An Austin bachelorette party or girls’ weekend in Austin is a fun and popular idea because of the variety of things to do here. It’s been rated the top city to have a bachelorette weekend. Having planned and attended a few bachelorette parties in Austin, I hope some of these suggestions will help make your planning easier and make your weekend more fun!

Most of these suggestions are within the Austin city limits, but you could also consider Fredericksburg for a focus on wine tours or there are outdoor activities 30 to 45 minutes outside of town such as Lake Austin or Hamilton Pool.

This is a LIVE list, meaning it is continuously updated for accuracy and with new information. I hope it helps you plan the ultimate Austin bachelorette party!

When to Visit Austin

It’s always a good time to visit Austin! But, with mild winters and beautiful spring and fall, Austin is an ideal place for a getaway most of the year. For a breakdown by season, check out this post.

Where to Stay for an Austin Bachelorette Party

Choosing where to stay for your Austin bachelorette party is an important decision! It sets the tone for the trip and is the headquarters for all the fun. I recommend staying downtown to be close to activities and restaurants.

Rates will depend on general demand and what’s going on in the city, so if an event like SXSW or ACL is going on, rates will skyrocket.

For bachelorette stay options, see this post!

Austin Bachelorette Party Activities

The fantastic thing about Austin is that there’s a little something for everyone. Whether your party’s interests are in the nightlife, outdoor life, or “just something new and different” life, you’ll have lots of activity options here.

Active Classes

Here are some activities that are part feeling strong and sexy and part working out. Even if it’s something you all haven’t done before, it’ll be fun to learn it together, aka quality bonding time.

• Pole Dancing: Brass Ovaries or Inner Diva Studios
• Aerial Class: Sky Candy (< click to see our experience) or Blue Lapis Light
• Cycling Class: Love Cycling Studio
• iFLY indoor skydiving
• Ax throwing at Urban Axes (< click to see our experience!)

Austin Bachelorette Pool Party

Looking for a private pool? Check out Swimply to rent a luxury pool by the hour in Austin.

If your rental or hotel doesn’t have a pool, hotel pools are available to the public at specific times for a fee. You can book on ResortPass.

Games

Games and drinks? We got them! These low-key activities are the perfect activity for an afternoon.

• Cidercade – arcade games
• Electric Shuffle – shuffleboard [Click to see our experience]
• Punch Bowl Social – bowling, arcade games, table games

Bachelorette Party Nails & Spas & Blow-outs

Get pampered before a night out at a nail salon, spa, or blow-dry bar.

• Viva Day Spa
• Milk and Honey Spa
• AWAY Spa (at the W Hotel)
• LACQUER
• Blo Blo-Dry Bar

Wig Party

A unique bachelorette party idea is having a wig party at Coco Coquette! You and your girls will each find her “spirit wig” and get her make-up done. Plan it before going out, and the wigs add so much fun to your weekend.

See our experience here.

Jewelry Workshops

Make a special memento during your trip by creating with your friends!

• Sisu Studios – silversmith workshop – see my experience here
• Aviv Collection – charm bar, permanent jewelry
• City + Stars – charm bar
• Loveweld – charm bar
• Nina Berenato – charm necklaces and bracelets, permanent jewelry

Arts and Crafts for a Bachelorette Party

Austin is full of opportunities to be creative. Check out these crafty shops for workshops.

• 7th Street Candle
• The Paper + Craft Pantry
• CRAFT
• The Flower Social
• Upstairs Circus
• Succulent Native (<click to see our experience)
• The Artful Bachelorette

See more creative class options in this post.

Winery, Brewery and Distillery Tours

There’s no shortage of specialty alcohol in Austin, and we’re proud to have so many that are passionate about their craft. Unless you book a tour like ATXcursions, Texas Winos, Texas Tipsy Tours, or Twisted Texas, you’ll find each location has its own tasting rates and offers. You could also rent your own bus/van and choose which places you visit.

Consider planning your own brewery crawl. See brewery options and areas in my ultimate Austin brewery guide.

A few popular places:

• Winery: The Austin Winery
• Brewery: Jester King Brewery or Zilker Brewing Company
• Cidery: Moontower Cider
• Distillery: Fierce Whiskers, Still Austin, Treaty Oak Distilling Co, or Deep Eddy Vodka
• Wine Bars: Cape Bottle Room or Wanderlust Wine Collective.

Want to combine a workout and a bar crawl? Try the Pedal Pub. The crawl will be about two hours with three to four bar stops along the way. From experience, I will say it seems fun, but it’s also a lot of work, especially when you’re drinking!

Wine and yoga? Vino Vinyasa holds classes around Austin and is available for private classes.

Culinary Classes

For all your foodie friends, culinary classes are a fun way to learn while you eat! Check out my post about Austin culinary and cooking classes to find the perfect one for your group. The list includes cooking classes, a cheese tasting, a chocolate-making class, and more.

Check out these posts from my experiences:

• Cheese Tasting at Antonelli’s Cheese Shop
• Beekeeper Class with Two Hives Honey
• Tasting and Tour with Still Austin Distillery
• How The Prickly Pear Cooking Classes in Austin Teaches You to Cook Confidently

Outdoor Activities in Austin

One thing Austinites rave about is the weather. There are several perfect months in the spring and fall, though you never know with some months. With plenty of trails and lakes in the area, outdoor activities are abundant.

• Segway Tour: Segway Austin
• Boat Cruise: Capital Cruises or Lone Star Riverboat
• Boat Rental: Retro Boats, Love & Boat, Float On, Floaties Austin
• Paddle Boarding: SUP ATX or Rowing Dock
• Kayaking: Zilker Park Boat
• Hike The Greenbelt
• Walk around Butler Trail (around Lady Bird Lake)
• Swim at Barton Springs Pool and picnic at Zilker Park
• Camping: McKinney Falls State Park is the closest to downtown Austin.
• Mayfield Park: This small park is home to a few beautiful peacocks

Shopping in Austin

You’ll find a lot of vintage wear and local goods in Austin, and here are a few places to shop.

• South Congress Avenue: This is a great place to lunch and then walk around. You’ll find vintage stores, gift shops, and a candy shop. Stop by Maufrais to get a custom hat made.
• 2nd Street District: Great mix of restaurants and shops here
• If you’re looking for Austin-specific gifts, these shops sell local goods like stationery, jewelry, candles, art, and more: The Paper + Craft Pantry, Parker + Scott, Atown, Clover + Maven
• Domain NORTHSIDE: If you want to shop till you drop, The Domain is an outdoor mall in North Austin with all the big brand names you’re looking for

Museums in Austin

Want to see some cool art installations? Head to these museums:

• Blanton Museum of Art is one of the largest university art museums in the U.S. It has a new eye-catching plaza.
• Wonderspaces is a local spot known for its creative art exhibits.

Shows and Entertainment in Austin

Seeing a show is something a little different for a girls’ weekend. There are a few to choose from in Austin.

• Esther’s Follies: located downtown on 5th Street, this place is always a fun time. The show, which changes periodically, features sketch comedy (mostly political), musical parody, and magic!
• Music Shows: There are plenty of music venues! Here are some favorites: Stubb’s, Cedar Street Courtyard, ACL Live at Moody Theater, Speakeasy, Darwin’s Piano Bar, and Continental Club.
• Comedy Shows: Sunset Strip, Creek and Cave, Cap City Comedy
• Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar: Ah, yes, a bachelorette classic. When you’re with friends who love the classics as you do, you’ll have a great time here. Expect to sing loudly along to songs. There is a cover, but the bride gets in for free.

Dancing in Austin

Dance the night away!

• Gloria’s: Love to salsa? Gloria’s restaurant on 6th Street transforms into a dance club on Fridays and Saturdays at 11 pm. A DJ and free cover make this option enticing.
• Barbarella: Hip-hop, 80s, and alternative music are all featured here, depending on the night. This bar/club is continuously voted one of the best places to dance in Austin.
• Broken Spoke: Want country dancing? About 15-20 minutes south of downtown, this honky tonk has been open since 1964. It’s an older crowd but fun with a group. They have dance lessons at 8 p.m.
• The White Horse: Another country dancing spot but downtown on East 6th. They have dance lessons at 7 p.m. This is a good option to pop in and then pop out to other bars for a variety.
• On East 6th, check out Volstead.
• Downtown: Don’t want to make plans? You’ll find a variety of dance floors in bars from East 6th to West 6th. Pop in and if you don’t like the vibe, on to the next!

Austin Nightlife

Speaking of dancing, your girls’ night out may include bar hopping and you know Austin is the place to do it. The main bar-hopping areas are East 6th, Dirty 6th, West 6th, Warehouse District, and Rainey Street.

Dirty 6th is the classic nightlife spot you’ve probably heard about in Austin. It’s lined with bars and the streets are closed on the weekends. You’ll find Top 40 music here and on West 6th, Warehouse District, and Rainey Street. If you’re not about drinking a lot, there are great craft cocktail bars in each of these areas. Dirty 6th has gotten a bit sketchy in the past years, so if you want a more laid-back atmosphere, try East 6th.

If you’re interested in karaoke, rent a room at The Highball or Common Interest or go to Ego’s.

FREE Activities for Austin Bachelorette Parties

Bachelorette parties can be costly, especially in Austin where you’ll likely spend on all the good food. Many of the above outdoor activities are free, and here are a few more ideas.

• Visit the Texas State Capitol. This might be more for all the history enthusiasts, but it is one of the prettiest places to see in Austin.
• Blanton Museum of Art has free admission on Thursdays. Go see Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin structure.
• See the Congress Avenue Bridge Bats take flight. From March to October, people gather at the bridge to watch 1.5 million bats fly out at sunset.
• Get free tickets to James Turrell’s Skyspace The Color Inside.
• Take your own mural tour. Austin has a few notable murals perfect for group photos.
• The Harry Ransom Center is located on the UT campus. It is free to visit.
• Do512, the local events and music website, updates its list of free events weekly. Check it out here.

Where Bachelorette Parties Eat in Austin

I have TONS of food recommendations. Your best options depend on what cuisine you’re looking for and what area you will be staying in.

Check out the full guide of best bachelorette restaurants, including brunch.

Also see my Ultimate Austin Foodie Bucket List.

Make Your Bachelorette Itinerary

If you need help making an itinerary, I’ve made a few for you. Check out this post for 6 different itineraries and more than 30 recommendations of restaurants, hotels, activities, and more!

Want more ideas?

• Check out my list of top Austin sights or my Austin Travel Guide.
• Check out this post for more tips on planning a bachelorette party.
• Looking for bachelorette party favors? Check out this post!
• Looking for day trips or weekend getaways outside Austin? Check out this post!

Need help planning an Austin bachelorette party or want specific recommendations? Contact me!

What are your favorite girls’ weekend/bachelorette party ideas?

The post Ultimate Austin Bachelorette Party or Girls Weekend Guide appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

How to Make a Bachelorette Itinerary

But first, let’s talk about what you need in your bachelorette party itinerary. Here are a few quick tips:

• Think about the preferences of the bride-to-be and the group, things like personal interests, physical level, drinking preference, and budget.
• Consider the season. In Austin, summer can be stifling and winter can be too cold. Also, look at what events are going on in the city. Plan your activities accordingly.
• Schedule/reserve up to 3 things maximum in a day. You want a casual schedule to fit all personalities. For example, maybe you book 1 group activity and have 1 dinner reservation in a day.
• Make time for rest, breaks, and hangovers. In other words, have slow mornings and afternoon breaks.

Using the above tips and the below schedule structure, fill it in! This is for a quick weekend trip, but you can easily repeat the Day 2 structure for a longer trip.

Day 1

• Arrive at your rental/hotel around 3 pm
• Dinner around 6-8 pm

Day 2

• Breakfast/brunch
• Activity – mid-morning
• Lunch
• Activity – afternoon
• Leisurely afternoon time: rest, low-key activity
• Get-ready fun around 5 pm
• Dinner around 6-8 pm
• Pre or post-dinner fun: bars, dancing, shows

Day 3

• Breakfast/brunch

Best Austin Bachelorette Itinerary

After living in Austin for 10+ years and planning a few Austin bachelorette parties, I’ve got a few up-to-date ideas to supercharge your trip. Whether you go with Austin Newbie, Austin Bougie, Austin Local, Austin Affordable, Austin Wild, Austin Active, or a mix-up of the lists, this post will help you make your best Austin bachelorette itinerary.

Below is a taste of the itineraries. Read through to the bottom to get the full itineraries. The full version will give 17 additional recommendations for each itinerary, including several suggestions for meals, drinks, and activities.

Austin Newbie

You’ve NEVER been to Austin? Well, it’s a good thing you’re fixing that with this trip. For first-time visitors, this list is filled with the things you have to see, eat, and experience.

• Stay: Hotel San Jose
• Lunch: Sour Duck Market
• Activity: Food or sightseeing tour

Austin Bougie

Hey, fancy pants! You’re a little bougie, and that’s ok. We’re adults with healthy bank accounts now. We can have nice things and not feel bad about them. This list is for those who want to celebrate on a bigger budget.

• Stay: South Congress Hotel
• Lunch: Hank’s
• Activity: Spa Day

Austin Local

See Austin like a true local. You may have visited many times or you may live in Austin. This list is for people looking for something different. This is the list I’d want to follow if I had friends coming to town.

• Stay: Austin Hotel
• Lunch: Vic & Al’s
• Activity: Wig Party at Coco Coquette

Austin Affordable

Having fun doesn’t mean we have to break the budget! Let’s be reasonable here. We have a wedding to pay for! This list is for those who want the more affordable side of Austin. This list has free and low-cost suggestions.

• Stay: East Austin Hotel
• Lunch: Cuantos Tacos
• Activity: Peter Pan Mini-Golf

Austin Wild

You only bachelorette once! We’re going to give our girl a weekend with the craziest experiences for the best memories. These are some unforgettable, only-in-Austin suggestions.

• Stay: Inn Cahoots
• Lunch: Spicy Boys
• Activity: Axe Throwing at Urban Axes

Austin Active

Austin is known for its active lifestyle, which makes it a perfect place for those who want to add exercise and healthier choices to the weekend. While I know active people can and do drink alcohol, I’ve made this itinerary alcohol-free to make it extra healthy.

• Stay: The Line
• Lunch: Honest Mary’s
• Activity: Cycling Class at LOVE Cycling Studio

The FULL itineraries give you recommendations for places to stay, eat, and play, including multiple suggestions for dinner, drink, and activity.

Download the full bachelorette itineraries here!

Planning your weekend and have questions? Feel free to send me a message for specific recommendations based on your group’s preferences.

The post Ultimate Austin Bachelorette Party Itinerary appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Having lived in Austin for more than a decade and planned bachelorette parties in Austin for friends, I’ve tried lots of activities and this city does have a variety. If I were planning an Austin bachelorette party today, I would put these things on our schedule.

Here are 10 of the best things to do in Austin for a bachelorette party.

1. Find Your Spirit Wig

Coco Coquette is the place for wigs, make-up, and more. Book a wig party for each guest to pick their wig, get a mini makeover, and get prepped for a night out! See our party here.

2. Book a Food Tasting or Tour

Austin is a foodie city with excellent breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Plan a visit to your group’s preferred destination for an afternoon activity. Love food? Book a cooking class, food tour, or cheese tasting! Here are some recommendations:

• My favorite breweries: Zilker Brewing Company, Meanwhile Brewing
• My favorite wine shop: Cape Bottle Room
• Cheese tasting: Antonelli’s Cheese Shop

See more cooking classes and food-related activities in this post.

3. Take a Creative Class

Test out your creative side by taking a creative class. Try making a candle, planting succulents, arranging flowers, or painting watercolors. Here are some of my favorite options:

• 7th Street Candle – see my experience here
• Succulent Native – see my experience here
• Sisu Studio (silversmith) – see my experience here
• Sundazed Glass (stained glass) – see my experience here
• House of Margot Blair

See this post for a huge list of creative classes in Austin.

4. Book an Active Class

If you’re like me, you like sweating with your friends! You can find a variety of classes in Austin, like aerials, spin, and yoga. Check out Sky Candy.

5. Eat Brunch at Electric Shuffle

This restaurant and bar in the Rainey Street District has a great brunch option with small bites, mimosas, drinks, and personal shuffleboard stations. See the shuffleboard party details here.

6. Get a Little Rowdy

If you’re looking for some weekend add-ons that come to you, here are some options!

The Artful Bachelorette is a drawing class that teaches your group to draw a live, clothes-optional muse.

Cocktail CowBoys bring you Southern charm and smooth pours. These men can make drinks, serve snacks, and more. Use “fearless25” when booking for a discount!

7. Get Pampered

Your bachelorette party deserves a little relaxation! Manicures, facials, massages, and full spa treatments are here. Check out my favorite spots – Viva Day Spa and Milk & Honey Spa.

8. Enjoy the Lake

Lady Bird Lake is great for paddleboarding and sunset cruises, while Lake Austin is ideal for taking a boat out and swimming. Here are some companies to check out:

• Capital Cruises
• Retro Boats
• Rowing Dock
• Just for Fun

9. Immerse in an Escape Room

For an adrenaline-pumping activity, try an escape room. These themed rooms have puzzles that challenge you with an overall mission. It’s great for friends who are analytical and a test of teamwork. The Escape Game in Downtown Austin is well done and one I’d recommend.

10. Go Out

Dinner, drinks, and dancing are my ideal way to celebrate. Austin has numerous classy bars with excellent cocktails and non-alcoholic cocktails for a casual time. Then, dance it out! Here are my quick recommendations, and check out this post about the best restaurants and bars for more.

• Restaurant: Odd Duck, Yamas
• Bar: Nickel City, IYKYK
• Dancing: Barbarella

You can’t go wrong hosting your bachelorette party in Austin. As you can see, there’s plenty to do!

Want more Austin bachelorette recommendations? Check out these posts to find additional activities, places to stay, restaurants, and more!

• Best Stays for an Austin Bachelorette Party
• Ultimate Austin Bachelorette Party Itinerary
• Best Austin Bachelorette Party Favors
• Ultimate Austin Bachelorette Party or Girls Weekend Guide
• Best Austin Restaurants for a Bachelorette Party

The post 10 Fun Austin Bachelorette Party Activities appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Where to Stay

Choosing where to stay for your Austin bachelorette party is an important decision! It sets the tone for the trip and is the headquarters for all the fun. From my experience, staying in a house with your whole group is the most fun, but you can also split up in different rooms at a hotel.

In Austin, I recommend staying downtown to be close to activities and restaurants or at least close to where your activities are so you don’t have long drives.

Austin Stay Pricing

To choose your hotel, think about what area of town you want to be in and how easy your transportation will be.

Rates will depend on general demand and what’s going on in the city. If an event like SXSW or ACL is going on, rates will skyrocket, so double-check your dates before you finalize your plans. The farther from downtown you book, the cheaper your place can be.

On average, a one-night stay in Austin will range from $200 to $300 for a 3- or 4-star hotel. Remember to factor in hotel parking costs and note their policies on the number of people in a room.

For house rentals, one night averages around $500-600 for 6 people.

Austin Hotels

There are plenty of Downtown Austin hotel options.

If you’d rather have food and drinks within walking distance, try a downtown hotel like:

• Omni
• Embassy Suites
• Westin Downtown
• W Austin
• Thompson
• JW Marriott
• Fairmont
• Hotel Zaza

If you want a more unique hotel, there are plenty of boutique hotel options but they may be pricier. Try

• The Line
• Hotel San Jose
• Hotel St. Cecilia
• Heywood Hotel
• Hotel Ella
• East Austin Hotel
• Austin Motel
• Colton House Hotel
• Arrive
• Hotel Van Zandt

Here’s a full list of Austin hotels for consideration.

Inn Cahoots

This hotel on the east side is focused on group travel. Each suite is like a mini house with a kitchen, living room, 5 bedrooms with up to 13 beds, and multiple bathrooms. The location is on East 6th and right outside the doors are three bars in the complex. This spot is perfect for groups that want to stay up late and indulge in Austin’s nightlife.

• Number of guests: 10+
• Location: East 6th
• Website: https://www.inncahoots.com/

Lodgewell

Lodgewell is a company managing multiple vacation rentals in different parts of Austin. You could book a cute bungalow north of downtown or a luxury estate west of downtown. There are properties for all types of parties.

• Number of guests: 2-12
• Location: Multiple downtown/central spots
• Website: https://www.lodgewell.co/stay

Private Rentals

Renting a house is a good option if you want a larger, private space to be together with your group. Check out Airbnb, Vrbo, or Vacasa for rentals. Rates range from $200-400 a night.

Ready to plan the rest of your trip? Check out these posts:

• Ultimate Austin Bachelorette Party or Girls Weekend Guide
• Ultimate Austin Bachelorette Party Itinerary
• Best Austin Restaurants for a Bachelorette Party
• Why Electric Shuffle is the Best Bachelorette Brunch in Austin
• Best Austin Bachelorette Party Favors

The post Best Stays for an Austin Bachelorette Party appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Here are the criteria for the restaurants on this list:

• Good food
• Restaurant space is comfortable for a bigger group
• Mostly centrally located near Downtown Austin
• Restaurants with reservations are preferred and I’ve noted if they take reservations

Making reservations will make your life easier, especially if you have six or more people in your group. You’ll find many places in Austin get full quickly.

Here’s a list of places for dinner, happy hour, drinks, and brunch for your bachelorette party or girls’ weekend in Austin!

Casual Dinner Restaurants

Looking for low-key places for dinner? This list of casual dining restaurants includes places for a lower price point and a more casual environment.

Banger’s

If you’re looking for a casual spot for a huge beer selection and snacks like fried pickles, chili cheese fries, and bratwurst, Banger’s is a spacious spot on Rainey Street. There are limited reservations available.

De Nada Cantina

The vibe is great tacos and strong margaritas! This spot in East Austin is a good place to start the night. Make a reservation!

Patrizi’s

This Italian food truck with mouth-watering pasta dishes. It’s located at The Vortex, a complex that includes Butterfly Bar, so you all can get drinks with your dinner. This food truck doesn’t take reservations, so plan to get there early.

Via313

With locations around the city, this Detroit-style pizza is a favorite for its thick, crispy crust. The restaurant does not take reservations.

Arbor Food Park

If you want something very casual, come to this food truck park and everyone can order what they want. The selection varies from tacos at Cuantos, barbecue at Rollin Smoke BBQ, and more.

Fancier Dinner Restaurants

We do it up for dinner around here because there are So. Many. Options. These are classy, they have good food, and they’ll get you excited for a night of fun. All of these restaurants take reservations.

Grizzelda’s

Lots of great Mexican dishes on the menu at Grizzela’s and the decor is set for a bachelorette party.

Kemuri Tatsu-ya

This restaurant on the east side is a unique fusion of Japanese dishes with a Texan barbecue flair. See more details here.

Odd Duck

Sister restaurant to one of my favorite restaurants, Barley Swine, Odd Duck features creative, seasonal dishes.

Suerte

This restaurant on the east side has a beautiful interior with delicious interior Mexican cuisine. See my experience here.

Yamas

If we’re deciding on the restaurant based on decor, Yamas is one of the best and you’ll feel like you’re in Santorini. Plus the Greek food brings the wow.

Happy Hour Restaurants

I love happy hour because you can try a bunch of dishes for less! And who doesn’t like saving money, especially on a weekend getaway? Here are some great restaurants with fantastic offerings (that you could also try for a more casual lunch or dinner) and also have a noteworthy happy hour.

Anthem

If you’re planning to go out on Rainey Street, start at Anthem for happy hour. You’ll love the tropical vibes.

• Happy Hour Special: $9 cocktails, $7 wine, $5-12 snacks
• Happy Hour Time: Monday-Friday, 3-6 pm

Bar Peached

This restaurant has a great patio and even better happy hour.

• Happy Hour Special: $7 cocktails, $5 beer, $7 wine, $4.50-8.50 snacks 
• Happy Hour Time: Tuesday-Sunday, 5-6:30 pm

Easy Tiger

For a beer garden, Easy Tiger is your spot!

• Happy Hour Special: $5 beer, wine, cocktails
• Happy Hour Time: Monday-Friday, 4-6 pm

Fresa’s

This restaurant is known for its wood-grilled chicken. Visit the South First location for seating.

• Happy Hour Special: $2 off aguas frescas, botanas (snacks), beer, wine, and margaritas
• Happy Hour Time: Monday-Friday, 3-6 pm

Hank’s ​

This spot a bit north of downtown has great happy hour drinks. Plus be sure to order the fried zucchini.

• Happy Hour Special: $8 frozen cocktails, $8 cocktails on tap, $8 wine on tap, $3 off all appetizers, $1 off beer
• Happy Hour Time: Daily, 3-6:30 pm

Loro

Two of Austin’s most popular chefs made a restaurant. Think barbecue with some Asian twists. No reservations, so get there early!

• Happy Hour Special: $7-9 dishes, $3-5 drinks
• Happy Hour Time: Monday-Friday, 2-5 pm

Salty Sow

For one of the best food happy hours, Salty Sow will delight with fried chicken and biscuits, truffled deviled eggs, and more.

• Happy Hour Special: Dishes for $6-8, $1 off draft beer, $2 off cocktails
• Happy Hour Time: Daily, 4:30-6:30 pm

Drinks and Bars

How about some after-dinner drinks? If you’re looking for craft cocktails or craft beer, you’ve come to the right spot. These bars are known for their tasty drinks that will likely involve some vigorous shaking or 50 spins with a swivel stick. In other words, you’ll easily find a delicious $10+ cocktail here.

Cape Bottle Room

For wine drinkers, Cape Bottle Room is a classy wine bar downtown. (See this post to learn about taking a Downtown Austin wine tour.)

Half Step

Located on Rainey Street, Half Step knows the classic cocktails but has plenty of twists.

Hold Out Brewing

Craft beer lovers will enjoy the selection at Hold Out Brewing and there are cocktail options.

Nickel City

Divey vibes with fancy drinks, that’s one way to describe Nickel City.

Roosevelt Room

One of the most popular spots for fancy cocktails, Roosevelt Room takes it to the next level. Out of the places on this list, you’ll probably want a reservation to visit.

Casual Breakfast Restaurants

You’re in a hurry to get a full day of activities started because of a slow start? In Austin, it’s hit-or-miss if there’s a line, but these places with counter service will make breakfast go by faster and you don’t need to give up quality for speed. You can also order ahead and bring it back to the house. While these spots do not have reservations, they are also a bit more affordable and casual (shorts and a t-shirt are ok). These places are also open for lunch if you’re getting out the door after 11 am.

Better Half Coffee & Cocktails

A little more casual than the others on this list, this counter-service restaurant is great for smaller groups.

Bird Bird Biscuit

These biscuit sandwiches, especially the one with fried chicken, are amazing! Small shop with a few tables.

Patika

I think of Patika as a coffee shop, but they also have great brunch dishes, including pastries.

Tacodeli

This is another great spot for breakfast tacos, and you’ll find Tacodeli all over town. One thing to note is the potatoes in the tacos are mashed potatoes.

Veracruz All Natural

With a few locations around town, Austinites love this spot for breakfast tacos.

Brunch Restaurants

Brunch has transformed these days. It’s not solely about pancakes, eggs, and bacon. No, it is a masterpiece of sweet and savory for the best meal of the day. There are no sad breakfasts here. Not only is the food delightful at these restaurants but the aesthetics are also photo-worthy. Bright, dreamy spaces? Don’t worry, I got you. 

All of these places except Irene’s allow reservations.

Café No Se

Located at South Congress Hotel, this pretty spot knows brunch well and you can’t skip the pastries.

Electric Shuffle

Want food, drinks, AND fun? Make a reservation at Electric Shuffle to play shuffleboard and enjoy great brunch bites. See more in this post.

Hank’s

If you don’t make it here for happy hour, try it for brunch. 

Irene’s

A more casual setting that is walk-in only. If your group is 8-20 people, you’ll need to reserve a spot for brunch on Saturday or Sunday. They have a special bachelorette package for $14 per person that includes a jello shot tower and ice cream cones.

Josephine House

This cute restaurant is a house in the Clarksville neighborhood. Be sure to order the pancakes!

Paperboy

This is a smaller but well-known spot for brunch, and you’ll definitely need a reservation.

Tiny Boxwoods

Tiny Boxwoods has a little bit of everything on their brunch menu and the bright restaurant is picture-perfect for a bachelorette brunch.

Casual Lunch Restaurants

In my mind, lunch is a casual brunch. Still good food, but the menu and setting are low-key. If you’re planning on a fancy dinner later, balance it out with a casual lunch. Spoiler alert, there are a lot of fried chicken sandwiches on this list.

Eastside

This restaurant on the East Side has plenty of space, including a patio, and lots of great dishes, like the crispy chicken sandwich.

La Barbecue

If you’re up for getting there early and waiting in line, La Barbecue is a great option for barbecue.

Sour Duck Market

This is a great spot for a casual lunch! It can get a bit busy though, so plan accordingly.

Spicy Boys

One of the best food trucks in Austin, Spicy Boys has a delicious fried chicken sandwich and is located at Zilker Brewing Co.

Taquero Mucho

This restaurant has all pink everything, including the margaritas and tortillas.

Quick Stops for Sweet Treats

Sometimes you need a sweet treat to tide you over in the afternoon. Here are a few favorites you can find in the downtown area.

Frozen Rolls Creamery

Some of the freshest ice cream there is, Frozen Rolls Creamery makes your ice cream by rolling it right in front of you.

HayleyCakes and Cookies

This is the spot for tasty iced cookies and cupcakes. Bonus points for cute cookie designs. This would be great for custom party cookies too.

Lick Ice Cream

For unique ice cream flavors with seasonal Texas ingredients, Lick Ice Cream has been an Austin favorite since 2011.

Rocheli Patisserie

This bakery has a big selection of pretty pastries and desserts.

Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop

This is your spot for cupcakes and desserts like lemon bars.

Bachelorette Restaurants Map

Here’s a handy map to help you plan out your restaurants!

Color Key:

• Dark Green = Casual Dinner
• Blue = Fancy Dinner
• Dark Red = Happy Hour
• Yellow = Drinks and Bars
• Purple = Casual Breakfast
• Pink = Brunch
• Orange = Casual Lunch
• Lime Green = Sweet Treats

This list makes me hungry and makes me want to plan a girls’ weekend staycation! Happy eating!

Any additional restaurants (good for groups) that you would add to the list?

P.S. If you need more resources to plan an Austin bachelorette party, check out these posts:

• The Best Austin Bachelorette Party Guide
• Ultimate Austin Bachelorette Party Itinerary
• Ultimate Austin Foodie Bucket List
• My Favorite Restaurants in Austin
• Best Cold Treats in Austin

P.P.S. The Austin culinary industry moves fast! Keep up with me on Instagram for more recommendations and message me if you have any questions.

The post Best Austin Restaurants for a Bachelorette Party appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

If you’re throwing a bachelorette party or girls weekend in Austin, the following options, many of them made by Austin artists and from Austin companies, are great to tie into the party. Austin has an abundance of cute goodies that would be perfect for a swag bag.

Austin Party Themes

A party theme is a way to coordinate outfits, activities, and get everyone excited about the weekend. For a party in Austin, you might be eating Tex-Mex, doing some two-stepping, finding the mechanical bulls on Sixth Street, and spending the day on the lake. Here are some fun themes you could use:

• Taco Bout a Party
• Austin Flamingle
• Final Fiesta
• Last Rodeo/Ride
• Babes and Boots
• Boujee Bach
• Wake and Lake
• Reckless in Texas
• Let’s Get Nauti
• Bachella
• Last Splash
• Booze Cruise
• Vino Before Vows
• Boots in Cahoots

There is a lot of common imagery used for an Austin party, including cactus, tacos, the shape of Texas, bats, boots, lassos, and boats.

Typical Bachelorette Party Favors

These are some common party favors or party supplies that are oldies but goodies.

Make sure your guests have these must-have survival kit supplies: hand sanitizer, ibuprofen, make-up remover wipes, gum, hair bands, band-aids, and sunscreen. You could also have these in a bulk survival kit basket wherever you’re staying.

When it comes to branded things (like customizing something to say “Anita’s Bachelorette Weekend”) or items with bachelorette-themed sayings, think:

• Koozies
• Temporary tattoos
• Shirts
• Sunglasses
• Cups

Austin Bachelorette Party Favors

Now, let’s go on to some unique party favors you can find in Austin. The following recommendations are Austin local brands, so you’ll be supporting local even before you visit! To create an awesome party favor bag, I recommend picking one item from each category, depending on the interests of your guests. Make it easy on you, buy matching things instead of branded things. These are things your friends can use and enjoy during the weekend and take home to enjoy too.

T-shirts, Jewelry, and Other Wearables for Bachelorette Party Favors

I personally love matching outfits and accessories, but wearing something customized with the words bachelorette party or a year on it could decrease the wear. I prefer matching t-shirts, hats, or jewelry that signifies your group is together and celebrating something special. To stand out as a bachelorette party, get your bride a sash!

• T-shirts from Gusto Graphic Tees
• Shirts, Pins, and Keychains from Radical Girl Gang
• Hats from Frankie Jean
• Jewelry from Moonfinder Shop
• T-shirts and Hats from Hopdoddy Burger Bar
• Tube Socks from Pride Socks
• Tote Bags from Victrola Design
• Bandanas, Hats, and Koozies from Austin Beerworks
• Jewelry from Amanda Deer Jewelry
• Beanies and Sweatshirts from Austin Eastciders
• T-shirts from Austin City Threads

Food and Drink for Party Favors

When in Austin, eat and drink Austin! While I’m sure you’ll be exploring Austin’s amazing restaurants, these treats are perfect for snacks, to take with you on the lake, and to stock your party house.

• Sparkling Water from Big Swig and Waterloo Sparkling Water
• Mini bottles of Frankly Organic Vodka, Tito’s Vodka, or Deep Eddy Vodka
• Hard Seltzer from Mighty Swell
• Texas and Bachelorette-Themed Cookies from Hayleycakes and Cookies
• Sparkling Yerba Mate from CLEAN Cause
• Bars of Chocolate from SRSLY Chocolate
• Kombucha from KT Tonic
• Popcorn from Cornucopia Popcorn
• Cookies from Wunderkeks
• Ice Cream from Nada Moo!
• Craft Beer from…take your pick! There are so many great breweries in Austin!
• Cold Brew from High Brew Coffee

Beauty & Skincare for Party Favors

Would your bachelorette/girls weekend be complete without pampering? Here are some things your guests can use and take home.

• Face Scrub from SOCO Botanicals
• Nail Polish and Make-Up from Elevé
• Bath Salts from The Good Hippie

Home Goods for Party Favors

These party favors are sweet gifts your friends can take home and reminisce on a fun weekend in Austin.

• Coasters from South Austin Gallery
• Candles from The Burlap Bag
• Stickers from Kathyphantastic
• Plant Art from Little Green Press
• Smudge Kits and Dishes from Karacotta Ceramics
• Art Prints from Katie Made That
• Plants from Succulent Native

Need more party favor ideas?

Here are a few Austin shops to browse a variety of options:

• The Paper + Craft Pantry: this stationery shop has lots of paper products and craft kits
• A-Town: this boutique has tons of local gifts
• Blue Genie Art Bazaar: this marketplace features many local makers and artists
• Slow North: this shop focuses on natural and thoughtful goods
• BookPeople: Austin’s independent bookstore
• Packed Party and Pretty Goods: online shops full of items for bachelorette parties

P.S. Want more Austin bachelorette ideas? Check out this huge guide to where to stay and what to do!

You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

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My favorite girls and I recently celebrated my bachelorette party weekend in San Antonio! After thinking about the cost, vacation time, etc, it made sense to stay somewhat local. San Antonio was the perfect spot for activities, food, and distance (about 1.5 hours from Austin).

While I had a little bit of stress not knowing the final details of the trip, it was also fun being surprised by the activities! Also, my friend Rochelle planned the perfect party. Read on for details of my bachelorette weekend.

Bachelorette Party Weekend

We took advantage of Labor Day Weekend for a longer trip. Our weekend started Saturday with everyone meeting at Bottling Department Food Hall for lunch. In addition to a bar, this food hall in the Pearl Brewery had plenty of options to choose from, including burgers, sandwiches, ramen, and more.

After fueling up on caffeine, our next stop was a glassblowing class! I had never done this before but had always wanted to try. It was one of my favorite things about the weekend. We got to pick our colors and go through the process one by one (about 15 minutes each) of creating a friendship globe. We could choose to make our orb into an ornament or with a base. Glenn and Ruth of Caliente Hot Glass were excellent! Since glass needs time to cool slowly, we picked up our balls at the end of the weekend. This was a really fun activity, and I would definitely try it again! Plus, we each got a pretty memento.

After the class, we went to our Airbnb house in Tobin Hill to get ready for dinner. (There are lots of cute, spacious houses to rent in San Antonio!) The house was close to all our outings, no more than 10 minutes away. Divided into two sides, the house could fit 5 people on each side with everyone having their own bed. My only complaint is I wish it was one big house so we could all be together, though it was easy to pop next door. 

My friend Rochelle, master planner and cook, made us a yummy Tex-Mex dinner of a nacho bar and enchiladas. We fueled up before going out to St. Mary’s Strip, a happening entertainment area, for drinks and dancing. We all wore red, pink, or orange.

The next morning, Rochelle was back at it again with breakfast. After breakfast, we each went off on our separate errands or naps, with a group of us picking up pastries from La Panaderia. This restaurant is known for its pastries and brunch and was busy! 

Back at the house, we made tie-dyed shirts, an idea we came up with the night before. Our house had a spacious backyard that was perfect for getting crafty.

For dinner, we went closer to downtown to eat at Toro Kitchen + Bar. This Spanish restaurant is known for its paella and tapas. We ordered plenty of small plates to share. This was a small view of our table and the many plates we had!

After dinner, we stopped by the oldest bar on the San Antonio Riverwalk, The Esquire Tavern. It’s also the home of the longest wooden bar top in Texas! The drinks were great and we were mesmerized by the quality of the ice cubes!

We made a quick walk on the Riverwalk to Howl at the Moon, a piano bar. If you’ve never been to a piano bar, I recommend it. They take requests and play lots of hits. I’m always impressed by the musicians’ vast repertoire and talent. If you’re like us, you’ll do a lot of sing-yelling, and if you’re a bachelorette, they might make you get on stage to shake a tambourine. It was a fun night!

The next morning, decked out in our fresh tie-dyed shirts, we went on the hunt for brunch. We went through a couple of options because of holiday closures and crowds before we made it to La Villita Cafe. Plenty of breakfast tacos here!

After brunch, we picked up our friendship globes, and just like that, our weekend was over. We had so much fun getting crafty, staying up late, and laughing a lot!

Other San Antonio Bachelorette Ideas

If you’re planning a San Antonio bachelorette party, here are more recommendations you should consider.

For Drinks:

• Rumble
• Paramour Rooftop Bar
• Dorcol Distilling + Brewing
• Still Golden Social House

For Dancing: 

• Brass Monkey
• Bonham Exchange
• Babios Night Club
• Wax Club
• Industry
• Midnight Rodeo

Also, check out my San Antonio guide for more ideas. People might not think to visit this historic city, but with all its hidden gems, it’s a city with plenty to do for a weekend getaway.

It was so special to have a long weekend away with some of my girls! With kids and other responsibilities, it’s hard to make time for friends, so I’m grateful for this time away to celebrate. This trip and our wedding/marriage conversations on the trip definitely reminded me that a big life change is on the way! I can’t wait to bring all these faces together again in a few weeks!

Have you had or been to a bachelorette party? What was your favorite activity?

P.S. The top photo is from the Amurica TX photo booth. It was parked outside of a bar on St Mary’s.

You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

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I have yet to keep a potted plant alive but it doesn’t keep me from trying! My Pinterest and Instagram are full of photos of plant-filled rooms because I love how vibrant and inviting plants make a home. Mark my words, it’s time to start fulfilling my plant lady goals. Some of my friends and I had a little planting party at Succulent Native to make some cute arrangements and get my plant-filled home started!

Succulent Native

This plant shop will give you all the heart eyes! Plants fill up every corner and shelf.

Open to all, you can stop in to shop, to make a custom arrangement, or to order a custom arrangement. They have a wide variety of plants, including succulents and monsteras, and cute vases to grow them in.

They also host public and private workshops. From cupcakes and cacti to yoga and succulents, their collaboration events sound like a fun option for getting together with friends. In fact, if you are hosting a bachelorette party or planning an activity for a friend’s birthday in Austin, consider booking a private workshop for your group. Keep reading to see what a workshop would look like.

Planting Party at Succulent Native

First, you’ll walk in and be enthralled by all the green in every direction you look! Browse the shelves or enjoy snacks and drinks in the private space as your group arrives.

Each guest will have a station. Depending on your party package, your pot might look different. (If you see a pot in the shop you like, you can switch it out for an additional charge.)

You’ll get to choose your favorite plants for your arrangement and your instructor will guide you step-by-step to plant them. Succulents need a good draining system, especially if your pot doesn’t have holes. You’ll also learn how to pack the dirt in and how much to pack.

After it’s all planted, you’ll add fun toppings to your pot. You’ll get to choose your favorite colored rocks, wood, and moss. For mine, I added black and blue rocks, white moss, and gold and wood accents.

Look how cute our creations are! Thank you to our instructor Pam for guiding us and giving her creative expertise.

Ready to test your green thumb?

I told my friends I would check in the next few months to see if our plants are still alive. We learned the key is giving them lots of sunlight and less water than we think. Fingers crossed, this is the start of turning my living room into a jungle! Now I’ve got to go back to Succulent Native and buy all the plants.

If you’re planning a bachelorette party, girls weekend, or birthday outing in Austin, this would be a fun activity to do!

Succulent Native
5501 N Lamar Blvd Ste A101, Austin, TX 78751
https://www.succulentnative.com/

Which is your favorite type of succulent?

P.S. Want more Austin bachelorette party ideas? Check out this post!

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I love candles, and I’ve had candle-making on my DIY to-do list for years! The smell of a lit candle filling a room brings so much calm on the weekend or sets the mood for a party. Now, Paddywax Candle Bar has landed in Austin and is making the DIY process fun and easy.

Paddywax Candle Bar

Paddywax Candle Bar is a shop in Austin at The Domain Northside where you can make your own candles. Their bright shop has a variety of ceramics to choose from, 65 beautiful options to be exact! You’ll also have 40 fragrances to sniff to choose your favorite.

This would be a fun activity for a bachelorette party or girls weekend in Austin. Their website has an easy booking system to reserve a time slot for your whole group. If you book a group of 10 or more people, you’ll get 10% off.

Paddywax Candle Bar invited me and a few of my friends to see what it’s all about. Read on for more about the experience.

Make Your Own Candle

Ready to pour your own candle? First, you and your friends will choose your favorite vessel and fragrance. This might have been the hardest part of the whole process! I finally decided on the blue confetti but I also loved the sonora and glow vessels.

Will you choose a spice, woody, sweet, or fresh scent? There were a handful of fragrances I liked, and I ended up picking rosewood and amber, a woody scent.

After making your selections, the Paddywax Candle Bar team will take you through the process to make your candle. You’ll be sticking your wicks, weighing your fragrance oils and wax, mixing the oil into your wax, and adding the wax to your vessel.

There might be a few (human-error) hiccups but the team is there to help you through every step. Voila! You made a custom candle!

The whole process was easier than I thought it would be and it was fun sharing it with friends.

After you make your candle, be sure to peruse their shop area for cute stationery and treats.

Logistics:

• Your candle pouring session will last one hour, and your candle will be ready to go home with you three hours after pouring. If you’re planning a girls’ weekend, do it early in your day/weekend and swing by later to pick up your candles.
• You can also have your candle shipped for $8.
• It costs $40 per person, which includes all your supplies and instruction.
• The shop is BYOB ($8 corking fee) and they also have a drink bar in the back corner.
• Children must be 10 and older to participate. Anyone under 18 must have a guardian present to sign a waiver.

Paddywax Candle Bar
3210 Esperanza Xing Suite 110, Austin, Texas, 78758

Have you ever made your own candle? What type of scent would you want?

P.S. Want more Austin bachelorette party ideas? See my guide here.

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Throwing axes is SO FUN! It’s an activity that will give you an adrenaline rush. It’s a more unique group activity than visiting a winery or spa, so if your girlfriends are a little more adventurous, this is the perfect interactive activity for your bachelorette party or girls weekend. Read on for more about our experience.

We were kind of nervous beforehand because it sounds a little dangerous. We were also watching others try it before our turn and we saw a mix of people who aced it and plenty who were way off. We didn’t want to suck at it!

Thankfully, Earl, the General Manager and our coach, showed us step-by-step how to do it and in true coach form, gave us tips for improvement after our throws. Each person throws differently so the little adjustments can help a lot. Urban Axes coaches know what they’re doing, so you’re in good hands even if you’ve never done it before. Each group has a coach supervising.

We took turns two by two getting the hang of the ax and practicing throwing. Your arms, hips, and legs all move together to make it happen. Success is a lot about your movement and the timing of letting go of the ax. For a few of us, the more we thought about the technique, the worse we got! Don’t forget the follow-through with your arms!

After our practice, we played a short tournament. We went head to head for five throws. The bullseye is five points, the next ring is three points, and the outer ring is one point. The two green dots on top are seven points but you have to call them!

I’m proud to say everyone in our group got an ax to stick and even a couple of bullseyes!

You don’t have to be athletic to try throwing axes. It was less scary than it seems. Contrary to what your brain might tell you, no one has ever let go of the ax in the back-swing.

If you’re not interested in hosting a group event, they also have drop-in sessions and an 8-week tournament league.

While they do get many bachelorette and bachelor parties, Urban Axes would be great for birthday parties, company outings, and family gatherings. Any type of event, really!

Quick Tips

• All participants must be 21 and up, wear closed toe shoes, and bring a picture ID.
• Reservations for groups are required. They typically accept groups of 6-24 people.
• It’s BYOB, beer or wine only. They have fridges to keep your drinks cold.
• You can also bring your own food. Don’t forget plates, utensils, and napkins!

Urban Axes
812 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 887-2937
Not in Austin? Urban Axes also has locations in Philadelphia, Boston, Cincinnati, Durham, and Baltimore!

Photos by Taylor Prinsen Photography

P.S. Want more ideas for an Austin bachelorette party? Check out this post!

Keep up with me elsewhere! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

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