Everyone talks about New Year’s resolutions.
Whether it be going to the gym, quitting smoking, or finally sitting down and figuring out how the hell to prevent Black Mirror from becoming real life, we've all got 'em. Trouble is, these resolutions tend to be especially hard to keep. At the end of the day, you can either choose to walk the path of self-betterment... or you can say "forget it" and rescind all those false promises. The choice is yours.
By Rory Jones
KEEP YOUR RESOLUTIONS
Photo Credit: Bouldin Creek Coffeehouse & Cafe
GO VEGETARIAN OR VEGAN
1900 S 1st St
Did you vow to stop eating meat this year? Well, good for you, champ! You are truly a friend to all animals. Bouldin Creek Cafe is a great place to start, because their veggie chorizo breakfast tacos rule.
2324 E Cesar Chavez St
You can also ease into this new you and drop by The Vegan Nom. Located in a quaint food truck park next to many other vegan options, The Vegan Nom will satisfy all your taco cravings but...without meat. Trick your body into the new way of eating by opting for their KBBQ Taco or their Birdie Sanders Taco.
And if you find yourself fully committed to this new, veggie-filled lifestyle, dive into our lengthy list of delicious vegetarian and vegan options in Austin.
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Photo via ABP
GET ACTIVE
979 Springdale Rd #150
4477 S Lamar Blvd #600
As the world’s largest bouldering gym that sits at 50,000 square feet, the Austin Bouldering Project is perfect for safety climbing and other fitness-related activities. For only $25 ($22 for young adults; $18 for youth), you are allowed to enjoy the gym’s 250 rotating rock climbing configurations, the yoga studios, weight rooms, lounge area, and even an arena section for kids. Relish ABP’s modernistic feel with the family or focus on mastering your climbing skills.
Whether you're on big wheels or small, this 3.1-mile loop trail is designed specifically for cyclists and inline skaters. It's paved, offers a mix of terrain, and is closed off to hikers and foot traffic. It's near the picturesque Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center and goes through a secluded area on the outskirts of Austin. Strap on your Christmas-gifted skates or hop on your new bike and hit the Veloway.
Various Locations
Austin is way too beautiful not to go hiking. If you've never explored the vast expanses of the Greenbelt, now's the time. All manner of trees, creeks, dogs, and trails await you. Plus, it's good for your body.
Need more incentive to get off the couch?
Check out some great hiking trails, biking routes, and climbing spots. If skating is more your jam, find good places to skateboard or rollerblade.
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DO YOGA
2324 S Lamar Blvd
Sukha Yoga is the "Cheers" of Yoga Studios. When you go in, it feels like everybody knows your name. This studio was co-founded by beloved Austin yoga teachers and super-moms. Erinn Lewis of Sukha Yoga Austin has such a pleasing and kind nature, her challenging classes feel like a gentle pat on the back. With in-person and online classes available, you'll feel right at home.
Various Locations
Yoga chains are convenient because they offer a variety of times and locations. Corepower Yoga and Black Swan Yoga both offer a variety of locations and class times, as well as styles. Whether you live North, South, East, or West, you can count on being near either of these studios to choose a class perfect for you.
Want more zen?
Dig into our article on some of the best Places To Do Yoga in Austin.
GET READIN' AND WRITIN'
710 W. Cesar Chavez St.
Have you gotten a chance to check out the Austin Central Library? The new year is the perfect time. It's 200,000 square feet featuring six floors of bright, inviting space full of natural sunlight. You’ll find plenty of places to read and play with the family, or you can get some work done on laptops while enjoying the fresh air and awesome views from the many reading porches overlooking Shoal Creek and Lady Bird Lake.
1400 E 38th 1/2 St
If you're looking for an expansive patio where you can safely take up a nook to do some writing, Cherrywood is the place for you. With a humongous outdoor space and an amazing menu of coffee, food, beer, and wine, you'll find a cozy place to plop down for hours writing the next great screenplay. Or just chillin'.
603 N. Lamar Blvd.
It's easy to get in the habit of surfing the net, watching Netflix, and generally just not reading any new books. That's no good. As fun as video games are, they don't quite stimulate your brain the way a good book will. Bookpeople has a selection that can't be beat, as well as staff picks that are well worth your time.
Need some extra motivation?
Discover some of the best places to get some damn quiet.
Photo credit: Roger Ho
GO ON DATES
2207 Lou Neff Rd
Time to cross “romantic picnic” off the bucket list! Home to the Austin City Limits Music Festival, Zilker Park is a huge 350-acre park with a view of the Austin Skyline, making it super tranquil. Set up a picnic blanket, eat some yummy food and play some lawn games all while enjoying Austin’s beautiful weather.
Create Your Own Street Art Tour
Various Locations
Exploring in Austin has never been so easy - take the bus or ride scooters with your date to visit Austin’s well-known murals and installations. From the “I Love You So Much” Mural on South Congress to the “Tau Ceti” in Downtown, there is an immense selection of art to visit. In addition, the route you create will also be an awesome opportunity to update your Instagram.
4422 Lareina Dr
Sitting in the back of local Austinite Vince Hannemann’s backyard, this literal junk mansion is filled with used furniture, knick-knacks and disposable objects. This South Austin gem is the definition of what keeps Austin weird, which makes this a perfect and weird date spot. What’s better than having a date staring at toilet thrones and pyramids made of old televisions?
MLK At Congress
If one of your New Year's resolutions is to become more cultured, visiting a museum is a good way to do it. As luck would have it, Austin is bristling with all manner of fascinating museums, including the world renowned Blanton Museum of Art.
419 Congress Ave
This museum will scratch your adventurous itch without ever leaving Austin. The Mexic-Arte Museum is home to traditional and contemporary Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art. For admission and exhibit information go here.
From Texas history to science, and everything in between, check out this list of Austin Museums.
BREAK YOUR RESOLUTIONS
Photo Credit: Big Top Candy Shop
DESTROY YOUR DIET
1503 S 1st St
Trying to lose weight? Then don't go to Gourdough's, because it's essentially the opposite of working out. However, if you're happy with your body the way it is, then go to Gourdough's right now.
1706 South Congress Avenue
The expression goes "like a kid in a candy shop." But there's no reason you can't turn it on its heels. Stuff your face with ice cream, taffy, and whatever else you can find to rot your teeth and spoil your appetite at Big Top Candy Shop.
While we're at it, here's where to find the most decadent desserts in Austin...
photo credit: The Austin Shaker Facebook
While some make it their mission to stop drinking in the new year, some are celebrating just making it out of the last one. We'll drink to that - and here are some of best places to buy your liquid potion of choice.
If you got some new fancy cocktail essentials for Christmas, here are some of the best Copycat Cocktail recipes we could find for Austin staples.
GET LAZIER
Is this the year that you finally double down on Favoring a double down from KFC? Someone's gotta do it, and maybe you're the one. People will be telling your story of extreme sluggishness for years to come.
Have you finally crossed the threshold of becoming so unmotivated that you can't muster the strength to head down to your local bar? That's okay, because Drizly exists. You can have your alcohol delivered straight to your house. It's your new watering hole in 2024.
Forget going all the way to the grocery store, that's for people who have their life together. Get whatever groceries you may need sent directly to you. After all, are you really going to go all the way to H-E-B just to get marshmallows?
What should you do next after securing the delivery? Check out the most Austin things to stream, of course.
EAT WHATEVER, WHENEVER
Various Locations
Sure, you could make your own late night queso. Let's be honest, it's definitely not going to be as good as the queso at Kerbey Lane.
1920 South Congress Ave
Old standbys are old standbys for a reason, and Magnolia Cafe is one of the best around. Pop into this late night diner for all manner of delicious, any time of day or night meals.
600 N Lamar
Popular wisdom says that we shouldn't eat after 7:00 pm, but since when has popular wisdom dictated how you live your life? Why shouldn't you eat chicken and waffles at 10:30 PM? This is America.
Hungry for more? See a list of places you can grub at long after the sun has gone down...
SPEND ALL OF YOUR DAMN MONEY
1400 South Congress
524 N Lamar Blvd #103
Find fan favorites here like Marc Jacobs and J Brand as well as hip new ones you’ve yet to discover. The staff here is a dream, but the true strength of this place is how well edited the collection is. Everything is organized by the look, not by brand. So while you’re buzzing off free beer and carbonated wine, be sure to throw it in the bag, because this is the shop that’s worth the splurge.
1602 Fortview Road
You can be forgiven for spending your hard-earned dough at Uncommon Objects... Even if what you end up buying has absolutely no use in your life whatsoever. Go ahead and spend half your paycheck on that vintage gargoyle statue. You need that thing.
4304 Clawson Rd
Keep that pile of vinyl growing. Tell yourself that you're supporting the artists you love when the real truth of the matter is that you are addicted to buying that sweet, sweet wax.
For thrifty finds where you can leave with huge bags full of stuff, check out the best thrift shops in Austin.
Want to talk resolutions with us?
Holler!
