Mackenzie Finklea

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South Congress Hotel

“Wait, this is a hotel?”

In a city on the rise, there is no shortage of apartment or office space. Lofts resting atop retail space are nothing uncommon and largely ignored. People spend their time on the street level in restaurants and shops, strip by strip.

But if you elevate beyond your rut, you might find a hidden oasis. 

As it turns out, I’d been to the South Congress Hotel many times, I just didn’t know it: in the restaurants below for every special occasion and brunch “just because.” 

Why would I need to go to a hotel? 

I live in Austin.

Why would I need to go south of the river? 

It’s a hassle.

Why not the same reasons I go to the restaurants?         

Just because.

Why not catch up with a friend in a hotel bar?

Just because.

 Maybe we should do more things just because

Get a drink. Meet a friend. Take a walk.                 Just because!

Sometimes the happiest moments aren’t the ones we plan. It’s the peaceful, self-reflecting moments and discoveries we make in simply wandering and deviating from our rut we build for ourselves day after day.

“So why are we going here?”

“Just because.”