Chad Rafferty

Read the latest articles by Chad Rafferty at Thrillist

Nation

Gift Guides

Thrillist's gift guides have everything you need to buy for friends, family, or a little something for yourself this holiday season.

Holiday Gift Guides: Everything You Need to Buy For Friends, Family & More

Design by Maitane Romagosa for Thrillist

Shopping

Shopping - Deals, New Products & Gift Ideas From Across the Web - Thrillist

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As the leaves turn and temperatures drop, those of us who just spent every spring and summer weekend in a tent in the woods might be feeling a little down and out.

The Best Gifts for People Who'd Rather Be Camping Right Now 

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As a hiker, there are fewer experiences more rewarding (and more unforgiving) than setting out on a long hike across frozen trails through piles of snow.

10 Heavy-Duty Hiking Boots to Step Into Your Winter Adventures

Shutterstock/Maridav

It’s fall y’all, so get out there and see some leaves!

Hit the Trail with These Fall Hiking & Camping Essentials

Austin

Cisco's Restaurant Bakery & Bar


Find the best spots daily to eat and drink in hipster neighborhoods. Hit the roof, drink a beer and eat delicious at top-tier restaurants. Plan your nightlife adventure with maps and reviews of unknown micro-brews, rooftop parties, and independent drink.

Best Restaurants & Bars - Places to Eat & Drink - Thrillist

In Austin, it can be really easy to get caught up in what’s new.

The Oldest and Most Historic Restaurants in Austin

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Pool season is rapidly approaching—or it might even be here already, depending on your spatial relationship with the equator.

8 Pool Toys That Will Keep Grown-Ups Entertained All Summer

Shutterstock/Steve Cukrov

Travel

Explore adventure guides and design a custom itinerary for the destination of your choice in and around the city.

Best Travel Guides, Cool Hotels and Interesting Events - Thrillist

What to Pack for a National Park Trek, According to a Backpacking Expert

Hiware

Remember a few years ago when, for a brief moment, we were all collectively talking about plastic straws?

8 Reusable Straws That Help the Environment One Sip at a Time

As I write this, Austin is undergoing its first nearly triple-digit day of 2022.

Austin’s 11 Most Essential Swimming Holes

Amazon

As we all know, grocery shopping can be a special kind of hell.

Ditch Single-Use Plastic with These Durable, Affordable, and Reusable Grocery Bags

State Bicycle Co.

At the height of the pandemic, certain things were rendered inaccessible.

9 Awesome Bikes Under $500, According to a Pro Cyclist and a Bike Mechanic

This was an incredibly difficult list to make for one simple reason: It’s hard to find a bad breakfast taco in Austin.

The 16 Austin Breakfast Tacos You Need to Try Before You Die

Unsplash/Tommy Lisbin

Whether you’re a day-hiker, car camper, glamper, or thru-hiker, we can all agree on one thing: When the woods start calling, you gotta answer.

Chad Rafferty’s Recent Articles

The Best Gifts for People Who'd Rather Be Camping Right Now

Even when the temperatures dip below freezing, camping enthusiasts love any excuse to stock up on new gear.

10 Heavy-Duty Hiking Boots to Step Into Your Winter Adventures

Freezing temperatures are no match for these killer kicks.

Hit the Trail with These Fall Hiking & Camping Essentials

We’ve scouted out all of the most useful gear to keep you warm, dry, and loving life while you do your best John Muir impression.

The Oldest and Most Historic Restaurants in Austin

Get weird at these old-school haunts.

8 Pool Toys That Will Keep Grown-Ups Entertained All Summer

From inflatable beer pong tables to floating bluetooth speakers, these products guarantee a fun day at the pool.

What to Pack for a National Park Trek, According to a Backpacking Expert

The best backpacks, hiking boots, tents, and headlamps for your next outdoor adventure.

8 Reusable Straws That Help the Environment One Sip at a Time

Metal straws, silicone straws, glass straws, rainbow-colored straws—this list has 'em all.

Austin’s 11 Most Essential Swimming Holes

No shoes, no shirt, no problemo.

Ditch Single-Use Plastic with These Durable, Affordable, and Reusable Grocery Bags

These reusable bags will help you reduce your carbon footprint—and look good doing it.

9 Awesome Bikes Under $500, According to a Pro Cyclist and a Bike Mechanic

Brands like Retrospec, Batch, and State Bicycle Co. all have complete bikes ready to ride under $500.

The 16 Austin Breakfast Tacos You Need to Try Before You Die

Run—don’t walk—to these taquerias, food trucks, and cafes hawking the best tacos in town.

The Most Essential Emergency Gear for Hiking, Camping, and Backpacking

Wander into the woods while staying prepared with these essential emergency items—all available on Amazon.