Why We Love Austin (Now More Than Ever)
April 27, 2020
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During one of the most challenging times our city and the world has ever faced, Austin has rallied together to support one another in the best ways we know how. Even with everything going on in our new reality–social distancing, businesses temporarily closed or pivoting, and major events on hold–we’re reminded of all of the reasons we love Austin.
Austin, Texas has consistently been ranked as one of the best places to live in the US and it’s easy to see why. With an abundance of outdoor activities, an award-winning food scene, and a supportive creative community, there are more than a few reasons why we love Austin and are grateful to call the capital city home to the Heywood Hotel.
Strong Sense of Community
Austinites are proud of their city and all it encompasses. Shopping local, eating local, supporting local organizations, and just generally displaying enthusiasm for all things Austin is a way of life here. That’s why it should come as no surprise that during times of need, locals are quick to come together and support one another.
For example, Austin bakery Easy Tiger recently launched the 10,000 Loaves Community Challenge in an effort to provide bread to organizations like Central Texas Food Bank, Mobile Loaves & Fishes, Keep Austin Fed and Drive A Senior. Locals can support the initiative by purchasing a loaf or donating a loaf through a $3 contribution. Another business putting the community first is Vic and Al’s, a new restaurant from the team behind Patritzi’s. Although their restaurant is not quite open yet, they decided to dedicate their kitchen to providing free meals for those in need. The initiative began as a way to provide food for service industry workers who lost their jobs, but it has since extended to serving the entire community.
Here at the Heywood, we’re committed to supporting the community now more than ever. Earlier this month, we partnered with Hotel Eleven to donate much needed paper products and locally-produced snacks to the Rebekah Baines Johnson Center, a senior facility here in East Austin. The RBJ Center serves some of the most economically-disadvantaged seniors in Austin.
This week, the Heywood also began a commitment to provide 250+ hours of volunteer service to our community over the next eight weeks. While our hotel operations are suspended, our employees will be paid their normal wages to assist local nonprofits with their important missions. Our first partnerships are with three organizations doing important work in the Austin healthcare sector. ATX Hospital Meals and Keep Austin Eatin’ keep local healthcare workers fed while also supporting local restaurants that have been heavily impacted by COVID-related business restrictions. The Austin-Travis EMS Association provides 9-1-1 emergency medical response to Austin and Travis County. We are proud to be contributing to their efforts to keep our public safe while also providing important support for medics who have been affected by the pandemic.
Outdoor Culture
Arguably one of the most appealing factors about Austin is the weather and abundance of outdoor space. From parks to hike-and-bike trails to numerous watering holes, a piece of nature is never far out of reach. Along with the outdoor scene is the culture that comes with it. Many Austinites make health and wellness a priority, making sure to get in exercise or fresh air several times a week.
Currently, our beloved Barton Springs Pool is closed, but our gorgeous Barton Creek Greenbelt remains open for hikers of all skill levels, as do several parks with hundreds of miles of hiking trails throughout Central Texas. Practicing social distancing while hiking is important, and we Texans are fortunate to have lots of wide open spaces not far from our central urban cores. The hike-and-bike trail on Lady Bird Lake remains open but is temporarily one-way, as does the lake for watersports, provided that you can bring your own kayak, canoe, or paddle board. Just note that parking at most trails and parks has been reduced.
Even as access to workout studios has been paused, locals are still finding ways to exercise during this time thanks in part to fitness businesses who have shifted to a virtual model.
For example, Adriene Mishler of Yoga With Adriene has partnered with East Austin studio Practice Yoga to offer free yoga sessions through Instagram live streams. The classes are donation-based and accessible to anyone. Another yoga option is Comedor Run Club. From the award-winning restaurant Comedor, the namesake run club began as a way to connect service industry workers to one another through 5Ks around the city. While the weekly runs are temporarily paused, they have continued to offer a way to get moving through free virtual yoga classes that take place over Instagram and are open to anyone.
Small Business Support
Austin is one of the best places to start a small business, and the aforementioned community spirit is a big reason why. Locals will find a way to support a small business over a big chain as often as they can. The city is brimming with small businesses, from boutiques to yoga studios to bakeries. And with everything going on, Austinites were quick to support these businesses and the people behind them.
Local food blogger, Jane Ko of A Taste of Koko launched two initiatives aimed at supporting Austinites. The first is Hire a Creative, a platform for creatives to find and receive work and was launched after the cancellation of SXSW. Jane also launched the Hundred for Hospitality campaign which has a goal of providing 100 meals per day to service and hospitality industry workers who have lost their jobs or are in need of a meal. Plus, 100% of the proceeds are given back to local restaurants.
There are also several resources that are helping locals keep track of which restaurants are open and how to order from them. Takeout Tracker, for example, curates a running list of operating restaurants based on information submitted by users. Local PR professional, Stef Shapira and food blogger, Rebecca Le, also launched upEats ATX which highlights local restaurants and food trucks that remain open but don’t have an online presence or a PR team.
Local print shop, Fine Southern Gentlemen is providing free services to help local small businesses recoup losses during this difficult time. Their Austin Will Survive project donates free printed T-shirts and online stores to some of Austin’s favorite restaurants, bars, shops and hotels, allowing supporters to buy a shirt and show their love for Austin. The Heywood is excited to one of the small businesses featured!
Live Music Scene
Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World. We’re appreciative of that recognition, but even more so, we’re proud of the musicians that make this city what it is. The musicians here span a variety of genres from indie rock to pop to country, often exploring different styles at once. But even better, the music community is collaborative and welcoming and artists often work together to form creative partnerships.
There are also several nonprofits that help ensure Austin’s music community remains strong. Organizations like Black Fret, HAAM, and Austin Music Foundation are committed to supporting and celebrating Austin’s musicians with grants, affordable health insurance, and career development.
While the live music scene has gone quiet for the time being, many Austin musicians have turned to virtual options as a way to continue performing safely. Jackie Venson, for example, has been performing and taking requests through Facebook Live in order to connect with the community lift spirits during this difficult time. Heywood’s favorite honky tonk, The White Horse, is also hosting live music takeovers on their Instagram account with some of their resident artists.
The reasons we love Austin are countless, and our love for our city, neighborhood, and community has never been stronger. We can’t wait to see you again and show you the Austin we know and love. Stay well, y’all!
Feature image courtesy of Liz Hailey