It comes as no surprise that Austin is continually rated one of the best places to visit and live. It is a cosmopolitan city with many urban offerings, yet hasn’t lost its small-town feel or off-beat vibe. Known for its thriving live music scene and “Keep Austin Weird” motto, the city embraces a lively arts community and is surrounded by the gorgeous hills, rivers and lakes of central Texas. The South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) is held here every March, and the Austin City Limits Music Festival in the fall draws hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world. Austin is a progressive city, named the “Greenest” in America by MSN, and boasts an involved civic population in addition to a high-tech hub known as the Silicon Hills.

SLEEP

With spots around town to hang your hat such as the uber-cool Hotel San Jose, Austin is known as a bastion of hip. A number of new properties are adding to the city’s cool factor, such as the Hotel Saint Cecilia, named after the patron saint of music and poetry. Situated in a secluded 1880 estate off South Congress, Saint Cecilia embraces a minimalist, artsy vibe that is miles away from the bed and breakfasts that usually occupy such mansions.

Also in SoCo, the newly-opened Kimber Modern is a European-style boutique inn offering seven modern guest rooms with an urban design and the most sophisticated technology. The Kimber is an architectural work of art, with clean lines that are both livable and functional. The space is dotted with design classics like Arne Jacobson egg chairs and Eames tables, and an expansive courtyard under spreading live oak branches. The atmosphere invites guests to mingle in the seating areas grouped around a free-standing glass fireplace.

EAT

When it comes time to eat, Austin has a lot to offer. For a true taste of the city check out authentic Texas barbeque at Stubb’s downtown, or the famous Salt Lick just outside the city. For top Mexican food, choices include the upscale Fonda San Miguel, funky Maria’s Taco Express, or Bill Clinton’s favorite, Guero’s. But heavy barbeque and Tex-Mex isn’t all that Texas is famous for; it’s also home to a thriving vegetarian and organic movement. Try Mother’s Café for a delicious vegetarian meal; 80% of the diners here are not veg. It’s that good!

PLAY

Don’t miss catching live music in Austin, which bills itself as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” With nearly 200 music venues on Sixth Street and beyond, check out local favorites like Bob Schneider or major touring performances.

When you’ve had your fill of partying on Sixth Street, head to the nearby Warehouse District for more sophisticated dining and ultra-hip lounges. There are also plenty of art museums and galleries in Austin. The Blanton is the city’s newest fine art museum; the Austin Museum of Art, Harry Ransom Center, Mexic-Arte, and DiverseArts Culture Works round out the art-lover’s experience.

SHOP

Just south of the river lies a stretch of Congress known as SoCo, home to numerous boutiques, vintage stores, restaurants and clubs. Start the day with brunch at South Congress Café, shop to your heart’s content, and don’t forget the sweets at the old-fashioned Big Top candy store or the cupcake trailer. On the First Thursday of every month, SoCo is filled with vendor booths and a party that lasts into the night.

DO/SEE

Austin loves its parks and outdoors, and Zilker Park in the heart of the city spreads across 358 acres and has a playground and toy train for kids. Summer is a great time to hit Barton Springs, a natural underground spring-fed pool that stays a cool 68 degrees year-round. The Umlauf Sculpture Museum right across the street is wonderful. Don’t miss the bat flight from the Congress Avenue Bridge, home to 1.5 million Mexican freetail bats. Every night at sunset from May through October, the bats leave the bridge en masse for the night, a site that hundreds of spectators gather to watch each evening.

SECRETS/FINDS

Known as the “third coast,” Austin is a mecca for filmmakers such as Robert Rodriguez, and it’s a rare time when a movie isn’t being filmed around town. Thanks to local celebrity Lance Armstrong, Austin is also a highly pedestrian and bike-friendly town. Bike lanes are found most everywhere; for the prettiest ride, check out the Lady Bird Lake Trail at downtown, a 10-mile trail around the water. You can also rent a kayak, canoe or paddle boat here.

Summer is both a time for making new memories and reflecting on those from years past. We want you to share your Best Summer Travel Story (in 100 words or less) with us for the chance to win a free $250 (USD) Visa gift card. Click here for full contest rules and to find out how to enter.

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Photo credits:
1 – Downtown Austin overlooks Lady Bird Lake
Photo by Krikit

2 – Live Music greets arrivals at Austin Bergstrom Airport
Photo by Sheilascarborough

3 – The State Capitol of Texas
Photo by Stuseeger