Home to the University of Texas flagship campus, Austin is known for its eclectic live-music scene centered around country, blues and rock. This is one of my favorite cities for roots music – especially for SxSW music festival in March of every year!Books – Not as many as I would hope, but next time I’m there, I’ll look for more from local authors. For now, I would highly recommend: Lone Star Swing by Duncan McLean.
Getting There – Unless you live in Texas, just fly. US Airlines that service Austin include: Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest & United. Southwest is always my favorite for their inexpensive flights and free luggage handling.
Getting Around:
Accommodations – Most of these are historic/boutique, but know that all hotels use surge pricing during major events.
Restaurants in this musical roots city, are surprisingly inexpensive compared to other large cities with this level of tourism. Here’s some of my favorites tastings of the local fare:
Local Music Venues (most with food!)
In-Store Performances/Records/CDs
Dance Halls out of Austin
Gruene Hall , 1281 Gruene Rd., New Braunfels
Shopping
Wild About Music, Congress & 8th, (512) 708-1700
Tesoros Trading, 1500 S. Congress, (512) 447-7500
Cruises
Capital Cruises (Bats, Food Cruises)
Musical Events
Austin City Limits Music Festival (October)
SxSW (March)
Texas Music Museum (year-round museum)
