You just put in your vacation time at work but you still haven’t decided on where to go. One thing is for sure, you want to go somewhere new. But where and how will you decide? Well, you probably want to keep these things in mind. For example, what kind of history does the city have, who are the people that live there that I might meet, what are the most popular places to go visit, what restaurants should I eat at and maybe what are the most exciting sports teams? Well, if you want to know about all those things in the city of Austin, TX keep reading!
If you are traveling on a budget and want to make the most out of your trip, it may be wise to skip booking a hotel. Instead, try getting a room or apartment on Airbnb. Here’s a pro traveller tip; you should look into hiring a maid service for your rental at the end of your trip. This will make your host very happy and boost your own profile!
History
Originally inhabited by immigrants from Germany, Sweden and Mexico there are recorded history documents stating settlers reaching Central Texas in the 1830s. By 1837, they founded a village named Waterloo, which would be renamed Austin in 1839 and serve as the capital of the Republic of Texas.
Today, Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” The musical roots can be traced all the way back to the late 1800s. Formally a German social club, Scholz’s Garden has been serving patrons since 1866. According to their website they are “the oldest business in Texas.” The Dessau Dance Hall that was built in 1876, served as a very popular musical stomping grounds for over a century.
Demographics
- White: 75.01%
- Black or African American: 7.62%
- Asian: 6.99%
- Other race: 6.72%
- Two or more races: 3.15%
- Native American: 0.46%
- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.06%
Popular Places To Visit
Today, the city is home to more than 250 live music venues and seemingly endless restaurant options. You can find anything and everything from classic Texas barbecue to splendid Vietnamese Banh Mi. Whether you and your family are exploring Downtown Austin, or shopping in one of the city’s districts, the atmosphere cannot be beat All of the boutiques offer something unique so you are sure to find a hidden gem somewhere.
Take in views of the Colorado River and the city’s skyline after a hike up Mount Bonnell. Or you can find delight in the developing landscape at Graffiti Park and Hope Outdoor Gallery. Finally you can unwind on the Boardwalk Trail at Lady Bird Lake. There is so much to see when you take the time to just walk around the city and its outskirts.
Sports
The Austin Elite Rugby team is the only professional level sports team that hails from Austin. Founded in 2018 they are the first to bring the city a professional level team. Another notable team is the Texas Longhorns Football team.
Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey who is an alum is one of their biggest fans. The university is set to open a new basketball arena and entertainment facility in 2021 and McConaughey is set to be the venue’s “Minister of Culture,” which the school says will help “create a fan experience unlike any other.”
Cuisine
It’s no secret that Austin strives to keep things different, and this definitely extends to its culinary scene. The abundant selection of excellent barbecue and Tex-Mex is a given at this point. But not everyone knows that this is the city where food truck businesses are very popular. The city prides itself in sourcing locally, despite the high heat and levels of drought it often faces.
Here are three restaurant recommendations we suggest you try out!
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ
This family run food truck serves some Tex-Mex, some barbecue, and some plates that combine the two. At Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ Expect mesquite-smoked brisket and ribs served three ways: as platters with coleslaw and pickles, loaded into hamburger buns, or folded into tacos house-made flour tortillas and guacamole. Located at wherever you can find it!
Odd Duck
Odd Duck has a menu that features upscale, intricate dishes inspired by the daily pick at the local farmer’s market. But because of that this causes the menu to shift with the seasons. Odd Duck features craft cocktails, craft beer, and wine to pair with its flavorful and ingredient-forward dishes. Located at 1201 S Lamar Boulevard.
Salty Sow
Salty Sow is an American Gastropub that serves contemporary farmhouse fare. Hand-crafted cocktails and entrees are served fresh daily, mindfully sourced from local farms and purveyors. Modern and unpretentious, Salty Sow’s chef-driven menu delivers clean, farm-to-table eats in a rustic-contemporary setting, making it a trusted “neighborhood gem.” Located at 1917 Manor Lane.
Whether you are coming for a college football game or to do a taste test of all the food trucks that the city has to offer, Austin will not disappoint. Once you’ve had enough food and sports head down to one of the hundreds of music venues to hear some spectacular shows. Austin is truly one for the books!
