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Guide to Enjoying Outdoor Spaces in Austin

November 9, 2020/in Blog post, Explore Austin /by Austin Marathon

Take advantage of the beautiful weather at these outdoor spaces in Austin

Finally, the Texas summer is over. While our evenings get darker earlier, there is still plenty of time during the day to enjoy many outdoor spaces in Austin. There are tons of great locations, but we’ve narrowed it down to some of our favorites. From coffee to cocktails and paddleboarding to parks, our list has you covered! Pro tip: this list is a great way to reward yourself or spend your rest day if you’ve started to increase your mileage.

Austin’s murals

There are countless amazing murals around town. We’ve showcased some of our favorite murals along the Austin Marathon course, but that’s just the tip of the paint can! Cycle around town, visit some of the murals, and take a selfie with them. Check the mural for the artist’s handle so you can give them a shoutout on social media. Pro tip: the earlier you get there the better the chances you won’t have to work with traffic or other visitors.

Mozart’s

Start your morning at Mozart’s, one of the best places in Austin to get coffee. While you’re there, post up on the massive deck and enjoy the Lake Austin views. With plenty of outdoor space, Mozart’s is also an ideal place to work for a few hours or watch the Austin sunset. Mozart’s is on the Austin Marathon course.

Cosmic Coffee

From breakfast to dinner, Cosmic Coffee has it all. And there is a ton of outdoor space. Start your morning next to waterfalls with a latte and a bagel. Or you could visit the chickens or coy pond before grabbing lunch from one of the food trucks. Pro tip: when it gets really chilly they light the fire pits so you can snuggle up next to a fire with a hot cup of coffee.

Kayak/paddleboard

Austin is fortunate to have Town Lake, a massive body of water downtown that offers so much. Now that the sun isn’t blazing hot, it’s time to get out on the water and really enjoy yourself! Whether you’re into kayaking or stand up paddleboarding, there are plenty of places to get started. Pro tip: this is a great way to spend your rest day. No running, but you’re still outdoors, getting a workout, and enjoying the fresh air.

Gibson Street Bar

Grab a beer and enjoy the outdoor space at Gibson Street Bar. They’re located off Lamar and offer 16 craft beers, cocktails, and wine. There’s something for everyone. Don’t feel like cooking dinner? Visit Luke’s Inside Out trailer for appetizers and burgers. This is a great place to wind down your day.

The Wheel

If you’re in East Austin looking for a neighborhood bar with ample outdoor space, look no further. The Wheel has a rotating selection of local and craft beers. Visit their outdoor beer garden and you’ll be greeted by a beer fountain! The Wheel is on the Austin Marathon course.

Austin Parks

From the world-famous Barton Springs Pool and Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail, Austin is known for its green spaces. It’s truly a benefit to our city. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic. Finish the book you’ve been reading. Go for a trail run or bike ride. There are so many ways you can enjoy Austin’s parks. Visit the city’s site to find a park near you.

Stargazing

The stars at night, are big and bright, deep in the heart of Austin! Even the lights of Austin can’t keep all the stars from shining. Take some time after dinner to gaze at the night’s sky and search for shooting stars. Two places to get you started involve a short walk. Visit Mt. Bonnell or the overlook near the 360 Bridge. Both offer sweeping views of the Texas sky. Mt. Bonnell has steps and a longer walk, while the 360 Bridge Overlook is a shorter, more rocky climb. Want to get away from Austin’s light saturation and really see the stars? Visit Enchanted Rock in Fredericksburg.

Sour Duck Market

Their outdoor seating is ideal for relaxing in the cool air and enjoying happy hour. Sour Duck Market have an on-site smoker and smoke their own meat. Looking to start your day with some coffee and fresh air? Swing by for breakfast and get something from their coffee shop and bakery. Sour Duck is on the Austin Marathon course.

Comedor

Take your upscale dining outside or enjoy craft cocktails on Comedor’s patio. Chefs Gabe Erales and Philip Speer have truly elevated the food game in Austin. You can’t go wrong with anything on their menu, from appetizers to dessert. Don’t sleep on their mouth-watering Bone Marrow Tacos! Their outdoor space is a relaxing oasis in the middle of downtown. Comedor is also home to Austin’s newest running club, Comedor Run Club. Their purpose is to create an inclusive space for Austin’s food community to connect and live a healthier lifestyle.

With so many outdoor spaces in Austin, the only problem you should have is deciding what to visit first! Many of these you can combine into an epic day. Start off with some coffee, kayak for a few hours, enjoy happy hour, and grab some dinner. And you can do this all outdoors! Make sure you take advantage of the amazing Austin weather and visit these outdoor spaces in Austin.

Austin Marathon Turns into World’s Longest Fashion Runway

March 12, 2020/in Blog post /by Austin Marathon

Explore Austin and Visit these 6 Places along the Austin Marathon Course

January 26, 2020/in Blog post /by Austin Marathon

6 Places where you can explore Austin along miles 13-18

This list of 6 places to visit along miles 13-18 of the Austin Marathon course provides a glimpse of Austin before all the skyscrapers and traffic congestion. Take a step back in time and understand some of our city’s history and how Austin came to be the Live Music Capital of the World. Perfect for Austin Marathon weekend or when friends and family visit during the summer. Make sure you explore Austin when you’re in town and take home a souvenir or two from these spots!

Check out our list of places to visit along miles 13-18 of the Austin Marathon course the next time you explore Austin.

The UT Tower.

Looking for more places to explore Austin? Check out our other lists of favorite places along the eastern, southern, and western portions of the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon course.

The UT Tower (Mile 13)

This is one of The University of Texas’ most distinguished landmarks and it was completed in 1937. At 307 feet tall, The UT Tower (110 Inner Campus Drive) towers above campus and watches Austin Marathoners as they run by campus for the first time. The Eyes of Texas will truly be upon you on February 16th! Learn about the Tower’s different lighting configurations and schedule a tour of the UT Tower.

23rd St. Artists’ Market (Mile 13)

Check out a few of our favorite murals at this open-air arts and crafts market (2300 Guadalupe Street). It’s open seven days a week, but the best days to visit are Thursday through Sunday. Local artists sell their handmade work at Austin’s original outdoor art market. You’ll find a piece of Austin to take home with you!

Hole in the Wall (Mile 13.5)

When one visits the Live Music Capital of the World, one must visit Hole in the Wall (2538 Guadalupe Street). Hole in the Wall was founded in 1974 and the likes of Townes Van Zandt, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Lucinda Williams, Gary Clark Jr., St. Vincent, and so many other megastars have graced the stage. So many more that we had to stop listing them in this blog! Grab some grub, order a beer, and enjoy some live music.

Antone’s Record Stop (Mile 13.5)

Image of a classic car in front of Antone's Record Shop. Check out our list of places to visit along miles 13-18 of the Austin Marathon course the next time you explore Austin.

Antone’s Record Shop, an Austin original since 1987. Credit – Antone’s Record Shop Facebook.

Clifford Antone opened the doors of Antone’s Record Shop (2928 Guadalupe Street #101) in the summer of 1987. The shop, another Austin original, is in its original location and contains one of Austin’s largest selections of used vinyl. This is a great place to dig for records, especially if you’re looking for music with a heavy emphasis on blues and Texas artists.

Elisabet Ney Museum (Mile 15.5)

Elisabet Ney is an iconoclastic German sculptor who moved to Austin in 1882. The building that is the Elisabet Ney Museum (304 E. 44th Street) is her former studio. Ney was also an early leader of the Texas Women’s Movement and a Civil Rights advocate. The museum offers exhibits, special events, workshops, and more. Admission is free.

Hancock Recreation Center and Golf Course (Mile 16.5)

The Hancock Recreation Center (811 E. 41st Street) is named after Lewis Hancock. He brought golf to Austin in 1889. In 1951, the Austin Country Club moved and the land was designated as dedicated park land. Today, the Hancock Rec Center offers varying programs like fitness, dance, youth summer camps, and more. The Hancock Golf Course is a 9-hole, par-35 course.

You have everything you need to explore Austin! This is a great opportunity to check out the course and learn about Austin’s history, whether you’re an Austinite or visiting for the first time. Make sure you double-check their hours before you leave the house. Do you have a spot along mile 13-18 that you love? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

Hilton Named Austin Marathon Preferred Hotel Partner

January 12, 2020/in Blog post /by Austin Marathon

Agreement marks second year Hilton will be Preferred Hotel Partner

The 2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour announces Hilton will return as the Preferred Hotel Partner and presenting sponsor for the VIP Experience. The Hilton VIP Experience will be near the Austin Marathon start and finish lines. Participants will enjoy pre-race snacks, exclusive swag, views of the marathon and half marathon finish lines, Tacodeli catered lunch, adult beverages, and live music. The 29th annual Austin Marathon, owned and produced by High Five Events, will take place on February 16, 2020.

“So proud to be returning as the preferred hotel partner for The Austin Marathon for 2020,” said Tiffany Lawson, director of destination marketing, Hilton. “It takes extreme commitment and heart to run a marathon, and the Hilton VIP Experience is a great opportunity to celebrate all the miles and hours put in by participants in preparation for race day.”

Book with Hilton downtown and stay near the Austin Marathon start and finish lines

Downtown Austin Hilton hotels include Hilton Austin, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Austin on 15th and the Embassy Suites by Hilton Austin Downtown South Congress. Hilton hotels of Austin represent 19 hotels across seven brands in the Hilton portfolio including Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton, and Homewood Suites by Hilton. To learn more about how to experience the Austin Marathon with Hilton, please visit travel.hilton.com/Austin.

“We’re glad to have this team return for a second year and sponsor the increasingly popular Hilton VIP Experience,” Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Participants and spectators also love the fact that they can stay within walking distance of the start and finish lines when they book a downtown Austin Hilton hotel.”

The pre-race Hilton VIP Experience is next to the start line and offers a place to relax, pre-race breakfast and drinks, and a separate gear bag check. Everyone who purchases the Hilton VIP Experience will also receive 20% off exclusive Austin Marathon gear at the expo.

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 29th year running in the capital of Texas in 2020. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. Having start and finish locations just a few blocks apart, being within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants, and finishing in front of the picturesque Texas State Capitol makes the Austin Marathon the perfect running weekend destination. Registration is currently open.

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