Austin, TX

A Vacation Insiders Guide

MEET ASHLEY DE JONG

Contact Ashley:
+1.512.897.6390

Introducing Ashley de Jong,

owner of 2 vacation rentals in
Austin. In Ashley's words, this
is a city where "We love local
and a little funky"! Ashley
owns Casa SoCo, a 1950's
remodel, with 4 bedrooms,
and Zen Retreat, a 200 sq ft,
garage apartment.

THOUGHTS FROM THE EDITOR

While Austin maintains some aspects of its Texan
identityand its status as one of Americas smallcity charmers, alongside places like Portland, OR and
Madison, WIit's truly a destination all its own.

head at the end of a memorable day. (For that last

option, I highly recommend Ashley's pair of adorable,
authentic vacation rentals smack-dab in the walkable
center of Austin.)

Few cities of any size can boast a sterling reputation for

all of the "good life" essentials: music, art, food, drinks,
sunshine, and, of course, friendly, welcoming people.
But Austin does it!

As a native Austinite with impeccable taste, Ashleys

credibility is through the roof, and I trust her suggestions
entirely.

Lifelong local Ashley de Jongs love of Austin shines

through in the following pages of this Insider Guide,
in which she introduces potential visitors to the best
places in Austin to eat tacos and BBQ, sip margaritas, go
for a tree-shaded jog, listen to live music, treat yourself
to some funky new jewelery, and lay your exhausted

E: info@vacationinsiders.com
W: www.vacationinsiders.com

I imagine that, once you depart the Austin City Limits,

you, too, will be singing its quirky praises for a long time
to come.

ABOUT ASHLEY & THE REAL AUSTIN...

Ashley is a native Austinite. She is 100% Austindifferent from the rest of Texas,
as locals are quick to tell youbut knows Texas-friendly hospitality like no one else.
Ashley is also a recovering non-profit professionalthe vacation rental hostess
gig was meant to be part-time. As it turns out, though, she's kinda awesome at it!
Ashley is President of the Keep Austin Beautiful Board of Directors, and a bit of an
evangelist for keeping Austin weird and funky and kind.
Casa SoCo is a dream home for Ash and her husband, Frank. Before they even saw
the house in person, they knew it had a special vibe. The house said "Chill." The
map said "Great Location." A no brainer.
Ashley & Frank's favorite day? A run/saunter around Lady Bird Lake, brunch at Snack
Bar, wandering up SoCo for people-watching and shopping, mid-day margaritas,
beer, tacos and free live music at Guero's Taco's, a nap at Casa SoCo, dinner at
Lenoir and an amazing show at the Continental Club or ACL Live downtown.
Foodies, music lovers, those who seek all things fun, beautiful and unpretentious:
Ashley will make sure you have the best time ever.

Foodies, music lovers, those who seek all

things fun, beautiful and unpretentious: Ashley
will make sure you have the best time ever

"You've got to go to Austin!" Ashley hears it (and says it) all the time. Austinites firmly
believe this is the best part of Texasunique and progressive, but with the same
abundance of sunshine, BBQ, football, and friendly folks. And in a state known for
its size, Austin has both quantity AND quality in its music, food, atmosphere and
people.
As Ashley says about this city-town, "we love local and a little funky." As the Live
Music Capitol of the World, you're guaranteed to hear fabulous live musicians every
night.
You'll also find merry-making, margaritas, hippies and hipsters. Ashley credits these
factors for Austin's laid-back attitude: "we pratice lots of yoga, consider Zilker Park
sacred, care about our people, cherish uniqueness, and welcome everyone in jeans
and flipflops."
Laid-back as it is, Austin is bold in the food department, leading the Foodie
Revolution with a dizzying number of farm-to-table restaurants and an affinity for
spice of all kinds. (It used to be Mexico, after all!) You could eat a different delicious
taco at every meal, all week long. It's also home to Paul Qui of Uchiko, Germans who
know how to bake bread, make sausage and brew beer, and truly the best festival
food ever (say "yes" to chicken karrage, "no" to turkey legs). And it's hard NOT to go
for a run downtown, around Lady Bird Lake, enjoying trees and color at the center
of the urban actionAustinites take their green space very seriously!

5 EXPERIENCES YOU CANNOT MISS...

South Congress a.k.a SoCo...

Live Music Capitol of the World...

Zilker Park & Barton Springs...

Lady Bird Lake and Butler Trail...

Sunset at 360...

Hands down, you must visit this wonderfully eclectic avenue filled with
local shops and restaurants. Take your time and spend all day and night
here. Mingle with locals and celebs at Jos coffee, find a perfectly quirky
piece for your home in Uncommon Objects, enjoy free live music and
margaritas at Gueros Taco Bar [Tip: There's a secret daily paid parking
lot a few blocks off SoCo on the corner of Academy & Ravine, close to
the Continental Club and Amy's Ice Cream]. Head left for SoCo shops.

Austin = live music! You'll find 25+ shows to choose from every day.
Check out The Continental Club on SoCo for great acoustics and variety.
The ACL Live on 2nd street brings larger acts to an intimate setting
and the outdoor stage at Stubb's is often rockin'. Try the Saxon Pub
on Mondays to see blues legends and our homegrown favorite, Bob
Schneider. If you have no fixed plans don't worry, most places have
musicians playing for tips every single night. [Photo: Vintage Trouble]

Home of the Austin City Limits Festival and more, Zilker Park has 351
acres, including volleyball pits, playgrounds, and wide-open spaces.
Hillside Theatre has great rocks to climb for the kid and the kid-at-heart.
Bike over with a picnic for a perfect day and an amazing view of the
city skyline. On Wednesdays in summer, enjoy Free Blues on the Green.
When it's hot, dive into Barton Springs, a beautiful, natural spring-fed
pool with 68F water year round. Cold! Park in the lot off Robert E. Lee.

Some of the best days begin or end here. Austin has a fantastic trail
downtown that circles around Lady Bird Lake. You can walk/run for
miles while getting an amazing tour of downtown, the lake (actually a
river), parks and more. Try this before your big night out and youll feel
much better the next day. Park under the Mopac Bridge at the edge of
Zilker Park and you can walk to stand up paddle, canoeing and rowing
rental spots.

Austin will deliver so many memorable photo opportunities. It's a

little off the beaten path but youll never forget your sunset over the
Pennybacker 360 Bridge. Pack a few snacks, a bottle of wine and a
blanket. Then take a short 20 minute drive to Loop 360. Park on the
side of the highway, north of the bridge and hike up the limestone cliffs.
Youll find a perfect perch after a 5 minute walk. Sit back, relax and enjoy
the fantastic view!

SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP...

Love to shop? Good! Whether you're looking for a new dress for a
big night out, or some budget-friendly pieces to wear around town,
Austin is the shopping destination for you.
With its high-end boutiques, trendy vintage shops, and contemporary couture
Austin has travelers of all ages, styles, and budgets scrambling to make room
in their luggage for one-of-a-kind finds. Here are some of Ashley's favorites.
By George SoCo caters to a younger clientele and offers contemporary clothing to impress. The merchandise
runs at a higher price point compared to other Austin boutiques, but youll find knockout dresses and your
favorite designers here. Price: $$$
Not your style? No problem! The Impeccable Pig is a great boutique with cute dresses, tops and chunky jewelry at
a very reasonable price. Its hard to walk out of the store without finding something you love. In need of a great
throw on summer dress (Austin's uniform)? The Impeccable Pig is where you should head. Price: $-$$
If you're looking for your next favorite accessory, Kendra Scott's boutique is a must. With an LA reputation
bolstered by celebs like Sofia Vergara, this Austin native specializes in super-trendy, fun jewelryfrom funky
studs to giant turqoise or black onyx dangles, bangles and necklaces. The Color Bar inside lets you customize any
pair of earrings from a large palette of colors. Prices start around $55.

On the flip side, if you're looking for chic and simple, pop over to Limbo for beautiful pieces. Price: $45 - $110.
For the eclectic shopper, Leighelena is the perfect mix of modern and thrift. This is a great place to pick up a gift
for a friend, find vintage clothes, or even slip your feet into some heavenly, broken-in cowboy boots. You'll find
trendy pieces here, as well, alongside the vintage finds. Price range: $-$$
Maya Star one of Ashley's favorite places to shop in Austin. The merchandise is trendy and the service is flawless.
Case in point: after shopping there, Ashley received a "Thank You for Shopping with Me" handwritten letter from
one of the sales associates. Truly a great local business that values customer service, with amazing products, to
boot! Price: $ - $$
Maybe it's best to just bring an extra suitcase! With so many trendy options, it's almost impossible to leave Austin
empty-handed. If you're still looking for inspiration please have a look through Ashley's SoCo shopping guide!

5 RESTAURANTS WE LOVE..

El Tacorrido...

T: (512) 912-1939| Reviews

It may not be fine dining, but the drive thru at El Tacorrido nails it every
time with fresh, hot, made-to-order tacos. Its not fast, but it comes right
to your car. You will never forgive yourself if you dont try their Tacos de
Pescado (fish) and Tacos Al Pastor (roasted pork) with fresh pineapple
and cilantro. The queso and handmade chips are delish, too.

Enoteca & Vespaio...

T: (512) 441-7672 | Reviews

Visit one of the first spots to bring South Congress to life, seving pasta,
risotto, salads and pizza. Vespaio is a larger, upscale Italian restaurant,
and its little sister next door, Enoteca, is smaller and more casual,
with a great patio. Both use ingredients from their own garden. The
name Vespaio was inspired by a wasp nest found after demolition.
Always buzzing and excellent!

3
4

Lenoir...

T: (512) 215-9778 | Reviews

Enjoy inventive farm to table dining at Lenoir, the loveliest place in

town, and sample small plates from their multi-course menu in a
chic, sexy, comfortable setting. No reservation? Still stop in to the
wine garden to chill under softly lit oaks and maybe take in a French
film. Tip: Ashley & Frank are members of Lenoir's CSRthey can get
you VIP treatment!

Snack Bar...

T: (512) 445-2626 | Reviews

Love this local, casual, clever place featuring another locally

sourced menu. Wonderful breakfasts/brunch. The Veggie Hash
with sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts, corn, bacon and a poached
egg is to die for. Open for lunch and dinner, with a perfect covered
patio just off SoCo. Its obvious the owners love what they do.

Sway...

T: (512) 326-1999 | Reviews

Further down S. 1st, youll remember your meal at Sway, a

swanky Thai restaurant. Sit with friends or strangers around a
square table and swoon over different tangy, spicy, fresh flavors
that dance in your mouth. Look for a pink/purple lotus flower on
a modern slate grey building.

Ashley's Restaurant Guide...

Looking for more options to eat and live like a local? Please refer to Ashley's full restaurant guide, aptly
titled the "Live Like a Local Guide"! You'll find a full list of restaurants, as well as some good grocery and
take away options. And, if you still want for inspiration, please let her know!

ASHLEY'S TIPS ON WHERE TO STAY...

Austin has a number of options depending on your needs. Below are the 2 rentals owned by Ashley
- Casa SoCo and Zen Retreat - along with an interesting boutique hotel. If these are booked out, or
you require a different size and style of accommodation, please let us know and we'll try to help out!

Casa SoCo...
This is Ashley & Frank's own vacation rental, located in the heart of
the South Congress & South First neighborhoods of Austin, Texas.
Rockstar treatment plus peace and privacy in a 4 bedroom/2 bath
1950's remodel with modern amenities. Luxurious linens, private
bedrooms and spectacular places to chill with your favorite people.
Walk or bike to tons of local shops and restaurants.
For more information please refer to the property website...

San Jose Hotel...

This boutique hotel brought that special something to South
Congress. Originally built in 1936 as a motor court, it has 40 rooms,
including a few suites. The hotel patio is truly zen and a wonderful
place for a drink - whether you are a guest or not. The rooms
are spartan but chic. Draws a particularly hip crowd. Some great
TripAdvisor reviews.
For more information please refer to the property website...

Zen Retreat...
Traveling solo or just 2 of you? Enjoy Ashley & Frank's hospitality at
the Zen Retreat, a detached, 200 sq ft. garage apartment with a pool,
spa and gardens. Completely remodeled and modern, this is a great
option! It's located in the West Lake neighborhood, just 2 miles from
Zilker Park and 4 miles from downtown.
For more information please refer to the property website...

ASHLEY'S Practical Information

Nightlife...

Getting Around...

10 Reasons Casa SoCo Isn't You...

You have options and they are all

close to Casa SoCo. The 2nd St
District has posh restaurants and
entertainment. E 6th St is filled
with incredible old buildings and
drunk college kids. W 6th St is a
bit more grown up with plenty of
bars and outdoor patios. Rainey
St has a fantastic strip of funky
bars and food trucks. And the
East Side has both tried and true
dives and most of the new talent
in the food and drink category.

All recommendations are an easy

walk, bike or cab ride away. Casa
SoCo includes 7 beach cruiser
bikes for exploring. A quick Uber
or cab to nightlife is $5-10 fare. A
frequent bus travels down South
Congress Ave to downtown.

Ashley has written this fun blog,

featuring the top 10 reasons
why staying at Casa SoCo is not
for you. Want to be a cowboy?
Looking for mediocre service?
Don't like strangers that smile at
you? Ashley & Frank think Casa
SoCo is downright awesome so
they dont sugar coat the details!
If this IS the place for you, then
head on over to their rates and
booking page - Ashley & Frank
would love to see you!

THE VACATION INSIDER PHILOSOPHY

PUT THE GUIDEBOOK DOWN...

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Vacation Insiders - travel guides direct from your host!

If youre an accommodation owner and would like to participate in the

Insider Guide series wed love to hear from you!
Email: info@vacationinsiders.com or Web: www.vacationinsiders.com
VACATION INSIDERS 2014 | www.vacationinsiders.com