By Andrew Fersch
Texas is another country. It may not be legally anymore, it still is completely its own entity, and has its own state of mind. And it’s a state of mind apparently everyone in Texas loves, and everyone everywhere else is a little wary of. The fact is that Texas is a monstrous state and as such, it does have a whole lot to offer. No place in Texas has more to offer to the non-Texan than Austin does though.
A quick two hour flight from Denver, the second greenest city according to Yahoo, Austin offers a weekend traveler a whole different world to enjoy. Dubbed the live music capitol of the world, Austin certainly doesn’t lack for live music venues (and not just for country lovers either), it certainly doesn’t lack for other entertainment, both indoors and out, and it’s food and lodging is second to none.
An easy fifteen minute drive to downtown Austin from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport makes settling in to enjoy the weekend a quick affair. Arriving on a Friday night would make for a perfect opportunity to jump right into Austin’s food and entertainment night life.
Home to Whole Foods Market, Austin boasts the nicest grocery store in America (with the best selection of all natural ingredients and prepared foods). This grocery store is hardly the highlight of Austin though, with over fifty restaurants in the downtown area alone, even the traveler with the heartiest (or pickiest) of appetites will be able to satisfy whatever culinary desire they have. For Italian lovers, the uber-chic Vespaio (1610 S. Congress) offers amazing appetizers and a terrific selection of wines. Indian your bag? Try the Clay Pit (1601 Guadalupe), where the very inexpensive buffet is complimented by the large vegetarian selection. Of course though, if you are taking a trip down to Texas, you are going to want to be eating some BBQ.
A mere twenty minute drive from Austin brings you to the completely illogical BBQ epicenter of Texas, the small town of Lockhart, TX. Free of any pretense, Smitty’s Market (208 South Commerce, Lockhart, Texas 78644 Telephone: 512.398.9344) offers the most delicious brisket in the midst of the most interesting dining situation. Two lines, one for sides, one for meat, means getting your food will take a while longer (since the lines usually ten deep at both), once you settle down with a piece of butcher paper filled with meat though, it will have all been worth it. If that doesn’t satisfy your BBQ desires, go ahead and stop at one of the three other BBQ joints in town.
Being the live music capitol of the world, it’s no surprise that so many musicians come from (and move to this beautiful city). It is Texas and as such, the choices for country are a plenty. The Broken Spoke (3201 S Lamar Blvd) is as Texas and as country as it gets. Just outside of town lays the Midnight Rodeo, where larger Texas (and national) country musicians play (with a Texas sized dance floor to boot). Non-country fans can check out La Zona Rosa (612 W 4th St,) for their rock fix and Momo’s (618 W 6th St, Ste 200) for their blues. Oh yeah, or one of the over thirty other options in town.
Weather wise, don’t expect to go skiing and unless your hotel has a pool, don’t expect to swim (it’s warm, not that warm though). The 60 degree winter days do provide for some stupendous hiking weather an there are several options just outside of town, including the beautiful McKinney Falls (5808 McKinney Falls Parkway). Only twenty minutes from downtown yet still in Austin, McKinney falls offers a beautiful hour or so long trail hike, or just a beautiful place to lie down, listen to the water and read a book.
Aside from the food and the music that downtown offers, there is an abundance of more stereotypically ‘cultural’ attractions. While the state house may not be as revered as the Alamo in Texas, it is just as beautiful. They may not let you visit the cupola, just sitting on the grass in front of it on a warm day though makes you feel you aren’t in the absolute center of the 16th largest city in America. The museums might not be the best in the country; they all tend to have one selling point though, and it’s worth checking to see if your favorite artist is at the Austin Museum of Art (823 Congress Ave # 100), as they have new shows all the time. For a more diverse selection of art, check out the galleries in the Uptown/Arts district of Austin, specifically the intriguing d berman Gallery (1701 Guadalupe Street). And let’s not forget the Austin Lyric Opera (901 Barton Springs Rd), or the Paramount and State Theatres (box office at 713 Congress Ave).
It isn’t just the peaceful downtown area which makes Austin one of the greenest cities out there, that can, in part, be credited to Zilker Metropolitan Park (2100 Barton Springs Road). The 351 acre park located in the city which boasts public swimming in natural springs, canoe rental, a walking/biking trail, and even a miniature train (which is much more rewarding to watch than ride if you are older than say 10). Next to the park is the Zilker Botanical Garden (2220 Barton Springs Road), which is hands down one of the most peaceful places in the entire state of Texas.
The extent of the opportunities in Austin are so numerous that this just scratches the surface. Although a weekend won’t be enough to have you experience all that Austin has to offer, there will be no moment when you will be wishing that you could come up with something to do in this beautiful Texas town.
Where to eat - Smitty’s Market (208 South Commerce, Lockhart, Texas 78644 Telephone: 512.398.9344) is a must. In addition, just walk down 6th street downtown and choose whatever restaurant strikes your fancy.
Where to play – Zilker Metropolitan Park is a must see, and if the weathers nice enough, rent a canoe. Make sure to take in some live music at least one night, and really explore downtown (not just the main streets either).
Where to stay – The Driskill (604 Brazos St) is right in the epicenter of downtown and features its own award winning bakery. The Doubletree Suites (303 W. 15th Street) takes service seriously and sweetens the deal with free fresh cookies upon arrival.