CelebrateAustin_2017_LR

Here on the north shore of Lake Travis, life’s a little more laid back, without the traffic, congestion or hustle and 

bustle of city life. It’s true lakeside living in the heart of the Hill Country, with breathtaking views in every direction, 

resort-caliber amenities and nearby attractions such as the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. 

Come visit us in the charming city of Lago Vista, and experience life lakeside. 

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Welcome to 

We are excited to share our amazing city with you. We were 

named one of the top 5 friendliest cities in the U.S. by Condé 

Naste and are proud to live up to the hype! Centrally located in 

the heart of Texas, Austin benefits from the absolute best Texas 

has to offer: the stunning views and vistas of the Texas Hill 

Country, long, leisurely summers and mild winters, an eclectic 

culture and compelling history, and a multitude of activities for 

folks from all walks of life. 

Austin enjoys booming economic growth; we are ranked #1 

in small business by Forbes.com and host a robust tech and 

software industry. We are a hub for education and government 

activity. Our leisure and tourist activities are seemingly endless. 

And of course, we have the best music, restaurants, shopping, 

festivals, parks and lakes. 

This book is organized into many helpful sections to provide you 

with enough in-depth information to make the most of your time 

exploring Austin and the surrounding Hill Country. Each section 

will get you going in the right direction with the latest on where 

to dine, shop and enjoy the rich culture of Austin. 

If you want to find out where the locals go, ask anyone on the 

street. Living up to our billing as one of the friendliest cities in the 

country, they’ll have some great secrets to share with you. They 

might even take you there! 

Again, welcome to Austin. 

Enjoy your time here, tell your 

friends about us and hurry 

back. 

Sincerely, 

The Celebrate Austin Team 

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER 

Judy Barrick 

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTS 

Linda Olson 

Marilyn Crawford 

CREATIVE 

Teicher Creative 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

Christy Wink 

Shannon Barrientes 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER 

Cheryl Long 

Chasity Ahman 

COVER ART 

Danny Clinch 

INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHY 

Danny Clinch 

Shock Ink 

Herron Stock 

UT Athletics 

John R. Rogers 

Jason Risner 

David McClister 

James Minchin 

Advertising, Job and Internship Inquiries 

judy@celebrateaustin.com 

Corporate offices are located at 10713 RR 620 N. Austin, TX 78726. 

For more information, please call 512-346-6235. 

Copyright and Trademark, 2017, 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. 

Celebrate Austin is published annually for distribution in hotel 

rooms and as a relocation guide for Austin newcomers, real estate 

agencies and Austin corporations.

What’s Inside 

Willie Nelson Texas Weddings Tour Austin Sports 

Lake Travis Congress Ave. Sixth Street Art 

Shopping Dining Hill Country 

Beer Trial 

Destinations 

8 WILLIE NELSON 

12 TEXAS WEDDINGS 

16 TOUR AUSTIN 

18 AUSTIN OUTDOORS 

20 THINGS TO SEE & DO 

22 CONCIERGE 

24 SPORTS 

28 LAKE TRAVIS 

31 CONGRESS AVE. 

34 SIXTH STREET 

36 ART 

36 SHOPPING 

48 2ND STREET 

52 DINING 

60 NIGHTLIFE 

68 HILL COUNTRY BEER TRAIL 

74 RELOCATION & BUSINESS 

80 DESTINATIONS 

82 FREDERICKSBURG 

87 GEORGETOWN 

www.celebrateaustin.com | 7

S 

S 

S 

S 

Willie Nelson, 

the man & his music 

Merle Haggard & Willie talking shop

S 

S 

S 

With a six-decade career and 200-plus albums, this iconic Texan is 

the creative genius behind the historic recordings of Crazy, Red Headed Stranger, 

and Stardust. Willie Nelson has won every conceivable award as a musician 

and amassed a reputable set of credentials as an author, actor and activist. 

He continues to thrive as a relevant and progressive musical and cultural force. 

In the last 5 years alone he has delivered 10 new album releases, released 

a Top 10 New York Times best sellers book, headlined Farm Aid (an event he 

co-founded in 1985) received his 5th degree black belt in Gong Kwon Yu Sul, 

headlined the last 3 years of the ongoing Luck Reunion food and music festival at 

his ranch in Luck, TX during SXSW, announced the launch of his cannabis 

company Willie’s Reserve and graced the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. 

In 2015, Nelson added It’s A Long Story: My Life, the unvarnished and complete 

story of Willie, hit bookshelves and landed him on the New York Times’ best sellers 

list; and the new studio album with Merle Haggard titled Django and Jimmie, 

which debuted at #1 on Billboard‘s Country album chart and #7 on Billboard‘s Top 

200 album chart. In November 2015, the Library of Congress honored him 

with their Gershwin Prize for Popular Song for his contributions to popular music. 

He is the first country artist to receive the distinguished award. 

2016 began with the release of Summertime: Willie Nelson Sings Gershwin, 

a collection of 11 newly recorded Gershwin classics. The album debuted 

at #1 on both the Top Current Jazz chart and the Top Traditional Jazz chart. 

In September, came For the Good Times: A Tribute to Ray Price, an album 

of newly recorded interpretations of 12 Ray Price songs. In October, 

Nelson released Pretty Paper, his new novel inspired his classic holiday 

song of the same title about a legless man who sold wrapping paper in 

front of a Ft. Worth, TX department store. Nelson continues to record new songs 

for upcoming projects as well as tour throughout North America all year long. 

S

WIllie Nelson, with sons Micah and Lukas Nelson 


TEXAS 

Weddings 

& Special Events 

Wildly Western Weddings in Austin, Texas 

IImagine your wedding on a gorgeous, sunny day—blue 

skies followed by jaw-dropping sunsets—and all the balmy 

breezes that you can handle. That’s a typical wedding in Austin, 

Texas, home of the near year-long sunshine that locals and 

visitors love. There is a wonderful cultural backdrop to the 

city as well, whether your interest be in the music scene, the 

Texas Hill Country vistas, the epic food or the techy townies. 

Weddings in Texas can be as “weird” or wonderful as you 

want them to be and the sky is, quite literally, your limit. 

Many a local girl or gent loves to pair the wedding 

ensemble with a pair of boots—that’s a look that is just as 

fresh on Sixth Street as it is on a sweet, Hill Country lane. 

Visit Allens Boots on famous South Congress (known as 

SoCo to locals), home of countless retail options for the 

adventurous. Allens Boots is crowned by the big red boot on 

their roof so you definitely won’t miss them. Inside their old 

walls, you’ll find the latest in chic, trendy footwear from your 

Luccheses to your Ariats. Every brand worth knowing can be 

found on their trusted shelves and celebrities, athletes and 

locals alike flock to this Austin scene. While you’re there, don’t 

forget about bridesmaids’ gifts! Allens Boots has jewelry, 

belt buckles, apparel, bags and lots of other surprises. 

The perfect match to a pair of boots and a swank 

wedding outfit is catering by The County Line Legendary 

Bar-B-Q. They’re a name so well known to locals, you won’t 

have to go far to hear a positive review. They’ve been serving 

up large family banquets for over 40 years and it’s their 

reputation that keeps those beloved doors open. Not only 

can they cater weddings, but they can also hold a wedding 

rehearsal dinner worth remembering (or even an intimate 

wedding). They have two charming Austin locations: On the 

Hill and On the Lake. On the Lake sits under the limestone 

cliffs right on Bull Creek, home of the hungry snapping turtles. 

On the Hill offers breathtaking views and a fun history: 

they’re located in an historic old speakeasy. The County Line 

recently spread their delicious wings and you can find them 

in San Antonio, El Paso and Albuquerque as well. If you live 

elsewhere and Austin is your destination wedding city, you can 

even sample their food in advance—just visit www.airribs.com. 

If you love the idea of a private country wedding, a lake 

wedding or a destination wedding feel in your own backyard, 

consider a visit out to Vintage Villas on beautiful Lake 

Travis—you can find all three in one place! The mere 30 

minute drive from downtown Austin is hop and a jump for 

guests, but the lush lakeside environment will make you feel 

like you’re at an exotic retreat. The private Hill Country 

venue offers remarkable lake views, manicured gardens and 

dramatic architecture by local guru Sinclair Black, recent 

winner of the Medal of Lifetime Achievement from the 

Texas Society of Architects.

Wedding Images provided by Honest Hue Photography 

• Sunset views over Lake Travis 

• On-site accommodations for your Guests 

• Mention this ad and receive a free gift on your tour 

• A single-stop, stress free environment for your 

essential needs, customized for you 

• Exquisite Wedding Venue, Rehearsal Dinners, Bridal 

Showers, Brunches & Luncheons Corporate Meetings 

4209 Eck Lane, Austin, Texas 

512.220.0185 • www.VintageVillas.com

For some, a chic downtown wedding is just the thing. In 

downtown Austin, Texas there isn’t an address much more 

happening than anything found on 2nd Street, otherwise 

known as Willie Nelson Boulevard, and home to the famous 

ACL Live at the Moody Theater. Right in the heart of 

downtown rises the recently completed W Hotel, a sensationally 

styled and innovative place to rest your head, listen to a 

DJ, hang at the bar, get your foodie on or…plan a wedding! 

They have their own private (and special) wedding cake 

designer as well as a chef that will knock your socks off. 

There are no limits at this cutting-edge hotel and hangout. 

There are three Embassy Suites by Hilton in Austin, all 

offering the perfect accommodations for extra guests, 

out-of-towners and wedding rehearsal dinners. The Arboretum 

Embassy Suites in Northwest Austin is minutes from the 

Domain and is situated on a shady, tree-covered corner. 

Most of their hotels accommodate weddings, events and 

banquets, and information is just a phone call away. Their 

locations can offer a compromise between out-of-town 

and downtown—just perfect! 

A wedding in Austin, Texas is sure to be awesome—as 

amazing as you can dream it. There are dozens of unique 

venues, from weird to wonderful, and an endless selection of 

retail and dining to support your every need. Making a wedding 

day memorable and unique is every couple’s dream and 

wild and whimsical Austin is the perfect place to get started. 

There are big hearts here that want to accommodate your 

guests, feed them and make every moment special, designed 

just for you. Remember, everything is bigger in Texas! 

14 | www.celebrateaustin.com

WEDDINGS 

SAY “I DO” IN STYLE 

Plan your wedding at W AUSTIN and 

enjoy our WHATEVER/WHENEVER ® 

services so your big day is exactly 

how you’ve always imagined. 

Stephani Warfield 

stephani.warfield@whotels.com 

512 542 3645 

whotelaustin.com 

Creating 

Lasting 

Memories 


photo by herron stock 

by christy wink 

Get to Know Austin: 

Small City, Big Heart 

Nestled in the corner of the Texas Hill Country lies 

our big little city of Austin. We might be small in 

relation to other Texas cities (Austin is the 4th 

largest city in Texas after Houston, San Antonio 

and Dallas), but we are proud to be the heart of 

Texas in so many different ways. Austin’s central location 

in the state boasts beautiful landscapes and temperate 

weather. Gently rolling hills and three separate lakes that 

split off the Colorado River encourage year-round outdoor 

activity, and residents make good use of the multiple 

outlets in which to hike, bike, run, kayak, paddleboard 

or swim. 

Austin is home to a blend of eclectic cultures and 

grassroots politics, with a thriving music scene (we’re not 

called “The Live Music Capital of the World” for nothing), a 

strong small business network and a rich historic background. 

Our unique politics are well known throughout the state; 

long known as a single blue dot in a sea of red, Austin’s 

colorful political views reflect the extreme diversity of the 

city. And because we’re from Texas, we have to go big: 

Austin is home to the largest state capitol building in the 

United States, a feat of architecture that brings to life 

Texas’s proud and independent history. 

You’ve probably seen or heard the slogan, “Keep 

Austin Weird.” It’s a phrase originally intended to indicate 

the people of Austin’s support and preference for small, 

local businesses over large corporations, although over 

the years it has taken on a wider meaning to encompass 

all of the unique aspects of the city. 

Blend together a deep-rooted musical history, a 

significant selection of art houses and museums and a 

generous handful of locally owned and revered restaurants 

and businesses, and you’ve started to create the melting 

pot that is Austin. Its live music culture is a living, breathing 

thing, and the film making, interactive and software 

development industries have become an integral part of 

Austin’s infrastructure. 

Ask anyone on the street and they’ll tell you—Austin 

is proud of its offbeat heritage and fiercely protective of 

its free-thinking spirit. Visitors come for the beautiful 

environment and the alluring tourist attractions. They stay 

because of the infectiously positive vibe. While maybe 

we’re not so weird in the grand scheme of things, Austin 

does offer a wonderfully creative, colorful and interesting 

place to live and play. It’s no surprise we are currently one 

of the nation’s fastest growing cities. Once you get here 

you’ll understand why it’s hard not to love it, and even 

harder to leave. 


TOUR AUSTIN 

NIMALS SINCE 1990 

NIMALS SINCE 1990 

Welcome to the 

WILD SIDE 

MENTION THIS COUPON ON YOUR NEXT VISIT TO THE ZOO TO RECEIVE 

$2 OFF A ADMISSION 

CHILD 

TICKET 

with the purchase of a regular priced adult admission* 

10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin, TX 78736 

512.288.1490 • www.AustinZoo.org 

NATURE’S TREASURES 

OF TEXAS 

Visit our 7,000 sq. ft. showroom of 

crystals, minerals, fossils, jewelry, home 

decor and more! Our Rock Yard and 

Rock Depot captivate rock hounds of 

all ages, and kids have fun learning 

about dinosaurs, fossils and nature! Fun 

for the whole family! We rock! Open 

7 days a week. Nature’s Treasures of 

Texas, 4103 N. IH35, between 38 ½ & 

Airport. Visit NTROCKS.com & Shop 

CrystalsByNature.com for more info. 

MAGNUM TRAILERS 

Over 40 years of experience designing/ 

building and servicing trailers. They 

sell the best concession, car hauler, 

motorcycle and enclosed trailers. They 

carry BBQ/fire pits, hunting blinds, 

feeders, coolers and truck accessories. 

Stores in Austin, San Antonio, 

Georgetown and San Marcos. 

Call 1-800-6MAGNUM 

www.magnumtrailers.com 

CURIOUS ABOUT AUSTIN? 

Our professional and entertaining guides 

make getting to know Austin fun. 

For information about the Austin & Hill 

Country 90 min. daily scheduled tour, 

private and custom tours, or our step-on 

guide services, visit us online or give us a 

call for more information: 

AOTOURSAUSTIN.COM 

512-659-9478 | 512-960-1886 

Locally owned & operated since 2003.

Austin Outdoors 

C 

M 

THE ARABIC BAZAAR 

The Arabic Bazaar is a direct importer 

of treasures for you and your home 

from Syria, Egypt, Morocco, Turkey 

& beyond. Large selection of gifts, 

clothing, antiques & home furnishing 

that echo the thousands of years of 

hand-crafted beauty of the Arabic Souq 

(market place). And while here, check 

out our Bellydance classes...for fun, for 

fitness and to learn a gorgeous form 

of dance! 5013 Duval ST, Austin TX 

78751, 512-533-9227. Come check us out 

online @ www.wmdproductions.com 

and like us on facebook. 

Y 

VIP MARINA ON 

LAKE TRAVIS 

Enjoy a Rental Fleet that is second to none! 

VIP has a BRAND NEW Party Barge to 

round out an already PHENOMENAL 

rental fleet that includes jet skis, ski boats, 

K 

sunset dinner cruises, houseboats and 

yachts! VIP also has covered wet slips 

and boat sales! VIP is one of the closest 

marinas to Austin, has THE cleanest 

facilities and a FULLY stocked ship 

store! Boat rentals include fuel and there 

are Captains available!! The Marina is 

open 7 days a week with late hours in 

the Summer. Next to The Shore Club 

for dining, Volente Beach Waterpark. 

16107 FM 2769 Leander, TX 78641. 

www.viplaketravis.com 512-331-5375 

CM 

MY 

CY 

CMY 

CAPITAL CRUISES 

Come view the famous Congress Ave bat 

emergence and take in some vestiges of 

scenic Lady Bird Lake! Offerings include Bat 

Watching and Sightseeing Excursions, boat 

rentals and a wide variety of private events 

including dinners and entertainment. Book 

today and have the ultimate Austin experience! 

Reservations can be made at 512-480-9264; 

Located on the lake below the 

Hyatt Regency Austin, 208 Barton Springs Rd. 

www.capitalcruises.com 


Austin Duck Adventures 

Austin Duck Adventures is a fun amphibious tour of 

downtown Austin, Texas and beautiful Lake Austin inside 

one of our Unsinkable, U.S. Coast Guard inspected, Hydra 

Terra vehicles. Austin Duck Adventures is Austin’s best tour 

with 75 minutes of sightseeing that includes Historic Sixth 

Street, the State Capitol Building, Bob Bullock State History 

Museum, the Governor’s Mansion and Lake Austin. 

They have been a staple in Austin since 1999. As a kid friendly 

tour, Austin Duck Adventures makes a splash with kids, adults 

and seniors alike. 

Have a group of co-workers, friends or clients you want to 

show around the city? A great option on the Ducks is taking 

one of our group and private lake tours in Austin, Texas. 

These are fully customized tours. Each tour is 1.5 hours and 

the route can be customized. Food and drink is allowed on 

private charters as well as specifying the pick up and drop 

off locations. 

This tour is great for tailgate parties, weddings, birthdays, 

field trips, bar crawls, bachelor and bachelorette parties or 

JUST BECAUSE! Each Duck can hold up to 44 people with 

life vests and child-friendly features aboard. 

Public tours run seven days a week all year long. It is the 

perfect outing for first-time guests or long-time Austinites! 


Things to See and Do and Come Back For 

January 

Chinese New Year’s Festival: 

Chinatown Center - “It’s the 

year of the rooster, and 

Austin’s restaurants are 

celebrating.” January 5, 2017 

19th Annual Austin Spring 

Home & Garden Show: 

Austin Convention Center, 

January 13-15, 2017 

February 

Carnaval Brasileiro: Palmer 

Events Center - “Carnaval in 

Austin is one of the biggest 

Brazilian carnaval celebrations 

outside Brazil – samba, 

costumes and wild abandon – 

Brasileiro style in the heart of 

Texas.” February 25 , 2017 

March 

Star of Texas Fair and 

Rodeo: Where Weird Meets 

Western. March 11-25, 2017. 

www.rodeoaustin.com 

ABC Zilker Kite Festival: 

Come fly a kite at the nation’s 

oldest kite festival! Zilker Park, 

March 5, 2017. 

www.abckitefestival.org 

SXSW Education Expo: 

Austin Convention Center - 

“A public event celebrating the 

Central Texas community’s 

hunger and passion for lifelong 

learning, from cradle to career 

and beyond.” 

sxswedu.com/expo, 

March 6-9 2017 

SXSW: An extraordinary 

combination of music, 

independent films and new 

technology. Locations vary, 

March 10-19, 2017. 

www.sxsw.com 

St. Patrick’s Day Festival: 

Various Locations - “For over 

ten years the Celtic Cultural 

Center of Texas has organized 

the best Austin St. Paddy’s Day 

celebration in central Texas. 

A family-friendly St. Patrick’s 

Day where families can come 

out and enjoy the culture of 

Ireland including music, dance 

and language.” 

www.stpatricksdayaustin.com, 

March 17, 2017 

12th Annual Austin Spring 

Home and Garden Show: 

Palmer Events Center, 

March 24-26, 2017. 

www.austinhomeandgardenshow.com 

photo provided by herron stock 

Zilker Garden Festival: 

Zilker Botanical Garden, 

March 25-26, 2017 

Clyde Littlefield Texas 

Relays: Mike A. Myers Stadium, 

UT Campus - “The premier 

track & field event brings 

together the best high school, 

college and professional athletes 

from Texas, the U.S. and 

the world. The weekend wraps 

up with the Urban Music Festival 

on Saturday, which features 

soul, R&B and hip hop artists.” 

www.texassports.com, March 

29-April 1, 2017 

Art City Austin: 

Austin’s original fine arts 

festival, now in its 67th year – 

www.artallianceaustin.org, 

March 31 - April 2, 2017 

April 

Austin International 

Poetry Festival: 

Various Locations - “This 

four-day citywide, all-inclusive 

celebration of poetry and poets 

will include poetry readings, 

workshops and slam poetry 

presentations.” April 6-9, 2017 

The 16th Annual Lonestar 

Round-Up: Travis County Expo 

Center - “A huge outdoor car 

show and live music festival 

with tons of vintage hot rods 

and custom cars driven here 

from all over the country, and 

bringing visitors from all over 

the world.” lonestarroundup. 

com, April 7-8, 2017 

Austin Reggae Festival: 

Auditorium Shores, 

April 14-16, 2017 

MOTOGP RED BULL GRAND 

PRIX OF THE AMERICAS: 

Circuit of the Americas - 

The fastest show on two 

wheels comes to Texas for its 

only North American stop. 

www.circuitoftheamericas.com, 


Moontower Comedy & 

Oddity Fest: 4 days, 9ish 

Venues, 90ish Performers 

moontowercomedyfestival.com, 


Austin Food and Wine 

Festival: Auditorium Shores 

and Republic Square Park – 

www.austinfoodandwinefestival.com 


Eeyore’s 54th Annual 

Birthday Party: Pease Park – 

www.eeyores.org, April 29, 

2017 

May 

Austin Boat and Travel 

Trailer Show: Emerald Point 

Marina, May 5-7, 2017 

The 40th Annual Spring 

Pecan Street Festival: 

6th Street – 

pecanstreetfestival.org, 

May 6-7, 2017 

Austin Fashion Week: Frank 

Erwin Center and Austin Music 

Hall – austin.fashionx.co, 

May 12-21, 2017 

June 

ATX Television Festival: 

Various Locations – 

www.atxfestival.com, 

June 8-11, 2017 

23rd Annual Republic of Texas 

Biker Rally ® : Travis County 

Exposition Center and 6th 

Street – www.rotrally.com, 

June 8-11, 2017 

Keep Austin Weird Fest and 

5K: The Long Center – 

www.keepaustinweirdfest.com, 

June 24, 2017 

July 

Fourth of July Fireworks and 

Symphony: The Long Center 

for Performing Arts – 

www.austinsymphony.org, 

July 4, 2017 


TOUR AUSTIN 

August 

ArmadilloCon 39: 

Omni SouthPark – 

armadillocon.org, August 4-5, 


10th Annual Austin Ice 

Cream Scoop: Fiesta Gardens 

– austinicecreamfestival.com, 

August 12, 2017 

13th Annual Austin Bat Fest: 

Ann Richards Congress Avenue 

Bridge, August 19, 2017 

7th Annual Austin Pet Expo: 

Palmer Events Center - 

www.austinpetexpo.com, 

August 19-20, 2017 

22nd Annual Austin Fall 

Home & Garden Show: 

Austin Convention Center, 

August 18-20, 2017 


The Austin Chronicle Hot 

Sauce Festival: Fiesta 

Gardens, August 20th, 2017 

September 

UT Football: Opening Home 

Game vs. Maryland: Darrell K 

Royal Texas Memorial Stadium, 

Sept. 2, 2017 

Fantastic Fest Film Festival: 

Alamo Drafthouse - “The 

largest genre film festival in 

the U.S., specializing in horror, 

fantasy, sci-fi, action and just 

plain fantastic movies from all 

around the world.” fantasticfest. 

com, September 21-28, 2017 

Lone Star Le Mans: 

6 Hours of Circuit of the 

Americas! September 15-16, 


October 

Austin City Limits 

Music Festival: 

Zilker Park, “An annual 

weekend music and art festival 

that has become one of the 

United States premier rock 

festivals. Approximately 130 

bands on eight stages attract 

crowds of around 65k fans to 

listen to music including rock, 

country, folk, indie, Americana, 

hip-hop, reggae and bluegrass.” 

www.aclfestival.com 

October 6-8 & 13-15, 2017 

85th Annual St. Elias 

Mediterranean Festival: 

St. Elias Church - “This two 

day event includes live music, 

dancing, wine, cocktails, 

children’s games and a festival 

marketplace with a Greek 

Orthodox Bazaar.” 

September 29-30, 2017 

24th Annual Austin Film 

Festival: Various Locations, 

austinfilmfestival.com, 

October 26- November 2, 2017 

Formula One Grand Prix: 

Featuring Justin Timberlake, 

Circuit of the Americas, 

October 20-22, 2017 

November 

Texas Book Festival: State 

Capitol, Nov. 4-5, 2017 

A Christmas Affair 2017 

presented by The Junior 

League of Austin: Palmer 

Events Center, November 15- 

17, 2017 

Austin Celtic Festival: Fiesta 

Gardens - “Join the Austin 

Celtic Festival as we present 

world class music, dance and 

fun for you and your family.” 

www.austincelticfestival.com 

Date: TBD 

26th Annual Austin Powwow 

and American Indian 

Heritage Festival: Location: 

Travis County Expo Center - 

“Hundreds of Native American 

Indian dancers, singers and 

drummers gather each year in 

Austin on the first Saturday in 

November to celebrate 

American Indian culture.” 

www.austinpowwow.net, 

Date: Nov. 4, 2017 

aEast Austin Studio Tour: 

“A two-weekend self-guided 

tour of working art studios with 

over 100 artists and studios 

participating and located 

east of I-35, west of 183, 

south of 51st Street and north 

of Town Lake.” 

www.eastaustinstudiotour.com, 

November 11-12 & 18-19, 2017 

December 

Zilker Holiday Tree 

and Trail of Lights: Zilker 

Park, Date: TBA 

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar: 

Palmer Events Center, 

Dec. 14-24, 2017 

Austin’s New Year: 

Long Center at Auditorium 

Shores - “A family-friendly, 

alcohol-free event that 

features local music, dance, 

film, art and food with a 

fireworks finale.” 

www.austintexas.gov/department/austins-new-year, 

December 31st-January 1st, 



Welcome 

TO AUSTIN. 

The Austin Concierge & Guest Services Association is a non-profit association of concierge 

and guest service staff and suppliers of the hotel industry. We are committed to providing 

the highest level of service to our valued guests and Austin’s visitors. Our hotel membership 

encompasses both limited and full service properties throughout Austin. 

14 | www.celebrateaustin.com 

For more information about ACGSA visit our website at acgsa.org 

or contact denise@acgsa.org

Tipping 

Guide 

TRAVEL: 

SKYCAP: $2 first bag, $1 per 

additional bag 

DOORMAN: A smile and a “Thank 

you” when he opens the door, plus 

$1-$4 for carrying luggage; $1-$2 for 

hailing cab (add an extra $1 if it’s 

raining); $1-$4 for going beyond the 

call of duty. 

BELLHOP: $2 first bag; $1 per 

additional bag; $2-3 for each 

additional service, such as room 

delivery. 

HOUSEKEEPER: $2-$5 per day, 

left daily with a note marked 

“Housekeeping – Thank you!” 

CONCIERGE: No obligation for 

answering questions. $5-$10 for 

tickets or restaurant reservations; 

$15 for hard-to-get tickets or 

reservations (or 10%-20% of the 

ticket price) 

TAXI DRIVER: 15%-20% of 

the fare, but minimally $1; $2 

for the first bag carried, $1 per 

additional bag. 

RESTAURANTS: 

SIT DOWN WAIT SERVICE: 15-20% 

BUFFET WAIT SERVICE: 10% 

HOST OR MAITRE D’: No 

obligation for greeting you and 

showing you to a table. $10-$20 for 

going above and beyond to find 

you a table on a busy night or on 

occasion if you’re a regular. 

TAKE OUT: No obligation; 10% 

for extra service (curb delivery) or a 

large complicated order. 

HOME DELIVERY: 10-15% of the 

bill, $2-$5 for pizza delivery. 

BARTENDER: $1-$2 per drink or 

15%-20% of the tab 

TIPPING JARS: No obligation; tip 

occasionally if your server or barista 

provides a little something extra or 

if you are a regular customer. 

RESTROOM ATTENDANT: 

$0.50-$3 depending on the level of 

service. 

VALET: $2-$5 when your car is 

returned to you. 

SALON/SPA: 

HAIR SALON: 15-20%, ask to be 

split among those who served you 

MANICURIST: 15%-20% 

MASSEUSE: 15%-20% 

FACIAL, WAXING, MASSAGE: 

15%-20% 


Austin: 

A Seriously Sporty City 

by shannon barrientes 

There are not many words as synonymous with “Austin, 

Texas” as “UT Football.” The University of Texas at Austin 

football program is nationally famous but no more beloved 

than right here in the capital city. The local Longhorns 

are a member of the Big 12 Conference and compete 

in the NCAA Division 1 (I-A) Football Bowl Subdivision. 

Catch a game at the beautiful Darrell K Royal Texas 

Memorial Stadium that towers just between the edge of 

the UT campus and the bustling downtown city. The 

stadium is the namesake of Coach Royal, who famously 

led the Longhorns to three national championships. 

Texas is more excited than ever for the 2017 season, 

which welcomes newly positioned coach Thomas Herman. 

Coach Herman arrives at the University of Texas at 

Austin from his former position at the University of 

Houston where he successfully led his team in an overall 

record of 22-4 and several prominent victories. 

Not all sports are played on the field and Austin has a 

lot of country road to embrace its love of motorcycles. One 

of the most exciting events hosted yearly is the renowned 

Republic of Texas (ROT) Biker Rally. June of 2017 will 

bring ROT to the shores of Lake Travis, the busy downtown 

streets and all over the Texas Hill Country. Known as the 

largest “turnstile” motorcycle rally in the United States, it 

is a nationwide favorite. Tens of thousands of enthusiasts 


SPORTS 

flock to the scenic Hill Country to enjoy the breathtaking 

vistas and the iconic nightlife that is Austin, Texas. 

Held every second Thursday in June for nearly two 

decades, the ROT Rally doesn’t intimidate easily. They’re 

just as competitive with top-notch music and entertainment 

and, during this epic celebration, the city shuts down fifty 

blocks of downtown Austin to encourage pedestrian-friendly 

movement in the massive crowd of thousands of beautiful 

motorcycles and amazing vendors, street music and more. 

Attractions can include stunt shows, the Kustom Kulture 

Artisan’s Show, Flat Track Racing, Doug Danger’s World 

Record jump, and, of course, plenty of stages with live 

music. Because what event in Austin would be complete 

without that? 

If you enjoy year-round adrenaline boosts, attend a 

roller derby bout. Austin is proud of its awesome Texas 

Rollergirls. Formed in 2003 as the only sports league of 

its kind, Texas Rollergirls Rock-n-Rollerderby started today’s 

Flat Track Derby movement. There are now more than 300 

leagues in the nation and roller derby is quickly building a

eputation as a genuine and respectable athletic 

competition, but not for the faint of heart. 

The Texas Rollergirls are legendary and one-hundred 

percent local, just the way Austin likes it. Four teams 

are supported by a fervent fan group: Hell Marys, 

Hotrod Honeys, Honky Tonk Heartbreakers, and the 

Hustlers. Regular season bouts are held at The Austin 

Convention Center and, for the in-your-face action, 

you can see them at “The Bloodshed,” the home-base 

for the Texas Rollergirls. Get online now to secure your 

tickets to the next exciting bout for an unforgettable 

experience. 

Austin is known for a love of college football and 

a passion for the great outdoors. But its taste is most 

eclectic and not limited to your typical ballgames. 

For a real surprise, take advantage of these rare and 

exciting local events.


Longhorn Football 

September 2 

September 9 

September 16 

September 28 

October 7 

October 14 

October 21 

October 28 

November 4 

November 11 

November 18 

November 24 

Maryland 

San Jose State 

@ USC 

@ Iowa State 

Kansas State 

Oklahoma 

Oklahoma State 

@ Baylor 

@ TCU 

Kansas 

@ West Virginia 

Texas Tech 

See www.texassports.com for game times and coverage 

photos provided by ut athletics 


Lake Travis: 

Year-Round Adventure! 



Winding like a turquoise serpentine through the 

stunning Texas Hill Country, Lake Travis offers locals 

and visitors alike year-round recreation. The region 

basks in balmy sunlight for more than two-thirds 

of the year, encouraging a love of the outdoors. The 

subtropical latitude means local Lake Travis is a haven from 

the long, scorching summers and a cool retreat throughout 

the mild winters. The record warm winters in the last two 

years have encouraged a love of the outdoors more than ever, 

with the local lakes offering a natural respite from the heat. 

The wetter-than-usual patterns also mean a full, glistening 

lake just waiting to be taken advantage of. 

Lake Travis is just one portion of the seven Highland 

Lakes, part of the grand Colorado River that was dammed 

into a reservoir in the 1940s. It boasts the largest capacity of 

them all, with a sinewy 65-mile stretch of invigorating water 

that stretches into two counties. Exploring the 30 square miles 

of surface is highly encouraged, whether your preference is 

fishing, boating, swimming, scuba diving, camping, picnicking 

or hiking. And fortunately for Austinites and visitors, it’s just 

a short 20-minute drive away. 

The primary purpose of the lake is as a flood control 

reservoir of the Highland Lake chain. Thanks to a strong global 

El Niño pattern bringing in extra inches of rain, the lakes have 

received more than enough relief. Water levels are up locally 

and throughout the state, which means public boat ramps are 

open and outdoor dining is close to the lovely water’s edge. 

Rumor has it that the new Shack 512 offers panoramic views of 

the lake and the hills with access by land and lake (make use 

of the public boat parking at Sandy Creek Yacht Club & Marina 

next door), with an American southern menu that is sure to 

please any foodie. 

The local marinas are busy and ready for business and 

residents and tourists are taking advantage of the larger access 

to area fishing holes and beaches. With easier access to quiet 

lake edges, Lake Travis invites you to enjoy an incredible array 

of fish for your plucking pleasure including white bass, striped 

bass, largemouth bass, Guadalupe bass, catfish and sunfish. 

If boating for excitement is more your thing, there are 

dozens of boat rental options available from your choice of 

over a dozen marinas ready to cater to your every whim. Rent 

a houseboat, party barge or wakeboard at VIP Marina or 


Aquaholics 

Watercraft Rental 

On beautiful Lake Travis. 

(512) 989-7838 

LAKE TRAVIS 

- WE DO SUNSETS - 

Casual, comfortable lake dining 

with a touch of elegance where no 

guest ever leaves unhappy! 

8714 Lime Creek Road, Volente, TX 78641 

(Adjacent to Sandy Creek Marina) 

512-547-7610 • www.shack512.com 

Experience Austin’s Best Boat Rentals 

High end boat rentals 

at affordable prices. 

Ask about our NEW Party Barge! 

Same day reservations accepted. 

16107 FM 2769 Volente, TX 78641 • (512) 331-5375 • www.viplaketravis.com 


adventure will have you launching off a cliff 20 stories in 

height and sailing over the nearly 3,000 feet of lake. Safe 

for most ages, ziplining will fuel your hunger for adrenaline. 

photo provided by vip marina 

Aquaholics. Popular with the locals is parasailing, tubing, 

water-skiing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding 

and, of course, power boats. Already own a boat? Call 

Sandy Creek Yacht Club & Marina for access to peaceful 

amenities that are hard to find on the popular waterscape. 

No matter how you escape the Texas heat, there’s nothing 

like racing over the water at 80 knots per hour with 

the spray of water invigorating your skin and cool wind 

whipping through your hair. 

One of the most exciting adventures available in 

recent years is the Lake Travis Zipline, which offers hours 

of excitement 250 to 2,800 feet high above the scenic 

cobalt waters of the lake. Their private beach includes 

hammocks, access to swimming and pristine sand on 

which to picnic or play games. The Zipline now offers a 

three-hour adventure under the moonlight, for a thrilling 

ride you will not find elsewhere. The grand finale of the 

The lake itself is a beacon for glamorous cuisine, 

which always seems to encourage outdoor dining, allowing 

for breathtaking views and camera-ready sunsets. Don’t 

miss The OASIS, a local favorite and famous tourist spot 

that perches 450 feet above Lake Travis on a cliff and 

offers the best sunset views a diner could anticipate. 

Multiple levels of patios can seat hundreds, with a stunning 

array of colored umbrellas that one would have to see to 

truly appreciate, acting as rainbow-colored eye candy. Their 

Starlight Terrace may be the most unique, and breathtaking, 

floor on which to dance the night away – you will gape 

in awe when the retractable roof opens and the brilliant 

night stars twinkle into view. 

There are so many events that happen on Lake Travis, 

it’s likely you will be there when something exciting is 

happening. Spectacular boat parades, exciting boat races 

and fireworks on Fourth of July – it seems like there 

is always something to look forward to on the beautiful 

shores of Lake Travis. What are you waiting for? Time 

to get wet! 

Austin’s 

Only 

“...Most 

Incredible 

Experience 

EVER!” 

5 STARS on 

TRIP ADVISOR 

Your Family will love it! 

Longest Zipline in TX! 

Thrilling 3 hr Tours 

Zip over Lake Travis 

Private Beach 


Crowned by the Capitol: 

Congress Avenue Beckons Exploration 

photo provided by jorn r. rogers 


One of the most prominent streets in Austin is Congress 

Avenue. Crowned on one side by the Texas capitol building, 

one of the most visually striking buildings in all of Texas, it 

continues across downtown and Lady Bird 

Lake. The best place to start your trip on this 

thoroughfare is at the beginning, with a visit to 

the capitol itself. 

Built in the late 19th century, the Texas 

State Capitol is a fully functioning city center 

that contains the chambers and offices of the 

bi-annual Texas Legislature and the Governor’s 

offices. It is the sixth tallest state capitol in 

the United States and one of the few to claim 

height over the United States Capitol in 

Washington, D.C. Although it is similar to 

the Italian Renaissance Revival-style of our 

nation’s breathtaking capitol, it is also entirely 

unique in that it is constructed with a finish 

of rare sunset red granite, which was 

painstakingly quarried from the nearby 

Granite Mountain in Marble Falls, Texas, 

as a donation by the owners. If you’re in the 

area around sunset, find a bench in the 

prolific 22 acres of park that surround it 

and enjoy the spectacular display of color. 

While there, walk the grounds and enjoy 

the dozens of statues and monuments that 

celebrate the Texas Rangers, heroes of 

the Alamo, the lives of confederate soldiers 

and so much more. 

Be sure to take a tour of the capitol while you are in the 

area. You can self-guide a tour with pamphlets or join an 

actual tour group as you move through the grand rooms of 


CONGRESS AVE. 

the majestic building that centers downtown 

Austin. Visitors are allowed to freely walk 

the halls and grounds of the capitol until 

5:00 p.m. daily. 

Just a few blocks down is a Texas 

legend: the Hatbox Haberdashery, one of 

the last of its kind in the state, let alone 

downtown Austin. These days, the world’s 

modern selection of hats is blind conformity 

or rows of identical look-alikes. Hatbox 

offers custom styles, expert fittings and 

unique one-of-a-kind hats. 

It is well worth a visit to find a hat 

shop that replicates the type of quality 

and individuality that was found a century 

ago and is a rarity in today’s world of 

mass-produced commerce. They carry 

an impressive collection of designers and 

promote the highest of current fashion 

and re-vintaged style. And it’s not just for 

men! The store’s cocktail hats division 

for women exhibits the ultimate “spring 

affair” and “after five” collection. 

Just before you turn the corner, stop 

at a locally owned store that is entirely 

too rare to be missed: Wild About Music. 

The 

Old Bakery 

& Emporium 

zUnique Handcrafts 

by Local Artists 

zVisitor Information Center 

zLundberg-Maerki 

Historical Collection 

zArt Gallery 

1006 Congress Avenue 

Tuesday through Saturday 

9:00 am to 4:00 pm 

Austin’s passion, history and dedication to music is documented 

with the walls of this epic and extraordinary retailer, an art and gift 

gallery dedicated entirely to music. They represent over 100 local, 

national and international artists and carry thousands of gift 

items all entirely dedicated to, you guessed it, music! For almost 

20 years, they have brought the spirit of melody to music lovers 

worldwide. This gallery is museum-like in its quality and selection 

and is a must-see. A visit through these doors will inspire your 

next stop: Historic Sixth Street to listen to some live music! 

If you travel south on Congress, you’ll hit the area of 

town that locals call SoCo. Full of locally owned dining and 

retail, it’s an eclectic mix of unique artists and rare finds. One of 

the local legends is right in the heart of SoCo at the corner of 

Monroe and Congress: Allens Boots, recognizable for the giant 

red boot that sits atop their roof. Their familiar logo is an oft-included 

brand in Austin collage murals and it’s a rare local who 

hasn’t been inside their welcoming doors. Open since 1977, they 

are a family-owned boot retailer with an amazing array of Austin, 

and Texas, collectibles and finds. Trip Advisor has them listed 

as a “Top Shopping Attraction” for a good reason—when you 

walk through their doors you’ll be impressed with the selection 

and quality. Check out their fun Wall of Fame, featuring photos 

of movie stars, athletes and rock stars that have graced their 

famous floors in search of the perfect boots. 

Image: Watercolor by Sonny Cochran

Hatbox 

A Modern Haberdashery 

Although a haberdashery originally meant an 

all-purpose accessory and notions store it came to 

be associated in America almost exclusively with 

hats. In the heyday of hats the haberdashery was 

often seen as a serious place with rows and rows 

of identical hats lined up as identical soldiers of 

conformity. These days hats have come to represent 

the opposite of blind conformity—they represent a 

confident style and a dashing personality. 

It is with this spirit that Hatbox has created the MODERN 

Haberdashery, a place that still honors the knowledge and 

art of the traditional haberdashery while knowing that a 

contemporary hat-wearing public needs a friendly, helpful 

and exciting introduction to the world of head wear. From 

our custom styles to our expert fittings we work with our 

customers to find the perfect hat with the perfect fit that is 

entirely unique to each customer. 

From Art to Hats: The long journey of Vertigo, Inc.; Hatbox 

began in the Montrose District of Houston in 1974. 

Originally Vertigo Inc., the store began as an innovative gift 

and art retailer in the heart of Houston’s Museum district. 

After 6 years of rapid growth, founder, Lauri Turner, moved 

the store to Austin and the long road to haberdashery began. 

For the next 20 years Vertigo went from gift retailer, to 

custom clothier, to accessory specialty and now, modern 

haberdashery. 

Our little hat shop is all grown up 

now and features the best the hat 

world has to offer. Our haberdashers 

are extensively trained in hat history 

and fit, and each is dedicated to 

advancing the art of hat-wearing. 

The passion for knowledge and 

innovation that first led us to 

hats keeps our selection fresh and 

exciting and our quality timeless. 

Whether you’re looking for the 

perfect pork pie to complete your 

collection or just starting out with 

your first fedora, Hatbox is your hat 

resource. 

Our experienced Hat Shaping 

Event Team provides a customized 

experience that perfectly blends 

our hat designs with your theme, 

entertainment and cuisine. Whether 

you are looking for cowboy hats or 

are hosting a full on Kentucky Derby 

Racing Day Soiree, we have the perfect 

hat! Best of all, your guests have an 

experience they will never forget: a 

perfectly sized and custom shaped hat 

to take home and treasure forever! 


photo courtesy of herron stock 

Historic Austin, 

Modern Day Entertainment 


K 

nown nationwide as a music and entertainment 

hotspot, Sixth Street is inarguably one of the 

most bustling and exciting streets in all of Austin. 

Most weekend evenings (and some holiday and 

special events) traffic is blocked in the area, 

allowing unencumbered pedestrian traffic to traverse 

the hurried area. Park on the nearby outskirts and take 

a pedicab to this exciting entertainment district to see 

live music any night of the week, and to enjoy a cold 

cocktail and some local dining. 

Though legendary for the music scene, this area also 

boasts a deep-rooted history that is integral to the core 

of what makes Austin special to this very day. Historically, 

the most significant part of this street extends from the 

celebrated Driskill Hotel at the corner of Brazos Street 

and continues six city blocks to I-35. This portion was 

once served as a major thoroughfare through the inner-city 

area. In the mid-nineteenth century, Sixth Street was 

Pecan Street, and it served as a stagecoach route for 

travelers. Edwin Waller, elected as the city’s first mayor 

in 1840, engineered a grid plan for the streets of the 

city; most of this grid plan is still intact as modern 

downtown Austin. 

Pecan Street was the choice traveling route into 

town for the farmland communities to the east, and soon 

became a major commerce district. Before the American 

Civil War, Sixth Street was bustling with stores, saloons 

and hotels. Many of those original buildings are still 

standing and today house bars, venues and entertainment. 

You can see evidence of this early history by visiting the 

Missouri House, erected in 1861 and still standing at the 

corner of Brazos and Sixth. It was Austin’s first boarding 

home for travelers on their way to the Wild West, but 

today you can enjoy a cold beer and a round of pool with 

your friends in two levels of the building. 

After the Civil War, the area welcomed the railroad 

and the area boomed – inviting in fashion retail, offices, 

showrooms and warehouses that catered to travelers and 

locals. One of these retailers, Scarbrough and Hicks 

department store, is responsible for erecting the Scarbrough 

Building in 1910, Austin’s first skyscraper at eight 

stories tall, and is to this day a beautiful example of the 

Commercial style of the early twentieth century. 

Just down the street, stop in at Iron Cactus to enjoy 

tableside guacamole and an icy margarita. Be sure to 

take in the epic views of Sixth Street from their rooftop. 

In the summertime, their rooftops misters will refresh you 

for a night on the town.

6TH. STREET 

The oldest bar on Sixth Street is locally 

owned Maggie Mae’s, which has stood 

proud for 39 years, and is an Austin 

institution. It is located in four beautifully 

restored buildings erected circa 1850s. 

Maggie Mae’s features an authentic New 

Orleans-style courtyard with a staircase 

that extends to a 5,000 square foot rooftop 

deck that allows for a gorgeous view 

of downtown Austin. Dedicated to Gibson 

USA, the roof features a brand-new stage 

equipped with premium digital sound. 

Upstairs you will also discover the Gibson 

Guitar Room and Les Paul Lounge, celebrating 

the life and accomplishments of Les Paul 

(1915–2009). Also nestled inside is the 

newly renovated Legacy Lounge featuring 

a wall-sized mural by Robert Hurst and an 

authentic English pub with Guinness on 

draft. At Maggie Mae’s, you can find live 

music seven nights a week. 

Just a few blocks over is Bobalu Cigar 

Company – be sure to stop in and watch live 

cigar rollers in the ancient and beautiful 

art form that is cigar rolling. You can watch 

through a window from the street as 

trained professionals make custom cigars 

for a waiting line of locals and visitors. 

This renowned shop also carries a fantastic 

selection of unique and imported cases 

and accessories, as well as a liberally 

stocked humidor. They will hand-roll a cigar 

for you by request and it’s an experience 

you won’t soon forget. 

The history of Austin is alive on Sixth 

Street and is remembered bi-annually via 

the Austin Pecan Street Festival, every May 

and September. The festival is in its fortieth 

year of celebration, and the festivities 

represent so much of what makes Austin 

unforgettable: multiple stages for live music, 

art and dance performances, craft booths 

populated with local artisans and street 

food vendors, and lots of fun for the kids at 

the petting zoo. 

There are countless hidden treasures 

along this wonderful corridor that make up 

the heart of Austin. Don’t miss the daytime 

opportunities that abound in the form 

of shopping, retail and, for the historically 

inclined, the beautiful monuments that 

stretch from the legendary Driskill Hotel 

and on toward I-35. For those of you who 

love the nightlife, you are headed in the 

right direction. 

Did You Know? 

All of the artwork in the Driskill Hotel is original, but there are no 

records of how they were acquired or who the artists are. 

Louis Armstrong made his Texas debut at the Driskill Bar in 1931. 

There’s a “historic” side of the building and a newer side 

of the building. The newer side, added in the 1920s, 

features narrower passageways as women no longer 

wore hoop skirts and didn’t need as wide of walkways. 

Helen Corbitt was a chef at the Driskill, developing her 

famous cheese soup there, before going to Neiman Marcus 

in 1955 to be the director of food services. 

The portrait of Jesse Driskill on the staircase has a few 

dents in it from the time when two lawyers got into a violent 

argument in the lobby, and a stray bullet hit the painting. 

The Texas Rangers met in the Jim Hogg room in 1934 to devise 

a plan to finally bring down the infamous duo of Bonnie and Clyde. 


Cr eative Austin: 

An Artful Experience

ART 

Art... 

At a Glance 

Architectural Elements 

Ceramics/ Pottery 

Glasswork 

Drawings 

Antique or Collectable 

Custom 

Jewelry 

Metalworking 

Mosaic 

Paintings/Canvas 

Photography 

Portraiture 

Framing 

Sculpture 

Acrylic 

art on 5th 

3005 S. Lamar, 512-481-1111 

www.arton5th.com 

Abstract, 

Local, 

Modern 

u u u u 

John r. roGers 

visualistimaGes@Gmail.com 

512-699-6468 

Photography u u u u u u 

Wimberley GlassWorks 

512-393-3316 

www.wgw.com 

Art Glass 

Lighting 

u u u u u u u u 

robert hurst 

512-444-7661 

adamnfineartist.com 

Painter - People 

and Critters 

u u u u 

herron stock 

512-596-3254 

herronstock.com 

Photography u u 


Austin is such a diverse melting pot of people, and 

it goes to show in the city’s wide array of artistic 

expression. Whether for sale or just made for 

everyone’s enjoyment, our art can be found in all 

aspects of daily life. It’s in our streets and on our 

bridges and building walls; it’s built into our architecture 

and sold on our sidewalks. We have fine collectable pieces 

hang quietly in peaceful and austere museum-quality 

settings, while roomfuls of funky glasswork and sculptures 

made from everyday items are tucked carefully away in tiny 

antique houses-turned-galleries. Whether it’s a painting, 

glass, sculpture, mixed media or even those originals 

that defy the traditional classifications, you would be hard 

pressed to walk around and not encounter art in Austin. 

In addition to the galleries and museums peppering 

the downtown and Hill Country scenes, there are 

numerous festivals and exhibitions throughout the year. 

One of the highlights is Art City Austin, which takes 

place late March/early April each year. Hundreds of 

emerging and independent artists spread themselves 

out over the fairgrounds surrounding the Palmer Events 

Center to sell their creations to thousands of eager 

art enthusiasts. Inside the exhibition hall, an art fair 

showcases 20 different galleries from around Texas. 

If you’re here in December, do not miss the Armadillo 

Christmas Bazaar. Held during the ten days leading up 

to Christmas at the Palmer Events Center downtown, this 

bazaar is two events in one: part art fair and part music 

festival. Notable names from the Austin music scene play 

for your entertainment as you shop an amazing array of 

handmade items from local artists and artisans. 

In the heart of downtown, 6th Street is shut down for 

two weekends a year (one in May and one in September) 

for the Old Pecan Street Arts Festival, a tradition for over 

30 years. Visitors can indulge in a wide variety of art, crafts, 

food, live music and street shows. 

It should come as no surprise that an offbeat and 

vibrant city such as Austin has a highly active art scene. 

Our art, like our music, is part of our soul. Simply step 

outside and you’ll find yourself immersed in our artistic 

culture. 

images courtesy of john r. rogers & herron stock

Dr. Seuss Artwork Calls Austin Home. 

ART 

The Art of Dr. Seuss is the exclusive, authorized 

collection of limited edition artworks adapted and reproduced 

from Theodor Seuss Geisel’s original drawings, paintings 

and sculptures. This historic collection has traveled to 

museums and galleries across three continents since its 

inception in 1997, with works from The Art of Dr. Seuss 

now hanging in collections alongside the likes of Picasso, 

Chagall, Warhol and other 20th century masters. 

Ted Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss) asked his wife, Audrey, to 

wait until he was gone before bringing these works to the 

public. Secretly, he wanted to be recognized as a serious artist, 

but publicly, he was quick to describe his private works 

as “Midnight Paintings.” In her preface to the award-winning 

coffee table book on this collection, Secrets of the 

Deep, Audrey Geisel writes: “I’m gratified to carry out Ted’s 

wishes and have these works revealed to the world.” 

Despite incredible demand, original Dr. Seuss artworks 

rarely, if ever, become available for sale. Indeed, the vast 

majority of original Dr. Seuss artworks are held among the 

following three collections and are not available for sale: 

The Dr. Seuss Estate, the Dr. Seuss Archives at the Mandeville 

Special Collections Library, University of California, San 

Diego, and the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library 

in Austin, Texas. As such, this endows The Art of Dr. Seuss 

Collection as the closest manifestation to the original 

work itself. 

Ted Geisel created all of the original works from which 

these limited editions have been adapted, beginning with 

some of his earliest works dating back to 1927. To accomplish 

the excellence and consistency intended for a collection of 

this stature, highly skilled artisans and ateliers have been 

commissioned to closely reproduce Dr. Seuss’s artwork 

through the use of both cutting edge technology and time 

honored fine art techniques recognized and embraced by 

leading artists, galleries, collectors, curators and museums. 

Amazingly, despite the unprecedented demand during his 

lifetime, no limited edition pieces were ever conceived, 

authorized or created until this historic project began in 

1997, six years after Geisel’s death. That year, Audrey Geisel 

commissioned this exclusive project and put into motion a 

series of artworks and exhibitions that would carry out her 

promise to Ted, while firmly establishing him as one of the 

most iconic talents of the 20th century. 

Each work in the collection bears a posthumously 

printed or engraved Dr. Seuss signature, identifying the 

work as an authorized limited edition commissioned by the 

Dr. Seuss Estate. Works conceived and published after an 

artist’s lifetime in this manner are oftentimes referred to as 

Estate or Posthumous Editions. Each work is accompanied 

by a comprehensive Certificate of Authenticity giving 

collectors pertinent information regarding the processes 

used to reproduce each work, including how it was created, 

when it was made, the limits of the edition and other relevant 

information. A sample 

of each certificate can be 

provided for your 

review prior to 

making an acquisition. 

Art on 5th has the largest 

Dr. Seuss art collection in 

the country.

Shop Local 

& LOVE 

Where You Shop 


Austinites love to shop and they love to shop locally! And 

there are plenty of reasons. Shopping at locally owned 

stores benefits the Austin community and is, in part, what 

makes it so very unique and special. Visitors and locals love 

the originality of the Austin spirit, and spending a portion of 

your budget with local merchants helps to preserve what is 

distinctive about Austin. Some of the most original treasures 

and finds such as art, jewelry, clothing, toys and more can be 

found at one-of-a-kind stores that can only be found in Austin. 

Small communities, or districts, can be found all over 

Austin and a lot of fun retail and dining is nestled along 

beloved streets. Allandale, just off of MoPac between 

Anderson Lane and Shoal Creek at 45th Street, is a treasure 

trove of historic homes and bustling activity. There you can 

find local favorite Turquoise Trading Post, which carries 

all Native-American-made jewelry. They carry Zuni fetish 

carvings as well as pottery, pipes, rugs, sand paintings 

and countless other rare finds. 

Just south of Allendale is Rosedale, which you can 

find between 38th Street, Shoal Creek, Hancock Drive and 

Lamar. The historic area contains the beautiful Ramsey Park 

surrounded by historic homes from as early as the 1930s. If 

you’re in the area, stop in at Things Celtic, which is just off of 

MoPac in a location too convenient to be missed. This unique 

store is run by a fifth-generation Texan of Scottish ancestry 

and carries authentic kilts, knotwork jewelry, claddagh rings 

and thousands of genuine Celtic items. You won’t find too 

many stores like it in all of the country, let alone in Austin. 

Once you’re in the area, follow Shoal Creek Boulevard 

just a bit to the downtown area where the road encounters 

12th Street. There are dozens of locally owned retail, coffee 

and dining spots to explore right in that area. Crystal Works 

is one of our favorite resources for gifts and everyday tools. 

They carry gemstones, fossils, minerals and crystals from all 

over the world, as well as literature and gifts that will educate 

you on the beliefs and cultures associated with these 


SHOPPING 

precious items, going back thousands of years. Here you 

will find religious and Christian gifts, as well as jewelry and 

Swarovski crystal prisms. 

South of downtown is the South Lamar district, known 

as SoLa to locals. This area is great for walking, discovering 

hidden parks, eating at food trucks and exploring little dives 

with live music. If you’re 

there during the day, swing 

photo courtesy of allens boots 

into Bead It to see a bead 

store like no other. The 

local (and Austin-native) 

owners pride themselves 

on the rarest selections 

of goods, including 

merchandise carefully 

collected from flea markets, 

antique stores and thrift 

stores that supplement 

their already rare collection 

of beads and jewelry items. 

And before you ask, yes, 

they do have classes for novice and savvy beaders alike! 

Hop online today and find them – you’ll be glad you did! 

When it comes to shopping, Austin has you covered. 

From funky and eclectic to refined and elegant and 

everything in between you can find it here. Along with the 

retail chain department stores you are accustomed to finding 

in most major cities, Austin has many independent, oneof-a-kind 

stores that make for fun and exciting shopping 

experiences. In the spirit of the “Keep Austin Weird” motto, 

there are numerous quirky stores, stylish boutiques, art 

galleries and antique shops lining the streets of downtown. 

If you love Austin, find the 

culture here interesting or 

just want to explore retail you 

can’t find anywhere else… 

be sure to love your locals! 

Visit the Austin Independent 

Business Alliance (AIBA) 

website at www.ibuyaustin.com 

for a list of locally owned 

businesses. The AIBA is a 

nonprofit organization of 

locally owned and operated 

independent businesses 

that have joined together 

to promote the cultural and 

economic benefits of shopping locally. AIBA works to ensure 

the success of Austin’s local independent businesses so that 

we can continue to contribute to Austin’s rich character and 

vibrant quality of life. We hope you enjoy the finds there as 

much as we do! 


SHOPPING 

Where to Shop 

Your Guide to 

Austin’s Top Shops 

DOWNTOWN/ 

CENTRAL AUSTIN 

AUSTIN ROCKS 

Locally owned and curated Austin music-inspired 

apparel, accessories and gifts for men, women and 

kids. Check out our official ACL merchandise offerings 

and our “Austin Rocks the Cradle” shop for the little 

ones. Visit us on Willie Nelson Blvd just across the 

street from ACL in downtown’s trendy 2nd Street 

fashion district. 301 W 2nd Street. 512-983-0929. 

austinrockstexas.com 

BOBALU CIGAR COMPANY 

Manufactures and sells its own line of cigars 

(20 brands!), plus exotic tobaccos and a large wrapper 

inventory. Bobalu brand cigars are made with fine 

long filler from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua 

and Honduras. Bobalu also has smoking accessories 

and custom label cigars. 509 E. 6th St.; 512-469-5877; 

Cigar Factory, 8501 Burnet Rd., 512-469-5877 

www.bobalu.com 

CRYSTAL WORKS 

Delights the eyes and soothes the spirit, providing 

a unique gift-shopping experience. Featuring 14 kt 

and sterling jewelry handcrafted by local jewelers, 

and spotlighting crystals, fountains, Feng Shui 

items, music, harmonically tuned wind chimes, 

aromatherapy products and spiritual reminders. 

An Austin original for 29 years. 908 A W 12th St., 

www.crystalworksaustin.com; 512-472-5597 

HATBOX: A MODERN HABERDASHERY 

We’re local...serving Texas since 1974! The best hat 

selection in town! All price ranges and styles, from 

top hats to flat caps and fascinators to fedoras, we 

have the hat for you! Come see us for a professional 

fitting and shopping experience unlike any other. 

For your next event, think hats and the Hatbox 

Events Team! Life’s better in a hat! 

Downtown: 704 Congress Avenue, 512.476.1203 

Events: events@hatbox.com, 512-476-1203 

www.hatbox.com

SHOPPING 

DON’T 

FORGET OUR 

KID’S STORES 

NATURE’S TREASURES OF TEXAS 

With something for everyone and located just north of downtown 

on IH-35 (lower deck), this locally-owned Austin treasure houses 

one of Texas’ largest selections of minerals, fossils, crystals, natural 

home & garden decor, sterling silver set jewelry, and gift ideas. 

Open 7 days a week or shop online @ CrystalsByNature.com, 

4103 N Interstate 35, 78722, www.NTRocks.com; 512-472-5015 

THINGS CELTIC 

Largest selection of Irish and Scottish wedding rings in Texas. 

Special order handmade kilts from Scotland. Kilt rentals available. 

Art and unique crafts are featured throughout: china, crystal, 

books, music, flags, pewter and selection of Celtic wall crosses. 

1806 W. 35th St.; 512-472-2358; www.thingsceltic.com 

TOY JOY 

Austin’s iconic toy store for fun, weird and nostalgic toys for 

over 30 years! Come see why we are voted a “Top Ten Toy Store 

in the World”! Fun, zany, chaotic, colorful, ironic, nostalgic 

and collectible toys, books and games for “kids” of all ages. 

Located downtown in the 2nd Street shopping district at 

403 W 2nd Street. 512-320-0090. toyjoy.com 

WILD ABOUT MUSIC 

Austin’s unique art, gift and guitar gallery for over 25 years. We bring 

Austin “Live Music Capital Of The World” alive with music-themed 

art, gifts, guitars, ukuleles, apparel, accessories, decor and collectibles 

for music lovers of all ages and genres. Stop by for Austin music tees 

and insider tips from our friendly staff. 615 Congress Avenue. 

512-708-1700. wildaboutmusic.com 

SOUTH AUSTIN 

ALLENS BOOTS 

An Austin, Texas tradition since 1977, Allens Boots specializes in 

fine Western wear, from casual, to work, to dress. Allens Boots will 

complete your Texas shopping experience in one stop. They have two 

locations: South, 1522 S. Congress Ave. (3 short miles South of the 

Capitol), 512-447-1413; North, Round Rock, 1051 S. IH-35 (located 

on the frontage road), 512-310-7600; Can’t make it to the store? Shop 

online at www.allensboots.com 

ART ON 5TH 

Austin’s largest contemporary art gallery and multiple “Austin’s 

Best Gallery” winner offers 7,500 square feet of original fine art 

from Texas artists and from around the globe in a museum-like 

setting. Their famed Secret Art of Dr. Seuss collection is the 

country’s largest also. www.arton5th.com, 512-481-1111. 

BEAD IT 

One of the largest selections of stone, metals, vintage, trim and 

more in Texas! We offer custom-made jewelry while you wait, 

classes, and repair. Located in an old 5-room house on Lamar, 

you will experience a unique, south Austin vibe! Open 7 days a 

week. 2058 S. Lamar Blvd. BeadItAustin.com, 

insta:@beaditaustin, 512-693-2323 


Come visit 

Come visit 

An Austin Original Since 1978 

An Austin Original Since 1978

Austin’s Favorite Shoe Store! 

Specializing in high quality 

European leather brands 

sizes newborn - youth 6 

Started in 1978 by UT graduates and toymakers, Terra Toys was originally a toy workshop 

in their garage apartment. In its current home on Anderson Lane, the owners have 

expanded into a one-stop shop that stays true to keeping Austin weird. An expansive 

selection of classic, fun, and beautiful toys is complimented by an art gallery, organic 

espresso bar, children’s shoe store, and USA made children’s clothing. 

Find this family of stores at 

2438 W. Anderson Lane 

512-445-4489 

dragonsnaps 

children’s clothing 

Bubbles! 

Robots! 

Fortune Teller! 

Fun! 

Candy! 

Fireworks! 

Ice Cream and Coffee! 

Art! 

Magic! 

• usa made clothing 

• organic cotton 

• newborn to 10 

Located inside Terra Toys 

Monday-Saturday 9-8 Sunday 12-6 

Free events! 

Toy experts! 

Lots of parking!

NORTH AUSTIN 

DRAGONSNAPS 

Comfortable, captivating children’s clothing. Modern designs, 

natural fibers – durable, U.S. cottons. Go anywhere – stay cool – 

keep warm. Children love them; you’ll love the look. Infant-10 girls. 

Infant-7 boys. Accessories, jewelry, outerwear. 100% USA made. 

Located inside of Terra Toys. 2438 West Anderson Ln.; 512-445-4497; 

www.terratoys.com 

KIDOSHOE 

Fifty-six different brands of top quality, fashionable children’s shoes, 

socks, shoelaces and accessories. We specialize in brands from 

Europe. Check out these developmentally healthy selections for 

children from birth through middle school. 2438 W. Anderson Lane; 

512-467-7463; www.kidoshoe.com 

MAGNUM TRAILERS 

You will find a huge selection to choose from at Magnum. 

They have the best in trailers from food, concession, car haulers, 

goosenecks, boat and cargo. They also have a fantastic selection of 

BBQ pits, fire pits, hunting blinds and feeders, as well as truck 

accessories. They design, build and service a complete line of trailers 

and are celebrating 40 years of service. Find in Austin, Georgetown, 

San Marcos & San Antonio. www.magnumtrailers.com 

TERRA TOYS 

Terra Toys! Classic, fun, beautiful toys from around the world – 

intriguing for infant or architect. Children’s bookstore, art supplies, 

science, novelty candies. Wooden toys, puzzles, 

games, dolls, miniatures, major plush collection. 

Landmark store founded in 1978, 16,000 square 

feet, worth the visit. 2438 W. Anderson Lane; 

512-445-4489; www.terratoys.com 

TURQUOISE TRADING POST 

Best selection of contemporary and traditional 

Native American jewelry in Texas. Where Austinites 

bring their East Coast relatives for gifts to take 

home. Features Zuni fetish carvings, Navajo kachinas, 

Pueblo pottery, dream-catchers, carvings, plus 

distinctive furnishings with a Southwest flair. 

6103 Burnet Rd. at Koenig Ln., 512-323-5011; 

www.turquoisetradingpost.com 

GREATER AUSTIN AREA 

WIMBERLEY GLASSWORKS 

Wimberley Glassworks is Texas’s premier hand 

blown glass lighting and art glass studio, creating 

exclusive glass collections, limited edition vases, 

sculptures, platters and lighting since 1992. 

Wimberley Glassworks hosts daily glass blowing 

demonstrations for travelers and art glass 

enthusiasts from around the world. The Glassworks’ 

custom lighting designs are featured in luxury 

commercial properties throughout Texas. 

Visit www.wgw.com for more information.

Bead it. Always Inspired. 

SHOPPING 

My family lived a very gypsy lifestyle. I was born in Austin, 

but grew up traveling all over the country buying and 

selling antique jewelry at flea markets and bead shows; we 

even traded beads on the Santo Domingo Pueblos in New 

Mexico! In 2002, at the age of 20, my parents gave me a 

few boxes of beads to help me pay my way through college. 

I bought old furniture from garage sales and thrift stores, 

along with, glass dishware, wooden bowls and ceramics 

for display. I found that one of my passions is creating and 

curating spaces from nothing. 

in things rare, antique and vintage, like southwestern 

turquoise jewelry, amulets and figurines from Thailand, 

the bright colors of West German Plastics, and my love 

for vintage chain is never ending!! I also believe in the 

healing powers of stones and love blending the old world 

antiquities and found objects with new production stones 

and glass. 

I can promise that you haven’t been to a bead store like 

mine, and the best part is, you need no jewelry making 

experience to shop in it! We have tons of charms and 

chains that are easy construction pieces and my lovely staff 

will put them together for you while you wait. For more 

complicated projects, you can commission us to create 

something for you and we will ship it to you when we are 

finished! We also teach classes for those who want to 

learn and have jewelry repair services that we offer for 

the broken items in your life. It’s a one-stop jewelry 

and bead supply company, and I hope you stop by! 

When I graduated college, in 2006, my rent had been 

raised and the building across from my store had just 

put out a “for lease” sign. It was an old house built in 

the 1940’s, with scary lime green and purple walls, 

strange barred windows inside the house, and a multi 

level footprint from all the additions that had been made 

throughout the years. I remember opening the doors and 

feeling inspired by the potential of the space. I repainted, 

removed windows, repolished floors, and added lighting. 

I’ve been there for 10 years now and I couldn’t be more 

grateful for the space, it is my ever-changing canvas that 

grows as I grow. We have a full workshop/classroom and 4 

other rooms filled with treasures that I find from all over 

the world. 

With an eclectic background, I feel inspired by every 

culture, every texture and every color I see. I still travel 

the country (and sometimes other countries) hunting for 

items that will inspire others to sit and make. I delight 


photo courtest of herron stock 

2nd to None, Austin’s Core Downtown Shopping Delights 


YYears ago 2nd Street was a ho-hum area of quiet 

downtown, just off the busy beaten path of the nearby 

Warehouse District. Now the area is the 2nd Street 

District, an urban paradise, well-known as downtown 

Austin’s core shopping district, as unique as it is 

essential. The decade-old renovations to the area maintain 

the beautiful integrity of old Austin while setting trends 

for pedestrian activity. Take a walk along romantic roomy 

sidewalks glittered with light-filled trees that line the alleys 

and enjoy the locally designed art on most street corners. 

2nd Street is also known as Willie Nelson Blvd., and no street 

with such a name wouldn’t be filled with surprises to delight 

your senses. In honor of its namesake, you will find boutiques 

and dining opportunities that are uniquely Austin while you 

enjoy hot cups of coffee on city benches and street musicians 

await your audience. 

Before you visit the shops, visit the eight-foot-tall Willie 

Nelson statue on the corner for a rare photo opportunity for 

you and your friends. His giant bronze guitar is eye candy 

for the most ingenious selfies. Across the street admire the 

beautiful Moody Theater, famous for the Austin City Limits 

(ACL) Live stage. If you can manage tickets, stop in for a 

show at one of the most epic stages known to grace the 

capital city. Be sure to visit 2ndstreetdistrict.com and check 

out their event calendar, as most of the shops offer specials, 

events, happy hours and exciting opportunities available 

many nights of the week. 

Shopping local and supporting Austin and Texas-based 

industry is a big trend in the area, and this district is known for 

its support of this passionate cause. Discover scores of 

unique and rare locally owned shops. For music lovers, a visit 

to Austin Rocks is unavoidable. Find edgy stage-inspired 

rocker apparel and their very own Austin Rocks the Cradle 

collection, which includes clothing designed for the baby 

rocker or rockette. They are an official ACL store with plenty 

of music-inspired retail items and gifts. Within walking distance 

of the Moody Theater, their official ACL store carries authentic 

ACL PBS show merchandise. This store also carries exclusive, 

original lines of apparel and gifts designed by local Austin 

artists that you simply won’t find anywhere else. 

If you’re in the area, don’t miss out on local favorite 

Toy Joy. This place is not just a store, but an experience for 

persons of any age. They carry one of the most distinctive, 

bizarre and mind-boggling collection of products that you may 

ever see. And now they’re more accessible than ever before 

in their new hotspot location on 2nd Street. Named by USA 

Today as one of the “Top 10 Toy Stores in the World” and the 

“World’s Best Toy Store” by Travel & Leisure Magazine, it’s a 

stop that can’t be missed. 

Enjoy the district that supports and nourishes the spirit 

of Austin, right in the heart of downtown! You will be surprised 

at how much there is to see and explore in the convenient 

downtown 2nd Street District. 


AUSTIN ROCKS 

Locally owned and curated Austin 

music inspired apparel, accessories 

and gifts for men, women and 

kids. Check out our official ACL 

merchandise offerings and our 

“Austin Rocks the Cradle” shop 

for the little ones. Visit us on Willie 

Nelson Blvd just across the street 

from ACL in downtown’s trendy 

2nd Street fashion district. 

301 W 2nd Street. 512-983-0929. 

austinrockstexas.com 

TOY JOY 

Austin’s iconic toy store for fun, 

weird and nostalgic toys for over 30 

years! Come see why we are voted 

a “Top Ten Toy Store in the World”! 

Fun, zany, chaotic, colorful, ironic, 

nostalgic and collectible toys, books 

and games for “kids” of all ages. 

Located downtown in the 2nd Street 

shopping district at 403 West 

2nd Street. 512-320-0090. toyjoy.com

Your Austin 

H 

Destination Sensation 

Situated in the heart of downtown Austin, on the 

corner of Willie Nelson Boulevard, W Austin amplifies the 

city’s diverse and creative atmosphere. Headlining the 

vibrant Second Street District downtown, the 2011 Conde 

Nast Traveler Hot List property, is adjacent to the famed 

Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater music venue 

just a stone’s throw to outdoor activities at Lady Bird Lake 

as well as the famed 6th Street nightlife corridor. Setting 

the stage for contemporary luxury, the hotel’s 251 perfectly 

positioned rooms offer postcard views of the ever-evolving 

downtown skyline and a refuge from the always exciting 

action taking place in the center of town. 

A sought-after destination for both leisure and business 

travelers, the hotel which is known for its signature “Whatever, 

Whenever” service (a philosophy that pampers guests 

with unparalleled service – offering guests and residents 

“whatever you want, whenever you want it”) also appeals 

to locals. In the Living Room, four distinct spaces create 

an intimate retreat of cozy corners, where locals return 

regularly to partake in authentically Austin, hand crafted 

cocktails. Another big draw is the Records Room itself, a 

cozy den-like retreat that features a large fireplace and 

more than 8,000 vinyl records lining the room’s walls. 

And for those looking to do more than just sip and peruse 

the collection, the records can be played on the vintage 

McIntosh stereo that’s set up in the adjacent Secret Bar. The 

space serves as a vibrant backdrop for a series of W Happenings 

related to music, fashion and design - W’s core 

passion points. 

And while the In Room Dining options can accommodate 

any request for any palate (going back to that signature 

“Whatever, Whenever” service) those looking to explore 

the flavors of Central Texas needn’t step foot off property. 

Enter: TRACE. The very first concept restaurant introduced 

by the Starwood brand, TRACE is dedicated to providing 

a great dining experience that accentuates the restaurant’s 

philosophy of local cuisine sourcing its produce, meat and 

other artisan treats locally. TRACE’s outdoor garden and 

patio faces Lady Bird Lake, always staying cool with Austin’s 

natural “air conditioning”. A perfect place to people watch 

or dine with pets in tow, the patio is especially popular 

during Happy Hour and TRACE’s acclaimed DJ brunches 

on the weekends. 

The hotel’s AWAY Spa, a true retreat that’s accessible 

on the fourth floor of the building provides the perfect refuge 

from the hustle and bustle of the city’s many festivals 

and activities. A true gem, AWAY offers a “Lucky Locals” 

discount to anyone with a Texas ID. In addition to the 

always complimentary valet parking, locals receive 30% 

off any treatment Monday through Thursday as well as 

access to the hotel’s rooftop pool, WET, and FIT, a state of 

the art fitness center complete with brand new yoga rooms 

and Pilates reformers. 

In addition to onsite entertainment and relaxation, 

guests will not be disappointed by W Austin’s rooms. With its 

signature Extreme Wow Suite (the W brand’s reinterpretation 

of the presidential suite) Wow Suite, two Marvelous 

Suites, Fantastic Suite and 27 Cool Corner Suites, there 

are plenty of excellent options. Each is stylishly appointed 

and includes original prints by Austin City Limit’s photographer 

Scott Newton, which are available for purchase as an 

authentic souvenir. Amenities in guestrooms include the W 

Signature Bed, ultra-plush W robes and a Munchie Box (the 

W brand’s take on the traditional hotel Mini Bar) which 

contains some fun and locally found favorites for guests 

to enjoy. 

Whether you are an Austin resident looking for a 

great staycation, on a business trip or in town for leisure, 

we invite you to experience what’s new and next at 

W Austin.

200 Lavaca Austin, Texas 78701 

(512) 542-3600 whotelaustin.com

TEX MEX 

I 

in the City, 

an Austin 

Food Staple

DINING 


Mention chips and queso to an Austinite and you might 

see their eyes glaze over with desire. Ask them about their 

favorite Mexican restaurant around town, and you’ll get an 

immediate, impassioned response. Invite them to lunch 

with you at the nearest taco truck, and you’ve just earned 

a new best friend. It’s no secret that Austin has a bit of a 

love affair with its food culture, in particular the Mexican 

cuisine so essential to the region. In actuality, the majority 

of Mexican restaurants found in the area aren’t serving the 

traditional cuisines of Mexico, but instead a Americanized 

style hybrid that has come to be known as Tex-Mex. 

When asked what foods their favorite Mexican 

restaurant serves, Texans and Austinites will almost invariably 

answer: enchiladas, quesadillas, fajitas, refried beans, 

Spanish rice, burritos, chile con queso. Foods that rely heavily 

on beef seasoned with cumin and chili powder, shredded or 

melted yellow cheese, flour tortillas, pinto beans and canned 

tomatoes. Chili con carne, a favorite Tex-Mex dish, is one 

of the first things that come to mind when you think of Texas 

and food. (Texans claim that chili originated in their state 

and it was named the official state dish of Texas in 1977.) 

These are the quintessential building blocks for the ooeygooey 

goodness and hearty tummy love for which Tex-Mex 

cuisine in best known. 

Tex-Mex originated from the flavors used by Tejanos 

(Texans of Spanish or Mexican descent) and immigrants 

from the Northern Mexico regions as they settled in southern 

Texas border towns. These early Texans adopted the use 

of ingredients that were readily available to cowboys and 

ranchers, such beef and wheat flour, which began the change 

in their traditional dishes. Cumin was new, exciting and 

abundant in the region in the early days, as was chili powder 

(a supposed Texas invention), and both were quickly adopted 

by Texans and Americans as part of the flavor profile. 

Tex-Mex eventually became the predominant cuisine 

along the border towns and other areas of South Texas like 

the Rio Grande Valley and El Paso. This cuisine hybrid has 

grown in popularity and these days can be found in many 

independent and chain restaurants throughout the rest of 

the country and the world. Dozens of Tex-Mex restaurants 

have opened from Paris to Abu Dhabi, so much so that 

tortilla chips, margaritas and chili con queso are now wellknown 

staples around the world. 

But how does this differ from true Mexican food, you 

ask? Because the traditional dishes of Mexico are as wide 

and varied as the diverse regions of the country, it is easiest 

to explain the differences in broad strokes. Each dish relies 

heavily on the freshest protein, grains, vegetables and 

cheeses available in its area of origin, and is highly dependent 

on local flavor. Depending on the region, proteins such as 

chicken, fish and pork are used, but almost never beef. The 

use of masa and corn dough is almost exclusively used over 

wheat flour. Cheese is used sparingly if at all, and is often a 

fresh white variety like queso fresco, Oaxaca or asadero. 


Dining Listing 

Area of Town 

Type of Food 

Entree Cost 

Breakfast 

Lunch 

Dinner 

Sunday Brunch 

Water View 

Patio Seating 

Full Bar 

Beer & Wine Only 

Late Night Dining 

Outdoor Smoking 

Family Friendly 

Bus Parking 

Valet Parking 

Live Music 

Reservations 

Catering 

Banquet 

Capacity 

Ancho’s Restaurant, 700 San Jacinto 

512-476-3700, omnihotels.com 

l M $$ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 350 

Austin Land & Cattle, 1205 N Lamar Blvd. 

512-472-1813, austinlandandcattle.com 

l S $$$ 3 3 3 3 3 3 35 

The Cabernet Grill, Fredericksburg, Texas 

830-990-5734, cabernetgrill.com 

l $$$ 3 3 3 3 3 

The Carillon, 1900 University Ave. 

512-404-1900, meetattexas.com 

l A $$$$ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 230 

Casino el Camino, 517 E 6th St, 

512-469-9330, casineolcamino.net 

l A $ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 

Copper Restaurant, 300 S Congress Ave. 

512-469-9000, copper.austin.menuclub.com 

l A $$ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 125 

County Line, *2 Locations to Serve You 

512-346-3664, countyline.com 

l B $$ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 120 

Courtyard Restaurant, 6505 IH-35 North 

512-454-3737, doubletree1.hilton.com 

l A $$ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 50 

The Creeks Restaurant 

9515 New Airport Drive, 512-385-6767 

l A $ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 800 

Driskill Grill, 604 Brazos Street 

512-391-7162, driskillgrill.com 

l A $$$ 3 3 3 3 85 

Finn & Porter, 500 E 4th Street 

512-482-8000, finnandporter.com 

l S $$$ 3 3 3 3 3 75 

Flores, *4 Locations to Serve You 

512-996-9636, floresmexican.com 

l M $ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Yes 

Foxhole, 13995 N Highway 183 

512-386-1354, foxholeaustin.com 

l A $ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 75 

Huts/Frank & Angies, 807 W 6th Street 

512-472-0693, www.hutsfrankandangies.com l I $ 3 3 3 

Hill Country Dining Room; 512-329-4527, 

www.omnihotels.com/hotels/austin-barton-creek/dining/hill-country-dining-room 

Iron Cactus, *3 Locations to Serve You 

512-472-9240, ironcactus.com 

l A $$$ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 500 

l M $$ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 500 

Menu Key: 

Type of Food: 

M = Mexican or Tex-Mex 

S = Steakhouse 

A = Americana 

I = Italian 

B = Barbeque 

As = Asian 

Average Entree Cost: 

Less than $15 = $ 

Between $16-25 = $$ 

Between $26-46 = $$$ 

Between $47+ = $$$$ 

Where to Find Them: 

l South 

l Downtown 

l Central 

l North 

l Lake 

l Multiple Locations 

l Greater Austin Area 


DINING 

TASTE WHERE 

TAKES YOU 

The idea of Tex-Mex, like all popular cuisines in a foodie 

culture, continues to evolve. These days, restaurateurs are 

just as likely to serve their beef enchiladas next to cochinita 

pibil, a traditional Yucatan Peninsula pork dish steamed 

in banana leaves. While still acknowledging that hungry 

patrons are still partial to their starch-and-cheese dishes, 

chefs have begun a fusion of Tex-Mex staples with fresh 

ingredients and a wider variety of Southwestern flavors. 

While exploring all that Austin has to offer, take a 

moment to enjoy a bit of local Tex-Mex cuisine. Your tummy 

will thank you! 

We pioneered the chef-driven, scratch-made wave in Austin 

over 20 years ago, and we continue to innovate with bold 

takes on the familiar flavors of Mexico and the Southwest. 

Happy Hour Every Day, Saturday & Sunday Brunch, Patio Dining 

DOWNTOWN | ARBORETUM | AVERY RANCH 

ZTEJAS.COM

Dining Listing 

Area of Town 

Type of Food 

Entree Cost 

Breakfast 

Lunch 

Dinner 

Sunday Brunch 

Water View 

Patio Seating 

Full Bar 

Beer & Wine Only 

Late Night Dining 

Outdoor Smoking 


Bus Parking 

Valet Parking 

Live Music 

Reservations 

Catering 

Banquet 

Capacity 

Lynx Steakhouse, 5901 North IH-35 

512-454-8004, embassysuites1.hilton.com 

l S $$ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 75 

Mia Tapas, 11420 Rock Rose Ave. Suite 120 

512-215-9898, miatapasaustin.com 

l I $ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 50 

Mighty Fine Burgers, *4 Locations to Serve You 

512-735-2800, mightyfineburgers.com 

l A $ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Yes 

The OASIS, 6550 Comanche Trail 

512-266-2441, oasis-austin.com 

l M $$ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1200 

Onion Creek Grille, 4140 Governor’s Row 

512-383-2795, omniaustinsouthpark.com 

l A $$ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1000 

Pecan Tree Restaurant, IH35 & Town Lake Rd 

512-472-8211, holiday-inn.com 

Red River Tavern, 

810 Red River Street, 737-222-6884, 

austinindigodowntown.com/red-river-tavern 

ReVive! Restaurant, 3401 S IH35 

512-744-4834, wyndhamaustin.com 

l A $$ 3 3 3 3 3 3 150 

l A $$ 3 3 3 3 3 3 

l A $ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 400 

Roaring Fork, 701 Congress Avenue 

512-583-0000, roaringfork.com 

l S $$ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 120 

Rudy’s, 4 Locations to Serve You 

512-418-9898, www.rudys.com 

l B $ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 

Southwest Bistro, 208 Barton Springs Rd. 

512-477-1234, austin.hyatt.com 

l M $$ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 30 

SHACK 512, 8714 Lime Creek Rd. 

512-547-7610, shack512.com 

l A $ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 250 

Stories Fine Dining, 575 Hyatt Lost Pines Rd 

512-308-1234, lostpines.hyatt.com 

l A $$ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 

Trace Restaurant, 200 Lavaca St. 

512-542-3660, www.traceaustin.com 

l A $$ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 100 

TRIO Restaurant, 98 San Jacinto 

512-685-8300, fourseasons.com/Austin/dining 

l A $$$ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 18 

ZTejas, Fresh. Flavoful. Innovative. 

3 Locations, ztejas.com 

l 

M $$ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 

Menu Key: 

Type of Food: 

M = Mexican or Tex-Mex 

S = Steakhouse 

A = Americana 

I = Italian 

B = Barbeque 

As = Asian 

Average Entree Cost: 

Less than $15 = $ 

Between $16-25 = $$ 

Between $26-46 = $$$ 

Between $47+ = $$$$ 

Where to Find Them 

l South 

l Downtown 

l Central 

l North 

l Lake 

l Multiple Locations 

l Greater Austin Area 


DINING 

Try our remarkable steaks, 

served with a generous helping 

of that Austin, Texas attitude. 

1205 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas 78703 | 512-472-1813 | ALCsteaks.com | info@ALCsteaks.com 


DINING 


NIGHTLIFE

Out on the Town: Austin Loves the Nightlife 


I 

n terms of entertainment, Austin has no shortage of 

nighttime activities. We are, of course, most well-known 

for our music scene, and you need no more than step 

out on the street to find live music. Imbued as it is in 

Austin’s history, music leaves an indelible mark on the 

city’s culture—one that bleeds into the streets of the city and 

hearts of the people. It lives in the landmark performance 

venues that gave the city and the musicians a name and haunts 

the nighttime establishments packed throughout downtown. 

From legendary artists like Willie Nelson, Janis Joplin and Stevie 

Ray Vaughan, who got their start back in the early Austin scene, 

to relatively new or up-and-coming musicians, the spirit of music 

is a continuous presence in all aspects of life here. It is this 

deep dedication that has gained Austin the worthy title of “The 

Live Music Capital of the World. TM ” 

The entertainment options don’t stop at music, however. 

Take a look at any Austin events calendar and you’ll understand 

when we say there is always something to do in Austin. We’ve got 

marathons, cook-offs, art fairs, biker rallies, pet parades and 

bizarre celebrations in honor of fictional characters (Eeyore’s 

photo courtest of herron stock 

Birthday, anyone?). Downtown Austin and all the surrounding 

neighborhoods are simply bursting with opportunity to take in 

a show, grab a drink and people watch, enjoy a fabulous dinner 

or just relax with friends. 

The nightlife in Austin is a large draw for visitors. The most 

popular nighttime attraction for younger crowds is Sixth Street, 

where venues range from cozy pubs to raucous dance clubs 

with music from raw alt rock to sweet, soulful blues. Want to 

hang like a local? Head a mile over from downtown across I-35 

to East Austin. This recently revitalized neighborhood is host to 

an active art district, as well as the hottest cafes, taquerias, food 

trucks, bars and live music venues. 

For a slightly slower paced, more sophisticated environment, 

trek a couple of blocks southwesterly from Sixth Street to the 

Warehouse District. Spanning parts of Third, Fourth and Fifth 

Streets, you’ll find a vibrant yet still laid-back selection of cocktail 

lounges, wine bars and tap houses. Looking for ultra hip? Check 

out SoCo, an eight-block strip of South Congress that nurtures 

and fosters the funky little bohemian spirit in every Austinite. 

Austin’s inherited namesake is supremely invoked during 

any one of its yearly music festivals, including South by 

Southwest, Austin City Limits and Fun Fun Fun Fest. Lasting 

anywhere from a couple of days to two weeks, each fest draws in 

thousands of music makers and lovers who flock to the streets 

of downtown for nonstop aural stimulation and other forms of 

revelry. The excitement often lasts long into the night, spilling 

over into the numerous bars, clubs and lounges of Austin in the 

form of after-parties and impromptu jam sessions. 

Bars 

at a GLANCE 

COYOTE UGLY 

501 East 6th Street, 512-236-8459 

www.coyoteuglysaloon.com 

THE DIG IN CEDAR PARK 

401 Cypress Creek, 512-996-9900 

www.thedigpub.com 

FOXHOLE 

13995 N Highway 183, 512-386-1354 

www.foxholeaustin.com 

IRON CACTUS 

3 Locations, 512-472-9240 

www.ironcactus.com 

MAGGIE MAE’S 

323 East 6th Street, 512-478-8541 

www.maggiemaesaustin.com 

PETE’S PIANO BAR 

421 East 6th Street, 512-472-PETE (7383) 

www.petesduelingpianobar.com 

Dining Available 

Live Music/ DJs 

Smoking Available 

Beer and Wine Only 

Full Bar 

Patio or Outdoor Area 

Rooftop Seating 


Sports Bars or TVs 

Pet Friendly 

Wkend Drink Specials 

Party/ Event Area 

Credit Cards Accepted 

u u u u u u 

u u u u u u u u u u u 

u u u u u u u 



u u u u u 


Bloody Mary 

Wake Up to 

Austin’ s Best 

Texas Bloody Mary 

@ Iron Cactus 

Flores 

Michelada 

TRACE @ The W Hotel

Celebrating 

37 years in Austin. 

Check us out on online and 

don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook. 

CelebrateAustin.com

Drink in the Suds: Craft Beer in Austin 

Over the last several years the craft beer trend has been 

gaining traction in all corners of the United States. People 

are ditching the domestic lager in favor of crisp pale ales, 

hoppy IPAs, malty ambers and robust stouts. Brewers are 

taking full advantage of this beer renaissance, blending 

their skill and knowledge with their creativity and attention to 

quality on a quest to deliver fresh, ever-evolving ale incarnations 

to the eager masses. 

Texas has moved up in the ranking for breweries per capita since 

last year, from 44th to 42nd—which only means we as a state 

still have a lot of room to grow to rival beer meccas like Colorado 

and Oregon. Austin and the Hill Country have been no slouch 

in growing the Texas craft beer market, with no less than 60 

existing microbreweries and brewpubs in current operation and 

dozens more slated to open within the next 12 months. 

The rabid locavore culture of Austin has glommed on to the city’s 

rapidly expanding craft beer scene, and droves of thirsty beer 

drinkers seek out the breweries, brewpubs and beer bars that 

pepper the city and surrounding areas. Our breweries range from 

nano-breweries, which produce as little as 500 barrels in a year 

and sell everything they make either in their own tasting rooms 

or to bars no more than a couple miles from their facilities, to 

full-scale production breweries that showcase their tall, gleaming 

fermentation tanks and slickly designed tasting rooms to starryeyed 

beer enthusiasts. No matter the size, they all have one thing 

in common: a love for and drive to produce good beer. 

In Texas, the distinction between brewery and brewpub has 

several implications to visitors. Breweries almost always have 

tasting rooms in which you can purchase a glass of beer to drink 

on premise, but you can’t purchase any beer to go. And unless 

the brewery has arranged for a guest food truck to sell in their 

parking lot, they won’t offer food. Brewpubs have smaller brewing 

operations (Texas law caps the number of barrels a brewpub can 

produce in a year), and will often include a food offering of some 

kind. Brewpubs can sell not only their own beer both to go and on 

premise, but also outside brands of beer. 

The beer bar, while in and of itself is not a new concept, has taken 

on new life with the emergence of the craft industry. Austin has 

a large handful of bars dedicated 100% to selling craft beer, with 

as few as 10 to as many as 150 taps of pure fizzy bliss. While 

most of these bars offer products from across the U.S., the recent 

surge in Texas craft has inspired a few establishments to offer 

only those brews made in the Lone Star State. If you find yourself 

in the far North Austin area, be sure to check out the Dig Pub in 

Cedar Park. The Dig features 36 carefully selected taps of some 

of the best craft brews found in Texas and the U.S., as well as a 

selection of boutique wines by the glass and a pub-inspired food 

menu. 

If you’re spending time in Austin, be sure to carve out a 

few moments to indulge in the local beer scene. Visit www. 

craftbeeraustin.com or www.austinbeerguide.com for 

comprehensive listings in the Austin and surrounding areas. If 

you happen to visit a craft-beer-friendly establishment, be on 

the lookout near the front door for a free print copy of the latest 

edition of the Austin Beer Guide. Whatever you do, don’t miss a 

chance to try some of Austin’s most refreshing libations! 


Over 35 Craft Beers on Draught 

Boutique Wines by the Glass 

Come and Try Our Delicious 

Pub-Inspired Menu! 

Daily Drink Specials 

Private Event Space, Free Wi-Fi 

Twitter: @TheDigPub 

Facebook: 

401 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park, TX 

512-996-9900, www.thedigpub.com 


Frozen or 

On The Rocks? 

Try Our Local Winners 

Pictured above are just a few of the signature drinks you can find at Speakeasy. They specialize in serving 

classic cocktails with a roaring 1920s vibe. 

Iron Cactus serves up the finest margaritas and Mexican Martinis around. D Magazine rated their “El Agave” 

the best margarita in Dallas. Featuring over 100 tequilas, the Iron Cactus has been named a top ten tequila bar 

by such national publications as Chili Pepper Magazine and Spirits and Cocktails. Thirsty yet? 


Z’Tejas has their 

Chambord Margarita 

as their Signature 

drink. It’s a favorite 

of ours here at 

Celebrate Austin. 

If the sunsets alone 

aren’t enough to 

get you out to 

The Oasis, their 

signature margarita 

definitely is! 

Bevo’s favorite margarita can 

be found at Maggie Mae’s. 

It’s infused with jalepeño so 

it has a kick just like Bevo does. 

Pictured to the left are 

Flores’ Signature Drinks. 

From right to left we 

have La Florita, La 

Flor, winner of the Best 

Margarita in Texas, and 

their Mexican Martini. 


Hop on the 

Hill Country Beer Trail 

The craft beer movement has been rapidly gaining ground, 

and the cities and towns throughout Texas have been 

steadily building a solid network of breweries and brewpubs 

that encourage tourism and inspire beer culture. The Texas 

Hill Country has long been known as a wine destination, 

and is now being recognized as a hotspot for award-wining 

artisanal breweries. With dozens of new and established 

beer-centric businesses dotting its winding roads, hitting 

a few breweries in the Hill Country is a definite must on 

your to-do list. 

The appeal of the Hill Country is apparent and craft 

brewers have flocked to this beautiful area, rich in heritage 

and abundant in local resources, to build their businesses. 

Breweries take full advantage of the Hill Country’s most 

alluring assets—its sweeping vistas and quaint towns full 

of opportunities to explore, shop or simply relax—to build 

an experience for their visitors to enjoy. 

The breweries here are small businesses, and are 

primarily independent and family owned. From taproom to 

brewhouse, you’ll notice moms, dads, sisters and brothers 

all pitching in to make it work. They provide an easy going, 

family friendly atmosphere in which to enjoy a cold brew 

while chatting with the locals or watching a show-stopping 

sunset. The beers themselves are lovingly hand-crafted 

from beginning to end, using artisanal and often locally 

sourced ingredients. Brewers blend innovative beer-making 

techniques with traditional ingredients to provide tasty 

ales and lagers that have captured the attention of the 

rest of the state. 

The Hill Country encompasses thousands of square 

miles of rolling hills, scenic drives and legendary towns, 

and that is why local businesses and visitor centers have 

established “beer trails” to help guide visitors across 

the countryside, suggesting routes to help maximize the 

brewery touring experience. Whether doing a self-guided 

tour or signing up for an all-inclusive bus tour, you’ll find 

plenty of opportunities to explore all that Hill Country 

breweries have to offer. 

However you choose to get there, your Hill Country 

beer trail experience will be as unique and interesting 

as the Hill Country itself.

When you’re visiting the breweries see what else there is to do in their community. 

Check the websites below and stay awhile. 

Boerne CVB 

1407 S. Main Street 

Boerne, TX 78006 

830.249.7277 

tori@visitboerne.org 

www.visitboerne.org 

Fredericksburg Visitor 

Information Center 

302 E. Austin Street 

Fredericksburg, TX 78624 

888.997.3600 

www.VisitFredericksburgTX.com 

visitorinfo@fbgtx.com 

San Marcos CVB 

617 IH-35 North 

San Marcos, TX 78666 

512.393.5930 

CharlotteW@sanmarcostexas.com 

www.TourSanMarcos.com 

Dripping Springs CoC & Visitors Bureau 

509 Mercer Street , 

Dripping Springs, TX 78620 

512.858.4740 

itallstartshere@drippingspringstx.org 

www.destinationdrippingsprings.com 

Marble Falls/Lake LBJ CoC & CVB 

916 Second Street 

Marble Falls, TX 78654 

830.693.2815 

www.marblefalls.org 

patti@marblefalls.org 

Blanco Chamber of Commerce 

300 Main Street 

Blanco, TX 78606 

830.833.5101 

www.blancochamber.com 

libbey@blancochamber.com

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

ACOPON BREWING COMPANY 

512.829.4723 

207 W Mercer St, 

Dripping Springs, TX 78620 

acoponbrewing.com 

ALTMEYER & LEWIS BREWING COMPANY 

832.217.5752 

15898 N. State Hwy 123 


www.altmeyerlewisbrewing.com 

AQUABREW 

512.353.2739 

150 S. LBJ Drive 


www.aqua-brew.com 

BAR D BREWHOUSE 

325.372.6100 

213 N. High Street 

San Saba, TX 76877 

www.bardbrewhouse.com 

BOERNE BREWERY 

931.802.0691 

9 Hill View Lane 


facebook.com/BoerneBrewery 

CIBOLO CREEK BREWING CO. 

830.816.5275 

448 S. Main Street 


www.cibolocreekbrewing.com 

THE DODGING DUCK BREWHAUS 

830.248.3825 

402 River Road 


www.dodgingduck.com 

DOUBLE HORN 

830.693.5165 

208 Avenue H 


www.doublehornbrewing.com 

FREDERICKSBURG BREWING COMPANY 

844.596.2303 

245 East Main Street 


www.yourbrewery.com 

GUADALUPE BREWING COMPANY 

512.878.9214 

103 Gattuso Road 

New Braunfels, TX 78132 

www.guadalupebrew.com 

11 

10 20 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

HOPS & GRAIN 

512.914.2467 

110 East MLK Dr. 

San Marcos 78666 

www.hopsandgrain.com 

KINEMATIC BREWING COMPANY 

830.336.2043 

635 Hwy 46 E., Ste 207 


www.kinematicbrewingco.com 

LAST STAND BREWING COMPANY 

512.373.3629 

12345 Pauls Valley Rd, Building i 

Austin, TX 78737 

www.laststandbrewing.com 

MIDDLETON BREWING 

512.847.3435 

101 Oakwood Loop 


www.middletonbrewingtx.com 

PECAN STREET BREWING 

830.868.2500 

106 E. Pecan Street 

Johnson City, TX 78636 

www.pecanstreetbrewing.com 

PEDERNALES BREWING COMPANY 

830.998.7486 

97 Hitchin Post Trail 


www.pedernalesbrewing.com 

REAL ALE BREWING COMPANY 

830.833.2534 

231 San Saba Court 

Blanco, TX 78606 

www.realalebrewing.com 

THE ROOT CELLAR CAFÉ & BREWERY 

512.392.5158 

215 N. LBJ Drive 


www.rootcellarcafe.com 

SAVE THE WORLD BREWING COMPANY 

830.637.7654 

1510 Resource Parkway 


www.savetheworldbrewing.com 

SEAN PATRICK’S IRISH PUB & GRUB 

512.392.7310 

202 E. San Marcos Street 


www.seanpatrickstx.com

190 

San Saba 

4 

183 

Lampasas 

281 

HILL 

COUNTRY 

BEER 

TRAIL 

Marble Falls 

19 

8 

183 

Fredericksburg 

281 

Johnson City 

Austin 

9 16 

290 

15 

1 

290 

Dripping Springs 

13 

87 

Blanco 

17 3 18 

11 

San Marcos 

5 

12 

Boerne 

6 

7 

281 

2 

10 

New Braunfels 

14 

20

Relocation & Business 

WHAT TO SEE: 

• Mexican Freetail Bats: Largest Urban Bat Colony, 

1.5 million, takes flight every evening just before 

sunset from March to early November from under 

the Congress Avenue Bridge. 

• Tours: Austin Duck Adventures, Haunted ATX, 

Austin Brew Bus, Austin City Running Tours, 

Austin Trolley Company 

• Comedy: Esther’s Follies, New Movement Theater, 

Cap City Comedy Club 

• Austin Art Scene: 30 awesome galleries to 

choose from 

• Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue: Austin’s most 

well-known music icon at Auditorium Shores on 

Lady Bird Lake 

• Cathedral of Junk: “Best Organized Chaos” 

winner, 60 tons of discarded items piled artfully in 

a South Austin Backyard. 

• Paramount Theater on Congress Ave: Opened 

in 1915, any event here is certain to be unforgettable 

• Conspirare–Craig Hella Johnson & Company 

of Voices: 2015 Grammy Award Winner for Best 

Choral Performance 

• Austin Beer Tours, Breweries, Brewpubs and 

Cideries: www.beeradvocate.com/place/city/30/ 

GET FIT: 

• Lady Bird Hike and Bike Trail: 10 miles of trails 

along the shores of Lady Bird Lake 

www.thetrailfoundation.org 

• Barton Springs Greenbelt: 7.2 miles of trails with 

swimming holes www.austinparks.org 

• Sup ATX Stand Up Paddle Boarding: Located 

on Lady Bird Lake on the Hike & Bike Trail 

• Veloway: Austin’s first 3.1 mile trail exclusively for 

bicycles and rollerblading 

• Dog Parks: Try one of the 11 public dog parks 

in Austin 

• Bull Creek Greenbelt: 3.5 mile trail along Bull 

Creek, dog friendly 

• Golfing: Visit one of the 50 private or public golf 

courses in the Austin and surrounding areas 

• Zilker Park: 350 acres, disc golf, train ride 

EAT FIT: 

• Farmers Markets: Enjoy any of the 10 local 

farmers markets 

• Whole Foods: Enjoy any of the 4 locations in 

Austin 

• Central Market: Enjoy of one of the 2 locations 

in Austin 

• Wheatsville Co-op 

• Trader Joes: 3 locations 


RELOCATION & BUSINESS 

Have you had a great day in Austin? Are you considering 

a full or part time residence here? If so, call me! I am 

a Native Texan with many diverse years of Real Estate 

experience and designations. Being an Austinite since 

the ‘80’s, I have the knowledge to assist you with your 

decision and/or the purchase process. Livin’ Austin Realty is a boutique 

Real Estate company with my success fueled by referrals for my fun, yet 

professional approach, knowledge, integrity, patience and personal service. 

My past clients are now my friends! Contact me with any questions you 

may have or even just to chat. Please ask for my free property phone app! 

Babs Yarbrough – 

ABR, CRS, CNE 

Texas Realtor, 

512-656-6667 

babs@laketravislivin.com, 

LivinAustinRealty.com 


Experience the flavor of local! 

Get to know the independent, locally owned Austin 

Local flavor? It comes from locals. 

Discover what makes Austin so unique through 

IndieAustin, available free all over town and 

www.ibuyaustin.com. 

These districts, located all over Austin, are home to an exciting 

variety of locally owned businesses promoting the neighborhoods’ 

unique blend of services and goods not found in big 

box retailers. Each IBIZ District reflects the culture, 

not just of Austin, but the local neighborhood 

it is in. IBuyIBIZ.com. 

AUSTIN LOCALLY OWNED 

www.IBuyAustin.com 

A U S TIN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS ALLIANCE 


RELOCATION & BUSINESS 

CONCRETE 

CONCEPTS 

BY DAVID BROYLES 

DECORATIVE CONCRETE 

OUTDOOR KITCHENS • FIRE PITS • PATIOS 

REMODELING & NEW CONSTRUCTION 

POOLS - NEW, REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE 

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL 

BUILDING AND SERVICING AUSTIN SINCE 1991 

CALL (512) 751-3128 

WWW.CONCRETECONCEPTSAUSTIN.COM 

any lifestyle you imagine, any decor you can dream 

LINDA LEE INTERIOR DESIGNS 

consultation, remodeling, design, accesorizing, staging 

call 512.423.6034 


Can’t find the time 

to locate a good 

insurance agent? 

We can help with that. 

We’ve been proudly serving Central Texas 

since the early 1960's with quality and 

dependable insurance products from 

a variety of reputable national carriers. 

We're local —an Austin company that can 

meet your personal insurance needs with 

homeowner, auto, and liability coverage 

designed to offer the right protection at 

the right price. 

We also support a growing Austin 

business community by offering a variety 

of coverages tailored to meet its unique 

needs, like commercial insurance, surety 

and employee benefits. 

Give us a call. It’ll only take a minute... 

Time 

Insurance Agency 

1405 East Riverside, Austin TX 78741 

512-447-7774 / timeinsurance.com

BESIDES FABULOUS SHOPPING, THIS SMALL CITY 

IS HOME 

Dripping TO HAMILTON POOL. ONE OF THE BEST 

Springs 

SWIMMING HOLES IN TEXAS, THIS LUSH RETREAT IS 

A GREAT PLACE TO PICNIC AND SWIM. 

photo by herron stock 

Get Outta Town! 

Pack Your Sense of Adventure 

and Discover The Hill Country 

Despite a reputation for being a flat wasteland, the 

beautiful and rugged landscape of Texas couldn’t be 

farther than the truth. Texas boasts mountains to the west 

and, closer to home in Austin, the breathtaking Texas Hill 

Country. The Texas Hill Country starts in West Austin and 

portions of San Antonio, and includes twenty-five counties 

to the west and south. The terrain is known for dramatic 

cuts, cliffs, mesas and boulders in limestone and gorgeous 

cuts of granite. 

Dripping Springs, a gorgeous area of the Texas Hill 

Country, is home to Hamilton Pool, one of the best swimming 

holes in Texas, famous for its cavernous limestone mouth 

and a waterfall that you can swim beneath. This lush 

retreat is a great place to be during the hot Texas summer. 

In spring, the countryside is just bursting with 

Bluebonnets, purple Winecups, yellow Primrose and the 

vivid Texas Paintbrush. If you get a chance and love a good 

drive, take the one-hour legendary Devil’s Backbone loop, 

which offers outstanding views of the 400 mile Balcones 

Fault. The magnificent views will leave your mouth agape 

and the route will take you past some of the most historic 

and beautiful cities in the region. So get in the car and take 

a day trip, Texas Hill Country style. You won’t regret it. 


Head just a bit southwest of Austin and you’ll 

quickly find yourself ensconced in the heart of the 

beautiful Hill Country, with limestone-encrusted 

rolling hills, colorful fields of wildflowers, and an 

abundance of glittering, picturesque waterways. 

Just 45 minutes outside the Austin city limits in this 

direction will lead you to the town of Wimberley, a popular 

weekend getaway for Austinites and tourists alike. 

Wimberley has a quaint downtown square lined with 

trees and twinkle lights. The sidewalks will lead you to 

your heart’s desire in the form of boutiques, cafes and 

restaurants. Local musicians play year-round at the 

surrounding wineries and brewpubs, and the small town 

feel entices you to relax into the leisurely lifestyle. 

Long known for its thriving community of performing 

and visual artists, Wimberley has a unique concentration of 

art galleries and working studios. Art lovers are attracted 

to Wimberley to enjoy the Market Days, an outdoor festival 

that takes place the first Saturday of every month between 

March and December, but also because of the numerous 

art galleries that have made Wimberley into something of 

an artists’ haven. 

One of the most known and sought-after working 

studios is Wimberley Glassworks. This hand blown 

lighting and art glass studio has been hailed as a “Must 

See” by Texas Highways and “Wimberley’s most famous 

GLASSBLOWING DEMOS 

Handblown 

Lighting & Art Glass 

Glassware & Jewelry 

Custom Designs 

“A Must See” 

-Texas Highways 

DESTINATIONS 

Art in the Hill Country: Spotlight on Wimberley 

attraction” by the prestigious Texas Monthly magazine. 

Glassworks hosts daily glass blowing demonstrations for 

travelers and art glass enthusiasts from around the world. 

When you visit Wimberley Glassworks, you will have a 

chance to browse its exclusive art glass collections, limited 

edition vases, sculptures, platters and home lighting 

fixtures. Visit wgw.com for more information. 

Wimberley also has plenty of outdoor activities and 

seasonal events to experience. Hike up Old Baldy for 

some of the best views of the Hill Country, or seek out 

one of Wimberley’s two refreshing, crystal clear natural 

swimming holes. The Annual Jubilee Celebration, VFW 

Rodeo, and Fourth of July celebration are all fun indoor/ 

outdoor celebrations to enjoy in the summer months. 

Want to be entertained? Enjoy movies under the stars 

at the old Corral Theater, catch the Wimberley Players 

performing dramas, musicals, plays and comedy skits at 

the Wimberley Playhouse on Old Kyle Road, or check out 

the EmilyAnn Theater, known for Shakespeare Under the 

Stars. The area is also the location for the Christmas Trail 

of Lights and the Annual Butterfly Festival in April. 

If you’re looking for a unique experience outside of 

the bustling city, rest assured you won’t run out of ways to 

entertain yourself in Wimberley! Visit wimberley.org for 

more information. 

6469 RANCH ROAD 12, SAN MARCOS, TEXAS 78666 | WGW.COM | 512-212-3301

photo by jason risner 

Willkommen to Fredericksburg 

Located just 70 miles west of Austin, Fredericksburg is located in 

the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Established by German settlers 

in 1846, Fredericksburg still rings true to its German roots. 

With more than thirty wineries and tasting rooms located 

in Gillespie County, and dozens more within an hour’s drive, 

Fredericksburg is well known as the epicenter of Texas Wine 

Country. Take a trip down Wine Road 290 with any of the wine 

tour companies headquartered in Fredericksburg, taste Texas 

wine standouts like Tempranillo and Viognier, and enjoy one 

of the “top 10 wine travel destinations in the world for 2014” 

according to Wine Enthusiast Magazine. 

With more than 70 restaurants ranging from low-key local 

barbeque to fine dining establishments that blend art gallery and 

Hill Country cuisine, as well as traditional German restaurants, there 

is something to please every palate. 

While you’re here, leave plenty of time to explore 

Fredericksburg’s walkable downtown historic district. With more 

than 150 shops, boutiques, art galleries and museums, such as the 

National Museum of the Pacific War and the Pioneer Museum (both 

located along historic Main Street), you can discover one-of-a-kind 

finds like custom cowboy boots, antiques, home décor, Hill Country 

couture clothing and more. An added bonus: you can purchase a 

glass of wine or beer and enjoy it while you shop Main Street. 

Once you’ve had your fill of Texas wine and shopping, soak 

up the beauty of the Texas Hill Country with a hike to the summit 

of the nation’s second largest batholith (granite dome) and enjoy 

360 degree views of the Texas Hill Country at nearby Enchanted 

Rock State Natural Area. Or if you’re looking to cover more ground, 

explore the miles of paved rural roads in Gillespie County on a 

bicycle–the paved roads and minimal traffic make Fredericksburg 

an ideal cycling destination. 

Fredericksburg is also home to more than 300 festivals and 

special events each year – including Oktoberfest, a three-day 

celebration of Fredericksburg’s German roots, that takes place the 

first weekend of October each year; the Texas Hill Country Film 

Festival, which takes places the first weekend in May each year; the 

Texas Hill Country Food Truck Festival that takes place each year 

at Luckenbach Texas; and more. 

Each Spring Fredericksburg and the Texas Hill Country are 

blanketed with wildflowers; fields of Texas bluebonnets make a 

scenic drive through the Texas Hill Country even more spectacular. 

Visitors can walk through fields of wildflowers and even purchase 

wildflower seeds at the nation’s largest working wildflower farm, 

Wildseed Farms, located just a few miles outside of Fredericksburg. 

Another seasonal favorite in Fredericksburg are the peaches, 

which can be found at roadside stands and orchards across 

Gillespie County each summer. Fredericksburg peach season 

typically runs mid-May through mid-August. Looking for a hands-on 

experience? A number of orchards offer pick your own peaches, 

as well as other seasonal fruits and vegetables. 

For more information and a calendar of events, check out 

mobile-friendly www.VisitFredericksburgTX.com. 


we’ll toast to that 

over 30 wineries & tasting rooms | museums & historic sites | peaches & wildflowers | German heritage | golf 

sophisticated shopping | festivals & events | eclectic art galleries | cycling | Hill Country cuisine | live Texas music 

VisitFredericksburgTX.com | 866 997 3600

WAKEBOARDING PAINTBALL SKATE PARK 

SNOWBOARDING SUMMER CAMPS RETAIL 

RESTAURANT& BAR 

TRAMPOLINES 

(830) 627-2843 

www.texasskiranch.com 

It’s a way of life! 

FOODIES AND 

OENOPHIILES REJOICE! 

If “food” is your middle name and wine is your 

game, then the Cabernet Grill is your match made 

in heaven. Chef Ross Burtwell, author of Texas 

Hill Country Cuisine; Flavors from the Cabernet 

Grill Texas Wine Country Restaurant, not only 

serves up some of the most spectacular cuisine, 

but also has the largest Texas wine list in the 

country — with the knowledgeable waitstaff to go 

with it. Fresh ingredients sourced from local and 

regional growers. An elegant yet casual dining 

atmosphere. A deep-rooted passion for food and 

wine flowing from the kitchen. Welcome home! 

830 990 5734 CABERNETGRILL.COM FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS 

17-CelebrateAustin-HalfPgHorz-6.75x4.6-Foodies.indd 1 

84 | www.celebrateaustin.com 

2/25/15 3:28 PM

Everybody’s Somebody 

in Luckenbach 

Dallas wasn’t for sale - 

besides the American way is to start small 

and work your way up. 

~ One of the many reasons 

Hondo bought Luckenbach 

Slow down. Get away from the hustle and bustle of Austin 

and see the treasure we have in Luckenbach. In 1849 Minna 

Engel opened the doors of a “First Class Country Store,” selling 

everything from the cradle to the grave when this was still frontier, 

serving both Texas settlers and Comanche Indians, with whom 

the Germans never broke a peace treaty. The combination 

Post Office/ General Store/ Beer Joint was fashioned in 1886 

by August Engel and remained in the family until 1970 

when Benno Engel retired as postmaster and placed an ad: 

“TOWN FOR SALE” —lock, stock and dancehall. 

The cotton gin closed in 1929. In 2002 a flood swept away the 

cotton gin and blacksmith shop. But nothing can stop the 

power of Luckenbach. Stop in, any old day, and set a spell 

under those oak trees and wait, while the sun begins to settle, 

with a cold beer 

from that same 

general store. 

Listen as the 

pickers arrive. 

They meet. 

They greet. 

They tune their 

guitars and 

voices, and soon, far sooner than you think, you are transported 

to the land that is Luckenbach. Not some fairytale, faraway 

place, but a very real and comfortable piece of Texas. Texas like 

it should be…sharing a table with strangers soon to be friends, 

singing along to some old familiar song, and knowing, deep in 

your heart of Texas, that all is right with the world. 

Then things really began to change. Luckenbach was 

purchased by some true Texas characters—Hondo 

Crouch and pals, Guich Koock and Kathy Morgan. 

Hondo refashioned Luckenbach as an old west fairytale 

dominion, elected himself Mayor, appointed his friend 

Marge as Sheriff and appointed others as ambassadors 

to foreign countries. They held“Hug-Ins”, a Luckenbach 

World’s Fair, a Ladies State Chili Bust, and Mud Dauber 

Festivals, and always singing, picking, and plenty of beer 

drinking beneath the 500-year-old oak trees. Today, over 

thirty years later the guitar pickers are still pickin’ out 

every night under the big oak trees.

DESTINATIONS 


DESTINATIONS 

The Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas 

Come Visit Georgetown 

G 

Georgetown may be home to the Most Beautiful 

Town Square in Texas but that doesn’t mean 

we’re a bunch of squares. In fact, we’re anything 

but. So leave the stress at the office, the worry 

at home and pack your bags for a weekend that fits 

perfectly outside the box. 

From our “gotta have that” boutiques to our love-at-first-bite 

eats, our city is the perfect place to spend a day or a night 

(or more). We’ve been told that our windows encourage 

shopping so plan to discover just what you were looking 

for—and maybe a few things that you weren’t. Shopped 

until you’re nearly ready to drop, indulge your sweet tooth 

or sizzle your savory side at one of the 100 plus bars and 

restaurants located on the Square and off. 

Not a foodie or a shopaholic? No problem. We’ve been 

told that we’ve got a whole lot more to offer, starting 

with our Victorian architecture (#HelloGorgeous). As an 

award-winning community and the first Texas city to earn 

the Great American Main Street Award as well as the 

National Trust Award, you’ll be hard pressed to find a city 

that makes preservation look this good. 

In the market for something other than a pretty façade? 

Cuff your jeans, grab one of our bike share bikes and cycle 

on out to one of our local watering holes—Lake Georgetown, 

Blue Hole or San Gabriel River—where you’ll always 

find something fun to do. If indoor adventure is more your 

speed, head deep into the earth’s core at the Inner Space 

Cavern for a lesson of prehistoric proportions. 

Want to add few more happy hours? Take in a show 

at the Palace Theatre or get cultural at the Art Center. 

Whatever your genre, we’re sure you’ll find it here. 

Consider us Hill Country’s most beautiful little secret. 

IT’S WAY 

PAST YOUR 

PLAYTIME. 

Enjoy a night out in Georgetown, 

where the dining is fine, the shows 

are entertaining, the shopping is 

phenomenal and the experience is 

anything but square. 

VisitGeorgetown.com 

visitgeorgetown.com 


Advertiser Index 

PREMIER ADVERTISERS 

IFC Art on 5th Gallery 

1 Tessera 

2 Herron Stock 

3 Sheraton 

4 Schlitterbahn Waterpark 

5 UT Co-op 

IBC The 4D Guest Ranch and Lodge 

BC Allens Boots 

TEXAS WEDDINGS 

13 Vintage Villas 

14 Allens Boots 

14 The County Line 

15 W Hotel Austin 

15 Embassy Suites 

TOUR AUSTIN 

17 Austin Zoo 

17 Texas Military Forces Museum 

17 Nature’s Treasures 

of Texas 

17 Magnum Trailers 

17 Austin Overtures 

AUSTIN OUTDOORS 

18 The Arabic Bazaar 

18 VIP Marina on Lake Travis 

18 Capital Cruises 

19 Austin Duck Adventures 

CONCIERGE 

22 Austin Concierge & Guest Services 

Association 

SPORTS 

25 ROT Rally 

26 TheHitmanGolf.com 

26 Texas RollerGirls 

LAKE TRAVIS 

29 SHACK 512 

29 Aquaholics 

29 VIP Marina 

30 Lake Travis Zipline 

30 VIP Marina 

CONGRESS AVE. 

31 Allens Boots 

32 Wild About Music 

32 The Old Bakery & 

Emporium 

33 The Hat Box 

HISTORIC SIXTH STREET 

35 Bobatlu Cigar Co. 

Art 

38 John R. Rogers 

Photography 

39 Art on 5th Gallery 

SHOPPING 

42 Things Celtic 

42 Crystal Works 

44 Terra Toys 

45 KidOshoe 

45 dragonsnaps 

46 Magnum Trailers 

46 TURQUOISE Trading Post 

47 Bead It 

SECOND STREET 

49 Austin Rocks 

49 Toy Joy 

50-51 W Hotel Austin 

DINING 

53 Iron Cactus 

55 Z’Tejas 

55 Flores 

57 County Line 

58 Austin Land & Cattle Steaks 

58 Mighty Fine Burgers 

59 Rudy’s 

59 Foxhole Culinary Tavern 

59 Mia Italian Tapas & Bar 

NIGHTLIFE 

63 Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar 

65 Coyote Ugly 

67 The Dig Pub 

THE TEXAS BEER TRAIL 

70-73 The Texas Beer Trail 

NEWCOMERS 

75 Texas For Cures 

75 Sandy Cary Realty 

75 Babs Livin’ Austin Realty 

76 Austin Relocation Guide 

76 AIBA 

77 Concrete Concepts 

77 Linda Lee Interiors 

78 All My Sons Moving 

79 Time Insurance Agency 

DESTINATIONS 

81 Wimberley Glassworks 

83 Fredericksburg Convention and 

Visitor Bureau 

84 Cabernet Grill 

84 Texas Ski Ranch 

85 Luckenbach Texas 

86 National Museum of the 

Pacific War 

86 The Resort at 

Schlitterbahn 

87 Georgetown Convention & Visitors 

Bureau

CelebrateAustin_2017_LR

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