Day Three Our family is always happy to reconnect with each other and nature while out on a trail, and Austin’s treasured Barton Creek Greenbelt is a refuge for outdoor enthusiasts, with multiple access points along 12 miles of shaded trails. In the summer, it’s a great place to cool off in the shallow creeks, descending waterfalls and swimming holes, but this urban oasis is equally stunning to explore in the fall. By this point, you’ve probably noticed tacos are basically their own food group in Austin, and Veracruz All Natural will satisfy everyone’s hunger with some extraordinary tacos that may have you pondering a move to Austin! After years of hard work and perseverance, the Vazquez sisters now own and operate six Veracruz locations around Austin, bringing authentic, fresh flavors from Mexico to each of their handcrafted menu items. Downtown Austin is full of photo-worthy stops, including our favorites: the corner of Lamar Boulevard & 5th Street boasts a colorful “atx” public art piece that attracts tourists regularly and the mural of “Jeremiah the Innocent” eagerly welcomes all to come say hello. When you crave a mid-day snack, enjoy the harmony of summer fruits and fall spices in a homemade pie from Tiny Pies . These adorable, individual servings of pie are made fresh daily with a flavor for everyone, including gluten-free and vegan options. Adults and children alike will appreciate an afternoon at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center , a botanical garden and arboretum brimming with native Texas plants and playful landscapes. Every October, they host “Fortlandia,” a diverse collection of artistically designed forts for families to explore. Book reservations online before you arrive. Your family can’t depart from Austin without experiencing its legendary barbeque, and this city has scores of outstanding restaurants from which to choose. Micklethwait Craft Meats is a consistent crowd pleaser without the lengthy wait times often found at equally lauded barbeque joints. This Central East Austin food truck serves up flavorful family-style meals of carefully smoked meats and standout side items, like jalapeño cheese grits and lemon poppyseed slaw. Your family can even preorder food a couple of days in advance to secure a delicious dinner for the end of your trip. Our crew has been visiting family in Austin for years now. We love that no trip is ever the same, each uniquely wonderful and full of personality in its own way. Between the great outdoors, local music festivals, quirky finds and an endless list of restaurants, Austin has plenty to discover during your fall family getaway.
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPT-OCT 2021 51
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