The Texas state capital is quickly becoming known as a center for independent arts culture and the nationxs premiere city for live music, not to mention a great place to get your BBQ on (thatxs beef brisket in Texas, just so youxll know). Austin plays host every March to one of the countryxs hippest and most respected arts festivals: South by Southwest (known as SXSW). Each year this three-part festival showcases some of the edgiest films, bands and internet sites, as well as some that will become tomorrowxs must-haves/must-sees.
The University of Texas also has a big influence on the city. Austin has one of the highest levels of education in the United States and is also a leader in the field of technology.
With beautiful rolling hills overlooking Town Lake right in the heart of the city, miles of hiking trails, lush greenery in the gardens of Zilker Park, a rich cultural heritage and an independent spirit, Austin is also considered to be one of the United States ""most livable cities"". Following are brief descriptions of Austin's most visible neighborhoods:
Downtown Austin
Sixth Street is the center of activity and fun in Downtown Austin. Many of the best hotels, restaurants, shops, bars, and music clubs are found on Sixth Street, which is often closed to traffic on weekends for festivals, craft shows, street dances, or parades. Nearby is the State Capitol building on Congress Avenue, where visitors can get a free guided tour.
East Austin
East Austin is the area east of I-35 that lies between Martin Luther King Boulevard to the north and Cesar Chavez Street to the south. East Austin is home to many African-American and Hispanic communities. There are a number of African-American heritage sites, including the George Washington Carver Museum.
North Austin and the University of Texas
Locals call the popular shopping strip along Guadeloupe Street that borders the west side of the University of Texas campus, ""The Drag"". This area has hip shops, music stores, coffee shops and trendy clubs. There are also several Bed and Breakfasts nearby.
South Austin
A more laid back atmosphere, South Austin is home to the Zilker Hillside Theatre and a number of vintage clothing shops, antique shops, and several great restaurants.
West Austin
Many of the upscale restaurants and affluent residential developments are in West Austin and along the shores of Lake Austin.
the Austin Visitor Center provides attraction and event brochures and knowledgeable staff to answer questions. Open 9:00am - 6:00pm, daily. Located at 209 E. Sixth St.
Austin's public transpiration has University of Texas shuttles, airport shuttles, park and ride stops and other types of services. Bus routes, schedules and rates.
In the wake of its multimillion national advertising debut, HomeAway Inc. said today its 30-second Super Bowl spot featuring Chevy Chase as National Lampoon's Clark Griswold was a "huge success." The Austin-based Web vacation rental site announced the campaign late last month, saying the Super Bowl commercial, estimated at a cost of about $3 ...
A federal judge in Austin questions U.S. prosecutors for seeking criminal convictions against some illegal immigrants, noting in an order concern over the cost.
Austin is full of Mexican food, but if you're looking for something a little different, why not give Cuban food a try? Habana Restaurant and Bar has two locations in Austin, one on South Congress and one on East Sixth Street, offering delicious Cuban food to Austinites at fairly reasonable prices.
The annual celebration in North Austin carries on for two days, showcasing Austin's very own incredible talents and a grand time for the entire family.
Austin police are looking for witnesses who may have information about a vehicle that struck a man who died after he tried to cross Interstate 35 on foot near 51st Street Friday, police said.
AUSTIN, Tex. - The closing of storied music sites, often accompanied by protest, fund-raising and other exercises in futility, has become a recurring spectacle in this growing city, where the official stationery carries the legend "Live Music Capital of the World." Blog Austin has lost several music sites over the years, but the closing of the ...
A December altercation that ended with gunshot wounds to two people started when two men met two women at a Southeast Austin pool hall and invited the women to their apartment, police said .
The entry titled "'Temple Grandin' premiere at Austin Convention Center." Categories 'Temple Grandin' premiere at Austin Convention Center Friday, February 5, 2010, 09:11 AM Thursday night, I attended the Texas premiere of HBO Films' "Temple Grandin" at the Austin Convention Center.
Austin area companies continue to raise money to help people in Haiti. The Entrepreneurs Foundation of Central Texas said it had raised $100,000 in the first two weeks of a campaign to match $600,000 in private donations for Haiti aid.
Federal prosecutors say 52-year-old Dennis Savarese of Austin was convicted in U.S. District Court in Boston on Tuesday of conspiracy, aggravated identity theft and identity fraud.
More than 200 people gathered at Austin Police Department headquarters Jan. 25 to protest what they consider unconstitutional police action in shuttering a monthly North Austin gun show an action they say infringes on Second Amendment gun rights.
It was a busy morning at El Buen Samaritano , a local organization that works to bring health care, emergency food and basic education to Hispanic families in need.
With an iFart app, a Paranormal State EMF Meter app, an iBeer app and even an app that will replace your lighter at a great concert, the phrase "there's an app for that" has been put to the test.
