Taking in the main attractions is a must when you travel to a new city (you can’t really go to Paris and not visit the Eiffel Tower), but sometimes the most memorable experiences happen when you ditch your guidebook and go off the beaten path.
To help you find the hottest spots only locals know, we teamed up with Cannuka—the CBD and Manuka honey-powered beauty gems that are shaking up the skin-care scene—to guide you through some of the must-visit cities of the summer.
First up: Austin, where live music, outdoor activities, and oh-so-many food trucks will definitely be on your itinerary. The Texas city also has a flourishing wellness scene, which is why we tapped matcha maven and Juice Society owner Danielle Sobel to show us around.
“To me, wellness is balance, and Austin is a perfect reflection of that.”
Her favorite thing about her adopted hometown? It’s the epitome of #balance. “You have a bustling city with nature surrounding it, and you can hit up a yoga class and eat tacos afterwards or enjoy some cold-pressed juice cocktails,” she says. “To me, wellness is balance, and Austin is a perfect reflection of that.”
Scroll down for her go-to spots in Austin—plus the wellness essentials that power her busy-girl lifestyle.
Favorite juice or smoothie bar: Juice Society! I’m biased here, but I really do love the menu we’ve curated. It’s filled with adaptogens and superfoods, but delivered in a way that’s still approachable, and most importantly tastes great!
My favorites right now in-store are Rose Matcha (rose, collagen, MCT oil, matcha, and oat milk), and Tropical Greens (mango, banana, spirulina, spinach, and honey—but sub mango for avocado and add ashwagandha).
Favorite coffee shop: Mañana for coffee. Juice Society for matcha.
Favorite fitness studio: Lagree Fitness Method is definitely my favorite workout. I’ve been doing it three to four times a week for almost a year, and have seen such a difference in my body and my strength.
When it gets nice out and isn’t too hot, I love to hit the trail around Lady Bird Lake. I don’t run, but enjoy walking to clear my mind.
Favorite outdoor hangout spot: Barking Springs when I’m with my dogs, or Barton Springs when I’m not. I also love heading out to my farm, Flycatcher, to spend time in our greenhouse or with our rescue farm animals. It’s definitely my happy place.
Favorite self-care spot: Tenoverten for nails, Hiatus Spa for acupuncture and massages, W3ll PEOPLE Studio for beauty, and Kalologie for their infrared sauna. I try to go to acupuncture once or twice a month for stress and tension that I tend to hold in my jaw and neck, and it has helped so much. Infrared sauna is also my number one go-to for reducing stress and getting a couple minutes of me time.
Favorite restaurant(s): I love a good grain bowl so right now it’s Elizabeth Street Cafe for their breakfast sticky rice bowl (I sub the sausage for avocado and mushroom to keep it vegetarian), and Josephine House for their rice bowl with veggies. And Uchiko for basically anything because it’s all so good.
I also love True Food Kitchen on a hot summer day for their raw veggie crudite, and some rosé. I could have that every day and be happy.
Cannuka CBD Healing Skin Balm, $58; CBD Calming Eye Balm, $38; Juice Society Thirst Aid Kit, $51/case; Outdoor Voices Tech Sweat 3/4 Legging, $85; S’well Water Bottle, $35; EltaMC Tinted Sunscreen, $27.
Favorite wellness essentials: I’ve struggled with my skin over the past two years, but now I think I’ve got it down. I have really sensitive skin so protecting it from the sun is super important to me (I wear a tinted SPF daily). I also have been using anti-aging products, but mostly want to make sure my skin is brightened and hydrated.
I hold a lot of tension in my neck and upper back, so I warm up Cannuka Healing Skin Balm and apply it there. Not only does it absorb nicely into my skin but really does help relieve the area of tension and inflammation. I actually brought these this on a flight to Europe and it was a lifesaver for my skin, which tends to dry out in what feels like 30 seconds after take off.
In partnership with Cannuka
Photos: Danielle Sobel
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