food from scratch, inventive cocktails and a 3 – 6 PM weekday happy hour. The unique antipasti menu showcases delicious and hard-to-find meats, cheeses and vegetables. We like the pretzels and provolone fondue and pork belly nachos, too.

“Straight outta Ireland” — this Irish-American pub serves Irish-American grub that’s complemented with an extensive beer list (82 and counting) Irish whiskey towers and plenty of sports-laden TVs.

Go out right. Scratch kitchen, crafted bevs and entertainment collide in a swanky-chic warehouse space. It’s dominated by bowling lanes, table games, all-you-can-sing karaoke and retro video games offered around a central bar serving communal punch and eats. Punch bowls are for sharing, or try any variety of old or new school happy hour specials.

Indoor, outdoor and rooftop bars with sweeping views and touches of Southern hospitality including sweet tea vodkas poured from a frosted tap. Happy hour weekdays 4 – 7 PM.

Perla’s patio bar is one of Austin’s best. With plenty of oak trees supplying shade and ambiance, plus festoon lighting and table umbrellas on the wooden patio, it’s a relaxing way to enjoy an afternoon cocktail (or two) and an oyster (or more).

Late March through early autumn, a huge number of Mexican free-tailed bats leave their “bat cave” (aka Congress Avenue Bridge) around sunset. They’re excellent at controlling the area’s bug population, and they’re a popular evening attraction. Plan on arriving early for best parking and viewing.

Where the Colorado River meets Barton Creek, Austin comes to play. Whatever your speed, this 350-acre epicenter of recreation is the perfect place to take in sculpture gardens, swimming holes and nature preserves. Forge forever memories while exploring trails on foot or by bike, or cool down on kayaks or paddle boards.

Working-distillery tours are a great excuse to explore Texas Hill Country. Award-winning Treaty Oak Distillery is located on scenic farmland and offers delicious bites, as well as sips and educational tours. Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery isn’t far away and offers a great tasting room with food trucks on-site.

Take a two- or three hour tour on a “bike” for 15 guests (plus two tour guides) around Austin. You’ll pedal (OK, motor-assist is available) while sightseeing, and the bike stops at bars, restaurants and shopping opportunities. There’s even a dedicated Craft Beer Ride for groups of 6 – 30 adults.

Named after actress Esther Williams, this premier magic and comedy troupe is the place to find laughs and levity, including satire, sketches, music and magic. It’s Austin’s answer to SNL and your answer to letting loose your wild and winsome selves.

Worlds collide in this critically acclaimed, refashioned laundromat. Both retro and polished, the spirited neighborhood eatery’s nearly indescribable menu is gourmet, new-American fare infused with a Mediterranean influence. Great local brews and a sensible wine list are priced so affordably that multiple bottles are a no-brainer.