National GeographicSep 25
Austin, Texas: The College Town That Became a Metropolis but Kept Its Soul
With its boisterous UT football games, brisket worth standing in line for, great vintage shops, and legendary live music scene, the capital of the Lone Star State scores highly with students and ...
25 things in this story
- Barton Springs PoolSightOutdoor pool that stays chilly year-round
- Congress Avenue BridgeSightWatch Mexican free-tail bats emerge at dusk
- Lady Bird LakeSightMan-made oasis with ten miles of paved trails
- Terry Black’sRestaurantOld school barbecue with picnic tables and beer
- Continental ClubBarFounded in 1955 on buzzy South Congress Avenue
- South by SouthwestFestivalDebuted in 1987, later diversifying into film and tech
- Austin City LimitsFestivalLive music festival launched in 2002, held in October
- University of Texas TowerSightTallest building in Austin for 35 years after 1937
- Capitol BuildingMuseumOffers free daily tours highlighting terrazzo floor and agriculture room
- Bullock State History MuseumMuseumOffers significant insight into Austin itself
- LBJ Presidential LibraryMuseumLearn about the man himself and take a look at the chapters and defining moments of Lyndon B.
- Blanton Art MuseumMuseumCollection includes contemporary American paintings and Latin American sculptures
- Broken SpokeRestaurantHonky-tonk dance hall open since 1964
- ACL Live at the Moody TheaterSightVenue where the Austin City Limits show is filmed
- Antone'sNightclubBlues focused venue
- Allens BootsSightCowboy boot store on South Congress
- Devil's Details BoutiqueSightJewelry and accessories boutique in a stone bungalow
- Texas Memorial StadiumSightHome football stadium with tradition, fireworks, and drone shows
- Franklin BarbecueRestaurantBest barbecue, sells out by 11 a.m.
- Matt's El RanchoRestaurantFamed for strong margaritas and Bob Armstrong Dip
- UchiRestaurantNontraditional Japanese with a Texas twist
- Powder RoomBarSmart cocktail lounge
- Hole in the WallPubCampus adjacent dive bar slinging shots since 1974
- Scholz GartenPubServing beer and hosting performances since 1866
- Driskill HotelHotelGrand Romanesque Revival building with Western touches