Weekend Guide: Austin

Set yourself on Austin's pace by booking a room at the Austin Motel down on South Congress Avenue, aka SoCo. There's not a more unique property in the whole city. Decorated with colorful wallpaper and 1960s and 1970s furniture, it reminds us more of a mom-and-pop lodge we'd find off Route 66. As an alternate choice, you can't beat the location and chain-like consistency of the Embassy Suites just south of the Congress Avenue bridge.

Where To Eat

We like Magnolia Cafe South's giant buttermilk pancakes almost as much as the pterodactyl-esque dinosaur hanging from the ceiling.

For a quick kick any time of the day, try the Turbo, an iced coffee drink guaranteed to crank your tractor, at Jo's Coffee. The crazy characters--uh, employees--at Amy's Ice Creams serve several fun and funky scoops.

Request an outdoor table at Shady Grove. You can't lose with their spicy green chile cheeseburger. Pizza joints thrive in college towns (duh), and Frank and Angie's Pizzeria consistently ranks as one of the best. We like the 10-inch Pavarotti, a thin-crust pizza made with portobello mushrooms, pesto, spinach, and feta, among other toppings.

Start dipping your chips in the peppery salsa at Vivo, a contemporary take on Tex-Mex. While waiting for your chile enchiladas, walk around and check out the vibrant artwork and atmosphere.