Summer Guest

My sister recently came to visit and we wanted to give her a wonderful week here in the city where she was born, but has lived away from now for over 50 years. It was hot, but that's what early summer can be, sometimes...and we had a blast. So in case you've got guests coming to see you, here are some fun suggestions to enjoy:

We definitely ate a lot of places, some that we chose and some that were on her list. So here they are:

The GOAT in Pflugerville - it's near our house, and it's a pretty place, and we enjoy the food there! It was a fun meeting place with my brother, the first night she arrived.

Dan's Hamburgers - We opted for the one in south Austin, and their burgers are a family fave. Diner atmosphere, and memories - because we've been going there forever. An Austin icon.

Velvet Taco and Amy's Ice Cream - Up on north I-35 in Round Rock, these two places sit across the parking lot from each other. Our kids chose this evening's food fare, and Velvet Taco did not disappoint. And neither did Amy's. We even strolled through Tyler's after...a fun evening for sure.

Jimmy Vegas - our favorite new BBQ spot - it's in Georgetown! And the sides - well they're plenty...and to die for.

Mesa Rosa and Casa Garcia's - We chose these because my sister wanted the combo plate old style everything on it - plate. Both places have tasty ones and lots of food.

Schlotzky's - she loves their sandwiches and so do we...nothing better.

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  Enlightenment Coffee - a new place in Round Rock that is my husband's fave - and it's so pretty inside!

  
  

As for going places, we opted for lots of different things:

Waco - this was a great day trip to the silos and to the 1928 Hotel for brunch before we shopped. It was a hot day so we enjoyed lemonade at the silos, for sure!

Kids things - Our kiddos all had games and concerts and they were so fun to see. Kid things - they're always a must.

Farmers Market - She wanted to experience a Texas one, so we took her to Wolf Ranch's market in Georgetown. It's big, full of lots of options, and we got lots of goodies.

Laguna Gloria and Mayfield Park - Right by each other. We ordered a pastry box from Spread & CO, on the ground at Laguna, walked to see the sculptures and then stood amazed at the peacocks at Mayfield Park. Go early, as it gets too hot later!

Bat cruise - this was booked and scheduled but we had to decline due to weather. We've done it before, and it's fun, sunset cruise and watching the bats fly. Boat down by the Hyatt in downtown Austin.

Local tour - one morning we just drove to tour our neck of the woods - Pflugerville. We shopped at the florist downtown because it's a cute shop too, my sis wanted a Pflugerville tee and they sell them at the recreation center, we showed her our small lake and Frost Bites (great slushes!), and even the Fedex bomber house from years ago...just local things.

A movie - this was a must with the siblings, so my brother joined us at AMC Tech on Parmer - for a movie and popcorn - and food! Great venue and tasty bites.

The Domain - a shopping excursion with the girls - couldn't miss this opportunity!

A Broadway musical - we chose Moulin Rouge - the music was fantastic and she loved it - at the Bass Concert Hall.

It helped having a schedule, and she enjoyed looking at it daily to see where and what we were doing. It also helped me, the host, to have it all written up to follow as we could. Of course, schedules get interrupted and change, but we made great memories while she visited, and I can't wait for her return!