Blog By Corrin Foster In Collaboration With Mr Ahmed.
As a born-and-raised Austinite, Overjoyed to welcome you to lifestyle blog “Oh Hey”! Here, Share discoveries of Austin businesses, experiences, and stories that showcase this city’s vibrant culture. Through passion for fashion, beauty, food, travel, and more, I hope to convey an insider’s perspective that inspires you to explore and connect with our creative community.
Local Roots
I’m a fourth-generation Texan, so Austin’s eclectic culture is in blood. Some of earliest memories involve listening to live music at funky local venues, shopping vintage boutiques on South Congress with mom, and hiking the Barton Creek Greenbelt with dad.
After graduating from the University of Texas (hook ‘em!), I spent years away from hometown working in marketing and PR roles. But Austin’s alluring energy kept calling me back. So in 2023, I returned to launch “Oh Hey” – finally dedicating myself full-time to sharing stories of beloved city.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Years Living in Austin | 28 years |
| Alma Mater | University of Texas at Austin |
| Profession | Marketing Professional & Blogger |
| Blog Launch Date | January 2023 |
| Content Focus Areas | Lifestyle, Fashion, Beauty, Food, Travel |
With this blog, I want to spotlight all the shops, talented creatives, mouthwatering restaurants. And picturesque parks that continue to make Austin an incredible place for residents and visitors alike. My goal is to provide an altitude authentics insider’s view into local businesses and experiences – unveiling hidden gems you may not find in any guidebook.
After all, as an Austinite, I’m privy to many under-the-radar spots thanks to word-of-mouth tips. Can’t wait to pass along my discoveries to you! So grab a breakfast taco, hop in some bluebonnets, and let this native show you why Austin offers a lifestyle second to none.
Capturing Austin’s Creative Spirit
From the outside, Austin may seem known only for its music scene, the hip-tech industry, and the University of Texas Longhorns. But scratch beneath the surface to discover countless subcultures flourishing among the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
Local Fashion & Style
Austinites incorporate artistic expression into every aspect of life – including personal style. So beyond music festivals and honky tonks lie vibrant fashion communities waiting to be explored.
On “Oh Hey,” Spotlight emerging designers, hidden boutiques, one-of-a-kind vintage shops, custom bootmakers. And more to inspire you to curate your own Austin-influenced wardrobe. Whether it’s bohemian dresses, cowboy hats, or kitschy printed tops you seek, creative fashion abounds.
Let me take you from thrifty stores to craft fairs to neighborhood gems, each filled with unexpected sartorial treasures. Along the way, we’ll uncover the stories of passionate visionaries designing funky garments and handmade leather goods that capture the Austin spirit. Prepare to fall in love with local labels like Mate the Label, Year Of Ours, and Hatmaker Studio, which exude quirky Hill Country vibes.
We Austinites also know how to layer looks, infusing warmth, comfort, and personal flair – from cozy oversized cardigans to custom-embroidered denim jackets. I can’t wait to showcase inspiring ensembles perfect for strolling through artsy East Austin, perusing downtown museums, or listening to live music at our countless venues.
So join me in admiring vibrant textiles, exploring innovative takes on Western wear, and cultivating closets as eclectic as Austin itself!
Quintessential Queer Style
A particular source of groundbreaking style in Austin stems from our vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Rainbow-hued fashion allows queer business owners and designers to broadcast pride while crafting looks as bold and free-spirited as they are.
In upcoming posts, Introduce you to local LGBTQ+ artists using fashion to push boundaries and promote inclusivity. We’ll explore names like Tomgirl Apparel, redefining genderless streetwear, as well as non-binary designer Phyllis, who spotlights intersectional voices through exuberant designs.
Together we’ll admire sustainability-focused brands like Vanderdorff Fine Goods and Saint Luna Apparel. Creating ethical clothing collections in Austin catering to queer style. And I look forward to highlighting beloved queer-owned vintage boutiques like Featherweight Vintage & Vinyl, offering pre-loved fashion treasures.
Through admiring these courageous creatives, I hope that readers of all backgrounds feel welcome joining Austin’s “come as you are” fashion community. Our city offers resources for self-expression that span far beyond the traditional gender binary.
Homegrown Beauty Brands
Austin’s artistry also blooms brilliantly through homespun cosmetics companies whipping up artisanal beauty elixirs. From vegan love makeup to botanical skincare, these chemical-conscious makers are redefining clean beauty standards using ethically sourced ingredients.
In upcoming posts, Share my personal favorites, like Homebody harvesting healing herbs from their backyard to handcraft small-batch body care. We’ll explore local shops like Cosmic Beauty, which specializes in crystal-infused products promoting spiritual wellness. And together we’ll get the inside scoop from female-founded clean cosmetics companies like Beauty counter and Half Magic Beauty.
Through supporting these homegrown brands, Austin residents uphold beloved natural apothecaries, providing plant-based products minus harsh synthetic additives. Our city offers an abundance of green beauty gems I can’t wait to uncover with you all!
Adopting the Outdoors
Beyond its urban hipness, easy access to the great outdoors provides Austinites refuge from the hustle and bustle. We’re blessed with wooded hills, winding creeks, and refreshing swimming holes that compel us outside year-round.
The Texas sun also means we live an active lifestyle to enjoy the mild winters and hot summers. You’ll find most locals escaping cabin fever by kayaking Lady Bird Lake, sweating through intense workouts, or slurping healthy açai bowls poolside.
So through “Oh Hey” content, I encourage visitors to join residents in reveling in everything that makes outdoor living incredible here. Let me show you the best hill country hikes, watering holes perfect for splashing, and ways to keep fit while soaking up that warm vitamin D.
Escape Into Nature
With Austin’s temperate climate, residents regularly escape into nature without traveling far from downtown. Let me guide you to lesser-known green spaces offering fresh air beyond crowded Zilker Park.
We’ll venture through wooded trails at Bull Creek, spot birds at Commons Ford Ranch, and wander through wildflower meadows at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Even share my favorite picnic spot alongside one gentle Barton Springs locals who love keeping secrets.
When you need a more isolated getaway, I’ll provide weekend trip recommendations to state parks surrounding the Hill Country. We’ll soak in the sound of silence at Enchanted Rock, camp below the stars at Garner State Park, and explore miles of Hidden Pond Nature Trail in the Lost Pines region near Bastrop.
Throughout content, I aim to inspire Austin visitors to both enjoy urban attractions and escape into our countryside oasis. This region offers a diversity of spaces allowing travelers to balance music festival crowdedness with peaceful nature immersion.
Active Lifestyle Culture
To maintain healthy vibes year-round, Austinites stay active, taking advantage of our city’s abundance of fitness facilities, trails, swimming holes, and sunshine. Locals embrace an athletic lifestyle, allowing us to counterbalance bountiful taco consumption.
Let me take you from yoga classes in lush parks to interval training in graffiti-covered warehouses. We’ll break a sweat paddleboarding Lady Bird Lake, cycling the Veloway, and bouncing at trampoline gyms getting our hearts pumping.
For recovery, I know the best local spots for massage, cryotherapy treatments, and infrared sauna sessions. Through my blog, you’ll discover this city offers endless outlets for staying happy and healthy and keeping that summer body strong all year long!
So join me in embracing Austin’s active culture – from hiking the Barton Creek Greenbelt to sweating through Hot Yoga classes, fueling up at superfood cafes, and plunging into Barton Springs. Let’s bond over our shared love for outdoor adventure!
Watering Holes Abound
As a desert city, bodies of water provide Austinites sweet relief from blazing boost triple-digit temperatures. We’re blessed to have hill-country swimming holes, spring-fed pools, and cool rivers, providing endless opportunities to take the plunge.
Let me uncover the most refreshing, secluded, and Instagram-worthy spots to soak up the Austin summer. We’ll swim below mini waterfalls at Krause Springs, slide through caves along the San Gabriel River, and lounge on Rocky Beach alongside Lake Travis.
I’ll provide need-to-know details like hours, parking, amenities, and insider tips for avoiding crowds at favorites like Hamilton Pool Preserve, Blue Hole Regional Park, and Jacob’s Well Natural Area. Through my local expertise, visiting families can experience these iconic Central Texas swimming spots minus the guesswork.
And don’t worry; I’ll include city escape options too – like the wooded Deep Eddy Pool, aquamarine Barton Springs downtown. And the salty artificial beach at Lady Bird Lake. Let’s make a splash together at Austin’s amazing collection of watering holes!
Foodie’s Paradise
Austin earns its reputation as a culinary destination thanks to talented chefs showcasing local ingredients with global techniques. From smoked meats to gourmet ingredients and food trailers to five-star dining. This city serves cuisine as eclectic, creative, and drool-worthy as its residents.
Through “Oh Hey,” Provide an insider’s perspective guiding foodies to beloved restaurants, hidden cafe gems, farmers markets, craft cocktail lounges, and more that capture Austin’s culinary identity. Let’s explore this tasty town together!
Barbecue & Southern Fare
As any self-respecting Texan can tell you, Central Texas barbecue is some of the best you’ll ever put in your mouth. From sweet and tangy sauces to expertly smoked prime cuts, Austin joints like La Barbecue, Valentina’s, and Micklethwait Craft Meats uphold hearty carnivorous traditions.
Beyond smokey brisket and fall-off-the-bone ribs, contemporary eateries add global techniques to traditional cuisine. At Foreign & Domestic, juicy Wagyu beef mingles with Japanese ingredients like yuzu and ponzu alongside Southern sides like scratch-made corn muffins and perfect grits. East Side King infuses Thai flavors into its Texas fusion dishes like General Tso’s Pork Belly Tacos.
Through my blog, visitors access the inside scoopi on quintessential local dining. I’ll guide you to homestyle favorites like Hoover’s soul food. No-frills Tex-Mex joints like Joe’s Bakery, and Mom’s vintage diner shaking up old-fashioned chicken fried steak. Pull up a chair – I’m ready to show off Austin’s tastiest culinary combinations!
Innovative Fine Dining
Beyond down-home fare, Austin offers innovative, upscale restaurants showcasing eclectic, drool-worthy dining. Top chefs source from local ranches, farms, and artisans to create memorable high-end experiences with Texas soul.
Let me take you to 1417 at sleek Hotel Granduca serving Italian-inspired plates like Snake River Farms Wagyu Beef Carpaccio. Together we’ll indulge in Japanese fusion tasting menus at Uchiko – fresh seafood mingle with flavors like yuzu and sudachi.
At steadfast Austin staple, Jeffrey’s esteemed chefs adapt lifestyle menus seasonally to spotlight stellar ingredients like seared foie gras with mission fig gastrique and venison with cocoa ganache. And I’m thrilled Geronimo reopened post-pandemic, upholding its reputation as the place for celebrating special occasions with dishes like crab-stuffed lobster tail with béarnaise sauce.
Through my blog, foodies access coveted reservations at these refined restaurants – booking your table effortlessly minus the headache. Then I’ll spotlight behind-the-scenes culinary innovation fueling ever-evolving epicurean excellence. Time for a toast – let’s dine fancy, Austin style!
| Top 5 Innovative Fine Dining Recommendations |
|---|
| Uchiko |
| Jeffrey’s |
| 1417 Restaurant |
| Geronimo |
| Odd Duck |
Beyond James Beard-decorated dining establishments, Austin offers adventurous eaters memorable meals from humble settings. Notably, food trucks and trailers are ubiquitous around town, serving drool-worthy bites from mobile kitchens.
Let me take you on a tour of my favorite mobile vendors slinging ridiculous queso from an Airstream or dishing up gourmet Nepalese-Indian fusion street food at a roadside stand. We’ll wander past graffiti art under string lights. Seeking out these roaming restaurateurs fulfilling fixer-upper fantasies one dish at a time.
Also share savvy insider tips for locating the city’s buzziest underground restaurants. Places like Birdie’s only publicize their outstanding aged steak and white wine dinners to loyal email followers and friends. Ephemeral dining experiences like these let visiting foodies in on dynamic pop-ups, bringing Austin’s food scene charisma and grace.
So come hungering – through “Oh Hey”, Uncover the city’s most mouthwatering meals on wheels, plus exclusive pop-up restaurant password hookups. This town’s nomadica dining scene brings new flavors to the table every single day!
Shop Local Movement
Beyond food trucks, Austin offers no shortage of talented makers, designers, artists, and artisans. As both a shopper and small business supporter myself, I use my platform to highlight these neighborhood entrepreneurs.
Let me take you inside the studios where Texas Hatters block Stetsons by hand. The apothecary where Cuvée Beauty concocts custom perfumes, and the showroom displaying gorgeous Foster & Main furniture built sustainably from reclaimed wood.
We’ll peruse artisan goods at the SFC Downtown Farmers Market. Sample small-batch chocolates at family-owned Delysia Chocolatier, and admire custom cowboy boots from Heritage Boot Company. From home decor to bath & body products to art prints, discover local love through Austin’s thriving shop small scene.
Supporting these passionate businesses preserves heritage crafts and uplifts our economy. So come prepared to meet makers and peruse their wares – I’ll guide you to best places for quirky Austin-centric gifts and goods during your visit!
| Top 5 Makers & Shops to Support Local |
|---|
| Texas Hatters |
| Heritage Boot Company |
| Delysia Chocolatier |
| Cuvée Beauty |
| Foster & Main |
Austin earns its reputation as the Live music Capital through venues citywide hosting talented musicians nightly. But to experience performances by chart-topping bands and pop culture icons, visitors time their trips around major annual music festivals.
As a resident, I provide insider tips for making the most of Austin’s iconic multi-day concert series events. Through my content, fans access information on securing tickets, nearby accommodation, transportation, parking, permitted items, ways to maximize the festival experience.
Let’s journey together through 80,000 fans at Austin City Limits, hearing Billie Eilish, Neil Young, Red Hot Chili Peppers rock Zilker Park! I’ll share pro moves for navigating crowds to catch all your favorite artists. Plus, local secrets like exiting to access the VIP areas when headliners start playing.
When the rodeo comes to town during mid-March, let me steer you through eighteen jam-packed days of live music, carnival rides, rodeo built for athletes, and quintessential Texas food! I’ll provide highlights plus important to-knows for enjoying the event smoothly as a visitor.
And for spotting celebrities like Barack Obama and Sandra Bullock living their best lives, SXSW offers epic interactive/film/music event. I’ll strategize spring breakers on scoring badges, highlighting standout movies premiering, and must-see showcases that define “keeping Austin weird” energy.
Through my blog content, visitors access insider tips for navigating these chaotic but awesome signature events. Reduced hassle means more time listening to emerging bands, cheering rodeo cowboys, and spotting Hollywood stars!
| Annual Austin Events & Festivals |
|---|
| Austin City Limits Music Festival |
| SXSW Conference & Festivals |
| Rodeo Austin |
| Old Settler’s Music Festival |
| Urban Music Festival |
Diverse Local Events
While concerts like ACL take center stage on the events calendar, Austin abounds with diverse happenings year-round. As an insider, I uncover themed festivals, cultural celebrations, wellness activations. And family events spotlighting everything we love about this city.
Let’s check out Pecan Street Festival east of Capitol, showcasing over 300 arts & crafts vendors, live performances, and food stands centered around sustainability. We’ll sample sweet, nutty treats while admiring jewelry, paintings, pottery, and more from local artists.
When summer arrives, I’ll reveal the inside scoop on smaller music gatherings like The Urban Music Festival, Soul Fest, and Reggaefest, spotlighting genres like R&B, soul, funk, reggae, and more. We’ll support incredible musicians of color while bonding over chill vibes in community green spaces.
For fitness fanatics lifestyle and outdoor enthusiasts, adventurous races take over Austin throughout the year. Let’s get our sweat on together at events like the Cap 10K, Austin Marathon, Tour de Austin cycling ride. And splashy water activations like Aquapalooza lake parties or the Waterloo Greenway Swim.
Toast to the arts at the Austin Studio Tour when 400+ local creatives open their workshop doors to curious visitors. We’ll get hands-on with pottery, glassblowing, textile weaving, metal smithing, and more, fueled by the city’s maker community.
Even strategize families on navigating Austin’s vibrant PRIDE celebrations, Old Pecan Street Fair. And Lone Star Round Up honoring cowboy heritage. From cultural festivals to wellness gatherings to artistic flowers showcases. Austin’s event scene promotes community while capturing the quintessential creative spirit.
Exploring Quirky Neighborhoods
While downtown magnetizes tourists, Austin’s distinctive neighborhoods offer a portal into local living. As an insider, I spotlight hidden enclaves beyond crowded Sixth Street and the Capitol Complex through my blog.
Let’s wander past murals and craft cocktail bars in revived East Austin arts district, window shop boutiques dotting breezy Barton Springs Road. And wander through wooded hillside Travis Heights, eyeing mid-century modern homes.
On the Near Southside adjacent to bustling South Congress, uncover turn-of-the-century mansions framing charming Bouldin Creek. We’ll sample tamales at local Mexican joints while noting remnants of Old Austin.
For a heavy dose of that funky ATX energy, North Loop and Burnet Road provide prime terrain for spotting everything from eclectic shopfronts to eccentric locals that give Austin its offbeat reputation. Quirky is our specialty up here!
Through my blog, visitors access a portal into genuine local living by neighborhood. We Austinites are proud of our city’s many distinctive pockets – each with its own vibe, demographic, architecture, and hidden gems waiting to be uncovered if you know where to look!
So take my hand as I guide you off tourist track and onto streets, revealing Austinite’s lifestyle at its authentic best. Let’s explore Austin together by diving into our dynamic local enclaves!
| Top 5 Unique Austin Neighborhoods Worth Exploring |
|---|
| East Austin Arts District |
| Barton Springs Road |
| Travis Heights |
| Bouldin Creek |
| North Loop |
As Austin rapidly evolves into a metropolitan hub attracting scores of transplants, multi-million dollar development threatens legacy institutions. National chains gentrify beloved neighborhoods, altering iconic local vibes.
Through “Oh Hey,” I combat corporate oversaturation by shining a preservationist spotlight on decades-old family-owned eateries, shops, and organizations woven into Austin’s cultural DNA. My content provides a megaphone amplifying vulnerable voices of ethnically diverse communities getting edged out by transformation.
Let’s slurp saucy Tex-Mex enchiladas at no-frills Serrano’s Restaurant in Montopolis while admiring vibrant cultural murals preserving Chicano heritage. We’ll mingle with creatives refueling on bacon-loaded burgers inside cozy Casino El Camino on Sixth Street since the 1980s punk days.
When tackling trails, I’ll book guided hikes through the non-profit Austin Explorer’s Club. Employing outdoor educators from diverse backgrounds to provide immersive nature experiences to at-risk youth, too.
Through uplifting these unsung local businesses. My blog content encourages cultural understanding while urging visitors to vote for values with vacation dollars. Supporting small means backing beloved institutions providing communal glue we can’t afford to lose. After all, they represent the her authentic Austin experience we all so eagerly seek.
So explore underrepresented neighborhoods, immunizing communities against erasure through showing up. Listening and contributing dollars directly supporting vulnerable voices most impacted by growth. There’s room for all of us to inhabit Austin together harmoniously!
Final Thoughts
Created “Oh Hey” to spotlight all facets fueling our urban/suburban cultural mosaic. From homegrown brands to boundary-pushing artists, mom & pop shops to original events, allowing neighbors to connect creatively.
Blog’s purpose involves spotlighting local love while providing an accessible insider portal welcoming visitors seeking quintessential Austin experiences.
Through showcasing thriving businesses, promoting emerging talent, and unveiling our city’s hidden gems. I hope to convey why so many residents like myself feel privileged to call Austin home. We cultivate community by showing up for each other daily.
So take hand, friends…A warm Texas welcome awaits from this native, eager to help visitors and new residents alike embrace the real Austin. You all come on down now!
