Austin in a Week

Our Local Expert Says:

The top five floors of this upscale hotel hold privately-owned luxury lofts with sweeping views of the downtown area and beyond.

Description:

Location. The Hilton Austin is located across from the convention center in Austin, Texas, and just a short walk from the nightclubs and restaurants of Sixth Street and the Warehouse district. This hotel is found in the downtown business district, less than one mile from the State Capitol Complex, and within two miles of The University of Texas, Bob Bullock Texas Historical Museum and the LBJ Presidential Library. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is approximately seven miles away.
Hotel Features. Grand interiors at Hilton Austin welcome guests to contrasting hues and minimalist furnishings. The focal point of the hotel is a 48-foot heated lap pool with spa tub located on the eighth floor and overlooking the Austin skyline. Breaking the mold of ordinary fitness areas, the hotel features Tower Health Club, a therapeutic spa facility offering massages, personal trainers and advanced exercise equipment. Flexible event space on site includes two ballrooms seating up to 3000 guests for splendid banquets or wedding receptions. Hotel fine dining at Finn & Porter features expertly prepared steaks, while casual diners experience delicious coffee and flaky pastries at Java Coast. Guests are always invited for cocktails in the Lobby Bar, where a nightclub ambiance creates an ideal environment for relaxed social interaction.

Guestrooms. The Hilton Austin features 800 fashionable guestrooms with eclectic interiors. Each room is equipped with spacious desks, two dual-line phones and wireless high speed Internet access. Guestrooms include hospitality centers with minibars and coffeemakers. Private marble bathrooms feature a shelf below the sink for travel necessities, a makeup vanity and designer toiletries.

Expert Tip. The Texas Capitol building, located just one mile away, is composed of sunset red Texas granite quarried just 50 miles from the site. It is the second largest Capitol building only to the National Capitol in D.C.

Description:

This little downtown cafe attracts multitudes for its fresh food. The likes of Larry McMurtry, Shawn Colvin and Lisa Loeb have been known to dig in to Las Manitas' huevos Motuleños, Carne guisada or Enchiladas Morelianos. Many of the dishes are authentic, interior Mexican recipes. The atmosphere is funky and political, its owners are known for patronizing Hispanic arts and political causes. You will have to wait for a table if you come anywhere close to meal time.

Our Local Expert Says:

The intended audience might be children, but the young at heart will also enjoy the Austin Children's Museum. Great spot for a birthday party.

Description:

Local children and visiting tykes experience hands-on learning through fun, interactive exhibits at the Austin Children's Museum. The bright green building is hard to miss. It's located on the eastern edge of the Second Street Retail District, which is convenient for adults looking to do a little shopping at a trendy boutique after the visit. The nonprofit organization houses several permanent interactive displays in its 12,500-square-foot space, including an Austin Kiddie Limits stage (modeled after the famed Austin City Limits television show) complete with TV monitors playing back performances, a fake but functional dairy cow and a tri-level construction zone. The bilingual En mi familia/In My Family exhibit celebrates the region's Hispanic culture, through music, dance and cooking demonstrations. Two to three touring exhibitions rotate through the Austin Children's Museum annually, providing an array of new learning opportunities. Creative camps and seasonal workshops as well as special programs fill the museum's calendar of events.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Second Street District is a great area for people watching. Weekend mornings draw the downtown dwellers out for coffee, dogs in tow. The area also holds a number of special events, like the annual Barkitecture doghouse-building competition, throughout the year.

Description:

Austin's city center holds more than commercial high-rises and government offices -- urban lofts, sidewalk eateries and local boutiques abound, particularly in the Second Street District. Running from the Austin Children's Museum west to the Ballet Austin headquarters, the three-block area provides an alternative shopping experience to the standard indoor mall. Trendy clothing, home decor and one-of-a-kind jewelry stores are interspersed among health food cafes, coffee shops, wine bars such as Cru and Malaga, and gourmet restaurants like Cantina Laredo and Three Forks. Many of the shops and some of the restaurants are locally owned and operated. City officials and local businesspeople invested heavily in Second Street as a way of encouraging people to live, play and work downtown. Austin's City Hall complex adds a funky element to the Second Street District (the building has an armadillo tail), while another popular shopping area, South Congress Avenue, is just a few blocks south.

Our Local Expert Says:

Fans of avocado must begin with the fresh made guacamole, which servers prepare made-to-order right at the table.

Description:

Cantina Laredo is a fine dining restaurant serving authentic Mexican fare. How authentic can Mexican cuisine get in Texas? Well, everything on the menu is house-made. If that means hand rolling enchiladas, that's what you get. The ingredients and seafood (excellent garlic butter jumbo shrimp) are shipped in daily and the grilled meat is made from Certified Angus Beef. The wholesome Sunday brunch (carne asada, eggs, chicken fajita omelet) seems like the breakfast for Mexican champions. A final word of caution before you indulge, jalapeños.

Our Local Expert Says:

The variety of flowers and plants at the Zilker Botanical Garden is astounding. This beautiful location makes for a gorgeous photographic backdrop.

Description:

Located in the heart of Austin, the Zilker Botanical Garden provides a beautiful urban retreat amid 30 acres in Zilker Park. This free and year-round attraction encompasses seven different garden types -- everything ranging from wildflowers, native plants, roses and herbs to butterfly-attracting plants and succulents. Springtime brings an explosion of color; don't miss the tulip garden. The butterfly trail is also a can't-miss area in spring. The City of Austin's Green Garden gives visitors tips about utilizing native plants, selecting drought-tolerant trees, composting and conserving water. The Hartman Prehistoric Garden recreates the environment that once existed on this land, including casts of dinosaur tracks found in 1992. An authentic Japanese garden and teahouse add to the serenity of the Zilker Botanical Garden. Massive koi fish swim through a series of ponds connected by stepping stones. A gift shop offers souvenirs, seeds and educational information. The spring plant sale is an annual tradition for many longtime Austinites.

Description:

Charles Umlauf (1911-1994), one of the more famous Austin artists, was a very prolific sculptor. This museum displays many of his works in a fantastic garden spot located close to Zilker Park and just minutes from downtown. His sculptures range from realism to abstraction and include families, religious figures, animals and mythological characters.

Admission: Adults $3.50; Seniors $2.50; Students $1; Children Under 6 yrs. Free

Description:

This restaurant is billed as "Italian food with an attitude" and serves excellent dishes at a reasonable price. The menu is a combination of the classic and the imaginative, with appetizers like grilled portabella mushrooms, and entrees like gourmet pizzas and "angry pasta" with fettuccine and white wine sauce, ham, tomatoes and mushrooms. Several seafood items are also available. As far as the atmosphere, think elegant yet unpretentious. Those in North Austin can visit their Georgetown location at 701 Main St Georgetown, TX 78626 (+1 512 868 1300.)

Description:

One part vaudeville and one part stinging political/social satire, this place has amused and delighted its guests, as well as the pedestrians who pass by its front-stage windows and observe its goings-on, since the late 1970s. A troupe of multi-talented performers write, act, sing and dance their way across a broad comedic map that pokes fun at our elected officials, celebrity icons, and regular citizens, and the material is constantly being updated. It is not all for laughs, though; a magical act comes on a couple of times per show to startle and captivate your senses. This is a true downtown institution.

Description:

Among the popular Mexican food served here: huevos rancheros, migas (even a variation with mushrooms) and breakfast tacos. The posole, a chicken soup with a masa broth, is heavenly, though only available on weekends. Enchiladas and tacos can also be had, as well as Central American specialties. A large patio beckons on fine days, and the inside dining space is cool, light and comfortable. Relax in the morning with a coffee and a taco, and at night (on weekends) with a bottle of beer and some mole poblano.

Description:

As one of Austin's most important streets, Congress Avenue's entire district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The buildings that frame the street are full of distinctive beauty. The oldest documented building is the Robinson-Rosner Building at 504 Congress (1856). Starting at the Capitol, the street continues south, passing fabulous little shops and eateries. Stop in at Hickory Street for a quick lunch, check out The State Theatre or Paramount Theatre to see what fantastic production is going on in the evening, or wander into Starbucks for coffee and treats.

Our Local Expert Says:

Though any time at the capitol is awe-inspiring, seeing the Texas State Capitol during the holiday season is magical. Be sure to traipse through the vibrant green grounds—this is a perfect spot for a super cheap but utterly romantic date.

Description:

The Texas State Legislature meets only once every two years, so if the cavernous building seems oddly deserted, the legislature is probably not in session. Considered one of the nation's most distinguished state buildings, the Texas State Capitol, with its strong red granite facade and Renaissance Revival architectural style, sits regally on a hill overlooking Congress Avenue. Largest of all state capitols and only second in size to the National Capitol in Washington, D.C., the Texas State Capitol anchors the north end of downtown, just four blocks south of the University of Texas at Austin campus. Free tours of the capitol building cover Texas history, fun facts about the 17 monuments on the 22-acre, park-like grounds, and information about the Texas legislature, or take the self-guided tour to explore at your own pace. You'll need to go through a quick security check at the entrance, including having your bags scanned by a metal detector.

Description:

Silhouette is a cozy, quaint restaurant--the perfect place if you're looking forward to having a nice meal with your friends or family. You can have some sushi at the sushi bar or chill with a drink at their full bar. The Tea Room is the best option if you are here with some friends or someone special. This place has live jazz shows once in a while.

Our Local Expert Says:

Mount Bonnell is one of Austin's most obviously romantic spots, so if you're planning something super special, aim for less popular hours, which tend to be late afternoon and, of course, sunset.

Description:

Known for its beautiful, unobstructed view of the Austin area since the mid-1800s, Mount Bonnell hosts family photos, sunset picnics and romantic marriage proposals on a regular basis. Visitors park at the base of the hill and work their way up nearly 100 stone steps -- a 190-foot elevation gain -- to the wide open outcropping overlooking the southern side of the city and Lake Austin below. It's a fairly easy climb, but elderly relatives might find it challenging. A short gravel trail leads slowly downhill and to the left, offering up quiet spots for personal reflection with a clear view of the massive Pennybacker Bridge. Look left from Mount Bonnell to find the Texas State Capitol and the University of Texas Tower on the University of Texas campus. A number of nearby radio towers detract from the beauty of some of the views. At night, the towers' red lights give the spot an otherworldly feel.

Description:

This restaurant has won numerous awards, such as the "Best American Food", "Best Service" and "Best Soup." It serves a wide range of options from pastas to chicken dishes to an assortment of salads. In addition, enjoy seeing 30 desserts on display and don't forget to try the Maida's cake—two layers of chocolate mousse cake topped with vanilla ice cream. For those wishing to have a party, there is a courtyard and a private dining room.

Our Local Expert Says:

The top five floors of this upscale hotel hold privately-owned luxury lofts with sweeping views of the downtown area and beyond.

Description:

Location. The Hilton Austin is located across from the convention center in Austin, Texas, and just a short walk from the nightclubs and restaurants of Sixth Street and the Warehouse district. This hotel is found in the downtown business district, less than one mile from the State Capitol Complex, and within two miles of The University of Texas, Bob Bullock Texas Historical Museum and the LBJ Presidential Library. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is approximately seven miles away.
Hotel Features. Grand interiors at Hilton Austin welcome guests to contrasting hues and minimalist furnishings. The focal point of the hotel is a 48-foot heated lap pool with spa tub located on the eighth floor and overlooking the Austin skyline. Breaking the mold of ordinary fitness areas, the hotel features Tower Health Club, a therapeutic spa facility offering massages, personal trainers and advanced exercise equipment. Flexible event space on site includes two ballrooms seating up to 3000 guests for splendid banquets or wedding receptions. Hotel fine dining at Finn & Porter features expertly prepared steaks, while casual diners experience delicious coffee and flaky pastries at Java Coast. Guests are always invited for cocktails in the Lobby Bar, where a nightclub ambiance creates an ideal environment for relaxed social interaction.

Guestrooms. The Hilton Austin features 800 fashionable guestrooms with eclectic interiors. Each room is equipped with spacious desks, two dual-line phones and wireless high speed Internet access. Guestrooms include hospitality centers with minibars and coffeemakers. Private marble bathrooms feature a shelf below the sink for travel necessities, a makeup vanity and designer toiletries.

Expert Tip. The Texas Capitol building, located just one mile away, is composed of sunset red Texas granite quarried just 50 miles from the site. It is the second largest Capitol building only to the National Capitol in D.C.

Our Local Expert Says:

Though the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is worthwhile year-round, consider visiting in late March or early April when the blooms are at their peak.

Description:

While many may remember that Lady Bird Johnson was the First Lady who championed the planting of wildflowers along highways, Texans know her as an all-around environmental advocate. Her passion was not only for wildflowers but native plants of all kinds. So it's fitting that the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is both a showplace for beautiful plants and a botanical research center. The public botanical garden introduces visitors to the beauty of wildflowers and other native plants and natural landscapes through experience and education. Stroll through the 16 distinct gardens, the Ann and O.J. Weber Butterfly Garden, the sprawling South Meadow, or relax along the Erma Lowe Hill Country Stream. Knowledgeable docents explain the many roles of indigenous plants, as well as conservation techniques such as controlled burning and invasive species removal. For a more in-depth look at the former First Lady and her husband, visit the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum on the University of Texas at Austin campus.

Our Local Expert Says:

With so much space in Zilker Park, it's easy for hundreds of people to enjoy the park at the same time. The concrete picnic tables make for a great (and free) party place with loads of room for roaming children and pets.

Description:

Zilker Park, Austin's largest urban green space, occupies 351 acres along the southern shore of Lady Bird Lake with Barton Springs Road cutting through the middle of the park. Grassy fields play host to soccer matches, volleyball games and picnics. Sand volleyball courts are normally first-come, first-serve, but they can also be reserved for large groups for a fee. The Zilker Playground on the park's southern end, complete with the pint-sized Zilker Zephyr train, entertains the little ones. Within the Zilker Park grounds, visitors will find Barton Springs Pool and the Zilker Botanical Garden, as well as seasonal events including the Austin City Limits Music Festival, the annual Kite Festival and the summer music series, Blues on the Green. Kayaks and canoes can be rented by the hour at two sites, one near Barton Springs pool and the other on the shores of Lady Bird Lake. The Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum lies along the park's eastern border.

Our Local Expert Says:

In the summertime, the outdoor area hosts Unplugged at the Grove on Thursday evenings. This weekly concert series showcasing local musicians draws quite a crowd.

Description:

Sit at a patio table under the huge oaks and you will discover why this spot is called Shady Grove. One of the best patios ever created is reason enough to stop by, and the consistently tasty, crowd-pleasing food is a great bonus. Happy hour is offered Monday through Friday 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A menu standard is the Hippie Sandwich, a concoction of sautéed vegetables, cheese and a sub-style roll. Add a chicken breast and you have got the Hippie Chick. Kids love the chicken fingers and the burgers are great, too. Plus, this place has personality - just check out the bathroom (housed in an old Airstream trailer).

Our Local Expert Says:

Simply the best place to be on a hot summer day. Cool water, shade trees and guitar-playing hipsters.

Description:

The water in Barton Springs swimming pool hovers around 68 degrees year-round, which means that it feels cool -- even cold -- in the heat of summer. It feels relatively warm in winter, though, and a few rugged souls swim there every morning, regardless of the weather. If you're more into lounging than exercise, there's a part of the massive pool dedicated to floats and floaters. On the hillsides surrounding the pool, you will see a snapshot of Austin culture. There's usually a group of twentysomethings kicking around a hacky-sack ball, a sixtyish man doing yoga, and (kid warning) a woman of indeterminate age without her top. Occasionally, a drum circle forms at the top of the hill. Guitars are almost as common as smart phones. On summer days when the temperature can soar above 100 degrees, this is the only reasonable place to be.

Our Local Expert Says:

Catching the bats emerging from the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge is an exhilarating experience. For the best view, get there at least 30 minutes before dusk and wait on the southeastern side of the bridge, just over the water.

Description:

Though it may look like your average overpass, Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge houses one of Austin's natural wonders -- the world's largest urban bat colony. Small spaces in the expansion joints on the underside of the bridge are just the right size for little bat condos -- very crowded bat condos. From March through September, approximately 1.5 million bats make this simple structure their summer home. The Mexican free-tailed bats take flight nightly at dusk, consuming nearly 20,000 pounds of insects with each evening meal. As they emerge and head eastward, it looks like a ghostly dark river in the sky. Just 10 blocks south of the Texas State Capitol and a mile north of the popular South Congress Avenue shopping district, this fascinating sight draws thousands of onlookers to both sides of the bridge, as well as just below on the southeast bank of Lady Bird Lake (previously known as Town Lake.) There's a free parking lot near the bridge, but it fills up fast, so get there before sundown.

Description:

Doc's Motorworks is a locally-owned restaurant in a converted auto mechanic shop with the most impressive patio in Austin's see-or-be-scene South Congress District. Parking can be difficult in this popular section of downtown, but once you're settled on Doc's temperature-controlled patio, you can relax with a batch of onion rings and a cold draft beer. The casual restaurant is part sports bar, part grill. The restaurant offers moderate prices, daily happy hour deals and weekly food and drink specials. Try the burger and fries with a discounted pint, or a tasty Tex-Mex platter with a giant margarita. Doc's is open late and always busy. Mid-afternoon is your best shot for speedy service. Try the second location at 5207 Brodie Ln Suite 100 Austin, TX 78745 (+1 512 892 5200.)

Our Local Expert Says:

The top five floors of this upscale hotel hold privately-owned luxury lofts with sweeping views of the downtown area and beyond.

Description:

Location. The Hilton Austin is located across from the convention center in Austin, Texas, and just a short walk from the nightclubs and restaurants of Sixth Street and the Warehouse district. This hotel is found in the downtown business district, less than one mile from the State Capitol Complex, and within two miles of The University of Texas, Bob Bullock Texas Historical Museum and the LBJ Presidential Library. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is approximately seven miles away.
Hotel Features. Grand interiors at Hilton Austin welcome guests to contrasting hues and minimalist furnishings. The focal point of the hotel is a 48-foot heated lap pool with spa tub located on the eighth floor and overlooking the Austin skyline. Breaking the mold of ordinary fitness areas, the hotel features Tower Health Club, a therapeutic spa facility offering massages, personal trainers and advanced exercise equipment. Flexible event space on site includes two ballrooms seating up to 3000 guests for splendid banquets or wedding receptions. Hotel fine dining at Finn & Porter features expertly prepared steaks, while casual diners experience delicious coffee and flaky pastries at Java Coast. Guests are always invited for cocktails in the Lobby Bar, where a nightclub ambiance creates an ideal environment for relaxed social interaction.

Guestrooms. The Hilton Austin features 800 fashionable guestrooms with eclectic interiors. Each room is equipped with spacious desks, two dual-line phones and wireless high speed Internet access. Guestrooms include hospitality centers with minibars and coffeemakers. Private marble bathrooms feature a shelf below the sink for travel necessities, a makeup vanity and designer toiletries.

Expert Tip. The Texas Capitol building, located just one mile away, is composed of sunset red Texas granite quarried just 50 miles from the site. It is the second largest Capitol building only to the National Capitol in D.C.

Our Local Expert Says:

This small, low-key diner is do-it-yourself when it comes to a wait list. If tables are full, put yourself on the list and keep track of your place. If spots become available at the counter, go for it--those are first come, first served.

Description:

This funky roadside restaurant, located on the grounds of Days Inn University along Interstate 35, provides a hip late-night hangout for all types. Musicians and music fans alike mingle over omelets, breakfast tacos and a full range of diner food. Students are drawn to it because of the late night hours, convenience to UT and affordable menu items. After 2 a.m. there is often a wait while the bar crowd trickles in. The walls are covered with artwork—not anything typical, usually very eclectic or raw pieces are shown. The atmosphere is laid back and casual with diner booths filling the small space.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Gutenberg Bible on display in the lobby of the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center is well worth a visit on its own accord. Speak to the docents for insight into the other rare items housed throughout the building.

Description:

The Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center on the University of Texas campus is a cultural hub for U.S., British and French literature. Though its development began in 1897 with the gift of a 10,000-volume library from Swedish book collector Swante Palm, the center got its official start in 1958. The free museum/research center holds 36 million pages of manuscripts, 1 million rare books, 5 million photographs, and 100,000 works of art. Step into the lobby for a look at the Gutenberg Bible, as well as the first successful permanent photograph. These permanent displays share space in the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center with an array of touring exhibitions. Also a part of the archive: Edgar Allan Poe's writing desk, Jack Kerouac's journal written in preparation for On the Road and the personal library of Ezra Pound. Other nearby museums include the Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.

Our Local Expert Says:

The University of Texas Tower has seen tragedy and triumph. Take a guided tour to get the full story.

Description:

Soaring 28 stories and 307 feet into the sky above the University of Texas campus, the University of Texas Tower is the campus' most easily recognizable landmark. A few miles north of downtown, the tower remains one of the tallest buildings in the campus area, and it's on top of a large hill, so it's viewable from many vantage points around town. Since its debut in 1937, the structure has served as the main building of the UT campus. The observation deck just below the clock tower was closed for several years after a gunman, Charles Whitman, went on a shooting spree from the tower in August 1966. Now, observation deck tours are available by reservation, and visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the cityscape. The Texas State Capitol, Mount Bonnell and other Austin landmarks are easily visible from this height. The tower is normally illuminated with a white light at night, but after athletic victories and other achievements, the tower lights turn burnt-orange, the official school color.

Description:

This campus area location offers excellent pizza, Greek items and pasta dishes for eating in, to go or delivery. Prices are reasonable, and the service is generally efficient and friendly.

Our Local Expert Says:

The LBJ Library and Museum feels like a step back in time with both audio and video highlights from the 1960s, as well as a life-size replica of Johnson's Oval Office. Give yourself plenty of time to peruse this impressive Presidential museum.

Description:

In 1971, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum opened its doors on the University of Texas at Austin campus, housing millions of historical documents and other memorabilia of the 36th President of the United States of America. The 14-acre memorial, located adjacent to UT's LBJ School of Public Affairs, is one of the only Presidential libraries that's free to the public. Visitors browse items from the museum's permanent collection as well as touring exhibits, all fun and surprisingly educational.

Our Local Expert Says:

Well-known for down-home cooking, Hoover's is the best spot to take the family for a Thanksgiving feast when no one feels like doing it themselves.

Description:

If you yearn for spicy food, then Hoover's Cooking is the right place. Owner Hoover Alexander has created combustion with his culinary skills. A sandwich and the homemade lemonade are recommended. Bite into the home baked biscuits before you leave. Another location can be found at 13376 Research Blvd, #400, Austin, TX 78750 (+1 512 335 0300.)

Our Local Expert Says:

The top five floors of this upscale hotel hold privately-owned luxury lofts with sweeping views of the downtown area and beyond.

Description:

Location. The Hilton Austin is located across from the convention center in Austin, Texas, and just a short walk from the nightclubs and restaurants of Sixth Street and the Warehouse district. This hotel is found in the downtown business district, less than one mile from the State Capitol Complex, and within two miles of The University of Texas, Bob Bullock Texas Historical Museum and the LBJ Presidential Library. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is approximately seven miles away.
Hotel Features. Grand interiors at Hilton Austin welcome guests to contrasting hues and minimalist furnishings. The focal point of the hotel is a 48-foot heated lap pool with spa tub located on the eighth floor and overlooking the Austin skyline. Breaking the mold of ordinary fitness areas, the hotel features Tower Health Club, a therapeutic spa facility offering massages, personal trainers and advanced exercise equipment. Flexible event space on site includes two ballrooms seating up to 3000 guests for splendid banquets or wedding receptions. Hotel fine dining at Finn & Porter features expertly prepared steaks, while casual diners experience delicious coffee and flaky pastries at Java Coast. Guests are always invited for cocktails in the Lobby Bar, where a nightclub ambiance creates an ideal environment for relaxed social interaction.

Guestrooms. The Hilton Austin features 800 fashionable guestrooms with eclectic interiors. Each room is equipped with spacious desks, two dual-line phones and wireless high speed Internet access. Guestrooms include hospitality centers with minibars and coffeemakers. Private marble bathrooms feature a shelf below the sink for travel necessities, a makeup vanity and designer toiletries.

Expert Tip. The Texas Capitol building, located just one mile away, is composed of sunset red Texas granite quarried just 50 miles from the site. It is the second largest Capitol building only to the National Capitol in D.C.

Description:

This is comfort food to please adults and children alike, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will wait for a table, especially on weekends, but the wait only serves to sharpen the appetite for breakfast tacos and gingerbread pancakes, fajitas and burgers, grilled chicken and vegetarian entrees. The kid's menu is vast, offering burgers, black bean and chicken tacos and breakfast items. The atmosphere is relaxed and homey. A second location can be found at 1920 S Congress Ave Austin, TX 78704 (+1 512 445 0000.)

Description:

Bats, bees, and crystal caverns are among the subjects of the Discovery Lab at this museum in the 80-acre Nature Center, which features lots of interactive exhibits. The tortoises, lizards, porcupine, and vultures in the Animal Exhibits -- among more than 90 orphaned or injured creatures brought here from the wild -- also hold kids' attention. An Eco-Detective trail highlights pond-life awareness. The Dino Pit, with its replicas of Texas fossils and dinosaur tracks, is a lure for budding paleontologists. A variety of specialty camps, focusing on everything from caving to astronomy, are offered from late May through August.

Description:

Come experience the bold flavors and colors of a Mexico City taqueria from the comfort of a unique Austin neighborhood. Try the delicious tacos, salads and house specialties. All of the menu items are homemade from the freshest ingredients, including their own handmade tortillas and salsas. Desserts include churros with cinnamon and sugar and tres leches cake.

Description:

Wander through the residential neighborhood behind the busy shops and see some of Austin's most fantastic historical homes. If you are looking for an area that shows off a little bit of every part of Austin's eclectic style, this neighborhood is perfect. You will also find many restaurants to dine in when you take a break from all of the shopping. For many years, this beautiful neighborhood was considered the outskirts of the city. Now, sitting just west of downtown and centrally located, it is a bustling shopping district with fabulous boutiques and wonderful eateries.

Description:

Although Willie Nelson and crossover country-and-western bands such as the Austin Lounge Lizards have been known to turn up at Clifford Antone's place, the club owner's name has always been synonymous with the blues. Stevie Ray Vaughan used to be a regular, and when such major blues artists as Buddy Guy, Etta James, or Edgar Winter venture down this way, you can be sure they'll either be playing Antone's or stopping by for a surprise set. Clifford Antone died recently, and the response by the blues community was a large outpouring of performances to honor the man. Look for the club to continue the same trajectory set out by its former owner.

Description:

This eatery is undoubtedly an Austin favorite, serving an interesting fusion of sushi and Pan-Asian cuisine. Take a seat at the sushi bar and gorge on the Kenichi special roll (snow crab and tuna with cucumber, avocado and smelt eggs.) The other must-haves on the menu are the duck confit and the Buddha noodle bowl. Japanese beer and sake are also available.

Our Local Expert Says:

The top five floors of this upscale hotel hold privately-owned luxury lofts with sweeping views of the downtown area and beyond.

Description:

Location. The Hilton Austin is located across from the convention center in Austin, Texas, and just a short walk from the nightclubs and restaurants of Sixth Street and the Warehouse district. This hotel is found in the downtown business district, less than one mile from the State Capitol Complex, and within two miles of The University of Texas, Bob Bullock Texas Historical Museum and the LBJ Presidential Library. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is approximately seven miles away.
Hotel Features. Grand interiors at Hilton Austin welcome guests to contrasting hues and minimalist furnishings. The focal point of the hotel is a 48-foot heated lap pool with spa tub located on the eighth floor and overlooking the Austin skyline. Breaking the mold of ordinary fitness areas, the hotel features Tower Health Club, a therapeutic spa facility offering massages, personal trainers and advanced exercise equipment. Flexible event space on site includes two ballrooms seating up to 3000 guests for splendid banquets or wedding receptions. Hotel fine dining at Finn & Porter features expertly prepared steaks, while casual diners experience delicious coffee and flaky pastries at Java Coast. Guests are always invited for cocktails in the Lobby Bar, where a nightclub ambiance creates an ideal environment for relaxed social interaction.

Guestrooms. The Hilton Austin features 800 fashionable guestrooms with eclectic interiors. Each room is equipped with spacious desks, two dual-line phones and wireless high speed Internet access. Guestrooms include hospitality centers with minibars and coffeemakers. Private marble bathrooms feature a shelf below the sink for travel necessities, a makeup vanity and designer toiletries.

Expert Tip. The Texas Capitol building, located just one mile away, is composed of sunset red Texas granite quarried just 50 miles from the site. It is the second largest Capitol building only to the National Capitol in D.C.

Description:

Enjoy a hill country setting in a family environment. This privately owned home originally started with a small selection of farm animals and has now grown into a wild animal sanctuary and zoo. See Bengal tigers, lemurs, a butterfly garden and more! The picnic areas are perfect for a birthday party or company event.

Description:

The owners of this family-operated restaurant near the "Y" in Oak Hill previously ran a pizzeria voted the best in Indianapolis for 13 consecutive years. Their experience shows, as folks come for miles to try their authentic New York-style pizza.

Description:

This is one of the oldest governor's mansions in the country that is still being used on a continuous basis. Builder Abner Cook created a simple square home with four rooms downstairs and four rooms upstairs. A conservatory was added in 1914 along with a new kitchen area. The home showcases original artwork and furniture from yesteryear, as well as modern pieces added during the 1980s restoration. Guests are invited to enjoy viewing the first floor and lush grounds surrounding the home.

Our Local Expert Says:

Before beginning your tour of the three levels of the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, purchase your tickets for the popular IMAX Theater. Six shows run at any one time so the lines can get long just before the show.

Description:

With a grand facade that includes a 35-foot-tall bronze star, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is hard to miss. The three-story museum, open since 2001, turns the fascinating and sometimes sordid history of the state into imaginative interactive exhibits for the enjoyment of all ages. Meet the state's first occupants on the first floor, hear Stephen F. Austin announce the Texas Revolution on the second and peruse the third level for an understanding of how big business -- mostly cotton, cattle, and oil -- has played a part in the making of the Lone Star State. Located just south of the University of Texas campus, a stone's throw from the Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art and a short walk from the Texas State Capitol, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum also features Austin's only IMAX theater as well as the Spirit Theater, a 200-seat multimedia special effects theater with history-based shows.

Our Local Expert Says:

This popular downtown barbeque joint attracts quite a crowd for their Gospel Brunch every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring local live music. Reservations are recommended.

Description:

Besides providing some of the best barbecue in town, Stubb's has a huge outdoor venue for live music. Past acts have included Liz Phair, Flaming Lips, Peter Frampton, Bad Religion, DJ Spooky, Guided By Voices, Sonic Youth and more. You can expect to pay a moderate sum for a plate of barbecue chicken, pork or turkey breast. End your meal with banana pudding or a brownie. Come early to get a bite to eat, then stay and watch the shows.

Our Local Expert Says:

The top five floors of this upscale hotel hold privately-owned luxury lofts with sweeping views of the downtown area and beyond.

Description:

Location. The Hilton Austin is located across from the convention center in Austin, Texas, and just a short walk from the nightclubs and restaurants of Sixth Street and the Warehouse district. This hotel is found in the downtown business district, less than one mile from the State Capitol Complex, and within two miles of The University of Texas, Bob Bullock Texas Historical Museum and the LBJ Presidential Library. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is approximately seven miles away.
Hotel Features. Grand interiors at Hilton Austin welcome guests to contrasting hues and minimalist furnishings. The focal point of the hotel is a 48-foot heated lap pool with spa tub located on the eighth floor and overlooking the Austin skyline. Breaking the mold of ordinary fitness areas, the hotel features Tower Health Club, a therapeutic spa facility offering massages, personal trainers and advanced exercise equipment. Flexible event space on site includes two ballrooms seating up to 3000 guests for splendid banquets or wedding receptions. Hotel fine dining at Finn & Porter features expertly prepared steaks, while casual diners experience delicious coffee and flaky pastries at Java Coast. Guests are always invited for cocktails in the Lobby Bar, where a nightclub ambiance creates an ideal environment for relaxed social interaction.

Guestrooms. The Hilton Austin features 800 fashionable guestrooms with eclectic interiors. Each room is equipped with spacious desks, two dual-line phones and wireless high speed Internet access. Guestrooms include hospitality centers with minibars and coffeemakers. Private marble bathrooms feature a shelf below the sink for travel necessities, a makeup vanity and designer toiletries.

Expert Tip. The Texas Capitol building, located just one mile away, is composed of sunset red Texas granite quarried just 50 miles from the site. It is the second largest Capitol building only to the National Capitol in D.C.

Description:

It has been cloned now, three times, but the original location of this Austin icon is still the best place to eavesdrop in town. Its wonderfully diverse menu makes vegetarians and non-vegetarians go happy and healthy. The vegetables are homegrown and pesticide-free, and the beef and chicken are free-range. Breakfast features omelets, pancakes and great breakfast tacos. Prices are on the inexpensive side. The restaurant is open 24 hours, every day. No wonder it is an institution here. There are three other locations in the city: 2700 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704 (+1 512 445 4451,) 13435 Hwy 183 N, Suite 415, Austin, TX 78750 (+1 512 258 7757) and 2606 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705 (+1 512 477 5717.)

Description:

This fully functional organic farm has won many awards for its urban farming techniques. Purchase fantastic fresh vegetables on Wednesday and Saturday mornings (9am-2pm). Or, let your kids experience real farm life right in the heart of the city—animals and tractors are some of the biggest attractions for the little ones on market day. While shopping for produce, take a peek at the historic farmhouse, noted as one of the oldest existing buildings in Austin (built in 1838).

Our Local Expert Says:

Develop your own green thumb with help from Eastside's own skillful gardeners during their monthly organic gardening workshops.

Description:

Many of the salad ingredients are grown in a garden behind the Eastside Cafe -- you can't get much fresher than that. The crisp taste and texture will have you considering your own backyard salad garden. The Thai Chicken Salad with Asian Vinaigrette is a substantial -- and delicious -- entree. Romaine and green leaf lettuce are tossed with cherry tomatoes, carrots, red cabbage, and marinated grilled chicken and topped with toasted peanuts and dressing. Seasonal home-grown vegetables also show up in the Garden Vegetable Enchiladas. As an appetizer or a light meal, the Baked Brie with Apple Chutney is a standout -- sweet and cheesy with a hint of savory oomph. Extensive vegan and gluten-free menus are also available.

Our Local Expert Says:

Visit this stunning museum on weekdays to enjoy the quiet beauty of the grounds.

Description:

Driving up the gated circular path to the Austin Museum of Art at Laguna Gloria is breathtaking. The stately Italian-style villa perches on the banks of Lake Austin, showcasing a handful of AMOA's permanent collections within its three stories. The house was built in 1916 by Clara Driscoll and her husband Hal Sevier, who owned The Austin American newspaper. Driscoll was an author, playwright and an avid gardener. The well-kept grounds include outdoor sculptures, strutting peacocks, an intimate stone amphitheater and the Art School, a small facility offering painting, ceramics, and sculpture classes for children and adults. Weddings, private parties and other celebrations frequently take place on the lushly landscaped 12 acres, a site featured on city, state and national registries of historic places. In 2011, AMOA announced it will close its museum downtown and focus more resources on Laguna Gloria. A new sculpture park and nature trail are planned for the Laguna Gloria site.

Description:

Haven't you always wanted to enjoy a cold beer at the movies? You can here; in fact, you will find a nice selection of both domestic and imported beers, as well as wines and champagnes. The libations help you wash down the tasty pizzas, chicken wings or cheese- and salsa-smothered nachos as you take in a flick. Children at least 6 years of age can accompany their parents; patrons must ordinarily be at least 18 to attend on their own. The theater features an array of standard releases and independent films. See website for showtimes, ticketing info, menus, special event calendar, merchandise and more.

Our Local Expert Says:

The top five floors of this upscale hotel hold privately-owned luxury lofts with sweeping views of the downtown area and beyond.

Description:

Location. The Hilton Austin is located across from the convention center in Austin, Texas, and just a short walk from the nightclubs and restaurants of Sixth Street and the Warehouse district. This hotel is found in the downtown business district, less than one mile from the State Capitol Complex, and within two miles of The University of Texas, Bob Bullock Texas Historical Museum and the LBJ Presidential Library. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is approximately seven miles away.
Hotel Features. Grand interiors at Hilton Austin welcome guests to contrasting hues and minimalist furnishings. The focal point of the hotel is a 48-foot heated lap pool with spa tub located on the eighth floor and overlooking the Austin skyline. Breaking the mold of ordinary fitness areas, the hotel features Tower Health Club, a therapeutic spa facility offering massages, personal trainers and advanced exercise equipment. Flexible event space on site includes two ballrooms seating up to 3000 guests for splendid banquets or wedding receptions. Hotel fine dining at Finn & Porter features expertly prepared steaks, while casual diners experience delicious coffee and flaky pastries at Java Coast. Guests are always invited for cocktails in the Lobby Bar, where a nightclub ambiance creates an ideal environment for relaxed social interaction.

Guestrooms. The Hilton Austin features 800 fashionable guestrooms with eclectic interiors. Each room is equipped with spacious desks, two dual-line phones and wireless high speed Internet access. Guestrooms include hospitality centers with minibars and coffeemakers. Private marble bathrooms feature a shelf below the sink for travel necessities, a makeup vanity and designer toiletries.

Expert Tip. The Texas Capitol building, located just one mile away, is composed of sunset red Texas granite quarried just 50 miles from the site. It is the second largest Capitol building only to the National Capitol in D.C.