It seems that someone still finds value in traveling to Austin (no matter what that Huffington Post article said). Travel + Leisure recently ranked Austin the No. 9 spot on its list of Best U.S. Cities for Affordable Getaways.
Though some have challenged Austin's worth as a weekend getaway due to "everyone ... here looking so stressed" (not true, David Landsel!), Travel + Leisure finds plenty of redeeming reasons for a Capital City vacation, namely the bang for the buck. For the national magazine, that comes in the form of summertime favorites like food trucks and swimming holes.
Hungry? Hit a food truck. "Among the best food trucks, for instance, is Gourdough’s on South Lamar, which may finally legitimize the donut as a complete meal: its Boss Hog donut ($5.50) is topped with pulled pork, potato salad, and honey BBQ sauce," touts the publication.
If you want to cool off after your donut super meal, take a dip. "One of the most classic, all-ages Austin experiences costs just $3: taking a dip in Barton Springs in Zilker Park; it’s great for some free and colorful people-watching."
Kansas City took the top spot on the list, earning recognition for cheap hotel prices, "fun factory-style tours" of Hallmark and Boulevard Brewing Company and budget-friendly (read: burnt) barbecue. San Antonio ranked No. 3 for its free historic attractions (Remember the Alamo!) and for the affordable option to B-Cycle along the Riverwalk for just $10 per day.
At No. 7, Houston was recognized for "the city's old-school Tex-Mex [Ninfa's on Navigation]" and other deals like complimentary wine at art openings and free programming at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Dallas/Fort Worth took No. 16, with a nod to the Dallas Museum of Art and $9 minor league baseball games with downtown Fort Worth views.
Eat up at Gourdough's.
