Howdy Partner! Conquering Downtown Austin Like a Texan
So you've moseyed on down to Austin, the land of breakfast tacos, live music, and bats that take evening strolls by the thousands (seriously). But with Sixth Street blaring and the Texas State Capitol looming large, where does a pardner start? Well, fret no more, rustlers, because this here guide will lasso you the best of what downtown Austin has to offer.
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| What To Do Downtown Austin |
Giddy-Up for Culture, Y'all!
Austin's got more culture than a cowboy hat collection contest. The Texas State Capitol, a granite giant straight out of a history book, offers free tours and a chance to brush shoulders with folks in Stetsons makin' laws. Feeling artistic? The Blanton Museum of Art will have you saying "yeehaw" for its collection of modern masterpieces, while the Bullock Texas State History Museum will school you on the Lone Star State's wild past (and maybe even the future, who knows with Texas?).
Don't Miss: Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching. Every night from spring to fall, watch a zillion Mexican free-tailed bats take flight at dusk. It's like a scene from a nature documentary, but way cooler (and smellier).
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Feed Your Inner Foodie (and Maybe Your Inner Cowboy)
Austin's food scene is a chili cook-off champion. From upscale, regional Mexican cuisine that'll make your taste buds do a two-step to legendary breakfast tacos that are the perfect hangover cure (or, you know, breakfast of champions), you won't go hungry. Food trucks line the streets, and fancy restaurants with twinkle lights beckon you in. And if you're feelin' fancy, you can even grab a steak (it is Texas, after all) at a historic spot like The Driskill.
Pro-Tip: Be sure to try some pecan pie. It's basically the official dessert of Texas, and it's mighty tasty.
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Live Music? You Betcha!
Austin's the "Live Music Capital of the World" for a reason. From dive bars with up-and-coming musicians to legendary venues like ACL Live at the Moody Theater, there's always a tune to be heard. Catch some blues at Antone's, the club that launched Stevie Ray Vaughan's career, or two-step to some country music at the iconic Stubb's.
Feeling fancy? Grab a rooftop cocktail and enjoy the city skyline with some live music at your fingertips.
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Howdy Partner! You've Got Questions?
We figured you might, pilgrim. Here's a quick roundup of how to wrangle the best out of your downtown Austin experience:
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How to get around downtown Austin? The city is walkable, but there's also a good public transportation system including buses and rail lines. Ride-sharing services are plentiful too.
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How to avoid the crowds on Sixth Street? Sixth Street can get wild, especially on weekends. If you're not looking for a party atmosphere, head to Rainey Street or the Warehouse District for a more low-key vibe.
How to dress for Austin? Austin is all about casual cool. Think jeans, t-shirts, and comfortable shoes. Feel free to add a splash of personality with a cowboy hat or some funky boots.
How to find live music? There are literally hundreds of live music venues in Austin. Check out websites like Do512 or Austin Chronicle for listings.
How to speak Texan? A few key phrases will get you by: "Howdy" (hello), "Y'all" (you all), "Fixin' to" (about to), and "Bless your heart" (can be sincere or sarcastic, use with caution!).
So there you have it, folks! With this guide in hand, you're ready to mosey on down and conquer downtown Austin like a true Texan. Just remember to relax, have fun, and maybe take a nap after all that bat watching (those things are energetic!).
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