Four Years in Austin / Bucket List

I realized over the weekend that this Memorial Day marks four years living in Austin.

In some ways, I can’t believe it’s only been four years. Austin is the first place I’ve ever felt really at home. I know my way around the city, which is something I never learned after 10 years of living in the Dallas area. I know a lot of people and feel part of the community, much thanks to the fact that I have a job that has really put me in the center of things.

I have my favorite restaurants, my favorite places to hike, and my favorite hobbies. From the very beginning, I have felt like I really belonged.

In another sense, I can’t believe how fast time has flown. Looking back at the last four years, I’ve lost touch with a lot of friends that I never thought I would lose touch with. I thought I would make monthly trips back to Dallas. And there is still a lot I haven’t done here, that I’ve been planning on doing from the beginning. (I’m looking at you, bats at Congress Bridge.)

Still, I have a feeling I’ll be here for a while, so that doesn’t really bother me much.

A few weeks back, I made a bucket list of all the things I want to do in Austin. I posted it on the KLBJ FM website, but I thought I would post it here as well in celebration of all that I have already done in this wonderful city.

Austin Bucket List

Go see the Bats at Congress Bridge-It’s really ridiculous that I haven’t seen this yet. It’s less than a two mile walk from my house, and about 50 feet from my afternoon job. Doing this soon.

Zilker Kite Festival-I’ve heard it’s overrated but I don’t care. I love kites. And people watching. And watching people try to fly kites.

Enter Funniest Person in Austin as a Contestant-This is my fourth year judging and while that’s been a blast, I would really like to compete. This means I’ll have to start actually going to open mics. It terrifies me, but since I’ve crossed “Stand-up” off my bucket list, I know I’ll have a good time once I get there!

Franklin BBQ– I’ve had a lot of good BBQ in this city. But haven’t had THAT good BBQ yet. Mostly because I haven’t found someone willing to wait in line with me.

Chicken Shit Bingo-Because Chickens. And Poop. And Bingo.

Zilker Botanical Park-Matt and I have been talking forever about taking a bike ride here, but somehow it keeps getting away from us!

Peter Pan Minigolf-I haven’t gone put-putting in decades. It’s time to remedy that.

World's Largest Peter Pan at Peter Pan Mini-Golf in Austin, Texas.

See the Cathedral of junk– I’ve got to see this for myself!

treehugger — Picture from Treehugger.com

IFLY-We did a promotion here when it first opened, and I got to watch a lot of people defy gravity, I never got the opportunity to try it myself. I definitely want to though!

Alamo Drafthouse SingAlong– I really wanted to do this when Moulin Rouge was playing I heard it might be playing again soon. Definitely will catch it the next time!

Blue Starlight Mini Drive-in– As a movie lover, I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve never been to a drive-in theater.

Austin Ghost Tour-There’s a ghost tour? In Austin? How did I not know about this?

Camp at Enchanted Rock– In the last two years, Matt and I have probably camped at at least ten state parks. Somehow, we’ve never made it out to Enchanted Rock-which is probably the closest. I really want to make it out this spring before it gets too hot!

Jacob’s Well– Along with camping all around Texas, we’ve visited nearly every watering hole. This is one we haven’t yet made it out to. This summer it’s at the top of my list of things I want to do.

What else have I missed? I know this is a list I’m going to have to revising… But I’ve got enough to keep me busy for a while!

http://mwaonline.blogspot.com Mwa

It does sound like there are amazing things to do there. How about you do one a week and show us the photos?
http://www.bourbonlipstickandstilettos.com/ Bourbon & Lipstick

Austin is on my bucket list of places to go. I’ve actually never been to Texas! Can’t wait to read when you check these items off the list!
http://www.thesequinnotebook.com B @ The Sequin Notebook

Wow, sounds like there is a ton to do there (I would be all about that singalong!).
http://www.simplysouthernstacie.org/ Stacie

I love how you embrace all the things your city offers! I’m trying to do more of that myself although Augusta doesn’t offer nearly as much fun things as Austin.
http://www.why-girls-are-weird.com Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird

Wow sounds like there are some AWESOME things to do there!
http://www.dreambigandbuytheshoes.com/ Emelia @ Dream Big & Buy the S

I har that Austin is absolutely awesome, I would really love to visit someday. Now I want some BBQ!
http://www.businesslifeanddesign.com/ Jenn @ Business, Life & Design

Did not know there was so much cool stuff in Austin! I love that chicken shit bingo made the list. Back in school, one of our fundraisers was the “cow plop” lottery, which is basically the same thing. You buy tickets and the steaming pile dictates which square/number is the winner.
http://www.thisimperfecthappiness.com Diana

Gosh, I’ve never been to Austin, but I want to go so badly. I’m so glad you have found a place that feels like home. It can be hard to do that, and if you can it’s a big deal.
http://theramblingllama.blogspot.com/ Melissa The Llama

Oh my goodness do much to do and see! Looks like hubby and I need to visit too!!
http://www.militarywifeandpuglife.com MilitaryWifeandPugLife

You should do all those things and blog them of course! Video the comedy one!
http://www.audielou.com Audrey

I’ve actually heard of Jacob’s Well! I think that looks TERRIFYING! I hate not being able to see the bottom… (even though I swim well). I’d stand in line with you for that BBQ! YUM!
SuzLyfe

Can I please go on your food tour of Austin? I’m a hugggge bbq fan. HUGE.
H
U
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Living on Cloud Nine

I’ve never been to Texas either but have always wanted to! Now Austin is on my list and I want you to be my tour guide! Ha ha Live it up girl and enjoy it!!
Kersten @fitandtasty180.com

Th Cathedral of Junk is pretty crazy! My husband is a big fan of ghost tours, we will definitely do one of these if we get there. Thanks for sharing this and other Austin posts!
http://katieelizabethchicago.blogspot.com/ Katie Elizabeth

Now I want to plan a trip to Austin!! Specifically to come eat that BBQ and play chicken shit bingo- that is hilarious!!
Gai Daigoji

Hey! I would be happy to do any of these things with you!
And my good friend Monica does the Austin Ghost Tours, so there is that…
http://www.kenjiishere.blogspot.com Kendra Loisel

I love barbecue served on paper. I went to a restaurant in NYC that claims to be just like texas barbecue and it was like that annnnnddd it was the best origin barbecue i’ve ever had. Anyway, that barbecue looks delicious and Jacobs well looks crazy! Take lots of pictures!!
http://www.carissajaded.com Carissa

If I had the time, I so would. I should put them all on my calendar on days throughout the summer so I have to do them though.
http://www.carissajaded.com Carissa

You should definitely make a trip! I’ll show you around!
http://www.carissajaded.com Carissa

I know, doesn’t that sound like so much fun!
http://www.carissajaded.com Carissa

I’m lucky to live in such a fun city, but I definitely don’t take advantage of it as much as I should. You can come and visit!
http://www.carissajaded.com Carissa

There are! I just need to do them now!
http://www.carissajaded.com Carissa

You definitely should come! I’ll be your host! There’s some amazing bbq here for sure!
http://www.carissajaded.com Carissa

How fun! Hahah Yeah, i really can’t wait to check it out!
http://www.carissajaded.com Carissa

You should come and visit! It’s such a fun city, I can’t believe i live here sometimes!
http://www.carissajaded.com Carissa

You should! I’ll show you around!
http://www.carissajaded.com Carissa

I should! Hopefully i can get my ass in gear and see the world!
http://www.carissajaded.com Carissa

Ha I can see why that would be a fear! i never thought of it that way!
http://www.carissajaded.com Carissa

Come and make me do it as well! I need someone to go with!
http://www.carissajaded.com Carissa

I totally would do that! Come on down!
http://www.carissajaded.com Carissa

I keep hearing it’s pretty amazing! I think it’s the first on my list.
http://www.carissajaded.com Carissa

You should totally come down! I’ll go eat bbq with you!
http://www.carissajaded.com Carissa

Nice! I really want to check it out!
http://www.carissajaded.com Carissa

I definitely will! I do love it served on paper. I like seafood on paper too. Maybe more things need to be served on paper.
ElleSees.blogspot.com

love this! i need to do one for atlanta!!