By Darragh Doiron

The News staff writer

A former News reporter had never visited Austin. She had a three-day holiday in the area and upon her return, announced she was moving to the city.

Austin has that effect on people.

With the motto Keep Austin Weird, it unites tree huggers, politicians, artistic types, musicians and movie stars.

I had the chance to accompany someone on a brief business trip to Austin and I managed to pack some fair amount of fun into the whirlwind tour.

A Goodwill store staffed by 20 somethings who appreciate the personality of vintage clothing, had decorated the store for Halloween. From the store window display, I’d first thought it was an upscale clothing boutique. I went in and perused kitchen decor like my mom used to have in the ‘70s. There were people on cell phones calling friends and saying things like “I can’t believe how cool this Goodwill store is.”

I had the pleasure of visiting not one, but two Central Markets, the mother ship of H-E-B stores. If you’ve been, you know. It’s grocery shopping as an art form, with samples at every corner. I sampled bread at an olive oil bar, Indian food at a cook station, a sip of wine, fresh-made guacamole, pumpkin butter, and breads beyond belief. After that, I couldn’t partake at any of the area’s fine Mexican and barbecue restaurants, even the taco Mecca that boasted a sign reading “Hippie Church.”

Down the highway, a roadside pecan stand advertised a 24-hour vending machine that made me curious enough to stop. A tempting pecan pie is the bottom-left choice in the machine. If I’d had about $17, I’d have tried to see it work.

On the way up I saw a sign for Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa and decided to check it out on the way back. Set way, far back from the highway, between the Colorado River and Bastrop, this resort offers a golf course that was part of the view, horseback riding and a lodge where you could sit all day in leather couches and enjoy the comings and goings. My favorite was the bar, adorned with a wall of albums by Texas musicians. Southeast Texas got their recognition.

You don’t even have to leave the road to catch a scenic view in Texas. The sun set on a beautiful fall afternoon that was blooming with whatever wildflowers pop up when the bluebonnets are resting.

• • •