Ecclectic Austin, busting out at the seams, transp
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1/14/2007
I have lived in Texas most of my life and have resided in San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and Nashville, Tennessee. I re-located to Austin in 2005 and realized I should have been here all along.
Here’s my $4.20 worth about Austin.
Good Vibrations! … The slogan “Keep Austin Weird” is true and it’s all for good reasons. Austin IS different than any other city because of it’s “counter culture” attitude that still lingers from the “glory days” of the 70’s and 80’s. Watch the movie “Slacker” and you’ll learn a bit about the Austin counter culture. Diversity is the norm and is usually embraced by most Austinites. It is by far the most progressive city in the state, like an island of blue in a sea of red, but is still a safe place for conservatives! ;)
Downtown … This is one of the things that makes Austin so great. Downtown Austin is beautiful and alive with music (6th Street), arts, restaurants, coffeehouses, shops, elegant hotels, the beautiful State Capitol complex and gorgeous parks and trails along Town Lake. All the streets downtown run north-south or east-west and are easy to navigate. I just enjoy going downtown to “hang out”.
Austin is Active! … The most popular outdoor activities among Austinites are running, jogging, cycling, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, camping and climbing. There are miles and miles of beautiful trails along Town Lake and the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Austin is located on the leading edge of the beautiful Hill Country where you’ll find the best state parks in Texas. Gulf of Mexico beaches are just a 2 ½ hour drive away. The nearest ski resorts are in New Mexico and Colorado.
Sports … University of Texas athletics are a huge draw but there are no major professional teams in Austin. The closest are the San Antonio Spurs (NBA) 75 miles south and of course pro teams in Houston and Dallas, each are 3 hours drive from Austin. I wouldn’t be surprised if the San Antonio/Austin area get’s it’s own professional football or baseball team in the next ten years.
Fine Arts … The arts are prolific and well supported in Austin. There is no shortage of museums or art galleries that range from the “classics” to avant garde and controversial matter. Symphony, opera and dance can be found with independent, municipal and UT ensembles.
No clothes? No problem! … If you are a “naturist” you’re in luck. Hippie Hollow, the only clothing optional beach in Texas, is just 10 miles west of Austin on Lake Travis.
Brent | Austin, TX