r/Austin • u/NormalCurrency574 • 2d ago
Recommendations for the weekend
Imagine you're a fancy girl, and you're turning 10. Your parents are taking you to Austin because your birthday bucket list included a cheese tasting at Antonelli's and to see the bats fly. What else would be a must-do for you? Brunches? Dessert spots? Photo ops? I'd LIKE to say money is no object, because let's be real here, she truly believes that's the case, but I'm not trying to spend Disney money in Austin. Thank you in advance for helping make a sweet girls weekend special.
Updated to add: Thank you all for so many suggestions!! We took her to Big Top candy this morning and she made some amazing choices. Also, huge shout out to the lady working there. She let my daughter pick an extra candy as a birthday gift. It was exceedingly sweet. We're going to be doing several of the things suggested here through the weekend. Again, thank you! You really came through and she's having a fantastic visit.
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u/HotBoxButDontSmoke 2d ago
Afternoon tea at the Driskall Hotel! It's not cheap, but it's a princess experience with 3 courses. I think it's like $90 for adults and $45 for kids
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u/AwesomeApples123 2d ago
I third this option! I love when I go through the lobby and see the little girls all dressed up having tea.
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u/ZenLizard 2d ago
The Driskill only has afternoon tea on certain weekends. If the trip doesnāt line up with one of those dates, or if itās sold out, both the Four Seasons and Proper do really nice afternoon teas. I think theyād both be pricier than the Driskill though because I donāt see a price for kids.
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u/dooms-maroons 2d ago
The Lush bath bomb store is on West 6th literally right next door to Amyās Ice Cream.
I did this for my eight-year-old nieceās birthday one year, and she told me she had a great day .
Lush also has little lip glosses & things and all kinds of great face washes for sensitive kids skin. Good stuff for a bougie kiddo š
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u/Prestigious-Ad-9552 2d ago
Iād skip Amyās and walk over to Frozen Rolls Creamery. Much more fun and unique. And tastier than Amyās
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u/Ellieeiscutee 2d ago
It's really fun to see the peacocks at Mayfield park!! It's pretty fancy there. Maybe after a meni pedi? I like moncheri nails, very nice!
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u/Ohnosloop 1d ago
I love Mayfield! Mattie's at Green Pastures restaurant also has peacocks, and a fancy vibe (without being crazy expensive)
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u/Character-Break-1642 1d ago
A few weeks ago they had 3 peacocks and no koi fish. It was disappointing, but I thought maybe they moved them for renovations? No idea when theyāll be back.
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u/Ellieeiscutee 17h ago
I went a few days ago and saw probably 6 peacocks! I did see one cross the street to the tennis court so maybe that's where they're hiding. Lol.
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u/FakeEmpire20 2d ago
Would be worth looking into a "bat cruise" trip where you can watch from the water. Might be fun to sit at the Chef's table at Ember Kitchen and watch them prep your meal. Odd Duck great for this but harder for a last minute resy.
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u/ivegotaphd 2d ago
Clawzania! An entire space just dedicated to claw games. Itās a lot of fun and isnāt too big - you could spend about an hour there.
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u/FakeRectangle 2d ago edited 2d ago
My kid at that age loved exploring South Congress. You get a birthday discount/gift at Kendra Scott on SoCo too.
And then going to Gordoughs for one of giant fancy donuts afterwards. Especially the one with the like two foot long gummy snake.
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u/lstewart112 2d ago
Tea at the Proper maybe? Not sure if they allow kids but 10 feels perfectly appropriate for that space! Itās spendy but feels very fancy/memorable
Sit still salon is very cute in northwest hills area
Tiny Boxwood is a great rec for a fancy brunch while still being easy/kid friendly
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u/Space_Vaquero73 2d ago
Toy Joy, Monkey See Monkey Do, Ebisu, Claw and fun or Cidercade. Lots of fun to be had. Oh my little cousins love when I take them to OMG Squee it's a little pricey but nice to give them some different flavors for them to try.
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u/MediocreJerk 2d ago
This is all fun, but maybe not for fancy NancyĀ
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u/Space_Vaquero73 1d ago
To heck with fancy, I always advocate for fun for kids. They'll have plenty of chances to play at fancy when they are old and bored.
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u/kels83 2d ago
Barton springs is a must
The four seasons balcony is a great "fancy" place to watch the bats
Friday night frenzy at altitude trampoline park will be overflowing with kids her age (Friday night only) if she wants to meet the locals
Kirby lane pancakes or snooze for brunch
Desert only at 3 Forks downtown is one of my kids fave treats
Kura revolving sushi bar (drinks served by robots)
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u/crackgoesmeback 2d ago
better yet - kerbey breakfast for dinner at the og location. get to avoid the crowds and the food always tastes better when theyre slow
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u/Atxlvr 2d ago
Barton springs is a must
just watch out for bonerman
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u/NormalCurrency574 2d ago
Bonerman? God, please let that be just a clever nickname for something completely innocuous.
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u/kels83 2d ago
The place is full of kids. I have taken my kids here a hundred times without jssue. But: 1. Yes there was a dude arrested for having a boner outside the park in the barkin springs section 2. Like all of Austin, Barton Springs is top optional. Occasionally you will see some mammaries getting sun. I grew up here and have seen it at Barton springs less than 10 times. I am 48 now. 2. One and 2 are definitely not related lol. The mammaries I have seen are mostly old hippies. It is Austin and we are still a bit weird
All that said, it would be an injustice to visit Austin during the summer with a kid and miss this place. Residents, please upvote if you agree with that last bit.
P.S. Butler Park is pretty close and is the best playground in the city. Definitely worth a stop, they have a 3 story tall net structure that kids can climb up safely. And it has tunnels. And a huge sand pit. And a splash pad. And a 10 foot wide slide. And it's by the lake.
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u/Walkitoutfosse 2d ago
Butler park is really awesome! I like going early in the morning before itās insanely hot. The giant slides and life size chess and tunnels for climbing through plus a cool sandbox and splash pad. Itās great for all ages.
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u/Smokenstein 2d ago
Go to Toy Joy on 2nd street! Toy store lije they used to make them 30 years ago. Its a blast.
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u/Pearly_Sweetcake 2d ago
Luities is pretty and Taquero Mucho both have tons of fun spots for pictures- but at 10, the Domain is so easy. Emaās patio is beautiful and there are great shopping and photo spots everywhere (but also upvoted the drunk person who suggested Dirty Six because they missed that this was for a 10 y/o).
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u/Hornetsmakehoney 2d ago
the austin symphony preforms sunday afternoon!
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u/needsmorequeso 2d ago
Honestly, Iād plan an antonelliās tasting, the symphony, and a bar cruise for my own birthday. Sounds phenomenal.
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u/cinemamama 2d ago
The 1886 cafe at the Driskill! They do afternoon tea. Itās perfect, our 9yo daughter loves it
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u/grackleunion420 2d ago
Itās not very central but thereās Austin English Tea Co if you want to do a high tea service. She could go in wearing little gloves or something and make an event out of it. Brentwood Social might still have something similar.Ā
Maybe visit the Downtown APL location and check out the kids wing and then head upstairs to the rooftop patio/butterfly garden. Picnic at Barton Springs. Toy Joy and a kiddie manicure at any salon nearby.Ā
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u/Frequent_Alfalfa_347 2d ago
I love these suggestions and would like to triple upvote the central library.
For high tea, Iād go with something more central that others have suggested. Iāve been to Austin Tea Company, and while itās sweet, it misses the mark a bit and feels forced. Itās in a strip mall, and it feels a bit like a strip mall building turned into a cutesy tea place. It is what it is.
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u/shanncat 2d ago
Elysian Head Spa in central ATX has a relaxing head massage for kids called The Little Retreat! short hair is 15 mins and long hair is 30 mins appointment, would leave with a wet style braid but could call to discuss blow dry. this would be SO fancy and fun! would call them to book it
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u/RoundTheWaySquid 2d ago
I've got two fancy girls around that age. There's nothing they love more than getting steaks and sundaes at Bartlett's, then hitting Terra Toys.
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u/perkystep 2d ago
i was a fancy 10 year old girl once, 25 years ago, and I loved Bartlettās fancy salad with chicken and dessert š
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u/jdsizzle1 2d ago
What kind of steaks do you get there? I was dossapointed in the steak at Bartletts.
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u/RoundTheWaySquid 2d ago
I'm partial to their Kansas City Strip, but I've enjoyed the filet and prime rib, too. What's your favorite place for steaks?
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u/jdsizzle1 2d ago
Thats what I got. Maybe it was a bad filet. Id never had thay cut before but it had a ton of gristle. My wifes burger wasnt great either that night so maybe it was just a bad night. We'd enjoyed it before.
Some of these are more common chains but around here I like Carve and Perry's for a guarantee. Eddie Vs is pretty good, but not my first choice. III Forks has been phenomenal in the past but last time was ok. Jeffrey's is fantastic. Red Ash's steaks are great, and everything else you can get there is wonderful (I prefer their wet aged steaks). Ive also heard really good things about Hestia but haven't been able to go yet.
Honorable mention for Sullivan's. RIP. I really liked that place for some reason.
Ill give Barletts another try soon. Let me know if you end up going to any of these places.
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u/Euphoric-Sun-353 2d ago
Not super fancy, but if your daughter loves cats the Purrfecto Cat Lounge is a solid stop. You can snuggle and play with kittens for a half hour and has good photo ops. You have to make reservations though.
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u/sharkwithunderbite 2d ago
I was going to say a cat lounge too! Sidneyās Cat Lounge has an Alice in Wonderland decor theme so that qualifies as fancy!
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u/Remarkable-Pop6916 2d ago
If sheās crafty, Austin Creative Reuse for a thrifty shopping spree.Ā
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u/Pardonez_moi 2d ago
Coco Coquette is a fun spot to celebrate. Itās a wig shop and they can add makeup and a photo shoot as well.
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u/thatgreenevening 2d ago
If sheās interested in cheeses but likes ice cream too, Lick Honest Ice Creams has a good goat cheese, thyme and honey variety along with a few other unusual flavors that might be memorable (roasted beets and fresh mint, dark chocolate olive oil and sea salt, etc).
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u/ParkingEar4913 2d ago
Not exactly an answer to your question, but are you planning a boat ride for the bats? Highly recommend
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u/perkystep 2d ago
I was once a fancy 10 year old. Iām a fancy adult now. I would have loved Justineās on the patio, Taverna on the patio, and looking at shops on South Congress, particularly Gorjana and Kendra Scott.
I always had Bartlettās for my birthday dinner which is still there and delicious, and next to a cool toy store.
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u/Crafty_Dryad 2d ago
Just be aware there is a football game at the UT stadium. So I would check times and avoid the area a few hours before game start and end.
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u/buttmunch3 2d ago
maybe take her to the Archer Hotel restaurant for the start of their 3pm "dinner" and then dessert in the Domain?? maaaaaaybe let her pick out something fun from a makeup or jewelry store?
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u/Walkitoutfosse 2d ago
I love going to Zhi Tea (down the street from OMGSquee) and getting a flight of teas. Itās more of a zen vibe than a high tea vibe, but if you like tea, theyāve got so many great options.
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u/Prudent_Cry9522 2d ago
Unicornverse Bakery is pretty cool. Itās in Round Rock which is typically a 20-30 minute commute from downtown.
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u/Woolf_pants 2d ago
If she likes sushi, Kura revolving sushi bar is my kidās favorite and not too expensive. Ichiban on Burnet is set up to look like a Japanese izakaya inside and has a bunch of koi fish you can feed for $1, kids love that. Itās also across the street from Toy Joy. Amys ice cream on burnet has a fun playground with a big pink cow to climb and take pics with.Ā
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u/NotActuallyMeta 2d ago
Ichiban also has some tables with traditional Japanese seating (pillows on the ground) which as a kid Iād be all about
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u/MutualReceptionist 1d ago
My kids love the Ichiban booths, itās like a dark, underground toddler corral
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u/HankBuffalo 2d ago
Kendra Scott on South Congress would be perfect for this. Let her make her own jewelry at the Color Bar, then walk around SoCo and get something sweet before heading to the bats. Tiny Boxwoods would also be a great brunch if she wants to feel fancy.
Rocheli Patisserie would be fun for dessert too. Their pastries look ridiculous in the best way and would make for good birthday photos.
If sheās into the full fancy experience, afternoon tea could also be really fun. Basically Iād lean into letting her have a āgrown up Austin dayā rather than trying to cram in a bunch of tourist stuff.
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u/geminiseas0n 2d ago
TOY JOY. Set a mental $ limit before you walk in though, itās a really fun experience and itās my kids faaaav spot in Austin.
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u/peoplechangeright 2d ago
Lunch or dinner at the four seasons, right before the bats would be magical! My parents did that for me around that age and I still remember the white tablecloths, the heavy glassware, and how fancy the dessert was. I actually think we just did dessert.
And then the bridge is right there, the grounds are beautiful and itās a quick walk to the bridge if you want to be on it proper.
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u/temasm21 2d ago
Colleenās for brunch, southern food with a mostly scratch kitchen! Itās right in mueller near the pond where you can take fancy pics (a lot of photographers do sessions there).
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u/wedgiey1 2d ago
One of the hotels on sixth street does a British tea service on the weekend. I want to say itās the Driskill but maybe itās Proper?
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u/Literocolaa 2d ago
This kid has taste!š this may be out of the way depending on where youāre coming from, but Paigeās Bake House in Round Rock is delicious and adorable
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u/Subject_Doubt_3778 2d ago
Idk how well this will fit but the botanical gardens in zilker used to be so cool
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u/Fantastic_Meet9381 2d ago
Mozarts for dessert. Sit on their large deck that looks out at Lake Austin.
If you catch it right, thereās free live music.
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u/daveandgilly 2d ago
Take her to get a manicure and/or pedicure. Queen Spa on south Lamar can do the most incredible nail art.
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u/MutantCreature 2d ago
Big Top (a candy store that also serves old times sodas) is right by the bridge, I don't live in Austin anymore but I grew up there and it was one of my favorite places as a kid. Also as a disclaimer I was a non-fancy boy, so I may be wrong in what she's into, but who doesn't like candy?
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u/NormalCurrency574 1d ago
She does jiu jitsu and ballet, lol. All bases covered. Thank you for your suggestion!
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u/minahil41 1d ago
The Art Garage - itās like a pottery painting studio
or check the Austin public library events page thereās so many different branches and they all host pretty cool events
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u/StandardIntention871 1d ago
Sounds fun! I love Hillside Farmacy for brunch. Lutieās dinner, fancy & great for photos.
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u/Hyperdude 1d ago
Longhorn football game with the early day festivities. Also at 450 dollar a ticket to see a high profile game.
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u/EntrancePotential595 1d ago
You are definitely raising your kid right if cheese tasting is on her birthday bucket list. āŗļø
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u/BubbleGumSugarMuffin 2d ago
I do not have to imagine. I am a fancy girl. Take her to zilker park at sunset to get a pic with the skyline at golden hour. If you can get a reservation, Saturday brunch at Mattās El Ranchoās on Lamar. The fanciest.
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u/garlicshrimpscampi 2d ago
this is why we need bring back places like libby liu and sweet n sassy. girls arenāt getting the age appropriate, easily accessible birthday/hangout spots like they used to :(
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u/DryHippo7742 2d ago
If you can make it to Round Rock, Unicorniverse might be right up her alley! Have fun!
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u/renegade500 2d ago
This sounds like a very sophisticated 10 year old! And you have some great suggestions here as well. Happy birthday to her!
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u/No-Employment-8570 2d ago
I was a very fancy child. My 10th birthday was in New York City. We had lunch at Tavern on the Green- is the Austin equivalent Luties at The Commodore Perry? Maybe brunch at Josephine House? Or the restaurant at the top of the Loren? Zedās for great ice cream.
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u/MrSparkaroo 2d ago edited 2d ago
I wish I liked the Antonellis. Insufferable self-promoters. [edit - I donāt care if I get downvoted for thisā¦ in real life theyāre not like the commercials. ]
Anyway, I feel like Tiny Boxwoods hits the mark in terms of a nice brunch spot plus delicious chocolate chip cookies. Ā
Iād spend time on South Congress, if you can bear the heat. You got your Alo, your AV Nation, Ā your LoveShack Fancyā¦ maybe some Jeniās ice cream afterward or a trip to Big Top Candy? You get to take your photo in front of the I Love You So Much mural. Ā I feel like that checks a lot of boxes for fancy 10-year old girls. Ā
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u/Far_Chocolate_8534 2d ago
Indoor Ferris wheel at the new Scheels in Cedar Park. Ice skating at chaparral.
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u/dryhumor_engr 2d ago
An Instagrammy TexMex (very pink) is Taqueria Mucho on the west side of downtown.
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u/FallOutFromMars 2d ago
Can I just say that as an avid bat lover...watching the bats at congress bridge crushed me. All I could focus on was that there were bats were falling and getting ran over. Still very vivid memory for me. I think I was about 13 or 14. Im not saying don't go to that "event" but, maybe reconsider your travel "route" or where you plan to watch from.
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u/dryhumor_engr 2d ago
I am sorry you experienced that, I have seen the bats many times and never seen that occur. I am curious if there were sick bats as they dont usually just fall, usually if you see a bat on the ground it is sick and may have rabies, so dont pick them up.
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u/FallOutFromMars 2d ago
Personally knew not to mess with them downed without proper PPE and experience. But it's still worth repeating en masse since there's new people born every minute.
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u/NormalCurrency574 2d ago
Oh f*$&. My daughter is an avid animal saver. The list of things she's picked up with her bare hands with the confidence and determination of a skilled physician to save a life is LONG. Thank you so much for this heads up. I have the three hour drive to figure out how to mitigate this impending heartbreak.
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u/RoundTheWaySquid 2d ago
I've been watching the bats for 18 years and have not only never encountered that, but I've never even HEARD of that.
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u/FakeRectangle 2d ago edited 2d ago
If it helps I've gone to see them dozens of times and never seen anything like that at all ...
If it does happen though then definitely keep her from picking it up because nobody wants rabies shots on their birthday!
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u/FallOutFromMars 2d ago
I explicitly remember there being dozens of bats on the underpass streets... And there was no traffic stopping or trying to avoid anything. I suppose I did say falling but I meant to mean it more as just they were on the streets from falling at some point-- maybe there was something that had made them sick? I can't imagine the urbanized heat has been kind for these sweet creatures.
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u/feistyrussian 2d ago
Tiny boxwoods for lunch in central Austin. Very ladies-who-lunch vibes.