As they say, everything is bigger in Texas but this great little city isnt so in your face to find it overwhelming infact, I dare say you may even like it.
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City skyline from the HI Austin
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This was the first time I had ventured away from the western side of the US and After initial thoughts of cowboys, hillbillies and chainsaw massacres I was pleasantly suprised to find some of the nicest people i've ever come across and even made really good friends with in such a short space of time. Located in the center of the state of Texas the city of Austin is surrounded by rural coutryside and sits on the Colorado River. It is not a large city but it is the state capitol of Texas and home to the University of Texas @ Austin so it is definitley a thriving place.
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A huge long trail goes right along the river which is great for walking/cycling and offers some lovely scenery, the city is relatively flat aswell. Renting a bike would be a great option to get around.
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The people here are so friendly, i definitley came across my fair share of weirdos but this only some how enhanced it charm, as the slogan just so happens to state 'keep Austin weird'.
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Butterfly at the Botanic gardens
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Austins state capitol building covers the largest area of any capitol building in the country, it is also slightly taller than the US capitol building in Washington. The Bob Bullock Texas State History museum gives some great insight into the history of this state and their battle for independence as well as the Civil War. The Botanic Gardens offer a bit of nature, its slightly out of town but takes you through Zilker Park, the largest park in the city.
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There are numerous good hotels in Austin, I stayed at the Holiday Inn Town Lake, which for obvious reason sits on the town lake and has easy access to the centre of town, taking no more than 10 minutes to walk into the centre. I also stayed at the HI Austin which is just outside of the city but still in a great location on the lake. Just a short walk up the street takes you to a small supermarket and the bus stop to take you straight in to town. This was the first hostel I ever stayed in and I thought it was great, theres no TV but they do provide internet access and I was there on Thankksgiving and they put on an awesome dinner for us all.
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Coyote Ugly Saloon - E. 6th St
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As with such a huge university poulation (some 50,000 students enrolled over 16 campuses) comes a fantastic nightlife. Austin is 'happening' every night of the week. East 6th Street is the busiest area where they block off vehicle access at night time on weekends, it is basically just bar after bar after pub, whether you want to drink, dance or go see a band play, go and check out the Coyote Ugly bar where the girls working there get up and dance on the bar. Austin is considered the 'live music capitol of the world', no matter what your age there is something for everyone showcasing up and coming bands playing rock, blues, jazz ...whatever your taste, get yourself down there at least once.
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When in Texas do as the Texans do and get yourself to a Texan BBQ, amazing! and a great cure for a hangover. I recommend Iron Works, located on Red River (another street that has a lot of bands, mostly rock music) it is also a music venue by night.
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Beyond a flooded Colorado River the sky finally clears- on my 2nd last day there...
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I was in Austin during one of the worst floods the state had seen since the late 1800's so I didnt get to experience the activities they had to offer around the lake but it would be a fantastic place to go during spring (it can get a little too hot during summer). Its so easy to get around on foot, even having found myself caught in a couple of torrential downpours umbrella-less but I must admit that I am quite partial to a good storm anyway. I also found a great coffee shop, I cant remember the name or exactly where it was located but it was on West 4th or 5th Street in the Warehouse district, very cruisy with comfy sofas and great coffee.
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Published on Monday October 24th, 2005
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Tue, May 06 2008 - 02:59 PM
 by murrayskinner
| I enjoyed the report on Austin very much. Have you heard of the TV program called Austin City Limits? It is a weekly show featuring excellent live concerts! |
Wed, Oct 26 2005 - 05:16 AM
 by davidx
| Reports like this that correct misapprehensions are particularly valuable. Well done! Thanks |
Tue, Oct 25 2005 - 12:00 AM
by ravinderkumarsi
Mon, Oct 24 2005 - 03:21 PM
by nedkelly
| Hey, Your getting into this arnt you!!! Im happy you like the place and look forward to all your contributions. Ciao for now. |
Mon, Oct 24 2005 - 01:15 PM
by isaacmolina
Mon, Oct 24 2005 - 12:34 PM
by toribio
| THIS REPORT ALSO I LIKED IT VERY MUCH |
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