Kelsey Kennedy

New York, Oregon

Freelance Journalist and Producer at Freelance

science journalist + producer. oregonian. formerly @sciam + @atlasobscura + #sherp34 + #bizav. she + her.

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Articles

My Honest Guide To The Most Breathtaking Hotels On The Riverwalk In San Antonio

1 week ago | thesanantoniothings.com | Kelsey Kennedy

Most people who stay in San Antonio for a weekend getaway want to book a hotel on the riverwalk - and I don't blame them. The riverwalk is gorgeous! I'm fully obsessed. After staying at my fair share of San Antonio staycations, I'm going to tell you my top 10 picks for the best riverwalk hotels in San Antonio with gorgeous views.
20 Best Tacos In Austin That I Always Recommend To My Friends

2 months ago | theaustinthings.com | Kelsey Kennedy

Here are the 20 best tacos in Austin, along with a map so you can find a great taco near you, stat! I absolutely LIVE for exploring the Austin restaurant scene, and after eating hundreds of tacos in Austin and San Antonio, I'm ecstatic to bring you this guide to the best tacos in Austin. My goal is to get you away from your screen and at a local taqueria, ASAP! About me: I’m Kelsey, a bestselling travel book author and the creator of 3 Texas travel websites.
Here Are The Best Sandwiches In Austin

Mar 6, 2025 | theaustinthings.com | Kelsey Kennedy

Sandwiches in Austin (unfairly) don’t have the same hype that they get in a lot of other cities. I mean, it's not like we have the same claim to fame as NYC deli markets or the New Orleans po’boy scene. (Granted, we totally own the market on tacos and barbecue.) But I’m on a mission to showcase the best sandwiches in Austin, because we have some ridiculously tasty sandwich shops here in ATX and they deserve some attention. Use the map below to find the best sandwiches in Austin near you.
The Ultimate Patio Guide To Austin, TX

Feb 25, 2025 | theaustinthings.com | Kelsey Kennedy

When the weather is absolutely freaking gorgeous, everyone in Austin is going to want to drink or dine on a beautiful outdoor patio. Honestly, it’s almost easier to list places without patios than with, because nearly every restaurant and bar in Austin has outdoor seating. But where are the best patios in Austin? Use the map below to find one near you! About me: I’m Kelsey, a bestselling travel book author and the creator of 3 Texas travel websites.
What Are The Most Romantic Restaurants In Austin?

Nov 21, 2024 | theaustinthings.com | Kelsey Kennedy

Whether you’re looking for an extra good first date night idea to impress your cute Bumble date you've been chatting with, or you want a tried-and-true restaurant to celebrate a 20th wedding anniversary, we’ve got you covered. There are lots of fun date ideas in Austin, but if you want a truly sexy, romantic restaurant in Austin, here are some great ideas. (Map included below.) About me: I’m Kelsey, a bestselling travel book author and the creator of 3 Texas travel websites.
Kid Friendly Restaurants in Austin That Actually Have Good Food

Nov 19, 2024 | theaustinthings.com | Kelsey Kennedy |It’s pronounced “Byoo-da

Here it is! A round up of my very favorite kid friendly restaurants in Austin that *actually* have good food. This guide was created after one too many conversations with fellow moms asking “where can I eat in Austin with kids that’s NOT A BURGER RESTAURANT?” After you've had a few too many trips to Hat Creek and Phil’s and Waterloo...you realize it's just time to start branching out. About me: I’m Kelsey, a bestselling travel book author and the creator of 3 Texas travel websites.
100 Creative Date Ideas In Austin

Nov 12, 2024 | theaustinthings.com | Kelsey Kennedy

You’ve done dinner and a movie a hundred times..…but what about some other fun date ideas in Austin? I've been living here for more than a decade, so I've had my fair share of date nights in Austin. There are so many amazing things to do in Austin, and with just a bit of planning you can get out of your normal date rut and try something that bonds you closer as a couple.
Your Guide To The Best Halloween Bars In Austin

Oct 15, 2024 | theaustinthings.com | Kelsey Kennedy

Every year during the Halloween season (aka September and October) a few bars in Austin feature a pop-up Halloween theme. They’re so much fun! You can show up in spooky attire (or just your regular clothes) and sip on themed cocktails with fake eyeballs and smoke coming out of them and snap some pictures and videos of the amazing halloween decor.
A Map of the Best New Restaurants in San Antonio (October 2024)

Oct 1, 2024 | thesanantoniothings.com | Sara Branstetter |Kelsey Kennedy

Over the last 15 years, we have watched San Antonio work its way up from a middle of the road food city to a gastronomic heavy hitter, even earning the coveted UNESCO creative city of gastronomy award in 2017. With a fusion of cultures and flavors, chefs that are willing to get a little adventurous with food, and a population that just plain LOVES TO EAT, the city has proven to be the perfect petri dish in which to develop a thriving food culture.
The Best Austin Hotels With Pools (2024)

Jul 3, 2024 | theaustinthings.com | Kelsey Kennedy |Hilton Hotel Austin

With record-breaking weather and more triple digits temps in the future, Austin is officially scorching. If you want to make it through the summer (and have fun doing it), plan on visiting one of these awesome hotel pools in Austin. Whether you’re visiting and looking for the best Austin hotels with pools, or you’re a local and want a day pass at a rooftop cabana, here are the most beautiful hotel pools in Austin. Use the map below to find a hotel pool near you.