May was a very busy month for me. I traveled for work two weeks in a row. I also managed to break my pinky toe five days before my first flight. This required buddy taping my toes and wearing the ugliest boot you've ever seen. Not a good shoe to wear while running through airports.
My first trip was to the great State of Texas. It had been 17 years since my last trip to the Lone Star State; far too long in my opinion. I had a wonderful time exploring Austin, which felt so very familiar to me. I was doing some shopping on Congress Avenue and realized this city reminded me of Madison with it's eclectic shops and weirdness. It's no wonder the slogan of the Capitol of Texas is "Keep Austin Weird."
The shops on Congress are fantastic! This funky little shopping district has an awesome view of the Capitol building, amazing restaurants, shops and things to see and do!
I visited Allens Boots, Big Top Candy Shop, Co-Star, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds (coolest costume shop ever), Parts & Labour, Maya Star and South Congress Books.
I had the most delicious dinner at Magnolia Cafe (Guy Fieri featured this place on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives a few years ago so I had to check it out). I even took a drive around the infamous 6th Street district which was hoppin' with people, music and wild fun.
Maya Star had some of the most colorful clothing. Check it out: http://www.mayastar.com/
The Capitol.
A shop on South Congress selling hippie themed art.
Looking north on South Congress toward the Capitol building.
Magnolia Cafe menu.
Allens Boots
Lucy In Disguise with Diamonds
The coolest part of the Austin trip was checking out the Top Notch.
All right...all right...all right!
This should look very familiar if you grew up in the 90s like I did. I'll give you a hint:
I also toured some wonderful parks and did some "hiking" - as much as one can with a broken toe of course.
Dana Peak Park, Harker Heights, TX
Chalk Ridge Falls, Belton, TX
Chalk Ridge Falls, Belton, TX
Dana Peak Park, Harker Heights, TX
Dana Peak Park, Harker Heights, TX
But the absolute best part of my trip was getting to see Magnolia Market and the Dr. Pepper Museum in Waco, TX. I confess: I didn't know much about Chip and Joanna Gaines as I've never watched an episode of Fixer Upper. But a few days before my trip I went to a birthday dinner for my sister-in-law and her mom mentioned wanting to visit The Silos if she ever got the chance. My curiosity got the better of me and I discovered that Waco was an hour away from Killeen, TX where I was staying. My last day before going home I had a few hours to spare and decided to take a little road trip. It was way cooler than I expected.
Magnolia Market, Waco, TX
Magnolia Market, Waco, TX
Magnolia Market, Waco, TX
I was in love with it all. It reminded me of the country life on my grandparents' farm. There are flower and vegetable gardens, a food truck park, places to sit and socialize with other guests, and of course, the Magnolia Bakery. The market had so many amazing things (that I really couldn't afford) but I did get the cutest little cow salt and pepper shakers. The experience was beautiful. It was like stepping into an old issue of my mother's Country Living magazine. It was 98 degrees in Waco, a little hotter than I am used to, but I'd do that trip again in a heartbeat.
The Dr. Pepper Museum was just blocks away. Those who know me well know that Dr. Pepper is tied with 7-Up as my favorite soda. I was thrilled to see the history of these soft drinks. The museum even aired old commercials which brought back a lot of childhood memories. I want to visit again with my kids one day.
Dr. Pepper Museum, Waco, TX
Dr. Pepper Museum, Waco, TX
Dr. Pepper Museum, Waco, TX
Dr. Pepper Museum, Waco, TX
I am so grateful for the opportunity to travel for my job because of all the wonderful cities and towns I've been able to visit. After the Texas trip I headed out to Memphis, TN....stay tuned for those pictures in a future post!
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