About Austin

What can you say about a city who's unofficial slogan is "Keep Austin Weird"?  A lot!  Austin is part Texas cowboy and part cosmopolitan with a bit of hippie bohemian thrown in.  It's sophistication and culture in a completely casual atmosphere. 

Yes, it's the state capital, but also the Live Music Capital of the World and home to the University of Texas - hook 'em Horns!  There are more museums than you can possibly visit in one weekend, plenty of unique shopping experiences and an endless selection of one-of-a-kind restaurants. 

Make the most of your trip by visiting www.austintexas.org to request an official visitor guide.  Other worthy websites include:  www.downtownaustin.com, www.austinlinks.com, www.austincitylimits.com, www.austinwebpage.com and www.keepaustinweird.com. 

There's a lot to love about Austin! See Shelley's Picks for suggestions.  And - remember - Keep Austin Weird!

Getting To Austin

Traveling by Plane - Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is just 10 miles from the Sheraton Austin Hotel.  Just a short ride whether you go by shuttle or taxi.

Shuttle & Taxi Service - Super Shuttle provides service between Austin-Begstrom International and the Sheraton Austin Hotel and is the most economical way to get to the hotel. Reservations can be made online in advance at www.supershuttle.com.  Reservations can also be made by calling 512.258.3826.  Current rates are $12 one-way.

Taxis are available from the airport to the Sheraton Austin Hotel.  The average fair is $22.00 one-way.

Traveling by Car - For those driving into the city, the hotel offers overnight parking at the rate of $15 a night for self parking and $20 a night for valet parking.

Getting Around Austin

The Sheraton Austin Hotel is located in downtown Austin. The hotel is within walking distance of the State Capital Building, Stubbs BBQ, Red River District and Sixth Street - home to world famous live music.   

Another great way to get around Austin is by trolley.  The 'Dillo trolleys are free and provide several stops throughout downtown including Congress Avenue, Sixth Street and Barton Springs Road.  Visit www.capmetro.org for additional information.

Bus service is intuitive and inexpensive.  Most rides are $.50, but you can also purchase a $5 card good for 20 rides.  Visit www.capmetro.org for the details. 

Shelley's Picks 

My daughter Carly and I had a great time exploring Austin.  Here are ten of our favorite things!

1. Green Chile Cheeseburgers at Shady Grove - We ate outside underneath the shade of huge trees even though it was 98 degrees.  But not to worry, there's plenty of indoor dining space available.  The spicy burger ($6.79) came with Hatch Green Chile Sauce and Monterey Jack cheese.  Delicious!  Located at 1624 Barton Springs Road / 512.474.9991.

2. Shopping along South Congress Avenue - Okay, we're two girls who love to shop and the strip along South Congress is home to some really unusual stores.  Our favorite?  Uncommon Objects (1500 S. Congress Avenue / 512.442.4000) offers some of the oddest trinkets and collectables you can imagine.  Allow plenty of time for exploring the 4,000-square foot space because there's stuff in every nook and cranny.  Carly asked me to mention Monkey See, Monkey Do (1712 S. Congress Avenue / 512.443.4999).  Lots of silly items in this store piqued her interest. 

3. The AL Pastor at Guero's Taco Bar - Authentic interior Mexican food!  The AL Pastor ($7.69) is marinated pork, topped with chopped onions, cilantro & pineapple.  Served in fresh handmade corn tortillas (a house specialty).   Carly has no comment, but I think the handshaken margaritas ($5) are perfection.  Located at 1412 S. Congress Avenue / 512.447.7688.

4. The Bats of Congress Avenue Bridge - A little creepy, but entirely fascinating.  Every evening thousands of bats fly out from under Congress Avenue Bridge to search for insects...yummy.  Best viewing time?  Sunset.  For more information - like flight times - call the Bat Hotline at 512. 416.5700 ext. 3636.

5. Home Slice Pizza & Shiner Bock Beer - We're huge fans of this favorite local pizzeria.   A great atmosphere to sit and hang out with friends and family.  The large 16" cheese pizza ($13) was excellent.  Shiner Bock is a Texas brew served throughout the city.  It really hits the spot on a HOT summer day in Austin.  Located at 1415 S. Congress Avenue / 512.444.PIES. 

6. LBJ Library and Museum - Located on the UT campus, the LBJ Library explores the life and politics of our thirty-sixth president.  The exhibits captured our interest; we spent an entire afternoon learning about culture and politics of the 1960s.  Located at 2313 Red River Street / 512.721.0200 / www.lbjlib.utexas.edu.  Free admission. 

7. Whole Foods - Organic supermarket Whole Foods got its start in Austin back in 1980.  Their flagship store is on the corner of Lamar and 6th Street in downtown Austin.  The 80,000-square foot giant is overwhelming, but absolutely worth a visit.  For Carly it was love at first site.  Still her favorite thing in Austin.  Go figure.  Located at 525 N. Lamar Blvd / 512.476.1206. 

8. Texas State Capital - This beautiful building is open to the public and offers free guided tours.  We loved the rotunda area that rises to the dome 218 feet above.  From the first floor you would never know the star at the top of the dome measures eight feet from point to point.  Located at Congress Avenue and 11th Street.

9. Chuy's - A shrine to Elvis!  This is a fun place with great Tex Mex.  Handmade tortillas are the specialty here.  Carly enjoyed several trips to the salsa bar.  I loved the 911 Hot Plate ($7.99); blue corn tortillas with chicken, cheese & green chile sauce.   Located at 1728 Barton Springs Road / 512.474.4452.

10. Salt Lick - We couldn't leave Austin without trying some Texas-style BBQ.  Though - technically - we did leave Austin because Salt Lick is in Driftwood.  They say eating here is one of life's great experiences and I have to agree.  The pit is the dining room, it's family style seating and there's no air-conditioning.  None of that matters because the Q is delicious.  Located at 18001 FM 1826 / Driftwood, Tx / 512.858.4959.  BYOB.  Cash only.