5 Things to Check Out in Austin, Texas-am_il_v1001_i_126bf1f8e3bc1e221928e00c168529a331_c69fe13b9c3b2c9606e445b5f16caadc12

Odd Duck Restaurant

1201 S Lamar Boulevard

In a city that is home to the best up-and-coming chefs in the country, food has become a religion. Bryce Gilmore has been named a finalist for a James Beard Award two years in a row and his latest brick-and-mortar, the more extroverted brother of Gilmore’s first restaurant Barley Swine, is laid-back in its offering and innovative in its preparations. It serves up locally-sourced, comfort fare in small plates, with a distinctive molecular twist. Fancy a chicken-fried quail’s egg or a cornmeal pancake with coffee mayonnaise? Odd Duck’s dishes are, well, odd in a good way.

5 Things to Check Out in Austin, Texas-am_il_v1001_i_97ed2f86722d6e94288f804ce2eb89d151_fb5115347e90d06922e52553a14970b601
5 Things to Check Out in Austin, Texas-am_il_v1001_i_38481964cfbb4924e587b4316dda8a2722_587ed94715589bd828faaaacb77ee2f914

Stubb’s Bar-B-Q

801 Red River Street

Not only has Stubb’s Bar-B-Q been serving up some of the best barbecue in Texas since the 1970s, it has also been the breeding ground for some of Texas’ most legendary musicians like Stevie Ray Vaughn and Willie Nelson. Head over during the weekend for decent grub, ice cold beer and live music.

5 Things to Check Out in Austin, Texas-am_il_v1001_i_27c7618d2061cdbeb2a0de54d0823db430_84a3123cbcf6c5ebab95239f6182806c08

Lady Bird Lake

There is much more to this lake than just a pretty view from its banks. The sprawling 189-hectare grounds are also a major recreation area for the city of Austin. Visitors can join in the fun, whether for a spot of hiking, biking or canoeing.

5 Things to Check Out in Austin, Texas-am_il_v1001_i_20b6ae2c56f4bbeea4aa02370f9f992258_1e18beb9d79aa3ffcab4e554697cfce539

Houndstooth Coffee

4200 N Lamar Boulevard

When in Austin, wake up and smell Houndstooth Coffee. Revered by locals and visitors for its broad range of unique brews derived from sustainable and seasonal beans, this establishment is the place to enjoy an aromatic cuppa in the outdoors, and bask in the toasty June sun.

5 Things to Check Out in Austin, Texas-am_il_v1001_i_8828831536492341e5e0a53ac4af7bb080_c1570bfa9c75916de886d10f1dbfd69340

Absolutely Batty
Every night until mid-November, the largest urban bat colony in North America (approximately 1.5 million) will fly out from the crevices of the Ann W Richards Congress Avenue bridge in search of food. Keep your eyes peeled 8-8:30pm.

This guide was written by Philip Anderson Edsel, a writer, photographer and the lead guitarist in Courrier, an alternative-rock quartet in Austin, Texas. Never one for dull moments, he tours America with his band and goes on photography adventures with his wife. Keep up with his on-the-road lifestyle via Instagram @philipandersonedsel.