Austin
Colorful Characters
2008 10Best Bet - Award Winners
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SOUTH CONGRESS AVENUE. Longtime Austin resident Dan Rather has had more time to get involved in the community since his retirement, and the Boys & Girls Clubs has witnessed his generosity firsthand. Rather is a major supporter of BGCCA's "Somebody" campaign, sharing his "My Somebody" story with locals and occasionally being seen out in support of the youth-focused organization. Rumor has it you can also find him getting a scoop at Amy's Ice Creams (most likely the Sixth Street location, 512-480-0673).
Part-time Austin resident Dennis Quaid gives back to the community by contributing his own time, money, and energy to an annual golf tournament and philanthropic weekend (www.quaidcharityweekend.com). The event benefits Austin area non-profit organizations, and its partners include companies like HEB Grocery. Although the actor is likely to be spotted at the charity functions, keep your eyes open on the off chance that he'll be found roaming the aisles of the supermarket. After all, famous people run out of milk too.
WEST AUSTIN. On most mornings, JB and Sandy are accessible only through the car radio. But once a year (and at various live remotes), fans of the beloved radio personalities come out en masse to hang out with these 40-somethings at a concert-style beach party on the city's venerable Lake Travis. Tune in to Mix 94.7 and you'll be an insta-fan of these lovable Austinites.
NORTH AUSTIN. Austin's reputation as a health-conscious city can be confirmed by wandering into any local gym and witnessing the throngs of sweaty bodies moving effortlessly on the ellipticals. At 24Hour Fitness in Hyde Park, members dream of the opportunity to work up a sweat with partial owner, Lance Armstrong. An A-lister to Austinites, Lance can also be found supporting local non-profits through his Lance Armstrong Foundation.
UNIVERSITY AREA. Mack Brown is the reigning king of Texas football, and Austinites are invariably full of school spirit. University of Texas die-hards are faithful season ticket purchasers, pouring into the stadium every week to cheer on the home team and snag a photo op with Coach Brown and his winning pigskin. Dress in burnt orange (school colors are so becoming), and get your game face on.
WAREHOUSE DISTRICT. Marc Katz has mysteriously risen to local celebrity status over the past 30 years, and the average Austinite still isn't sure why. Aside from his embarrassingly-public failed run for mayor, his boisterious personality, and off-the-wall antics, Marc Katz is like many Central Texans – an out-of-state import. However, his 24-hour NY-style deli is adored by Sixth Street bar hoppers at the end of the night. If you're hoping to catch sight of the man himself, midday is your best bet.
DOWNTOWN. Matthew McConaughey prefers to exercise under the hot sun. His six-pack abs and bandana-clad forehead have been spotted by regulars of the Lady Bird Lake Trail (formerly Town Lake Trail) in downtown Austin. McConaughey seems to frequent this popular hike and bike spot to blend in with the hundreds of daily residents who dog-walk, train for marathons, or bicycle by the water. He's also known to be a UT football fanatic.
NORTH AUSTIN. Visitors to Austin Film Society or its affiliate, Austin Studios, hope to catch a glimpse of distinguished filmmakers Richard Linklater (Fast Food Nation) and Robert Rodriguez (Sin City). Both Austin idols can occasionally be seen out and about in Austin, either shooting scenes for an upcoming flick or supporting Austin's thriving film industry through the Austin Film Society.
WAREHOUSE DISTRICT. Bullock's Bess Bistro opened to critical and popular success, most likely due to the charming underground eatery's first-rate comfort food. The actress has been vocal about her involvement in every aspect of the bistro's operation, from planning the menu to assisting in the interior design. Pull up a seat at the bar and nurse a Bess cocktail...your evening might just end with an autograph.
DOWNTOWN. Austin City Hall is a vibrant and well-worn meeting place thanks to the independent spirit and protesting tendencies of the Capital City's population. Philanthropist and hands-on mayor Will Wynn can usually be found among the ranks, walking alongside environmentalists to help push for a greener city or standing in the background as an angry American utilizes his or her right to free speech. We all love to people-watch, to catch glimpses of celebs, and to brag that we saw so-and-so. This category showcases citizens who've made their mark on a town. Here, you'll uncover coffee shops where local politicians gather, corners where quirky street performers show off, and places that have lively shop keepers or dynamic chefs on staff. Discover where these famous folks hang out, where they work, what they eat, and even more that you didn't even know you'd want to know!
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We all love to people-watch, to catch glimpses of celebs, and to brag that we saw so-and-so. This category showcases citizens who've made their mark on a town. Here, you'll uncover coffee shops where local politicians gather, corners where quirky street performers show off, and places that have lively shop keepers or dynamic chefs on staff. Discover where these famous folks hang out, where they work, what they eat, and even more that you didn't even know you'd want to know!
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