Austin/Texas - The Capitol of Music.....and so much more
A bastion of progressive thought amid Texas conservatism, Austin is not only the state's capital but is also a city made intriguing by its mix of government, university, culture and counterculture. Texas's fourth-largest city, Austin boasts a booming economy and an enviable quality of life, and its residents seek to make the seat of Travis County a reckoning force in technology, environmental concerns and music, to name but a few.
Austin grew from a small settlement dating to the 1830s, which got an immense boost in prestige when it was chosen as the home base for the Republic of Texas. The settlement on the Colorado River ultimately chose its name to honor Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas," who embarked on a long struggle with Spanish and Mexican authorities before finally succeeding in bringing American settlers to populate the new territory. Numerous Austin historic sites tell the story of this city's early days.
Things to do & know in/about Austin
While traveling in Austin, you will see that it is distinguished by a gorgeous, attention-grabbing Capitol building, the lovely flagship campus of the University of Texas system, and an independent civic spirit that strives to cultivate what's worthy and distinctive. As proof of such character, the city happily promotes its "Keep Austin Weird" movement, which supports small local businesses while simultaneously combating the influx of corporate, big-businessinitiatives. In addition, the town revels in its population of bats (yes, bats), whose huge numbers draw folks to vacation in Austin and mesmerize them for the extent of their stays.
Thanks to a location in Central Texas with the Hill Country to its west, the city is incredibly convenient to Lakes Town, Long, Austin, and Travis. As a result, Austin vacations are always in close proximity to a soothing lake, making hot, humid summers bearable and adding life to the expansive landscape. The terrain is also conducive to other athletic pursuits, including running, biking (what else in a town where Lance Armstrong lives!), and, by extension, competing in local triathlons. Beyond that, if you're intrigued by the prospect of enjoying the many things to do outdoors, Austin lays claim to Hippie Hollow, a public, county-run, clothing-optional beach.
While enjoying
your vacation in Austin, you will find that live music is chief among the city's
claims to fame. Venues populate the city, especially along Sixth Street, and
Austin City Limits, the venerable public television show, regularly broadcasts
the city's – and the nation's – best performers. So great is Austin's esteem for
the genre, in fact, that the city's official nickname is "The Live Music Capital
of the World." Austin's arts mix also includes a substantial selection of
festivals and arts organizations – not to mention a broad creative community –
all of which provide the capital city its own special brand of energy and
interest.
Complementing
the allure of music and culture is the variety of signature sights and things to
do in Austin. Vacations in Austin, TX must include the Blanton Museum of Art,
UT's impressive, light-filled facility that showcases the area's most
substantial art holdings, and Zilker Metropolitan Park, a much-frequented green
haven that comes complete with botanical and sculpture gardens and a refreshing,
spring-fed pool. A plethora of restaurants also suits a populace schooled in
vibrant flavors and satisfying experiences. They put forth everything from
barbecue and casual Tex-Mex to exceptional French fare and sublime, chef-driven
regional cuisine.
It's no
wonder, then, that Austin
travel guides rate this as such a lovely place to visit, as amenable
to good times as it is to bettering the lives of its citizens and breaking free
of standard molds and expectations. The city even boasts a nationally-recognized
"green" program that rewards residents for building and outfitting their homes
and companies to be energy-efficient and gentle to the planet.
This
entrancing juxtaposition – a bureaucratic capital that's simultaneously so
forward-thinking – is absolutely typical of Austin, a city that unites office
towers and storefronts, politicians and hippies, lawmaking and art-making. Since
there are so many things to do in Austin, vacations in this city are a wonderful
experience full of future memories. Just make sure to don your burnt orange and
cheer on those UT Longhorns – that's
non-negotiable!
Links for things
Here now a
couple of interesting links you might want to check
out:
Music
Clubs & Events:
The Chronicle
(an institution in Austin):
http://www.austinchronicle.com/
365 Things to
do in Austin Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/365-Things-To-Do-In-Austin-Texas/254063342821?ref=mf
Shopping:
Around Austin
are several Outlet Mall centers that offer any brand you can imagine for factory
outlet prices. One word of advice, plan what you want to look at before going to
San Marcos! The university of Texas did a study two years ago that it would take
you literally 2 ½ days if you would go into every single store and spend 2
minutes…. I personally would recommend the outlet center in Round Rock, as it is
much smaller, but has a great
selection.
Prime Outlet
San Marcos:
http://www.primeoutlets.com/locations/san-marcos.aspx
Tanger Outlet
San Marcos:
http://www.tangeroutlet.com/sanmarcos
Premium Outlet
Round Rock:
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=73
City
Tours and Tourist Tours:
Even that I
have done these tours several times, I always find it amazing to do again.
Duck Tours
(you will see why Duck) guided tour thru Austin with a splash (don’t sit in all
the way in the front):
http://www.austinducks.com/
Dillo Capitol
Metro Bus:
http://austin.about.com/od/gettingaroundaustin/p/Dillo_Shuttle.htm
Austin Texas
Official Visitors Guide:
http://www.austintexas.org/
Official State
of Texas Travel Guide Download:
http://www.traveltex.com/downloads/travel-guide
Austin Yesterday &
Today:
In 1839, five
mounted scouts searched a broad area of wilderness seeking a site for a new
capital city for the Republic of Texas. They chose this location on the north
bank of Colorado River, where rich blacklands meet scenic hills. At the time,
the site was occupied by a four-family settlement called Waterloo. It was
renamed to honor Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas." In early September
1839, archives and furniture of Texas government were transported from Houston
to Austin by 50 ox-drawn wagons.
Today, the
city bills itself as the "Live Music Capital of the World." Austin has it
all—blues, country, reggae, jazz, conjunto, Tejano, swing and rock—performing in
nearly 200 live music venues around city including nightspots along Sixth Street
and the Warehouse District.
Major annual
events include South by Southwest Music, Film and Interactive conferences in
March and the Austin City Limits Music Festival in October. Austin is starting
point for the Presidential Corridor via U.S. 290, Texas 21 to Texas 6 in
Bryan/College Station connecting the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
with the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in Austin. Upbeat and high
tech, that's Silicon Hills. Austin is home to many computer chip makers and
other computer industries. The city also is home to the nation's largest urban
bat colony, found under the Ann Richards Congress Ave.
Bridge.
The Austin
area offers more than 25 bed & breakfasts and more than 220 hotel
establishments.
Institutions
of higher learning include Austin Community College, Austin Presbyterian
Theological Seminary, Concordia Univ. at Austin, Episcopal Theological Seminary
of the Southwest, Huston-Tillotson College, St. Edward's Univ. and The Univ. of
Texas at Austin.
Austin
Factoids
1.t's never a
bad idea to carry a sweater along in Austin – especially in the winter. The
"blue norther," a Texas phenomenon, is a cold front that can cause temperatures
to quickly drop, as much as 30 degrees in just
minutes.
2."The Live
Music Capital of the World" has been home to numerous famous musicians: Joe Ely,
Shawn Colvin, Roky Erickson, Janis Joplin, James McMurtry, Willie Nelson, Stevie
Ray Vaughan and Nanci Griffith to name just a
few.
3.Austin is
the only remaining US city with operational "moonlight towers." Popular in the
late 1800s, these massive structures were designed to illuminate nighttime
streets with a 3000-foot circle of light. Today, the 17 magnificent moonlight
towers are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and one of them
is used as the base for the Zilker Park Christmas
tree.
4.For some
real honky-tonk fun, a visit to the Broken Spoke is a must! Willie Nelson has
called this Texas Tradition his "favorite watering hole." The Broken Spoke has
been featured in a number of movies, films, documentaries and commercials –
including one for Fosters Beer. Called the best country dance hall in the U.S.
by Entertainment Weekly, you can bet your bottom dollar you'll have some
down-home fun – Texas style!
5.Austin has
ten "official" sister cities: Adelaide, Australia; Koblenz, Germany; Lima, Peru;
Maseru, Lesotho; Oita, Japan; Saltillo, Mexico; Taichung, Taiwan; Old Orlu,
Nigeria; Gwangmyeong, S. Korea; and Xishuangbanna, China. "Unofficial" sister
cities include Edmonton, AB, Canada; Antalya, Turkey; Toronto, ON, Canada; and
Belo Horizonte and Porto Alegre,
Brazil.
6.Now that's a
swimming hole! Barton Springs Pool, known as the "soul of Austin", is a
1000-by-125 foot unchlorinated swimming pool. Fed by natural spring waters that
fizz at a rate of 35 million gallons of water each day, the pool can be enjoyed
year round. The water temperature averages between 67 and 70 degrees even in the
winter!
7.Austin has
its fair share of musician residents, of course. But it's been a popular
home-base for lots of other well-known folks as well. The list of hometown
heroes includes former and current residents such as cyclist Lance Armstrong;
actors Renee Zellweger, Owen Wilson, Matthew McConaughey, Ethan Hawke and Sandra
Bullock; cartoonists Berkeley Breathed and Mike Judge; authors Kinky Friedman,
O. Henry and Bruce Sterling; and film directors Tobe Hooper, Richard Linklater
and Robert Rodriguez.
8.In 2006,
Money magazine dubbed Austin the second best big city on its list of "Best
Places to Live," and The Travel Channel calls Austin the #1 college town in the
United States.
9.Visitors
from all over the world have visited the magnificent building that houses the
State Capitol of Texas. The Rotunda rises 311 feet – higher than the US nation's
Capitol – and houses portraits of every President and Governor of Texas
beginning with the current chief executive. Each time a new governor is elected
every portrait has to be moved back one
space.
10.One famous
roadside treasure Austin has to offer and one of the things said you have to do
to see Austin’s “crazy” sides is the Cathedral of Trash.
Making Your
Way
While the original part of
Austin was conceived of as a grid, since the city expanded, that pattern has not
continued. Even so, the downtown area is relatively easy to navigate, and even
on foot, it's pleasantly maneuverable.
Major north-south
thoroughfares in Austin include I-35 (also known as NAFTA Highway since it runs
down to Mexico) and its counterpart to the west, Loop 1 (more familiarly called
the Mo-Pac Expressway since it traces a path similar to the Missouri-Pacific
railway). Prominent routes moving east to west through the city include Highway
290, Highway 183 and State Highway 71.
Since driving and parking
in Austin, particularly downtown, can be trying, it's recommended that visitors
make the most of public transportation. Capital Metropolitan Transportation
Authority operates dozens of buses with affordable fares ($1 or less, exact
change required). They can be reached at www.capmetro.org
or at 512-474-1200.
Better yet,
Capital Metro runs a host of color-designated buses and trolleys known as the
'Dillo system that deliver visitors to many of downtown and central Austin's
best sights, attractions, shops and more – all for free! Check with them to see
which bus corresponds to what you want to see or
do.
Quirks &
Curiosities
In downtown Austin,
streets that go north to south take their names from the state's rivers. Streets
going east-west were originally intended to be named for trees; nowadays, these
streets are numbered.
Austin's colony of Mexican
free-tailed bats spends only part of the year in Texas. During the winter, the
bats make their home in Mexico, usually living in caves. Immensely helpful at
keeping insect populations under control, Austin's colony (at more than a
million members) daily consumes tens of thousands of pounds of
bugs.
The dome of
Austin's capitol building rises 7 feet higher than that of the nation's capitol
in Washington, DC. The building is fashioned of local pink
granite.
Common
Courtesies
Although tipping is
generally a personal matter, there are some guidelines that prove helpful to
travelers. At restaurants, servers typically get 15% of the bill, although 10%
acknowledges basic assistance, and 20% awards exceptional service. It is also
common now for some restaurants to charge an automatic gratuity of 18% for
groups. You should be aware of this possibility before providing an additional
tip. Taxi drivers usually fit into similar guidelines by receiving a tip
equivalent to 15% of the tab.
Often, a
dollar tip covers many situations. Bartenders are customarily given $1 per
cocktail, hotel maids are provided $1-2 for each day of a stay, bellhops get
about $1 per bag, and a coat-check clerk typically receives $1 as well. The
exception is a concierge, who generally receives $5-$10 for standard service
(additional assistance suggests
more).
6/8/10
We played in Texas about a
year ago, at Emo's, the famous country and western club in Austin. And I
figured, well, if I'm finally gonna die onstage, that's where it's going to be!
Vocalist Alan
Vega
Austin grew from a small settlement dating to the 1830s, which got an immense boost in prestige when it was chosen as the home base for the Republic of Texas. The settlement on the Colorado River ultimately chose its name to honor Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas," who embarked on a long struggle with Spanish and Mexican authorities before finally succeeding in bringing American settlers to populate the new territory. Numerous Austin historic sites tell the story of this city's early days.
Things to do & know in/about Austin
While traveling in Austin, you will see that it is distinguished by a gorgeous, attention-grabbing Capitol building, the lovely flagship campus of the University of Texas system, and an independent civic spirit that strives to cultivate what's worthy and distinctive. As proof of such character, the city happily promotes its "Keep Austin Weird" movement, which supports small local businesses while simultaneously combating the influx of corporate, big-businessinitiatives. In addition, the town revels in its population of bats (yes, bats), whose huge numbers draw folks to vacation in Austin and mesmerize them for the extent of their stays.
Thanks to a location in Central Texas with the Hill Country to its west, the city is incredibly convenient to Lakes Town, Long, Austin, and Travis. As a result, Austin vacations are always in close proximity to a soothing lake, making hot, humid summers bearable and adding life to the expansive landscape. The terrain is also conducive to other athletic pursuits, including running, biking (what else in a town where Lance Armstrong lives!), and, by extension, competing in local triathlons. Beyond that, if you're intrigued by the prospect of enjoying the many things to do outdoors, Austin lays claim to Hippie Hollow, a public, county-run, clothing-optional beach.
While enjoying
your vacation in Austin, you will find that live music is chief among the city's
claims to fame. Venues populate the city, especially along Sixth Street, and
Austin City Limits, the venerable public television show, regularly broadcasts
the city's – and the nation's – best performers. So great is Austin's esteem for
the genre, in fact, that the city's official nickname is "The Live Music Capital
of the World." Austin's arts mix also includes a substantial selection of
festivals and arts organizations – not to mention a broad creative community –
all of which provide the capital city its own special brand of energy and
interest.
Complementing
the allure of music and culture is the variety of signature sights and things to
do in Austin. Vacations in Austin, TX must include the Blanton Museum of Art,
UT's impressive, light-filled facility that showcases the area's most
substantial art holdings, and Zilker Metropolitan Park, a much-frequented green
haven that comes complete with botanical and sculpture gardens and a refreshing,
spring-fed pool. A plethora of restaurants also suits a populace schooled in
vibrant flavors and satisfying experiences. They put forth everything from
barbecue and casual Tex-Mex to exceptional French fare and sublime, chef-driven
regional cuisine.
It's no
wonder, then, that Austin
travel guides rate this as such a lovely place to visit, as amenable
to good times as it is to bettering the lives of its citizens and breaking free
of standard molds and expectations. The city even boasts a nationally-recognized
"green" program that rewards residents for building and outfitting their homes
and companies to be energy-efficient and gentle to the planet.
This
entrancing juxtaposition – a bureaucratic capital that's simultaneously so
forward-thinking – is absolutely typical of Austin, a city that unites office
towers and storefronts, politicians and hippies, lawmaking and art-making. Since
there are so many things to do in Austin, vacations in this city are a wonderful
experience full of future memories. Just make sure to don your burnt orange and
cheer on those UT Longhorns – that's
non-negotiable!
Links for things
Here now a
couple of interesting links you might want to check
out:
Music
Clubs & Events:
The Chronicle
(an institution in Austin):
http://www.austinchronicle.com/
365 Things to
do in Austin Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/365-Things-To-Do-In-Austin-Texas/254063342821?ref=mf
Shopping:
Around Austin
are several Outlet Mall centers that offer any brand you can imagine for factory
outlet prices. One word of advice, plan what you want to look at before going to
San Marcos! The university of Texas did a study two years ago that it would take
you literally 2 ½ days if you would go into every single store and spend 2
minutes…. I personally would recommend the outlet center in Round Rock, as it is
much smaller, but has a great
selection.
Prime Outlet
San Marcos:
http://www.primeoutlets.com/locations/san-marcos.aspx
Tanger Outlet
San Marcos:
http://www.tangeroutlet.com/sanmarcos
Premium Outlet
Round Rock:
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=73
City
Tours and Tourist Tours:
Even that I
have done these tours several times, I always find it amazing to do again.
Duck Tours
(you will see why Duck) guided tour thru Austin with a splash (don’t sit in all
the way in the front):
http://www.austinducks.com/
Dillo Capitol
Metro Bus:
http://austin.about.com/od/gettingaroundaustin/p/Dillo_Shuttle.htm
Austin Texas
Official Visitors Guide:
http://www.austintexas.org/
Official State
of Texas Travel Guide Download:
http://www.traveltex.com/downloads/travel-guide
Austin Yesterday &
Today:
In 1839, five
mounted scouts searched a broad area of wilderness seeking a site for a new
capital city for the Republic of Texas. They chose this location on the north
bank of Colorado River, where rich blacklands meet scenic hills. At the time,
the site was occupied by a four-family settlement called Waterloo. It was
renamed to honor Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas." In early September
1839, archives and furniture of Texas government were transported from Houston
to Austin by 50 ox-drawn wagons.
Today, the
city bills itself as the "Live Music Capital of the World." Austin has it
all—blues, country, reggae, jazz, conjunto, Tejano, swing and rock—performing in
nearly 200 live music venues around city including nightspots along Sixth Street
and the Warehouse District.
Major annual
events include South by Southwest Music, Film and Interactive conferences in
March and the Austin City Limits Music Festival in October. Austin is starting
point for the Presidential Corridor via U.S. 290, Texas 21 to Texas 6 in
Bryan/College Station connecting the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
with the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in Austin. Upbeat and high
tech, that's Silicon Hills. Austin is home to many computer chip makers and
other computer industries. The city also is home to the nation's largest urban
bat colony, found under the Ann Richards Congress Ave.
Bridge.
The Austin
area offers more than 25 bed & breakfasts and more than 220 hotel
establishments.
Institutions
of higher learning include Austin Community College, Austin Presbyterian
Theological Seminary, Concordia Univ. at Austin, Episcopal Theological Seminary
of the Southwest, Huston-Tillotson College, St. Edward's Univ. and The Univ. of
Texas at Austin.
Austin
Factoids
1.t's never a
bad idea to carry a sweater along in Austin – especially in the winter. The
"blue norther," a Texas phenomenon, is a cold front that can cause temperatures
to quickly drop, as much as 30 degrees in just
minutes.
2."The Live
Music Capital of the World" has been home to numerous famous musicians: Joe Ely,
Shawn Colvin, Roky Erickson, Janis Joplin, James McMurtry, Willie Nelson, Stevie
Ray Vaughan and Nanci Griffith to name just a
few.
3.Austin is
the only remaining US city with operational "moonlight towers." Popular in the
late 1800s, these massive structures were designed to illuminate nighttime
streets with a 3000-foot circle of light. Today, the 17 magnificent moonlight
towers are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and one of them
is used as the base for the Zilker Park Christmas
tree.
4.For some
real honky-tonk fun, a visit to the Broken Spoke is a must! Willie Nelson has
called this Texas Tradition his "favorite watering hole." The Broken Spoke has
been featured in a number of movies, films, documentaries and commercials –
including one for Fosters Beer. Called the best country dance hall in the U.S.
by Entertainment Weekly, you can bet your bottom dollar you'll have some
down-home fun – Texas style!
5.Austin has
ten "official" sister cities: Adelaide, Australia; Koblenz, Germany; Lima, Peru;
Maseru, Lesotho; Oita, Japan; Saltillo, Mexico; Taichung, Taiwan; Old Orlu,
Nigeria; Gwangmyeong, S. Korea; and Xishuangbanna, China. "Unofficial" sister
cities include Edmonton, AB, Canada; Antalya, Turkey; Toronto, ON, Canada; and
Belo Horizonte and Porto Alegre,
Brazil.
6.Now that's a
swimming hole! Barton Springs Pool, known as the "soul of Austin", is a
1000-by-125 foot unchlorinated swimming pool. Fed by natural spring waters that
fizz at a rate of 35 million gallons of water each day, the pool can be enjoyed
year round. The water temperature averages between 67 and 70 degrees even in the
winter!
7.Austin has
its fair share of musician residents, of course. But it's been a popular
home-base for lots of other well-known folks as well. The list of hometown
heroes includes former and current residents such as cyclist Lance Armstrong;
actors Renee Zellweger, Owen Wilson, Matthew McConaughey, Ethan Hawke and Sandra
Bullock; cartoonists Berkeley Breathed and Mike Judge; authors Kinky Friedman,
O. Henry and Bruce Sterling; and film directors Tobe Hooper, Richard Linklater
and Robert Rodriguez.
8.In 2006,
Money magazine dubbed Austin the second best big city on its list of "Best
Places to Live," and The Travel Channel calls Austin the #1 college town in the
United States.
9.Visitors
from all over the world have visited the magnificent building that houses the
State Capitol of Texas. The Rotunda rises 311 feet – higher than the US nation's
Capitol – and houses portraits of every President and Governor of Texas
beginning with the current chief executive. Each time a new governor is elected
every portrait has to be moved back one
space.
10.One famous
roadside treasure Austin has to offer and one of the things said you have to do
to see Austin’s “crazy” sides is the Cathedral of Trash.
Making Your
Way
While the original part of
Austin was conceived of as a grid, since the city expanded, that pattern has not
continued. Even so, the downtown area is relatively easy to navigate, and even
on foot, it's pleasantly maneuverable.
Major north-south
thoroughfares in Austin include I-35 (also known as NAFTA Highway since it runs
down to Mexico) and its counterpart to the west, Loop 1 (more familiarly called
the Mo-Pac Expressway since it traces a path similar to the Missouri-Pacific
railway). Prominent routes moving east to west through the city include Highway
290, Highway 183 and State Highway 71.
Since driving and parking
in Austin, particularly downtown, can be trying, it's recommended that visitors
make the most of public transportation. Capital Metropolitan Transportation
Authority operates dozens of buses with affordable fares ($1 or less, exact
change required). They can be reached at www.capmetro.org
or at 512-474-1200.
Better yet,
Capital Metro runs a host of color-designated buses and trolleys known as the
'Dillo system that deliver visitors to many of downtown and central Austin's
best sights, attractions, shops and more – all for free! Check with them to see
which bus corresponds to what you want to see or
do.
Quirks &
Curiosities
In downtown Austin,
streets that go north to south take their names from the state's rivers. Streets
going east-west were originally intended to be named for trees; nowadays, these
streets are numbered.
Austin's colony of Mexican
free-tailed bats spends only part of the year in Texas. During the winter, the
bats make their home in Mexico, usually living in caves. Immensely helpful at
keeping insect populations under control, Austin's colony (at more than a
million members) daily consumes tens of thousands of pounds of
bugs.
The dome of
Austin's capitol building rises 7 feet higher than that of the nation's capitol
in Washington, DC. The building is fashioned of local pink
granite.
Common
Courtesies
Although tipping is
generally a personal matter, there are some guidelines that prove helpful to
travelers. At restaurants, servers typically get 15% of the bill, although 10%
acknowledges basic assistance, and 20% awards exceptional service. It is also
common now for some restaurants to charge an automatic gratuity of 18% for
groups. You should be aware of this possibility before providing an additional
tip. Taxi drivers usually fit into similar guidelines by receiving a tip
equivalent to 15% of the tab.
Often, a
dollar tip covers many situations. Bartenders are customarily given $1 per
cocktail, hotel maids are provided $1-2 for each day of a stay, bellhops get
about $1 per bag, and a coat-check clerk typically receives $1 as well. The
exception is a concierge, who generally receives $5-$10 for standard service
(additional assistance suggests
more).
6/8/10
We played in Texas about a
year ago, at Emo's, the famous country and western club in Austin. And I
figured, well, if I'm finally gonna die onstage, that's where it's going to be!
Vocalist Alan
Vega