Name: Shelby Sorrel
Instagram: @shelbysorrel
Website: shelbysorrel.com
Title: Social Media Strategist + Influencer
Age: 28
Married/Single: Single
Kids: None
My city: Austin, Texas
My favorite part about my city is… the people! Everyone is so kind and wonderful. Austin is filled with the most phenomenal humans who are so welcoming!
The best time of year to visit is… March or anytime in spring. The weather is beautiful which is perfect for enjoying Barton Springs, Deep Eddy Pool, Zilker Park and all sorts of water activities on Town Lake.
My ideal weekend in town… Saturday I’d do a pool day at one of the local Austin hotels, cocktails with friends, then a movie at Alamo Drafthouse, followed up with Sunday brunch at Hanks and a day exploring South Congress.
The one attraction you can’t miss… Deep Eddy Pool followed up by a burger at Pool Burger.
My top 2 picks for breakfast… Hanks + Hillside Farmacy
My top 2 picks for lunch… Homeslice Pizza + Elizabeth Street Cafe
My top 2 picks for dinner… Sway Thai + Emmer and Rye
The best happy hour is… Hanks, Yuyo, or Salty Sow
The best local cup of coffee… Greater Goods, Creature Coffee Co., and Fleet.
My go-to for the best Instagram photo op is… anywhere on South Congress!
The best place for a great cocktail… Watertrade, Velouria, Sour Duck, Roosevelt Room
When I want to shop local, I go to… Take Heart, Frankie Jean + Amanda Deer
My tips for a great night out… Go out on the East Side! There are so many wonderful spots within walking distance, great parking, and tons of food options when you get hungry.
I recommend staying… on the East Side. East Austin Hotel is one of my favorites and is super reasonably priced — it has a gorgeous pool, good cocktails, and a delicious restaurant (Sixth + Waller).
To unwind and relax… Grab a cocktail at kalimotxo, then walk to the Austin Public Library and lounge on the patio with a good book. If you’re looking to splurge, get a massage and sip some white wine at Massage Sway in the Domain.
Something people get wrong about my city is… that Sixth Street is the hoppin’ place to go out. Unfortunately, it very much is not unless you are down on West Sixth. “Dirty Sixth” is not even close to the best bars Austin has to offer, and is not as fun as other locations in Austin — if you want fun areas with lots of great spots, the East Side, Rainey Street and Rock Rose in the Domain provide some of the most fun bars!
Something not many people know about my city is… We are a hip place full of funky, awesome people, as our motto is “Keep Austin Weird.” We’re more progressive than the rest of the state, and are a very accepting and supportive city. Also, our breakfast tacos are just as good as San Antonio’s, even if San Antonio claims otherwise.
My No. 1 tip for out-of-towners is… If you are staying downtown, do not rent a car. Take a ride share everywhere because parking is pricey and hard to find.
You’ll love my city if you love… the outdoors, delicious food, and great people!
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