Hey Austinites, Figi + London here. Between the two of us, we get the privilege of sharing local news, events, and conversations with readers in Austin, daily — here, and on our socials.
After welcoming Austonia into the ATXtoday family, we thought we should formally reintroduce ourselves. Consider this our version of a warm ‘Howdy!’ and an invitation to keep in touch with your friendly neighborhood editors.
Meet Figi 🎸
Q: What’s something every new Austinite oughta know about?
When old buildings were sold to make room for construction on the Driskill Hotel — which broke ground in 1884 — residents reported feeling worried that the “old landmarks” of Austin were being left behind. A 1999 article from the Austin American-Statesman said “the perfect Austin has always been a fictional creation,” and “the only thing that can come out of this worship of the past is disappointment,” which just goes to show that the best time to live in Austin is the present.
Q: Hit us with your favorite piece of local trivia.
Willie Nelson didn’t start dressing casually and growing out his hair and beard until he moved to Austin. Until then, he held a clean cut aesthetic to try and succeed in the competitive Nashville music scene.
Q: You can only choose one local restaurant menu to bring with you to a deserted island — which one is it + why?
Better Half Coffee & Cocktails at 406 Walsh St. This upscale American restaurant excels at unique coffee flavors, creative cocktails (I recommend getting a “Sloppee”), and breakfast basics. If you only try one thing, make it the cauliflower tots with beet ketchup.
Meet London 🪴
Q: Describe your perfect day in Austin in the length of a Tweet (240 characters).
I’d start the day with Veracruz and Flitch Coffee, then bring my dog along for a hike along the greenbelt. Then I’d stop by a weekend market (there’s always a weekend market happening in ATX) and wrap up the day with a concert at the Scoot Inn.
Q: What were the last three things you did downtown?
The Texas Book Festival (a must-do event for book lovers in the fall), a happy hour at Péché followed by a concert at Stubb’s, and the Waterloo Greenway Creek Show.
Q: What’s something every new Austinite oughta know about?
It’s worth it to take a day trip out of the city — the Texas Hill Country is gorgeous and full of so many hidden gems! Some of my favorite spots to visit are Fredericksburg, Pedernales Falls State Park, and of course, my hometown of Marble Falls.
