Add These 11 Local Spots to Your 2024 Bucket List for a Happier and Meaningful New Year

As you begin to think about plans for 2024, consider these suggestions from Kelly Krause that include local places to spend meaningful moments in the new year.

Kelly Krause is an Austin-based marketing creative, managing global collabs for lululemon. She’s also the curator and moderator of a speaker series for Commodore Perry Estate, where she interviews creatives in and outside of Austin. Prior to lululemon, Krause was at SXSW for 10 years curating programming and Main Stage talks and identifying new partnerships. In her spare time, Krause is on the advisory board for Rosa Rebellion, writes a column for Camille Styles and can usually be found on the Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail each morning with a cold brew in tow.

To say I was excited that the popular NYC-based yoga studio would finally be opening in Austin, would be a huge understatement. This isn’t your traditional studio. All studios are heated to 80-90 degrees using infrared technology in a dark, candlelit room. A beautiful way to connect with your body as we welcome 2024.

Exploring the relationship between the elevated provocation and craft, Elle’s aims to modernize sensuality and push the boundaries of what it means to celebrate one’s own body. Simply put, I love shopping at Elle’s to feel sexy, and their selection of lingerie, swim, apparel and objects are elevated and chic.

If you’re looking for a close-to-home staycation that feels like you’re in a European estate, look no further. I love staying here during the winter, when the fireplace is lit in their guests-only mansion, and grabbing a bite at their restaurant, Lutie’s. Watch their website for special music events in the chapel. They’re a real treat to experience. 

Laché Movement Co. Aerial Silks Class

8868 Research Blvd. #701

I’m all about trying new things whenever possible, and after taking one aerial silks class six years ago, I’m ready to go back. It’s such an elegant way to learn to move the body, yet provides a workout unlike any other I’ve tried. Start with the intro class!

At the start of each new year, I like to go through my closet and edit it down to the essentials, both getting rid of what I don’t need and filling it with items that suit me more. MOSS is one of my favorite spots to donate clothes and buy high-end secondhand clothes or handbags. Some of my most favorite and unique pieces have come from MOSS, and I feel much better about making a more sustainable purchase.

While I’m on Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike trail nearly every single day, River Place provides a lovely change of scenery and always elevates my heart a bit more too. This 5.5-mile out-and-back trail near Westlake Hills is both beautiful and a bit challenging. It’s open year-round and you’re welcome to bring your dog as long as it’s on a leash.

Live music, dancing, popcorn. Name a better trio. I’m not sure about you, but dancing, especially with my partner, puts me in the best mood and makes me feel young, wild and free. I love seeing the same faces on the weekends, and there’s nothing better than seeing folks of all ages cut loose and have a great time.

Calm bed, calm mind. Sleep is hands-down the most important thing to me and something I’m prioritizing even more this year. I love Parachute’s linens and typically buy a new set every year to refresh both my bedroom color scheme or update my white sheets to look even brighter. Pro tip: they also make the comfiest robes and slippers.

New year or not, we could all use more laughs. I’m continuously impressed by the talent Cap City ushers in each month and feel pretty lucky we have access to it in this city. Watch their website and sign up for their newsletter as they’re constantly announcing new comedians in town. It’s an intimate venue, so no bad seat in the house.

The Road

4130 Spicewood Springs Rd. Ste. 111

If I could go to The Road weekly, I would. They have some of the most unique wellness offerings in Austin, and every experience feels completely customized and curated. My favorite? Qui Beauty. This treatment involves gold-covered energetic magnets placed on meridians according to your own skin needs in order to levitate out fine lines and wrinkles, while normalizing compromised skin functions; it’s deeply hydrating and nourishing. A few strategic acupuncture needles make this next level for healing. Super popular for those wanting a glow-up for events. My skin never looked better.

The Yurtopian

This one’s perfect if you want a romantic getaway just outside of Austin, but not too far. Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, The Yurtopian is a peaceful and secluded hill country glamping retreat in the enchanting towns of Wimberley and Dripping Springs, just west of Austin. Each yurt is on a large, two-story deck with a hot tub, fire place, kitchenette, dining space, private bathroom and outdoor shower — and all are private.