10 convincing reasons to visit Austin

[ad_1]

We know there are so many people looking for new travel destinations right now, after about last year.

There are so many great places to visit, but Austin, Texas is by far one of our favorites.

Not only is it the hangout of state officials, it’s the live music capital of the world, but we assume you already knew this.

Regardless, we have 10 reasons that we think will only increase the temptation to travel to the heart of the Lone Star State.

There’s a reason Austin was officially named the Live Music Capital of the World. According to Visit Austin, there are around 250 live music venues in and around Austin, where you can see a show almost every day, anytime.

You might assume that all you are going to find is country music, but you would be wrong. You can hear almost any type of music pouring out the doors of the venue as you walk the streets.

display

Go downtown or find a hole-in-the-wall bar on the outskirts – there is live music everywhere.

Have you ever heard the phrase “Keep Austin Weird”? Go to South Congress and you might get a glimpse of what people mean when they say this.

South Congress is a place I always take friends or family with me when they are visiting. There are some great places to eat, drink, shop, and music. I’m not kidding, I even had a visitor who got a really great tattoo on So Co.

Allen Boots – oh man. There are only rows and rows of boots. The smell of leather will bring you to your knees as you step on it. I will always do a sightseeing when in the area. I usually go out empty-handed, but the beautiful sight and smell in the shop alone is fulfilling. You know, when you are in Austin you have to buy at least a pair of boots.

display

But boots aren’t the only place to shop. There are dozens of other shops that sell very different things, including (retro) clothing, antiques, art, jewelry, furniture and much more.

And then there are the food and drinks in the So Co. restaurants, cafes, food trucks – they’re all take-away and they’re good.

Make sure to take your photo in front of the iconic “I love you so much” mural. Locals also use the opportunity to stop at South Congress.

And of course there are bars with live music. One of the most popular and well-known is the Continental Club. The self-proclaimed “grandfather of live music locations” is a sparsely lit, sophisticated club that can entertain rockabilly, country, swing, rock and / or blues lovers every evening of the week.

This has to be one of the most iconic spots in Austin, and it is definitely a historic one. Broken Spoke owner James White, who died in January 2021 at the age of 81, claimed Broken Spoke was “the last of the true Texas dancehalls”.

display

It’s a very special place. Ask any of the big stars who stopped by: Fergie, Harry Connick Jr., Willie Nelson, Quentin Tarantino, Clint Eastwood, Robert Duvall, Claire Danes, and President George W. Bush to name a few. That doesn’t include all of the big-name acts that have taken the stage. George Strait, anyone?

You can have a bite to eat, then listen to traditional country music and dance the night away – or just watch the others dance the night away. There is also a room that showcases all of its historical grandeur.

You never know who is going to pay a visit. Did you know Garth Brooks stopped by in 2017 and put on a surprising acoustic show? Say what?! Yeah, this place is not a joke.

I know what you’re thinking: what’s so cool about bats? Really, you just have to see for yourself.

Almost 1.5 million Brazilian cantilever bats live on the South Congress Bridge between November and March, according to Bats in Austin.

display

Show up on the bridge before sunset and you can see a pretty cool show. On summer nights between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., the bats fly out from under the bridge. While watching, you can’t help but think, “Where are they all from?” They just come and come and put people on a show for almost an hour.

They fly about 2 miles high at 60-plus mph.

The Hamilton Pool Preserve cannot even begin to be described. This place is so great and is visited by so many people that in the summer all visitors have to make a reservation.

There is a 15 meter high waterfall that never dries up, and the water level remains fairly constant even during periods of drought. Swimming is pretty awesome when it’s allowed. And the water is so clear that you can see the fish swim past you.

Did I mention how beautiful this place is? Really, you just have to see it with your own eyes.

display

Who would dare go to Austin and not visit Sixth Street, the heart of Austin’s live entertainment district?

I have three words for you: music, food, drinks. OK, I would have to add ambiance. There is just a feeling on Sixth Street. They block off the main area to the bars at night so that only pedestrian traffic can get through.

If you arrive a little earlier I would definitely recommend the Iron Cactus. With a rooftop meal and some fantastic drinks, sit back and watch the party begin from two floors up.

Fair warning: Sixth Street can get a little crazy if you plan on hanging out until the wee hours of the morning.

Take a look at Rainey Street by the way. It seems like Sixth Street is fighting for its money. With a street full of historic houses that have been renovated and turned into bars – oh, and let’s not forget the food trucks – it’s a slightly more relaxed area.

Let’s face it – trying new foods on a visit is always a priority. Austin has so much to offer.

display

Grill? Check. Authentic Mexican Food Check. Vegan restaurants? Check. Burger, wings? Check check. Eat out Austin every day year round and you’ll never have to stop in the same place twice.

The equally good news is that (in true Austin shape) you can often hear great music while you eat, or you’re sure to get some amazing views – some interesting ones, at least.

I could make my own list of everything Zilker Park has to offer. It’s SO MUCH all of you.

For starters, this is where the Austin City Limits Music Festival takes place (of course I start with the music). We’re talking about more than 100 performances on eight stages over two weekends in October. It’s family-friendly too, with a designated area for kids’ activities (unless you’re looking for some kid-free time – I totally get that).

display

Then there is Lady Bird Lake, which, ironically, is not a lake. The river spans 416 acres downtown and is a fantastic place to go kayaking, canoeing, paddling, or anything else that swims.

The 10.1 mile trail, the Lady Bird Hike and Bike Trail, runs right along and over the river. When I put my earplugs in and jog on the trail, the view always overwhelms me – the river, the city and the skyscrapers, all the people – it’s great.

This is not just a tourist spot. People who live all over the Austin area come here all the time. That should say something, right?

This list couldn’t be made without Barton Springs Pool. This is an Austinite favorite. The spring-fed 3-acre pool, usually up to 18 feet deep, maintains an average temperature of 68 to 70 degrees year-round. There is a large lawned area with plenty of shade so you can swim, sunbathe, or relax. There is also a lifeguard on duty most hours of the day. On a hot summer day (who am I kidding? This is central Texas so we’re also talking about spring or fall) it’s a perfect place to relax.

display

I told you I could make a whole list for Zilker Park, but let me say a few more great things about it: There are fields with free exercise on the weekends, the Zilker Botanical Garden, the Sculpture Garden and Museum, and a lot more .

Known for downtown Austin, the SXSW (South by Southwest) music festival features nine days of entertainment from anywhere.

At this year’s event, things were different due to COVID-19, but the city is already well on its way to be back in full swing for the 2022 event.

And it’s not a joke – anyone who lives in Austin knows when SXSW is on. So if you’re not really going to go stay out of the area. The traffic is crazy because it’s so incredibly busy! It’s the place for these days.

With more than 2,000 acts, the music festival is the largest of its kind in the world. It’s like the biggest hodgepodge of artists you can imagine. You can see famous artists or meet a band from a small Idaho town you’ve never heard of.

display

Everyone is there. Musicians come from everywhere so that their music can be heard – and it is.

In true “Everything is Bigger in Texas” form, the State Capitol Building is the largest of all State Capitols in the United States at a square foot. It is accompanied by 22 hectares of landscaped park dotted with statues and monuments.

For those who love history, you can take a self-guided tour and take your time inside the massive red granite building. Not a history buff? You can get a free guided tour and be outside in under an hour.

While inside, stand in the center of the star on the floor of the first level of the rotunda and speak in your normal voice. What happened, well – we won’t spoil it for you. This one is usually fun for the kids, but pretty cool, really for everyone.

There are also some cool, interactive exhibits in the visitor center that will help you learn a little more about the building and its preservation.

display

Regardless of your interest in politics or history, the building and grounds are beautiful and truly a must see.

Have you been to Austin? Did we mention your favorite place? Let us know what your favorite Austin spot is in the comments below. What are some of your other favorite cities to visit?

[ad_2]