As thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts get ready to rumble into Austin this weekend for the infamous ROT Biker Rally, the Capital City is gearing up for a weekend full of biker games, shows, expos, concerts and so much more. Aside from the ROT Rally festivities, bikers will also get a taste of the city’s unique culture that fosters the “Keep Austin Weird” mantra. Here are 25 (other) things to do during your stay this weekend!
By Darice Chavira
1. DIVE INTO BARTON SPRINGS
Looking for a way to cool off after a long day of rallying? You’re in luck. Barton Springs Pool has officially reopened after the Memorial Day floods struck the pool and surrounding park areas. Take a dip in the frigid waters any day of the week from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
2. CLIMB MOUNT BONNELL
If you’re looking for a killer spot to witness a Texas sunset, Mt. Bonnell is the go-to place. This popular tourist destination located on the Colorado River offers the best views, from the downtown Austin skyline to the surrounding Hill Country. Just climb a few stairs to the top and remember to thank us later.
3. TACKLE THE “DON JUAN”
Start your day off right with a hearty breakfast at the one and only Juan In A Million restaurant. For $4.60, load up on carbs and calories with the famous Don Juan El Taco Grande, an entire pound-worth of potatoes, eggs, bacon and cheese packed inside a flour tortilla. As seen on “Man Vs. Food,” Adam Richman took on the Don Juan challenge that held the record for eating eight tacos in one sitting. Let’s just say the taco won.
4. HIT “DIRTY 6TH”
Where the music is loud and the drinks are strong, 6th Street Historic District in downtown Austin is like nothing else. Park your bike on the street (if you can find room) and get ready for some of the best people watching you could ask for. Don’t forget to try the Flaming Dr. Pepper shot at Touché! Just don’t torch the place.
5. BUST A GUT AT GORDOUGH’S
Here at Gordough’s nobody is counting calories. Challenge your beltbuckle with the “Porkey’s,” a donut concoction filled with Canadian bacon, cream cheese and jalapeno jelly. Or, pig out with the “Fat Elvis,” a life-changing treat of grilled bananas and bacon with peanut butter icing and honey. These suckers are fully loaded, so it might be a good idea to share!
6. CHECK OUT HOPDODDY
Expect lines wrapped around the building, but one bite of these burgers will make you believe the Hopdoddy hype! This place isn’t your typical burger joint. Sassy sauce, seared poblanos and Akaushi Beef are just some of the mouthwatering ingredients that pack each unique burger with flavor. Wash down one of these bad boys with a cold one from their well-stocked bar.
7. EXPERIENCE THE ATX FOOD TRUCK SCENE
You can’t come to Austin and not hit up the food trucks! Some of our favorites include Veracruz All Natural, East Side King and LA Barbecue. Be sure to stop by any of these for some good eats plus many other great trucks during your stay this weekend!
8. TWO-STEP AT THE BROKEN SPOKE
Fuel up on Lone Star and chicken-fried steak while getting your two-step on at the Broken Spoke. This one of-a-kind dance hall—which bills itself as the best honky tonk in Texas—is a taste of the now fading Old Austin. Always a good time.
9. RELAX AT SPIDERHOUSE CAFÉ
After roaring along in the parade, wind down by enjoying a cup of Jo at Spiderhouse Café. You’ll be one with the locals at this outdoor patio hotspot relaxing beneath strings of Christmas lights and surrounded by quirky antiques and garden statues. Spiderhouse also offers a full bar and a seasonal wine list for those that are feelin’ extra fancy.
10. TAG A WALL AT CASTLE HILL
Downtown Austin is the site of one of the city’s most unique landmarks, a place where street art is not only legal but encouraged. Castle Hill, also known as Graffiti Park, welcomes visitors to enjoy—or contribute to—the walls of art that overlook the downtown skyline. This place is a definite must!
11. PICNIC AT ZILKER PARK
Zilker Park, located on Lady Bird Lake, is a 351-acre metropolitan park with perfect views of the Austin skyline. Play Frisbee or show off your volleyball skills while you’re there or swoon over the abundance of cute dogs that frequently inhabit the park on any given day. The park is also the best spot for an afternoon picnic.
12. CATCH A MOVIE AT ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE
Wanna chill after a day of rally festivities? Go see “Jurassic World” (or another film) at Alamo Drafthouse. For 17 years, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has provided a one-of-a-kind movie experience. Order food and drinks any time during the film and it will be delivered to your seat. No waiting in line for popcorn!
13. GO BATS
Each night around dusk, the Austin sky is taken over by some 1.5 million bats that emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge in downtown Austin. The Mexican free-tailed bats taking flight is one of the neatest attractions the city has to offer. Catch the bats from a different perspective (on the water!) by jumping on a Capital Cruise for one of its nightly tours.
14. ENJOY BRISKET AT FRANKLIN’S BBQ
(That is, if you can get in…) With an average four- to five-hour wait, Franklin’s is worth it to experience some of the best brisket you’ve had in your life. Believe the hype, people! Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs (and your appetite) as you anxiously move through the line toward your dream of some of the best BBQ in Texas.
15. TOUR THE TEXAS STATE CAPITOL
Experience the well-preserved Texas history inside the walls of the State Capitol. Stroll through the grounds surrounding the Capitol dome on foot or take one of the free indoor tours to brush up on your Texas history and marvel at the architecture of the complex buildings.
16. VISIT THE BULLOCK TEXAS STATE HISTORY MUSEUM
Can’t get enough of Texas history? Then this museum is a must-see! Dive into the past, present and future at the official state history museum of Texas, and experience some eye-opening exhibitions and programs, including the “Star of Destiny” film, which includes sound and sensory effects.
17. GET YOUR GAME ON AT PINBALLZ ARCADE
Take your pick from more than 100 pinball machines and 250 games to play at this family-friendly arcade! Test your skills at Air Hockey or Skeeball while jumping from game to game throughout the wide pinball machine selection.
18. LICK IT UP…ICE CREAM, THAT IS!
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a scoop of Mexican Vanilla, Apple Jacks, American As Apple Pie, or any of the many choices of ice cream at Amy’s! This little slice of heaven is a staple in Austin’s unique culture and offers the sweetest treats you can find in the city at 13 different locations.
19. HOP ON THE AUSTIN BREW BUS
All the local beer you can drink? Now is your chance. Just hop on the Austin Brew Bus and visit multiple breweries and brew-pubs throughout the city! Meet the brewers, see the behind the scenes process and of course, sample some great beer while you’re at it.
20. BARE ALL AT HIPPIE HOLLOW
Clothing is optional at this outdoor park situated in the Hill Country of Lake Travis. No need to worry about tan lines here! After catching some rays along the shoreline, do some exploring at the park’s nature and hiking trails.
21. PLAY CHICKEN SH*T BINGO
That’s right. Chicken Sh*t Bingo…it’s is a thing here on Sunday afternoons in Austin. At The Little Longhorn Saloon bingo tickets are only $2 and the live music scene is perfect for happy hour drinks or some dancing.
Owner Dale Watson (look for his trademark white Indian around town!) is playing at Cowboy Harley on Friday June 12, and at The Broken Spoke on Saturday, June 13. Photo by Jeff Wilson.
22. HOOK’EM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS
Show your longhorn pride while touring the UT campus. The iconic 28-story tower located at the heart of the university is the ideal spot to catch a Texas sunset while overlooking the 40-acre campus. Tours are available Friday evening and Saturday afternoons—call 512-475-6636 to reserve a spot. Hook’em Horns!
23. HANG OUT AT THE ELEPHANT ROOM
Jazz anyone? This underground jazz bar in downtown Austin is the go-to place to listen to hot jazz in a cool atmosphere. Seating is limited, but the live music and wide selection of beers and wines make it definitely worth giving this place a visit.
24. OVERLOOK AUSTIN FROM THE 360 BRIDGE
Get your camera ready when you soak in the view at this popular tourist spot. A trail (and challenging hike) leads you to The Pennybacker Bridge overlook for one killer view of you won’t forget.
25. ROCK OUT
There’s a reason Austin is called the “Live Music Capital of the World.” The music scene here is unlike any other, as Austinites and visitors alike flock to such iconic venues as ACL Live, Stubb’s, Mohawk and Emo’s. (Check with each club for calendar of events this weekend.) Or enjoy the musical stylings of ROT Rally special musical guests.
