Travel: Awesome Austin

“Keep Austin Weird” is the motto in Austin, Texas — but this isn’t the kind of weird that will make you crinkle your nose. Sure, the city is not unlike Boston, Philly or New York in that it’s home to magnificent architecture, unique shops and world-class eats, but Austin has a certain je ne sais quois that adds a touch of eccentricity to everything it touches. If you need a break from the east coast, consider a jaunt to perhaps the most famous intersection between the south and southwest.

Where to stay

W Austin
Opened in December, the new W Austin brings the city’s outdoor scene inside to a chic, sexy space. The W’s Global Brand Leader, Eva Ziegler, likens each room to a “personal playground,” and once you step inside, you’ll see why: each boasts a flat-screen TV, iPod deck and charging station, Bliss Spa products and that so-heavenly-they-decided-to-sell-it W signature bed. The fourth floor — home to the hotel’s SWEAT gym, AWAY Spa and WET rooftop pool/cabana lounge — is pulsing during the day, and the downstairs bars and lounges, including the low-lit, red-enveloped Secret Bar — are the places to see and be seen at night. The W makes sure not to compromise Austin’s uniqueness at the expense of the hotel, as reflected in the space’s Moroccan rugs, patchwork art and metallic tints.
200 Lavaca St., 512-524-3600, www.whotels.com/austin

Where to go

Barton Springs Pool
Thanks to Austin’s 300 days of sunshine a year, this spring-fed natural swimming hole is a popular gathering spot. Take a dip in the water, sunbathe on the adjoining hill or do some underwater exploring via a snorkel — you might catch a glimpse of some salamanders, fish and other animals that call the springs home. Fun fact: Robert Redford learned how to swim here!
2101 Barton Springs Rd., 512-867-3080, www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/bartonsprings.htm

Lady Bird Lake
Offering picturesque views of downtown Austin, Lady Bird Lake is an ideal spot for canoeing and kayaking. Come back to the lake at dusk to witness North America’s largest urban colony of Mexican Free-tailed bats make their nightly flight on the prowl for insects.
 
The Capitol
Texas’ state capitol building is the second-largest in the country, only behind our nation’s in DC. The pink-hued building was completed in 1888 and is open to the public for free daily tours. As you head up the building’s rotunda, check out the Senate chamber, with its 31 state legislator seats, as well as the Supreme Court Courtroom. There’s also a Visitors’ Center, which is a museum dedicated to the building.
1100 Congress Ave., 512-305-8400, www.tspb.state.tx.us/spb/capitol/texcap.htm

Where to shop

By George
Austin residents and visitors alike flock to By George for men’s and women’s clothes, shoes and accessories. Founded in 1977, it was named one of the country’s best boutiques by Lucky magazine. Enjoy a glass of complimentary champagne while you shop!
524 North Lamar Blvd., 512-472-5951, www.bygeorgeaustin.com

Second Street Shopping District
The Second Street shops are full of upscale finds. Hit up Finch for gifts or home furnishings, Girl Next Door for designer jeans and Wee for stylish baby gear.

South Congress Ave. (SoCo)
Two standout stores: Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds, a colorful costume and jewelry wonderland, and Uncommon Objects, which houses just about every vintage knick-knack under the sun. Both shops bring the city’s “Keep Austin Weird” motto to life. South Congress is also home to a second By George location and the SoCo trailer park cuisine scene (more on that in the minute).

Where to eat

Congress
Chef David Bull and Pastry Chef Plinio Sandalio collaborate on prix-fixe menus with an inspiring twist. Keep your fingers crossed that the sweet potato beignets with salted butter ice cream are on the dessert menu, but if they’re not, you’re sure to savor something equally unique and enjoyable.
200 Congress Ave., 512-827-2760, www.congressaustin.com

Torchy’s Tacos
Torchy’s tacos are a staple in every UT student’s diet, and for good reason: they’re fast, cheap and delicious. If you want to steer clear of the college crowd, you can head to one of Torchy’s other six locations in the city. Whichever venue you choose, be prepared for some Tex-Mex deliciousness. Try the fried-avocado variety, which also features refried beans, pico de gallo, lettuce, cheese and a to-die-for poblano sauce.
www.torchystachos.com

Austin’s food trucks
A group of food carts makes their home on quirky South Congress Ave., but other trucks specializing in all types of food — from Italian to French to Filipino and more — abound throughout the city. One notable trailer: Mighty Cone, which set up its permanent residence along South Congress after winning over legions on fans with its cart on UT’s campus. They’re not selling ice cream here, though — mighty cones are convex culinary creations with ingredients like shrimp, slaw and avocado. Other trucks to visit throughout the city: East Side King for pork belly sandwiches, Chi'Lantro for Korean Tex-Mex, Lucky J’s for chicken and waffles, Holy Cacao for cake balls and Gourdough’s for donuts.

Amy’s Ice Creams
Mexican vanilla and Belgian chocolate are two of the regulars at this Texas ice cream joint, where the décor is loud, fun and hipster-friendly. Keep an eye on your scoops, as your server might play tricks with them — like throw one under the leg or behind the back — before handing them off to you.
www.amysicecreams.com

Nightlife

Austin City Limits
Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Sheryl Crow and a slew of other bold-faced names have performed for PBS’ “Austin City Limits” TV show. For years, the performances were filmed in a Communications building on the UT campus; in February, however, the shows moved to their own space — the Moody Theatre, adjoining the W Hotel.
310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd., 512-225-7999, www.acl-live.com

The Continental Club
From its beginnings as a supper club, to its foray into the burlesque, to its current position as an epicenter of live rock ‘n’ roll in downtown Austin, The Continental Club has been rocking hard since 1957. There are over 200 live music venues in the city, but this is one of the biggies.
1315 South Congress Ave., 512-441-2444, www.continentalclub.com/austin.html

Sixth Street
A major hub for Austin nightlife — and the home to South by Southwest — Sixth Street overflows with bars, clubs and restaurants. Check out the dance scene at Malia, get your Euro fix at Barcelona and linger on Austin’s largest rooftop while at Maggie Mae’s.

Getting there

All major airlines fly into Austin-Bergstrom airport. The airport is a short car ride away from downtown.