Kayla Hui

With temperatures starting to dip in Austin, now’s the best time to jet-set to cozier (and warmer) environs. From dozens of domestic to international departures out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the opportunities to relax are endless. In under four hours, you could find yourself soaking up the sun in Los Angeles, or, if an international getaway is calling, Cabo San Lucas is just a quick three-hour flight away. Prefer to stay closer to home? Texas offers plenty of destinations within a reasonable drive.  Wherever you’re wishing to go or itching to do, here are the best getaways from Austin. 

Texans might get the occasional eye-roll from out-of-state relatives when they announce they’re celebrating the holidays in the Lone Star State. Sure, Texas isn’t exactly known for wintry snowflakes or puffer jacket weather, but holiday cheer? There’s plenty to go around. From free community events to extravagant ticketed experiences, these holiday light shows prove that Texas knows how to sparkle.  

While I can’t call myself a native Texan, I have seen this state grow astronomically in the past two years since calling Austin my home. From visiting dozens of restaurants, museums and events to uncover the best things to see, eat and do across the Lone Star State, I’ve witnessed chefs pushing culinary boundaries and techniques, artists using recycled materials to bring communities together and city dwellers putting their own spin on viral events. To say that 2024 was an amazing year for Texas would be an understatement.  Ahead, explore Time Out’s “Best of the City” picks for 2024 and join me in celebrating the people, places and moments that shaped Texas this year. 

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Warning for the Dallas-Fort Worth area through the afternoon of Friday, January 10. The Dallas area is expected to dip into the low 20s in the evenings, with a chance of snow and sleet accumulation of less than half an inch.  While Texas is no stranger to winter freezes (ahem, the 2021 Great Texas Freeze), homes and businesses often lack the proper infrastructure to withstand bone-chilling temperatures. To help you prepare, here are some tips from Austin Water to protect your home and stay safe from the freeze.  Keep out cold air If you’ve noticed drafts around your home, now is the time to fix them. Austin Water recommends repairing or sealing broken windows, doors and walls to keep your home warm and your heating system running efficiently. Even the smallest leaks can let in cold air and increase the risk of frozen pipes.  Protect pipes and water heaters   When exposed to extreme cold, water inside uninsulated pipes can freeze and expand, leading to cracks, bursts and costly water damage. To prevent this, you can take precautions by opening cabinets to allow your home’s heat to warm the pipes and letting your faucets drip overnight. If you have an exposed water heater, insulate it to avoid damage.   Maintain a warm temperature  If you’re heading out of town, don’t turn off your heat. Instead, set your thermostat to at least 65 degrees. Keeping your home a few degrees warmer can make all the difference in preventing fr

If your “new year, new you” involves cutting back on alcohol, you’re in luck! Best Day Brewing is kicking off Dry January with a “Brew Thru” pop-up in Austin from January 3 to 17. The non-alcoholic craft beer brand will host a series of events where guests can enjoy complimentary six-packs of its non-alcoholic beers. From Electro-Lime to West Coast IPA and Galaxy Ripple Imperial IPA, each brew is free of GMOs and crafted with vegan ingredients, so you can sip guilt-free.  All pop-up events will take place from 2pm to 6pm at Magic Isle Record (927 W 12th St), offering plenty of activities, including live painting by muralist Zuzu Hunman, performances by local artists and comedians and a fun run led by fitness creator Eric Hinman. All events are free to attend, though RVSPs are encouraged. Start the year strong with these exciting activities. For more information, check out the full Brew Thru schedule below.  Brew Thru schedule: January 3: Welcome event January 4-5: Live painting by Austin muralist Zuzu Hunman (@zuzubee) January 7: Acoustic performance by musician Tony Kamel (@tonykamelmusic) January 10-11: Fun Run with fitness influencer Eric Hinman (@erichinman) January 13: Meet up with Austin influencer Paige Danoff (@soberandfunky)  January 14: Meet & Banter with comedian Josh Wolf (@joshwolfcomedy) January 16: Meet & Banter with comedian Bianca Parato (@biancaparato) January 17: Appearance and meetup with pro-wakeboarder Jack O'Neill (@jb_oneill)  

Texas has had one heck of a year for its culinary scene: the state hosted its inaugural Michelin Texas Awards, a Texas chef won a 2024 James Beard Award and to top it all off, there was a wave of exciting restaurant openings across the Lone Star State. While it may feel like the year of “good fortune” is coming to an end, 2025 promises even more to look forward to—starting with the most anticipated restaurant openings.  What’s on the horizon? Caribbean fare, Indian “Chipotle” bowls, casual French eateries, progressive Creole cuisine and more are set to make their debut in Texas next year. Read on to discover what’s coming!  Austin Ēma  Anticipated opening: Fall 2025 Courtesy Jeff MariniAssortment of dishes from Ēma The owners of Austin’s beloved Mediterranean spot Aba are back with a new concept: Ēma. A direct translation of “mother” in Hebrew, Ēma aims to transport diners to family-style dinners in the Mediterranean. Helmed by chef CJ Jacobson, the mezze-style menu will feature small plates like chicken kebabs, Greek salads, grilled Spanish octopus and an array of vegetable-focused dishes. Set to open at the Domain Northside in fall 2025, this spot is sure to win over both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.  Mother’s Ruin Austin Anticipated opening: February 2025 This New York-founded neighborhood bar and cocktail spot is expanding to Austin’s East 6th. In addition to signature cocktails and a curated beer and wine list, Mother’s Ruin will offer a brunch menu featuring Old

Austinites looking for a change in scenery may flock to neighboring San Antonio for a day trip, but there’s one under-the-radar city that often gets overlooked: Seguin. Named after Tejano Texian freedom fighter and Texas Revolution military figure Juan Seguin, this charming city is one of the oldest in Texas. At first glance, Seguin may seem small, but it offers plenty to keep visitors busy during the day or even a weekend, from Michelin Bib Gourmand barbecue to shopping at local bookstores and goat cuddling classes.  Ready to plan your trip? Here’s a guide of the best things to see, do and eat in Seguin, so you can make the most out of your visit.  What to eat in Seguin  Early birds should make it a point to stop at Pecantown Books & Brews. Founded by owners Tess Coody-Anders and Heath Anders, this small bookstore serves up farm-to-table food in a warm and cozy setting. Choose from a breakfast BLTA, quiches (Sundays only) or an assortment of pastries, ranging from blueberry scones to cinnamon rolls. The coffee doesn’t miss either, with plenty of staple and seasonal drinks to entertain your palate. If you stay for lunch, try the soup of the week with a half sandwich. Their creamy loaded potato soup is a standout—trust us, it’s a match made in heaven.  Courtesy Kayla HuiExterior of Pecantown Books & Brew If you prefer to skip breakfast and reach for a cup of Joe instead, head to Seguin Coffee Company. This local favorite offers all the classic coffee staples alongside a robu

With 2024 winding down, now’s the perfect time to reflect on this year’s highlights—and Esquire’s Best New Restaurants in America, 2024 list is one of them. To no one’s surprise, an Atlanta gem made the cut: Little Sparrow.  Nestled in Atlanta’s Westside Provisions District, Little Sparrow is a French bistro that delivers indulgence with every bite. Guests are welcomed with warm bread and butter before moving on to a menu that runs the gamut—from cheesy French onion soup to dry-aged burgers and marine sea scallops beneath a bed of kaluga caviar. While the menu might be small, each dish undeniably packs a punch, leaving taste buds and bellies happy.  Freelance writer Joshua David Stein, who captured his experience in Esquire’s restaurant guide, wrote, “Upon my deathbed, I shall remember one meal that was so rich it hastened my demise and so wonderful it was worth it. That meal was an unrepentant ode to decadence in a shopping center in Atlanta. Here Ford Fry cooks at Little Sparrow. Here he deploys butter, hundreds of pounds of it, across a fever dream of French bistro bangers.”   This honor comes on the heels of another major milestone: a Michelin recommendation in the 2024 Michelin’s Atlanta Guide earlier this year. Little Sparrow is clearly on a roll, stacking up accolades and cementing its place as a standout in Atlanta’s culinary scene. 

People might know Buc-ee’s for its quirky beaver mascot, but the Texas-founded travel center is a Lone Star State icon for so much more. As someone who loves driving through Texas, I’ve learned that no road trip is complete without a stop at Buc-ee’s. Here’s why I always make a detour there.  Before discovering Buc-ee’s, one of my least favorite things about road trips was the bathroom breaks. I found that most gas stations were unclean, smelled foul, and lacked basic amenities like proper lighting, toilet paper and hand soap. At Buc-ee’s, though, I was shocked to find that the bathrooms were always clean after every visit. This is because the chain has a dedicated cleaning crew that works around the clock to keep things tidy, making for a much more pleasant bathroom experience. What’s more, the bathroom stalls are spacious, non-see-through and equipped with Tooshlights—lights above each door that indicate whether a stall is occupied. No more second guessing if a stall is taken.  Whether clean bathroom stalls are a deal-breaker or not, Buc-ee’s is king when it comes to fueling your body. In addition to the standard convenience items like hot dogs, Buc-ee’s takes convenience food to the next level by offering fresh brisket sandwiches, burritos, kolaches and tacos, all of which rival what you might find at a casual eatery. And did I mention Buc-ee’s has snacks galore? They have everything you could think of—from cheddar-flavored puff snacks and gummy candies to banana pudding a

Zoé Tong, a modern Chinese restaurant located in Barton Springs, has announced that it will be closing, along with its barbecue concept and food truck, Sí Baby Q, according to the restaurant’s Instagram stories. Helmed by Sichuan chef Simone Tong and Matt Hyland, the restaurant opened in Austin in November 2023, bringing Cantonese, Sichuanese and Singaporean flavors to the city’s dining scene.  For its final hurrah, Zoé Tong will offer Chinese Christmas take-home feast packages designed to feed between 4 and 6 or 8 and 12 people, as well as a final service on New Year’s Eve featuring a tasting menu and a caviar-and-bubbles special. Both offerings will send both loyal and new customers home with a final taste of the restaurant’s Asian flavors paired with Texas flair.  The take-home feast will include main dishes and sides like BBQ char siu-glazed ham, scallion swirls and sesame noodles, as well as sweet treats such as holiday-spiced banana pudding and cinnamon swirls.  For those planning to dine in for one last meal and ring in the new year, Zoé Tong will offer two caviar-and-bubbles specials:  Golden Ossetra caviar served with chives, crème fraîche, mochi blinis and a bottle of Gosset Grand Rosé Brut Champagne  Smoked trout roe paired with chives, crème fraîche, mochi blinis and a bottle of François Montand Brut.  While saying goodbye to beloved restaurants like Zoé Tong is never easy, the community they’ve built over the past year—and the accolades they’ve earned (includin

Loro BBQ stans, rejoice! The popular Asian smokehouse is opening a second location at the Domain on December 21. This means North Austinites no longer have to trek across town for baby back ribs and beef brisket.  The new Loro Domain will be helmed by chef Trevon Bland, who started his culinary beginnings as a prep cook at the restaurant’s South Lamar location. The menu will feature shareables, meats, sandwiches, sides and rice bowls. You can expect to find classic menu favorites, like crispy sweet corn fritters with habanero aioli, hoisin-glazed char siew pork belly and oak-smoked pulled pork sandwiches. New offerings include frozen margaritas and double smash burgers, layered with grilled onions, thousand island dressing and a touch of yuzu.  Courtesy LoroAssortment of dishes from Loro The space can accommodate up to 135 guests indoors, with an additional 82 seats available on the covered patio. To celebrate the upcoming grand opening and holiday season, Loro is hosting ten days of activations: Grand opening activations Day 1 — Saturday, Dec 21: First 100 guests receive a Loro-branded Yeti cup! Day 2 — Sunday, Dec 22: First 100 guests can grab a pair of limited-edition Loro socks! Day 3— Monday, Dec 23: Smashburgers, $5 for our must-try new menu favorite from 11am - 2 pm Day 4 — Tuesday, Dec 24: Complimentary Loro-roasted peanuts with your purchase (while supplies last). Day 5 — Thursday, Dec 26: First 100 guests receive a Loro Tiger hat Day 6 — Friday, Dec 27: Loro Surp

Texas has had a banner year in the culinary world. Last month, Michelin debuted its first-ever guide in the state, establishing Texas as a must–visit food destination. Now, two Texas restaurants—Mābo of Dallas and Late August of Houston—have landed on Esquire’s Best New Restaurants List of 2024, adding another accolade to the state’s growing culinary reputation.  Specializing in different cuisines, both restaurants showcase dedication to their craft. Mābo, an omakase restaurant, serves a two-hour dining experience centered on skewered chicken, Wagyu beef, fish, and duck, all grilled over binchotan charcoal in the yakitori style. “He [chef Masayuki Otaka] sources free-ranging heritage breeds from Pennsylvania, and he lets you order additional skewers—maybe you’re in the mood for more tail, or for the fatty triangular nub known as the pope’s nose—when the planned courses have reached their completion,” wrote Esquire contributor Omar Mamoon.  Northwest of Mābo is Late August. Helmed by chefs Chris Williams and Sergio Hidalgo, Late August’s blends African American and Mexican American culinary traditions under the leadership of chefs Chris Williams and Sergio Hidalgo. Esquire writer Joshua David Stein highlighted inventive dishes like citrus pork confit atop  mustard-and-collard greens masa and field pea hummus garnished with roasted grasshoppers, calling the restaurant “a terra novus.”  While no other Texas eateries made the list, Mābo and Late August are proudly representing th

Christmas is arguably the hardest time of year for gift shopping. It’s a balancing act to find something meaningful that your loved ones will actually use.  If you’re still brainstorming on what to buy—don’t fret. Texas is home to over 3 million local businesses, many of which offer one-of-a-kind options perfect for your holiday gifting needs. Whether you’re shopping for a hard-to-please friend or a parent who seems to have everything, these unique Christmas gifts from Texas businesses are sure to impress.  20 unique Christmas gifts from Texas businesses Case Chocolates  A speakeasy located in downtown Houston, Case Chocolates doubles as a luxury chocolate shop. These aren’t your average sweets—each chocolate is filled with spirits that enhance every bite. The gift-ready boxes, which are adorned in blue and gold, make the perfect present for the spirit enthusiast. Or splurge on this specialty box featuring six chocolates filled with exclusive whiskeys, elegantly encased in a custom cacao pod. No wrapping required!   Texas Hill Country Olive Oil Co.  For a gift that’s as practical as it is thoughtful, look no further than Texas Hill Country Olive Oil Co. This family-owned Dripping Springs business grows its olives in the U.S. and produces fresh, high-quality extra virgin olive oil. With gifts starting under $30, there’s something for every budget. Our fav is the Deluxe Dipping Bowl Keepsake Box.  Courtesy Tomas SeguraAssortment of gifts from Texas Hill Country Olive Oil Co.

It’s no secret that Texas doesn’t mess around when it comes to BBQ (ahem, we see you Michelin award winners). But did you know that Texas also stands on the winner's podium for mini golf? Yes, the state ranks among the top for the most mini golf businesses in the nation. There’s Austin icon Peter Pan Mini Golf, a 512 staple since 1948, trendy Puttery in Houston and a whole lot more. Now, the mini golf gods will bless San Antonio (SA) with a new spot: Holey Moley Mini Golf Club.  Holey Moley SA will be situated along the city’s iconic River Walk and is set to open this Friday, December 6. With locations in Denver, Austin, Houston and San Francisco, it will be Funlab’s 5th location. Spanning 12,000 square feet, the venue features 27 holes of mini golf over three courses, two karaoke rooms, a full bar and restaurant and alfresco patio seating overlooking the riverfront.   Customers can expect signature favorite holes like Smells Like Tee Spirit, Making It Rain and Ferris Wheeler’s Day Off, along with new ones like Par Tee Time. This hole will require golfers to jump over red Solo cups—a playful nod to the classic party game, Beer Pong. And for the cowboys at heart, there’s Tee-haw, a Wild West-themed hole, with plenty of Instagrammable opportunities to pose behind ‘Wanted’ posters.  After working up an appetite, head to The Caddyshack for classic Americana dishes with a Texas twist. Think loaded barbecue fries, taco salad and grilled elote corn rib. The flavor doesn’t stop there

Celebrity look-alike contests are sweeping the nation. From Timothée Chalamet doppelgangers flooding the streets of New York to Jeremy Allen White look-alikes competing in Chicago, it seems like everyone is vying for a crown. And now, Austinites will have a chance at look-alike glory with this weekend’s Glen Powell contest.  In true Texas fashion, the winner will walk away with a cowboy hat, some money and a Torchy’s Gold Card for a year’s worth of free queso, according to the event page on Partiful. Glen Powell twinsies and admirers are invited to show up at Auditorium Shores at Lady Bird Lake at 1pm—no RVSP necessary.  An Austin native, Glen Powell is best known for his romantic, action and comedic roles in films like Anyone but You, Hit Man and Top Gun: Maverick. But beyond his acting chops, Powell is beloved for his easygoing charm, Texas roots and undeniably swoon-worthy style. Think you’ve got the Glen Powell look? Show up Saturday to see if you’ll be crowned Austin’s newest heartthrob. And who knows—you might even spot the man himself. After all, Powell did move back to Austin this year.