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Romantic Austin

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In a city that embraces flip-flops and laptops,fancy clothes and high-dollar restaurants don't always equal romance. Rather than rely on the obvious options, try these subtle, more thoughtful locations to turn a two-day Austin getaway into a relaxing rendezvous.

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Author: Tara

Day 1 - Austin

For a special celebration in the Lone Star State's capital city, reserve a luxurious room at the Mansion at Judges' Hill, a historic boutique hotel near downtown with plenty of accolades, including Conde Nast's seal of approval. Be sure to let the staff know you'd like the "Romance at the Mansion" package, complete with red roses, champagne and chocolates, as well as turndown service with tea lights and scattered rose petals and a refreshing breakfast in bed. Sleep in and enjoy the quiet elegance of the beautiful grounds. When you're ready for lunch, mosey over to Portabla for healthy, mouth-watering take-out before heading to Mount Bonnell. Bring your freshly packed lunch and, once you've ambled up the 100 stairs, find a comfy picnic spot. Visiting this popular hilltop park in the daytime brings fewer pedestrian interruptions than the evening hours, when dozens of couples come to watch the sun set. Go from gazing into each others eyes over lunch to holding hands while exploring the lush lakeside grounds of the Austin Museum of Art at Laguna Gloria, just a few blocks east. Bring a blanket and relax in the far field for a quiet cap nap together. After a day of lounging around outdoors, get cleaned up for a fresh, inspired dinner from one of the nation's top sushi chefs, Tyson Cole. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time to avoid the lengthy wait, though the time does fly with a cold Japanese beer or glass of wine in hand on the beautiful but relaxed front patio. Finally, get a true taste of the Live Music Capital of the World at the Broken Spoke. The old-school honky-tonk beckons to two-steppers, polka dancers and live country music fans.

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Mansion At Judges' Hill

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1900 Rio Grande
At MLK, Jr Blvd/19th St
Austin, TX 78705

Phone:

+1 512 495 1800

Portabla

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Location:

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1200 West Sixth Street
Austin, TX 78703

Phone:

+1 512 481 8646

Mount Bonnell

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Location:

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3800 Mount Bonnell Road
Austin, TX 78702

Phone:

512-974-6700

Austin Museum of Art at Laguna Gloria

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Location:

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3809 West 35th Street
Austin, TX 78767

Phone:

512-458-8191

Uchi

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801 South Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704-1509

Phone:

+512 916 4808

Broken Spoke

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3201 South Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704

Phone:

512-442-6189

Day 2 - Austin

Austinites work hard and play hard, so late breakfasts or brunches abound. Take advantage of this leisurely pace with a stop at Starlite, the Warehouse District's simple but distinguished eatery, a favorite local spot for Gwyneth Paltrow and husband Chris Martin. After treating yourselves to breakfast and maybe a mimosa or two, take your better half to milk + honey day spa for a couples retreat. This all-encompassing package includes a 60-minute massage for two in the couples room, followed by a duel facial and manicure. After this two-hour treatment, you just might need a luxurious nap. What better way to follow up a relaxing rubdown and subsequent slumber than with a comforting, authentic French dinner. Make sure to leave room for dessert, for their Mousse au Chocolat or the creme brulee, a vanilla custard masterpiece with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust, is to die for. To cap off this amorous Austin adventure, hail one of the horse-drawn carriages downtown for a romantic last look at the area. Run by Die Gelbe Rose Carriage Tours, the Clydesdale-led jaunt can pass by the inspiring Capitol grounds, nearby historic homes or Sixth Street--whatever route you wish.

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