You Can Do Much More Than Just Listen to Music
In Austin TX,the outdoors are a way of life. From scenic trails to crystal-clear lakes,this Texas city has something for all ages and interests.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a new Austin resident,people here are ready to show you around. This vibrant city offers a wide range of activities,from a world-class dance company to unique shopping.
Art & Culture
From world-renowned museums to locally-focused festivals,Austin is a creative city. Take in a documentary or visit a gallery to get a fresh perspective on the local scene.
Austin is a city where art is more than just a way of life,it’s ingrained in the culture. Both the multi-story Tauceti mural and Kempelen’s Owl statues make for popular public artworks that can be explored during a charter tour of Austin.
The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum shows visitors the diverse cultural makeup of this southwestern state. The museum’s exhibitions on Spanish,Mexican and Tejano influence on the region are a testament to this. It also hosts community-focused exhibitions like American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music.
Music & Entertainment
Austin’s music scene is known around the world thanks to festivals like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits as well as its more than 250 live venues. The 6th Street and Red River districts have the highest concentration of live venues.
In some cases,musicians get paid starving artist rates,playing for tips on weekdays and charging for tickets at other times. Some organizations are working to change this.
Among them is the Austin Center for Events,a group that streamlines special event permits on city property. It’s a collaboration between teams from the departments of transportation,parks and police. The city offers a free channel for events — Spectrum Government-Access Television,Channel 15
Outdoors & Adventure
Glorious sunshine and acres of outdoor space means that Austinites embrace open-air activities with a passion. There are endless options,from rooftop bars to patio brunches,hiking trails to splashing around in a city’s lake.
The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail and Onion Creek Park are a great place to spend a day outside in Austin. Bouldering,swimming and hiking are all available at this state park that’s located right in the heart of the city.
Food & Drink
This surprisingly foodie town has a vibrant culinary scene. From greasy Tex-Mex to oak-smoked BBQ,there is something for everyone. Check out celebrated staples like east side favorite Hoover’s Cooking and the award-winning New American eatery Barley Swine.
Or,go for a higher-end experience at Lutie’s,a verdant retreat of an eatery from husband-and-wife chefs Bradley Nicholson and Susana Querejazu. The menu is a reflection of their time spent in San Francisco,with a focus on vegetables. Ramen Tatsu-Ya,a chain of upscale noodle shops that has four locations in the city,has brought their delicious noodle dishes to the city. Try the mole-tsukemen. Other must-visits include a quirky Mexican truck,DeeDee’s,and the elegant Italian truck Patrizi’s.
Shopping & Nightlife
A visit to the Texas capital that keeps it weird wouldn’t be complete without a shopping trip. From high-end malls with luxury brands to local boutiques and antique shops,Austin has a variety of shopping experiences for all tastes and budgets.
If dancing is your thing,this city has a booming nightlife scene with clubs that attract regulars and newcomers to practice their two-step or salsa moves. There are several upscale lounges that serve creative cocktails.
Living in Austin
The best place to live in Austin depends on your interests,price range and commuting distance. The city’s neighborhoods all have their unique charms,but choosing the right one for you will come down to a lot of things like school ratings and who your neighbors are going to be.
Austin’s rapid growth can make living there a bit stressful. Traffic can get bad,and the transit infrastructure hasn’t caught up to the city’s booming population.