Needing a little getaway without the hassle of hopping on a plane? Pack your bags, roll those windows down, crank up the music and head Southbound 35…

Where To Eat

Sammie's

807 West 6 St. / sammies.com

Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Una bella notte comes to life at this hip Austin eatery nestled in a landmark building on Sixth Street. Italian cuisine at its finest—Sammie’s beckons with authentic dishes, including linguini vongole, eggplant parmigiana and more.

Justine's

4710 East 5 St. / justines1937.com

Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Little Blurb (regular font size)

Perla's

1400 South Congress Ave. / perlasaustin.com

Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: In search of some alfresco fun? Perla’s is the ticket. This buzzy spot offers the perfect blend of flavorful cuisine in a festive ambiance and has been a go-to hangout for locals and visitors alike since opening its doors in 2009.

Olamaie

1610 San Antonio St. / olamaieaustin.com

Sourcing seasonal ingredients in upscale environs, executive chef Michael Fojtasek serves up his culinary spin daily.

Where To Stay

Austin Proper

600 West 2 St. / properhotel.com

Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Summoning with swanky designs by interiors queen Kelly Wearstler, the Austin Proper hotel is a must-visit. This hip spot is constantly abuzz, whether you find yourself poolside overlooking Lady Bird Lake and sweeping city views or dining at any of the decadent eateries inside.

The LINE

111 East Cesar Chavez / thelinehotel.com

Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Retro, reimagined is how we like to describe the LINE Austin. Perched between Town Lake and downtown, the hotel offers free bikes to explore the city.

Hotel San Jose

1316 South Congress Ave. / bunkhousehotels.com

Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: One can almost feel like they are cozied up in a treehouse while staying at the Hotel San José. Nestled under canopies of verdant greens, this boho-chic hotel hosts 40 bungalow-style rooms, including 14 suites.

Where To Explore:

Zilker Metropolitan Park

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2100 Barton Springs Rd. / austintexas.gov

Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: One of Austin’s finest treasures, Zilker Metropolitan Park offers activities for all to enjoy. The sprawling land (spanning over 351 acres) is home to health and wellness retreats, exercise classes, concerts and more. One of our favorite spots? Dive into Barton Springs on a warm, sunny day.

The Contemporary Austin

700 Congress Ave.; 3809 West 35 St. / thecontemporaryaustin.org

Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Creative conversations and thought-provoking ideas come to life when visiting the Contemporary Austin. This creative epicenter touts two locations as a hub for all things arts (including art school). The Jones Center is amid the bustling part of downtown and Laguna Gloria sculpture park that offers incredibly peaceful lakeside views.