There’s no place like Texas, and there’s no place in Texas like Austin. The state capital and home of the University of Texas, the city’s eclectic population includes students, politicians, artists and musicians. In fact, with more than 200 music venues, Austin is considered the live-music capital of the U.S. No Austin vacation would be complete without hearing a live performance at one of the city’s many clubs or major festivals, such as the South by Southwest festival in March. Several music legends call Austin home, including Willie Nelson and the Dixie Chicks.
Austin is also favored among Hollywood types. More than 350 movies have been filmed there in the last two decades, and the Austin Film Festival draws many aficionados each year. A vacation in Austin can include an array of cultural and outdoor activities. The Texas State Capitol, Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum are top draws. Nature-lovers will enjoy the area’s many lakes as well as the three-acre Barton Springs Pool, fed from underground springs. And an Austin travel itinerary includes many opportunities for shopping and dining, especially in the Warehouse, SoCo and Sixth Street districts.
Austin Bergstrom International Airport offers nonstop service to 36 U.S. destinations. The city boasts favorable weather, with the average high temperature ranging from 58.9°F in January to 95.5°F in August. For more information on travel to Austin, log on to www.austintexas.org, the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website