Austin
Reasons to Return
2008 10Best Bet - Award Winners
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BARTON SPRINGS DISTRICT. The best view in town remains a secret even to decades-long Austin residents. Resist the tourist trap stylings of Mount Bonnell, and arrange for a two-hour duffy boat ride at Capital Cruises on Town Lake. The small, intimate boats are the easiest way to watch the sun go down, see the famous Austin bats, and steal a watery glance at the Capital City's seductive skyline.
CONGRESS AVENUE. Elephant Room takes its celebrity status in stride, hiding out in the basement of the Congress Avenue milieu despite having an enviable position among the top-ranked jazz clubs in the nation. Although jazz might not take priority on a well-seasoned traveler's list of to-dos, if there were ever a need to justify an Austin return, no one would question the desire to see one of Elephant Club's nightly shows.
RED RIVER DISTRICT. Emo's stands alone as Austin's premier venue in the world of underground music. The small site has a big personality, offering tunes in punk, emo, indie, and garage. Even with such an alternative persona, Emo's has played host to thousands of bands and solo artists, drawing fans from every walk of life. Don't miss an opportunity to see a show at this legendary spot.
SOUTH CONGRESS AVENUE. Austin is home to many annual festivals and parades, none of which is as reliable as the monthly First Thursday fest on South Congress Avenue. Residents swarm the streets as the sun goes down, taking advantage of participating retailers' late-night hours and enjoying live music and locally-crafted art. First Thursday is a great way to jump-start your weekend getaway to Central Texas.
WEST AUSTIN. Designated a preserve in 1990, this blue-and-green-hued natural swimming hole is a treasured spot for native Texans and nature-loving visitors. Its location approximately 30 miles from Austin prevents some first-timers from venturing out, but allot extra hours for a visit the next time you're in town. Bathe in the pool's warm-water spots, or take a shower under the 50-foot waterfall.
UNIVERSITY AREA. Little-known but highly renowned, Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center at the University of Texas is a cultural mainstay and – as host to many world-famous exhibits – a great reason to come running back to Austin. Plan an afternoon at the Ransom Center and view the Gutenberg Bible, Frida Kahlo paintings, Ernest Hemingway manuscripts, and a collection of Robert DeNiro films.
CONGRESS AVENUE. The Paramount has seen its fair share of famous faces over the years, thanks to its enviable Congress Avenue location and an impressive longevity. The 90-year-old theater plays host to a wide variety of entertainment options, including film festival screenings, book tours, and stand-up comedians. Paramount's season ticket packages are the perfect excuse to purchase an Austin-bound plane ticket every few weeks.
WAREHOUSE DISTRICT. Dinner and a movie is just a little bit better when the Arbor at Great Hills Trail is involved. Steadfast and loyal, the Arbor consistently shows indie flicks and avant-garde cinema alongside mandatory mainstream movies. The theater has also been a gracious host to many local film fests over the years. Head there when the most recent blockbuster is more than you can handle.
WEST AUSTIN. Ski Shores is one of the best-kept secrets in Central Texas and ranks among the family-friendliest of Austin locales. The waterfront food stop is little more than a teetering hamburger stand with well-worn picnic tables, but Ski Shores has been firing up the grill for over 50 years. Let the sound of lapping lake water and live music be justification for your return.
WEST AUSTIN. Most people aren't lucky enough to discover Tacodeli on their maiden voyage to Central Texas, but the place's brown-bagged chips and queso, along with enormous vegetarian burritos, are reason enough for a quick return. The two tiny locations serve North and South Austin and are far enough apart that you'll be hungry for another round by the time you arrive at the second locale! As your train departs the station or your plane leaves the ground, have you ever wanted just a little more time? One more day to explore further or to visit a place you didn't get wind of until the last minute? We'll let you know what's worth returning for, be it a little-known museum, a rambunctious dance club, or a peaceful garden. That way, you can avoid having to say, "Next time..."
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As your train departs the station or your plane leaves the ground, have you ever wanted just a little more time? One more day to explore further or to visit a place you didn't get wind of until the last minute? We'll let you know what's worth returning for, be it a little-known museum, a rambunctious dance club, or a peaceful garden. That way, you can avoid having to say, "Next time..."
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