Every summer one of my favorite traditions includes floating the river. With Summer coming to an end there are a few more opportunities to float the river, with the big one being Labor Day weekend. There is something about being out on the water, drink in tow and having the sun beaming down on you. Rich and I try to float the river atleast twice a summer. However, this trip was different for us as we decided to use some of the recommendations we have heard from friends in place of our favorites. We tried out an entire new river, restaurant and bars. Needless to say, it was amazing! Here is a guide to our trip! I hope you enjoy.
River-
We drove about 2.5 hours west to San Marcos to float with Texas State Tubes on the San Marcos River. We were meeting up with some of my friends from high school and ended up having a big group of at least 20 floaters. This was probably one of the biggest floats I have ever done equipped with jello shots, slapping of the bags and tons of White Claws. Honestly, I think White Claws may just be the official drink of the river.
PRO TIP: Bring a speaker to play all of your favorite tunes.
Make sure you bring water because---HYDRATE.
WEAR SUNBLOCK and don't forget a bag for your trash. KEEP THE RIVER CLEAN.
Dinner-
After 4 hours of a great float session, we drugged ourselves out of the San Marcos River and headed to Austin, checked in our super cute Airbnb, got dressed and went to dinner. Usually, our Austin go-to dinner includes a trip to Salt Lick for BBQ. But, this year we decided to try something different. (Cue in Loro). Loro was a recommendation of our chef friend and so since the expert said it was good, we had to try it. Plus, its the love child of Uchi and Franklin BBQ, it can't get much better.
The table shared a few light bites including the Candied Kettle Corn With Burnt Ends, think savory and sweet bag of kettle corn and brisket, Chicken Karate ( a yummy take on fried chicken) and a refreshing tomato salad . I ordered the Smoke Prime Bavette bowl (which melted in my mouth) and I nibbled on Richie's meal, the Brisket. Literally, you cannot go wrong with anything in this place. Everything was delicious. It was like being at an Asian BBQ with all of the freshest ingredients and best cuts of smoked meat. I will def. be back.
PRO TIP: Order a bunch of the small dishes and then 1-2 of the big plates and try it all. You will not be unsatisfied.
Drinks & Dancing-
After Loro, I was stuffed. Like, I could def end the night in bed watching Netflix. But, with my sister in-law in town from New York there was an unsaid obligation to let the night keep moving! We met up with some girlfriends and kept the party going. We started on West 6th at a 90's bar called Stereotype. Literally, a 90's bar--everything was throwback. You can sit on bleachers while listening to the dj spin 90's and updated jams, play Atari, use the vending machine to buy 90's theme snacks and even try and win a prize using the Jaws.
The night then took a sudden turn with a monsoon of rain coming down while we ran from bar to bar trying to keep dry. PRO TIP: Always check the weather app before picking out your outfit, sandals are not fun when you're wet and in a bar on Dirty 6.
We had a great time in Austin. Quick trip, but always worth it. I am hoping to go up one more time before school starts. What are your favorite Austin gems? Share in the comment section.