This summer has been nuts. Over the past month I’ve felt totally drained and exhausted. So, come Sunday, I decided to plan a little Sunday funday style Austin daycation to treat myself.
Author Lauren Weisberger with yours truly at Bookpeople in 2008.
I started the day by sleeping in and then sipping a Heydey Cold-Brew Coffee on the porch while enjoying the cool morning temps. Finished up my book “When Life Gives You Lululemons” by Lauren Weisberger, whom I met years ago at Bookpeople.
This novel continues the “Devil Wears Prada” saga. If you’ve been following along with the series, we already know what happens with Andy in the future.
Now, upon completion of this book, I also know what’s going on with Emily Charlton. It’s not an earth shattering read, but it’s a quick and entertaining one.
I contemplated walking over to Juiceland or Bouldin Creek Cafe, two of my neighborhood staples, but ended up taking my time and enjoying the morning at home with no demands. Had a drag brunch been happening at Trace at the W, I would’ve headed down early for that. But no such luck on this day, so I simply headed to the hotel early afternoon to relax and enjoy some spa time.
Vylette Ward performs at W Austin’s Drag Brunch at Trace.
The afternoon started at The W Austin Away Spa.
The atmosphere at Away is calming and inviting. If you’re expecting pretension, I can honestly say that was not the experience I had. The staff and set-up really puts you in the mood for your treatment. Plus, there are snacks and drinks on hand in the changing room before your appointment even begins.
Of course, I couldn’t resist perusing this copy of “Founding Austin” with one of my favorite Austinites Camila Alves McConaughey on the cover.
My massage was, in one word, “superb.” I discussed the tension I’d been carrying with my therapist and she paid extra special attention to that area and even used CBD infused oil from Chikibuttah to assist with the pain and healing. If you are new to CBD products and haven’t heard of CBD oil before, I suggest checking it out and seeing if it could help with your ailments.
Though a massage at The W may cost you a little more than your average massage studio or spa, the quality of the service and atmosphere is definitely above par. The spa experience ended with a glass of bubbles while I utilized the product provided so clients leave looking just as good as when they arrived (or maybe even better).
Following my spa treatment, I hit the WET Deck where a Sound Wave Sunday pool party was happening.
I mingled with Austin residents as well as hotel guests as I sipped on the pool bar’s signature froze. I even spotted an actor chilling in a cabana poolside. Honestly, I even surprise myself sometimes with my ability to recognize people. Especially since this guy isn’t exactly a household name. Who was it, you ask? Josh Hopkins, who I know from Cougartown. You may also recognize him from GI Jane, The Perfect Storm and/ or Only the Brave (which also stars Austin resident Taylor Kitsch).
If you’re interested in using the pool yourself, non-hotel guests can gain access Monday through Friday for $10/ day with a WET Deck Day Pass or a ticket to Soundwave Sundays. Pool access is complimentary after 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for happy hour and sunset swims.
After a couple hours of fun in the sun, a pal and I headed over to DuMont’s Down Low (214 West 4th Street).
Located in the basement of the old Fado (one of my fave old Austin haunts), the speak easy feeling joint serves over 70 whiskeys. The main attraction is the dripolator, which features one-of-a-kind infused liquors. The specialty drips on our visit utilized Four Roses Bourbon with blackberry and lemon peel as well as Monopolova Vodka with jalapeño and pineapple.
After sipping on one of their signature cocktails, a Toronto made with the drip for me and a Brown Derby for my pal, we were almost too exhausted to even think about dinner.
Though there are lots of places to consider downtown, we decided to simply grab P. Terry’s burgers on the way home. No regrets here!
Want more suggestions on what to do in Austin?
Check out our post on the top spots for anyone under 21.
You can get even more ideas on our sister sites Austin.com and Free Fun In Austin.
