There is a lot to see and do in Austin. Straight from the Austin Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, here’s the scoop on dining hot spots, outdoor rec, trendy tours and fabulous art.
The Great Outdoors
Head to the recently opened Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail and Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake. After 18 months of construction, this 10-mile trail is open, offering spectacular waterfront views of Lady Bird Lake, cultural attractions and the towering skyscrapers of Austin’s urban skyline. Learn more about the trail and The Boardwalk.
Dining Hotspots
You don’t have to look far for amazing restaurants in Austin, but for a sneak peek at what’s next on the menu, keep an eye out for these upcoming hotspots.
For downhome cookin’ served family-style, pull up a seat at Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantile, or get your own entrée with the modern interpretations of Southern classics at Olamaie. Wu Chow will be serving up Chinese classics, opening in early summer Juniper (an East Side spot by the Uchi team) will offer artisan Italian dishes, and for a taste of retro revisited, swing by Taco Flats, a taco joint inspired by an Austin Mexican restaurant that had its heyday in the 1970s.
Trendy Tours
From guided historic walking tours to cruises, there are plenty of tours in Austin to suit a variety of styles. For a handcrafted, themed tour, book a trip with Austin Detours, and you could explore everything from Austin’s best BBQ and beer to the hottest music venues. Audiophiles will love an Austin City Limits Studio Tour, where they’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the home of the “Austin City Limits” TV show.
If exploring on your own is more your speed (but you still want to know the best spots), try a tour by Double Decker Austin. This historic double decker bus will show you all the top sightseeing locations, and then you can hop off the bus to explore downtown’s districts.
Notable Nightlife
Kitsch comes standard at The Highball, but what else would you expect from a karaoke, Bingo and cocktail joint? There’s even more entertainment to enjoy at Punchbowl Social, where you can enjoy a drink while playing darts, ping pong, marbles, old-school arcade games, bowling and more. Side your brews with a full lineup of sports at Concrete Cowboy.
Seeking more fine drinks? Go right to the source, with a trip to vodka-maker Deep Eddy Distillery & Tasting Room, located in nearby Dripping Springs, or sample some delightful wines in the cozy tasting lounge at The Austin Winery, an urban winery located on the East side of Austin. Head to Argus Cidery for sparkling hard ciders made from Texas apples.
Exciting Exhibits
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
2/10/15-7/6/15
Harry Ransom Center
Celebrate 150 years of Alice with an exhibition for all ages.
Texas Roller Derby, Reflections
3/14/15-7/5/15
Bullock Museum
Dig into the fascinating women’s full-contact sport through this exhibit coinciding with the 2015 Austin X Games.
