Austin, Texas recommendations
August 18, 2010 7:48 AM Subscribe
Please suggest things to do and places to see in Austin, TX.
My husband and I will be vacationing in Austin for four days or so. We're visiting friends, so they will have ideas of what to do, but I'd like to get some other opinions (and I don't want to just show up and be all "plan my vacation for me, peon").
I like zoos and aquariums and art galleries and nature and science, and my husband also loves window-shopping, especially in kitschy areas. I know there's a zoo, but it sounds very small - is it worth seeing? Is the miniature train ride at the zoo pretty cool, or only the kind of thing kids would enjoy? What do people think of Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center? Are there any art galleries or museums or shopping areas that are standouts? Are there any restaurants that are really great, especially ones that are relatively inexpensive and/or feature an unusual kind of food (vs Nashville where we live)?
Also, we're driving there, from Nashville via Memphis - are there any roadside attractions that won't take more than 5 or 10 minutes that would be cool to look at en route?
My husband and I will be vacationing in Austin for four days or so. We're visiting friends, so they will have ideas of what to do, but I'd like to get some other opinions (and I don't want to just show up and be all "plan my vacation for me, peon").
I like zoos and aquariums and art galleries and nature and science, and my husband also loves window-shopping, especially in kitschy areas. I know there's a zoo, but it sounds very small - is it worth seeing? Is the miniature train ride at the zoo pretty cool, or only the kind of thing kids would enjoy? What do people think of Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center? Are there any art galleries or museums or shopping areas that are standouts? Are there any restaurants that are really great, especially ones that are relatively inexpensive and/or feature an unusual kind of food (vs Nashville where we live)?
Also, we're driving there, from Nashville via Memphis - are there any roadside attractions that won't take more than 5 or 10 minutes that would be cool to look at en route?
Best answer: The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is pretty; so is the Umlauf Sculpture Garden, and it's not as far out. Zilker Park, Barton Springs, and the trails around Lady Bird Lake are all great, and classic highlights of Austin. The miniature train ride is fun to do with kids, but probably not something you'd be that excited about for just the two of you.
South Congress is a nice stretch of kitschy boutiques that's pleasant to walk through. In fact lots of areas of South Austin will scratch that itch, probably.
posted by aka burlap at 7:55 AM on August 18, 2010 [1 favorite]
South Congress is a nice stretch of kitschy boutiques that's pleasant to walk through. In fact lots of areas of South Austin will scratch that itch, probably.
posted by aka burlap at 7:55 AM on August 18, 2010 [1 favorite]
Oh, that bats--they're under the Congress Street bridge. I do recommend the bats.
posted by aka burlap at 7:56 AM on August 18, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by aka burlap at 7:56 AM on August 18, 2010 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Anyone know what the water levels are like out at Lake Travis? I'm an Austin native and I go to the Oasis every time I am home-as long as the lake is in good shape, it's a nice place to catch the sunset.
There is a nice state history museum downtown and I always recommend a visit to the capital building-such a nice piece of architecture and history and VERY COOL in August.
posted by supercapitalist at 8:05 AM on August 18, 2010
There is a nice state history museum downtown and I always recommend a visit to the capital building-such a nice piece of architecture and history and VERY COOL in August.
posted by supercapitalist at 8:05 AM on August 18, 2010
Best answer: I like zoos and aquariums and art galleries and nature and science
Well...Austin has two of those. I recommend hitting up the Mexic-Arte Museum, they usually have some fantastic stuff. For shopping, check out South Lamar in addition to South Congress. Plus, North Lamar has a couple of great record stores if y'all are into that, and a huge independent bookstore (Bookpeople).
posted by Roman Graves at 8:10 AM on August 18, 2010
Well...Austin has two of those. I recommend hitting up the Mexic-Arte Museum, they usually have some fantastic stuff. For shopping, check out South Lamar in addition to South Congress. Plus, North Lamar has a couple of great record stores if y'all are into that, and a huge independent bookstore (Bookpeople).
posted by Roman Graves at 8:10 AM on August 18, 2010
Barton Springs, especially in this heat.
posted by seventyfour at 8:10 AM on August 18, 2010
posted by seventyfour at 8:10 AM on August 18, 2010
Best answer: Barton Springs is super! Or for a taste of just how lovely the Hill Country can be then perhaps a trip to Hamilton's Pool!
For lovely Austin eating I would make sure to get breakfast tacos at a place like El Chilito out on Manor Road.
posted by odacrem at 8:14 AM on August 18, 2010
For lovely Austin eating I would make sure to get breakfast tacos at a place like El Chilito out on Manor Road.
posted by odacrem at 8:14 AM on August 18, 2010
Best answer: The Wildflower Center's grounds are good for a wander if you like native plants either in their native settings or as landscaping. The center building itself has interesting information on the their mission to promote the use of native plants throughout the country.
I think it's worth a few hours. Many people would not.
It is also a good distance out of downtown ( maybe a 20 minute ride).
Avoid the zoo.
Wander South Congress and window shop.
posted by Seamus at 8:20 AM on August 18, 2010
I think it's worth a few hours. Many people would not.
It is also a good distance out of downtown ( maybe a 20 minute ride).
Avoid the zoo.
Wander South Congress and window shop.
posted by Seamus at 8:20 AM on August 18, 2010
Best answer: The zoo is actually an animal sanctuary with a lot of rescued animals. It's not a big zoo like you have in Nashville. People don't really come to Austin for things like zoos or museums, though, because we don't really have very good ones compared to major cities (no old money for really great exhibits, but if you like modern or up-and-coming artists, you might try the Austin Museum of Art, or the Austin Museum of Digital Art). There is the Texas Memorial Museum, but I don't think it's really that popular. The Austin Children's Museum has some cool stuff, even for adults, but not sure if it's worth the trip without any kids. The Texas State History Museum (a.k.a. the Bob Bullock Museum) is cool, but a little "rah-rah Texas is awesome, oh yeah, and there used to be Indians here before the white guys we like so much killed them/drove them away." If I weren't from Texas, I wouldn't really care much about anything there.
So, I would recommend: Congress Ave. Bridge bats, South Congress for kitschy shopping/food, Zilker Botanical Gardens, the Capitol (it's purty), Barton Springs and/or Hamilton Pool and/or McKinney Falls.
There is now an El Chilito (as recommended above) downtown on North Congress and 10th Street, so if you don't want to venture to Manor Road, you can get something downtown. However, I would recommend eating on South Congress at one of the many trailers that are all parked together across from the main shopping. There are a bunch of cool places.
posted by elpea at 8:22 AM on August 18, 2010
So, I would recommend: Congress Ave. Bridge bats, South Congress for kitschy shopping/food, Zilker Botanical Gardens, the Capitol (it's purty), Barton Springs and/or Hamilton Pool and/or McKinney Falls.
There is now an El Chilito (as recommended above) downtown on North Congress and 10th Street, so if you don't want to venture to Manor Road, you can get something downtown. However, I would recommend eating on South Congress at one of the many trailers that are all parked together across from the main shopping. There are a bunch of cool places.
posted by elpea at 8:22 AM on August 18, 2010
The bats under the Congress Ave. Bridge are definitely one of the most unique things about a city with lots of unique-ities, and now is the best time too, the babies are just starting to fly which makes the masses more massive. There are parks on both sides of the lake to watch from, but get there long before sunset to get a great spot.
Also take a least a short walk along Barton Creek Greenbelt. Some of the swimming holes still have water even now.
The Blanton Museum of Art is worth a visit and is near the history museum.
posted by Some1 at 8:32 AM on August 18, 2010 [1 favorite]
Also take a least a short walk along Barton Creek Greenbelt. Some of the swimming holes still have water even now.
The Blanton Museum of Art is worth a visit and is near the history museum.
posted by Some1 at 8:32 AM on August 18, 2010 [1 favorite]
More restaurant suggestions: Juan in a Million on Cesar Chavez is famous for its cheap & huge breakfast taco (the "Don Juan") and its omnipresent, glad-handing owner. I always end up at Polvos when I'm back in Austin, for the food and the margaritas. Curra's is another good mexican place with interesting and tasty margaritas.
posted by aka burlap at 8:41 AM on August 18, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by aka burlap at 8:41 AM on August 18, 2010 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Galleries
Art House
Austin Museum of Art
The Blanton (badass, and free on Thursdays)
Those are within walking distance of each other.
Take a tour of the Capitol. Have a picnic on the lawn under the enormous shade trees.
Stroll through the kitschy shops on South Congress like Uncommon Objects.
Food-wise, Austin specializes in two things: Tacos (breakfast and otherwise) and trailers:
Torchy's Tacos (premium)
Taco Deli (still really really good)
Tamale House #3 (greasy spoon, cheap and delicious, and they don't actually have tamales)
G'Raj Mahal (Indian trailer)
Hey Cupcake! (cupcake trailer)
Bananarchy (chocolate-covered banana trailer)
The Mighty Cone (stuff in a cone trailer)
The bats are awesome. Watch from the lawn of the Austin American Statesman (free parking), or walk up on the bridge and wait for them to fly.
Swim in Barton Springs Pool. It's cold.
Go see live music in Texas's oldest dance hall: Gruene Hall, about a 45 minute drive from Austin.
aka burlap's suggestion of Juan in a Million, Polvos, and Curra's is excellent advice.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 9:04 AM on August 18, 2010 [2 favorites]
Art House
Austin Museum of Art
The Blanton (badass, and free on Thursdays)
Those are within walking distance of each other.
Take a tour of the Capitol. Have a picnic on the lawn under the enormous shade trees.
Stroll through the kitschy shops on South Congress like Uncommon Objects.
Food-wise, Austin specializes in two things: Tacos (breakfast and otherwise) and trailers:
Torchy's Tacos (premium)
Taco Deli (still really really good)
Tamale House #3 (greasy spoon, cheap and delicious, and they don't actually have tamales)
G'Raj Mahal (Indian trailer)
Hey Cupcake! (cupcake trailer)
Bananarchy (chocolate-covered banana trailer)
The Mighty Cone (stuff in a cone trailer)
The bats are awesome. Watch from the lawn of the Austin American Statesman (free parking), or walk up on the bridge and wait for them to fly.
Swim in Barton Springs Pool. It's cold.
Go see live music in Texas's oldest dance hall: Gruene Hall, about a 45 minute drive from Austin.
aka burlap's suggestion of Juan in a Million, Polvos, and Curra's is excellent advice.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 9:04 AM on August 18, 2010 [2 favorites]
Best answer: Oh yeah, The Oasis was mentioned previously. The menu is nothing special as far as I recall, but they have this enormous tiered deck area where you eat and wait for the sunset. Just before the sun goes down, some dude gets on the mic and says "Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to draw your attention to the west, where we'll now be watching the sun set." And then people watch the sunset. And then people applaud. It's sorta like the end of the universe event at the restaurant at the end of the universe. It's corny, but damn, like, nature.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 9:12 AM on August 18, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 9:12 AM on August 18, 2010 [2 favorites]
nthing the bats.
posted by chicago2penn at 9:27 AM on August 18, 2010
posted by chicago2penn at 9:27 AM on August 18, 2010
Best answer: Window-shopping: definitely South Congress & the section of South 1st above Oltorf but before downtown.
Trailer eateries are a big deal here right now. A lot of the good ones are on South Congress, but you can find them all over, now.
Barton Springs is great, although bound to be extremely crowded right now. Gus Fruh Park is like a pocket-sized combo of Zilker Park & Barton Springs - it even has a rope swing for jumping into the watering hole. The trails on either side are engaging and even require a little bit of mountain-goating.
posted by batmonkey at 9:38 AM on August 18, 2010 [1 favorite]
Trailer eateries are a big deal here right now. A lot of the good ones are on South Congress, but you can find them all over, now.
Barton Springs is great, although bound to be extremely crowded right now. Gus Fruh Park is like a pocket-sized combo of Zilker Park & Barton Springs - it even has a rope swing for jumping into the watering hole. The trails on either side are engaging and even require a little bit of mountain-goating.
posted by batmonkey at 9:38 AM on August 18, 2010 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Echoing that zoos and museums are a little lackluster in Austin. Mexicarte is unique and worth a trip. If you're hoping to see contemporary masters... well, Austin doesn't have many big name permanent collections. The Blanton, on the UT campus, is amazingly good for what it is, but I grew up around DC and a train ride from NYC, so I'm spoiled art museum wise. Likewise with the capital. It's a big capital building. You've probably been in one just the same, but less stars and cowboys. San Antonio (a 45-60 minute drive) has the McNay, the Alamo, a huge Zoo, the Missions. If you're itching to see that kind of stuff, the drive is easy. (parking may not be)
Here's a pretty condensed, Austin in a day, schedule that I've done with visiting friends:
Bring big water bottles, hats, shades and sunscreen. Park someplace south of the river (or rent bikes), and walk/bike along the the Lady Bird Lake Trail, and cross the river over the Pfluger pedestrian bridge. Head north to Whole Foods, Waterloo Records and Book People, which are all around 6th and Lamar. It might sound odd to have a grocery store as a tourist attraction, and maybe it speaks to the foodie interests of my friends, but it's pretty impressive. Pick up lunch or snacks there in the large restaurant/ pack a box area. Be attacked by Grackles. Head back south, and finish your trail loop. By now you're probably pretty sweaty, so head to Barton Springs Pool (you'll want to drive unless you're more bicycle experienced than I). Relax, cool off, (take a nap), then get dressed for dinner and head to someplace like South Congress Cafe. Afterwards, walk a bit north and catch the bats. If you've still got energy, head down town to Pesche for drinks, or catch a late show at the The Alamo Drafthouse. If you're yearning for the nights of your drunken misspent youth, head to East 6th.
There are lots of great places on the East side, and the places I mentioned were ranging on the higher end/slightly expensive side of things, but for a condensed trip to downtown I think it hits lots of good spots.
The Austin American Statesmen opens its parking lot to bat watchers. Lots of people will show up at 7:30, and wait an hour. I think that's kinda crazy. Right now the bats are coming out at about 8:30. They'll be coming out from under the bridge and fly east, along the river. They'll start trickling out after sunset, then come out with greater volume, and stream out for a few hours.
If you'll be in town on a First Thursday, be sure to head down South Congress in the evening. All the shops stay open late, have specials, vendors set up tents, food trucks are open late.
posted by fontophilic at 9:47 AM on August 18, 2010 [2 favorites]
Here's a pretty condensed, Austin in a day, schedule that I've done with visiting friends:
Bring big water bottles, hats, shades and sunscreen. Park someplace south of the river (or rent bikes), and walk/bike along the the Lady Bird Lake Trail, and cross the river over the Pfluger pedestrian bridge. Head north to Whole Foods, Waterloo Records and Book People, which are all around 6th and Lamar. It might sound odd to have a grocery store as a tourist attraction, and maybe it speaks to the foodie interests of my friends, but it's pretty impressive. Pick up lunch or snacks there in the large restaurant/ pack a box area. Be attacked by Grackles. Head back south, and finish your trail loop. By now you're probably pretty sweaty, so head to Barton Springs Pool (you'll want to drive unless you're more bicycle experienced than I). Relax, cool off, (take a nap), then get dressed for dinner and head to someplace like South Congress Cafe. Afterwards, walk a bit north and catch the bats. If you've still got energy, head down town to Pesche for drinks, or catch a late show at the The Alamo Drafthouse. If you're yearning for the nights of your drunken misspent youth, head to East 6th.
There are lots of great places on the East side, and the places I mentioned were ranging on the higher end/slightly expensive side of things, but for a condensed trip to downtown I think it hits lots of good spots.
The Austin American Statesmen opens its parking lot to bat watchers. Lots of people will show up at 7:30, and wait an hour. I think that's kinda crazy. Right now the bats are coming out at about 8:30. They'll be coming out from under the bridge and fly east, along the river. They'll start trickling out after sunset, then come out with greater volume, and stream out for a few hours.
If you'll be in town on a First Thursday, be sure to head down South Congress in the evening. All the shops stay open late, have specials, vendors set up tents, food trucks are open late.
posted by fontophilic at 9:47 AM on August 18, 2010 [2 favorites]
I was just in Austin a couple weeks ago with my mom. We went to the Wildflower Center, and she loved it. It was pretty and peaceful. I liked it too. Lots of birds and dragonflies, butterflies. They've got a nice gift shop to look around, and if you get there before 4 there's a cafe. The ladies working at the gift shop said the cafe has great desserts, but unfortunately we got there after 4.
If you like barbecue, a fairly short drive down the road from the Wildflower Center is The Salt Lick's Driftwood location. I'm sure you can get fine barbecue in Nashville, but this is really good and their sides are great along with the meats. If you go, I recommend getting there in the early evening because I imagine it gets crazy. We got there at around 5:00 on a Friday and didn't have to bother with the check-in area.
We drove to the Alamo one day. The drive was easy, but parking was awful. We parked in a garage though that wasn't bad once we found it.
posted by wondermouse at 10:49 AM on August 18, 2010
If you like barbecue, a fairly short drive down the road from the Wildflower Center is The Salt Lick's Driftwood location. I'm sure you can get fine barbecue in Nashville, but this is really good and their sides are great along with the meats. If you go, I recommend getting there in the early evening because I imagine it gets crazy. We got there at around 5:00 on a Friday and didn't have to bother with the check-in area.
We drove to the Alamo one day. The drive was easy, but parking was awful. We parked in a garage though that wasn't bad once we found it.
posted by wondermouse at 10:49 AM on August 18, 2010
Quacks coffee shop, Mother's (What, vegetarian food tastes this good?) both @ 43rd and DuVal (a nice area to wind down/relax, residents and college stoodents; not tourists) ; Epoch is a full n trendy coffee shop on 51st.
posted by buzzman at 8:46 PM on August 18, 2010
posted by buzzman at 8:46 PM on August 18, 2010
Best answer: To make a very important addition to spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints' recommendations, when I moved to Austin I discovered a delightfully simple breakfast dish called migas. Tex-Mex migas is basically scrambled eggs, tortilla strips, and whatever kind of sauce you want to make it in with onions, chilies, and the like. Anyway, Tamale House #3 makes the best migas in town. Breakfast tacos, blah blah blah. Get the migas.
Also, if you're out for a bite to eat late at night, try the Kerby Lane Cafe, but go to the one that's on Kerby Lane. Star Seeds is also open all night and serves delicious coffee and pancakes.
posted by Roman Graves at 9:14 PM on August 18, 2010
Also, if you're out for a bite to eat late at night, try the Kerby Lane Cafe, but go to the one that's on Kerby Lane. Star Seeds is also open all night and serves delicious coffee and pancakes.
posted by Roman Graves at 9:14 PM on August 18, 2010
If you're in the area.. Flip Happy Crepes.
http://www.fliphappycrepes.com/
YUM.
posted by drstein at 1:49 PM on August 19, 2010
http://www.fliphappycrepes.com/
YUM.
posted by drstein at 1:49 PM on August 19, 2010
ejoey, about 9 years ago, when my blue heeler was but a fearless pup, that little waterfall was raging. She chased a stick in much farther upcreek and was swept down and over those falls. Indestructible dog.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 5:58 PM on August 25, 2010
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 5:58 PM on August 25, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by mollymayhem at 7:52 AM on August 18, 2010