James Wolfe
Eclectic, uncanny, and the center of the indie music universe, Austin, Texas has more live music venues per capita than anywhere else in the U.S. The city has also witnessed the early careers of such awesome artists as Janis Joplin, Stevie Ray Vaughn and the Dixie Chicks, to mention only a few. It is home to excellent weather, wacky characters, great food and flaunts the local motto, “Keep Austin Weird!”
A must see is Zilker Park especially on a hot, Texas day, where you can dive into Barton Springs, the largest natural swimming pool in the U.S. It stays a wonderful and refreshing 68 degrees year round and is clear and pure. If you visit between March and October, a must see and Austin tradition is to head down to the Ann Richards Congressional Bridge at dusk and witness a million and a half Mexican freetailed bats zoom off into the night!
There are endless music venues, the most famous being Threadgills, where Janis Joplin developed her brassy style! Dine here as well and get a taste of what Texas food is all about! If you love museums, check out the Blanton Museum of Art and if you are a sports fan, Austin is home to the University of Texas, Austin football. Music fans will want to flock to 6th Street, where music of all genres pours from every corner.
There are many great places to stay while in Austin, Texas from the Five Star Four Seasons Hotel or the more local haunt, Hotel San Jose where the bar is legendary. Don’t miss the Toni Price Happy Hour that starts at 7 pm for the sweetest blues you have ever heard.
The Austin Hotel is more affordable and a favorite among celebrities due to its charm. If you want to stay closer to downtown, book a room at the Driskill Hotel, where you can partake in the best margaritas in all of Austin! You can sit on a horse saddle at the bar, all of which is located on historic 6th Street. Located smack dab in the middle of downtown Austin are the Hilton and the Omni, where you are walking distance from everything touristy and fun.
