Not too long ago, I posted the first part of the video series I made about my road trip adventures through the United States. While the first video was all about a wild night out in New York, this one is the result of a few relaxed days hanging out in Austin, possibly one of America’s most popular cities to live in. Lots of live music, bars and very laid-back people.

Check it out.

austin from katja hentschel on Vimeo.

Dear Travelettes,

I love vintage and it is something I look for in every city I go to. While most cities have a few vintage stores that might not even be too bad, it only happens relatively rarely that a place boasts a whole range of amazing vintage shopping options. One of those places is Austin, Texas. There aresome real gems over here with many original pieces at reasonable prices.

My favorite places were:

• New Bohemia on 1606 South Congress for fun bathing suits, costumes and shoes

• Feathers Boutique (1700 South Congress Avenue), which is a little more pricy but worth checking for many original pieces

• Off the Wall for stunning vintage furniture and antique goodies

A great guide to good Austin Vintage shopping, complete with a map, can be found on vintagearoundtownguide.com.

Happy vintage shopping,

Katja

Dear Travelettes,

for the past few months I have been trying hard to cut down on carbs, work out and eat lots of veggies and protein. Pretty much all that went to hell once I came to Austin because there is some very awesome notsogoodforyou food to be had here. On South Congress Avenue there is a a whole range of goodie goodie stands and shops with almost irresistable sweets, baking goods and ice-creams. Snack on delectable cupcakes and discover that green-tea and original tart frozen yogurt could quite possibly become your new favorite food.

And if you can handle more sweetness, simply cross the street and check out the Candy Shop with all the candies you could possibly think of.

The Big Top Candy Shop is located on 1706 South Congress Avenue.

And after all that candy-snacking, do switch to liquid sweetness and grab a Margerita (pitcher?) at Polvo’s (2004 S 1st St).

Happy sweet-toothing,

Katja

Dear Travelettes,

coming to Austin I only knew two things. One – everyone loves it, and second, great people come from here. Some of my favorite Americans are Austinites including my friend Anthony who I was supposed to meet so we could go on a road trip together through half the US.

When reading up on Austin in travel guides, one thing seems to always shine through – this place is less about what is happening in the city but about the people who live here. The locals are laid-back, easygoing and open to meeting new people visiting or moving here. There is always something going on, it’s enough to get into your car (and you DO need a car in Austin) and go for a drive checking for open-air concerts, free drink parties or other happening events.

Here are a few shots which transport the big easy that is Austin, Texas.