TEXAS: THE LONE STAR STATE
BY CLAY
LARROY
Travel is
so much more that simply hopping on a flight to a new destination. If you plan
it correctly, it could be a thrilling time you'll never forget. Planning a trip
is fun as there are tons of things to do and see. Do you know how to plan a
trip effectively? Packing light is key to making your travels as easy and free
of stress as possible. Bring one carryon bag that includes everything you need,
not necessarily everything you want. Your smart packing will pay off when you
are happily carrying one bag around on vacation instead of lugging around
multiple bags. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!
AUSTIN, “Live Music Capital of the World”
About
Austin
A creative university city and techie hub, Austin boasts
phenomenal festivals and a wanna-have outdoor lifestyle thanks to balmy
temperatures and 300 days of annual sunshine. It's no wonder Americans are
moving here in droves.
Whether you're a cowboy,
tech wunderkind, musician or retiree, the booming state capital of Texas seems
to be every American's dream city. This is the place to launch a start-up,
kick-start a musical career or unleash your inner artist.
Music is king in Austin,
the self-proclaimed ‘Live music capital of the world'. Arrive on a weekday
afternoon, and you're welcomed with live music before you've even left the
airport. Then there are the 250 or so venues across town, staging a smorgasbord
of rock, jazz, honky tonk and everything in between. Don your Stetson and
cowboy boots and giddy up to the Broken Spoke dance hall for country jamming or
listen to good ole American tunes at The Continental Club, entertaining fans
for half a century.
Austin's festivals are
epic. Biggies SXSW and Austin City Limits Music Festival draw the crowds and
big-name artists from across the globe, while movie stars converge on the city
for the Austin Film Festival. Comedy, kites, fashion and bats all get their
moment in the spotlight too.
When it comes to shopping,
Austin embraces its ‘go local' motto. The South Congress Avenue shopping strip,
a straight shot south from the State Capitol, features Austin's most beloved
independent clothing boutiques and antique stores. Head into the arty district
of East Austin, which is crammed with galleries, cocktail bars, food trucks and
taquerias.
Want to grab a slice of
the outdoors? Pedal or jog the 16km (10-mile) Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird
Lake, which includes a 2.2km (1.4-mile) stretch of boardwalk across the water
where you can spot kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders. Cool off in Barton
Springs Pool, a spring-fed swimming spot spanning 1.2 hectares (3 acres) in
Zilker Park.
Don't be alarmed if you
hear chants of ‘Hook ‘em Longhorns!'. Just join the University of Texas' 50,000
students in cheering on their college football team, the Texas Longhorns.
Tours
& Excursions
Tourist Information Centers
Austin Visitors Center
·
209 E 6th Street
Austin
TX 78701
United States
Austin
TX 78701
United States
·
(512) 478 0098.
·
Mon-Sun 0900-1700.
Excursions
Wimberley
Located 62km (38 miles)
southwest, of Austin, this lovely spot is a popular destination for
appreciators of small towns and swim holes. The gorgeous Blanco River runs
through the area and carved out popular swimming locations such as Jacob's Well
and Blue Hole. Weekenders shop at the town's tiny selection of boutique shops
and art galleries.
(512) 847 2201.
Enchanted Rock
Considered by many to be a
sacred place, this beautiful nature preserve is a popular destination for
people who appreciate the beauty of the outdoors. Popular activities include
camping, hiking and rock climbing.
(830) 685 3636.
San Antonio
Located 127km (79 miles)
southwest of Austin, this large city features both the world-famous Alamo and
River Walk. Just a short day trip from Austin, it's worth taking the trek just
to see a slice of Texas history.
(210) 207 6700.
Fredricksburg
This German-settled
village located 126km (78 miles) west of Austin features independent boutiques,
German restaurants, antique stores, the legendary Oktoberfest celebrations and
more.
1 888 997 3600.
Tours
Segway tours
What better way to
experience Austin than on an electric two-wheeler Segway scooter? Gliding
Revolution takes customers on environmentally-friendly tours to see some of
Austin's most iconic sights in the Downtown area.
(512) 495 9250.
Amphibious tour
Part-van and part-boat,
this hybrid sightseeing tour takes tourists on both land and sea (or lake).
Austin Duck Adventures offers 75-minute tours on their "amphibious"
duck boat. Stops include Sixth Street, the Texas Capitol and Lake Austin.
(512) 477 5274.
Bus tours
See Austin and the Hill
Country to get a taste of the city and its surroundings. Destinations include
Downtown, the Texas Capitol, East Austin, West Austin and the Hill Country.
Hop-on hop-off packages are available.
(512) 659 9478.
Ghost tours
If you're looking to
experience the dramatic and often terrifying history of Austin, take advantage
of a ghost tour to see the darker side of the city. These after-hours walking
tours include stops at the reputedly haunted Driskill Hotel, the Texas Capitol
and other downtown haunts. Advance reservations are recommended. Private
trolley tours are also available.
(512) 853 9826.
Austin
Nightlife
The nightlife in Austin is
one of the city's main attractions. Whether you're looking for dance clubs,
two-steppin' or dive bars, the city has something for all tastes. Most of the
nightlife is congregated in the Downtown area, but the action has since spilled
over into East Austin, where many of the city's "hipsters" enjoy bars
and eateries that are a little rough around the edges. Sixth Street is Austin's
version of New Orleans' Bourbon Street and shuts down during weekend nights to
accommodate revelers. Sixth Street can get a little rowdy, so if you're looking
for an area that is more low-key and sophisticated, head for the bars and clubs
on West Sixth Street.
The Long Center
Home to the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Austin
Lyric Opera and Ballet Austin, this cultural center showcases several theatres,
halls, outdoor parks, lounges and terraces. Due to its breathtaking views of
Lady Bird Lake and the Downtown skyline. Austinites surround the Long Center to
listen to the Austin Symphony Orchestra perform the 1812 Overture during the 4
July fireworks display.
701 W Riverside Drive
Austin
United States
Austin
United States
(512) 457 5100.
One World Theater
Located in far west Austin, One World Theater
was constructed to highlight music from different cultures. It routinely
showcases various local and travelling musicians and performers.
7701 Bee Cave Road
Austin
United States
Austin
United States
(512) 330 9500.
Zach Theater
Named after Austin-born Hollywood actor
Zachary Scott, this newly remodeled 420-seat theater features a stellar view of
Lady Bird Lake, classrooms and multiple theaters that showcase travelling and
local plays. If you're itching to catch a Broadway show, the Zach Theater is
your best bet. The theater also offers camp and plays for children and families
year-round.
1510 Toomey Road
Austin
United States
Austin
United States
(512) 476 0541.
Paramount Theater
Opened in 1915, The
Paramount Theater remains Austin's most majestic theater. Featuring an array of
music acts, movies, lives shows and more, everyone from Woody Allen to Willie
Nelson have performed in the ornate halls of this classic beauty. The Paramount
is also utilized during film festivals such as SXSW and the Austin Film
Festival. Trying walking down Congress Avenue and not be blown away by the
impressive presence of this theater.
713
Congress Avenue
Austin
United States
Austin
United States
(512) 472 2901.
REFERENCE SITES:
There's so much music in Austin, and it's all so different.
Gary Clark, Jr.
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