Austin is filled with wondrous things, so to show visiting friends the best of it in just a few days can seem overwhelming. Packing in all of the “must-see” spots can be done, though — especially with a little help from your friends at Austin.com. Here are some things that we think every visitor needs to have on their Austin bucket list.
5. Go to Zilker Park
Photo: Flickr user Sam Butler, creative commons licensed.
If your guest is an outdoorsy person, take them somewhere like the Barton Creek Green Belt, or any one of these amazing Austin parks with nature trails. But if they aren’t, I’ll at least show them Zilker Park. It’s beautiful, hosts the Barton Creek Pool, and lets visitors see that Austin is not purely urban.
4. One word: Barbecue
Photo: Courtesy, Franklin Barbecue.
Austin has some of the best BBQ in the country, which any visitor has to experience. If your guests are ok with waiting in line, you can’t go wrong with popular Franklin Barbecue. Other popular favorites include The Salt Lick just outside of town and La Barbecue on the east side. Or, if everyone is feeling adventurous and up for a little road trip, take them to Lockhart. It’s just under an hour away, and there you can knock out several BBQ joints in one afternoon, such as Black’s and Smitty’s. You can’t go wrong with any of these choices.
3. Go to Sixth Street
Photo: Flickr user Davidlohr Bueso, creative commons licensed.
Yes, we know, cliché, but visiting friends have to see Sixth Street at least once. It’s famous, hosts arguably the best Alamo Drafthouse in town, and with the street closing and people wandering after 10 p.m. on most weekend nights, it’s unlike most streets in America. Depending on their tastes you can take them from the east side to the west side, and of course “dirty 6th” in between. You can spend all night roaming Sixth Street and not see it all. That’s pretty great.
2. Catch Bob Schneider at Saxon Pub
Saxon Pub, off South Lamar, hosts rock musician Bob Schneider most Mondays. He’s pretty popular, so many Austinites have seen him, but at Saxon Pub you’ll catch Schneider at his best. He plays with his band Loneyland, and they make magic. From his solo songs to fun jam sessions to jokes on stage, it’s unlike any show he does at other venues. Plus, Saxon Pub is small, guaranteeing a more intimate show. I can’t resist taking visiting friends here.
1.) Bar hop on Rainey Street
(Photo by AnataresIV on Flickr)
Bars and restaurants in old houses, food trucks everywhere, young adults stumbling down the street intoxicated… How could I not take friends to Rainey Street? I mean, have you not seen Craft Pride’s extensive beer selection? It’s a no brainer, guys.
Where do you take your friends when they visit our lovely city? Let us know on Austin.com’s Facebook or Twitter pages.
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Featured photo: Flickr user Andrew Nourse, creative commons licensed.
