Austin
Slices of Life
2008 10Best Bet - Award Winners
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BARTON SPRINGS DISTRICT. Austin's source of cool refreshment for nearly a century, the urban oasis of Barton Springs Pool is continually replenished by invigorating 68-degree ground water, a necessary antidote to Austin's triple-digit summer temperatures. The once-common nude sunbathers have become as rare as the Barton Springs salamander, but there's no shortage of fun-lovin', splish-splashin' activity at this sacred space.
BARTON SPRINGS DISTRICT. Austin is the self-proclaimed "Live Music Capital of the World," and this annual series of performances at downtown's Zilker Park is a perfect example of the city's enthusiasm for concerts. Local acts gather at the park's Rock Island to perform free shows for throngs of fans, who dance and sweat the night away to country, pop, bluegrass, and sweet soul music. Held June through August, every other Wednesday, 7:30pm-9:30pm.
SOUTH AUSTIN. To get a true sense of Austin's live music scene, drop by the Broken Spoke for a Derailers show. This is as honky as tonk gets, and you'll feel compelled to join the locals – from inked hipsters to crisp-jeaned grandparents – on the dance floor. Two-steppin' is the dance of choice, and the Derailers' old-fashioned twangy grooves provide the perfect soundtrack.
6TH STREET. Nothing is off limits for this venerable comedy troupe, which performs on Sixth Street, Austin's entertainment mecca. These local comedians skewer pop culture figures, lambaste politicians, and good-naturedly poke fun at Austin's self-important image. Even unassuming pedestrians glancing through the enormous street-side window become the butt of jokes and pranks. Your laughing muscles will be sore.
UNIVERSITY AREA. The mile-long stretch of Guadalupe Street adjacent to the University of Texas campus has been called "The Drag" for decades, and the cruising along this eclectic strip is best done on foot. Students shuffle to class with cell phones attached, hipsters sip iced lattes and browse boutiques, and the homeless youth known as Drag Rats hit everyone up for change.
6TH STREET. Considered the soul of Austin, this crossroads of culture and commerce draws freaks, suits, students, and people-watchers. Congressmen share sidewalk space with professional doomsayers and families in the shadow of downtown high-rises, and you're bound to catch a regrettable glimpse of Leslie, Austin's most celebrated homeless dude who dresses in drag and sports a nasty thong.
SOUTH CONGRESS AVENUE. The hippest stretch of the city is along South Congress Avenue (aka SoCo), just south of the river. Shopping, eating, and people-watching are the prime activities here, and there's no shortage of trendy boutiques, outstanding restaurants, or cool kids (and even celebrities) to entertain the senses. Even if you don't spend a cent, you'll get a valuable cultural experience.
DOWNTOWN. The best vantage point for scoping out Congress Avenue's bustling urban scene is on Texas's version of Capitol Hill. Grab a taco or veggie burger and relax beneath majestic oaks on the manicured grounds. Cheery vacationers mingle with stern-faced politicos in the shadow of the stunning pink-granite Capitol Building, deliberately designed Texas-style – nearly a foot taller than the US version in DC.
Austin's physically fit reputation is in full effect on the popular Hike and Bike Trail, a 10-mile loop of natural and urban splendor encircling picturesque Lady Bird Lake (aka the Colorado River) in the heart of downtown. From buff bikers to dog walkers to strolling slackers, Austin is well-represented on this busy, crunchy, and well-worn path.
BARTON SPRINGS DISTRICT. Why hike or bike when you can canoe or kayak? Enjoy spectacular Lady Bird Lake from its serene surface by renting a boat and putting a paddle to the water. Soak up the surrounding scenery – lush parks, expanding skyline, clear blue sky – while getting a light workout, or marvel at the city's famous bats as they embark on their evening journey. Instead of looking like a tourist, it's satisfying to blend into the background and experience the city like a local. Here, we'll let you know about the locales that city residents frequent. On the list are places like Saturday farmers' markets, summer music concerts, and even historic churches that pull folks in each Sunday. We'll direct you to bypass the tourist traps and get a feel for what it's like to live rather than to sightsee.
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Instead of looking like a tourist, it's satisfying to blend into the background and experience the city like a local. Here, we'll let you know about the locales that city residents frequent. On the list are places like Saturday farmers' markets, summer music concerts, and even historic churches that pull folks in each Sunday. We'll direct you to bypass the tourist traps and get a feel for what it's like to live rather than to sightsee.
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