Austin, Texas - Getting Better All the Time
Whenever various publications rank the top ten cities in the country as to quality of life, business climate, and other factors, Austin Texas always appears on the list. Leading corporations such as Dell, Charles Schwab, General Motors, and Tesla have corporate offices in the Austin metropolitan area or have opened new facilities there. With a regional population of over 2.1 million people, a median age of 35 years, 600,000 people employed in management and professional occupations, affordable housing and rental prices, the state government capital, and 200,000 college age students, Austin has all the ingredients needed for innovation and continued economic development.
Is Austin really a special place to visit? There is a lot to see and do in Austin which make it an attractive destination to consider for a business or pleasure trip. Many attractions and activities are located around the compact city center which is easy to navigate by car, foot, scooter, or Uber. One block may be full of high-rise commercial offices, hotels, and condominiums, but several blocks away there is likely to be an entertainment district with clubs and restaurants or a public park. Although Austin is a technologically sophisticated city, it has a casual vibe and a focus on local businesses and culture which is captured by the popular slogan “Keep Austin Weird.”
Here are a few interesting things to do in this unique city:
Start with the History
Texas has a remarkable history which is not well understood in other parts of the country. In 1836, the newly independent Republic of Texas which extended north into Colorado and west into New Mexico was still a frontier backwater with a total estimated population of 40,000 to 50,000 people. Today, the smaller area which comprises the State of Texas has a population of thirty million and the tenth largest economy in the world.
An excellent way to get a flavor of Texas history is to spend a couple of hours at the Bullock Texas State History Museum located four blocks north of the State Capital. The First Floor Galleries explain the roles of Native American tribes and settlers from France, Spain, and Mexico in shaping the landscape of the region. The Second and Third Floor Galleries explore the important effects which the events such as the Texas Revolution, annexation by the United States, the legacies of slavery and the Civil War, immigration, industrialization, and oil exploration have had on the culture and urbanization of Texas. The museum’s facilities include a theater, which presents a film called “The Story of Texas,” an IMAX Theater used for documentaries and feature films and displays of iconic objects that shaped the state and its people.
Another worthwhile stop is to walk through the Texas Capital building. Dedicated in 1888, this spectacular building exemplifies the phrase that “things are bigger in Texas”. The rotunda and dome rise to a height of 218 feet from a terrazzo floor which displays seals of the six different countries whose flags have flown over Texas. In addition to housing the chambers of the Texas Supreme Court and the Legislative Library, and public offices of the Governor, Secretary of State, and State Treasurer, the Capital houses the chambers of the thirty-one member Senate and the one hundred fifty member House of Representatives. The walls are full of interesting historic paintings such as “Dawn at the Alamo” and “The Battle of San Jacinto,” and the layout and desks of the chambers are also impressive. They convey a sense of grandeur to the deliberations of these legislative bodies.
Shop and Eat
Many national retailers and chains have stores in Austin. However, the focus on local stores has helped small business owners stay afloat and become an important fabric of the community. One place where this trend is evident is the SoCo or South Congress Street area which runs from the Lady Bird Lake up a small hill for about a mile or so. SoCo features stores selling western clothing like the popular Allen’s Boots, artistic works from the area, and all kinds of eclectic merchandise. There are also restaurants, clubs, and ice cream parlors which keep the SoCo area hopping on nights and weekends. Two other interesting places to sample homegrown retailers are the West 6th Street district with stores such as Waterloo Records and Book People and the Second Street District known for its boutiques and coffee houses.
When it comes to food, Austin has emerged as the culinary capital of the southwest. There is no shortage of steakhouses and restaurants. Perry's Steakhouse and Grille on West 7th Street is just one of the top-notch choices. Similarly, barbecue establishments and Tex-Mex restaurants abound. Locals and tourists often wait two hours in line for brisket, ribs, and sausage at popular places like Franklin Barbecue on East 11th Street. The surprising thing about the food scene is the breadth of international cuisine available and the strong followings which various chefs are building around the city.
Be Entertained
The reputation of Austin as a music capital is strong. As described in one city publication, “Austin's music venues range from iconic music joints to up and coming concert venues. There are more than 250 live music establishments in town, featuring everything from Rock and Americana to Tejano and jazz every night of the week. A trip to Austin is not complete without a little live music.” A diverse group of artists have emerged as national stars from the Austin music scene. Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Dixie Chicks, Janis Joplin, and Willie Nelson are just a few performers who retain strong reputations here.
Most people begin their entertainment experience in Austin by strolling down the famous Sixth Street District. Covering more than a dozen blocks, this district features clubs and bars with live bands and soloists. They attract college students, out of towners, and local regulars. With open containers allowed outside, the city is currently struggling to preserve public safety in this popular neighborhood at night while still encouraging people to have fun.
There are three other notable forms of entertainment in Austin. First, with the central campus of the University of Texas in the city, crowds of up to 100,000 people go to football games and tailgate when the Longhorns play at Darrell Royal Memorial Stadium. Second, events such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the South by Southwest technology and music festival draw big crowds. Third, Austin hosts a Formula 1 race and other sporting events at the Circuit of the America’s located southeast of the city.
Go Outdoors
Another essential element of the Austin culture is to go outdoors as much as possible. Even during the sweltering summer, people flock to the river known as Lady Bird Lake to kayak, canoe, and paddleboard. They also picnic, bike, walk and run along the ten-mile-long Butler Hike and Bike Trail located on the south side of the Lake or visit the nearby 358-acre Zilker Metropolitan Park. The park includes a botanical garden, a science center, and an outdoor natural springs pool which maintains a cool 68-degree temperature year-round. With so many young people working and living near the downtown, these busy venues enjoy considerable public support.
How to Get Here - Austin is centrally located two or three hours from Texas’ three other major metropolitan areas in Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas-Fort Worth. The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is a hub location for Southwest and provides direct service to eighty-one cities in the U.S. and nine in other countries including major locations in Central America.
When to Go - The best months to visit Galveston are from February until early May and September to November. The temperature often exceeds 90 degrees from late May until September, but precipitation is light except for the month of May. Winters are mild and sunny.
Where to Stay - Many national hotel chains have lodgings in the downtown including a popular and well-run Westin Hotel on Fifth Street. When it comes to luxury properties, the Driskill Hotel built in 1886 by a cattle baron is a renovated downtown institution. It attracts the social and political elite of the state, but is also known for its classic bar, fine food, and elegant furnishings.