Location, Location
Austin BY ANNA FIALHO
As the capital of the Lone Star state, Austin is the fourth largest city in Texas and the 11th largest city in the nation. Calling itself the Live Music Capital of the World, it hosts the annual Austin City Limits Music Festival and South by Southwest conference (two of the most recognized music events in the world) and boasts the unofficial motto of “Keep Austin Weird,” which is seen frequently around the city on everything from T-shirts to bumper stickers. With a robust economy and ample job opportunities thanks to its high concentration of technology companies (Dell, IBM, 3M, Apple Inc., Google, and Facebook, among others), Austin has also been dubbed Silicon Hills. Despite its foothold in the corporate world, though, the city is still a college town at heart, home to the University of Texas. The city’s laid-back cool atmosphere is a major draw for its residents, including celebrities like Matthew McConaughey, Sandra Bullock, and Andy Roddick, who go there to disappear. Besides great music, famous residents, and a thriving economy, here are just a few more reasons to love the city:
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Where to Eat 1
AMY’S ICE CREAM
This sweet local chain offers handmade artisan ice cream, yogurt, and fruit ices in more than 350 flavors. The Mexican Vanilla is a local legend, but other flavors such as White Chocolate Cinnamon and Bourbon Pecan Spice have many coming back on a daily basis. 2
CONGRESS
A daily rotating three- or seven-course prix-fixe dinner menu features “natural American” cuisine. Each meal uses fresh, seasonal ingredients with an emphasis on local and sustainable sources.
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