I visited Austin for the first time back in April for a work conference and all I can really say is wow! (Edit: I originally wrote this in May but just now getting around to editing and publishing)
I 100% understand why Texas holds the heart of so many now.
While I wish I had more time to explore the city of Austin, I feel like I made the most of the free time that I did have when I was there.
I kept my schedule packed and hopped around the city to make the most of my time there and I’m so excited to share some of my favorite luxury stops with you this blog today.
For this trip, I really wanted to focus on custom pieces that traveled easily that would remind me of my time in Texas. So many of these items would make prefect gifts or would be great for those traveling with not a lot of luggage.
If you’re heading down to Austin Texas soon, be sure to let me know which one of these stops will make your list of places to visit!
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Table of Contents
Expedia
I get to travel a lot which is a true blessing. But being honest, it can get real expensive if you don’t have tools like Expedia at your side.
I have been an Expedia partner for several years now and I can save hundreds of dollars on each of my trips simply by comparing and booking with them.
Expedia offers some of the best hotel and car rental rates all in one place so it’s convenient to use.
From total packages, things to do, individuals hotel, car and flight bookings– even cruises; Expedia will help you get to where you want to be in the most enjoyable way possible.
As a business woman, I use Expedia all the time to book for work, but as a mom, I love using Expedia to plan out quick weekend getaways for our family.
Expedia helps us get more trip for less and create wonderful family memories together during our down time, and makes business trips feel like a breeze to book.
With the holiday season just around the corner, be sure to lean on Expedia and see how much you can save just by checking them out
Getting Around– Waymo Ubers
Austin is one of 15 cities currently that offers Waymo taxi services.
For a LONG time, I have felt skeptical about self driving car services– for a multitude of reasons. But my experience in Austin really changed my mind.
These rides were really pleasant and it was comforting to know that there was an operator that I could easily get a hold of if I needed too.
One issue that kept pooping up was people trying to get into the wrong car.
The Waymo taxis will actually flash your initials on a banner so you know which car is for you. But not everyone knew that.
Several times someone either popped into a car designated for me or tried to enter a car I was already in.
What was really comforting was that in those instances, the car either didn’t leave (because I was not in the car) or didn’t open the door (because I was still inside).
I ended up leaving Austin with an apparition for these little self driving cars and hope they come up to the PNW soon.
If you’re traveling to a city that offers Waymo taxis, use the link down below to try it out with some credits.
The Domain
For those looking to immerse themselves in a luxury environment, a stop at the Domain outdoor mall is a must.
This luxury Simon mall boost over 300 acres of premier lifestyle entertainment, dinning and shopping.
The Domain had plant of free parking, lots of open park spaces, cool murals and or course all the shopping you could want.
I wish I could have spent some more time here as they truly did have pretty much everything a girl could want. But since my time was limited, I decided to stop by these stores down below.
Louis Vuitton
For ultra luxury lovers, the Louis Vuitton store is a great stop.
The Austin Store, while small, has some great art work, including a beautiful set of trunks with a western motif painted on it.
It is also one of a handful of stores to carry the Louis Vuitton beauty collection in stores.
As a beauty lover myself this was awesome to see as it allowed me to test out the different shades to see which one suited me best before I committed to purchase. They even had samples of the lipstick!
For my travelers though, stopping in and designing a hot stamp for your passport cover is something I look forward to doing in every city!
For me, I got “ATX” with a guitar stamped on my cover, as Austin doesn’t have and official stamp. But you can design whatever you want.
But if passport covers aren’t your thing, but you’re looking for something travel related, you can always look at one of their many travel books.
I purchased a coffee table book on the fashion history of rodeo in Texas, and the styling and photography is amazing!
Coach & Coach Cafe
I’m a Coach girl and this store is located about 5 minutes away from the Louis Vuitton, so I had to make the stop.
Being completely honest, I do wish the Coach store itself had a bit more to offer product wise as it was very small. Plus I was hopping that it would give me more Westerner and Texan vibes.
But the staff more than made up for the lack of product with hospitality.
The best part of this Coach store was actually the Coach Cafe.
1 of 8 locations nation wide, the Coach Cafe is a cute little coffee shop serving up breakfast pastries and sandwiches, Coach Tabby shaped cakes a long with Stumptown Coffee (Go PNW!) and match.
I stopped by a few minutes after the store opened and it didn’t take long for there to be a line, thought it moved quickly.
I got a strawberry matcha, which was pretty decent and not over priced, as well as an egg breakfast sandwich which I really enjoyed!
The Tabby cake was super cute, but for me just a little too sweet.
The Coach cafe also sells in stores only merch which is admittedly adorable. I wish I had gotten the sweater but my luggage was already filled to the gills.
So I got this cute little keychain and tote bag instead.
JW Marriot
While in Austin, I stayed at the JW Marriot in downtown Austin.
The JW Marriot is one of my favorite luxury hotels and I always have such a wonderful experience with them.
From convenient locations with sweeping city views to world star service, staying at a JW Marriot property will make even a work trip feel like a luxury vacation.
This particular JW Marriot has a roof top pool and bar over looking the city (where you can see and even hear the bats at night which was really cool!) and a full service spa that even offers express massages for those who want to get a little spa treatment in but short on time.
located in downtown Austin, the JW Marriot also is in a prime location and it never seemed to take too long to get anywhere and no Uber was too expensive.
I know picking the right hotel can feel overwhelming–especially if you are new to a city. If you’re looking for spot that will have you feeling like you’re at the center of everything and in the lap of luxury, book with the JW now.
Longhorn Fashion
If you’re looking for a cute boutique to shop in or a fun, Texan experience with a little bit of charm, then Longhorn Fashion is going to be a great stop for you.
This unique shop has all the fixing you expect out of a college boutique shop– lots of cute boho and western clothes and adorable accessories.
But the main attraction for heading over there? Hands down the cowboy hat charm bar!
They have an assortment of hat colors to pick from with tons of charms, beads, feathers and ribbon to decorate with.
They can even brand your hat for you which is so fun to watch.
If you’re looking to do something that feels fun and custom, especially if you’re with a friend or looking to purchase gifts, add this store to your list.
Tacovas
I have been told by many Texans that if I want real cowboy boots with a luxury experience, Tacovas is the place to go.
Founded in Austin, Texas in 2015, their boots and hats are actually handcrafted in Leòn, Mexico–known for their leatherwork and craft artisans.
I visited the Tacovas flagship founding store on South Congress street where they had the most stock available.
The store was crowed even for a weekday, but service and hospitality was never lacking. Nor were my options for boots.
I ended up getting a sunset ombre color way for my boots and got them branded in store for free which was such a fun processes to watch.
Along with a live branding service, Tacovas offers a free in store bar, serving up bourbon, tequila, local brews (or non alcoholic beer if you don’t drink like me) or sparkling water while you wait on services like getting your shoes stretched or shined (also free) or perusing around the store.
Final Thoughts
There is so much that Austin as a city has to offer and I honestly have to make a long stop that is’t just for work.
For the luxury lover, the city is rich with the traditional sense of luxury, but also in art, food and cultural.
Austin is a city that I’m very excited to plan a return trip to and I’m already marketing which consignment shops luxury stops I want to prioritize next.
That said, I’m glad I was able to find such gems like Longhorn Fashion for our custom cowboy hats, stop by the original Tacovas, try out the pasties and drinks at the up and coming Coach Cafe and even play around in make up at the Louis Vuitton store.
If you would like to see my adventure in Austin, Texas, definitely take some time to check out my blog. Or stop by my Instagram to see more behind the scenes.
Is there somewhere in Austin I need to make sure I stop by the next time I’m in town? be sure to let me know down below!
