Austin’s Street Art Scene: A Community of Creators

The Austin street art scene is truly a collaborative and ever-changing landscape. We sat down with Austin’s own ULO ANG, a muralist, painter, and sculptor, who has seen this city’s art scene transform in big ways.

Check out our interview with him here:

Want to learn more about the Austin art scene? Contact us to book a private street art tour or book a corporate event to create your own art!

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. #WeCreateFun

Austin has so many unique offerings throughout the city to partake in…it can be hard to choose which is going to create the longest lasting memories! We are lucky enough to live in such a culture-rich community full of different day to day opportunities to experience. The Austin Detours family prides ourselves on sharing all the wonderful aspects of Austin with visitors and locals alike!

We were happy to hear that both TravelMag and The Budget Traveler recognize the work we put into our detours to stand out and make sure that your Austin experience is unforgettable! Take a look at TravelMag’s list of  “7 Unique Things to do in Downtown Austin” and The Budget Traveler’s “14 Free and affordable things to do in Austin” to check out the other venues you can venture to after you take our city tour!

 

An Austin Detours family favorite right here! Sunny has a way of brightening up even the cloudiest of days with the nonstop pep in his step! Having Sunny as your guide on any of our tours is truly a unique and inclusive experience. We took a bit of time to learn a little extra about this fun-loving guy for you.

Favorite Austin Detours tour to lead?

I have two favorites, and for different reasons. First, Texas History Tour, because I am a born and raised Texan and I love discussing our history with people who share the interest. Second, Street Art Tour, because not only in street art a major part of our city’s beauty, but many of them tell a story. I share a perspective on the city that is fading away with the rapid growth. Austin is unique because of it’s creative flow, and I love that we are here to help locate and feature it!

Can’t miss local gem in Austin?

I’m going to shout out to one of my favorite music venues, The Skylark Lounge. Johnny and Mary have created such a great place for music and social setting. It’s cozy, beautifully decorated (awesome patio), and has great food and amazing music!! They have been so welcoming to every guest I bring to them, and Terry even meets them with some jokes and says goodbye when we leave. I will always consider the Skylark as an Austin gem – the city’s blue diamond!

Most interesting story about a tour or an Austin Detours event you worked?

I once had two guests on a public tour that were both from New York City. I asked what part of the city, and they both said “Upper West Side”. They turned to each other and said, “Which building?” Turns out, they lived in the same building only two floors apart and had for several years! They met in Austin, and seemed to become well acquainted by the end of the tour. Our  motto is Come As Strangers, Leave As Friends, but…that was quite the coincidence!

What are your creative outlets?

I consider myself a pretty creative person. I play guitar, as well as a few other instruments. I’m a singer-songwriter. Mostly the blues, with some folk influence. When I moved to Austin, I soon started hosting the Austin Songwriter Showcase which was started by my great friend and co-guide, Jason Weems. I hosted for four and a half years before handing it off to another song-writer. I also like to make glass marbles and ornaments using a torch. Glass is one of the most amazing mediums for art. Watching it change is entrancing, and has a very calming effect.

Craziest thing that’s ever happened on a tour?

Since I am a singer-songwriter, some groups have asked me to sing for them. This is always very flattering and I always oblige even though it’s acapella. One particular time, I sang a tune, and the group was so into it, they asked for another one, and a sing-along. Fifty-five people on a bus at 11:30pm, singing songs and laughing at my banter with the guests. I felt like a late night talk show host! One of my favorite nights! Can you believe I make a living doing this stuff?

Want Sunny to show you around town? Our private and corporate Street Art Street Food Tour or Texas History Tour are available to book on a private basis any date and time, based on our availability.

A street art tour in Philadelphia?

Where do we even begin?

The word street art in Philadelphia is pretty loaded, just because of how many different styles and pieces the city boasts. Everything from sculptures like their world famous LOVE Statue to graffiti-covered abandoned buildings range here.

Like most cities, Philadelphia didn’t always appreciate the latter, but the city came around a lot quicker than the rest of America. Street art in terms of murals and graffiti, though it existed long before, really started to take off in the USA in the 70’s and 80’s. So it’s pretty amazing that by 1984 Mural Arts, a locally-based arts organization, formed and according to their website, began reaching “out to graffiti writers in order to redirect their energies into constructive public art projects.”

What followed and what came before is a street art renaissance in Philadelphia that makes for this dream street art tour.

LOVE Statue

Let’s start with the bucket list. One cannot visit the city of brotherly love without visiting its most famous symbol! Designed by Robert Indiana, the LOVE Statue was installed in John F. Kennedy Plaza in 1976. Though it had a brief stint off site in 1978, it came back to the city pretty quickly and now is as symbolic to Philadelphia as cheesesteaks and soft pretzels!

If you want an extra Robert Indiana statute to visit, or are visiting Philadelphia during the remodel of John F. Kennedy Plaza (LOVE Statue was removed for this), we recommend visiting the AMOR Statue, located in Sister Cities Park. It was acquired and installed there in 2015 to commemorate the Pope’s historic visit to the USA.

Magic Gardens

When walking up South Street, Philadelphia’s version of Bourbon Street, it’s hard to miss the many mosaics that start to take over the colonial brick buildings. You can thank Isaiah and Julia Zagar for that.

The couple moved to the area in the 1960s and became passionate about revitalizing it. The pair started turning derelict and abandoned walls and buildings into beautiful works of public art by covering them with mosaics. Located at 1020 South Street, Magic Gardens is an entire building and gardens, inside and out, covered in their famous style which they started creating in 1994 in a then vacant lot.

The owner of this lot sought to sell it in 2002, but the neighborhood and the arts community in Philadelphia wouldn’t have any of that and after a two year legal battle, Magic Gardens became incorporated as a non-profit. This gave Isaiah free reign to really let his creativity shine and the house opened for tours in 2008. You can purchase your tickets to tour Magic Gardens online. It’s $10 for adults.

Graffiti Pier

While a lot of cities do their best to cover up or penalize graffiti and tagging, Philadelphians appreciate it and at no place is that more evident than Graffiti Pier. Also known as Pier 18, this area was originally part of Reading Railroads’ Port Richmond Yards. It was decommissioned and Conrail, the current owners, abandoned it in 1991.

If we could design another dream tour in Philadelphia, it would an abandoned buildings tour, because they seem to take on a new life in Philadelphia after their originally planned purpose goes away. That’s just what happened here. Graffiti and tagging took over the abandoned space. Then came a small, adventurous crowd to check it out. Today, it’s families and visitors as this space, though still considered private, is one of the most instagrammed in Philadelphia.

Common Threads

We only featured one of Phladelphia’s famous murals on this dream tour, because we didn’t want you to miss out on all the styles of public art like the sights we listed above. But one could dedicate, not just a tour, but days and days to visiting Philadelphia’s amazing murals and Mural Arts Philadelphia is a great way to do just that.

Everyone has their favorite mural in the city and this is ours.

Common Threads was completed by renowned mural artist Meg Saligman in 2016. It is one of the city’s permanent murals, located on Broad and Spring Garden Streets in Center City.

The mural “depicts real, contemporary young people imitating postures of historical figurines”. Meg used local high school students as her models for the characters based in current times. These folks paired with figures in history create a link from past to present and the main model located top and center looking out to the future, really brings the piece to make a statement. There are so many figures in our history and our youth who have yet to make it but we are all linked by common threads.  

Have you visited any of these famous public art pieces in Philadelphia? Is there something you think we have to add? Please share below!

As the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, Mallorca is not a place you can cover in one day and with its laid-back character and calm calas, that’s not exactly something most vacationing there aspire to do. But with Mallorca’s long, fascinating history, darling towns and scenic roads, you’d be missing out without at least one day trip around the island. It’s hard to pull yourself away from a view teal seas and white sands, but we promise, it’ll be worth it once you see these four island locations.

Inca Market

In operation since the 13th century, every Thursday from 8:00AM – 1:30PM, hundreds of local artisans, farmers and more open up shop in the streets of Inca. The town of Inca is the third largest on Mallorca and is known for its leather. Handmade leather purses, coats and more dominate the market, but you can find everything from dried chili’s, to soaps to knock-off Rolexes here. Walking through the tiny, alley ways and streets, live music gives you a beat to keep you shopping. It’s a great place to work on your Spanish and your bargaining skills. It’s not exactly known for its made-to-order food stalls, so grab lunch or breakfast at a cafe before diving in.

Valldemossa

Driving along the hill of Mallorca’s Tramuntana range, it feels as though a veil of green shrubbery is lifted to reveal this town in the hills. Blond stone homes with green shutters layer the side of these hills as you make your way to the town center. The town’s most famous resident in history is Frederic Chopin who spent the winter of 1839 with his lover at the town’s The Royal Carthusian Monastery. On top of amazing architecture, museums and buildings, Valldemossa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is a lot to see and do in this island town, but we recommend making your way to to the Village Square to sit at one of its local cafes and take it this surreal place. Walking along the town’s cobblestone streets, it’s easy to drift away to a different time and place.

Deia

We know Deia is often referred to in addition to the nearby Valldemossa and that they two towns offer a similar atmosphere and style, but there is something special, something out of reach in Deia Mallorcan vacations cannot miss. Though we would not consider Valldemossa touristy, Deia is definitely off any tourist route you might come by in Spain and that may be why the likes of Richard Branson like to retreat here. The town is known for the many artists who have lived there from Robert Graves to Mick Jagger. Walking up its quiet, stony streets and stumbling upon a lemonade and tea stand where the fruits and spices have been served by the same family for centuries, you really start to feel like you are apart of something special.

Cala Mondrago

Pretty much every visitor to Mallorca finds a Cala to call their own during the duration of their stay on the island, but every one of those people set aside a special day to visit Cala Mondrago. The National Park curves around to offer two sandy beaches for its many visitors and its rocky borders allow people to go exploring long emerald seas. It’s easy to spend all day here and with a tapas restaurant as well as a kiosk bar located right on the beach here, there really is no reason to leave.

Stretching across the island on a tour like this is a full day experience, so set aside at least eight hours for it. Beyond land, we recommend renting a boat and discovering new coves on your own, some of which you might not be able to reach on land.

Have you been to Mallorca, share the places you recommend visiting below. We’d love to hear from you!

Cala Mondrago photo courtesy of Viagallica. 

On the beer lovers’ bucket list tour of the world, Munich ranks high. The city is packed with beer gardens and halls that not only offer something tasty to quench your thirst, but an amazing cultural experience. There is no better way to guide yourself through the many sights of Munich than with a beer garden/hall crawl.

Here are five watering holes we recommend drinking.

Zum Augustiner

Neuhauser Str. 27, 80331

The perfect spot to start any day in Munich, Zum Augustiner is located in the pedestrian precinct of Munich, not far from St. Michael’s Church, Frauenkirche and Neues Rathaus. The foundation to the building it resides was laid in 1294, but at the turn of the 20th century the building was revived and to this day offers the art nouveau style this part of the world is known. The Augustiner Brewery dates back to the 14th century and was crucial to the economy of monks who started brewing it.

Fräulein Grüneis

Lerchenfeldstraße 1a, 80538

This hidden gem is the kind of place a damsel in distress would retreat to in Grimm’s Fairy Tale. Located a few hundred yards into the English Garden from the entrance near Munich’s famous surf spot on the Eisbach, this cottage offers small bites, big beers and more. To think – it was once a toilet block, current owners started dreaming up the drink spot in 2008 and finally opened in 2011.

Restaurant und Biergarten am Chinesischen Turm

Englischer Garten 3, 80538

Once a hunting area, the English Garden is now Munich’s largest and most beloved parks. When Great Elector Karl Theodor started his initaiative to convert this area into a public park in 1789, the Chinesischer Turm or Chinese Tower, which was built in 1790 was a staple of the change. The original tower was destroyed in WWII and resurrected in 1952. The beer garden that surround it is the second in Munich with about 7,500 seats. You can expect cold Hofbrau beer, live music and lederhosens galore!

Seehaus im Englischen Garten

Kleinhesselohe 3, 80802

The views don’t get much prettier than this! Seehaus is located on Kleinhesseloher See, an artificial lake that was added the the Gardens in 1803. The outdoor gardens are ideal for casual drinking and exceptional food. The restaurant offers something a bit more high end. It’s a popular spot among the younger crowd and definitely a place to be seen. For all our wine lovers, never fear, you can have your very own mug of wine here.

Hofbrauhaus

Platzl 9, 80331

The most frequented by tourist, any beer lover can’t leave Munich without a trip to the city’s most well-known beer gardens. Founded in 1589 by the Duke of Bavaria, Wilhelm V, Hofbrauhaus manages to keep its genuine character and history present without becoming cheesy. This beer hall is a must when in Munich and is the place to be during Oktoberfest.

Did we miss a spot? Share your favorite watering hole in Munich with us! We’d love to check it out.

Welcome to the Austin Detours team, Ike! Ike started with us about three months ago, and we are so happy to have his positive energy on our team. Ike has an acronym for his name that is a mantra he lives by daily: Imagine Kindness Everywhere. We took a moment to get to know what Ike loves about Austin! Continue reading “Guide Spotlight: Ike Eickstaedt”

Veteran tour guide Steven McFarlin has been with Austin Detours since the early days. We took a moment to ask him what he loves about Austin and being a tour guide in such a weird and wonderful city.

How did you wind up in Austin, TX?

I lived in Austin until my late teens. My entertainment career took me to a brownstone in Manhattan, a beach house in LA, and a canal-flat in Amsterdam, but Austin was the only city I ever regretted moving from. I was reminded of my affection for this special city several times a year when I would visit family. 9 years ago I got a place here part-time, splitting time between here and NYC, and 3 years ago I made Austin my full-time home. I’ve not had a second of regret.

Favorite local artists/musicians?

My top three fave club musicians (in no particular order) are Bob Schneider, Carolyn Wonderland, and Guy Forsyth. My fave local large venue musician would have to be Willie Nelson (although if they were still living, Janis Joplin and Stevie Ray Vaughan would rank right up there).

What is your favorite part about tour guiding in Austin?

I’ve had a lifelong love affair with this city, and being able to turn people on to what makes it so special thrills me to no end.

What neighborhood in Austin is your hang out place?

Clarksville is where I call home. After decades living an urban lifestyle in New York City, the thought of having to get in a car to go buy a newspaper terrified me. With Clarksville everything I need is steps away: great grocery, dry cleaners, drug store, and about a half dozen wonderful restaurants. Love this place!

Craziest thing that’s ever happened on a tour?

The other guides tease me as being the “King of Bodily Function Tours.” I’ve had tours that featured many different bodily function mishaps, most notably a woman’s water breaking. Fortunately, every one of those tours had a happy ending!

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While the Austin Detours schedule changes from time to time, Steven often leads the public Live Music Crawl tour on Fridays and the Real Austin tour on Sundays.

Doing SXSW without a badge (free, or mostly free) is very possible and even enjoyable. No need to spend a fortune on a pass. Going badge-less means attending day parties, so set your alarm clock. You’ll be burning the candle at both ends this week, but it’s all in the name of great music and is well worth it. You never know who or what you might see around town – I mean, Jason Sudeikis has already bartended at the The Highball and we’re not even 48 hours into SXSW.

Day parties are usually events staged in conjunction with SXSW, but are not officially sanctioned by the festival. These parties will be in stores, parking lots, small bars, large bars, patios, etc., just about any place where you can set up a microphone. The “headline” events you’ll read about with big stars (Garth Brooks, Weezer, Wu-Tang Clan this year) are for those holding SXSW badges or wristbands. If you want to purchase a badge or wristband, this is the place to go.

You need to keep in mind though, that SXSW is all about discovering new, unheralded talent so many of the acts you may see are unknown. That doesn’t mean they will be unknown forever.

For example, Alabama Shakes played a number of free shows in 2012 including the walk-right-up-everyone’s-welcome event South by San Jose on South Congress. Even when they played in the parking lot of a pizzeria in 2009, Mumford and Sons rocked their future hit “The Cave” and a very long time ago (we forget the year) we saw young Norah Jones playing under a tent at a Starbucks near the UT campus.

We’re saying don’t expect to see huge superstars perform, although you never know who you might bump into wandering the streets of Austin. You may be able to see an act you’ve heard of, and if so congratulations – you’re lucky.

Another thing: don’t be tied to a schedule. Be flexible, follow your ears, and you may discover some new music you love.

 

OK, so here are some tips:

1.See the big picture: these links will take you to sites that offer an overview of everything going on that’s not official SXSW. Many of these also have links to RSVPs, which you should do even if you don’t think you will make an event.

• Showlist Austin – A great resource, it breaks down events by day and location and helpfully provides links to RSVPs.
• Do512 – A vitally useful website for events year-round, they really shine during SXSW. Select a day that you’ll be around, and you will see a giant list of events. You can RSVP to many events right here.
• Austin 360 Music – Provided by the Austin Statesman, it is also fairly comprehensive.
• Unofficial SXSW Parties & Free Shows – Compiled by the Austin Chronicle.
• Unofficial SXSW Guide – A good list, with lots of obscure and out-of-the-way events.

2. Keep an eye on social media: Hashtag SXSW or SXSW day parties and you’ll see a flurry of accounts. If you’re interested in a certain venue, a certain band or a certain type of music, you can see that reflected in some accounts. Follow them, and keep an eye on Twitter/Facebook/etc. for last-minute and “surprise” shows.

3. Prepare: Wear comfortable shoes. Bring along an extra pair of socks. Get a cheap plastic rain poncho that folds into a pocket. A little cash is a good idea, too. Basically prepare like you’re going to go camping. This is an adventure after all.

4. Know how to get around: Drive your car if you must, but getting around downtown Austin and points nearby is all but impossible during SXSW. Especially if you’re prowling around for day parties – remember, it’s still a work day for the people who live here and they have to park too. It’s a good idea to park at an established garage and leave your car for the day. Better yet, download the Capital Metro app and use that to purchase day passes and ride the bus. B-cycle is also a wonderful resource, weather permitting.

5. Carry along your phone charging cord:  Many establishments will let you charge for a short time. Remember, turn on Airplane Mode when charging (it charges faster) and don’t forget to turn it off after charging. There are literally tens of thousands of people in one small area, and many are using cell phones so don’t be surprised if your service is slow or non-existent.

6. Live in the moment: You’re welcome to snap a few photos on your phone, but put it away after that and live in the moment.  And do you really want to be that guy who records an entire show on video?

7. Know what you’re waiting for: Yes, some day parties offer free food and drinks (and some offer free beer). Those are the ones with long lines to get in, so keep that in mind.

8. The music sets are short: If you’ve never been to SXSW before, almost all of the acts play very short sets. Just enough for you get a taste of their music, then it’s time for the next act.

Some selected events you may want to build your schedule around (all are free, unless noted):

• KGSR Live Morning Broadcasts – Beginning at the W Hotel at 6 a.m. Wednesday-Friday and 8 a.m. on Saturday, KGSR has the acts play a couple of songs and do interviews live on the radio. There’s a $5 cover charge.
• KUTX Live at the Four Seasons – More acts live on the radio, this one has a $10 cover charge. Also, you can park in the hotel’s garage for $5 until 1 p.m.
• Waterloo Records Day Party – The venerable record store hosts live music in its parking lot Wednesday-Saturday.
• South by San Jose – A very popular day party in the parking lot of the San Jose Hotel on South Congress, this usually attracts big crowds in the evenings. There are many other live music events and restaurants nearby, so you could conceivably make this the center of your SXSW activity.
• Southwest Invasion 2017 – This one has become more popular in recent years. It’s on the rooftop of Whole Foods Market on South Lamar, and it always has a diverse lineup. (RSVP required)
• SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake – An official SXSW event open to everyone at Auditorium Shores. Headliners are usually big enough names that can draw some huge crowds. This year Latino bands offer a “resist concert” on Thursday, while Friday’s lineup includes a tribute to Prince by former members of his Purple Rain-era band The Revolution, along with Wyclef Jean. Saturday’s show is yet to be announced. (Admission requires a free SXSW Guest Pass; click here to get one. The Guest Pass will also allow you free entry to selected other official events including lectures, films and music performances.)

Now that you’ve been briefed – go have fun! Enjoy this crazy, unique festival that brings tens of thousands of people to our fair city annually (just please don’t move here).