Mentioned by Trip101
10 Best Romantic Places In Austin, Texas - Updated 2021
"The Harry Ransom Center has ruffled a few feathers over the years – Britons have accused the archive of poaching their national treasures – but there's just no arguing with the scope of the HRC's stunning holdings. The collection includes some 36m manuscripts, making unlikely neighbours of Lord Byron, Isaac Bashevis Singer, David Mamet and Robert De Niro. (A forewarning: though materials are readily available to researchers, appointments are required.) The first-floor gallery rotates materials from the archive – recent shows include a retrospective on futurist Norman Bel Geddes and a photographic history of basketball – while permanent exhibits include a complete Gutenberg Bible, the first-ever photograph, a chronicle of the Center's first 50 years, and a regularly updated showcase of books based on HRC research materials."
"And, we mean ridiculous in a really awesome way: 42 million manuscripts, 5 million photographs, and 100,000 works of art. The permanent collection includes pieces like an original Gutenberg Bible, the first-ever photograph!. Other notable works include Frida Kahlo’s self-portrait and some 42 million manuscripts from the hand of everyone from Lord Byron to Albert Einstein’s calculation notes."
"Harry Ransom Center is one of my fave Sunday afternoon places in Austin. Free admission and exhibit galleries open every day except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Did you know that you can see the Gutenberg Bible at the Ransom Center?"
"Looking like a town of its own, The Domain is a mixed-use mega development still under construction in north-west Austin’s high-tech corridor. The first phase was ready in 2007, and at the time of writing in November 2019, the third phase was well underway. On walkable streets with live oaks, cypress trees, low hedges and flowerbeds, the Domain has apartment and office blocks with restaurants, cafes and bars on their first floors."
"Just 20 minutes north of downtown The Domain is simply an awesome outdoor shopping and entertainment district. If you forgot something for your trip (if you’re vacationing here), or you have a bunch of free time, there are lots of restaurants and stores worth exploring. Photo curtesy of simon.com/mall/the-domain"
"The Domain is kinda cool, and it has things like Topgolf, but The Domain seems like every other city in the states. It’s not very unique."
"This mall overlooking downtown Austin is the city's largest, so if your time's limited, it's a good bet for finding most everything you need. Inside, wood, leather, and tile impart a sense of permanence, a perfect complement to the quality goods you'll encounter at places like Sephora, Williams-Sonoma, Coach, and Talbots. Plenty of sit-down and quick-serve eateries pepper the mall, and anchors include Dillard's, Sears, JCPenney, Macy's, and Nordstrom."
"Perched atop a large hill in southwest Austin, Barton Creek Square is anchored by Nordstrom. The youngsters flock to the Apple Store, Lego Store, Pottery Barn Kids and the 14-screen IMAX theater. It’s the best place to shop in air-conditioned comfort during Austin’s brutal summer heat."
"Barton Creek Square is the modern, sleek outlet mall you’re looking for in Austin, Texas. With two floors of shops and kiosks, you can spend an afternoon perusing at your leisure. But before you go, make sure you stop for a tasty meal at the food court."
"This beautiful outdoor mall has tons of kid-friendly eating options for your little ones. Shop and then when you’re hungry, grab a bite from any of their eateries. 12700 Hill Country Blvd Ste, T-100, Bee Cave, hillcountrygalleria.com"
"The Arboretum at Great Hills has plenty of shopping, lots of delicious restaurants and a cute place for the kids to play, the famous cow sculpture garden and park. Restaurants and eateries in the Arboretum include Amy’s Ice Cream, Barnes & Noble Cafe, Blue Baker, Brio Tuscan Grille, Drunk Fish, Estancia Churrascaria, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Teapioca Lounge, The Cheesecake Factory, and Zoe’s Kitchen. 10000 Research Blvd, washingtonprime.com/map/profile.dT/the-arboretum"
"Ao5 Gallery is Austin’s largest contemporary art gallery and has been committed to bringing a wide selection of accessible fine art to Austin for over 20 years. We are constantly changing our display of featured artists to attract new visitors and keep the gallery fresh. With multiple artists receptions and events each month, there is always something new to see and experience, even for frequent visitors."
"Art on 5th is one of Austin’s largest contemporary galleries. The unique space, with its museum-like setting spanning over 6,000 square feet, features an eclectic collection of modern and contemporary artworks by Texan, American and international artists. The gallery was opened in 1988 by Joe Sigel with a collection of works by renowned artists including Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol."
"Ao5 Gallery is committed to representing an eclectic variety of accessible fine art that Austinites are immediately drawn to. They constantly change their display of featured artists to attract new visitors and keep the gallery fresh. With multiple artists receptions and events each month, there is always something new to see and experience, even for frequent visitors."
"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. As a premier shopping center in Austin, Northcross Mall is an ideal place to dine, shop, and engage in fun recreational activities. Ice skating is a popular leisure activity in the mall."
"For a real sweet treat, check out the new french pastry house FoliePop’s. Located at Hill Country Galleria, they offer both sweet and savory treats with TONS of options. They have great coffee options too."
"One of the newest shops on the scene, Venezia features real Italian gelato from Italian owners Alice and Nicola Morella. Linger over one of the rotating flavors, such as green apple or toasty pecan, with a coffee or espresso. Or grab a Mr. Ring—that’s a gelato “doughnut” on a stick—to go, along with an imported specialty, such as balsamic vinegar or Amarena cherries."
"10815 Ranch Rd 2222 Building 6 Suite 212, Austin, TX 78730 512-614-0146. “Great donuts, service is quick and you can tell the staff is hard working!!. ” “Super friendly staff and yummy doughnuts.” “I usually order a donut or two, iced chai, and a croissant or kolache.” – howdy-donut.edan.io"
"The South Austin doughnut shop’s array of, well, very sold doughnuts, both yeast and cake. Of the latter, the blueberry cake doughnut is a sure bet."
"Since opening in 2009, the improv and stand-up venue tucked into an alleyway on Lavaca has cultivated an affecting, bizarro approach that sets its weekly programming and classes apart from other local comedy clubs. Its small theatre creates immediate physical contact between audience and performers, and in shows like Stoned vs. Drunk vs. Sober and the creative writing prompt open mic Playpen, run by (sometimes overly) intense comedians, the "fierce experimental mixture" of styles hits you like a humor freight train. No venue in the city is as unpredictable, abstract, or inclusive of up-and-coming improvisatory talent."
"Opened in 2007, the The Institution Theater is home to a great staff of teachers to help with improv, acting, comedy writing, and stand-up. Owner Tom Booker has worked with The Second City Theatre in Chicago, performed in off-Broadway productions, and helped write and direct films. The Institution Theater offers classes in each of these areas, with different levels of improv, comedy and film script writing, and stand-up classes."
"The Hideout Theatre in Austin is well known for its improv productions. These productions are showcased Thursday-Sunday, featuring both independent performing groups and shows produced by The Hideout Theatre. This downtown club also offers several levels of improv classes for students from kids to adults during the week, as well as showcases for those who attend and want to show off their acting skills."
"5 out of 5 stars Restaurants Ice cream parlors East Cesar Chavez. The ice cream at Austin's first liquid nitrogen shop begins with non-GMO, hormone-free, grass-fed dairy from Liberty Dairy (Hico, Texas), plus fair-trade chocolate and organic, local produce. Each serving is spun to order with liquid nitrogen, which produces more condensed ice crystals, resulting in a smooth and ultra fresh frozen dessert."
"SPUN Ice Cream is filled with local and organic ingredients and shift seasonally. All of the ice creams are fresh and spun to order with liquid nitrogen to ensure it is always creamy and smooth. Make sure you try the mocha shell made with real coffee and check out the latest specials."
"The Thai rolled ice cream shop in the western area of downtown Austin has a major focus on vegan options (yes, there are non-vegan flavors too). Takeout orders can be placed in person, and there are third-party deliveries too, including Favor."
"North LoopUnapologetically cute Sweet Ritual makes killer vegan ice cream that ditches the dairy without losing one iota of flavor by incorporating plant-based ingredients like nuts, coconut milk, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, hemp seeds, and avocado. Devotees swear by Peanut Butter Chocolate (swirls of chocolate chunks in a creamy peanut butter base) and Death Metal by Chocolate (locally baked, gluten-free chocolate cookies and chocolate “freckles” in a double chocolate sunflower seed butter base). They also make gorgeous ice cream cakes.How to book: Stop by for counter service or order delivery via Favor and Uber Eats."
"Previously in a Juiceland and now in its own brick-and-mortar, Sweet Ritual serves its entirely vegan and plant-based chilly treats on Airport Boulevard. But just as it always has, the shop serves scoops made from a base of coconut, almond, cashew, peanut or sunbutter. Stop by the new old-timey–inspired parlor for a truly allergy- and special diet–friendly treat, right down to the gluten-free cones and naturally derived hues."
"OK, so it’s not technically a restaurant, but as far as we’re concerned, Sweet Ritual focuses on the most important food group: ice cream. With a delicious, dairy-free assortment of small-batch artisanal ice creams, this sweet shop in the Concorde Center strip mall also offers a variety of sundaes, milkshakes (“basic” and “fancy”), and Insta-worthy ice cream cakes."