In June, my best friend and I boarded a plane to ATX with two goals: eat as much food as possible and see as many free sites as we could pack into our four day trip. With no set itinerary and wheels on the ground at Austin-Bergstrom, we picked up our rental car, devoured our first meal of the long weekend (Matt's El Rancho, go there) and began our hunt for the best artwork money didn't need to buy.
After a crash course in I-35 traffic and construction miles beyond what I've experienced in Missouri, we missed turns and exits and eventually found our way to some of the coolest murals I have only seen rivaled by those in Kansas City.
Here are my personal favorites.
GREETINGS FROM AUSTIN
Address: 1720 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
If you only have time for one iconic piece of Austin artwork, make sure you swing by the Greetings From Austin postcard mural and ask a stranger to take your picture; no one in Austin bites.
As a general precaution, be prepared to parallel park on residential Annie Street if you want a shorter walk. This true Austin staple is located on the side of Roadhouse Relics so make sure to stop in and admire their neon signs and art gallery featuring pieces by Todd Sanders.
YOU'RE MY BUTTER HALF
Address: 2000 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78702
One of the most vibrant art-stops, the You're My Butter Half mural is a little off the beaten path but well worth the drive. Located on the side of United Way for Greater Austin, grab a friend and make your way up the hill. Due to its popularity, a photo-op will present itself, and like most Austin mural locations, a willing stranger will always be there to take your picture. If they're not, give it a few minutes, take in the area, and someone will show up.
HOPE OUTDOOR GALLERY
Address: 1101 Baylor St, Austin, TX 78703
Unfortunately during our visit, construction and weather kept us from walking up and tagging our names on the walls of the outdoor gallery but it couldn't be left off of my list of favorite sites to see from the car (the pictures do it no justice). However, if you're ever in Austin, grab a can of your favorite spray paint and leave your mark.
Beware-- the parking situation is less than ideal (especially with street construction), and I highly recommend parking a few blocks from the gallery and taking a short walk instead of fighting Baylor St.
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH
Address: 1300 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
A South Congress hotspot for couples and millennial friend groups alike, this mural might be missed if you aren't sure what you're looking for. Honestly, Ashley and I missed it three times via car before we realized we were looking for a side street not something standing out among the South Congress oddities.
While you're there, make sure you grab a cold brew and a breakfast taco from Jo's (est. 1999) and be on the lookout for one of their many fundraisers. A patio overlooking South Congress is the perfect place for relaxing and dog watching during the day.
WILLIE FOR PRESIDENT
Address: 100-130 E Elizabeth St, Austin, TX 78704
Also located on South Congress, take a short walk up the hill from ILYSM and Jo's Coffee to find a fan favorite painted intricately on the side of STAG Provisions for Men. Country music icon Willie Nelson, dons his bandanna and braids so stop for a picture before heading to Home Slice Pizza, I hear the White Pie is excellent.
HONORABLE MENTIONS AND NOTABLE VISITS
Because of the rain in the area that plagued our entire trip, we had to modify our art-seeing adventures and were unable to see some of what I deem to be the best murals in the city without being in the comfort of our very dry rental car.
Historic 6th Street: 582 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78701
Howdy: 601 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Grotto Wall at Sparky Park: 3701 Grooms St, Austin, TX 78705
Jeremiah the Innocent: 408 W 21st St, Austin, TX 78705
For a complete list of awesome murals and street graffiti, visit https://freefuninaustin.com/exploring-austin-art-murals/
From the Anderson Mill to Southpark Meadows, Austin has something for every form of art lover. While some are off the beaten path and others are prominent and iconic Austin staples, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for some incredible masterpieces by local individuals. Find addresses, scout parking, and remember to smile and say thank you when a stranger snaps your picture.
And just so we're clear, I had a Willie great time in Texas.
Ciao,
Courtney
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