VISITORS TRAVEL TO AUSTIN TO IMBIBE IN AUTHENTIC TEX-MEX FOODS, TAKE IN THE RENOWNED MUSIC SCENE AND LEARN THE HISTORY OF THIS DYNAMIC CITY. If you are interested in a memorable adventure, sign up for a parasailing experience. The Airscape Parasail Adventure company outfits passengers to climb 600 feet above Lake Travis. The quietness will astound you as the lake lays exposed beneath you. Or, sit in the stands of a rodeo. A trip to the desert southwest warrants this attraction and Austin is happy to provide. The largest and most attended rodeo happens in the month of March - Rodeo Austin - as competitors hit the arena and livestock is exhibited and judged. In the 1970s, a new movement began in this town. A musical movement that has moved the needle in Austin’s favor of attracting world famous musicians. It has culminated with this city being not only a favored but a required stop on any artist’s rise to the top. The Austin City Limits Festival, which was started in 2002, is possibly one of the best known music festivals the city annually holds. It is held in the Central Public Park and draws nearly 70,000 people. Over 130 acts, spanning the globe, perform for these throngs of people on eight stages. They include rock, indie, country, folk and electronic celebrities. The festival was spurred by the PBS series Austin City Limits, which focused on
Texan singers/songwriters and performers. These days, acts such as the Dave Matthews Band, Coldplay, Van Morrison, Elvis Costello, Keith Urban, Arcade Fire, Corrine Bailey Rae, Gotye and the Pixies steal the show. One of the most popular year-round venues of music in the city is Stubb’s Bar BQ (801 Red River Street). It is a restaurant that features indoor and outdoor stages and focuses on indie and alternative rock. Past performances have included those by the Indigo Girls, George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelics. This venue is generally packed, but audiences love it. If you are looking for a more casual setting to take in the scene, try Momo’s (618 W. 6th Street, #200). It is an intimate lounge and features live, revolving music each night. The music ranges from R&B to Western to Swing to Pop. It is located on the 2nd floor, above Katy’s Deli, and worth a look (and listen). Austin offers much to those who visit. A dense and diverse history. An active social and musical scene. Outdoor activities that are not of your run-of-the-mill flavor. Food, shopping and fun. It’s all there in this star of the Southwest.