I’ve been in Austin almost two weeks now. I’m still getting warmed up to the way of life here, and finding work.
As a way to keep my creative juices flowing, I thought I would start a journal here.
Austin is a much bigger city than Charleston, and nobody here knows me, or Extra Chill. It’s a completely fresh environment. I live in South Austin, about 15-20 minutes from the heart of the city.
A few places I’ve gone so far:
- Nickel City – dive bar with $1 wings on Monday nights. I went here with some friends on my first night in town. I had been a few times before during my visits to Austin and it’s a cool, happening spot.
- Frazier’s Long & Low – this is a sweet dive bar with great food. Also with $1 wings on Mondays and specials throughout the week. They have a $5 burger that is absolutely dank. Pool tables, shuffle board. Cheap beer. Smells like cigarettes. Feels like home.
- Antone’s – saw SUSTO here on my first official night out as a music journalist in Austin. Wrote a review
- Violet Crown – Late night hang after the show at Antone’s. Had Jew Boy Sliders and latkes. Were delicious
- Hotel Vegas – went here for karaoke on Thanksgiving night. Someone told me that it’s the epicenter of the local music scene in Austin. I intend to spend more time at this venue, which I hung out at a ton during SXSW.
I also did two Bat Kayak Tours on Lady Bird Lake with Boats & Bats. This was as a potential employee and I’ll be working these tours come February, when the season kicks off again.
Outside of the music scene most of my work experience comes from tourism and boats. I’ve arrived in Austin during the slow season for tourism. In Charleston, I have a strong network in the marine industry and usually spend the winter in a boatyard. I don’t have that safety net here in Austin, so it’s very much a “find work right now” type of situation.
I met a bike taxi guide who told me they need help during the Austin Trail of Lights in Zilker Park. I may or may not get involved with this. It would be a great way to learn my way around the city.
I’ve also really been digging the Taco Truck scene in South Austin. There are several great spots within 5 minutes of where I’m living. My favorites so far have been Taco Brother and Tacos El Monches.
That’s all for now. I’ll come back and update this as I get more comfortable in this new city.
Feel free to chime in!
