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| Skyline of Austin |
Austin, Texas
Entertainment
Capital of Texas
by Ryan Cerchiai
Texas' capital is about a lot more than just politics. There's
such diversity in fact that it's hard to pin down exactly who Austin appeals to . . . besides everybody. Synthesize modern
urban life with a hometown atmosphere and throw in a helping of offbeat college attitude (care of the University of Texas)
and you have the makings of a unique and exciting city.
If you're looking for upscale and historic accommodations
look no further than The Driskill. The epitome of class, The Driskill has a unique old-Texas feel that has a pleasant
museum-like atmosphere. Our impeccably furnished suite came with two lavishly furnished double beds, two TVs, ceiling
fans and an office/den. The bath had marble from floor to ceiling with brass finishings and a unique triangular shower.
The Driskill sports an exceptional exercise facility, which is a good thing considering that guests receive complimentary
desserts each night in the mezzanine level. The hotel's flagship restaurant is The Driskill Grill which serves innovative
new American cuisine with a steakhouse vibe.
The Arboretum area of northwest Austin is home to a number
of more affordable alternatives, such as the Residence Inn and the Holiday Inn Northwest Plaza. The Residence Inn offers
suites which include a separate bedroom, living room and fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator and stove. The hotel also
features a swimming pool and fitness facility. Across the highway is the Holiday Inn Northwest Plaza with its magnificent
indoor courtyard and dining area. It's a clean, affordable and relaxing spot right on the cusp of Texas' hill country.
Austin prides itself on both its quality and variety of cuisines. Habana is the city's newest and only
Cuban restaurant which is a welcome counterpoint to the endless opportunities you will find for Tex-Mex fair, such as Chuy's
and Matt's El Rancho. Habana's chicken saltiado and lechon asado were absolute celebrations of flavor that left me
craving for more long after the meal was over. Although they have locations across the country, both Roy's and P.F.
Chang's are very much at home in Austin's hip warehouse district. Roy's offers-up pacific fusion dishes
with an emphasis on seafood in an elegant, modern setting. The wildly popular P.F. Chang's is well worth the wait you
will likely encounter to enjoy their superb Chinese meals. The staff is exceedingly helpful and even mixes dipping sauces
to your specifications at the table. Rudy's Country Store & Bar-b-q boldly claims to serve "the worst barbecue
in Texas" which is, of course, anything but. You cannot go wrong with any of their selections, be they the pork
ribs, chopped beef or brisket. Be sure to visit the tasty and unique Hut's Hamburgers, Amy's Ice Cream, Texadelphia
(Texas-Philly cheesesteaks, Café Mia and the Alligator Grill. For anybody who is out well past their bedtime,
Katz's Deli & Bar is a godsend for their great food, atmosphere and perpetually open doors.
There's
plenty of fun to be had in Austin and in lots of different ways. The famed Sixth Street stretches for about a dozen
blocks and is lined with great bars, clubs and restaurants. Just across Congress Ave is the Speakeasy which is a wonderful
vibrant yet subdued live music venue and bar. The Alamo Drafthouse has two locations, the north location which features
first-run movies and the original downtown moviehouse which hosts a constantly changing roster of classic and obscure films.
Both theaters serve great food and, yes, adult beverages. Visitors to Austin are compelled to visit both the Texas State
Capitol and the recently built Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Outdoors enthusiasts should check out the Greenbelt,
a 400-acre preserve which includes a 5-mile hiking/biking path with stunning views and some challenging terrain. Mount
Bonnel Park overlooks Lake Austin and is a great spot for picnicking. Another great spot is Lake Travis in north Austin
which is rimmed with countless restaurants, a park and the Mansfield Dam. Just For Fun rents a variety of boats including
pontoons, ski boats, party boats and wave runners and is the perfect way to enjoy a sunny Central Texas day. Shopaholics
should point themselves toward the Arboretum, as well as the chic By George and Shiki and the hilariously fun Toy Joy which
will likely sell at least three things that you didn't think existed anymore, like astronaut ice-cream and magnetic hand
wheels.
The Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau has a web site that will give you all their recommendations
on dining, accommodations, attractions and much more. For more information and to plan your trip to Austin, visit their web
site at www.austintexas.org
With over 125
live music venues, Austin is the self-appointed "Live Music Capital of the World". Hotspots include Antone's,
Saxon Pub, Continental Club, Stubb's Bar-B-Q and The Backyard. Austin Music Hall is always playing host to some
music luminary or another as is La Zona Rosa. The annual South By Southwest Conferences And Festivals, which highlight
film, music and interactive media, grew from a popular music conference into an international event. The Frank Erwin
Center is perhaps the largest music venue, often holding the largest acts to come through town. In fact, several famous acts
hail from Austin, some of which are Willie Nelson, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Fastball, Joe Ely, Shawn Colvin, Asleep at the Wheel,
Ian Moore, Bob Schneider, Trish Murphy and Dynamite Hack. The city caters to a variety of music styles, from blues,
rock or jazz, to Latino, classical or country and insure to leave a lasting impression.
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