The best thing about living along the I-35 corridor is that it’s just a few hours down to some of my favorite cities in Texas. After some not-so-great news this Christmas, I found myself at home experiencing those, very real, post-Christmas blues. I didn’t have my kids for the next ten days either, so what’s a girl to do with no kids and a few days to herself?! Head to Austin, TX, of course!!

Austin is the capital of Texas and the weirdest, most fun city we’ve got! With a self proclaimed title as the “Live Music Capital of the World” and “Best Breakfast Tacos”, it’s no wonder it’s the #1 city to visit in Texas (according to US News)! That’s right, friends, it even beats Waco. That being said, if you are headed to Waco this year to do a Magnolia trip, you’ll need to fly into either Dallas or Austin. My advice? Fly into Austin and stay a couple days. Then do the Waco thing and head home.

Thanks to the internet and some divine favor, I was hooked up with Top Trip Rentals for my stay in Austin. Top Trip Rentals is a vacation home rental service that helps travelers LODGE LOCAL! With more amenities than most hotels, TTR has a vacation home for every style, every budget and every traveler! I am passionate about home interiors, so any chance I get to travel I opt for a vacation rental over a hotel room. I love gathering inspiration and seeing what investment properties are offering in the way of design and hospitality services.

Top Trip Rental owner, Chereen Fisher and Director of Creative & Brand Experience, Lauren Bayne were my contact points for this particular trip to Austin. To say that they went above and beyond to make my stay enjoyable is a gross understatement! Their commitment to provide homegrown hospitality is what is making their brand POP in the Austin vacation rental industry! Chereen and Lauren opened all their doors to me and gave me exclusive access and behind the scene looks at their top rentals in Austin, TX. So without further ado, let me share them with you here.

#1. The Bloomhouse. Featured in Architectural Digest, VRBO and Tribeza Magazine, this magical home boasts no straight lines! Literally you feel like you’re walking into a melted ice-cream cone! I adored this quirky rental and it’s interior décor, furnished exclusively with a collaboration with West Elm. It’s nestled in the West Lake Hills just west of Austin. You feel like you’ve gone off the beaten path and stumbled upon a fairyland when you get there. If you’re looking to escape the city, take a romantic get-away or become one with nature… This. Is. The. Place. You can read more about the design HERE and watch a virtual tour HERE. Prices vary on availability.

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#2. The Littlefield Lofts. Located in the heart of downtown Austin, the Littlefield Lofts are a cluster of condos in a 7-story high rise that overlooks notorious 6^th Street and Brazos Ave. These modern, hip condos are available in all sizes. I had the pleasure of staying in #701, the penthouse! This corner unit has walls of windows on all sides providing amazing views of the historic (and supposedly haunted) Driskill hotel and 6^th street.  The gals at TTR were so kind to provide me with local snack favorites, a coveted parking pass, champagne to ring in the New Year and even… a DATE! His name was Dale and he’s a 15ft. elf that sat on my balcony spreading Christmas cheer to all the people below! Dale and I rang in the New Year together and he was the perfect gentleman. 😉

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The lofts are a prime location for your next girls trip, guys trip or SXSW stay! The décor was beautiful, the unit was clean and quiet and if you need a kichen, you’re covered. My friend Elizabeth and I made coffee in the mornings and charcuterie in the afternoon!

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#3. The Graeber House. This hidden gem is perfect for larger groups and gatherings. Located on 6th street this historic building gives you and your group an amazing launch pad to see all that downtown Austin has to offer. It’s got an indoor pool with a glass dome ceiling that was flown in via helicopter! With plenty of room to lay a dance floor and bedrooms to serve as break out sessions, this would be a social event planner’s dream!!

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#4. The Metrohouse. I’ve got to say, this one was my favorite. The sleek, stylish décor and modern architecture created such a beautiful property that encompassed a two-story screened in porch! I could see myself hosting a Mastermind Retreat here with a few girls or bringing my kids for a family vacay! Comfortable digs by day, cocktails on the patio in the afternoon and a quick Uber to South Congress for dinner at night!

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#5. Brazos Loft Studio. This studio apartment overlooks my favorite bar in Austin, TX, HandleBar (if you can’t remember, just ask for the bar with the nude portrait of Burt Reynolds)! It’s right across from the Littlefield Lofts so it offers the same great location! The industrial design and aviation vibes really up this rental’s cool factor! I hear it’s now available to rent for the day if you want a workspace that inspires you and changes things up a bit.

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#6. Modern Studio. Modern Farmhouse at it’s finest. This garage studio apartment is precious! It’s clean, it’s new and it’s right by South Congress, one of my favorite areas of Austin. If you’re travelling for business, flying solo or don’t mind cozying up with your fam, I highly recommend this unit! The exposed beams are black and the ceiling is a white washed shiplap. The modern JoJo vibes continue in the kitchen with taupe countertops and floor to ceiling subway tile. I’m putting together a design board to Tex-ify this gorgeous property’s décor. It’s beautiful as is, but I think a From: Susie collaboration needs to happen in Austin, don’t you, and our love for all things made-in-Texas by Texans makes this property and I a perfect match!

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#7. The Provident.

This massive rental is right next door to the HandleBar! As if I needed another reason to frequent my favorite bar… You can sleep up to 10 people in this open-concept loft on the top floor of the historic Provident building. Exposed bricks, wooden ceiling beams, and hardwood floors combined with vintage decor created the unique ambiance that my antique-loving heart was looking for! I can see this space for larger groups like a bachelor party, gentlemen’s card game or social club.

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If you’re coming to Texas for any reason, make sure you stop by Austin. Top Trip Rentals provides a curated collection of comfortably stylish homes stocked with local amenities and treats where each guest is treated like a good friend. You’re gonna get that feeling that you’re lodging like a local. Your amenities will be thoughtful, your bed will be comfy and the customer support will be three if you need it! Tell them Susie sent you when you book and I’ll put in a good word!

Also, if you’re not following me on Instagram then you’re missing videos of how to make a charcuterie board on vacation and behind the scenes footage of all these spaces! Come follow along on the adventures. XO!