When Ashley Darby plans a vacation, you're guaranteed a mix of mischief, adventure, and fun in the sun. In Real Housewives of Potomac season 8 cast trip, the ladies descended upon Austin, TX, to celebrate Karen Huger’s "Triple 20 Birthday," uncovering a side of the city beyond its famed music scene. Here are the top six must-see destinations the RHOP cast explored during their trip, offering a Housewives-inspired twist to an authentic Austin experience.
Tecovas Handmade Boots
Still
C Boys Heart and Soul
Lady Bird Lake
Oil Can Harry’s
DAY 1: WELCOME TO AUSTIN
Nestled near the Colorado River and Sixth Street's lively music venues lies Hotel Van Zandt, exuding modern sophistication with its dark-toned interiors. This boutique hotel is one of a kind and a nice divergence from the typical big brand hotel. The crowning jewel is the rooftop pool which gives you a great view of the surrounding city, though ongoing construction hints at Austin's bustling growth.
The Housewives kick off their stay touring the presidential suite which Ashley Darby claims as the host. This room is a one-bedroom suite with a separate living room and kitchenette. It also has a soaking tub overlooking the city. The suite goes form $1500-2400 a night depending on the weekend. You can snag a king room for around $500.
For dinner the housewives head over to the Thompson Hotel for dinner at Wax Myrtle’s. This restaurant closed recently and in its place is Arriba Abajo, delicious Mexican cuisine served on the fourth floor rooftop. Get the large format cocktails for the table to share, such as the Cantaritos Mucho which has Reposada tequila, citrus juices, grapefruit soda, and tajin. After dinner you’re steps away from the best music venues. Check out Antone’s Nightclub which has live music every day of the week.
DAY 2: LET’S GET WEIRD
The ladies split up for their day two daytime excursion. However it would be easy to visit both places in a day. First head over to Tecovas for handmade cowboy boots. They have every style and color you can imagine to accompany any outfit. It also has a bar inside so you can drink and shop at the same time - the best pastime. Once you’ve bought a paycheck’s worth of cowboy apparel you will be perfectly dressed to visit Still, a distillery featuring whiskey and gin. Test out their 150 proof whiskey before it matures in barrels.
For dinner, the women head over to C Boys Heart and Soul for a spirited game of “Chicken Shit Bingo.” The name says it all - the bingo numbers are chosen by a chicken pooping on the number. The first person to get five in a row wins. It’s a delightfully eccentric affair. Where else are you going to play such a smelly game of bingo? If you have a “Karen Huger” in your friend group then you must bring them and watch their horrified reaction.
DAY 3: LADY BIRDS AND QUEENS
Ashley's penchant for physical pursuits leads the group to Lady Bird Lake for a kayaking adventure. This is a little out cove on the Colorado River and is only a ten minute drive from Hotel Van Zandt. Get outside in nature and enjoy a little moment to relax on the water. It’s also a nice place to lay on the dock if you don’t want your weave getting wet.
To finish off the trip, Ashley saved the best for last. The ladies dress up in their Mugler bodysuits and head to Oil Can Harry’s. As they walk up to the outside you are greeted with Pride flags promising excitement is to come. The housewives get a front seat to the drag show and even get an opportunity to give their best runway walk.
In the realm of the Real Housewives, every destination becomes infused with flair and extravagance. Austin's eclectic offerings provide the perfect backdrop for the RHOP cast's escapades, ensuring a vacation filled with unforgettable moments and boundless entertainment.