The Texas state capital is quickly becoming known as a center for independent arts culture and the nationxs premiere city for live music, not to mention a great place to get your BBQ on (thatxs beef brisket in Texas, just so youxll know). Austin plays host every March to one of the countryxs hippest and most respected arts festivals: South by Southwest (known as SXSW). Each year this three-part festival showcases some of the edgiest films, bands and internet sites, as well as some that will become tomorrowxs must-haves/must-sees.
The University of Texas also has a big influence on the city. Austin has one of the highest levels of education in the United States and is also a leader in the field of technology.
With beautiful rolling hills overlooking Town Lake right in the heart of the city, miles of hiking trails, lush greenery in the gardens of Zilker Park, a rich cultural heritage and an independent spirit, Austin is also considered to be one of the United States ""most livable cities"". Following are brief descriptions of Austin's most visible neighborhoods:
Downtown Austin
Sixth Street is the center of activity and fun in Downtown Austin. Many of the best hotels, restaurants, shops, bars, and music clubs are found on Sixth Street, which is often closed to traffic on weekends for festivals, craft shows, street dances, or parades. Nearby is the State Capitol building on Congress Avenue, where visitors can get a free guided tour.
East Austin
East Austin is the area east of I-35 that lies between Martin Luther King Boulevard to the north and Cesar Chavez Street to the south. East Austin is home to many African-American and Hispanic communities. There are a number of African-American heritage sites, including the George Washington Carver Museum.
North Austin and the University of Texas
Locals call the popular shopping strip along Guadeloupe Street that borders the west side of the University of Texas campus, ""The Drag"". This area has hip shops, music stores, coffee shops and trendy clubs. There are also several Bed and Breakfasts nearby.
South Austin
A more laid back atmosphere, South Austin is home to the Zilker Hillside Theatre and a number of vintage clothing shops, antique shops, and several great restaurants.
West Austin
Many of the upscale restaurants and affluent residential developments are in West Austin and along the shores of Lake Austin.
the Austin Visitor Center provides attraction and event brochures and knowledgeable staff to answer questions. Open 9:00am - 6:00pm, daily. Located at 209 E. Sixth St.
Austin's public transpiration has University of Texas shuttles, airport shuttles, park and ride stops and other types of services. Bus routes, schedules and rates.
Welcome to the chopped-and-screwed version of John Mellencamp. Like 2005 Billy Joel box set My Lives in its anti-hits recasting of the singer's songwriting auteurship and falling short of Austinite Ian McLagan's stream-of-consciousness Faces treasure chest, Five Guys Walk Into a Bar ... this 4-CD family album transcends the subject's commercial ...
Cine las Americas, which has been celebrating the bicentennial of Mexico's independence from Spain all year, is teaming up with the Austin Film Society and the Mexican Consulate of Austin for the next AFS Essential Cinema program, Viva la Revolucin: Films of the Mexican Revolution.
Prior to the latest episode in his increasingly unhappy career, former Austin Police Department Officer Leonardo Quintana would have done well to listen to Tammy Wynette: "Don't come home a'drinkin', with lovin' on your mind." As Jordan Smith recounts in this issue , Quintana's appeal hearing of his termination has largely concerned his Jan.
Omar L. Gallaga writes about technology culture for the Austin American-Statesman. He's worked for the American-Statesman since 1997 and edited Technopolis, the newspaper's personal tech section, and ahora si! , Austin's Spanish-language newspaper.
Red Cross of Central Texas CEO Marty McKellips said Wednesday that about 40 people have sought shelters in Georgetown, Round Rock and Florence, just north of Austin.
Sandra Who? Jesse James has moved on from his ex wife to reality star Kat Von D. It was just a few weeks ago that "L.A. Ink" star Kat Von D announced she was dating disgraced "West Coast Choppers" founder Jesse James following his very public divorce from Oscar-winner Sandra Bullock this summer.
AUSTIN Officials at Austin Water Utility are urging members of the public to avoid certain waterways after overnight rains overwhelmed lift stations causing sewage to spill.
Overnight rains have forced road closures throughout Central Texas, delayed openings for several area school districts and kept rescue crews busy, according to Austin area emergency personnel.
Travis County prosecutors say they are trying to extradite from Venezuela a woman accused of stealing nearly $450,000 from two Austin nonprofits and a church.
Trevino 's family member claimed that he had been suicidal over the break up. When the police arrived at Trevino 's home at the Alexin Ribelin Ranch Apartment Complex, the couple had been found dead.
This blog has been updated to correctly state the address of the fire. Police said this evening that firefighters were battling a blaze near Austin Enchanted Forest on Oltorf Street near Lamar Blvd.
Brian Gaar has been a newspaper reporter and editor for more than a decade. But his secret passion is standup comedy, dating back to 2003, when he first performed at a Waco college bar.
