The city of Austin lives up to the motto “Keep Austin Weird” with it’s live music, warm weather, culinary experiences, unique shopping destinations and abundant outdoor activities. No matter what time of year you make the trip, you are destined to find something you will love on top of a welcoming LGBTQ+ community. Join us as we Get Back Out There and explore Austin, Texas.
In the pool at Austin Motel, the deepest pool in Austin
Austin Motel
Bunkhouse group’s Austin Motel has been around since the 1930s and has since been updated and redesigned by lesbian hotelier, Liz Lambert. The funky and eclectic space is anything but ordinary. We stayed in one of the poolside king rooms with great views of what’s known to be the deepest hotel pool in Austin. This accommodation is in a prime location to explore South Congress Street which is home to some of the most famous food in Austin as well as incredible shopping opportunities. Add Austin Motel to the top of your list for a future stay so that you can enjoy the pool-side events, fantastic decor and their delicious restaurant located next door called Joann’s Fine Foods.
Will & James with owners Chad Palmatier and Anthony Sobotik at Lick Honest Ice Creams
Lick Honest Ice Creams
Given how warm Texas is, you’ll have a hard time passing up the opportunity to cool down with a few scoops of homemade ice cream. An Austin staple known as Lick Honest Ice Creams is owned by Chad Palmatier and Anthony Sobotik who are not only business partners but also life partners. The ice cream is incredibly unique and boasts memorable flavors from across the great State of Texas including Texas Sheet Cake. Two of our favorite flavors were Cilantro Lime as well as Roasted Beets with Fresh Mint. You can’t go wrong with any of these delicious flavors, all of which are light and creamy. There are locations in both Austin and San Antonio with plans to open new locations in Houston.
Will & James with the founders of Little Gay Shop and Stay While Coffee
The Little Gay Shop and Stay While Coffee
The Little Gay Shop opened their doors during the pandemic and filled the gap for a queer-owned and queer-forward shop where locals and tourist could find unique gifts, books, apparel and community within Austin. Owners Kirt Reynolds and Justin Galicz opened the space to provide the queer community a place to connect and feel represented. It’s the perfect space to lose track of time, especially as you look through the vast collection of magazines, books and pictures. Also in the space is Stay While Coffee, a lesbian-owned coffee bar where visitors to the Little Gay Shop can also enjoy a fresh hot or cold brewed coffee. You can’t miss out on visiting this spot when you visit Austin and perusing the one-of-a-kind merchandise that is there.
Will with Ziggy's Naturals co-founder Jordyn Pollack
Ziggy’s Naturals
Ziggy’s Naturals is a family-owned and trans-owned CBD company based out of Austin, Texas. We were able to sit down and chat with co-founder Jordyn Pollack about not only running the business but also what it is like living in Austin, Texas. Ziggy’s Naturals has incredible products and if you want to check them out visit ziggysnaturals.com!
We also spent some time on the lake riding paddleboards and kayaking with a few friends and family members which is the perfect way to spend a hot summer day. If your looking for a night out or inclusive space to enjoy a cocktail, check out lesbian-owned bar Cheer Up Charlies in Downtown Austin, as well as the bars and LGBTQ+ nightlife located on 4th Street.
Will & James in Austin Motel
