Your SXSW Guide – Recharge, Refuel & Relax in the 2nd Street District
Muscle-busting Workouts for No Matter What Shape You’re In
Splendid Spa Treatments and Quick Nutritious Treats
Boozy Brunches and Hard-Drinking Happy Hours
With spring just around the corner, downtown Austin is playing host to the legendary South by Southwest Conference & Festivals this week. A truly innovative space for out-of-towners and Austinites alike to come together and experience a dizzying array of musical acts, stand-up comedians, filmmakers and actors, creative entrepreneurs, and professionals just like you looking to make connections that will last a lifetime. Although SXSW is also known for its grueling schedule, the good news is that you can recharge, refuel, and relax in the 2nd Street District, just a short walk away from all SXSW venues. Here, you’ll find your choice of muscle-busting workout classes, revivifying spa treatments, and every kind of dining option you can think of, from nutritious grab-n-go sandwiches and salads to boozy weekend brunches, happy hours, and more! Keep reading to discover a variety of 2nd Street District spots to help you balance your busy schedule during the week-long festival.
Muscle-Busting Workouts for No Matter What Shape You’re In
RIDE indoor cycling classes
You know the old saying – a healthy body equals a healthy mind. And what better way to make the most of your SXSW experience than by starting your day off with a little exercise? If you’re the kind of person who loves to spend the first hour of your day in a blaze of sweat, the 2nd Street District has three phenomenal options no matter what shape you’re in.
Barry’s BootCamp
Perhaps you love to exercise, but can’t stand the monotony of the treadmill or the bench. In that case, RIDE’s indoor cycling classes are just for you. Best enjoyed with a group of friends, RIDE’s cycling classes are the perfect way to build strength and stamina, while being so fantastically fun you’ll never even notice how much of a sweat you work up. Join the #RIDETRIBE today and get ready for the most exciting time you’ve ever had on a bike. $5 off your first class doesn’t hurt either.
But if you want a real challenge, then the full-body workouts at Barry’s BootCamp are your best bet for building muscle or staying toned. Barry’s offers instructor-led cardio and weight training guaranteed to raise your metabolic rate up to 15% and even get you burning over 1000 calories within 50 minutes. Best of all, book a class at Barry’s and get your first one completely free!
[solidcore]
Likewise, all you health aficionados who love a good challenge but worry about the stress on your knees, shoulders, and joints would do well to check out [solidcore]. Solidcore’s Pilates-inspired workout classes are 50 minutes of high-intensity, low-impact strength training. By emphasizing slow movements to bring your muscles to the point of failure, these workouts increase your strength and muscle endurance all while protecting your body.
Splendid Spa Treatments and Quick Nutritious Treats
Another tried and true route to achieving mental clarity is to book one of the 2nd Street District’s award-winning spa treatments. Because the cold, dry winter weather can do a number on your skin, milk + honey’s facials and skincare treatments are just what the doctor ordered. For March, milk + honey has an entirely new menu of specials guaranteed to bring some moisture to your pores. Discover everything milk + honey has to offer, from Spring Peel Packages to Ultimate Glow Packages and more!
As festival veterans know all too well, all that walking and dancing at SXSW can really take a toll on your feet. Luckily, the cure for your foot soreness is right around the corner at Lacquer Luxury Nail Studio. There's a good reason why Austin Monthly has named Lacquer’s steam towel pedicures “the best ATX Mani-pedi.” So kick your feet up and relax as Lacquer’s expert technicians press steamed, soakless towels to your tired paws. You’ll be back on the SXSW dance floor in no time!
At SXSW, it’s important to keep your energy levels high to make the most of the week. So when you’re running on an empty stomach and need a quick pick-me-up, the 2nd Street District has plenty of terrific, nutritious options for when you’re in a hurry. Think of it as fast food that’s good for you!
In fact, that’s what makes the walk-up window of Local Foods such a wonderful alternative. Everything here is made with locally sourced ingredients. Choose from any number of breakfast sandwiches, salads, or bowls to start your day off right. Local Foods also offers organic house smoothies and yogurt parfaits Monday through Friday 8:15 to 10:30 am. And then there’s the satisfaction of a Sweetgreen salad. Made from your choice of grains, greens, or protein, Sweetgreen’s salads and bowls are a healthy, no-hassle favorite of health-conscious consumers.
Boozy Brunches and Hard-hitting Happy Hours
Barchi Happy Hour
For many SXSW attendees, the real fun begins with a round of craft cocktails with colleagues during happy hour. At Barchi Sushi, you can get your sashimi on with marked-down specials including $6 house wines, $8 house specialty martinis, and a $40 Premium Nigri special. As for saki, Barchi’s happy hour offers $2.50 saki bombs, $7 hot sakis, and a $7 spicy bloody saki mary. Barchi’s happy hour runs Monday to Saturday from 4pm to 7pm, Friday and Saturday 10pm to 12am, and Sunday all day.
Meanwhile, for those of you who prefer to snack while sipping on spirits, check out Cru Food & Wine bar’s happy hour, happening every Monday to Friday 3-6pm. Enjoy $3 off flights and wines by the glass, along with special discounts on tasty treats like Wagyu meatballs, Ahi Tartare, Fritto Misto, and more! On Wednesday, March 13, Cru will also be hosting a Wednesday Wine Chat featuring “Far Niente” for $40 per guest. There’s also a happy hour at Taverna, with $8 house sangrias as well as select red and white wines by the glass for $6. See menu here.
Attending any of these happy hours may keep you out for a late night, preferably with your new SXSW friends. But the 2nd Street District is here with the one thing guaranteed to heal your hangover: a good old-fashioned brunch. If you had a blast at Taverna’s happy hour, then you’ll love what they have cooking on March 16 & 17 from 10am to 3pm in the Baci Room. Taverna’s SXSW Casamigos Sunrise Brunch includes any number of bottle and shot specials, specialty cocktails, and $20 tequila t-shirts that will let you keep the party going all day long.
Last but not least is La Condesa, where you’ll have your fill of savory Southwestern dishes like huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, and the oh so delectable steak and eggs. Feel free to imbibe from any number of craft cocktails, with the agua frescas, mimosas by the glass, and guavamente the top standouts. Best of all, when you attend La Condesa’s happy hour Monday to Friday 5-6pm, you’ll receive half-off all alcoholic beverages and $3 taco specials for all guests at the bar.
Conclusion
When you arrive in Austin for South by Southwest, the sheer range of things to do may make your head spin. With so many Austin neighborhoods to explore, what makes the 2nd Street District such a standout? It’s simple. Within walking distance of all SXSW venues, you have everything you need – serene spa treatments, quick nutritious fixes, electrifying workouts, and more happy hours than you can handle. You can’t put a price on convenience, but you can be damn sure about getting your money’s worth and more with our marvelous March markdowns.
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