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The Best of Austin
The minute that visitors enter the airport in Austin, Texas, the sound of music fills the air. Cool blues, rockabilly, you name it -- local artists showcase unique sounds on stages throughout Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Dubbed the "Live Music Capital of the World," music is synonymous with the city, as is great barbeque, a decidedly liberal culture, and the likelihood that the tattooed hipster standing next to you in line at a local music venue is a tech millionaire.
Austin may be the state capital, but it's also home to the 50,000-student University of Texas, and bleeding burnt orange is just something people do. Austinites are rabid about their Longhorns, and so are others.
Each year, more than 17 million people visit Austin -- whether for Longhorn football games, for musical events like the famed South by Southwest music industry conference or the Austin City Limits Music Festival, for business, for education, for politics, or for fun. Regardless of what brings visitors here, there's no question that many of them are curious about what makes this Central Texas city, especially after being ranked second on Money magazine's 2006 list of Top 25 Best Big Cities to Live.
 ©2006 ACVB Photo/Austin City Limits The Austin City Limits Music Festival rocks the city for a weekend each September. |
Austin is a mix of thriving nightlife, college party town, great scenery, tolerant citizens, and celebrity hangout. Austin takes all kinds; it's the people here that make the city -- although the city's pretty hip all on its own.
Why come to Austin? The red granite State Capitol building is one reason; it's been named one of the Top 10 Texas Attractions for non-Texans and Texans alike. Music, of course, is everywhere, and is another star attraction. South by Southwest, one of the nation's largest music industry conferences, draws millions to the city for two weeks each March, and the Austin City Limits Music Festival rocks the city for a weekend each September.
People also visit Austin for food. The Hill Country Wine & Food Festival, held each April, is the nation's second largest such event (Aspen is the largest), and showcases food and wine with a Texas flair. Not surprisingly, barbeque is big here -- it is Texas, after all -- but so are vegan and vegetarian food, as well as a number of Mobil Travel Guide-rated Four-Star restaurants and noted chefs.
The University of Texas at Austin is another reason people come to town. One of the largest universities in the country with 50,000 students, UT and its champion Longhorn football and sports teams attract alumni, sports fans, and students from all over the world.
Austin's also known for its healthy lifestyle -- with 300 days of sunshine each year, it's hard to avoid the great outdoors. Speaking of nature, you'd be hard-pressed to miss the incredible sight of 1.5 million Mexican Free-Tailed Bats emerge nightly from underneath the Congress Avenue Bridge (May through October). Home to one of the largest bat colonies in North America, these tiny winged creatures are another quirky part of a city that attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Fast Facts & Information
Geography and landscape: Austin is located in south central Texas, where the Colorado River crosses the Balcones Escarpment, separating the Texas Hill Country from the blackland prairies to the east, creating gorgeous limestone cliff formations throughout the city that define Austin's landscape. Given the scenery, it's no wonder that Austin and surrounding terrain have been nicknamed "The Hill Country." The Colorado River flows through the heart of the city, creating a series of sparkling lakes that stretch for more than 100 miles, and a beautiful centerpiece that is a magnet for Austinites and visitors alike for its cool, calming beauty.
In terms of geography, Austin isn't like the rest of Texas, which is mostly flat, and that's one of the most unique things about the city. Instead, elevation ranges from 425 feet at lakeside to 1,000 feet in the northwest city hills and to 2,000 feet in The Hill Country. Take a walk on any of the city's downtown streets, and you'll likely be out of breath from climbing hills. Area lakes provide scenic and liquid refreshment for the city, and breathtaking limestone cliffs like Mount Bonnell are great spots to take in the scenic and rolling Hill Country terrain.
 ©2006 ACVB Photo/Dan Herron The rivers and lakes surrounding Austin enhance its natural beauty. |
Neighboring cities and suburbs outside Austin proper include Round Rock, Pflugerville, Taylor, and Georgetown to the north, and Kyle, Buda, San Marcos, and New Braunfels to the south. As for Austin's proximity to major Texas cities, Dallas is about three hours to the north, San Antonio is about 90 minutes south, and Houston is about three hours east.
When it comes to negotiating downtown Austin, the Colorado River (Town Lake) is a great landmark that essentially splits the city down the middle. Streets that cross the river are marked North on the north side (like North Lamar) and South on the south side (like South Congress).
With the exception of Congress Avenue, Austin's downtown streets that run north and south parallel the order that Texas rivers flow throughout the state -- kind of a neat factoid into Austin's city planning. From east to west, the streets (and the rivers) are: Sabine, Red River, Neches, Trinity, San Jacinto, Brazos, Colorado, Lavaca, Guadalupe, San Antonio, Nueces, and Rio Grande.
The downtown streets that run east to west are all numbered and previously were called the names of Texas trees. And some still are, depending on which part of the street you're on, as do local businesses near those streets. In numerical order (south or north), major downtown streets include Cesar Chavez/First Street; Second Street (Live Oak); Third Street (Cypress); Fourth Street (Cedar); Fifth Street (Pine); Sixth Street (Pecan); Seventh Street (Bois d' Arc); Eighth Street (Hickory); Ninth Street (Ash); 10th Street (Mulberry); and 11th Street (Mesquite).
Safety: Austin has a reputation as being a safe city as far as larger cities are concerned. However, the city tends to be more tourist-friendly west of Interstate 35, where most of the bars and restaurants are anyway. That's not to say you should avoid the east side; there are excellent restaurants there, and neighborhood revitalization programs are in place that have done wonders in recent years. However, there are some areas on the east side that aren't safe to walk through after dark, such as a few streets in the Blackshear-Prospect neighborhood. However, most tourists wouldn't be over here anyway, since most of the east side's popular bars and restaurants aren't near this area. As with visiting any big city, use common sense and stay on well-lit, well-traveled streets.
Population: About 1.4 million people live in the greater metropolitan area, with around 690,000 in Austin itself.
Climate/weather: Austin's climate is considered subtropical, which means it gets pretty hot here, especially in the summer. With an average of 300 days of sunshine each year, average temperatures range between 60 degrees Fahrenheit in January to 95 degrees Fahrenheit in July -- but expect anything when you visit. The chilliest day on record was minus-2 degrees Fahrenheit in January 1949, and the hottest day on record was September 5, 2000, when the temperature hit 112 degrees Fahrenheit. Most of those 100-plus days happen in June, July, and August, but anything's possible.
There's a saying in Texas that if you don't like the weather, just wait a minute, because it's likely to change. While sudden changes in the weather, especially in the summer when late afternoon heat can spark brief thunderstorms, aren't uncommon, Austin's climate is, for the most part, pretty mild. It doesn't ever really get cold here, though freezes in The Hill Country do happen often in the winter. It has snowed in Austin before, though that's a rare occurrence.
Tornados do occur and they can be a threat to the Central Texas area during tornado season, usually March through May, but they're relatively rare in Austin proper.
As for rainfall, the average annual precipitation is just over 31 inches, leaving plenty of good weather to enjoy Austin's wealth of outdoor activities.
Navigating Austin shouldn't pose much of a challenge. Downtown Austin is pedestrian-friendly, and you also can travel by car, bus, or trolley. Go to the next page to see all of our tips about getting around this great Texas city.
Getting In, Getting Around Austin
Austin is an easy city to navigate, in general. You can drive around town or take advantage of Capital Metro, the city's bus system. Just be sure you watch out for occasional road construction. Before making your plans to head to Austin, read this primer on Austin transportation.From the Airport
Rental car: Car rental is one option for getting from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to downtown Austin. The major car rental companies are conveniently located on the lower level of the airport, just down from the baggage claim area. The companies include Ace, Advantage, Alamo/National, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, and Thrifty.
Taxi: Taxi stands are located just outside the doors of the airport's baggage claim area. The city of Austin regulates taxi rates, and the current meter rate is $2 for the first 1/4 mile, 25 cents for each additional 1/8 mile, and a gas surcharge of 10 cents per mile (currently in effect). Waiting time is $22.50 per hour.
Taxi rides that originate at the airport have a $1 surcharge. There's no additional cost for extra passengers, and as many as four passengers can ride for the price of one. As for tipping, it's encouraged for good service. Drivers are independent contractors and they work for themselves.
 ©2006 Michael's Capital Metro is Austin's bus system -- rides cost just 50 cents within the downtown business district. |
Shuttle buses to hotels are no charge for guests. Commercial shuttle fares vary, depending if you want a one-way or round-trip ride.
Driving In
Rush hour: Rush hours in Austin can be challenging on the major north-south thoroughfares, Interstate 35 and Mopac (so-named because it parallels the old Missouri-Pacific railroad line). Rush hours are typically 6 to 9 am and 4 to 7 pm weekdays. Be prepared, especially if you're heading north of the city, since delays can range anywhere from 35 minutes to an hour. Still, Austin traffic isn't as bad as many other large cities, and most traffic clears by about 7:30 pm. As for the weekend, driving anywhere is relatively painless with minimal traffic, unless there's a road construction project scheduled that weekend.
Rules of the road: If you're driving, grab a map at the airport before you head out. Austin is a generally easy city when it comes to driving around town, but recent construction means you might be navigating traffic and the occasional alternate route.
Directions to downtown from the airport are well marked; East 7th Street will take you straight into downtown and is an easy route to follow. Once you get downtown from the airport, you'll soon discover that, like many cities, Austin's streets have a naming convention all their own.
As for driving etiquette, never block a crosswalk, especially downtown. This is a city with numerous people who like to walk, and they get very upset if they are forced into oncoming traffic just to cross the street. Cyclists are also in abundance here, thanks to Austin resident Lance Armstrong, so take care when driving and watch for bike riders.
In some areas of town, the middle lane is often used for making right or left turns, so watch for oncoming traffic to be safe.
Getting Around
Public transportation: Capital Metro, the city's bus system, is one of the best ways to get around town. The cost is cheap, too, with individual rides costing just 50 cents within the downtown business district. Make sure you have quarters because drivers can't make change.
You can buy a $5 card that's good for 20 rides (half price), and $10 passes that are good for unlimited riders within one calendar month. Buy passes and fare cards and pick up free bus schedules and route maps at the Capital Metro Transit Store (323 Congress Ave), and at most major supermarkets like H-E-B and Randall's.
Capital Metro also operates a free historic trolley car, called 'Dillo' as a nickname for armadillo. There are several routes, and they all hit popular downtown-area tourist attractions, like the State Capitol, the Lyndon B Johnson Public Library, Barton Springs, and more. There are also free trolley cars that run late Thursday through Sunday for a safe ride after late night downtown partying. For route schedules, check the Web site.
Taxis, on foot, or by bike: With the recent downtown expansion of the Second Street District, plus Austin's Sixth Street Entertainment District and the Fourth Street Warehouse District, walking safely to restaurants and bars is very easy to do. Austin is a walkable city.
Taxis are a good idea if you're heading from one side of town to the other, say from dinner to drinks. A five-minute cab ride is often worth it to avoid blisters from high heels, and taxis are plentiful most days of the week. The current meter rate is $2 for the first 1/4 mile, plus 25 cents for each additional 1/8 mile, and a gas surcharge of 10 cents per mile (currently in effect).
Pedicabs, or tricycles attached to a two-seat mini-carriage, also line the city's downtown streets, as do charming horse-drawn carriages; both are practical and even romantic options to get around downtown on the weekends. Catch a pedicab on 6th Street or in the Warehouse District. Licensed by the city of Austin, cyclists work for tips from customers. The pedicabs comfortably fit two people, but it's best to ask the driver if you want to add more.
When visiting Austin, you'll have your choice of historical sites, music festivals, sporting events, and other activities to keep you busy. Keep reading for our guide to Austin special events and attractions.
Austin Special Events & Attractions
There's literally always something going on in Austin. Whether it's a music festival, arts and crafts fair, farmers market, museum exhibit, food festival, or a sports event, finding something to do is pretty easy.When people think of Austin, they think "hip, cool music not like Texas." The city nurtures and celebrates creativity, entrepreneurship, and independence, yet it's a comfortable existence that's easy to love.
There might not be a major sports team in Austin (though San Antonio's Spurs are just 90 minutes south), but you'd never know it because most people here bleed burnt orange for the Texas Longhorns. Whether it's football, baseball, basketball, soccer or any other sport, there are opportunities galore for spectators and sports nuts. Austin's scenic beauty has also made it a mecca of sorts for golf. Pros like Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Fred Couples all have signature courses here.
Austin's also fraught with history, since it's the state capital and home to the Texas Legislature. Don't miss a tour of the Capitol building; it was built in 1888 of Texas Sunset Red granite from nearby Marble Falls, and is the largest statehouse in the country.
 ©2006 ACVB Photo/University of Texas Autumn in Austin is highlighted by Texas Longhorns football at Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium. |
Check out a Texas Longhorns game while you're here. Tickets are especially hard to come by for football games, but they are available. Visit the University of Texas at Austin's sports Web site for ticket information. All of the university's major sports are played on campus: Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium (named after UT's legendary football coach) hosts football, the Frank Erwin Special Events Center is used for basketball, and baseball is played at Red and Charline McCombs Field.
Don't miss a chance to take a dip in -- or just stick your toes in -- Austin's Barton Springs Pool (2101 Barton Springs Rd). This well-loved natural spring is a cool 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, providing welcome relief on hot summer days to be sure, but also attracting fierce devotees who swim in all seasons, no matter what the weather.
Get active at Zilker Metropolitan Park (2100 Barton Springs Rd), one of the city's most popular hangouts for visitors and locals alike with its volleyball and soccer fields, huge trees, a great playground, and a mini-train for kids big and small that lets visitors tour the 351-acre park in comfort.
Enjoy a walk or run on the Town Lake Trail, the dammed portion of the Colorado River that runs through the middle of downtown Austin. Main trailheads are located under the Mopac Bridge off West Cesar Chavez (First Street) near Zilker Park and at First Street and Riverside Drive.
This 10-mile path is popular and easily accessed from all downtown hotels. The trail is one reason the city's been named one of the "Top 25 Running Cities" by Runner's World magazine. It's the perfect way to experience Austin's natural beauty. Bring a camera and have your picture taken by the statue of Stevie Ray Vaughan -- Austin's native son who launched his stellar blues career here.
While you're on the Town Lake Trail, take a break and stop at the Congress Avenue Bridge to view 1.5 million Mexican Free-tailed Bats emerge from under the bridge at dusk and blanket the sky between mid-March to November. There are several points from which to view the event, and an information kiosk is located on the north back of the river, just east of the bridge. Capital Cruises Austin (208 Barton Springs Rd, 512-480-9264) offers bat watching boat tours, but call to make a reservation and arrive at the boat dock 20 to 30 minutes before sunset. During your boat trip, watch for how the city looks amazing with the State Capitol glowing in the distance down Congress Avenue.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark (305 East Austin St) is another must-do option in New Braunfels between April and September. One of the largest in the country at 65-acres split between two distinct parks, it's been consistently chosen the No. 1 water park in the United States. But don't think this park is just for kids; attractions like the Master Blaster will thrill even the most jaded adult. Best bet is to book a charming cabin at one of the park's two resorts. Nestled among the trees on the banks of the Comal River, it's the best way to experience this huge park.
Before you head out of town, make a stop at the Austin Nature and Science Center (301 Nature Center Dr), a "living nature museum" in Zilker Park that opened in 1960. There's the "Eco-Detective Trail," wildlife exhibits and the incredibly cool Dino Pit exhibit, and an outdoor, hands-on exhibit with six different areas for discovery and exploration. It's great for kids and adults alike -- learning and fun at the same time.
If you're coming to Austin on a whim and aren't operating on a specific timeframe, come for the Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival or the Austin City Limits Music Festival. The food and wine festival is held each April and has featured foodies with Texas ties, like Bobby Flay and Drew Nieporent. The ACL Festival is named after the PBS show of the same name, which has been on the air for 31 years, and it's known for showcasing the best in new and established music, plus local food and drink, and is a must-attend event for music lovers of all ages.
Austin has a host of great museums to choose from, whether you're looking for modern art at the Blanton Museum of Art or kid-friendly exhibits at the Austin Children's Museum. On the next page, we provide more details about arts and culture in Austin. There's literally always something going on in Austin. Whether it's a music festival, arts and crafts fair, farmers market, museum exhibit, food festival, or a sports event, finding something to do is pretty easy.
When people think of Austin, they think "hip, cool music not like Texas." The city nurtures and celebrates creativity, entrepreneurship, and independence, yet it's a comfortable existence that's easy to love.
There might not be a major sports team in Austin (though San Antonio's Spurs are just 90 minutes south), but you'd never know it because most people here bleed burnt orange for the Texas Longhorns. Whether it's football, baseball, basketball, soccer or any other sport, there are opportunities galore for spectators and sports nuts. Austin's scenic beauty has also made it a mecca of sorts for golf. Pros like Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Fred Couples all have signature courses here.
Austin's also fraught with history, since it's the state capital and home to the Texas Legislature. Don't miss a tour of the Capitol building; it was built in 1888 of Texas Sunset Red granite from nearby Marble Falls, and is the largest statehouse in the country.
©2006 ACVB Photo/University of Texas Autumn in Austin is highlighted by Texas Longhorns football at Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium. |
Check out a Texas Longhorns game while you're here. Tickets are especially hard to come by for football games, but they are available. Visit the University of Texas at Austin's sports Web site for ticket information. All of the university's major sports are played on campus: Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium (named after UT's legendary football coach) hosts football, the Frank Erwin Special Events Center is used for basketball, and baseball is played at Red and Charline McCombs Field.
Don't miss a chance to take a dip in -- or just stick your toes in -- Austin's Barton Springs Pool (2101 Barton Springs Rd). This well-loved natural spring is a cool 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, providing welcome relief on hot summer days to be sure, but also attracting fierce devotees who swim in all seasons, no matter what the weather.
Get active at Zilker Metropolitan Park (2100 Barton Springs Rd), one of the city's most popular hangouts for visitors and locals alike with its volleyball and soccer fields, huge trees, a great playground, and a mini-train for kids big and small that lets visitors tour the 351-acre park in comfort.
Enjoy a walk or run on the Town Lake Trail, the dammed portion of the Colorado River that runs through the middle of downtown Austin. Main trailheads are located under the Mopac Bridge off West Cesar Chavez (First Street) near Zilker Park and at First Street and Riverside Drive.
This 10-mile path is popular and easily accessed from all downtown hotels. The trail is one reason the city's been named one of the "Top 25 Running Cities" by Runner's World magazine. It's the perfect way to experience Austin's natural beauty. Bring a camera and have your picture taken by the statue of Stevie Ray Vaughan -- Austin's native son who launched his stellar blues career here.
While you're on the Town Lake Trail, take a break and stop at the Congress Avenue Bridge to view 1.5 million Mexican Free-tailed Bats emerge from under the bridge at dusk and blanket the sky between mid-March to November. There are several points from which to view the event, and an information kiosk is located on the north back of the river, just east of the bridge. Capital Cruises Austin (208 Barton Springs Rd, 512-480-9264) offers bat watching boat tours, but call to make a reservation and arrive at the boat dock 20 to 30 minutes before sunset. During your boat trip, watch for how the city looks amazing with the State Capitol glowing in the distance down Congress Avenue.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark (305 East Austin St) is another must-do option in New Braunfels between April and September. One of the largest in the country at 65-acres split between two distinct parks, it's been consistently chosen the No. 1 water park in the United States. But don't think this park is just for kids; attractions like the Master Blaster will thrill even the most jaded adult. Best bet is to book a charming cabin at one of the park's two resorts. Nestled among the trees on the banks of the Comal River, it's the best way to experience this huge park.
Before you head out of town, make a stop at the Austin Nature and Science Center (301 Nature Center Dr), a "living nature museum" in Zilker Park that opened in 1960. There's the "Eco-Detective Trail," wildlife exhibits and the incredibly cool Dino Pit exhibit, and an outdoor, hands-on exhibit with six different areas for discovery and exploration. It's great for kids and adults alike -- learning and fun at the same time.
If you're coming to Austin on a whim and aren't operating on a specific timeframe, come for the Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival or the Austin City Limits Music Festival. The food and wine festival is held each April and has featured foodies with Texas ties, like Bobby Flay and Drew Nieporent. The ACL Festival is named after the PBS show of the same name, which has been on the air for 31 years, and it's known for showcasing the best in new and established music, plus local food and drink, and is a must-attend event for music lovers of all ages.
Austin has a host of great museums to choose from, whether you're looking for modern art at the Blanton Museum of Art or kid-friendly exhibits at the Austin Children's Museum. On the next page, we provide more details about arts and culture in Austin.
Austin Arts & Culture
You quickly learn this town takes its art very seriously as soon as you step off the plane at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Music- and Texas-themed art are located all around the airport, including in the baggage claim area. It's a fun introduction to the city.With the influx of high tech money from "Dellionaires" -- those early employees of Dell, Inc. who reaped the tremendous benefits of multiple stock splits -- other generous benefactors, and enthusiastic city and community support, Austin's arts scene has really exploded in recent years.
The recently opened Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art is the biggest art news to hit Austin in some time, finally bringing together disparate collections from the University of Texas into one centralized location on campus. The Austin Museum of Art's two locations (South Congress and AMOA-Laguna Gloria on West 35th St) are both must-visit stops. The downtown location focuses primarily on 20th-century and contemporary art, whereas the Laguna Gloria location, the museum's original, focuses on the juxtaposition of art and nature.
Even kids get into the act at the Austin Children's Museum and Dell Discovery Center. This very cool museum features tons of hands-on activities, science exhibits, and even an "Austin Kiddie Limits" soundstage where kids can dress up like rock stars and pretend they're part of the show.
Austin is also home to a number of independent galleries, many of which are housed on the University of Texas campus, as well as a few new ones in the Second Street District, including the Shorelines Gallery (221 West Second St) with jewelry, glass art, wood and metal sculpture, bronze sculpture, lithographs, and original paintings.
 ©2006 ACVB Photo/Ballet Austin You can see performances by Ballet Austin at the Bass Concert Hall. |
Austin is home to many great museums, including the city's newest crown jewel -- the Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art (MLK at Congress Avenue, on the University of Texas at Austin campus), which opened in April 2006 and is owned by the University of Texas. It covers 180,000 square feet, making it the largest university art museum in the country, and the third largest art museum in Texas. Stellar permanent exhibits include the Contemporary Latin American Art Collection, the Mari and James A. Michener Collection of 20th Century American Art, and the museum's print and drawing collection. The Blanton's permanent collection includes more than 12,000 works of art that span the history of Western civilization.
The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum (1800 North Congress Ave) is another must-see attraction, where visitors can get their fill of Texas history and have lunch at the museum's cafe. This fun museum features exhibits and interactive experiences that trace Texas history from before European exploration to the early 1970s. Don't miss the Star of Destiny theater show, visitors' seats shake while watching a gusher from a Texas oil derrick and the takeoff of a Saturn V rocket!
The long-awaited and well-funded Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts (501 West Third St) is under construction now and will eventually replace the former Palmer Auditorium to become the premier address for the performing arts in Austin. Until then, Bass Concert Hall (23rd St at Robert Dedman Dr), located on the University of Texas campus, continues to be the venue for Broadway musicals, classical music performances, dance performances, the Ballet Austin, and much more.
Another gem is the Elisabet Ney Museum (304 East 44th St), a tribute to the renowned 19th-century sculptor and Texas arts pioneer who made her home in Austin. In fact, the museum is actually the artist's former studio.
The Austin Lyric Opera (901 Barton Springs Rd) has won numerous awards for its lyrical presentations, which mainly take place at Bass Concert Hall inside the Performing Arts Building on the University of Texas at Austin campus. You can see international artists and rising American opera performers in this venue.
The Umlauf Sculpture Garden (605 Robert E Lee Rd, off Barton Springs) is another oasis of art in Central Austin, dedicated to the work of American sculptor Charles Umlauf. This garden has 168 pieces of sculpture, plus the artist's home and studio make up the museum.
The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum (2313 Red River) features photos, sculptures, and portraits of Johnson's years as President, including a 7/8th scale replica of his Oval Office and the actual 1968 stretch limo he used in Washington and Austin.
View contemporary and historical art about Mexican, Latino, and Latin American culture at Mexic-Arte Museum (419 Congress Ave), which is a non-profit arts organization. You'll also want to check out the back gallery, which is reserved as exhibition space for new talent.
The Zilker Hillside Theater in Zilker Park (2100 Barton Springs Rd) is a great place to watch drama, ballet, musicals, and symphony concerts for free during the summer under the stars. The theater is officially open from early April until October.
Austin's historic buildings include the State Capitol building, the Governor's Mansion, and charming homes dating back to the 1890s. On the next page, find out more about Austin's architecture and landmarks. You quickly learn this town takes its art very seriously as soon as you step off the plane at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Music- and Texas-themed art are located all around the airport, including in the baggage claim area. It's a fun introduction to the city.
With the influx of high tech money from "Dellionaires" -- those early employees of Dell, Inc. who reaped the tremendous benefits of multiple stock splits -- other generous benefactors, and enthusiastic city and community support, Austin's arts scene has really exploded in recent years.
The recently opened Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art is the biggest art news to hit Austin in some time, finally bringing together disparate collections from the University of Texas into one centralized location on campus. The Austin Museum of Art's two locations (South Congress and AMOA-Laguna Gloria on West 35th St) are both must-visit stops. The downtown location focuses primarily on 20th-century and contemporary art, whereas the Laguna Gloria location, the museum's original, focuses on the juxtaposition of art and nature.
Even kids get into the act at the Austin Children's Museum and Dell Discovery Center. This very cool museum features tons of hands-on activities, science exhibits, and even an "Austin Kiddie Limits" soundstage where kids can dress up like rock stars and pretend they're part of the show.
Austin is also home to a number of independent galleries, many of which are housed on the University of Texas campus, as well as a few new ones in the Second Street District, including the Shorelines Gallery (221 West Second St) with jewelry, glass art, wood and metal sculpture, bronze sculpture, lithographs, and original paintings.
©2006 ACVB Photo/Ballet Austin You can see performances by Ballet Austin at the Bass Concert Hall. |
Austin is home to many great museums, including the city's newest crown jewel -- the Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art (MLK at Congress Avenue, on the University of Texas at Austin campus), which opened in April 2006 and is owned by the University of Texas. It covers 180,000 square feet, making it the largest university art museum in the country, and the third largest art museum in Texas. Stellar permanent exhibits include the Contemporary Latin American Art Collection, the Mari and James A. Michener Collection of 20th Century American Art, and the museum's print and drawing collection. The Blanton's permanent collection includes more than 12,000 works of art that span the history of Western civilization.
The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum (1800 North Congress Ave) is another must-see attraction, where visitors can get their fill of Texas history and have lunch at the museum's cafe. This fun museum features exhibits and interactive experiences that trace Texas history from before European exploration to the early 1970s. Don't miss the Star of Destiny theater show, visitors' seats shake while watching a gusher from a Texas oil derrick and the takeoff of a Saturn V rocket!
The long-awaited and well-funded Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts (501 West Third St) is under construction now and will eventually replace the former Palmer Auditorium to become the premier address for the performing arts in Austin. Until then, Bass Concert Hall (23rd St at Robert Dedman Dr), located on the University of Texas campus, continues to be the venue for Broadway musicals, classical music performances, dance performances, the Ballet Austin, and much more.
Another gem is the Elisabet Ney Museum (304 East 44th St), a tribute to the renowned 19th-century sculptor and Texas arts pioneer who made her home in Austin. In fact, the museum is actually the artist's former studio.
The Austin Lyric Opera (901 Barton Springs Rd) has won numerous awards for its lyrical presentations, which mainly take place at Bass Concert Hall inside the Performing Arts Building on the University of Texas at Austin campus. You can see international artists and rising American opera performers in this venue.
The Umlauf Sculpture Garden (605 Robert E Lee Rd, off Barton Springs) is another oasis of art in Central Austin, dedicated to the work of American sculptor Charles Umlauf. This garden has 168 pieces of sculpture, plus the artist's home and studio make up the museum.
The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum (2313 Red River) features photos, sculptures, and portraits of Johnson's years as President, including a 7/8th scale replica of his Oval Office and the actual 1968 stretch limo he used in Washington and Austin.
View contemporary and historical art about Mexican, Latino, and Latin American culture at Mexic-Arte Museum (419 Congress Ave), which is a non-profit arts organization. You'll also want to check out the back gallery, which is reserved as exhibition space for new talent.
The Zilker Hillside Theater in Zilker Park (2100 Barton Springs Rd) is a great place to watch drama, ballet, musicals, and symphony concerts for free during the summer under the stars. The theater is officially open from early April until October.
Austin's historic buildings include the State Capitol building, the Governor's Mansion, and charming homes dating back to the 1890s. On the next page, find out more about Austin's architecture and landmarks.
Austin Architecture & Landmarks
Austin is more known for its scenic natural beauty and its music than for its architecture, but there are plenty of must-see landmarks in this city. The Governor's Mansion, a Greek Revival masterpiece designed by noted architect Abner Cook, is a real showplace, with the Governor and family in private residences on the second floor. There are also the Moonlight Towers; of the 31 originally bought from the city of Detroit, 17 still survive today. Austin is the only U.S. city that still uses this old tower system to light its city.Besides the showpiece of the State Capitol building -- definitely the most impressive, architecture-wise, in Austin -- Congress Avenue also boasts its share of beautiful old buildings. St. Edward's University (3001 South Congress) was designed by noted Texas architect Nicholas Clayton and completed in 1887. The school's Old Main Building was once deemed "one of the finest in all of Texas." In fact, a seven-block strip of renovated Victorian and native limestone buildings on East 6th Street between Congress Avenue and Interstate 35 is a National Registered Historic District.
Historic neighborhoods also abound in Austin, from charming homes dating from the 1890s in Hyde Park to the grand estates of Tarrytown in West Austin.
 ©2006 ACVB Photo/The Driskill Hotel The Driskill Hotel, built in 1886, is Austin's oldest hotel. |
Perhaps the best example of Austin architecture is the Governor's Mansion (1010 Colorado St). Designed by Abner Cook, who specialized in the Federal style of homes for mostly private residences, the Governor's Mansion was constructed between 1854 and 1856. It has a decidedly Greek Revival look to it, characterized by two-story porticos, Doric columns, and Cook's signature X-and-sticks motif for upper and lower balustrades. Every Texas governor has made his -- or her -- home there, occupying the second story.
Other Cook-designed projects in Austin include the Pease Mansion (6 Niles Rd), built in 1853 and features a front portico and two-story icon columns over the front door, and the Neill-Cochran House (2310 San Gabriel St), which was made of Austin limestone and Bastrop pine in 1855 and designed in a Greek-Revival style with two-story Doric columns across the wide front veranda. The Pease Mansion is privately owned and can be looked at from the street, but you can tour the Neill-Cochran House.
There's also the University of Texas Tower (23rd Street at Guadalupe), which was built in 1936 and is the pride of the University of Texas at Austin. It's 27 stories high -- just a little bit taller than the State Capitol, and it lights up in burnt orange every time there's a UT victory. When UT won the Rose Bowl against football powerhouse the University of Southern California in 2005, the tower glowed burnt orange for nearly two weeks in celebration. There are also gold-plated clocks on each face of the tower that stretch more than 12 feet across. And on August 1, 1966, student Charles Whitman opened fire on the campus below, killing 13 and injuring many others. The observation deck was closed in 1974 after several suicide leaps from the Tower, and stayed closed for the next 25 years until 1999, when UT celebrated its 116th birthday and decided to reopen the deck with a new safety lattice in place.
The Frost Bank Tower (401 Congress Ave) is 515 feet and 9 inches tall, making it the tallest building in Austin. Its silvery blue glass facade includes 200,000 square feet of glass, with 45,000 square feet of glass on the crown alone. The Scarbrough Building (101 6th St) was made in 1911 and is the city's first steel skyscraper.
The One Congress Plaza Building (111 Congress Ave) features a striking stair-steeped pyramid design with a tower camera on its roof, which belongs to KTBC Fox7. The building's 1-acre sunken plaza is landscaped with shady trees, park benches, and a waterfall that cascades down a granite wall.
The Norwood Tower (114 W 7th St) is an ornate Gothic-style high rise and the first building in Austin to have an electric elevator. Former President Lyndon B Johnson was a former owner of the building. Its lobby's ceilings feature 22-karat gold leaf and gold leaf on the exterior facade details.
The Mobil Three-Star Driskill Hotel (604 Brazos) was built in 1886, making it Austin's oldest hotel and a landmark. Former President Lyndon B Johnson stayed at the hotel in 1960 while waiting for election results for his race as vice president to John F Kennedy. Johnson returned in 1964 to listen for the election results of his race for president. The building's east, south, and west facades are topped with a bust of Colonel Jesse Driskill, the hotel builder, and his two sons.
Shopping in Austin means picking up one-of-a-kind and locally made merchandise you won't find anywhere else. Keep reading to learn more about Austin's shopping scene.
Austin is more known for its scenic natural beauty and its music than for its architecture, but there are plenty of must-see landmarks in this city. The Governor's Mansion, a Greek Revival masterpiece designed by noted architect Abner Cook, is a real showplace, with the Governor and family in private residences on the second floor. There are also the Moonlight Towers; of the 31 originally bought from the city of Detroit, 17 still survive today. Austin is the only U.S. city that still uses this old tower system to light its city.
Besides the showpiece of the State Capitol building -- definitely the most impressive, architecture-wise, in Austin -- Congress Avenue also boasts its share of beautiful old buildings. St. Edward's University (3001 South Congress) was designed by noted Texas architect Nicholas Clayton and completed in 1887. The school's Old Main Building was once deemed "one of the finest in all of Texas." In fact, a seven-block strip of renovated Victorian and native limestone buildings on East 6th Street between Congress Avenue and Interstate 35 is a National Registered Historic District.
Historic neighborhoods also abound in Austin, from charming homes dating from the 1890s in Hyde Park to the grand estates of Tarrytown in West Austin.
©2006 ACVB Photo/The Driskill Hotel The Driskill Hotel, built in 1886, is Austin's oldest hotel. |
Perhaps the best example of Austin architecture is the Governor's Mansion (1010 Colorado St). Designed by Abner Cook, who specialized in the Federal style of homes for mostly private residences, the Governor's Mansion was constructed between 1854 and 1856. It has a decidedly Greek Revival look to it, characterized by two-story porticos, Doric columns, and Cook's signature X-and-sticks motif for upper and lower balustrades. Every Texas governor has made his -- or her -- home there, occupying the second story.
Other Cook-designed projects in Austin include the Pease Mansion (6 Niles Rd), built in 1853 and features a front portico and two-story icon columns over the front door, and the Neill-Cochran House (2310 San Gabriel St), which was made of Austin limestone and Bastrop pine in 1855 and designed in a Greek-Revival style with two-story Doric columns across the wide front veranda. The Pease Mansion is privately owned and can be looked at from the street, but you can tour the Neill-Cochran House.
There's also the University of Texas Tower (23rd Street at Guadalupe), which was built in 1936 and is the pride of the University of Texas at Austin. It's 27 stories high -- just a little bit taller than the State Capitol, and it lights up in burnt orange every time there's a UT victory. When UT won the Rose Bowl against football powerhouse the University of Southern California in 2005, the tower glowed burnt orange for nearly two weeks in celebration. There are also gold-plated clocks on each face of the tower that stretch more than 12 feet across. And on August 1, 1966, student Charles Whitman opened fire on the campus below, killing 13 and injuring many others. The observation deck was closed in 1974 after several suicide leaps from the Tower, and stayed closed for the next 25 years until 1999, when UT celebrated its 116th birthday and decided to reopen the deck with a new safety lattice in place.
The Frost Bank Tower (401 Congress Ave) is 515 feet and 9 inches tall, making it the tallest building in Austin. Its silvery blue glass facade includes 200,000 square feet of glass, with 45,000 square feet of glass on the crown alone. The Scarbrough Building (101 6th St) was made in 1911 and is the city's first steel skyscraper.
The One Congress Plaza Building (111 Congress Ave) features a striking stair-steeped pyramid design with a tower camera on its roof, which belongs to KTBC Fox7. The building's 1-acre sunken plaza is landscaped with shady trees, park benches, and a waterfall that cascades down a granite wall.
The Norwood Tower (114 W 7th St) is an ornate Gothic-style high rise and the first building in Austin to have an electric elevator. Former President Lyndon B Johnson was a former owner of the building. Its lobby's ceilings feature 22-karat gold leaf and gold leaf on the exterior facade details.
The Mobil Three-Star Driskill Hotel (604 Brazos) was built in 1886, making it Austin's oldest hotel and a landmark. Former President Lyndon B Johnson stayed at the hotel in 1960 while waiting for election results for his race as vice president to John F Kennedy. Johnson returned in 1964 to listen for the election results of his race for president. The building's east, south, and west facades are topped with a bust of Colonel Jesse Driskill, the hotel builder, and his two sons.
Shopping in Austin means picking up one-of-a-kind and locally made merchandise you won't find anywhere else. Keep reading to learn more about Austin's shopping scene.
Austin Shopping
The neat thing about shopping in Austin is that you're bound to come accross something that you won't find anywhere else -- and that it was likely made by someone who lives here. Find funky treasures and great vintage stores on South Congress, re-made duds near the University of Texas campus, or high-end shopping at the boutiques on Second Street.Insider's Guide: The Best of Shopping in Austin
The coolest shopping district in Austin is the area known as "SoCo" or South Congress Avenue. Vintage and thrift shops share space with high-end salons and chi-chi clothing and jewelry stores. But it would be a crime to ignore other hot shopping areas and stores like Anthony Nak (800 Brazos), a duo whose exquisite jewelry designs are favorites of local hipsters and international celebrities; and Eliza Page (229 West Second St), where you'll want to pick up accessories by local designer Kendra Scott, who designed the jewelry for Oscar de la Renta's spring 2006 line.
In the South First Street area, Kick Pleat (910 South First) and Tryst (1002 South First) feature chic (and pricey) men's and women's clothes, and Sabia (1100 S First) is the salon to go to for skin, hair, facials, and massages.
 ©2006 Justin Cox At Kick Pleat, located in Austin's South First Street area, you can shop for chic and pricey clothing. |
For bargain hunters and super shoppers alike, don't miss the brand-new Round Rock Premium Outlets (150 Park Dr, Round Rock), a 430,000-square-foot open-air upscale village-style outlet shopping center that opened in August 2006. Just north of Austin, shoppers will find a single-level outdoor village with stores like Calvin Klein, Coach, Kenneth Cole, Michael Nors, J Crew, The Gap, and more. Also in northwest Austin is Lakeline Mall (11200 Lakeline Mall Dr), which includes more than 150 stores such as Dillard's, Foley's, and Mervyn's, along with a nine-screen theatre, two sit-down restaurants, and a nine-merchant food court.
There's also the newly remodeled Barton Creek Square Mall (2901 S Capital of Texas Highway), which has major department stores, boutiques, and specialty shops like Brookstone, Victoria's Secret, and Nine West.
The Brodie Oaks and Brodie Oaks II Shopping Centers (northwest corner of South Lamar Boulevard and Highway 290) includes major stores like Neiman Marcus Last Call Clearance, Mervyn's and Tuesday Morning.
The 26 Doors Shopping Center (1206 W 38th St at Medical Parkway) is designed to be a little oasis in the middle of the city. This shopping center has eclectic shops like The Hairs Lair, Root and Ridge Toymaker, and Telfair at Home.
If you think you'll find only organic fruits and vegetables at Austin's two biggest farmers markets, think again. Imagine fresh bread, unique handcrafted jewelry, homemade candles, hip skirts and blouses, sculpture, pottery, and much more. The Sunset Valley Market (in the parking lot of Toney Burger Center in South Austin) is open between 9:30 am to 1:30 pm Saturdays. Austin Farmer's Market downtown in Republic Square (Fourth Street and Guadalupe) is open from 9 am to 1 pm Saturdays.
Once you've finished shopping, you may want to explore the nightlife and entertainment venues in Austin. The choices -- especially those involving music -- seem endless, as you'll find out in the following section.
The neat thing about shopping in Austin is that you're bound to come accross something that you won't find anywhere else -- and that it was likely made by someone who lives here. Find funky treasures and great vintage stores on South Congress, re-made duds near the University of Texas campus, or high-end shopping at the boutiques on Second Street.
Insider's Guide: The Best of Shopping in Austin
The coolest shopping district in Austin is the area known as "SoCo" or South Congress Avenue. Vintage and thrift shops share space with high-end salons and chi-chi clothing and jewelry stores. But it would be a crime to ignore other hot shopping areas and stores like Anthony Nak (800 Brazos), a duo whose exquisite jewelry designs are favorites of local hipsters and international celebrities; and Eliza Page (229 West Second St), where you'll want to pick up accessories by local designer Kendra Scott, who designed the jewelry for Oscar de la Renta's spring 2006 line.
In the South First Street area, Kick Pleat (910 South First) and Tryst (1002 South First) feature chic (and pricey) men's and women's clothes, and Sabia (1100 S First) is the salon to go to for skin, hair, facials, and massages.
©2006 Justin Cox At Kick Pleat, located in Austin's South First Street area, you can shop for chic and pricey clothing. |
For bargain hunters and super shoppers alike, don't miss the brand-new Round Rock Premium Outlets (150 Park Dr, Round Rock), a 430,000-square-foot open-air upscale village-style outlet shopping center that opened in August 2006. Just north of Austin, shoppers will find a single-level outdoor village with stores like Calvin Klein, Coach, Kenneth Cole, Michael Nors, J Crew, The Gap, and more. Also in northwest Austin is Lakeline Mall (11200 Lakeline Mall Dr), which includes more than 150 stores such as Dillard's, Foley's, and Mervyn's, along with a nine-screen theatre, two sit-down restaurants, and a nine-merchant food court.
There's also the newly remodeled Barton Creek Square Mall (2901 S Capital of Texas Highway), which has major department stores, boutiques, and specialty shops like Brookstone, Victoria's Secret, and Nine West.
The Brodie Oaks and Brodie Oaks II Shopping Centers (northwest corner of South Lamar Boulevard and Highway 290) includes major stores like Neiman Marcus Last Call Clearance, Mervyn's and Tuesday Morning.
The 26 Doors Shopping Center (1206 W 38th St at Medical Parkway) is designed to be a little oasis in the middle of the city. This shopping center has eclectic shops like The Hairs Lair, Root and Ridge Toymaker, and Telfair at Home.
If you think you'll find only organic fruits and vegetables at Austin's two biggest farmers markets, think again. Imagine fresh bread, unique handcrafted jewelry, homemade candles, hip skirts and blouses, sculpture, pottery, and much more. The Sunset Valley Market (in the parking lot of Toney Burger Center in South Austin) is open between 9:30 am to 1:30 pm Saturdays. Austin Farmer's Market downtown in Republic Square (Fourth Street and Guadalupe) is open from 9 am to 1 pm Saturdays.
Once you've finished shopping, you may want to explore the nightlife and entertainment venues in Austin. The choices -- especially those involving music -- seem endless, as you'll find out in the following section.
Austin Nightlife & Entertainment
A vibrant nightlife, especially live music and good margaritas, goes hand-in-hand with a work-hard, play-hard attitude that translates into an active social scene. Despite the unfortunate demise of popular live music venues like Steamboat and Liberty Lunch, Austin is still the place for live music, with something going on seven nights a week. The city promotes the music with free noon concerts each Friday, and nearly every restaurant and bar in town has a band playing most nights.Sixth Street is in a class by itself, with a mix of shot bars, billiards halls, restaurants, and dance clubs that attract students, tourists, and 30-somethings out on the town, while the Fourth Street Warehouse District is a slightly older crowd, enjoying martinis, expensive meals, and plenty of people-watching.
The Second Street area is the newest kid on the entertainment block in Austin. With its mix of high-rise living and young successful professionals, it's attracted a wide range of people who want to relax and enjoy a good glass of wine in an urban setting. South Congress Avenue, at one time known for its street walkers, is now home to such famed live music venues as The Continental Club and the ultra-hip Hotel San Jose.
Insider's Guide: The Best of Nightlife & Entertainment in Austin
 ©2006 ACVB/The Oasis Restaurant The Oasis, a lakefront restaurant, is a favorite spot for watching the sun go down. |
The city of Austin sponsors a noon concert Fridays in front of Austin City Hall (301 W Second St), which is a great way to start the weekend.
No visit to Austin is complete without partying on Sixth Street, so make that your first priority. Several new bars and clubs have opened, including Barcelona (209 East Sixth), an underground basement bar; Maiko Sushi Lounge (311 West Sixth) with its modern design; and Hi-Lo (301 West Sixth), a cool retro-style hangout.
The Fourth Street Warehouse District is cool with an edge -- the edge of age, that is. Those past the ripe age of 35 tend to gravitate here, and for good reason. The martinis are good at Cedar Street Courtyard (208 West Fourth); the entertainment and live music worth the trip to La Zona Rosa (612 West Fourth); and there's even a celebrity bar, Six (117 West 4th), partially owned by Lance Armstrong.
The Continental Club (1315 S Congress Ave) is a local favorite, as are Antone's (213 West Fifth St) and Stubb's BBQ (801 Red River), where you can enjoy barbecue brisket and chicken as you listen to quality jazz and other tunes.
Beyond the downtown party life, there's plenty to do on the water, with lakeside haunts like Carlos & Charlie's (5923 Hi Line Rd) and one of the area's best live music venues in The Backyard (13101 Highway 71 West), an outdoor amphitheater set smack in the middle of the Hill Country that has hosted the likes of Willie Nelson, Death Cab for Cutie, and Lyle Lovett. The Oasis (6550 Comanche Trail) is a perfect spot to begin your evening. It's located next to Lake Travis, and people flock there to watch the sun go down.
Since Austin's known for live music, there are plenty of free and family-oriented events that don't require a sitter and a cab to Sixth Street. The "Live at the Grove" series of free summer concerts at Shady Grove (1624 Barton Springs), a popular local burger joint near Zilker Park, is very popular and attracts all manner of Austinites.
For those who aren't into the bar scene, check out Esther's Follies (525 East 6th) for a night of laughs and pure entertainment. The show is a hoot, combining magic, vaudeville, and pure Improv comedy. Definitely call ahead for reservations; this is one popular attraction!
There's also Pete's Dueling Piano Bar (421 East 6th), where Texas heritage is celebrated, bawdiness applies, and fun is a requirement.
Or, catch a unique movie at Austin's own Alamo Drafthouse Theater (409 Colorado at 4th St), where you can check out a fun flick and order something to eat and drink while you're watching it from Alamo's fun movie-themed full menu. The Splendor in the Grass vegetarian pizza is great, as is the popular Godfather, with plenty of pepperoni, of course. Don't miss the Fried Pickles -- they are worth every calorie!
If you'd rather relax and unwind while visiting Austin, outdoor activities are your best bet. Three lakes grace this city, and it's home to some of the nation's best hiking trails. The city also offers several fine spas from which to choose. On the next page, we outline some of the best options for relaxing and unwinding in Austin. A vibrant nightlife, especially live music and good margaritas, goes hand-in-hand with a work-hard, play-hard attitude that translates into an active social scene. Despite the unfortunate demise of popular live music venues like Steamboat and Liberty Lunch, Austin is still the place for live music, with something going on seven nights a week. The city promotes the music with free noon concerts each Friday, and nearly every restaurant and bar in town has a band playing most nights.
Sixth Street is in a class by itself, with a mix of shot bars, billiards halls, restaurants, and dance clubs that attract students, tourists, and 30-somethings out on the town, while the Fourth Street Warehouse District is a slightly older crowd, enjoying martinis, expensive meals, and plenty of people-watching.
The Second Street area is the newest kid on the entertainment block in Austin. With its mix of high-rise living and young successful professionals, it's attracted a wide range of people who want to relax and enjoy a good glass of wine in an urban setting. South Congress Avenue, at one time known for its street walkers, is now home to such famed live music venues as The Continental Club and the ultra-hip Hotel San Jose.
Insider's Guide: The Best of Nightlife & Entertainment in Austin
©2006 ACVB/The Oasis Restaurant The Oasis, a lakefront restaurant, is a favorite spot for watching the sun go down. |
The city of Austin sponsors a noon concert Fridays in front of Austin City Hall (301 W Second St), which is a great way to start the weekend.
No visit to Austin is complete without partying on Sixth Street, so make that your first priority. Several new bars and clubs have opened, including Barcelona (209 East Sixth), an underground basement bar; Maiko Sushi Lounge (311 West Sixth) with its modern design; and Hi-Lo (301 West Sixth), a cool retro-style hangout.
The Fourth Street Warehouse District is cool with an edge -- the edge of age, that is. Those past the ripe age of 35 tend to gravitate here, and for good reason. The martinis are good at Cedar Street Courtyard (208 West Fourth); the entertainment and live music worth the trip to La Zona Rosa (612 West Fourth); and there's even a celebrity bar, Six (117 West 4th), partially owned by Lance Armstrong.
The Continental Club (1315 S Congress Ave) is a local favorite, as are Antone's (213 West Fifth St) and Stubb's BBQ (801 Red River), where you can enjoy barbecue brisket and chicken as you listen to quality jazz and other tunes.
Beyond the downtown party life, there's plenty to do on the water, with lakeside haunts like Carlos & Charlie's (5923 Hi Line Rd) and one of the area's best live music venues in The Backyard (13101 Highway 71 West), an outdoor amphitheater set smack in the middle of the Hill Country that has hosted the likes of Willie Nelson, Death Cab for Cutie, and Lyle Lovett. The Oasis (6550 Comanche Trail) is a perfect spot to begin your evening. It's located next to Lake Travis, and people flock there to watch the sun go down.
Since Austin's known for live music, there are plenty of free and family-oriented events that don't require a sitter and a cab to Sixth Street. The "Live at the Grove" series of free summer concerts at Shady Grove (1624 Barton Springs), a popular local burger joint near Zilker Park, is very popular and attracts all manner of Austinites.
For those who aren't into the bar scene, check out Esther's Follies (525 East 6th) for a night of laughs and pure entertainment. The show is a hoot, combining magic, vaudeville, and pure Improv comedy. Definitely call ahead for reservations; this is one popular attraction!
There's also Pete's Dueling Piano Bar (421 East 6th), where Texas heritage is celebrated, bawdiness applies, and fun is a requirement.
Or, catch a unique movie at Austin's own Alamo Drafthouse Theater (409 Colorado at 4th St), where you can check out a fun flick and order something to eat and drink while you're watching it from Alamo's fun movie-themed full menu. The Splendor in the Grass vegetarian pizza is great, as is the popular Godfather, with plenty of pepperoni, of course. Don't miss the Fried Pickles -- they are worth every calorie!
If you'd rather relax and unwind while visiting Austin, outdoor activities are your best bet. Three lakes grace this city, and it's home to some of the nation's best hiking trails. The city also offers several fine spas from which to choose. On the next page, we outline some of the best options for relaxing and unwinding in Austin.
Relaxing & Unwinding in Austin
A lot of unwinding in Austin happens on the water. Town Lake is one of three lakes that are the jewels of the city: there's also Lake Austin, close to downtown, and Lake Travis, north of the city, and each offer stunning views, smooth water for skiing and wakeboarding, and plenty of places to simply hang out and enjoy the scenery.With about 300 days of sunshine each year, it's not surprising that outdoor activities are tops on most Austinites' list of things to do to relax. The American Hiking Society named the Barton Creek Greenbelt No. 2 on its list of "top 10 top walking trails," and the Bull Creek Greenbelt in northwest Austin is another local favorite.
There's nothing quite as relaxing as a spa, and there are several notables to choose from in Austin -- whether you want a half-day of pampering, a meditative retreat, or a few days of rejuvenation.
 ©2006 Kaanah Nature's beauty is showcased at Zilker Botanical Gardens. |
The Crossings Austin (13500 FM 2769, near the intersection of Bullick Hollow and Volente Road), a holistic, continuing education, and healing retreat with a day spa, wellness center, has classes to feed your soul and move your body, and a setting that takes full advantage of the introspective beauty of the Hill Country. Overlooking parts of Lake Travis and just a half-hour from downtown Austin, the Crossings offers workshops with the likes of Martha Beck, David Whyte, and others, and personal retreats where you stay for as long as you want. Meals are included, and you can choose from spa services such as the hot and cold stone massage.
Austin's known for its great golf courses, such as the Twin Creeks Golf Course, (3201 Twin Creeks Club Dr, Cedar Park) designed by Masters champion Fred Couples. The Palmer Lakeside Golf Course (8212 Barton Club Dr) was designed by Arnold Palmer. The Cimarron Hills Golf Course (103 Cimarron Hills Trail, Georgetown) was designed by Jack Nicklaus.
You can also spend time at the links at Falconhead Golf Club (15201 Falconhead Blvd), America's First PGA Tour Signature Series golf course, and is open to the public seven days a week. In Round Rock, Teravista (4333 Teravista Club Dr) is another popular course. Ringed by luxury homes, Central Texas' only Troon Golf course -- known for its luxury golf amenities -- was voted No. 1 by Avid Golfer magazine for Best Service, Best Practice Facility, and Best Pro Shop.
Take in a little Austin history and still get in a good game of golf at two of Austin's oldest' courses: The nine-hole Hancock Park Golf Course (811 East 41st St) was built in 1899, and the Lion's Municipal Golf Course (2901 Enfield Rd) is the second-oldest course in Austin, built in 1928. Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Tom Kite, and Ben Crenshaw (Kite and Crenshaw are both UT grads) have all played at Lion's, which covers just 6,001 yards. Make reservations at least a week in advance; both, especially Lion's, are very popular among locals.
Take time to explore Austin's scenery and tranquil terrain with a day trip to the Barton Creek Greenbelt (2201 Barton Springs Rd). At nearly eight miles long and 809 acres, there's plenty to see. Imagine sheer cliff walls, green everywhere, and swimming holes galore, the Barton Creek greenbelt is a local favorite. If you can pull your own weight, try the Gus Fruh, Loop 360, and Spyglass access points along the trail.
The Highland Lakes are another worthwhile daytrip -- or overnight stay for true relaxation. Located about 85 miles northwest of Austin and heading in toward the city itself, these six lakes in the eastern part of the Texas Hill Country (including Lake Buchanan, Inks Lake, Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls, Lake Travis, and Lake Austin) are oases in the midst of rolling hills and greenery. Cyclists: be prepared for heaven -- and don't forget your wheels. Boaters, fishermen and women, and campers also will enjoy the incredible scenery; there's definitely something for everyone here.
McKinney Falls State Park (5808 McKinney Falls Parkway) is another popular Austin gem. Between stunning scenery, hidden swimming holes, camping, mountain and road biking trails, fishing and more, there's plenty to do in this 744-acre park.
The Veloway, located about 15 minutes south of downtown Austin in south Austin just off South Mopac (4801 La Crosse Ave) is another unexpected oasis of activity. Created specifically for rollerbladers and cyclists, this 3.1 mile paved loop through beautiful Hill Country is a great way to commune with nature.
Zilker Botanical Gardens (2220 Barton Springs Rd), is a relaxing place to meditate and enjoy the gardens, especially the Hartman Prehistoric Garden, located where dinosaur tracks were found in 1992, and the Green Garden, where local designers showcase native plants. Don't miss the Taniguchi Oriental Garden; it's truly a transcendental and peaceful place.
If you're not sure where to start with your Austin sightseeing, an organized tour might be just the thing. Go to the next page for our overview of organized tours in Austin. A lot of unwinding in Austin happens on the water. Town Lake is one of three lakes that are the jewels of the city: there's also Lake Austin, close to downtown, and Lake Travis, north of the city, and each offer stunning views, smooth water for skiing and wakeboarding, and plenty of places to simply hang out and enjoy the scenery.
With about 300 days of sunshine each year, it's not surprising that outdoor activities are tops on most Austinites' list of things to do to relax. The American Hiking Society named the Barton Creek Greenbelt No. 2 on its list of "top 10 top walking trails," and the Bull Creek Greenbelt in northwest Austin is another local favorite.
There's nothing quite as relaxing as a spa, and there are several notables to choose from in Austin -- whether you want a half-day of pampering, a meditative retreat, or a few days of rejuvenation.
©2006 Kaanah Nature's beauty is showcased at Zilker Botanical Gardens. |
The Crossings Austin (13500 FM 2769, near the intersection of Bullick Hollow and Volente Road), a holistic, continuing education, and healing retreat with a day spa, wellness center, has classes to feed your soul and move your body, and a setting that takes full advantage of the introspective beauty of the Hill Country. Overlooking parts of Lake Travis and just a half-hour from downtown Austin, the Crossings offers workshops with the likes of Martha Beck, David Whyte, and others, and personal retreats where you stay for as long as you want. Meals are included, and you can choose from spa services such as the hot and cold stone massage.
Austin's known for its great golf courses, such as the Twin Creeks Golf Course, (3201 Twin Creeks Club Dr, Cedar Park) designed by Masters champion Fred Couples. The Palmer Lakeside Golf Course (8212 Barton Club Dr) was designed by Arnold Palmer. The Cimarron Hills Golf Course (103 Cimarron Hills Trail, Georgetown) was designed by Jack Nicklaus.
You can also spend time at the links at Falconhead Golf Club (15201 Falconhead Blvd), America's First PGA Tour Signature Series golf course, and is open to the public seven days a week. In Round Rock, Teravista (4333 Teravista Club Dr) is another popular course. Ringed by luxury homes, Central Texas' only Troon Golf course -- known for its luxury golf amenities -- was voted No. 1 by Avid Golfer magazine for Best Service, Best Practice Facility, and Best Pro Shop.
Take in a little Austin history and still get in a good game of golf at two of Austin's oldest' courses: The nine-hole Hancock Park Golf Course (811 East 41st St) was built in 1899, and the Lion's Municipal Golf Course (2901 Enfield Rd) is the second-oldest course in Austin, built in 1928. Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Tom Kite, and Ben Crenshaw (Kite and Crenshaw are both UT grads) have all played at Lion's, which covers just 6,001 yards. Make reservations at least a week in advance; both, especially Lion's, are very popular among locals.
Take time to explore Austin's scenery and tranquil terrain with a day trip to the Barton Creek Greenbelt (2201 Barton Springs Rd). At nearly eight miles long and 809 acres, there's plenty to see. Imagine sheer cliff walls, green everywhere, and swimming holes galore, the Barton Creek greenbelt is a local favorite. If you can pull your own weight, try the Gus Fruh, Loop 360, and Spyglass access points along the trail.
The Highland Lakes are another worthwhile daytrip -- or overnight stay for true relaxation. Located about 85 miles northwest of Austin and heading in toward the city itself, these six lakes in the eastern part of the Texas Hill Country (including Lake Buchanan, Inks Lake, Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls, Lake Travis, and Lake Austin) are oases in the midst of rolling hills and greenery. Cyclists: be prepared for heaven -- and don't forget your wheels. Boaters, fishermen and women, and campers also will enjoy the incredible scenery; there's definitely something for everyone here.
McKinney Falls State Park (5808 McKinney Falls Parkway) is another popular Austin gem. Between stunning scenery, hidden swimming holes, camping, mountain and road biking trails, fishing and more, there's plenty to do in this 744-acre park.
The Veloway, located about 15 minutes south of downtown Austin in south Austin just off South Mopac (4801 La Crosse Ave) is another unexpected oasis of activity. Created specifically for rollerbladers and cyclists, this 3.1 mile paved loop through beautiful Hill Country is a great way to commune with nature.
Zilker Botanical Gardens (2220 Barton Springs Rd), is a relaxing place to meditate and enjoy the gardens, especially the Hartman Prehistoric Garden, located where dinosaur tracks were found in 1992, and the Green Garden, where local designers showcase native plants. Don't miss the Taniguchi Oriental Garden; it's truly a transcendental and peaceful place.
If you're not sure where to start with your Austin sightseeing, an organized tour might be just the thing. Go to the next page for our overview of organized tours in Austin.
Austin Organized Tours Overview
If you want to take an organized tour of Austin, there are plenty of options. See Austin from the land and from the lake in an authentic amphibious military landing vehicle with Austin Duck Adventures Tours (1605 W 5th St). You'll see the State Capitol, the Governor's Mansion, the Lyndon B Johnson Library and Museum, and Sixth Street while learning about Austin. It's wise to make reservations one to two months in advance; these tours are very popular with locals and visitors alike!
 ©2006 Houstonian You can view Austin and the surrounding Hill Country on a Hill Country Flyer train ride. |
Try an alternative form of transportation with Austin's Segway Tours (621 East 6th St). After training and orientation, you'll be zooming around the city on your own personal Segway while listening to a professional guide discuss the city's landmarks, including Town Lake, Congress Avenue, the UT Tower and more. Riders must be 12 and older; reservations are recommended.
Give your feet a rest and kick back on the Hill Country Flyer (610 Brazos) for a leisurely train ride through Austin and the surrounding Hill Country. Choose between a coach (authentic 1920s rail car) and lounge (more modern cars with complimentary snacks and soft drinks) car, and enjoy the ride.
Believe in ghosts? Austin Ghost Tours (617 Congress Ave), featured in USA Today, might make you think otherwise on its tour of Austin landmarks renowned for its ghosts, including the luxury Mobil Three-Star Driskill Hotel (604 Brazos St).
The hotel you choose is a key part of a visit to any city. Austin hotels include the hip, the cool, the contemporary, and the luxurious. Can't decide where to stay? Read our guide to Austin's hotels on the next page. If you want to take an organized tour of Austin, there are plenty of options. See Austin from the land and from the lake in an authentic amphibious military landing vehicle with Austin Duck Adventures Tours (1605 W 5th St). You'll see the State Capitol, the Governor's Mansion, the Lyndon B Johnson Library and Museum, and Sixth Street while learning about Austin. It's wise to make reservations one to two months in advance; these tours are very popular with locals and visitors alike!
©2006 Houstonian You can view Austin and the surrounding Hill Country on a Hill Country Flyer train ride. |
Try an alternative form of transportation with Austin's Segway Tours (621 East 6th St). After training and orientation, you'll be zooming around the city on your own personal Segway while listening to a professional guide discuss the city's landmarks, including Town Lake, Congress Avenue, the UT Tower and more. Riders must be 12 and older; reservations are recommended.
Give your feet a rest and kick back on the Hill Country Flyer (610 Brazos) for a leisurely train ride through Austin and the surrounding Hill Country. Choose between a coach (authentic 1920s rail car) and lounge (more modern cars with complimentary snacks and soft drinks) car, and enjoy the ride.
Believe in ghosts? Austin Ghost Tours (617 Congress Ave), featured in USA Today, might make you think otherwise on its tour of Austin landmarks renowned for its ghosts, including the luxury Mobil Three-Star Driskill Hotel (604 Brazos St).
The hotel you choose is a key part of a visit to any city. Austin hotels include the hip, the cool, the contemporary, and the luxurious. Can't decide where to stay? Read our guide to Austin's hotels on the next page.
Austin Hotels Guide
 ©2006 ACVB Photo/Hilton The Hilton Austin, conveniently located across the street from the Austin Convention Center, is one of the city's newest hotels. |
When it comes to hip and cool, however, the only place to hang your hat is at the bungalow-style Hotel San Jose (1316 South Congress), where you're likely to see musicians, celebrities, and a wide range of folks hanging out at the hotel bar, or around the boutique-size swimming pool. After all, who has time to swim when The Continental Club is across the street? With just 40 rooms, this place fills up equally fast with both out-of-towers and locals looking for a hip getaway without ever leaving town, so make reservations well in advance.
If you're looking for luxury accommodations, the place to stay is at the Mobil Four-Star Four Seasons Hotel Austin (98 San Jacinto Blvd). It's the place to see and be seen, since it's a favorite celebrity hangout, and the hotel is known for its stellar service -- and its $195 margarita!
Another favorite is the legendary Mobil Three-Star Driskill Hotel (604 Brazos St). Built in 1886, this historic Texas hotel features opulent furnishings, a marble lobby floor, and Art Deco styling. It's also known for its political ties -- then and now. President George W. Bush made the hotel his headquarters while awaiting the results of the hotly contested 2000 presidential election as did Lyndon Johnson in 1960 and 1964.
The Mobil Three-Star InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel (701 Congress Ave) is another favorite with its upscale Texas decor, primo bar overlooking the Congress Avenue streetscape, and a great view of the State Capitol building at night.
The Mobil Three-Star Mansion at Judge's Hill (1900 Rio Grande) is a luxurious addition when it comes to boutique hotels. This 48-room hotel and restaurant with its indulgent massages, 310-thread count sheets, and top cuisine is another favorite.
More hotels are also in the works as the city continues to attract more and more tourists, business and convention travel, including a massive Marriott hotel complex proposed for the block surrounded by Congress Avenue and Second, Third, and Brazos streets.
Anytime's a good time to visit Austin, but be forewarned that hotel rooms can be difficult to come by during the month of March (South by Southwest), during UT football home games, and during the Austin City Limits Music Festival (September). Plan well and make reservations as soon as you can to ensure you have a place to stay during these busy times.
Hotel taxes are 15 percent, the city sales tax rate is 8.25 percent, and hotel parking can cost anywhere between $8 and $15 per day.
When it comes to Austin cuisine, you'll find some fine Mexican and barbeque fare, as you'd expect, but that's not all. Keep reading to learn about dining in Austin.
Austin Restaurants Guide
You can bet that the home of the Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival is going to have some great dining options. From barbeque to Mexican fare and everything in between, Austin is a foodie's heaven.
 ©2006 ACVB Photo Amy's Ice Cream is an Austin favorite -- locals love the Mexican vanilla ice cream. |
Best bets for barbeque include the Mobil One-Star County Line on the Hill (6500 W Bee Cave Rd, just past 360); Artz Rib House (2330 South Lamar); and Stubb's Bar-B-Q (801 Red River). All are known for their brisket, smoked sausage, ribs