This article was produced in partnership with Tecovas
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including its wild, weird and wonderful capital city—Austin. Known as The Live Music Capital of the World, Austin is a unique town with a whole lotta Texas swagger and a hint of California cool.
I first moved to Austin in April 2015, and ever since I arrived it’s been one hell of a ride. The final tour of my military career is what brought me here. I was assigned to the University of Texas at Austin Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) as a military instructor and had the privilege of training the next generation of Navy and Marine Corps officers. However, this incredible city and all it has to offer is what kept me here.
As one of the fastest growing cities in America, Austin is a melting pot of individuals from all over the country. But don’t fool yourself—despite the major tech boom and influx of new residents to Austin, the long-time home of Willie Nelson hasn’t been tarnished by Californication. There’s a whole lot of Texas in this town and it offers one of the best weekend getaways in the States.
Whether you’re looking for bars, music, parties on the lake, entertainment, or special events—Austin has it all. Beyond your average weekend destination, Austin boasts unique happenings like SXSW (South by Southwest), ACL (Austin City Limits), F1 and NASCAR racing at Circuit of the Americas, World Golf Championship tournaments, and much more.
So pull up those bootstraps and let’s get this party started. It’s my honor to serve as your personal cicerone to a place I’m proud to call home—Austin, Texas.
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1. Walk Taller in an Authentic Pair of Boots
If you want to make lifelong memories, Austin is primed for you and your crew to do just that. But before hitting the town, outfitting yourself with an authentic pair of cowboy boots is a classic Austin tradition. The iconic Tecovas headquarters offers a memorable sensory experience that can’t be missed.
Open the door and you’ll be greeted with the intoxicating smell of fine leather goods and handcrafted cowboy boots. Once inside, the Tecovas staff will quickly offer you a complimentary craft beer or whiskey. Need we say more? Once you’ve settled into this western-wear sanctuary, the knowledgeable staff will educate you about boots and help you identify the perfect pair to match your style and personality.
Mike’s Local Tip: The in-store Tecovas experience is second-to-none, but their online shopping experience is also great—and ideal for expanding that boot collection once you get back home.
While Austin is decidedly different from other cities in the Lone Star State, our barbeque is still taken very seriously. If you only have time to hit one BBQ joint, make it Franklin BBQ—owned by the award-winning Aaron Franklin.
Regarded as one of the most influential pitmasters in the country, Aaron Franklin even has his own Masterclass program—Aaron Franklin Teaches Texas-Style BBQ. The barbecue at his namesake joint lives up to his reputation and gives literal meaning to “fall off the bone.”
Mike’s Local Tip: Be prepared to wait in line, but don’t fret—lounge chairs and cold beer are offered while waiting.
Zilker Park, the city’s largest park, is home to one of Austin’s biggest music events—the Austin City Limits Music Festival, held on two consecutive weekends in October. The park also serves as a great spot to catch some sun, play frisbee, or take your dog out for some fun.
Mike’s Local Tip: During the summer, head to Zilker Park for Blues on the Green, a free monthly concert hosted by Austin City Limits. Bring your blanket, brews (discreetly), and enjoy the show.
No getting around it, summer days in Austin are toasty. If you’ve got a group of revelers ready to cool down and blow off some steam, a party barge is the call. Hitting the party coves on Lake Austin or Lake Travis, be prepared to get blocked in for an entire day of drinking and boat-hopping.
Mike’s Local Tip: Reserve a party barge early from Lake Austin Party Boat Rentals. Once that Austin sun gets high in the sky, you’ll be late to the party.
Okay, this isn’t for everyone, but Austin’s Congress Avenue Bridge is home to 1.5 million Mexican Free-Tailed bats—aka the largest urban bat colony in the world. Between March and September, thousands of them pour out of the bridge for their nightly flights—and feasts, consuming anywhere from 10,000 to 30,000 pounds of insects, including mosquitoes and harmful agricultural pests. Thank you, bats!
Mike’s Local Tip: Arrive early to score a parking spot and front row views from South Congress Bridge. The nightly bat show can take place anywhere between 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. and take up to 45 minutes.
6. Austin Nightlife Hot spots
Once that Texas sun sinks below the hills, the action really starts to heat up. From live music honky tonks to chic downtown bars, you’re sure to find the right spots to whet your whistle. Here’s my honest rundown of where to go (and avoid).
Dirty 6th Street: While this patch of 6th Street in the heart of downtown used to be a magnet for all ages, it’s currently a prime spot for Gen Zers. Unless you’re still in your early 20s, it’s probably not worth your time.
Rainey Street: An iconic drinking hub in southeastern Austin, Rainey Street’s historic strip of landmark bungalows are now a row of bars that are generally packed-to-the-gills—especially on Sundays. Stop by Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden, featuring over 200 craft beers and the formidable Man-Mosa (beer stein full of mimosa). Note: One Man-Mosa per customer.
South Congress Street: There’s no shortage of bars and restaurants on South Congress, which draws a slightly older crowd, as does West 6th Street. Catch a show at the famed Continental Club, hailed as the premiere live music club of Austin, located on South Congress Street.
East Side: Austin’s East Side (east of Highway 35) has evolved into one of the most rapidly growing and gentrified areas of the city. The bars and restaurants here are all truly unique, featuring live music and craft drinks. Pop into Whisler’s, a local haunt with a quirky vibe and fine cocktails.
7. Where to Stay in Austin
You’ll want to be staying where the action is, so book a room downtown. There’s no shortage of hotels, ranging from the typical big chain guest rooms to more boutique experiences.
There’s no doubt when the weather turns colder as we settle into winter, stouts take center stage. And while we enjoy all its iterations: standard stout, imperial stout, and robust barrel-aged stouts, we think this malty, chocolate-filled beer’s close cousin deserves a little respect as well. Of course, we’re talking about the oft-overlooked porter. And the best porters, oh buddy, they’ll have you rethinking your seasonal bevvie of choice.
For those uninitiated, the porter style had its genesis in England like many other iconic beer styles. It first appeared in the 1700s and is (you guessed it) named after porters—individuals tasked with transporting luggage.
A confusing origin story
“Stout is the direct descendant of porter. In the 1700s, it was common to use the word ‘stout’ to refer to a bolder, higher-alcohol version of any beer style, much in the same way we use the word ‘imperial’ today,” says Zach Fowle, advanced cicerone and head of marketing for Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in Phoenix, AZ. “Porter was the most popular beer of the day, and over time, “stout porter” became a popular variant. But by the late 1800s, demand for regular porters evaporated, and stout porter shortened simply to stout.”
But more has changed between the 1800s and today than just our penchant for wearing top hats. “Today, most brewers seem to market beers as either stout or porter based on vibes, rather than on any notable stylistic differences,” he says.
Specifically, porters are known for their dark, almost pitch-black color and rich, sweet flavor profile. If you were to drink a porter and a stout side by side, you might even have difficulty discerning the differences between the two.
Stout versus porter is an enduring topic of discussion in the brewing industry. “While there’s no debating the porter came first—and stout used to be called stout porter, so it was a stronger version of a porter—the lines have become very blurred over the years,” says Rob Lightner, co-founder of East Brother Brewing in Richmond, CA.
“I would venture that even among professionals, a blind taste test would often yield inconclusive results,” says Lightner.
The difference between porters and stouts
Porters tend to be on the milder, more chocolatey end of the spectrum, Lightner says, whereas stouts are typically a little stronger and more roasty. Of course, this isn’t a hard and fast rule
Fowle agrees, “Porters tend to be fruitier, sweeter, and less bitter than stouts, with cocoa and caramel flavors in balance with dark malt bitterness. And stouts are usually hoppier, drier, maltier, and more coffee-forward—and may even have a touch of acidity.”
Whether or not they fit neatly into boxes, one thing’s for sure: both make for incredible cold-weather brews.
“As the nights grow longer, drinking a light, summery beer just doesn’t seem right,” says Fowle. “Porter is the perfect style for the transition to winter: warming and toasty yet not too heavy, with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and pie crust that correspond with autumn weather and holidays.”
It’s the perfect time to broaden your repretoire. Sweet, robust, warming, and well-suited to the season, here are the best porters to drink now.
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1. Deschutes Black Butte Porter
There are few porters more well-respected than Deschutes’ iconic Black Butte Porter. It’s brewed with Cascade and Tettnang hops as well as 2-row, Chocolate, Crystal, and Carapils malts as well as wheat. This 5.5% ABV year-round offering is great for cold-weather drinking because of its mix of roasted malts, coffee, and chocolate. It’s a robust, subtly sweet beer perfect for imbibing on a crisp fall night.
The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
Marius Bugge
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
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A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Marius Bugge
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
Marius Bugge
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top. Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
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If you haven’t picked up a jump rope since elementary school, you’re missing out on a fantastic cardio workout. Not only will you burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time—200 to 300 calories in 15 minutes—but jump ropes can also improve your coordination and agility. Better yet, jumping rope doesn’t require much space, so it’s easy to do at home, and it’s often more mentally stimulating than jogging or swimming.
Choosing a Jump Rope
When deciding which jump rope is best for you, it’s important to determine what your goals are. While lightweight speed ropes are popular for cardio-focused training, weighted or drag ropes will be best for those focused on strength training.
No matter what your training goals are, we’ve got you covered with this roundup of 10 jump ropes from top brands including Crossrope, TRX, Rogue, and more.
The Best Jump Ropes of 2022
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