Austin, Texas.
Located in the “heart” of Texas is its capital. Austin is home to hippies, hipsters, politicians, businessmen, students, celebrities, artists, musicians, families, and more. To really understand this unique and interesting city I should inform you of some of the amazing things I’ve discovered in my first year living in Austin, Texas.
Austin is known by many to as the live music capital. Any given day of the week you can stumble across a talented local band playing in a bar or a concert being held in any one of the many venues that are scattered across the city. Artists like the Smashing Pumpkins, the Pixies, Sara Bareilles, the Strokes, the Black Keys, Liza Minnelli, and the Gorillaz have shows and concerts schedule in the next 2 months, and that is just a few of events that are planned. Austin is usually a primary stopping ground on many artist’s touring schedules.
There is never a dull moment in this city! Every first Thursday of the month you can walk up and down South Congress Avenue and see free art shows, you can go shopping in many of the amazing vintage or thrift shops that Austin has to offer, and this town has 4 Alamo Drafthouses.
If you’ve never heard of an Alamo Drafthouse, the best way to describe it is: a movie theater/restaurant! In front of every row of seats there is a long thin table and during your movie a waiter comes in and out of the theater to bring you food and beverages (including the alcoholic kind for you over 21 movie-goers). The “Drafthouse” (as they are called by the natives) have weekly events like free screenings, “Quote-a-longs” and pancake dinners. After seeing a movie at an Alamo Drafthouse, you’ll never want to go to another movie theater again!
If you are a sports fan, look no further than the University of Texas. UT prides themselves in their amazing line up of sports teams. Football has a long and passionate tradition in the hearts of the people of Austin. Sitting in the stands at a Longhorn football game, you can meet some of the most amazing and loyal people who are there to support a team that has touched their lives for many years. While attending a game you can feel the excitement and get picked up in the moment (even if you know nothing about football).
Among other things, Austin has an amazing selection of restaurants. If you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a quick bite before work, Austin has plenty tasty choices. With an array of 24 hour eateries like Magnolia CafĂ©, Kerby Lane, and 24 Hour Diner; you know you can have a great meal any time of the day or night. A personal, local favorite of mine is Cabo Bob’s. Think of it as if Subway started selling burritos. You start off by picking your choice of tortilla, then move on to rice, beans, meats (or no meats if you are a Vegetarian), cheeses, vegetables and drink. They usually have a line that goes out the door and into the parking lot. With only one location on the corner of Ben White and Highway 35, Cabo Bob’s is a popular local gem.
So if you're looking for a place to visit or plan on moving in the future, look no further than Austin, Texas. Don't forget: "Keep Austin Weird!"
Rikki