It’s no secret that when it comes to what we’re thankful for this Thanksgiving, it’s definitely Austin’s live music scene. What could possibly be better than seeing a show in the Live Music Capitol of the World? Well, perhaps seeing a show while eating delicious food could be better. Austin has seemingly limitless options of places to catch live music, but if music paired with great food is what you seek, see our choices below of places where you can catch great music and enjoy either a snack or a full meal. We all know food tastes better when you eat it while watching live music!

Stubb’s BBQ

This BBQ joint blew up in the 70s and was a major player in the live music scene of Austin, offering a stage to the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughn, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and many others.  Musicians stopped by and “played for their supper,” oftentimes leaving with a plate of Christopher B. Stubblefield’s (a.k.a. Stubb’s) delicious barbecue in hand. Besides having a killer outdoor amphitheater, Stubb’s also has an intimate indoor stage where live music is featured nightly. Each Sunday Stubb’s hosts Gospel Brunch, a buffet with live gospel music, where you can indulge in grits, fried catfish and BBQ brisket.

Threadgill’s

Threadgills started out as a filling station and beer joint, showcasing hundreds of legendary Texas musicians over the years such as Janis Joplin, Willie Nelson and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Today, Threadgill’s is a one-stop shop for southern comfort food, great live music and a nostalgic atmosphere. Enjoy yourself something southern fried, chicken fried, or maybe just go straight for the delicious pie options. Whatever you choose, just remember that Threadgill’s has a Sunday Brunch weekly featuring different musicians each week.

Shady Grove

For some time now, local radio station 93.3 KGSR has teamed up with Shady Grove and their awesome, festive outdoor patio, to host Unplugged at The Grove. Running every Thursday night from April through September, Unplugged at The Grove features a packed bill of local artists. Grab a seat outside and look over the menu that is stuffed with regional delicacies such as tamale cakes, tortilla fried catfish and chili cheese fries! Mmm!

Guero’s Taco Bar

Guero’s Taco Bar boasts just about the best location in Austin: right smack-dab in the thick of bustling South Congress Avenue. With a front patio perfect for people watching, as well as two large dining rooms and the lively Oak Garden right next door, you can do a lot more than just eat tasty Tex-Mex here. Enjoy a heaping plate of enchiladas or tacos, and don’t forget to check out the salsa bar! When you’re ready for some live music, hop next door to the Oak Garden to see who is playing. Don’t worry, you can bring your drink with you! Look for live music at the Oak Garden during summer months and on weekends.

Lambert’s BBQ

Right downtown, you can easily walk to Lambert’s and wander into their upstairs bar, where musicians perform nightly. If you’re looking to dine in, stay downstairs and breathe in the essence of Lambert’s glorious slowed smoked BBQ. Serving up Texas faire alongside local beer, great cocktails and a swanky vibe, Lambert’s is your downtown stop for great BBQ and live music.

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Interested in Austin’s thriving live music scene? Join us for our Austin Live Music Crawl every Friday and Saturday. You’ll tour around the city, hitting up Austin’s classiest live music venues and seeing shows handpicked by our very own local musicians.

Austinites don’t need a reason to realize how great a city we live in.

Great Food. Amazing Craft Beer. Endless Watering Holes. A Thriving Arts Scene. Sun Almost Every Day. Good Music.

Need I go on…

But it sure is nice to hear what others have to say about wonderful Austin!

Welcome to Austin Post Card

“The main thing in measuring integrity is someone’s motive and intent, not how many records they sell. Our intent in Ministry was never to be big. We just wanted to make enough money to live and to buy a studio, which we have done in Austin.” – Al Jourgensen, musician and record producer

“Texans don’t want to sit back and watch Austin turn into Washington, D.C. State leaders in power keep forcing people to opposite corners to prepare for a fight instead of coming together to get things done.” Wendy Davis, Texas Senator

“People don’t live in Austin to work, they work to live there.” Robert Rodriguez, filmmaker and screenwriter

“I’ve been surprised by Austin. I had a cowboy image of the place. It’s a pretty sophisticated city – in some ways, more sophisticated than Boston. And there’s a lighter feel to the place. It’s very good for my spirits.” Tim O’Brien, writer

“There’s so much music in Austin, and it’s all so different.” Gary Clark, Jr., guitarist and actor

“I do think Austin is a great town for writers; we have a lot of them here. But I grew up in Austin, and so I didn’t move here because it was a creative mecca; I was just lucky to live here.” – Jeff Abbott, suspense novelist

“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!” – Alan Vega, vocalist

“I like the fact that Austin’s the first place I’ve ever lived where there’s a real sense of community. People care about their neighbors.” – Ian McLagan, instrumentalist

“I like it here in Austin. Anybody got a room?” – Keith Richards, Rolling Stones

“There’s a freedom you begin to feel the closer you get to Austin, Texas.” – Willie Nelson

“It’s Never Neverland. People don’t grow up there. Restaurants are stuck in ramen and munchies.” – Andrew Knowlton, journalist, about Austin’s restaurant scene

What are some of your favorite Austin quotes? Share below!

Summer is upon us Austin! If you’re anything like us – a plunge into cold water is ideal after a day of touring Austin in over 100-degree heat. We love Barton Springs, but it’s not the only cool place to hang out this summer. Check out five of Austin’s favorite watering holes and pools to escape the heat this summer.

Deep Eddy Pool

Photo via Shaggy Texas.

Deep Eddy

401 Deep Eddy Ave. Austin, 78703

Austin’s other favorite spring-fed pool, located across the river from Barton Springs. Originally built in 1915, Deep Eddy is a cool non-chlorinated 35-foot lap and recreational pool. Layout your towel in the grass, people watch and jump in when the heat just gets to be too much. More on prices and operation hours here.

 

Sculpture Falls

Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail, Austin, TX 78746

Our first swimming spot on the Greenbelt, you’ll need to work a little to find this paradise (1.5-mile hike both ways), but it’s worth it once you get there – as you’ll find others lounging among the limestone rocks above waterfalls, looking down on clear waters. The great thing about this spot is you can bring your dog swimming or play with others. Trust me, you’re never more than 20 feet away from a great dog in Austin! Read more on how to reach this free watering hole and what to expect when you arrive.

 

McKinney Falls State Park

5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744

Take a short cruise out of the city center to visit this Texas State Park, complete with waterfalls, miles of trails, picnic areas and more. This hidden city gem in Southeast Austin is a great place to spend a hot summer’s day. Follow signs for Upper and/or Lower Falls to swim. Both are wild and serene all at once. Check out their website for more information of visiting the park.

 

Campbell’s Hole

1601 Spyglass Dr. Austin, TX 78746

Another Greenbelt favorite in the summer, Campbell’s Hole is rocking in the summer. The best way to reach Campbell’s Hole is by entering via the Spyglass Access to the Greenbelt. From here, you can sunbathe on top of limestone rocks slightly submerged in water, hike, climb and also bring your pup here.

 

Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park

614 Commons Ford Rd, Austin, TX 78733

Nestled among mansions and private estates is piece of Lake Austin open to everyone. Commons Ford is your very own spot of sprawling land on the lake. We know it’s hard to come by these days. It’s usually pretty sleepy, and you’ll have to jump right in as there’s no beach or ladder into the river. It’s also a fun spot to watch wakeboarders and people cruising along in their boat.

Know of a great watering hole in Austin that we missed? Let us know in comments below. We’re always on the lookout for more Austin fun!

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In 1991 Austin was proclaimed the “live music capital of the world” after discovering the city has more music venues per capita than anywhere else in the USA. With over 250 live music venues and a mix of long-time musicians and bands playing daily, it’s hard to miss great music while visiting Austin.

Visiting several venues every week, we’ve gotten to know the scene and the people that make it what it is. Austin has an endless supply of amazing talent, but we have a few favorites. Check out our pick of five musicians you can’t miss when visiting Austin.

Guy Forsyth

This Texas native has been a staple on the Austin music scene for over 20 years and has won several Austin Music Awards over that time, including “best male vocalist” in 2005. He is mainly a blues musician but also includes a little bit of rock, R&B, jazz, pop and folk into his music.

This singer, songwriter also plays the guitar and harmonica. He’s opened for Ray Charles, B.B. King, Jimmie Vaughan and many more blues icons. Guy tours all over the USA and Europe regularly but calls Austin home. When in town, you can find him at places like ABGB, Saxon Pub and more.

Shelley King

King is an absolute force when she steps on stage. You can’t help but watch her take down the house with her soulful blues, country, rock and folk performances. Originally from Arkansas, she’s been on the Austin music scene for almost 20 years and served as the first female Texas State Musician.

The singer, songwriter and guitarist’s work expand beyond her own performances. Her song “Texas Blue Moon” was duetted by Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood. Shelley tours the USA regularly. While in Austin, you can catch her at places like the Continental Club, Saxon Pub and more.

Dave Insley’s Careless Smokers

Insley was a born to be a musician. He’s played in several rock and country band since the 80s and has toured all over the world with them. The Kansas-born, roots country musician is known for his baritone voice. He’s lived all over the USA, but especially fell in love with the Southwest. Living in Arizona for a number of years, he was named the state’s best songwriter in 2005.

Insley moved to Austin ten years ago and can be found performing all over the city often with his road band the Careless Smokers. He’s a regular performer at places like the White Horse, where his country swagger matches the hip honky-tonk to perfection.

Nash Hernandez Orchestra

Started in 1949, the Nash Hernandez Orchestra is Austin’s longest running big band. At the band’s start, all the initial musicians were Hispanic and taught to play by Nash himself. They went on to make their own name in Tejano music and the orchestra has filled their place with new great talent decade after decade.

Nash was a trumpeter that got his start in Fredericksburg, TX, performing with German polka bands. He’s received recognition not only from the City of Austin and State of Texas for his contributions to the community, the city’s music scene and Latino music, but also former Vice-President Al Gore. He passed away in 1994, but his legacy lives on with the 12-man band of drummers, saxophonists, trumpeters and more who still perform all over Austin, directed by Nash’s youngest son, Ruben Hernandez. You can find them regularly at Donn’s Depot.

Eric Tessmer

Eric and his bandmates are the perfect example of young artists with amazing talent coming to Austin to make it in the live music scene. Performing all over the city, their bluesy, rock music is sure to get you out of your seats and stompin’ your feet.

Check them out regularly at places like Antone’s, Saxon Pub and more.


Want to see all these acts and more Austin musicians? Join us for our Austin Live Music Crawl every Thursday, Friday and Saturday (but check the schedule through that link). You’ll tour around the city going to Austin’s class live music venues and seeing shows handpicked by our very own local musicians.

Consider Austin a blank canvas or even an ever-changing masterpiece. Though the humble street artists that paint the city would never admit to the latter, that’s how we think of their work and something we’re very proud to show off on all our tours.

Austin’s culture may have been paved by music, but it’s colored by spray paint and that’s visible with every step you take in this city! You can’t go very far in Austin without seeing a mural, stencil or even a wheatpaste that can literally move with the help of technology. While some pieces stick around for years, others may only be available for mere minutes!

No place is this more evident than HOPE Outdoor Gallery, where the street art and murals change with each day, depending on what’s going on in the world or what’s on the artist’s mind. Rather than hopelessly looking for one particular piece – why not be on the lookout for different street artists and their unique style? Here are a few of our favorites to spot when wandering around Austin.

Federico Archuleta

Originally from El Paso, Archuleta, also known as El Federico, was influenced by both cultures on the border town, which is one characteristic you’ll find in his work.

“El Paso is a gray zone between the black and white of the Mexican/American border, in that both cultures mix so that everyday conversation is both Spanish and English,” says Federico. “So that spilled over into my work.”

El Federico always loved drawing and started painting at age 13. He arrived in Austin in 2001 permanently after visiting several times before and loving it. Always an artist, he started on the street art scene in here in 2003 while working on window displays at Tower Records. While he uses a lot of different techniques and themes. He does have a particular style that’s very well-known.

“There is a Mexican pop culture theme with much of what I do,” he says. ‘The stencil style is only one facet of my work.”

His art is colorful and vibrant and can be found throughout the city. Some destinations to find his work are on the Goodwill Boutique location at 914 N. Lamar as well as Green and White Grocery (1201 E. 7th Street) and Whistlers (1816 E. 6th Street).

Nathan Nordstrom

Also known as “Sloke”, this Austin native has been a part of the city’s street art scene since the 90s and is one of the originals to the current movement.

He says it was films like “Beat Street” and “Wild Style” that exposed him to the scene in New York as a kid growing up in the 80s and inspired him to find that in Austin. Luckily, Al Martinez, aka SKAM was a mentor him early on.

“Austin was very different back then,” Nordstrom says. “[Street art] was very underground. You had to know the right people, more than that, you had to know the handshake. It wasn’t for the public. It was for the artists.”

Sloke returned from a stint living in San Francisco in 1994, which could be considered his college education in street art as he learned from the scene there and sketched a lot, only to find sad news about his mentor and the hometown street art scene he loved.

“Al passed in 1995, so I would now have to learn myself,” he says. “When I started in Austin, graffiti was dead, it was all gang-banging and tagging and I didn’t want to do that.”

After being arrested three times for graffiti, he had to make a decision.

“Do I quit doing the thing I love,” Nordstrom says. “For me, it was more of a personal decision to continue doing what I love without the consequences and the way I found to do that was by knocking on business doors and asking… I started getting permission and that led to commission and that led to doing it professionally”

That was in the early 2000s and Sloke says he’s happy to see how the scene has developed and become more acceptable and appreciated in Austin since then.

His work is raw street art, in the same style as the 80s graffiti of NYC that inspired him originally. It also has characteristics of street art from the West Coast, where he lived for a few years. His skills, technique and creativity produce a piece of self-expression that is like nothing else you’ll ever see around Austin.

You can find his more permanent work behind the White Horse off E. 6th Street also on the Austin Metal and Iron building on E. 4th Street.

Recent photo by Sweet at HOPE Outdoor Gallery, taken during Austin Detours' Street Art, Street Food Tour. Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon

Recent photo by Sweet at HOPE Outdoor Gallery, taken during Austin Detours’ Street Art, Street Food Tour. Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon

Sweet

Sweet is a staple on the street art scene in Austin these days. Her bright, bubbly and humorous murals can be seen all around town, and she can be found quite often at HOPE Outdoor Gallery, not only creating herself, but also checking out other artists, maybe because that’s where it all began for her.

“I moved to Austin in the early 90s to work as an engineer,” says Sweet. “Three years ago I decided to attempt my first aerosol painting at HOPE Outdoor Gallery, because that place is an amazing opportunity for an artist!, and I’ve been hooked on it ever since.”

You might have guessed by her name a characteristic of her work, but there are a few.

“I only paint large-scale murals and I only use spray paint-no brushes,” she says. “I think I can pretty much paint any subject at this point, but my personal style is definitely positive and usually colorful. Also, I love to paint food, especially sweets.”

Just like a good sweet – her works will always indulge your soul and make you smile. You can find it often at HOPE, but more permanent murals on buildings like Jerry’s Artarama, Lustre Pearl East and Rock Rose in the Domain.

Mike Johnston

Johnston goes by the name “Truth” and that’s what he wants his art to tell. He started showing up on the Austin street art scene when he moved here in 2010. Though he went to college for art, it was not until he and his wife spent four years living abroad.

“When we taught in Shanghai and Kuwait our schools were blank canvases, and they gave us freedom to paint the walls,” says Johnston. “It was great practice!”

He spent 12 years teaching in schools and continues to teach in different ways today, inspiring younger artists. They inspired him, now he hopes to inspire them through street art.

“Watching kids create without filter or inhibition gave me courage to create whatever I wanted and not to worry about rejection,” says Johnston. “I still travel to schools and do lessons with youth on street art and mural techniques. Occasionally I have interns and that helps me grow as well. Being able to create art is one thing, but getting to share some tricks-of-the-trade with the next generation is empowering!”

With a comic book style, he often pays homage to well known figures, like his Michael Jordan or Mr. T. His work includes painted murals, stickers (made with wheatpaste) and stencils. He’s been commission by SXSW and Alamo Drafthouse among others to paint murals.

“Street art is the best way to share your art with the world,” he says. “Its nonexclusive and can reach the masses. I love that I can take my favorite heroes and inspirational quotes and share that with others.”

Johnston, along with Lucas Aoki painted the ninja mural on the outside of Alamo Drafthouse on Slaughter (5701 W Slaughter Lane). You can see all his past and current work on his website. He is very involved in the Austin art scene, a member of SprATX and his work can be found at the Austin Art Garage. You can even make it permanent on your own walls!

Lucas Aoki mural, one stop of Austin Detour's Street Art, Street Food tour. Photo by Jason Weems, Austin Detours guide.

Lucas Aoki mural, one stop of Austin Detour’s Street Art, Street Food tour. Photo by Jason Weems, Austin Detours guide.

Lucas Aoki

Street art is also a family affair in Austin. Aoki not only worked with our last artist, Johnston, on the Alamo Drafthouse mural, they’re brothers-in-law! They have the same love of character painting, but with very different styles and also a very different history, with Aoki growing up in Cordoba, Argentina.

“I grew up spending so much time hanging out outside with my friends and exploring nature (the river was, and still is, a few blocks away from the house) when the area wasn’t so developed,” says Aoki. “Outdoor activities with friends and family pretty much every weekend was the best and most important part of my childhood.”

While his work ranges, you see a lot of the character style around town.

“I’m not sure if there’s a particular theme in my artwork and I try not to go for a specific subject,” he says. “But I guess I could say there’s some sort of interaction of different characters/creatures trying to tell a story of some sort? Some people say is imaginative, whimsical, from a different world that seems familiar at the same time. I feel it will evolve as I learn new ways to express myself.”

He moved to Austin to be closer to his wife’s family, but the move inspired this artist to turn to street art.

“Murals have always inspired me, so after getting started with canvas painting I decided I wanted to experience getting my visions on a wall. I’m happy I did. I got to understand what it meant for people that are not exposed to art on a regular basis. They have the chance to experience art in person in a very accessible and natural way.”

One example of his work is the mural he did with POW! WOW! on Barton Springs Road near Terry Blacks. Like Johnston, Aoki’s work can be found at Austin Art Garage, and he’s a member of SprATX.

This list only scratches the surface of the creative force in our city’s streets. We hope it helps to start your education of Austin street art though, and we recommend using HOPE Outdoor Gallery as a classroom at least to start. If you want to learn about other street artists and local culture, while also eating street food, check out our Street Art, Street Food tour! It’s a unique way to see and learn about Austin.

hill country distillery, vodka texas, whiskey texas, gin texas

Central Texas may not have been on your radar of great American wine destinations, but the state has a long history of wine production and crafting award-winning wines across the region.

Did you know that vines were actually planted in Texas hundreds of years before California?

Franciscan priests planted Mission vines for sacramental wines in West Texas starting as early as the 1650s. Unfortunately, prohibition in the country nearly eliminated the state’s wine industry until a revival that started in Lubbock in the 1970s and quickly spread to Central Texas and the Texas Hill Country, which was named an American Viticultural Area in 1991.

One of eight AVAs in Texas and the second largest in the entire country, the Hill Country encompasses over 9 million acres of the state! Known for its grassy land, rolling hills, underground taverns and underground lakes like Edwards Aquifer, this area is beautiful to look at, and the land is ideal for growing vines. This area specializes in Italian-style wines, such as Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

There are about 46 wineries in this sprawling part of the state, and they start just 30 minutes from the downtown area – making them the perfect “detour” on your Austin trip. Here are a few that we love!

 

Salt Lick Cellars

Sure the line at the Salt Lick in Driftwood can be long some days, but now you and your friends can take turns retreating to their very own vineyard and nothing goes better with BBQ ribs that a fine Tempranillo.

When the Roberts family came to Driftwood in 1956, Thurman (the father) took our a yellow notepad and wrote down 54 things the family could do in Driftwood. Obviously, BBQ and made the list and was a hit! Scott Robert, second generation owner of the world-famous BBQ restaurant, continued the family tradition of adventure when he planted 35 acres of grape vines on the property, including Tempranillo, Mourvedre, Syrah and Granache.

You can try these and other new varieties, including international award-winning wines, in their rustic tasting room opened Monday -Thursday; 11AM – 9PM, Friday and Saturday; 11AM – 9:30PM and Sunday; noon – 9PM.

 

Duchman Family Winery

Drs. Lisa and Stan Duchman opened their winery in 2004 in a quest to bring world-class winemaking to Central Texas and the Texas Hill Country. They loved the Italian grape varieties like Vermentino, Sangiovese, and Dolcetto. Luckily, the weather patterns in Texas match that of Italy allowing them to plant their favorite grapes!

In addition to featuring Italian grapes, the estate also has a Tuscan look and was named one of the 20 most picturesque wineries in the country by HGTV. Though they love Italian wine, they are committed to growing 100% Texas grapes and producing 100% Texas wines. You can try a try their wines in their tasting room open Monday; noon – 6PM, Tuesday – Thursday; 11AM – 8PM, Friday and Saturday; 11AM – 9PM and Sunday 11AM – 8PM.

 

Driftwood Estate Winery

Easily the most jaw dropping view in all of Driftwood, the tasting area here sits on a hill above the vineyards, overlooking the fruit of the land as well as they rest of the Hill Country. Gary Elliot, owner and winemaker, and his wife, whose dad purchased the property in 1951, moved here over 20 years ago and still call it home.

They first planted grapes in 1998 and today have over ten varieties of wine to try. Some of the originals and must tries include their Dry Rose made from Syrah grapes, Cuvee Blanc; which was a happy mistake and won first in its class in Californian competition, the common Tuscan variety of the Hill Country Sangiovese and Longhorn Red paying tribute to Texas.

One perk is that the tasting area gets a nice breeze even when visiting on the hottest of summer days. It’s easy to make a stop of Driftwood and not want to leave. Their tasting room is open daily, 11AM – 7PM in the summer and daily, 11AM – 6PM in the winter.

These are just a few picturesque and tasty vineyards and wineries worth a stop in the Hill Country. We visit the Hill Country every week during our Hill Country Wine Tasting, Hill Country BBQ and Wine Tasting and our Hill Country Sampler tours. To truly understand Texas culture and the states’ beauty, you have to get out of city! Join us on one of these relaxing and interesting tours on your next trip to Austin.

An Exhibit at the Texas Military Forces Museum

If military history is your thing, the Texas Military Forces Museum, tucked away deep inside the active Camp Mabry, is a great way to pass a few hours. Located a few miles north of downtown and just off of Mopac, the museum houses a bunch of cool exhibits and memorabilia from Texas’ military past. Entry is free, but donations are welcome. You’ll need a photo ID to get past security at the camp entrance, and a keen eye to make sure you don’t take a wrong turn while navigating to the museum…remember, those army Humvees will make a real mess of your SUV!

The history starts in the 1800s when Stephen F Austin first rallied his militia together, and spans through the Mexican War, the Spanish-American War, the First and Second World Wars, Korea, the Cold War and right through to the present day. The museum’s 45,000 square feet are home to jeeps, helicopters, guns, aircraft and several well-presented displays and information boards. Some stuff, like an F-16 cockpit and a field kitchen, are open for public access so your kids (and you, if you like) can get in and play around.

The museum carries out on outside were there’s a kinda tank parking lot, with literally dozens of army tanks, dozers, big guns and other heavy stuff in full action camo paintwork. If you want to get close to these metal dinosaurs you can, as close as you like. Photo opportunities abound.

While the museum itself is usually fairly quiet, Camp Mabry hosts several really popular events each year. When we say popular, we mean Austin popular, which can equal long, long lines to get into the camp and the same again to park. If you’re looking to make a relaxed visit to the museum we recommend checking the website first to make sure you visit during the quieter times. You can find out more here: http://www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org and about other Austin museums here: http://www.austinmuseums.org

Austin architecture is as diverse and eclectic as the city’s art and music, and in this blog we look at three examples that are sure to catch the eye of first-time visitors. Bring a camera with a full battery and an empty memory card, and get ready for some amazing photo opportunities as you explore Austin!

Austin City Hall:

Austin City Hall opened in fall 2004 and since then has provided a graceful and modern focal point for the city’s elected officials and administrators. Designed by Antoine Predock to be a relaxed and informal setting, and clad in copper, glass and limestone, City Hall connects the bustle and business of downtown with the natural environs of Lady Bird Lake. A huge limestone stage and amphitheater provide great venues for live entertainment, and there’s plenty of shade under some funky trellis thingies that trap and recycle Austin’s abundant sunshine. We’ve seen some bland and stuffy city halls elsewhere, but Austin breaks the mold with its own version. Does it look like an armadillo? Some say so, but we’ll let you make up your own mind on this! You can read more here: http://austintexas.gov/government/city-hall

The Driskill Hotel:

Downtown’s Driskill Hotel opened in 1886 costing its owner, Col. Jesse Driskill, the pretty sum of $400,000…a chunk of cash today and an even bigger chunk 130 years ago. The hotel has created plenty of history since then, including the first date between a certain Lyndon B. Johnson and Claudia Taylor, and to this day holds inaugural balls for each incoming Texas governor. The brick and limestone icon has had its ups and downs, including nearly going under in the late 1960s, but is now a thriving hub of Austin’s downtown scene. It takes a deserved place on the National Register of Historic Places, and we just love the stately ambience of the lobby. If you’re looking for a piece of Austin’s heritage look no further than the Driskill! You can read more here: http://www.driskillhotel.com

The Downtown Skyline:

The downtown skyline is a work-in-progress and if you blink you’ll likely miss a new building going up or an old one coming down. The worst joke in town is that Austin’s official city bird is the crane…the construction crane…so be prepared to hear this over and over on city tours! The skyline got its start in 1910 with the Scarbrough Building, kicked on in a big way in the 1980s, and has boomed again, like most things, since 2008. More than 50 new towers are currently on the drawing board so we can expect things to keep changing. Our favorite is One Congress Plaza, the brown ‘steppy’ looking one just off Congress Avenue north of the lake. Sure, it’s not as tall or modern as the likes of 360 or The Austonian, but there’s something about those steps we just love!

Austin Neighborhoods

Austin’s neighborhoods are diverse and serve up a host of living options. Want a lakefront gated community (if you can afford it)? You got it. Looking for a cute heritage cottage surrounded by a bunch more cute heritage cottages? You got it. Downtown condo tower? You got it. You get the picture. In this blog we give an overview of several neighborhoods that offer something a bit different. Our earlier blog (see: https://austindetours.com/austins-growth-part-1-some-numbers/ ) gives a summary of current price trends, all of which are on a seemingly unstoppable upward curve.

Hyde Park:

Hyde Park is one of Austin’s older neighborhoods and crammed full of 100+ year-old homes brimming with heritage and history. Bordered by Interstate 35 to the east, Guadalupe St/ Lamar Boulevard to the west, 51st St to the north and 38th St to the south, Hyde Park is a well-located ‘hood in demand with price tags to match. Many of the properties fall into the ‘quaint, characterful, small’ bracket so if you have a large family and pets you might feel a little squeezed. Some parts of the ‘hood are going through a transition creating striking contrasts between newly remodeled properties and those that long-time residents prefer to keep funky. It’ll likely cost you $400,000 to get any sort of foothold in Hyde Park and much more if you’re looking for a larger, pristine place.

Riverside:

A few miles to the south of Hyde Park is the up and coming ‘hood of Riverside, sandwiched between Interstate 35 to the west, Pleasant Valley Rd to the east, Oltorf to the south and the lake to the north. Being so close to the water is a major attraction, as the rows of kayaks tied up outside the apartment complexes will attest. Riverside is close to downtown and the ever-sprawling east side, and offers a good range of properties to suit most needs. If you’re looking for a house, the prices are lower than in many parts of town and you’ll have a chance of finding a yard with enough space for great entertaining. Expect to pay comfortably above $250,000 to get on the ladder here. You won’t need to travel far to find some of Austin’s best food trucks, including our favorite Churro Co who you can read more about here: http:austindetours.com/austins-food-trucks-part-1-desserts

Mueller:

New mixed-use master-planned developments aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but we think the folks behind Mueller got it dead right. Situated east of Interstate 35 on the old Mueller Municipal Airport site between Airport Boulevard to the north, 51st St to the north and Manor Rd to the east, this urban ‘hood is home to nearly 6,000 households and has parks, retail and entertainment in abundance. Properties range from apartments to large single family homes, with a range of price-points that include some sensibly-priced alternatives. That said, you’ll still need to find upwards of $700,000 if you want a bigger place, and private yard space is at a premium.