This text was produced in partnership with Tecovas
Every thing’s larger in Texas, together with its wild, extraordinary capital metropolis—Austin. Generally known as The Reside Music Capital of the World, Austin is a novel city with a complete lotta Texas swagger and a touch of California cool.
I first moved to Austin in April 2015, and ever since I arrived it’s been one hell of a trip. The ultimate tour of my navy profession is what introduced me right here. I used to be assigned to the College of Texas at Austin Naval Reserve Officer Coaching Corps (NROTC) as a navy teacher and had the privilege of coaching the subsequent technology of Navy and Marine Corps officers. Nevertheless, this unbelievable metropolis and all it has to supply is what stored me right here.
As one of many quickest rising cities in America, Austin is a melting pot of people from all around the nation. However don’t idiot your self—regardless of the most important tech growth and inflow of latest residents to Austin, the long-time house of Willie Nelson hasn’t been tarnished by Californication. There’s a complete lot of Texas on this city and it presents probably the greatest weekend getaways within the States.
Whether or not you’re searching for bars, music, events on the lake, leisure, or particular occasions—Austin has all of it. Past your common weekend vacation spot, Austin boasts distinctive happenings like SXSW (South by Southwest), ACL (Austin Metropolis Limits), F1 and NASCAR racing at Circuit of the Americas, World Golf Championship tournaments, and far more.
So pull up these bootstraps and let’s get this get together began. It’s my honor to function your private cicerone to a spot I’m proud to name house—Austin, Texas.
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1. Stroll Taller in an Genuine Pair of Boots
If you wish to make lifelong recollections, Austin is primed for you and your crew to just do that. However earlier than hitting the city, outfitting your self with an genuine pair of cowboy boots is a basic Austin custom. The enduring Tecovas headquarters presents a memorable sensory expertise that may’t be missed.
Open the door and also you’ll be greeted with the intoxicating odor of positive leather-based items and handcrafted cowboy boots. As soon as inside, the Tecovas employees will rapidly give you a complimentary craft beer or whiskey. Want we are saying extra? When you’ve settled into this western-wear sanctuary, the educated employees will educate you about boots and show you how to establish the right pair to match your type and persona.
Mike’s Native Tip: The in-store Tecovas expertise is second-to-none, however their on-line procuring expertise can be nice—and splendid for increasing that boot assortment when you get again house.
Whereas Austin is decidedly completely different from different cities within the Lone Star State, our barbeque continues to be taken very critically. In case you solely have time to hit one BBQ joint, make it Franklin BBQ—owned by the award-winning Aaron Franklin.
Considered one of the vital influential pitmasters within the nation, Aaron Franklin even has his personal Masterclass program—Aaron Franklin Teaches Texas-Style BBQ. The barbecue at his namesake joint lives as much as his fame and provides literal that means to “fall off the bone.”
Mike’s Native Tip: Be ready to attend in line, however don’t fret—lounge chairs and chilly beer are supplied whereas ready.
Zilker Park, the town’s largest park, is house to certainly one of Austin’s largest music occasions—the Austin City Limits Music Festival, held on two consecutive weekends in October. The park additionally serves as an awesome spot to catch some solar, play frisbee, or take your canine out for some enjoyable.
Mike’s Native Tip: Through the summer season, head to Zilker Park for Blues on the Green, a free month-to-month live performance hosted by Austin Metropolis Limits. Deliver your blanket, brews (discreetly), and benefit from the present.
No getting round it, summer season days in Austin are toasty. In case you’ve obtained a gaggle of revelers prepared to chill down and blow off some steam, a celebration barge is the decision. Hitting the get together coves on Lake Austin or Lake Travis, be ready to get blocked in for a whole day of ingesting and boat-hopping.
Mike’s Native Tip: Reserve a celebration barge early from Lake Austin Occasion Boat Leases. As soon as that Austin solar will get excessive within the sky, you’ll be late to the get together.
Okay, this isn’t for everybody, however Austin’s Congress Avenue Bridge is house to 1.5 million Mexican Free-Tailed bats—aka the most important city bat colony on this planet. Between March and September, hundreds of them pour out of the bridge for his or her nightly flights—and feasts, consuming wherever from 10,000 to 30,000 kilos of bugs, together with mosquitoes and dangerous agricultural pests. Thanks, bats!
Mike’s Native Tip: Arrive early to attain a parking spot and entrance row views from South Congress Bridge. The nightly bat show can happen wherever between 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. and take as much as 45 minutes.
6. Austin Nightlife Sizzling spots
As soon as that Texas solar sinks beneath the hills, the motion actually begins to warmth up. From dwell music honky tonks to stylish downtown bars, you’re positive to search out the correct spots to whet your whistle. Right here’s my trustworthy rundown of the place to go (and keep away from).
Soiled sixth Avenue: Whereas this patch of sixth Avenue within the coronary heart of downtown was a magnet for all ages, it’s presently a major spot for Gen Zers. Except you’re nonetheless in your early 20s, it’s in all probability not price your time.
Rainey Avenue: An iconic ingesting hub in southeastern Austin, Rainey Avenue’s historic strip of landmark bungalows at the moment are a row of bars which can be typically packed-to-the-gills—particularly on Sundays. Cease by Banger’s Sausage Home and Beer Garden, that includes over 200 craft beers and the formidable Man-Mosa (beer stein filled with mimosa). Be aware: One Man-Mosa per buyer.
South Congress Avenue: There’s no scarcity of bars and eating places on South Congress, which pulls a barely older crowd, as does West sixth Avenue. Catch a present on the famed Continental Club, hailed because the premiere dwell music membership of Austin, situated on South Congress Avenue.
East Aspect: Austin’s East Aspect (east of Freeway 35) has developed into one of the vital quickly rising and gentrified areas of the town. The bars and eating places listed below are all actually distinctive, that includes dwell music and craft drinks. Pop into Whisler’s, a neighborhood hang-out with a unusual vibe and positive cocktails.
7. The place to Keep in Austin
You’ll need to be staying the place the motion is, so e-book a room downtown. There’s no scarcity of motels, starting from the everyday massive chain visitor rooms to extra boutique experiences.
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