Things to Do in Austin

Grooving with an eclectic mix of hippies, musicians, business professionals and filmmakers, Austin, Texas has evolved from a small university town into a growing cultural mecca over the past few decades. A long list of publications has targeted Austin as one of the best places to live, because of its high-tech innovation, alternative culture and liberal politics.

The city’s increased popularity has spurred a large influx of young adults since 2000, which in turn has impacted Austin’s skyline with an increasing number of condominiums in the downtown and surrounding areas. An array of trendy, new eateries, coffee houses and shopping venues have piggybacked on the expansion, making it difficult for a newcomer to go hungry or barefoot.

Musical and Wild West Roots

Once a small town with a lot of character, Austin earned its reputation as a musician’s refuge in the 1970s, when talented songwriters and musical artists who were disenchanted with Nashville’s corporate grip on the music industry migrated to the capital of Texas. The list of icons who sought an alternative musical environment and participated in Austin’s growing music scene includes Willie Nelson, Janis Joplin and Austin’s beloved Stevie Ray Vaughan.

However, long before the 1976 premiere of the PBS program Austin City Limits, central Texas was inhabited by nomadic Native American tribes. Europeans established the first settlement in 1835, and a few years later, the little village of Waterloo was chosen as the capital of the Republic of Texas. Austin was renamed in honor of Stephen F. Austin, “the father of Texas.”

 

• Stevie Ray Vaughan, one of Austin’s hometown heroes, has been immortalized in a statue on the shore of Lady Bird Lake.

©Dan Herron/Herronstock.com

Austin Downtown Venues

With a motto like “Keep Austin Weird,” you know there is a lot of creative energy flowing through its veins, not to mention at least 200 live music venues and world-renowned festivals.

Historic Capitol Building

Since Austin’s history revolves around government and politics, a sightseeing outing should include a tour of the capitol building. Completed in 1888, this Renaissance Revival pink granite and limestone architectural treasure experienced a major renovation and extension between 1993 and 1997. History buffs can enjoy an exhibit and film detailing the restoration. Afterward, take a free Historic Walking Tour to view a mix of modern skyscrapers with Victorian-era architecture. 201 E. 14th St. Tel. 512-463-5495. Tours are free and last 45 minutes. Hours: Mon. to Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Sun. 12 to 3:30 p.m. www.tspb.state.tx.us

Sixth Street/Red River/Warehouse Districts

Hungry? Thirsty? Explore some of the eateries and live music venues on the legendary Sixth Street. A few choice tattoo clubs and tarot-card-reading folks can be found amidst the sliced pizza and cigar shops. And you won’t want to miss out on the magical, musical revue of the artful Esther’s Follies comedy troupe, before heading down Red River for additional live music venues such as Stubb’s (801 Red River, tel. 512-480-8341) and Emo’s (603 Red River, tel. 512-505-8541).

 

• Learn more about the rich history of Austin on a free historic walking tour of the city.

Courtesy of ACVB

More mature, affluent visitors will prefer walking a few blocks west of Congress Avenue to dine at one of the upscale restaurants and pop into a number of martini clubs in the Warehouse District. Don’t resist a stop at Antone’s, “Home of the Blues.” This celebrated establishment helped launch the careers of several notable artists since 1975, including Stevie Ray Vaughan and Los Lonely Boys. Antone’s, 213 W. 5th St. Tel. 512-320-8324. www.antones.net

[Read our Austin Live Music and Nightlife article for more entertainment ideas.]

Next: Austin Neighborhood Haunts