91. Things to do in Austin Texas

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Hey there, fellow travelers, Welcome
back to another exciting episode of Travelers Back.

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I'm your guest host Journey Joe Mitchell
calling here in the studio with my

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cat Mittens, and today we're diving
into the vibrant city of Austin, Texas.

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Known for its unique blend of Southern
charm and urban energy, Austin offers

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a plethora of experiences that are sure
to leave you with memories to last a

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lifetime. So let's get ready to
explore all the best things to do in

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Austin, Texas. When it comes
to attractions, Austin has something for everyone.

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One of the must visit spots is
the State Capitol, where you can

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take a guided tour and learn about
the fascinating history of Texas. If you're

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a nature lover, don't miss out
on Lady Bird Lake, where you can

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rent a kayak or paddle board and
enjoy stunning views of the city skyline.

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For a dose of culture, head
to the Blanton Museum of Art, which

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houses an impressive collection of modern and
contemporary art. Another iconic attraction in Austin

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is the Congress Avenue Bridge, home
to the large urban bat colony. In

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North America. Every evening from March
to November, thousands of bats take flight,

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creating a mesmerizing spectacle. And of
course, no visit to Austin is

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complete without exploring the famous Sixth Street. This vibrant entertainment district is lined with

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bars, live music venues, and
delicious food options, making it the perfect

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place to immerse yourself in the city's
lively atmosphere. If you're a nature enthusiast,

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Austin has plenty to offer. Beyond
Lady Bird Lake, one of the

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top outdoor destinations is Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring fed pool that's perfect

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for swimming and cooling off on a
hot Texas day. If hiking is more

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your style, head to the Barton
Creek green Belt, a sprawling urban oasis

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with miles of trails, lush vegetation, and stunning waterfalls. And for panoramic

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views of the city, Mount Bonnell
is the place to be. Climb the

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stairs to the top and be rewarded
with breathtaking vistas of Austin and the surrounding

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hillcar. For those looking for a
unique outdoor experience, consider visiting the Hamilton

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Pool Preserve. This natural swimming hole
features a stunning collapsed grotto with a waterfall

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cascading into the pool below. It's
a hidden gem that's worth the short drive

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outside of Austin. And if you're
a fan of cycling, you'll love the

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Vellaway, a three point one mile
asphalt track exclusively for cyclists and rollerbladers.

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It's a great way to enjoy the
outdoors while getting some exercise in. Now,

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let's talk about one of my favorite
topics. Food. Austin is a

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food lover's paradise with a diverse culinary
scene that caters to all tastes. I

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know Johnny Mack loves his donuts,
but I say when in Austin, you

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must try the famous tex Mex cuisine. Head to places like Mattzel Rancho or

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Guero's Taco Bar for mouthwatering tacos,
enchiladas and queso. And of course,

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you can't leave Austin without trying some
authentic Texas barbecue. Franklin Barbecue and Terry

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Black's Barbecue are two renowned spots that
serve up melt in your mouth brisket and

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ribs. If you're a fan of
craft beer, Austin won't disappoint. The

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city is home to numerous breweries such
as Austin Beer Works and Jester King Brewery,

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where you can sample a wide range
of locally brewed beers. And for

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those with a sweet tooth, make
sure to visit Gordo's Public House, where

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you can indulge in unique and delicious
doughnut creations from savory to sweet. Austin's

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food scene has it all. When
it comes to shopping, Austin offers a

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mix of unique boutiques, vintage stores, and trendy shops. South Congress Avenue,

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also known as Soco, is a
popular shopping district where you can find

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everything from stylish clothing to one of
a kind souvenirs. If you're into vintage

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in retro fashion, be sure to
check out Uncommon Objects, a treasure trove

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of eclectic fines. And for all
the bookworms out there, book People is

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the largest independent bookstore in Texas and
a must visit spot for literary enthusiasts.

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If you're looking for a more upscale
shopping experience, head to the Domain,

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an outdoor shopping center with high end
stores like Louis Vutan and Nieman Marcus.

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And for those who prefer a more
local and artisanal vibe. The Mother Farmer's

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Market is the perfect place to discover
fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious

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local treats. Whether you're a shopaholic
or just enjoy browsing, Austin's shopping scene

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has something for everyone. Ah The
soul of Austin lies in its live music

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and entertainment scene. Known as the
live music capital of the world, this

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city embraces its musical roots wholeheartedly.
From small, intimate venues to large concert

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halls, Austin offers endless opportunities to
listen to live music. One iconic spot

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is the Continental Club, a legendary
venue that has hosted renowned artists from various

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genres. For a more laid back
atmosphere, head to the Broken Spoke,

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a honky tonk dance hall where you
can two step the night away. And

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let's not forget about the annual Austin
City Limits Music Festival, a multi day

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event that showcases a diver verse lineup
of artists. It's a must attend experience

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for music lovers. But it's not
just about music in Austin. The city

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also boasts a thriving performing arts scene, with theaters like the Zach Theater and

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the Paramount Theater, offering a range
of performances from Broadway shows to local productions.

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No matter what your entertainment preferences are, Austin has something to keep you

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entertained. Austin is a city that
prides itself on its uniqueness, and there

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are plenty of offbeat experiences to be
had. If you're a fan of street

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art, take a stroll through the
East Austin neighborhood, where you'll find vibrant

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murals and graffiti art adorning the walls. For a truly out of this world

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experience, head to the Cathedral of
Junk, a fascinating art installation made entirely

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from recycled materials. It's a quirky
site that perfectly captures Austin's creative spirit.

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And speaking of creativity, don't miss
the Hope Outdoor Gallery, a three story

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outdoor graffiti park where artists can freely
express themselves. It's an ever changing canvas

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that showcases the talent and diversity of
the Austin arts scene. And for a

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dose of history, visit the LBJ
Presidential Library, which offers a fascinating look

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into the life and presidency of Lyndon
B. Johnson. Austin is full of

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unique experiences that will make your trip
truly memorable. Traveling to Austin doesn't have

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to break the bank. There are
plenty of ways to explore this vibrant city

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on a budget. First, and
foremost, take advantage of the city's many

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free attractions. From exploring the beautiful
Zilker Park to visiting the Texas State capital,

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there are numerous free activities that will
keep you entertained. Additionally, consider

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visiting during the off peak seasons when
accommodation and flight prices are more affordable.

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Another way to save money is by
indulging in Austin's food truck scene. These

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mobile eateries offer delicious and affordable meals
from tacos to barbecue. And don't forget

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to grab a drink at one of
Austin's many happy hour spots, where you

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can enjoy discounted prices on cocktails and
local brews. Finally, consider using public

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transportation or renting a bike to get
around the city, as it can be

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a cheaper alternative to taxis or rental
cars. Now that you're all excited to

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explore Austin, let's talk about planning
your trip. First and foremost, make

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sure to check the weather before you
go. Austin can get quite hot,

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especially during the summer months, so
be prepared and pack accordingly. When it

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comes to accommodation, Austin offers a
wide range of options, from luxury hotels

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to budget friendly hostels. Just make
sure to book an advance, especially if

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you're planning to visit during popular events
or festivals Journey Joe Mitchell and speaking of

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festivals, keep an eye out for
the various events that take place throughout the

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year, such as South By Southwest
SSW and Austin City Limits Music Festival.

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These events attract large crowds, so
if you're interested in attending, make sure

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to plan ahead and perch just tickets
early. Finally, don't forget to pack

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your comfortable walking shoes, as Austin
is a city best explored on foot.

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Well, there you have it,
folks, the ultimate travel guide to the

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best things to do in Austin,
Texas. From exploring the city's vibrant attractions

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to indulging in its unique food scene, Austin has something for everyone, so

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start planning your trip and get ready
to immerse yourself in the energy and charm

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of this incredible city. Until next
time, Happy travels. If you enjoyed

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this episode, be sure to subscribe
to Travel is Back for more exciting travel

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