How to
THE POCKET GUIDE FOR VISITORS, LOCALS & NEWCOMERS
Welcome to Austin!
Welcome to Austin! Tips and Info.....................................................................4 Calendar of Events..........................................................6 Downtown.................................................................. 8-17 Central........................................................................18-19 Things To Do............................................................. 20-21 North..........................................................................22-27 South..........................................................................28-32 To Austinites, Visitors and Newcomers: Please enjoy our collection of recommended attractions, restaurants and retail. Be sure to tell our advertisers that Celebrate Austin sent you! Look for our hardbound book in Austin area hotel rooms and gift shops or visit us at www.CelebrateAustin.com. Publisher: Judy Barrick Executive Vice Presidents: Linda Olson, Marilyn Crawford Layout & Design: Teicher Creative About the Cover: Photography provided by John R. Rogers. The cover image was provided by John Rogers Photography. Go see more of his photography on his web site, www.johnrrogers.com.
Copyright and Trademark, 2015, by Celebrate Texas Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of the book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher. Corporate offices are located at 10713 RR 620 N. Austin, TX 78726. For more information, please call 512-346-6235 or visit our Website @ www.celebrateaustin.com.
Handy Austin Tips & Info
EMERGENCY SERVICES Fire/Police/Sheriff/Ambulance, 911 Austin Police Department, (512) 974-5000 Travis County Sheriff Office, (512) 854-9770
GENERAL INFORMATION Local time and temperature, (512) 973-3555 Weather, (512) 451-2424; www.kvue.com/weather
HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOMS St. David’s Medical Center, (512) 476-7111; www.stdavids.com Heart Hospital of Austin, (512) 407-7000; www.hearthospitalofaustin.com Seton Medical Center, (512) 324-1000; www.seton.net Brackenridge, (512) 324-7000; www.seton.net St. David’s South Austin Hospital, (512) 447-2211; www.stdavids.com Seton Northwest Hospital, (512) 324-6000; www.seton.net St. David’s North Medical Center, (512) 901-1000; www.stdavids.com
TRANSPORTATION Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, (512) 530-5300 Capital Metro Bus, (512) 474-1200; www.capmetro.org Amtrak, (512) 476-5684; www.amtrak.com SuperShuttle, (800) BLUE-VAN; www.SuperShuttle.com ExecuCar, (800) 410-4444; www.ExecuCar.com V.I.P. Limousine Service, (512) 784-6745; http://viplimoaustin.com Austin Ultimate Sedan, (512) 689-9420; www.ausultimate.com Austin Cab Company, (512) 478-2222; www.austincab.com Tipsy Taxi Austin, (512) 848-4553; http://tipsytaxiaustin.wordpress.com DOUBLE NAMES Many of the roads in Austin have two names! • MoPac Expressway/ Loop 1 (Most locals just call it“MoPac”) • Capital of Texas Hwy/ Loop 360 • Highway 71/ Ben White Blvd • Research Boulevard/ 183 • RR 2244/ Bee Cave Road • RR 2222/ Koenig Lane • Enfield Road/ 15th Street
•
LOCALS PRONOUNCE IT Burnet Road as “Burn-it” Manchaca Road as “Man-shack” Koenig Lane is “Kay-nig”
Guadalupe Street is “Gwad-a-loop” Lavaca Street is “Le-VAK-ka” San Jacinto pronounce the “J” like Jimmy
• • • • • • •
Visit today!
Martin Luther King Blvd or MLK/ 19th Street Windsor/ 24th Street Cesar Chavez/ 1st Street Dean Keaton Street/ 26th Street. Sixth Street/ Old Pecan Street Guadalupe St./ “The Drag” Duval Street is central and north Lady Bird Lake is often referred to as Town Lake by locals
www.celebrateaustin.com
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Calendar of Events April The 21st Annual Louisiana Swamp Thing & Crawfish Festival: Austin American Statesman Parking Lot – www.roadwayevents.com, April 25, 2015 Art City Austin: Cesar Chavez Street and 2nd Street District – www.artallianceaustin.org, April 25-26, 2015 Austin Reggae Festival: Auditorium Shores, April 17-19, 2015 Moto GP: Circuit of the Americas www.circuitoftheamericas.com/ motogp, April 11-13, 2015 Moontower Comedy Festival: Paramount and State Theatres – moontowercomedyfestival.com, April 22-25, 2015 Austin Fashion Week: Frank Erwin Center and Austin Music Hall – www.fashionweekaustin.com, April 10-May 18, 2015 Austin Food and Wine Festival: Auditorium Shores and Republic Square Park – April 24-26, 2014 Eeyore’s 52nd Annual Birthday Party: Pease Park – www.eeyores.org, April 25, 2015 May The Old Pecan Street Spring Festival: 6th Street – www.oldpecanstreetfestival.com, May 2-3, 2015 Austin Psych Fest: Carson Creek Ranch – www.austinpsychfest.com, May 8-10, 2015 Chaos in Tejas: Various Locations – www.chaosintejas.com, May 30-June 2, 2015 June X Games: Circuit of the Americas – www.xgamesaustin.com, June 4-7, 2015 ATX Television Festival: Various Locations – www.atxfestival.com June 4-7, 2015 Republic of Texas Biker Rally: Travis County Exposition Center and 6th Street – www.rotrally.com, June 12-15, 2015
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Keep Austin Weird Fest and 5K: The Long Center – www.keepaustinweirdfest.com, Saturday, June 27, 2015 July Fourth of July Fireworks and Symphony: The Long Center for Performing Arts – www.austinsymphony.org, July 4, 2015 ArmadilloCon 37: Omni SouthPark – www.2015.armadillocon.org, July 24-26, 2015 August 5th Annual Austin Pet Expo: Palmer Events Center www.austinpetexpo.com August 1st and 2nd, 2015 The 9th Scoop, Austin Ice Cream Festival: Fiesta Gardens – August 8, 2015 20th Annual Austin Fall Home & Garden Show: Austin Convention Center, August 28-30, 2015 11th Annual Austin Bat Fest: Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, August 22, 2015 25th Annual Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival: Fiesta Gardens, August 23, 2015 September UT Football: Opening Home Game vs. Rice: Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium, Sept. 12th, 2015 Austin Museum Day: Various Locations – www.austinmuseums.org, Sunday ,September 20, 2015 Southwest Regional Folk Alliance Conference: Holiday Inn-Midtown – September 23-27, 2015 Lone Star Le Mans: Circuit of the Americas – circuitoftheamericas.com/lslm, September 17th - 19th, 2015 Fantastic Fest Film Festival: Alamo Drafthouse – www.fantasticfest.com, September 24-October 1st, 2015
Downtown
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5th Street
3rd Street
1st Street
Maggie Mae’s
Congres
Austin Duck A dventures Hike and
Dining
Park Area
Downtown Key to the Best of Austin
City Hall
Things to See and Do
Bars, Clubs & Music Venues
Cesar Chavez St
Capital Cruises
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Trinity St
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3rd Street
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Artworks Hut’s Hamburgers Frank & Angie’s 6th Street
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Lake Austin Riverside
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San Marcos Street
7th Street
5th Street
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Brazos St
West Av e
Trail Shoal Creek
Internationally Famous Bat Watching Excursions as seen in Newsweek and on American Journal Boat Rentals
www.capitalcruises.com/bat-watching • (512) 480-9264
Electric Boats • Canoes • Kayaks • Pedal Boats
Golf and Recreation in the Texas Hill Country
ONION CREEK COUNTRY CLUB - Southeast Austin; Includes a 27-hole golf course, six tennis courts, a pool, fitness center and dining facilities and is Austin’s most historic golf club. The Club was founded in 1974 by three-time Masters Champion, Jimmy Demaret, and golf legend, Jimmie Connolly. www.onioncreekclub.com; 512-282-2150 THE DOMINION COUNTRY CLUB - San Antonio; Located in the peaceful wooded Texas Hill Country just 20 minutes from the heart of San Antonio, The Club offers the very finest facilities, service and amenities and is a great asset to our family of sister clubs. www.the-dominion.com; 210-698-3364 River Place Country Club
River Place Country Club Lantana Golf Club
TWIN CREEKS COUNTRY CLUB - Northwest Austin; An exclusive private club that includes an 18-hole Schmidt-Curley Golf Design with PGA Touring Professional and Masters Champion Fred Couples course. The designers created an exceptional golf experience, with a delicate balance of challenge and fun. www.twincreekscountryclub.com; 512-331-5900 LANTANA The Dominion Country Club OnionGOLF Creek ClubCLUB - Southern Denton County; Nestled in the gently rolling hills and designed by the world renowned team of Jay and Carter Morrish, Lantana’s course maximizes the wooded terrain and natural beauty of the land, Twin Creeks Country Club creating an unparalleled setting. Join one of our Clubs and enjoy the benefits of what all five have to offer! www.lantanagolf.com; 940-728-4653
Call today to schedule your private tour!
4207 River Place Blvd. Austin, TX 78730 (512) 346-1114 www.riverplaceclub.com
RIVER PLACE COUNTRY CLUB - Northwest Austin; Nestled in the Hill Country with a championship 18-hole, Tom Kite designed signature golf course, it is surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of nature combined with a multitude of 800 Golf CLub Drive 3201 Twin Creeks Club Dr. One Dominion Drive 2510 Onion Creek Pkwy exceptional recreational activities. Lantana, TX 76226 Cedar Park, TX 78613 San Antonio, TX 7825 Austin, TX 78747 (940) 728-4653 (512) 331-5900 (210) 698-3364 (512) 282-2150 www.lantanagolf.com www.twincreeksclub.com www.the-dominion.com www.onioncreekclub.com www.riverplaceclub.com; 512-346-1114
More Local Golf Courses! BARTON CREEK RESORT & SPA - West Austin Whether it’s the signature Fazio Foothills, the impressive Fazio Canyons, the stunning Crenshaw Cliffside or the secluded Palmer Lakeside, each 18-hole course combines the genius of some of the game’s greatest legends. www.bartoncreek.com; 512-329-4000 LAKEWAY RESORT & SPA - Lakeway, TX Four 18-hole championship golf courses: Flintrock Falls, Falconhead, Yaupon and Live Oak. All offer fully stocked pro shops, snack bars, driving ranges, putting greens, rental clubs, gift certificates and lessons. www.lakewayresortandspa.com; 800-525-3929 HYATT REGENCY LOST PINES GOLF/ WOLFDANCER; Award winning (recently named as one of Golfweek Magazine’s “Top 100 Resort Courses for 2009”). The 7,205-yard, 18-hole, par-72 layout combines strategy and swagger to challenge the most avid golfer. Public. www.wolfdancergolfclub.com; 512-303-1368
KAYAK DOWNTOWN AUSTIN! Congress Avenue Kayaks
at Waller Creek Boathouse | 74 Trinity St. Near the Austin Convention Center and Congress Avenue Bridge
www.congresskayaks.com
Downtown
Scrumptious piping hot pizzas, pastas and calzones, on the patio or inside. Select from their great wine list at inexpensive prices. Frank & Angie’s has been a local Austin delight for many years.
Frank & Angie’s Pizzeria 508 West Avenue (Just behind Hut’s Hamburgers) (512) 472-3534 • www.HutsFrankandAngies.com
An Austin tradition since 1939. Affordable and delicious, try their grassfed longhorn, buffalo or organic veggie burgers. Top it off with a homemade shake. Located on convenient 6th St.
Hut’s Hamburgers
807 W 6th Steet (Just in front of Frank & Angie’s) (512) 472-0693 • www.HutsFrankandAngies.com
Dine-In and Carry Out Reservations at 512.477.7497 LUNCH | DINNER | CATERING | EVENTS
CarmelosRestaurant.com
504 East 5th St., Austin, TX | Also in Houston, Energy Corridor
THE SOUL OF MEXICO in the heart of Austin
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Discover unique dining and freshly crafted cocktails right in the heart of Austin’s historic 6th Street district.
RIGIN
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/IronCactusFan @Iron _Cactus
DOWNTOWN AUSTIN 606 Trinity Street
NORTH AUSTIN
10001 Stonelake Boulevard
HILL COUNTRY GALLERIA 13420 Galleria Circle
Ours is a mission we live every day.
www.ThisMSLife.org (855)MS-Sucks
featuring
The Jigglewatts Burlesque & Cabaret
Live Music Every Night Three Stages Sports Bar with Big Screens Authentic English Pub New Orleans Style Courtyard Rooftop Under the Stars Amazing Downtown Views Art Gallery Special Event Shows
In The Gibson Lounge at 512 Trinity (private entrance) Named #5 Best Thing to Do In Austin by the Huffington Post, March 2013 featuring Coco Lectric “Queen of the Burlesque, 2010 & #5 Burlesque in the World” & Jolie Goodnight “2nd Runner Up, Viva Las Vegas 2012
Courtyard
Gibson Lounge
Rooftop Oldest Bar on Sixth Over 15,000 sf to Enjoy in Four Historic Buildings Circa 1850’s
Les Paul Lounge
Available for Private Events Est. 1978
323 E Sixth 512-478-8541 www.maggiemaeaustin.com www.facebook.com/MaggieMaesAustin
Central
AMERICA’S PREMIER INDOOR KARTING CENTER
GREAT FAMILY FUN!
SPACIOUS LOBBIES
2500 MCHALE CT, AUSTIN, TX 78758 12205 | (512) 271-5475 | K1SPEED.COM
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Things To Do In Austin Attractions/Events: • A rthouse at the Jones Center: Cutting edge contemporary visual
art by emerging and mid-career Texas artists. Film screenings, tours, talks are given throughout the year.
• A ustin Farmers Market: The Austin Farmers’ Market is a local
non-profit organization that encourages individuals to make healthy food choices and to support local farmers. Healthy, Organic, and Fresh!
• A ustin Nature and Science Center: This center provides a place
for visitors of all ages to enjoy nature exhibits and educational programs. Mon-Sat 9 am-5 pm, Sun from 12-5 pm. Free admission with a small charge for groups.
• B arton Springs Pool: Barton Springs Pool is situated at the
grounds of Zilker Park. It is a must-go-to place in the summer to cool off, with a 68 degree temperature all year round. (There is a FREE section and a separate paid section)
• Commemorative Air Force, Centex Wing: Aviation Museum,
Planes, WWII Hangar, Library and WWII artifacts. Don’t miss the Veteran’s Day Big Band Swing Dinner Dance on the Saturday closest to Veteran’s Day.
• C ongress Avenue Bats: The Congress Avenue Bridge is home to
the largest urban bat colony in North America. You can see these bats emerge out of the bridge, covering the sky around sunset at no cost.
• D owntown Austin: Downtown offers a variety of things to do for
everyone. Endless list of restaurants, bars, music, museums and entertainment for everyone to enjoy. Downtown Austin is hippie meets modern.
• L ake Travis: If you are looking for a breath taking scenery and a
relaxing atmosphere, visit Lake Travis. With unlimited outdoor and water sport activities everyone can participate.
• L yndon Baines Johnson Library & Museum: At this presidential
library and museum you will see, “the story of our time with the bark off”. There are permanent exhibits as well as the numerous special events held throughout the year.
• Mount Bonnell: Mount Bonnell is considered the highest point in
Austin at 775 feet. It is a popular tourist destination to view the city of Austin, Lake Austin and surrounding hills.
• M ayfield Park: Mayfield Park is best described as a peaceful
preserve with walking trails and beautiful wildlife. Daily 5 am-10 pm. Free admission.
• S outh Congress: Eclectic, hip, fashionable, and funky all combined.
Surrounded by numerous restaurants, shops and music venues.
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• T exas Memorial Museum: Dinasaurs and fossils, Texas wildlife,
evolution, gems, minerals and the largest flying animal ever found, the Texas Pterosaur. Events include Darwin Day, Identification Day (2/year), Family Fossil Fun Day (2/year), and Halloween.
• T exas Military Forces Museum - Camp Mabry: Military Museum
dedicated to Texas armed forces in 19th, 20th, and 21st Century. Here you see Living History; Close Assault 1944 each Memorial Day weeend and the weekend nearest Veterans Day as well as Muster Day in April.
• Texas State Capitol/University of Texas Campus: Free tours are
available daily.
• Z ilker Botanical Gardens: The prehistoric garden, the Japanese
garden, and the rose garden are only three of the many. Throughout the year, it also serves as host to garden workshops, plant sales, and docent-led tours. Daily 7 am-5:30 pm. Free admission.
• Z ilker Park: Zilker Park is a 351 acre, dog-friendly park situated
in the heart of south Austin. The park offers many different types of fun outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, jogging, and many more. The park also serves as a hub for many special events such as ACL, SXSW, Reggae fest, Zilker Kite Festival and many more.
Spring is the time to see the bluebonnets, Texas’ state wildflower. Pick any road heading out of town and you’ll see them all over.
North
Is it getting warm? Come visit Lake Travis. Let the wind take your sails or party on a houseboat. Lake Travis has it all. 22 | www.celebrateaustin.com
Boat Trailers Utility Trailers Custom Trailers
Wells Cargo Continental Cargo PJ Performance Moss Creek Top Hat
Lyfe Tyme BBQ Pits Fire pits YETI coolers Fryers Deer stands Deer feeders
800-6-MAGNUM Georgetown Austin San Antonio San Marcos
Longest Zipline in Texas Nature lovers and Thrill seeker; We have you covered. Come out and enjoy the adventure of a life time on this amazing 3 hour tour. Experience the thrill of flying through the air at speeds up to 45 mph while zipping over lines that reach a 1/2 mile long! This is a definite Don’t Miss. Reservations Required.
South
Local, handmade art and pottery, from functional to fabulous!
• Metal Art • Glass • Wood • Sculpture • • Jewelry • Pottery • Painting •
4002 E. Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Tel: 512.894.0938 • SunsetCanyonPottery.com 28 | www.celebrateaustin.com
Corne
AUSTIN ZOO 1080 Rawhide Trail, Austin, TX 78736, www.austinzoo.org, 512-288-1490. With more than 350 animals from more than 100 species, you are bound to learn something new and be amazed by their beauty. Austin Zoo is a private, non-profit zoo rescuing animals and serving the Austin community.
It’s like visiting Wimberley & Fredericksburg without ever leaving town! TEXAS SOUVENIERS T-SHIRTS JEWELRY UT
Wimberley & Fredericksburg without ever leaving town!A&M TECH
UVENIERS • T-SHIRTS • JEWELRY SEASONAL UT • A&M • TECH
GARDEN
L • GARDEN • EVERYDAY GIFTS
AUSTIN VENT CALENDAR
xpires 12/25/09.
EVERYDAY GIFTS
4211 S. Lamar Blvd. Ste. A-19 Austin, TX 78704 Corner of Ben White & Lamar (Next to Target)
512-326-9460
www.austingiftcompany.com
ALL THINGS AUSTIN
1.5 million bats emerge from the Ann Richard’s Congress Avenue Bridge every night. And in true Austin style, we have a festival for it in August. See page 6 for details. Photo provided by John Rogers. 30 | www.celebrateaustin.com