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Austin Road Trip 2012
By Laurie | March 29, 2012
A few weeks ago we decided to take a weekend road trip to Austin in the new car. Luckily the weather was nice – high 70s and low 80s in March, y’all! I forgot the days we chose were the last weekend of SXSW, Spring Break, and St. Patrick’s Day, but we decided to go anyway.
We made a stop in Waco to tour the Dr. Pepper Museum. I was probably in the 6th grade the last time I had gone through the entire thing, and Dave didn’t remember ever doing it before. It was still interesting, and we of course had to buy a drink to go from the old time soda fountain and a six pack pure cane sugar DP for my dad. It is definitely a fun pit-stop if you are a fan and have never been.
Awhile back when we were planning our trip to Paris I was obsessed with watching the Food Network and Travel Channel for fun places to visit while on vacation. I had remembered that Adam Richman (Man v. Food) had visited Round Rock, Austin and Driftwood, and I had been looking forward to trying some of those places ever since.
Once I saw Round Rock Donuts featured, I knew I had to try one. I am not really a donut person. I’d pass them over for a kolache any day. If I do have a donut, hot is my favorite. Our local Krispy Kreme store closed, so it has been awhile since I’ve had one. We pulled into town around noon and the place was still packed and we had to park next door at Papa John’s. We ordered a glazed Texas Sized, because who can resist a warm pastry the size of a toilet seat. But seriously? It was awesome! We ate it for several days, and we both thought it was one of the best ones we’ve ever had. I would definitely stop again on my way through town.
Next we checked into our hotel and made the scenic drive through the Hill Country to Driftwood, Texas. People have been going crazy for The Salt Lick as long as I can remember, but I had never made it out to the original.
Supposedly the atmosphere is half the experience, and I’m going to have to agree with that. The property is lovely with vineyards, picnic tables and a wine cellar. They even have live music. We met our friend Ruby, and waited about 90 minutes for a table. I wish I could say it was worth it.
We all ordered the All-You-Can-Eat for $20 a pop which included brisket, ribs and sausage as well as potato salad, coleslaw, beans and toast. Meh. To me the best part was the unique BBQ sauce. The peach cobbler was even disappointing– more like bread pudding consistency than pie like I was expecting. I’m glad we checked it out to say we experienced it, but it was highly overrated in my opinion.
That night we went to the Alamo Drafthouse to see an indie movie Dave had heard of and wanted to see, and we were introduced to Waffles and Spaghetti O’s, a complementary treat (eww) from the theater that tied into the movie. It. Was. Disgusting. On the plus side, I sipped sangria and had the best fried pickle spears ever. We haven’t eaten this bad in a long time.
My very favorite restaurant in Austin is Le Cafe Crepe. I could eat Chloe Nutella and Strawberry crepes every. single. day. The crepes here are as good as the ones in Paris, and I only wish I could find a place like this in DFW.
We had a great time, and I am looking forward to our next adventure. This trip inspired me to suggest that we try a new restaurant we’ve never been to at least once a week. Hopefully we will enjoy trying new things and finding some new local favorites. Wish us luck!
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