In “5 Things,” we ask some of our favorite insiders in cities all over the world to share insider travel tips on where to eat, shop, stay, and play in their neighborhoods (plus, what to pack to make the adventure complete). Today, I’m thrilled to welcome back Jen Pinkston of The Effortless Chic, who is whisking us away to Austin, Texas. It’s a fitting escape on this first day of spring—especially while big swaths of the country are still stuck in winter’s clutches.
In a city that has grown by fifteen times the national average over the last decade, I’m the kind of rare bird that was actually born and raised here in Austin. Because of this, I can wax poetic about my hometown for hours! Sure, I moved away for a quick decade post-college, but the laid-back vibes, socially conscious mentality and, of course the tacos, lured me back once we had kids.
Austin regularly makes the lists of best places to live and visit and for good reason! There are many things to see and do here, especially with kids in tow. (I know I’m probably in the minority here, but that happens to be my favorite way to travel!)
Keep reading for all of my must-do picks for the capital city of Texas!
There are few things I enjoy more than getting lost in the work of talented interior designers and considering what makes a particularly beautiful room design stand out—and how the same effect can be achieved elsewhere. This is the first in a series of Style Primer posts that will focus on one current style, and provide tips about how that look comes together. Let’s kick things off with what I’m calling New Traditional—a refreshing, modern update of formal interiors.
New Traditional relies on layering and the right juxtaposition of classic furniture and contemporary accents. The best new traditional rooms feel livable and approachable yet also luxe. This may be my favorite style because it has so many iterations from bold to restrained, and because the rooms are more timeless, less trendy. It’s also a style that can suit the architecture of many homes from suburban new-builds to historic row homes.
But how do we achieve that elusive balance of new and old? Let’s break it down…
I couldn’t bring myself to close this Bon Appetit tab on my computer, and so I share with you the secret formula for great fruit salads, any time of the year, according to Carla Lalli’s new book, Where Cooking Begins: Uncomplicated Recipes to Make You a Great Cook:
All you need is sweet-juicy fruit, plus crunchy-salty nuts and chewy-fatty cheese. Add some olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then, let everything sit for 15 minutes before serving, so the fruit juices can mingle with the dressing on the plate. Works every time.
(And pssst, don’t forget that Avocados and tomatoes are fruits!)
Here are some more tasty links of note for the weekend…
