Staycation, All I Ever Wanted!

One of the many awesome and Instagram-worthy murals scattered throughout Lamar Union Plaza. This one was very close to our suite at The Guild.

Sometimes a girl’s just gotta get away. Am I right? And when your hometown is the country’s number one girls' trip destination there’s no better place to do it than your own backyard. Enter The Guild at Lamar Union Plaza, home of the original Alamo Drafthouse. This long-time favorite location has undergone a renovation to modernize the area, creating a multi-use center full of fantastic retail, restaurants and cool urban living that’s 90% local and promises something for everyone.

The Guild has a few locations in Austin, each comprised of spacious, stylishly appointed suites which makes it easy to live life like a local while still enjoying hotel amenities such as a gym, pool, concierge service, and free parking. I chose the Lamar Union location because of the endless variety of things to do right outside my doorstep. Once I parked at check-in, I didn’t even think about my car again until it was time to check out. Walking everywhere was safe, easy and convenient and definitely gives guests the chance to plug into the vibes that are so unique to Austin.

Guild at Lamar Union Plaza, 1100 S Lamar Blvd, (512) 623-7480

Best Face Forward

Our first stop after check-in was locally and female-owned Kalologie 360 Spa, a day spa meets med spa destination that can tailor each experience to a guest’s needs and preferences whether that be a long luxurious session of pampering or a quick, convenient treatment. I opted for the Classic Facial which left me hydrated and glowing. Follow along on Instagram at @kalologie_austin for ongoing “day of specials” on Botox, facials, and massages. Our group received 30% off treatments for being guests at The Guild, so be sure to inquire about special rates for your own group when you come to town.

Kalologie 360 Spa, 1100 S Lamar Unit 2120, (512) 233-0252

Kicking Ass at Kiki Nass

Clothing, accessories and jewelry at Kiki Nass are nothing less than the bees knees.

Now that we had our glow going, it was time to do some shopping at what I consider to be one of Austin’s best boutiques. Keeping with the locally and female-owned trend, Kiki Nass is full of style, love and a sense of humor that leaves guests feeling empowered inside and out. In addition to fantastic women’s clothing, don’t miss the fun & funky kids section along with awesome accessories and jewelry. Buyer/Curator Joannah Hillebrandt focuses on creating positive energy that translates through the entire shopping experience. Fun fact: you can also catch Jo and her team regularly on Austin lifestyle show Studio512 outlining the latest style trends. The fridge is always stocked with bubbly to enhance your shopping experience and the dynamic ladies of Kiki Nass are helpful and supportive in helping you make your selections. Be sure to follow along at @kikinassaustin for fantastic fashion inspo as well as news about ongoing sales. Our group enjoyed 20% off our purchases so make sure to give them a call about specials that might apply to your group.

Making the Connection

The Truffle Barrata pizza on gluten free crust. Delicious!

After a stop by the room for more bubbles and to freshen up, we headed back down for dinner at The Connection Pizza and Bar which is rapidly becoming one of my favorite hangouts. At any given time you’ll see couples on date night, large groups or families enjoying a meal together. It’s smart, casual yet chic vibe makes The Connection a place for anyone and everyone. Chef Jen Coffman very capably leads the charge and so far I haven’t had anything off the menu I haven’t loved. On this particular night, we enjoyed the Crostini which married the perfect blend of crunchy bread and creamy burrata followed by a classic Caesar salad. Then time for the stars of the show: Truffle Barrata pizza on a delicious gluten free crust and Mushroom Pappardelle, featuring some of the pasta they make fresh in house daily. Party in my mouth! I don’t always order dessert but when our server told us Chef Jen had prepared their peach gelato, that’s all I needed to hear. Believe me when I say you need to experience this at least once in your life. It’s is everything that is delicious and good—summer in a bowl! The Connection features happy hour from 4-7 and reverse happy hour from 9-11 Tuesday through Friday with select $5 apps and 1/2 price pizza. You can also enjoy Wine Down Wednesdays with 1/2 off bottles in addition to happy hour. And for a combination of bougie and delicious, go for the Gold Truffle: truffle pizza with edible 24 karat gold. A little slice of luxury for just $28.

The Connection Pizza & Bar, 1100 S Lamar Blvd Unit 2140, (512) 284-9867

The High Life at The Highball

The calm before the storm at The Highball.

To avoid any post dinner drag, we headed over to The Highball...for a different kind of drag. The ladies of Hot Mess Express captivate audiences on the 4th Friday of every month with their drag show spectacular including super fun music, costumes, makeup and hilarious expressions, gestures and attitude as only they can deliver. My friend Suzanne and I were fully invested and we have the bar tab to prove it. In fact we ended up sitting ON the bar singing (ok screaming) along with every word. (Or the ones we could remember anyway). The Highball is known for just this type of fun expertly put together by Entertainment Director Keith Ruckus. In the line up of shows happening each week, you can catch everything from country acts, to Sinatra-style bands, to burlesque to drag. And that’s not to mention the fun you can have in one of their thematic karaoke rooms perfect for nearly any occasion. This was my first drag show and it will not be my last. A total blast!

The Highball, 1120 S Lamar Blvd, (512) 383-8309

Up and Running with Orangetheory Fitness

Super fun, high energy workout with OTF!

After a great night’s sleep back at our suite, it was time to greet Saturday by sweating out the night before with a session at Orange Theory. One of their fast paced, high energy classes was the perfect way to prepare for all the calories we were planning to take in later at brunch. One of my pals isn’t a fan of running. Not to worry! The expert trainers helped make modifications and she still got a fantastic workout. Be sure to follow along at @OTF_sola for news on special stretching and flexibility classes as well as info on their “no shower happy hour.” Your first OT class is always free, no promo code necessary. Just give them a call to sign up!

Orangetheory Fitness, 1100 S Lamar Blvd, (512) 807-0400

Gimme That Good Hair

A professional blowout is one of life’s great pleasures and Jose Luis Salon and Boutique is one of the best places in town to show your locks some love. The salon offers 10% off group blowouts whether or not you’re on a staycation or girls trip and be sure to check out their Frequent Blowdryer Program: after every 5 blowouts you get one free. Locally owned and boasting more than 30 years in the industry, your hair is in the best of hands with the Jose Luis team. You’ll definitely walk out ready for your close up!

The blowout of my dreams at Jose Luis Salon & Boutique.

Jose Luis Salon & Boutique, 1100 S Lamar Blvd, (512) 474-1146

Brunch So Hard

Candied Bacon Deviled Eggs at TLC. A must order!

Dearly beloved we are gathered here today for one of the most important parts of any getaway: brunch. And TLC Austin does it RIGHT. This family friendly spot includes indoor and outdoor spaces, cornhole, games and outrageously good Texas food...think gulf seafood boil meets fried okra. Yassss! Brunch is served on weekends featuring a bevy of delicious offerings along with Mary’s Bloody Mary’s and Texas-sized Mimosas! Our group dug into the life changing Candied Bacon Deviled Eggs, monstrous breakfast tacos, fried okra, chicken and avocado salad and their signature Nueske’s Bacon Flight which includes a spread of regular, Texas heat and candied bacons. Yummy! All Guild guests get a complimentary bacon flight during their stay. Also not to be missed: happy hour all night on Mondays and Tuesday - Friday from 3-6pm as well as their just-launched $10 lunch menu.

TLC Austin, 1100 S Lamar Blvd Unit 1150, (512) 580-0971

We packed so much into just 24 hours during our Guild staycation and the really cool thing is I could go back and stay again and have a completely different experience at Lamar Union Plaza. Spots we missed this time but will definitely be back for include Shake Shack, Coated, Alamo Drafthouse, Soto and Mandala. Be sure to check with all retail outlets and restaurants for specials that could be enjoyed by your group during your stay. And don’t miss the many Instagram-worthy murals scattered throughout the property so we can all follow along and enjoy your trip!