Staycation Ideas in Austin During Covid-19
November 13, 2020
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During Covid-19, it’s common to feel a little caged in. You’re certainly not alone. A safe, relaxing staycation may be just what you need to recharge mentally and physically.
The expert concierge team at the Heywood Hotel has crafted the perfect way to spend a day in Austin, with both fun and safety in mind. We’re thrilled to share with you our favorite ways to staycation in Austin during Covid-19.
1. Book your stay at the Heywood Hotel
The Heywood Hotel is a secluded gem in the heart of Austin’s bustling Eastside. Upon entering the Heywood’s converted bungalow and courtyard patio, you’re met with quiet, solitude and safety.
With its convenient location close to downtown and the Lady Bird Lake hike and bike trail, the Heywood Hotel is the perfect location for a well-needed staycation. Get out and explore your own hometown and take in all the lovely patio weather fall in Austin provides, and then retreat to your your own private sanctuary.
The Heywood Hotel has implemented numerous safety measures to ensure you a safe hostel stay in Austin during Covid-19. Thanks to the unique design of our property, our rooms are completely isolated from one another with private AC and heat. They share no ventilation with other rooms, and all rooms open to the fresh outside air. You can walk from your free parking spot to your room without entering a building or elevator.
We offer stringent virucidal cleaning procedures, contactless check in/check out, curbside key handoffs, and no one will enter your room while you are staying with us. Read more about our extensive measures here: Health & Safety Procedures
We look forward to welcoming you to our East Austin boutique hotel!
2. Hop on a bike
The best way to see Austin is on two wheels! Luckily, the Heywood Hotel offers free bike rentals for all guests. Whether you are a born-and-raised Austinite or a recent transplant, now is the time to take advantage of your staycation and discover something new to love about Austin. Our expert concierge team know all of the best destinations and will help you find the best routes to get there!
3. First stop: coffee and tacos
Start your day off strong — with a strong cup of coffee, that is. Flat Track Coffee, just half a block from the Heywood, offers some of the city’s best espresso. During Covid, this favorite neighborhood coffee shop is open with walk-up service and now offers tacos from Heywood-favorite Veracruz All Natural!
4. See some native flora and fauna
Head to the Zilker Botanical Garden, “A jewel in the heart of Austin.” Tucked into Zilker Park, just south of downtown and a 20-minute bike ride from the hotel, the botanical garden offers a tranquil retreat. The Taniguchi Japanese Garden, Hartman Prehistoric Garden and Rose Garden all reside on this sprawling 26-acre property with tree-covered pathways. During your Austin staycation, fall in love with our city all over again in this urban tropical paradise.
Nearby is the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and if time allows, you can do both. This outdoor sculpture garden features work by sculptor Charles Umlauf and other contemporary visual and performing artists. After purchasing a carriage house on Barton Springs Road in 1944, Charles and Angeline Umlauf gifted their home, property, his art studio and 168 sculptures to the City of Austin for public enjoyment and education in 1985. As per their Covid-19 guidelines, the indoor gallery is closed at the time, but the expansive outdoor sculpture garden remains open to the public!
5. Grab lunch on a nearby patio
Outdoor dining has been all the rage in Austin, even before Coronavirus. There are a few great patio and rooftop dining options in this area.
Juliet Italian Kitchen — Choose from a selection of antipasti, hand-tossed pizzas, homemade pastas and other classic Italian staples at this elevated and stylish spot on iconic Barton Springs Road. Enjoy a meal alfresco on their expansive patio!
Perla’s — All things seafood (and a real fine burger) are the highlights of this cool South Congress restaurants with one of the best patios in town. Their quality raw bar selections, shrimp cocktails, and classic ceviches are a great way to start your lunch, brunch or dinner. Perla’s is great for people watching along South Congress (from a suitable distance) under the shade of Texas Live Oak trees.
El Alma Cafe y Cantina — This rooftop dining spot on Barton Springs Road offers fresh air and downtown views. At this perfect happy-hour destination in South Austin, you can grab a margarita and scoop up some queso fundido from 3pm-6pm daily. As per their Covid-19 safety procedures, patio reservations will be accepted same day only due to limited capacity.
6. Stroll down South Congress
It’s easy to kill a few hours browsing the shops of South Congress, even if it’s only window shopping. Allen’s Boots, By George, Parts & Labour, and Stag are just some of our many favorites on the iconic strip. The people watching in this area can’t be beat. Make sure to grab a selfie and a coffee at Jo’s, home of the iconic “I Love You So Much” mural.
7. Ride along the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail
Make your way back to the Heywood Hotel by meandering along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail and boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake.
With 10 miles of trails, most along the water, you are sure to catch some of the best views of the downtown Austin skyline. Along the southern boardwalk, keep your eye out for wild heron, red cardinals and even swans!
It’s such a special space for Austinites looking for a healthy way to start their day or wind it down. Enjoy the fresh air and gentle breeze, and let the worries of these Coronavirus days wash away. As a local, if you rarely venture out on the trail, we challenge you to upgrade your staycation check out one of Austin’s true treasures.
8. Dinner in Downtown Austin
After a fun-filled afternoon, head downtown for a world-class meal at Comedor. From nationally recognized chefs Gabe Erales and Philip Speer, Comedor is a perfect dinner destination in downtown Austin.
One of the hottest restaurant openings of 2019, Comedor is an upscale Mexican restaurant in an stunning industrial-themed restaurant space with indoor and patio seating. They have recently expanded their patio seating and also taken advantage of their unique Olson Kundig window system to let open air come inside. The menu features a mix of small plates, entrees and sides, with a highlight being the bone marrow tacos — split bones with marrow topped with hoja santa and pecan gremolata ready for scooping into fresh-made heirloom corn tortillas. Austin has many Mexican restaurants, but Comedor offers a different level of sophistication than most. Let the Heywood staff book your reservation and make your staycation a memorable one!
9. See a drive-in movie
End your night under the stars at Blue Starlite Drive-In Theater. This open-air rooftop drive in was named “one of the coolest movie theaters in the world” by Conde Naste.
If going to the movies is something you’ve been missing because of Covid-19, Blue Starlite is the perfect option for the safety-minded cinephile. Select your movie here from a well-curated list of cult favorites, prestige cinema and retro comedies.
In November they are showing Alfred Hitchcock’s classic, “Rear Window,” Stanley Kubrick’s masterful horror flick, “The Shining,” ’80s classics “The Princess Bride,” “Goonies” and many more!
Snacks and beverages are available from their concession stand and can be purchased in advance, and you can even order full meals from some of Austin’s top restaurants like Salt & Time, Wu Chow and Swift’s Attic (if you are ready for a 2nd dinner. No judgment — you’re on staycation!).
Featured image courtesy 365 Things Austin