For about ten years, before my kids were too deep into elementary school, we lived in Cinco Ranch—a sprawling suburb out in Katy, TX. My husband worked long hours in Houston, and at one point, he had to be at the office so early to oversee the opening of a trade desk that we ended up renting a tiny studio apartment downtown just to cut down on his commute.
During those years, I ran my own photography studio and later transitioned into a role with a software company based out of New York City. While those occasional business trips to “the city” were a nice change of pace, they were jam-packed with meetings and events from breakfast to dinner.
The thing is—I’m someone who really craves solo time. And with young kids and a full plate at work, quiet time alone was a rare luxury. Even my home office wasn’t sacred—if a kid was sick and staying home from daycare, they’d be camped out on the toddler bed next to my desk.
So, every now and then, I carved out what I liked to call a “momcation”—a couple of days, just me, every six months or so. And my favorite escape? Austin. With its quirky charm, great food, and fun hotel options, it hit all the right notes.
Hotel San José
My go-to spot to stay was Hotel San José, a boutique gem tucked away on South Congress. It’s dog-friendly (Austin in general is super dog-friendly), so sometimes I brought my pug, Leo, along for the ride. He was a fan of the treats at check-in. The rooms were minimalist and cozy, the pool area was lovely, and I still think about their breakfast bento boxes—delivered to your door with fruit, a muffin, coffee, juice, and yogurt. Such a sweet start to the day.
Booking Perks
One visit, I wandered down the street to a food truck park and discovered avocado fries that I’ve been dreaming about ever since. Sadly, one of my old favorites—Flip Happy Crepes—is no longer around, but the city’s food truck scene is always evolving with new gems popping up.
And then there’s the music. Live music is practically a way of life in Austin. On any given night, you can find a spot with a great band playing. And if you’re visiting in the fall, Austin City Limits takes over the town for not just one, but two weekends. Other festivals happen all year long—SXSW in March is huge, especially for music, film, and tech. There’s also the Austin Blues Festival, the Pecan Street Arts Festival, and the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar—because yes, even your holiday shopping comes with live music and cocktails here.
If you’re heading to Austin in the spring, make time for the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. I visited one year in May, and it was absolutely blooming. And don’t miss the bluebonnets in early April—rolling fields of soft blue and purple flowers dotting the hill country make for some truly magical views (and photos).
Insider Guide to Austin
Ready to plan your own momcation—or any kind of escape—to Austin? I’d love to help you make it happen. Let’s chat and get your trip on the books.
