Does retro-inspired appliances, painted rocking chairs, and a food truck that slings gourmet Texas grub out of a converted Airstream trailer – make you crave more of the vintage life? Well, hold onto your hoop skirts; what follows is a Vintage Vixens–approved 48-hour weekend itinerary that will give you the best look at Austin’s vintage side and have you two-stepping your way through Austin faster than a 1954 Buick Roadmaster (that you’ll also find at Lone Star Court).
DAY TWO
SHOP AND SWAP - 10 AM
Uncommon Objects and Top Drawer
Saturday morning finds you tucking into old-fashioned home-made waffles and sausages at the breakfast bar included in Lone Star Court’s overnight stays before hunting for treasure at some of the Vixens’ favorite stores. Morte has a soft spot for vintage typewriters that may be found at Uncommon Objects, while Mahoney frequents Top Drawer, which donates proceeds to
Project Transitions, serving people with HIV and AIDS. “You can find a home-spun dress from the ’60s, an amazing piece of ’30s furniture, and tons of antique radio and electronic parts for an extremely
low price,” she says.
WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR FLOAT - 12 PM
Nau’s Enfield Drug
Lunch is at Nau’s Enfield Drug. Here, ’50s-style hamburgers are topped with mayo and vegetables, while malt flavors include chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, cherry, pineapple, and banana. “The soda fountain at Nau’s Enfield Drug is absolutely classic Austin,” says Vintage Vixen Brianna James, who then steers you to the hangar of the Central Texas Wing of the Commemorative Air Force.
AIR FORCE WON - 2 PM
San Marcos’ Commemorative Air Force Hangar
A short drive south out of Austin to San Marcos, the Commemorative Air Force hangar houses a collection of vintage planes and hosts a USO party experience each year for Veteran’s Day. Check out the very rare flying P-39Q Bell Airacobra Miss Connie and the B-25 Mitchell Yellow Rose, among other aircraft. You can also see a World War I–era Republic Truck and a World War II–era Willys Jeep
CHILL OUT - 6 PM
The Water Trough
Return to your room at Lone Star Court to get ready for another night out in Austin. Before you leave the hotel, though, make sure you try the signature cocktail at The Water Trough. The hotel’s restaurant, which features live music every night Thursday through Saturday, is known for its Chill Cowboy: a mason jar filled with vodka-infused sun tea, hibiscus liqueur, peach puree, lemon juice, and honey syrup. It pairs nicely with enjoying the late-afternoon sun while rocking in one of the hotel’s many colorful rocking chairs.
DINNER - 6 PM
Aurora Venezuelan Food Truck
There is no need to travel far to enjoy a rich and flavorful meal. After drinks, head over to the Food Truck just a few steps from The Water Trough. Street food is taken to the next level with the famed Aurora Venezuela food truck that offers a delectable menu that will be sure to satisfy your taste buds.
STEPPIN' OUT - 9 PM
The Broken Spoke
Now that you're fueled up for the evening, enjoy some classic Western Swing at the iconic Broken Spoke! Austin's Broken Spoke has had it's doors open for more than half a century. As soon as you step in, it will bring you back to an era nostalgic of the 1960s! New to Western Swing? Not to worry, Broken Spoke offers dance lessons that will be sure to get you up and moving!
DRINKS IN LA LA LAND - 11 PM
Lala’s Little Nugget
For a nightcap, it's time to enter a Christmas episode of Mad Men. Lala's Little Nugget brings back the show's 1960s style with a signature Austin twist: Christmas decor. Everywhere. The bar looks like it has been hit by a North Pole bomb straight out of your Christmas-loving grandmother's photo albums – antique ornaments, retro reindeer, elves, ugly sweaters, and other Yuletide kitsch reign year-round here. Bring cash for the ZiegenBock on tap, the holiday-themed cocktails, and for a few choose-your-own classic tunes. "Lala's has a fantastic jukebox," Trumbo says.
