Barton Creek Bridge
Credit : Roschetzky Photography / Getty
BY ROSALIND CUMMINGS-YEATES
Boot Shopping in Austin
Credit : Iryna Novosyolova / Getty
In the sprawling state of Texas , there ’ s no city that bursts with more personality or nonstop music than the state capital of Austin . “ Keep Austin weird ” may be the unofficial motto of the city but this welcoming metropolis offers more than quirky music and culture . With access to lakes , hiking trails and an exciting food culture , Austin offers something for every kind of traveler .
WHERE TO STAY
Austin ’ s young , exuberant vibe even shows up in the realm of hotel options . If you want to stay in the city ’ s heart , there ’ s no more charming property than Heywood Hotel . This is a stylish and intimate boutique hotel with locally made art and furniture strewn over seven rooms that range in price from budget to luxury . Don ’ t miss the free bikes , internet jukeboxes and helpful staff who will help plan your stay . For a more traditional selection ( for Austin ), try W Austin , a sleek high-rise right next to the Austin City Limits music venue . Enjoy a leafy outdoor terrace , a restaurant with gourmet farm to table cuisine , three bars and a vibrant , funky decor . The chic outdoor pool offers stunning views of downtown Austin .
WHAT TO DO
Austin may be only 272 square miles long , but it packs a lot of activity into that tight space . There are lots of choices for Austin excursions but let ’ s start with the obvious . Since Austin is the “ live music capital of the world ,” the first requirement is to check out some music . Head
to The Continental Club for intimate and engaging pop and rock shows , Antone ’ s for blues and roots music , The Moody Theater for national acts and The Broken Spoke for country . Diving into Austin ’ s natural landscape should be a top priority — the city boasts over 220 parks . Stroll through Zilker Park and stop by the botanical and sculpture gardens . Roll through a bike trail at Mueller Park or hike up Mount Bonnell for the best views of the city . Paddleboard or kayak on Ladybird Lake and visit the Ladybird Wildflower Center . Catch the sunset bat show on Congress Avenue Bridge to watch hundreds of thousands of bats emerge from under the bridge !
Hang out at rooftop bars like Upstairs at Caroline for free-spirited , open-air fun or the relaxing Otopia Rooftop . Shop at Austin Gift Company for cool , handmade Texas-themed items and Uncommon Objects for an eclectic collection of antiques , jewelry and artwork .
As the host of noted fests like South By Southwest in March , Austin City Limits in October and Austin Food And Wine Fest in November , there ’ s always something to do in this high-energy city .
WHERE TO EAT
Austin ’ s culinary claim to fame is Tex Mex and BBQ but you ’ ll find every other cuisine as well . Start at the legendary Franklin ’ s Barbecue for slabs of the Texas specialty and Veracruz All Natural for tacos . Sample the Indian , Portuguese and Texan flavors at Vixen ’ s Wedding and the inventive game meats ( rattlesnake , wild boar ) at Lonesome Dove .
GETTING THERE
Snag nonstop roundtrip fares from Dulles International Airport ( IAD ) on Allegiant , American ( seasonal ), and United Airlines or from Reagan National Airport ( DCA ) on Southwest Airlines into Austin ’ s Bergstrom Airport ( AUS ).
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