Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Lake Austin

"Designed to feel more like a Hill Country ranch than a restaurant, Contigo is just north of much of Austin's action, drawing families on the weekends with kids who love to run around its outdoor space. The steaks and burgers are well worth going out of your way for, as are the cocktails, which are mostly seasonal. You'll feel like a real Austinite here, surrounded by locals from the neighborhood at one of the family-style tables and chatting up the staff that seems to know every anecdote about what's served here and where it comes from."

"Contigo is a choice location just outside of downtown for amazing, well, everything. The completely outdoor rustic eating area is true to Texas and very rancho-chic. The food offerings are farm to table and as such, vary often based on ingredient availability."

"Situated on Anchor Lane just by the Southwest Greenway, the first thing diners notice about Contigo is the fantastic open front and huge outdoor dining area. This is because the ow..."

"Probably Austin’s most beloved park, Zilker Park is famous for the huge "Rock Island" and “Great Lawn” that hosts everything from the Kite Festival to ACL Music Festival. With room for literally hundreds of pick-up soccer games, off-leash dogs and people lounging on blankets, Zilker is the heart of Austin. This park is great for: Straight-up relaxing or participating in outdoor activities."

"The gem of Austin’s parks system, Zilker Park is 350 acres of forested areas, open spaces and trails. If you’re bringing a dog with you, head to the 46-acre Great Lawn near the western edge of the park along the MoPac highway. You and your dog may have to share the space with soccer players, picnickers and Frisbee hurlers."

": How about exploring the sights of Austin, just the two of you?. This informative and fun private open pedicab tour of Austin is romantic to boot. It’ll take you around Austin’s best sights and that too at the pace you like."

"In past years, Austinites have enjoyed other inspiring train bridge messages like, “FOCUS ONE POINT AND BREATHE,” and “LIFE IS CHANGE, BE FLEXIBLE.” Photo: Rebecca L. Bennett, Brave Bird Photography. Walking across the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge will present you with some unique selfie opportunities in front of Austin’s beloved Lamar train bridge graffiti, Lady Bird Lake, and the city skyline. Currently, the Lamar train bridge reads: “NINJA STYLE KUNG FU GRIP” and “NEVER GIVE UP,” thanks to some brave graffiti artist who continues to defy (and confound) railroad officials year after year."

"It’s sunny and 65 today, so I had to go on a quick walk by the lake!. • In other news: I started a new series on SoMuchLife.com today!. It’s called “What’s On My Nightstand,” and it’s a catch-all where I’ll share all the books, podcasts, audiobooks, movies, and Netflix shows I’ve been watching."

"Unplugged at the Grove is a free outdoor concert series every Thursday during spring and summer at Shady Grove in south Austin. Bring a blanket and let the music wash your worries away. This free music event starts at 8 pm."

"The Grove is an Austin cult classic that continues to go from strength to strength. The focus here is on enjoying great food and wine, and creating a space for people to meet up, c..."

"www.workhorsebar.com This is cool little hipster and dive bar nestled on the North Loop. While the space is small, this location is perfect for eating, drinking and having fun after work. Come here with friends if you want to hang out on some funky furniture, drink an awesome array of cheap beers, and eat some delicious bar food."

"Walk into the wonders of a historic house as you enter O’ Henry Museum, the former home of William Sydney Porter, the famous short story writer known as O’ Henry. Within the museum are various period pieces that include the acclaimed writer’s past correspondence, drawings, and unpublished manuscripts. This is also an opportunity to see his original photographs, furniture, decor, and housewares that reflect the heritage of ages past in Austin."

"Within the East Sixth Street National Register Historic District you’ll find the Brush Square Museums, a trio of free must-see museums. The Susanna Dickinson Museum is the stone home of the only Anglo adult survivor of the Battle of the Alamo; the O. Henry Museum is the quaint, Victorian-style former residence of the famed short story writer; and the Austin Fire Museum is housed in the still active Fire Station #1, built in 1939."

"Henry Museum on 5th Street offers a look into the life of William Sidney Porter in the Austin years leading up to his controversial prison term, after which he assumed the pen name O. Henry and set about transforming himself into the famed short story writer. You can’t tell from the quaint house in the photo but this house is now surrounded by buildings in Downtown Austin."

"Not only does Fluff Meringues & More offer meringues, marshmallows, and an array of baked goods, they also have create-your-own pavlovas!. A pavlova is a large meringue topped with cream and fruit. Here you’ll pick your shell flavor, filling, toppings, and drizzle."

"Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop is a shining example of what a little creativity can do for one’s baking. Starting in 2008, owner Olivia O’ Neal has continued her mission to provide some of the best cupcakes in Austin. The bakery dedicates itself to quality in everything it makes, and features a monthly rotating menu made with only high quality and fair-trade ingredients."

"Sugar Mama's mission is to serve the freshest and most delicious baked goods around town and has been keeping Austin sweet since 2008. Some of the baked treats, which are made from scratch, include macarons, cupcakes, cookies, cakes and pies."

"If you’re visiting during the summer, take in a free Austin Symphony ensemble concert, Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m. on the Long Center lawn."

"Founded in 1993 as an education outreach program, One World Theatre is today a working green-built theatre made out of 85% recycled plastic foam. The theatre — built to resemble a Tuscan villa — showcases the artistic talents and diverse art forms of world-renowned artists in a uniquely intimate forum. Before most concerts, dinner is available at One World Café, which serves fresh, seasonal fare alongside full bar service."

"The Zilker Hillside Theatre is a beautiful outdoor venue in Zilker Park. Bring the whole family for one of their family-friendly shows. Arrive early so you can claim a spot in the grass and pack a little picnic."

"Zilker Theatre Productions, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has provided award-winning, free admission entertainment since 1959, boasts an audience of over 50,000 for the beloved Zilker Summer Musical."

"The Zilker Hillside Theater, located in Zilker Park, is an award-winning theater. It mainly features family-friendly shows that are open and free to the masses."

"The Rice Bowl café is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Austin if you’re looking for the most bang for your buck. The portions here are enormous and filling whether you opt for a rice or noodle dish or a main entrée like the home-style bean curd. The floor to ceiling windows also make this café a great spot to hang out with a view."

"11220 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753Details: plenty of Chinese dishes to choose from hereWhat to get: combination lo mein"

"Chef Shawn Cirkiel, who grew up on a farm, made farm-to-table dining in Austin a thing before it was a thing. Since 2008, this upscale gastropub has been packed with happy hour revelers (Zagat named the happy hour among the ten best in Austin), oysters-and-bubbles lovers (on Wednesdays, Parkside sell both half off), and diners craving one of those epic bacon cheeseburgers (among the 101 best in America, according to The Daily Meal). The flagship restaurant of Cirkiel’s Parkside Projects Restaurant and Hospitality Group, Parkside stands out on bustling Sixth Street as a hip space with exposed-brick walls, steel posts, Edison drop lights, and local ingredients that are famously fresh."

"As the first gastropub in Austin, this sophisticated spot is devoted to sustainable cooking in a playful, ever-evolving manner. Vegetarians will be happy as well; Executive Chef Nathan Lemley loves his veggies and delights in creating scrumptious meatless dishes. Diners can also enjoy one of Austin's best happy hours, offering half-price on all cocktails, beer, and bar food until 6:30, Monday-Friday."

"Skip the hangover that usually comes after a night on Dirty Sixth and head over to Parkside. The American-style plates and energetic vibe give this Sixth Street restaurant a fresh feel."

"5900 W Slaughter Ln D| District is one of the city’s top neighborhood gems located in Southwest Austin just off of Loop 1. A New American-style concept by Amir and Ali Hajimaleki, the restaurant promises fresh, chef-inspired dishes, creative cocktails and a relaxing indoor space with a massive patio. The happy hour is unbeatable with $5-6 craft cocktails and appetizers, along with $3 domestic beers (included Austin Beerworks Pearl Snap) and $5 glasses of wine with a daily featured half-priced bottle."

"Two Locations| District Kitchen is a suburban neighborhood restaurant located in Southwest Austin. The new American-style concept is lead by co-owners and chefs Amir and Ali Hajimaleki, boasting chef-inspired dishes, creative cocktails and a relaxing indoor space with a massive patio. The happy hour is unbeatable with $5-6 craft cocktails and appetizers, along with $3 domestic beers (included Austin Beerworks Pearl Snap) and $5 glasses of wine with a daily featured half-priced bottle."

"The desserts at both locations of the New American restaurant from pastry chef Dennis Van are decadent, like the Chocolate Wasted, a chocolate sponge cake paired with caramel popcorn, gelato, coffee buttercream, and an almond-cocoa crumb. View this post on Instagram. There is no better way to start out your weekend than with a 20 layer Nutella crepe cake!"