Don’t miss this chic guide to the cooler-than-cool city in the Lone Star State from three hometown tastemakers.
It was part homecoming, part creative adventure for stylist/designer Callie Jenschke, Kim West and Kristin Gish. Each had spent a decade or more in NYC working on a myriad of creative endeavors before finding their way to Austin. For Jenschke, who grew up in nearby Fredericksburg and attended University of Texas, it was a return. Both West and Gish had always loved the capital for its “amazing soul” and “beauty” and decided to make it a permanent home for their young families. The duo soon embarked on a aesthetic endeavor with Jenschke.
The result is the design showroom SUPPLY -- a wonderland for unique, chic decor and accessories. Located in a charming 1930s bungalow, it’s filled with a curated mix of modern and sophisticated designs, from wallpaper and fabric to lighting, rugs and furniture -- many lines exclusive to them.
For the trio, the best part of working and living here is the relaxed attitude and easy access to nature, good music, and amazing food. (The influential SXSW music, film and media festival is held here each March.) Describing the town as creative, adventurous and relaxed, they happily shared their favorite places to see and be seen around the city and urge that you visit soon. Just maybe not at the height of summer. “It’s super hot and the humidity makes for some oppressive heat.”
Read on for a stylish city guide to follow the other nine months of the year.
EAT
Elizabeth Street Cafe (1501 S 1st Street | 512-291-2881) “For breakfast, their Sticky Rice with Ginger Sausage and Poached Eggs will fuel you through the afternoon. Plus the cheery French/Vietnamese decor makes you feel cool even when it’s hot outside.”
Josephine House (1601 Waterston Avenue | 512-477-5584) “It’s a chic ladies who lunch spot to grab a tasty salad and a cold glass of vino.”
DRINK
Jeffery’s (1204 W Lynn Street | 512-477-5584)"Make a reservation at the bar for the coziest drink in town.” Better Half (406 Walsh Street | 512-645-0786) “They serve a super refreshing shrub and mezcal cocktail called Head West in a minimalist setting.” Pool Burger (2315 Lake Austin Boulevard | 512-334-9747) “Austin’s only legit tiki bar--they make a mean Mai Tai.”
SHOP
ByGeorge (524 N Lamar Blvd #103 | 512-472-5951) “They have a fab selection of high-end fashion in Austin.”
Nannie Inez (701 S Lamar Boulevard | 512-428-6639) “A design lover’s dream. They carry the coolest Scandinavian furniture and accessories.” Good Company (918 W 12th Street | 512-520-4402) “Always filled with a curated mix of emerging and established designers.” Wildflower Organics (524 N Lamar Boulevard | 512-320-0449) “It’s a great place to find gorgeous bedding and accessories.” Kick Pleat (624 N Lamar Boulevard | 512-445-4500) “Great modern clothing and accessory brands in a super chic space.”
SEE
Pictured above: The Blanton Museum (photo courtesy of Blanton Museum of Art), The Contemporary Austin (photo courtesy of The Contemporary Austin), and Lady Bird Lake (Photo by Geoff Duncan).
Blanton Museum (200 E Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard | 512-471-5482) “Ellsworth Kelly’s last commission just opened here this year. It’s a gorgeous place to bathe yourself in color and meditation.” The Contemporary Austin (700 Congress Avenue | 512 453 5312) “The Museum’s Laguna Glory is an outdoor lover’s paradise where you can walk amongst sculptures that meander around gorgeous lakeside property.” Lady Bird Lake “Our downtown hike and bike trail offers up to 15 miles of tree covered lakeside walking paths. It’s not to be missed.”
“Our downtown hike and bike trail offers up to 15 miles of tree covered lakeside walking paths. It’s not to be missed.”
STAY
Pictured above: The lobby lounge, outdoor patio, and luxe pool at Hotel Saint Cecilia. Photos by Nick Simonite.
Hotel Saint Cecilia (12 Academy Drive | 512-852-2400) “Discreet and chic, this place is one of the best boutique hotels in the country...and you may spot a celeb or two.” The Line Hotel (111 E Cesar Chavez Street | 512-478-9611) “Just opened--it’s location is in the center of all the action and the pool overlooks Town Lake.”
DO
South Congress Avenue “Take a stroll and peruse some of the best shops in Austin while getting your people watching fix.”
Barton Springs Pool (2131 William Barton Drive | 512-974-6300) “Hop into this cool pool. The spring fed water hole stays a chilly 68 degrees year round.” Lake Austin “Rent a paddleboard and see the city by water.”
"The natural beauty up and down Lake Austin is unbelievable."
FOR KIDS
"We love being out on the lake with our kids. There is nothing better than loading a pontoon with snacks and drinks for an afternoon of swimming and tubing. The natural beauty up and down Lake Austin is unbelievable.” -- Kristin Gish
"Laguna Gloria is a wonderful place to take a picnic and enjoy the sculpture gardens and lakeside setting. Set under a beautiful and shady live oak, Little Stacy Wading Pool is great for little ones. We love to grab breakfast and hang out in the courtyard next to Mañana at South Congress Hotel.” -- Kim West