If our stay in Palm Springs was sublime, then our very short stay in Austin was ridiculous. We LOVE Austin, although this time around we did not get to stay nearly long enough as we would like – practically an overnight.

We traveled from Palm Springs and a campground (Outdoor Resort) that was very homogenous, rules-driven, somewhat boring and not dog friendly, to Pecan Grove in Austin which is everything not that; we were in love with humanity again.

Pecan Grove is Location A, in the heart of the city, right on Barton Springs Road, and truly the best campground.  Ever. As I have said before, this is an eclectic campground of rednecks, millionaires, hippies and artists, and you never really know who is what.

You are literally a short walk from many cool restaurants, bars and food trucks!

Practically next-door is a small market (Thom’s Market) where you can shop for basic food and sundries – and a very cool vibe inside as well.

Did someone say something about Austin and barbeque? Hell yes! We visited Terry Black’s Barbeque, which again is a short walk from Pecan Grove. Ooh la la! If you want to talk about great barbeque, this is a good place to get educated. Everything here is great, but their brisket and beef ribs are to die for.

I had a chance to talk to the guys working in the smoke house. The briskets cook for about 12 hours before they get wrapped and then cook for another 3 hours or so. At the time I visited, they had over 100 briskets cooking!

Golf anyone? Again, literally a walk, you can bring your clubs for a 9-hole pitch and putt course, or walk to the ever-popular (never done it) Peter Pan Miniature Golf. Who can say no?

So next time your travels have you going near Austin, take the time, stay downtown, and enjoy! Like the sign says, life is too short to live in Dallas.